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7 episodes with Homer Hickam
7 episodes with Homer Hickam
5 episodes with Homer Hickam
4 episodes with Homer Hickam
2 episodes with Homer Hickam
2 episodes with Homer Hickam
2 episodes with Homer Hickam
3 episodes with Homer Hickam
2 episodes with Homer Hickam
Truly Significant presents the one and only Homer Hickam, best selling author of multiple books including Rocket Boys that was adapted for the feature movie October Sky. He was born in a small West Virginia coal town called Coalwood — a place where dreams were supposed to be buried as deep as the mines themselves. His daddy ran the mine, his mama ran the house, and young Homer Hickam? Well… he ran outside one October night in 1957 and looked up. There, streaking across the heavens, was Sputnik. And that—ladies and gentlemen—was the spark that lit a boy's heart on fire. While other boys were learning to swing pickaxes, Homer was learning to launch rockets. He and his friends—the “Rocket Boys”—turned a scrap heap into a laboratory, a coal-town canyon into a launch pad, and failure after failure into something far greater: faith in possibility.They were ridiculed by some, doubted by most. But Homer believed that curiosity was a kind of courage. He believed that science and wonder could lift a man out of his circumstances, without losing sight of where he came from. And years later, after college, after the Vietnam War, after NASA… Homer Hickam came home—not just to Coalwood, but to America's imagination.His memoir Rocket Boys became the book that inspired the film October Sky. A story that reminded us all that genius can bloom anywhere, that small towns can grow big dreams, and that sometimes—just sometimes—the most significant discoveries aren't found in outer space… …but within ourselves.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
Please note that due to our 501C3 status with One Giant Leap Foundation, all donation, subscriptions and gifts must go through PayPal, Zelle or by check to The Space Show in Las Vegas. See the large PayPal button on our website home page, www.thespaceshow.com for details these supporting ways to help The Space Show. We are working to be an approved nonprofit for Substack support but the process is tedious and lengthy. In the meantime, we do ask for and need your support.Quick summary: Our program explored lunar exploration and habitation concepts, focusing on lava tubes and the challenges of robotic mapping and structural analysis. The discussion concluded with conversations about lunar transportation, power requirements, and the importance of maintaining public interest in space exploration, while also touching on the role of AI in education and research.David and John Jossy discussed personal matters, including John's upcoming meeting with his son and David's struggles with overeating. They briefly touched on political topics, such as the upcoming New Jersey governor's race and concerns about New York City's direction. Haym joined later and shared his focus on lunar lava tubes, including their structure and potential for habitation, but noted he hadn't made any new progress on habitats recently. Space Show Zoom participants included Dr. Charles Lurio, John Hunt, John Jossy, Marshall Martin, Dr. Ajay Kothari, and Joe Pistritto.I announced upcoming guests for the space show, including Sam Ximenes who is the founder and CEO of Astroport Space, Mike Gruntman, and Homer Hickam for the next Hotel Mars program. I also discussed progress on getting podcasts back on various platforms and the challenges of accepting donations through Substack due to our nonprofit status. Dr. Haym Benaroya, a mechanical engineering professor at Rutgers University, was introduced as the guest for the day, having previously appeared on the show and authored books on lunar exploration.Haym reported strong student interest in space and lunar engineering at Rutgers, with many students pursuing independent research projects and finding placement at companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in spacecraft and mission design, and while he hasn't pursued commercial work himself, he is interested in studying lunar lava tubes as a logical progression from his previous lunar habitat research. His current research focuses on the structural stability of lava tubes, particularly examining the trade-offs between pressurized and unpressurized tubes, which serves as a valuable training ground for students.Our Zoom Space Show participants in this program, along with Dr. Benaroya, discussed lunar habitat options, with Haym explaining that lava tubes would be more suitable for third-generation habitats due to access and infrastructure challenges. Haym suggested that initial lunar structures would likely be cylindrical pressure vessels or inflatable modules that could be pre-constructed and shielded with regolith, with 3D printing as a future possibility once energy and robotic capabilities improve. Marshall raised the need for an exploratory rover to map lava tubes, with Haym confirming that some students have developed small-scale models with LiDAR equipment for this purpose.The group discussed the exploration and potential habitation of lunar lava tubes, emphasizing the need for robotic technology to assess their structural stability and safety. Haym and others highlighted the challenges of robotics on the Moon due to factors like regolith and radiation, suggesting a high reliance on robotics but acknowledging their complexity. Marshall mentioned the use of seismic technology to map lava tubes, while Joe referenced a presentation on a tethered rover concept for exploration. The conversation also touched on the balance between human and robotic efforts in preparing lava tubes for habitation, with Haym suggesting a significant robotic presence. David asked about the feasibility of similar efforts on Mars, and Haym noted that while gravity might differ, many challenges would remain similar.We continued talking about the potential for lava tubes on the Moon and their possible water content, with Haym noting that while water could theoretically accumulate in tubes, it would be a longer process than in permanently shadowed regions. They explored the temperature conditions in lava tubes, with Haym citing a source that suggested temperatures around 63 degrees Fahrenheit, though the accuracy of this measurement in a vacuum environment was questioned. The conversation then shifted to the need for lunar landing pads, with David raising the question of current technological readiness and the necessary robotic construction methods, emphasizing the need for structural analysis and material selection.We did focus on the challenges and potential solutions for lunar landing pads, including their structural stability and regolith displacement. Haym highlighted concerns about the instability of tall rockets landing on the moon and proposed two classes of landing sites: sintering the surface or using ceramic-like plates. John Jossy mentioned Ethos Space's work on a regolith compacting device, though David noted their timeline was far off into the future. The conversation also touched on the need for engineering tests and inspections for lunar infrastructure while suggesting that Sam, our upcoming Sunday guest, could provide insights on regolith-based landing pads. The discussion concluded with a consensus that energy, particularly fission energy, would be crucial for mapping lava tubes and other lunar activities.We continued with a discussion of power requirements for lunar and Martian bases, while noting that the current proposed nuclear power is sufficient for now, future needs will require megawatt-scale power. They agreed that cables would be the simplest method to transport power to construction sites, though Marshall emphasized the uncertainty of permanent vs. temporary needs on the moon. The discussion concluded with predictions about lunar missions, with Haym and others expressing confidence that China will send a person to the moon within 5-8 years, while Joe noted uncertainty about American lunar missions in the same timeframe.The group discussed various concepts for lunar transportation, including maglev trains and rovers, but noted that current U.S. lunar ambitions lack key components like a lander and the Gateway station, which was revived by Sen. Cruz for Artemis missions 4 and 5. They debated the status of Boeing's Starliner and Orion programs, with Orion being considered in good shape despite some heat shield issues, while NASA is exploring alternative rocket options like Starship, New Glenn, or Falcon Heavy. The discussion concluded with David raising the importance of communicating the value of lunar missions to the general