Laboratory Experiments in Physics for Modern Astronomy (Book) - 9/9/2012 3:50:53 PM
I have had an interest in reading about astronomy subjects for quite some time. I think this book should be very helpful in providing students with an introduction into this area of science.
Devastation of the American Urban Forest: Oak Park, Illiinois (Article) - 4/30/2022 9:02:36 AM
It is good to see that you remain very active in scientific circles. This article is a good example of the inability of government to hire expertise in favor of political hacks.
And a real need to create, not destroy, the urban forest. I was witness to the original loss of all the American elm avenues in small towns in central Wisconsin in the 1960s. Our family lived in a farmhouse with the fence rows, planted by birds, lined with elms and two majestic shade trees in our front yard. All disappeared in that decade.
Houston's response to hurricane Harvey's 1000 year flood, has been primarily to build better concrete ditches and not enforce detention pond rules. Behind my house since 1982 when it was built, the hundred foot power line right-of-way was wild and full of natural fauna and flora. A Mexican company bought the apartment house on the other side of the right-of-way and has converted the wildlife corridor behind my house to a parking lot with more floodwater runoff.
Ron
Les Golden Gets Contract for Improv Book from McFarland & Co. (Article) - 1/31/2022 11:55:12 AM
Another feather in your hat! Congratulations Les on your rational approach to what seems like a highly irrational, yet creative process of improv.
I'm basically through with nonfiction, except in my articles. But still enjoy writing fiction that is scientifically based.
Ron
Astronomer Les Golden Provides Best Estimate for Number of Intelligent ETs (Article) - 12/10/2021 1:30:34 PM
Thank you Les. It's good to see that Drake's equation still holds up under the multiplying recent findings in astronomy that are mind-boggling to say the least. I included Drake's equation in my first two novels, one in 1997 and the second in 2001 that mirrored one another. Always one to use "hard" science for my science fiction, I'm most pleased that the equation will prevail until those factors can be determined to be precise as possible.
Whether there be 850 or 850,000 communicating civilizations within the Milky Way galaxy, there's a good chance, that if our civilization lives long enough, and we are able to be able to leave our solar system behind, that we will make connection with them. It is only a matter of time and scientific will.
Ron
Oak Park Author Les Golden Assisted by James McConkey in Never Split Tens (Article) - 3/17/2018 9:46:36 AM
I marvel at your many talents. I also am an identical twin from Wisconsin. My brother and I have the same bachelor's degree from the University Wisconsin-Stout and we are not as accomplished as you and your brother. But we are competitive, especially at games. Still, we don't gamble except on the stock market. My brother was a consultant for a while in the Chicago area.
Ron
Never Split Tens, a Biographical Novel, by Les Golden Released to Acclaim (Article) - 12/4/2017 8:12:24 AM
Your title: I did this in Vegas and the dealer practically had a shit hemorrhage. I played Blackjack a lot in the Navy, but we played with only one deck. I think there are five in Vegas casinos. You can split tens with one deck and be pretty confident you'll get a high card or maybe even an ace, but not when there are five decks. I also didn't know you couldn't win double with five cards under 21. I hate that place.
Never Split Tens, a Biographical Novel, by Les Golden Released to Acclaim (Article) - 11/26/2017 7:26:05 AM
Once again you have hit a home run with this historical novel that appears to be based on a lot of historical fact. Books about money sell. And funny books sell. So your funny book about money is certainly headed towards super sales. It is interesting how you have laid down this very detailed and enlightening pitch for the book.
I found it quite interesting that you included, as characters, so many people in your life. While I'm sure you had to be careful with that, I believe you may have created a lot more fans by including them in the narrative.
Alas, while I am a fairly good statistician, I have always refused to gamble and find that working on gaming probabilities makes my head hurt. So it is unlikely that I would be interested in your book.
Finally, readers may not know that Lana Wood is Natalie Wood's sister. And remembered for her plunge into a pool from a balcony of a high-rise hotel in Diamonds Are Forever.
Ron
Les Golden White Paper on Non-referendum Bonds Published (Article) - 6/2/2016 7:24:32 AM
Thanks for showing us how legislation really works. Controlled by money oriented enterprises that are not really interested in helping people at all.
Ron
Les Golden named 2016 Scholar by International Gambling Institute (Article) - 5/25/2016 5:56:56 AM
Probably should've been in the news section. You certainly have a broad range of interests, experience and achievements. Bravo! Frank Drake is one of my idols as well. However, I've only gambled for fun, never looking into the intricate science behind the games.
Ron
Les Golden Inks Agreement to Write for Fifth Gambling Magazine (Article) - 6/15/2014 1:07:37 PM
Hi Ron, I appreciate your kind comments, as well as on "legalize drugs." As soon as I have time to finish my essay on "how to treat injured and orphaned birds" and clear up a couple missing points my book "The Non-Linear Mind of Professor Les Golden" will be published. It's full of astronomy, extraterrestrials, scripts, jokes, cartoons, gambling articles, word and logic puzzles, and physics and biology articles. It has cover endorsements from comic Tom Dreesen, my gambling editors, the director of the theatre program at Cornell, Tim Rickards, and others. I think you'll like it. Send me your email (see my website) and I'll make sure to send you a complimentary copy. Yours, Les Golden
Les Golden Inks Agreement to Write for Fifth Gambling Magazine (Article) - 6/15/2014 7:19:53 AM
Les, you certainly are accomplished, but this reads more like a author profile combined with a news item. Why don't you enlighten us with one of your witty stories or an article about gambling, astronomy, or dogs?
Ron
It's Time to Legalize Drugs (Article) - 11/17/2013 9:12:03 AM
One of the most cogent and enlightening articles on the subject I have ever read. I agree with you 100%. I also agree why, while we have a "war on drugs" we never seem to win the war and it continues unabated. Because certain entities which you have described, politicians, law enforcement, private prisons, and defenders all suck off the tit of the so-called, "war."
Prohibition is, indeed, the best historical example. Prior to prohibition, opium, marijuana, and cocaine were all considered and used as medicines, without any restrictions. The country was no worse or better because of it.
We all know that politicians benefit greatly from the disconnect. Term limitations would help, but I advocate direct participation by citizens in the decision-making rather than relying on paid for politicians to enact public policy. With the Internet, we have the wherewithal for a direct democracy where every citizen can participate on all issues without having to rely on devious politicians to do our bidding.
It is articles like yours, and the participation of everyone, that will get change moving.
Ron