public, emphasizing the need for clear benefits that could be realized within a reasonable timeframe.Zoom participants along with Haym talked up the benefits of lunar exploration, with Haym explaining that while students are excited by the prospect of space activities, the long-term economic benefits could include advancements in civilian technology, a lunar-based economy, and access to helium-3 for fusion reactions. Ajay noted that the excitement factor, similar to Hollywood, is important for public engagement, while Haym mentioned potential medical benefits of conducting cancer research in lunar gravity. The discussion highlighted that while immediate benefits might not be apparent, the cumulative economic and technological impacts over 50-100 years could significantly benefit society.The group discussed the potential for mining lunar resources and the importance of maintaining public interest in space exploration. They agreed that frequent and exciting missions, such as those involving lava tubes or live broadcasts, could help generate public enthusiasm. Joe noted that the Eclipse missions might be more exciting than Artemis, while Marshall mentioned the high viewership of the Starship test flight. When asked, Haym shared how artificial intelligence is being used in his spacecraft course to help students produce polished summaries of papers, reducing their workload.Haym discussed the integration of AI in education and research, sharing his experience with using AI tools to assist in teaching and conducting research. He highlighted the potential of AI to accelerate research processes and optimize habitat design, emphasizing the need for human oversight to guide AI's capabilities. John Jossy brought up the work of the Purdue University's Brazilian Extraterrestrial Habitats Institute on automating habitats and using AI for design, which Haym acknowledged as impressive. The group discussed the rapid pace of AI development and its potential to transform future technology, including its application in space missions. David asked about the path from academic theories and projects to real-world lunar missions, but the response was vague.Haym emphasized the need for affordable lunar missions to test technologies in the actual lunar environment, highlighting the importance of both commercial and governmental efforts. He noted that while small landers have made progress, costs remain a significant challenge. Haym also discussed his previous work, including his books on space exploration and lunar habitats, and shared insights on AI in academic writing. The conversation concluded with a discussion about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), where Haym expressed skepticism about the technology claims but acknowledged the possibility of extraterrestrial origins.The conversation ended with participants expressing appreciation for the discussion and format, and David announced the next meeting with Sam on Sunday. Haym and others shared positive feedback on the new Space Show format, and David highlighted the challenges posed by AI, including its impact on website security and data privacy. Charles and Joe discussed the broader implications of AI on the web, with Charles noting the degradation of web content and Joe emphasizing the technological battle between defenders and attackers. David expressed frustration with the costs and technical challenges of defending against AI-driven attacks, and the group agreed on the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptation.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4447: ZOOM Sam Ximenes of Astroport Space Technologies | Sunday 19 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Sam XimenesZoom: CEO & Founder of Astroport Space Tech, Sam Ximenes, is with us to discuss their lunar work, his being featured by National Geographic and more. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
John, David and Mark discussed America's renewed interest in returning to the moon through the Artemis program, comparing it to the 1960s space race and exploring its historical context and potential future goals. They examined the program's current status, including upcoming missions and challenges, while also discussing the possibility of human missions to Mars and the role of commercial space companies like SpaceX. The conversation concluded with a discussion of the political context surrounding the Artemis program and its future prospects.Mark discussed America's renewed interest in returning to the moon, comparing it to the 1961 space race against the Soviet Union, now replaced by China. Mark explained that the current Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon, with the first uncrewed mission, Artemis 1, already completed, and Artemis 2 set to launch in February, which he believes will generate more public interest and debate about the moon mission's purpose and feasibility.Mark shared a story about Senator Kennedy's 1960 Democratic nomination campaign, particularly his West Virginia primary against Hubert Humphrey. He recounted how Homer Hickam, the author of Rocket Boys, attended one of Kennedy's speeches surrounded by coal miners. When asked about his policy preferences, Hickam surprisingly suggested leaving the girls in the middle, which caught Kennedy's attention and reportedly inspired him to focus on space exploration.John discussed the historical context of the moon landing, highlighting the space race with the Soviet Union and the inspiration behind the decision to go to the moon. He mentioned that mining the moon for valuable resources like titanium, aluminum, and rare earths could be a future focus, along with using water for rocket fuel and establishing a lunar base or colony. John also noted that political considerations, similar to those faced by President Kennedy, could impact the Artemis program.John and Mark discussed the potential for human missions to Mars, with Mark expressing optimism about the goal driven by Elon Musk's vision and resources. They explored the possibility of a joint NASA-SpaceX undertaking for Mars missions, while all emphasized the moon as a more immediate and achievable goal. Mark suggested that the first Mars settlers would focus on science and survival, with commercial activities likely to follow, and he highlighted the importance of creating a self-sustaining economy on Mars. They also touched on the Artemis program's cost challenges and the need for careful budget management in Washington.Mark said he is monitoring the development of SpaceX's Starship, which is planned to be used for the first astronaut mission to the moon during the Artemis III mission. He expressed doubt about SpaceX's 2027 launch promise and notes that Blue Origin is working on an alternative lunar lander. Mark was also interested in seeing plans to phase out the Space Launch System, which he criticizes for being too expensive and not sustainable for long-term lunar and Mars missions. He emphasized the need for commercial alternatives and calls for SpaceX to release information on their life support systems for Mars missions.All of us discussed the political context of the Artemis program, noting that while Trump initially proposed it, President Biden continued the initiative. He mentioned that Trump is now pushing for the program and has made some mistakes, particularly in selecting an administrator. David expressed that the current political situation does not pose a significant concern for the program's progress. As we ended, John recommended Mark Whittington's book for a deeper understanding of the program's history.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4444: Zoom Joe Carroll | Tuesday 14 Oct 2025 700PM PTGuests: Joe CarrollZOOM: Joe updates us with art. gravity, spin gravity, his work and moreBroadcast 4445: Hotel Mars TBD | Wednesday 15 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars TBDBroadcast 4446: ZOOM Dr. Haym Benaroya | Friday 17 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Haym BenaroyaZOOM: Dr. Benaroya is here to discuss lunar habitat architecture, policy and lots more.Broadcast 4447: ZOOM Sam Ximenes of Astroport Space Technologies | Sunday 19 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Sam XimenesZoom: CEO & Founder of Astroport Space Tech, Sam Ximenes, is with us to discuss their lunar work, his being featured by National Geographic and more.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Sermon Title - October Sky Scripture - Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19 Homer Hickam is destined to be a coal miner—like his father, his friends, and every other boy in Coalwood, West Virginia. But after watching Sputnik pass overhead in the October sky, Homer decides to set his sights on the stars.
Director Joe Johnston, who worked in design and VFX for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, is best known for effects-heavy family pics like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, and Jumanji. But in 1999, he tried his hand at the “based on a true story” inspirational biopic genre, based on the early life of NASA engineer Homer Hickam, as told in Hickam's memoir Rocket Boys. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, and Laura Dern, the film tells the story of a coal miner's son who was inspired by the launch of Sputnik in 1957 to take up rocketry with a group of friends against his father's wishes. A critical and commercial success, the anagramically-titled October Sky sounds stellar. But over two decades later, does it still shoot for the moon, or is it a dud? For more geeky podcasts visit GonnaGeek.com You can find us on iTunes under ''Legends Podcast''. Please subscribe and give us a positive review. You can also follow us on Twitter @LegendsPodcast or even better, send us an e-mail: LegendsPodcastS@gmail.com You can write to Rum Daddy directly: rumdaddylegends@gmail.com You can find all our contact information here on the Network page of GonnaGeek.com Our complete archive is always available at www.legendspodcast.com, www.legendspodcast.libsyn.com Music: Title Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A few Hollywood changes, but based on the true story of Homer Hickam and his friends who built their own rockets as teenagers in the late 1950s in West Virginia. The post A058: October Sky (1999) appeared first on .
Can one teacher change the course of a student's life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity? October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it's a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today's schools? Are students still discouraged from pursuing unconventional paths? Do educators still have the power to ignite change? In this review, we'll break down what October Sky gets right (and where it misses the mark) when it comes to the modern classroom. Takeaways: Curiosity and inquiry are still not be nurtured in schools Project based learning allows students to be self directed and follow their passions Dreaming doesn't get you where you want to be- action is required Just don't quit! - Advice from Michael Having a network helps when you get stuck About Michael Duncan: An award-winning superintendent and longtime champion of education transformation, Dr. Mike Duncan is the President and CEO of Battelle for Kids. Mike was one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state of Georgia, leading Pike County Schools for 18 years from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. He worked diligently to reimagine educational opportunities and implement enduring transformation for all students in Pike County. He spearheaded the creation of their Portrait of a Graduate and worked to achieve the district's mission of developing creative problem solvers. Mike was honored as the Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2021. Under Mike's leadership, Pike County Schools was actively engaged in EdLeader21, the national network of Battelle for Kids, for more than a decade during his superintendency. Mike is also the co-founder and co-designer of the Georgia Deeper Learning Network for Workforce Readiness and Economic Prosperity. An educator at heart, Mike has served as a high school principal and a middle school teacher and principal. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree from the University of Georgia, along with a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University. Learn More About Battelle for Kids: Website: https://www.battelleforkids.org/ Connect with Michael Duncan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-duncan-edd/ Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/ Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/ Episode 220 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
This week, Billboard Magazine award-winning broadcaster Burke Allen on Big Time Talker Podcast, Linda Hickam discusses her debut children's book, The Tale of Little Bit, inspired by her goldfish, who was bullied for having a bent tail. Encouraged by her husband, bestselling author Homer Hickam, Linda wrote a story about kindness, friendship, and accepting differences. The book, illustrated by Jan Philpot, includes educational content on goldfish care and anti-bullying lessons. Published with help from Dreama Denver and Cathy Teets, it earned a Gold Mom's Choice Award. Linda shares how her love of scuba diving influenced the story, which aims to teach empathy and inclusion to young readers. Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by Speakermatch; subscribe today and get new episodes each week!
This week, Billboard Magazine award-winning broadcaster Burke Allen on Big Time Talker Podcast, Linda Hickam discusses her debut children's book, The Tale of Little Bit, inspired by her goldfish, who was bullied for having a bent tail. Encouraged by her husband, bestselling author Homer Hickam, Linda wrote a story about kindness, friendship, and accepting differences. The book, illustrated by Jan Pic Ale, includes educational content on goldfish care and anti-bullying lessons. Published with help from Dreama Denver and Kathy Teets, it earned a Gold Mom's Choice Award. Linda shares how her love of scuba diving influenced the story, which aims to teach empathy and inclusion to young readers. Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by Speakermatch; subscribe today and get new episodes each week!
Well... It's been awhile since our last episode... and that's because sometimes we need our space... And boy-howdy do we get some in 1999's October Sky! Join us as we welcome special guest Allen, who remembers when Sputnik was launched, and let Melissa take the reigns of the show, as this flick is a favorite of hers that Nick hasn't seen. Will Jake Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Homer Hickam, the small-town boy with big-time dreams of rocketry and the space race, hold up? Will Nick be able to resist puns about Sputnik? Can Melissa wrangle the ramblings of Nick and Allen as they wax Americana philosophy? Tune in and blast off into a conversation that's out of this world!
October Sky is a heartwarming and inspirational film that tells the true story of Homer Hickam, a young boy from a coal-mining town in West Virginia who dreams of building rockets. Set in the late 1950s, the movie captures the excitement and challenges of the early days of the space race, sparked by the launch of Sputnik.
In this episode we talk about how to solve problems that no one has ever solved. And then we discuss the books that have most impacted Tozer. I've started making my way through these books and they're excellent. And to make it easier for you to read the books, here's the list: As A Child Haunted Mesa by Louis L'Amour Western books by Zane Gray Old Testament and New Testament Old Mother West Wind by Thornton W. Burgess As An Adult The Street Lawyer by John Grisham When I Found You, Walk Me Home and Take Me With You by Cathryn Ryan Hyde Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling The Boys in the Cave, by Matt Guzman Bad Blood by John Carreyrou Centennial by James A Michener Greyhound by Steffan Pyper The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg A Child Called It by David Pelzer A Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Beautiful Boy by David Sheff Endurance by Alfred Lansing South by Ernest Shackleton Teach Like Your Hairs on Fire (first 2/3 of the book) by Rafe Esquith Einstein by Walter Isaacson Jesus the Christ by James Talmage The Journal of Joseph by Joseph Smith Jr. and Leland R. Nelson Battle Rock: The Struggle Over a One Room School by William Celis Blind Man's Bluff by Sherry Sontag (Tozer worked with Tiernen) Dead Run by Dan Schultz (murder that happened in Cortez) October Sky by Homer Hickam
This week, Burke teams up with Jim O'Cain and Hal Bryan from the October Sky Minute Podcast. In this special crossover episode, they dive into 1950s music, radio, and the cultural impact of October Sky. Burke shares his unique perspective as Homer Hickam's manager while the group explores West Virginia's vibrant music scene and radio's pivotal role in small-town America. Enjoy Burke's personal stories from his radio DJ days, a discussion on the Grand Ole Opry's influence on country music, and reflections on 1958's nostalgic sound. The conversation also touches on October Sky's lasting legacy, with touching anecdotes about Homer Hickam's interactions with fans and the contributions of legendary artists like The Platters and Frankie Lymon. Don't miss this unique collaboration with music, memories, and behind-the-scenes insights into a beloved American classic. Learn more about The October Sky Minute on its website: https://octoberskyminute.com/cm/ The Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch.
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, July 21, 2024. Make some “Mountain Memories” at the State Fair of West Virginia next month…”Space Gal” Emily Calendrelli is set to become the first West Virginia woman to travel to space…and bookworms, make plans to attend the West Virginia Book Festival Oct. 19 in Charleston…on today's daily304. #1 – From STATE FAIR OF WV – Make some “Mountain Memories” at the State Fair of West Virginia, set for Aug. 8-17 in Lewisburg! This year's musical lineup features Lil' Jon, Seether, Travis Tritt, Turnpike Troubadours and more. Special events include a live shark encounter and Catherine Hickland's hilarious minding reading and comedy hypnosis show. Of course there also will be livestock shows, carnival rides, food and craft vendors and more fun for all ages. Visit statefairofwv.com to purchase your tickets today! Learn more: https://statefairofwv.com/ #2 – From WV WATCH – Aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli will be the first woman from West Virginia to travel to space. She'll make the journey through a private flight company. The West Virginia University alumni, Emmy-nominated television host and mother says space flight has been a lifelong dream and she wants to make this “as much of a West Virginia flight as possible.” She'll join a list of West Virginia natives with connections to space travel, including NASA engineer Homer Hickam, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson and ground-breaking pilot Chuck Yeager. Calandrelli said she hopes to partner with West Virginia University as a research partner for her trip. She plans to travel around West Virginia to speak with students about the experience. Calandrelli's flight to space will be made possible, in part, due to a partnership between Alys and Brad D. Smith's Wing 2 Wing Foundation, which promotes accessible education and entrepreneurism. Read more: https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/07/16/emily-calandrelli-will-be-first-west-virginia-woman-to-travel-to-space/ #3 – From WCHS-TV – The capital city is set to host an annual festival for bookworms this fall, featuring several bestselling authors. The 2024 West Virginia Book Festival takes place Oct. 19 at the Charleston Coliseum. The event will feature workshops, presentations, vendors and children's programs. The free event will welcome featured authors Joy Calloway, Gregg Hurwitz, Sadequa Johnson, Mia Manansala and Gene Luen Yang. Watch for a schedule and additional updates at www.wvbookfestival.org. Read more: https://wchstv.com/news/local/best-selling-authors# Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer
This week, Travis is joined by Jonathan Bush to talk about the 1999 film October Sky. Directed by Joe Johnston, and starring Jake Gyllenhall and Chris Cooper, based on the real life story of Homer Hickam, a high school student living in a coal mining town in 1957. He wants to build rockets and get out of the small town, but his father wants him to work in the mine. So, is this a feel good, uplifting movie about overcoming adversity, or just some Hollywood cheese that plays fast and loose with being "based on a true story"? Let's find out...Get some cool chainmail art from Jonathan at https://www.extralettuce.com and follow him on InstragramThanks go out to Audie Norman (@TheAudieNorman) for the album art. Outro music In Pursuit provided by Purple-Planet.comSupport the show by going to patreon.com/wyhsVisit tvstravis.com for more shows and projects from TVsTravis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 2772 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Army Vietnam Vet Homer Hickam and how he served his country in and out of uniform. The featured story appeared on The U.S. Department of Defense website … Continue reading →
Homer Hickam is a true West Virginia hero. Raised in Coalwood, a mining town in southern West Virginia, he went on to fight in the Vietnam War, work for NASA, and become a best-selling author. His book, Rocket Boys, was made into the popular movie October Sky. In this episode, he shares with Garrett stories from his life that reveal how his upbringing in West Virginia contributed to his success. Homer tells about the inspiration behind his books, expresses his love for the Appalachian mountains, and gives his thoughts about education, the importance of community, and so much more. He even gives a sneak peek into some upcoming projects that he is working on. Garrett's conversation with Homer evokes a sense of both comforting familiarity and otherworldliness. This episode of Forgotten America will leave you in awe of how much things have changed since the 40s but also grateful for the resilience of the Mountaineer Spirit. Follow Homer's work by visiting his website: https://homerhickam.com/ Get a copy of his newest book, Don't Blow Yourself Up, here: https://homerhickam.com/project/dont-blow-yourself-up/ October Sky (movie adaptation of his memoir, Rocket Boys): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132477/ Coalwood, WV: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coalwood,_West_Virginia Buddy Ebsen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Ebsen Jake Gyllenhaal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Gyllenhaal Carrying Albert Home: https://homerhickam.com/project/carrying-albert-home/ Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer Communications & Social Media Associate - @Aviv5753 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Patreon, Donate, Newsletter
Folge 100! Es ist soweit - und Das Universum ist gescheitert! Wir reden in der Jubiläumsfolge über das Scheitern. Denn weder Ruth noch Florian tun heute das, was sie dachten, dass sie tun, als sie damals ihr Astronomie-Studium begonnen haben. Aber das Scheitern ist eigentlich gar nicht so schlimm. Zur Jubiläumsfolge haben wir uns zwei Menschen eingeladen, die damals mit uns das Studium begonnen haben. Matthias, der ebenfalls “gescheitert” ist und heute erfolgreich als Lehrer arbeitet. Und Vichi, die einzige von uns, die nicht gescheitert und immer noch erfolgreiche Astronomin ist. Sie arbeitet in Dänemark und hat unter anderem einen Satellit gebaut und ins All gebracht. In einer Plastiktüte! Evi ist natürlich auch dabei und erzählt uns, warum sie manchmal lieber früher Astronomie studiert hätte als heute. Und stellt uns den Film “October Sky” vor, in dem es ebenfalls um das erfolgreiche Scheitern geht. Wenn ihr uns unterstützen wollt, könnt ihr das hier tun: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/PodcastDasUniversum Oder hier: https://steadyhq.com/de/dasuniversum Oder hier: https://www.patreon.com/dasuniversum
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, March 24, 2024. Amazon's founder says the movie “October Sky” inspired him to launch the aerospace company Blue Origin. Register now for “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” workshop at Twin Falls. And check out some “must-see” blooms and waterfalls this spring in Almost Heaven…on today's daily304. #1 – From WOWK-TV – The inspiring story found within “October Sky,” based on the book by West Virginia's Homer Hickam and set in the Mountain State, inspired Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to create the aerospace company, Blue Origin. In 2000, Amazon founder Bezos founded a new company: Blue Origin. The company is most well-known nowadays for taking celebrities up into space, including “Star Trek” legend William Shatner, and “Good Morning America” host and former NFL player Michael Strahan. According to the novel “The Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos” by Christian Davenport, Bezos was partially inspired to create the aerospace company after seeing the 1999 film, “October Sky.” The film is based on “Rocket Boys,” Hickam's memoir that details his youth in 1950s rural West Virginia where he and a few friends take up rocketry after being inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1. Read more: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/how-a-west-virginia-story-inspired-jeff-bezos-to-create-blue-origin/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – Registration has opened for the “Becoming An Outdoors Woman” spring workshop at Twin Falls Resort State Park on May 3–5, 2024. According to Ashley Anderson, coordinator for the program managed by the W.Va. Divison of Natural Resources, the event allows women to explore hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related activities in a strikingly scenic environment. Program workshops will provide a non-competitive atmosphere with support from instructors and staff from the division's wildlife resources, law enforcement and state parks sections. The workshop is limited to 75 participants, and spots fill fast. Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to learn more and register online at WVDNR.gov/becoming-an-outdoor-woman. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2024/03/18/becoming-an-outdoors-woman-twin-falls-west-virginia/ #3 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Spring has arrived! As the snow melts away, the Mountain State “springs” to life with enchanting experiences for adventurers to explore. From vibrant flower blooms to scenic hikes and charming small towns, West Virginia offers something for everyone. Experience West Virginia's spring flower blooms at Core Arboretum and The Greenbrier. These scenic spots showcase a stunning array of native and cultivated flowers, offering a delightful retreat amidst the beauty of the season. Experience the beauty of spring at Blackwater Falls, Watoga, and Canaan Valley Resort Parks in West Virginia. Enjoy stunning waterfalls, expansive wilderness, and scenic landscapes for outdoor adventures and peaceful relaxation. Visit www.wvstateparks.com to book your lodging online! Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/things-to-do-in-spring-wv/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
With SpaceX and NASA combining to explore the cosmos like never before, my guest Homer Hickam is the person who inspired it all. The award-winning author of “Rocket Boys,” a memoir of his life, was turned into the hit film “October Sky.” Due to his rocket accomplishments he was invited to meet President Kennedy. During the meeting, he personally introduced the importance of exploring the moon to him. Now, what many are calling a prequel to his life, Homer delivers an epic tale, called: “Carrying Albert Home,” that takes us on a wild adventure that can best be summed up as a story of kismet. Support the show
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Friday, Feb. 9 Homer Hickam shares how “Rocket Boys” became “October Sky” on the big screen. Chill out with a winter hike at a West Virginia state park. And a WVU study examines the habits of successful entrepreneurs…on today's daily304. #1 – From WBOY-TV – If you're from West Virginia, odds are you've heard of Homer Hickam's 1998 book “Rocket Boys.” You might have even watched the movie adaptation, “October Sky.” The movie, which was released in 1999 and starred Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer Hickam, follows Homer's story of growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia with a dream of building rockets. But why was the movie titled differently? Hickam said that the name of the movie was changed from “Rocket Boys” to “October Sky” to make the movie more appealing for women, based on marketing studies by Universal Studios. But October Sky is also an anagram of Rocket Boys, meaning they have the same letters just switched around in a different order. Hickam said that director Joe Johnston discovered the anagram after the new movie title was already chosen and considered it “cosmically inspired.” More information about the conversion from book to movie is detailed in Hickam's 2013 book “From Rocket Boys to October Sky.” Read more: https://www.wtrf.com/west-virginia/west-virginia-native-homer-hickman-wrote-rocket-boys-but-why-was-the-movie-changed-to-october-sky/?es_id=0658dabd76 #2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Hiking is not just for warm-weather months. Stroll through the woods during the winter and discover a whole new world of snow-blanketed trees, animal tracks and frozen waterfalls. And there's no better place for a winter hike than West Virginia state parks and forests. Contact the park office to learn about scheduled guided hikes, or check the Events Calendar. But if you just want to head out on your own, check out some of these parks. South of Beckley, Camp Creek State Park and Forest offers 35 miles of trails that wind through lush forest and past rippling streams. Hike to Mash Fork Falls, a 1-mile challenging trek with a rewarding view of the falls. Nestled in the mountains of Webster County, Holly River State Park offers a peaceful escape from the frantic pace of everyday life. Discover unique rock formations along Nature's Garden Rock Trail. If you're looking for an easy stroll, check out Fisherman's Trail at Hawks Nest State Park in the New River Gorge. The trail follows Hawks Nest Lake and offers an awe-inspiring closeup of the Hawks Nest Dam. Check out www.wvstateparks.com to learn more and reserve lodging. Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/grab-your-snow-boots-and-plan-a-winter-hike-at-these-west-virginia-state-parks/ #3 – From WVU TODAY – When people quit their jobs to launch their own companies, the reasons that motivated them to become entrepreneurs can be major predictors of success, according to research conducted by West Virginia University management scholar Hyeonsuh Lee. Lee's research revealed when someone leaves employment because they disagree with their company's organization and operation, they are overwhelmingly likely to thoughtfully organize their own business and succeed as an entrepreneur. Lee, assistant professor at the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, also discovered when someone's first start-up does fail, taking personal ownership of that failure is key to success down the road. The Strategic Management Journal published Lee and her coauthors' analysis of interviews conducted with 21 male entrepreneurs who, between 1977 and 1997, started their own businesses after resigning jobs during the early stages of the rigid disk drive industry, which makes computer data storage devices. When organizational misalignment was someone's impetus for starting a business, the founder was almost certain to engage in “venture crafting” at his start-up. “These kinds of founders wanted to build organizations, not just products,” Lee said. “They encouraged employees to take ownership of their work, established distributed decision-making processes and ensured employees held equity stakes in their companies.” In addition to venture crafting, those with successful entrepreneurial careers focused on hiring skilled, collaborative employees. Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/02/01/wvu-research-looks-at-how-experiences-at-previous-jobs-motivate-start-up-operators Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
Kevin Sizemore is a well-known actor who has appeared in numerous popular TV shows and Hollywood movies. The Princeton, West Virginia native's impressive resume includes appearances in several hit shows, such as Fear the Walking Dead, Resurrection, Under the Dome, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He has also starred in movies like Woodlawn, Miracle at Gate 213, and A Christmas Tree Miracle, filmed in West Virginia. In this episode, we discuss the changing landscape of TV and film as streaming services take over as the primary source of entertainment conumption. Additionally, we explore how Sizemore's upbringing in West Virginia has contributed to his success in the industry. Speaking of West Virginia, Sizemore is currently collaborating with Homer Hickam to produce the next installment of the October Sky series, titled December Sky. They aim to begin production soon and intend to shoot the entire movie in West Virginia. We get an update on where the project stands.
The film October Sky which was released in 1999 stars Jake Gyllenhaal who portrays Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes. It is based on the true story of Homer Hickam who has written many books on his life. The film was directed by Joe Johnston Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction :17 - The Film stats 5:33 - Company Town Talk 10:13 - Rocket Boys 10:23- The Pickup Line 16:42 - Filmmaking & space exploration 28:38 - Head Trauma 29:03 - Smoochie, Smoochie, Smoochie 30:38 - Driving Review 32:51 - To the Numbers References from the episode: Carrying Albert Home Remaining Company Towns To guess the theme of this month's films you can email christi@dodgemediaproductions.com You can guess as many times as you would like. Guess the Monthly Theme for 2023 Contest - More Info Here Next week's film will be Pretty Woman (1990) Subscribe, Rate & Share Your Favorite Episodes! Thanks for tuning into today's episode of Dodge Movie Podcast with your host, Mike and Christi Dodge. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe and leave a rating and review. Special thanks to Melissa Villagrana our social media posts. Don't forget to visit our website, connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes across social media. Email at christi@dodgemediaproductions.com To get 2 months free on Libsyn click here: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SMOOCHIE
On this episode, Derek sits with the legendary Homer Hickam. Homer is a former NASA engineer and best selling author, with his biographical memoir, Rocket Boys which was then turned into the 1999 film, October Sky. Homer is also a Vietnam veteran, an accomplished scuba diver and so much more.Website: https://homerhickam.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomerHickamOfficialPageTwitter: https://twitter.com/realhomerhickamSPONSOR - Go to https://betterhelp.com/derekduvallshow for 10% off your first month of therapy with @betterhelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored
Jeff Ikler & Steve Miletto Discuss the Memoir Rocket Boys in Terms of Student Agency in Schools. This is episode 586 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Jeff is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh- co). He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing, where he served as an editor, marketer, and eventually the head of all publishing disciplines. There, he was first exposed to coaching – as a client – self-awareness and realizing that leadership is behavior in the service of those doing the work. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high-school American history and government. Jeff currently co-hosts the Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity, which focuses on helping individuals and organizations lead productive change – a change that helps them achieve their desired outcomes and impact. Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change. Steven Miletto, EdD has been an educator in Georgia (US) for 37 years. He has served public school families as a history teacher, assistant principal, high school principaI, and a Regional Education Service Agency Executive Director. In 2009, he was the Georgia Principal of the Year and a finalist for NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year in 2010. As a teacher he taught US and world history, was a yearbook sponsor, theater sponsor and soccer goalie coach. Additionally, he was the teacher of the year at Southwest DeKalb High School in 1989. His focus in education is to help kids achieve their dreams. This is a "Two Men on a Park Bench" episode where Jeff and I talk about Homer Hickam, Jr's memoir - Rocket Boys. We discuss the story in terms of the need student agency in schools. What a cool talk! What an awesome book! So much to learn. Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be so cool. Thanks! If you are listening on Apple Podcasts on your phone, go to the logo - click so that you are on the main page with a listing of the episodes for my podcast and scroll to the bottom. There you will see a place to rate and review. Could you review me? That would be so cool. Thank you! Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! Thanks for sharing! Thanks for listening! Connect & Learn More: Connect with Jeff Ikler at Quetico Coaching (20)
Best selling author and Vietnam veteran, Homer Hickam is the inspiration of the critically acclaimed movie "October Sky." He joins us in the Smoke Pit to talk about his time at NASA, drinking with Russian scientists, and his new book "Don't Blow Yourself Up."It is our mission to entertain, advocate for, and bring together Military, Veterans and like minded people all over the world, using comedy and camaraderie. Welcome to the Smoke Pit.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, NASA, any affiliates, or separate entities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Advantage Valley flexes its manufacturing muscle…Homer Hickam's ‘Rocket Boys' comes to Theatre West Virginia…and Huntington touts successes at its leadership conference…on today's daily304. #1 – From LIVABILITY – Advantage Valley – West Virginia's Charleston-Huntington metro region -- is flexing its manufacturing muscle with a wave of new investment and expansions at existing industries that are creating jobs. Manufacturers find Advantage Valley attractive because of the region's workforce-focused training. The region's booming advanced manufacturing sector has the lowest employee turnover rate in the nation. GreenPower Motor Co., a Canada-based company that began manufacturing all-electric school buses in Advantage Valley in September 2022, utilized the region's training resources to empower its workforce. GreenPower, which has created 200 jobs and will boost the Advantage Valley economy by $500 million over five years, partnered with BridgeValley Community & Technical College and the Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County to help train its workers to manufacture the all-electric school buses. Read more: https://livability.com/wv/charleston/education-careers-opportunity/advantage-valley-is-attracting-talent/ #2 – From BROADWAY WORLD – “Rocket Boys” is coming to Theatre West Virginia this summer. Performances run July 14-29. “Rocket Boys,” a musical based on the 1998 New York Times #1 bestseller by NASA engineer Homer Hickam (also immortalized in the hit film, “October Sky”), has received a huge and overwhelmingly positive reaction from the musical theater community since its initial stages. The memoir of a misfit coal-miner's son in West Virginia who engages some skeptical friends to join his dream of rockets and space is one of the leading Community/Library Reads across the country, a staple on school lists, and is published now in nearly every language across the globe. Visit www.theatrewestvirginia.org for ticketing information. Read more: https://www.broadwayworld.com/west-virginia/article/ROCKET-BOYS-Comes-to-Theatre-West-Virginia-in-July-20230515 #3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – There is probably no better place to begin a program focused on West Virginia's challenges and successes than Huntington, a city that has overcome some negative stereotypes to emerge as a glowing example of the state's potential. Huntington kicked off the first session of the 2023 class of Leadership West Virginia. Celebrating 32 years, LWV was created in 1991 by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce to cultivate leaders in the state. The program has graduated more than 1,450 alumni who have gone on to various leadership positions in government, business, charities, nonprofits and more. A lengthy list of improvements can be attributed to the city's leadership. The city secured a $3 million grant in 2017 by winning America's Best Communities Competition. Once labeled the nation's most obese city, Huntington was able to reduce its obesity rate by more than 15 percentage points thanks to a renewed focus on fitness and healthy eating. The city has tackled an opioid epidemic by creating quick response teams to help overdose victims and focusing on new treatment options. Marshall University President Brad Smith is working with his WVU counterpart, E. Gordon Gee, in the Ascend West Virginia program, which creates incentives for remote workers to relocate to several West Virginia communities. Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/05/leadership-west-virginia-huntingtons-emerald-shines-bright/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, May 17 WV will be seeing stars soon as a sequel is in the works “October Sky,” based on the life of “Rocket Boy” Homer Hickam…Check out some must-see places in the Monongahela National Forest…and sign up now for a machining class offered by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center…on today's daily304. #1 – From WOWK-TV – A sequel to the classic film chronicling the rocket-building adventure of West Virginia hero Homer Hickam is being made. The sequel to “October Sky” will be called “December Sky.” The film will star Princeton native Kevin Sizemore, known for acting in “Mine 9” and the HBO Max miniseries “The Staircase.” “October Sky” is based on the book, “Rocket Boys,” by Hickam. Read more: https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/regional-news/west-virginia-news/october-sky-sequel-announced/ #2 – From TRAVEL AWAITS – The Monongahela National Forest is one of the state's recreational gems. Situated in eastern West Virginia, its 919,000 acres offer a vast area to explore nature amid peaceful surroundings. And, it's no wonder, with more than 500 hiking trails, countless streams and fishing holes, plenty of picnic spots, and places to stay, the Monongahela National Forest is a prime spot for any outdoor lover. Hike to the top of Seneca Rocks. Shop and dine in the charming mountain town of Elkins, Davis and Thomas. Experience the beauty of Blackwater Falls State Park. Check out some other Monongahela National Forest bucket list items! Read more: https://www.travelawaits.com/2881299/things-to-do-monongahela-national-forest/ #3 – From RCBI.ORG – The U.S. manufacturing industry is struggling to find skilled individuals to fill machining and machine tool jobs. The need is urgent. That's why the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (formerly RCBI) is part of a new national effort to restore the prominence of the U.S. machine tools sector and ensure global competitiveness. Through ACE (America's Cutting Edge), a U.S. Department of Defense-funded initiative, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center is partnering with the National Composites Institute to offer a series of CNC Machining Bootcamps for people of all ages and all skill levels. Bootcamps include a self-paced online component, which takes about six hours to complete, and one week of in-person, hands-on instruction at our Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington or Charleston, or at one of our partner sites in Kentucky, Ohio or West Virginia. Learn more: https://www.rcbi.org/education-training/cnc-bootcamps-2/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
In this week's Big Time Talker Podcast, we tune in to an episode from 2008 with famous author, Homer Hickam. Homer recently returned to his home state of West Virginia where he teased the development of a tie-in film to the critically-praised October Sky. October Sky (1999) starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Laura Dern and was based on Homer's best-selling novel, Rocket Boys. This throwback episode takes place before the annual Rocket Boys Festival, where Homer and the former Rocket Boys would visit their hometown of Coalwood to celebrate science and the West Virginian spirit. The Big Time Talker is sponsored by Speakermatch.com.
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, April 9 Completion of a stream restoration project means more fishing opportunities at Kanawha State Forest…WVDOH crews have been busy clearing enough tree canopy to stretch from Charleston to Myrtle Beach …WV native Homer Hickam hopes more Coalwood stories are coming to the screen…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV EXPLORER – A stream restoration project designed to improve fishing and recreation at Kanawha State Forest has been completed. Started in 2020, the project was a significant undertaking and included the removal of the Davis Creek Dam, which was built in the 1930s. Structures were added to stabilize stream banks and provide additional aquatic habitat and fishing opportunities. By removing a pond, the length of fishable water has been increased from about 1,000 feet to more than one mile. These changes create pool habitat and will allow the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to begin stocking trout. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's In-Lieu Fee Program funded the restoration efforts at an estimated cost of $1 million. "This project is one more example of the work we're doing to restore streams to their natural state while also providing additional opportunities for anglers to enjoy. We're thrilled to see this type of investment in our natural resources and are proud to partner with the WVDEP and Kanawha State Forest to make it happen,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/04/05/trout-fishing-kanawha-state-forest/ #2 – From WVDOT – West Virginia Division of Highways maintenance crews cleared more than 430 miles of trees and branches away from the state's roadways between November 2022 and the end of March 2023, enough to stretch from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. "I can't tell you how proud I am of the crews,” said Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E. “I gave them a challenge. They believed they could do it. I believed they could do it. They did it!" Canopy clearing plays a vital part in prolonging the life of the pavement on West Virginia's 36,000 miles of road. Along with keeping ditches cleared and proper drainage, keeping roads cleared of overhanging canopy is important both to the life of the road and to the safety of drivers. Like cutting grass in the summer, milling and filling potholes or clearing ice and snow, canopy clearing is part of the WVDOH core maintenance program. Combined, core maintenance procedures prolong the life of pavement and keep roads safer. Read more: https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/The_numbers_are_in_WVDOH_cuts_enough_tree_canopy_this_season_to_stretch_to_Myrtle_Beach.aspx?userID=3c8d79ff-850b-4aa0-8154-f3871713196e&campaign_name=wv_dept_of_commerce&campaign_medium=advocacy&campaign_source=everyonesocial&es_id=1342303c19 #3 – From THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL – While he has long been a name familiar to West Virginians, it's not an overstatement to say Homer Hickam has inspired people all over the world. On the surface, his 1998 memoir, “Rocket Boys,” tells the story of his life growing up in the coal company town of Coalwood in McDowell County. But the story is about more than boys building rockets. At its core, it's about family, changing times, and doggedly pursuing a dream against all odds. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into the critically acclaimed 1999 film “October Sky.” Hickam is the author of several novels including “The Coalwood Way” and “Sky of Stone,”about life in Coalwood, and “Carrying Albert Home,” about a fantastical road trip with a special pet. The author, who turned 80 in February, has been busy writing screenplays with the idea of creating a series set in Coalwood, focused more on people like his parents and the coal miners. “Sometimes you can plan those adventures. Sometimes the adventures just come in over the transom. They land in your lap. There it is. You want it? Grab it.” Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/dailymailwv/daily_mail_features/rocket-boys-author-hopes-more-coalwood-stories-coming-to-the-screen/article_964523f2-b511-5935-b2ac-829c076443b9.html Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
Homer H. Hickam, Jr. was raised in Coalwood, West Virginia. He graduated from Big Creek High School in 1960 and from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in 1964 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Hickam served as a First Lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967-1968 where he won the Army Commendation and Bronze Star medals. He served six years on active duty, leaving the service with the rank of Captain. Hickam has been a writer since 1969 after his return from Vietnam. At first, he mostly wrote about his scuba diving adventures for a variety of different magazines. Then, after diving on many of the wrecks involved, he branched off into writing about the battle against the U-boats along the American east coast during World War II. This resulted in his first book, Torpedo Junction (1989), a military history best-seller published in 1989 by the Naval Institute Press. In 1998, Delacorte Press published Hickam's second book, Rocket Boys: A Memoir, the story of his life in the little town of Coalwood, West Virginia. It became an instant classic. Rocket Boys has since been translated into eight languages and also released as an abridged audio book and electronic book. Among it's many honors, it was selected by the New York Times as one of its “Great Books of 1998” and was an alternate “Book-of-the-Month” selection for both the Literary Guild and Doubleday book clubs. Rocket Boys was also nominated by the National Book Critics Circle as Best Biography of 1998. In February, 1999, Universal Studios released its critically-acclaimed film October Sky, based on Rocket Boys (The title October Sky is an anagram of Rocket Boys). Delacorte subsequently released a mass market paperback of Rocket Boys, re-titled October Sky. October Sky reached the New York Times # 1 position on their best-seller list. While working on his writing career, Mr. Hickam was employed as an engineer for the U.S. Army Missile Command from 1971 to 1981 assigned to Huntsville, Alabama, and Germany. He began employment with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1981 as an aerospace engineer. During his NASA career, Mr. Hickam worked in spacecraft design and crew training. His specialties at NASA included training astronauts on science payloads, and extravehicular activities (EVA). He also trained astronaut crews for many Spacelab and Space Shuttle missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope deployment mission, the first two Hubble repair missions, Spacelab-J (the first Japanese astronauts), and the Solar Max repair mission. Prior to his retirement in 1998, Mr. Hickam was the Payload Training Manager for the International Space Station Program.
SOR Nov 24 22 The Moon Mars Rockets And Aliens With Homer Hickam
SOR Nov 24 22 The Moon Mars Rockets And Aliens With Homer Hickam
Homer Hickam is a Viet Nam veteran, and a former NASA engineer. His early life was depicted in the Hollywood movie 'October Sky'. We take a look at going back to the moon, rocketry, plans for Mars and potential aliens.
Lt. Col. Burke Hare was a U.S. Air Force space and missile operator whose career has included overseeing the maintenance and operations of ICBMs and improvements made to the GPS satellite system. He is a Space Camp Hall of Fame member and is currently Program Manager Space Operations with the Space Development Agency at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville Alabama.
Chris Vrenna is a musician, producer, engineer, programmer, and songwriter best known as the drummer for Nine Inch Nails. He's played with Marilyn Manson, Guns and Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, and more, and he's composed music for video games in the Quake, Doom, Sims, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Call of Duty game series. Today, he teaches music technology and is on the board of directors for the US Space and Rocket Center Foundation.
On October 4, 1957 the Soviet Union successfully launched the first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik. This early Space Race milestone sparked a lot of reaction – it was unsettling for some, but for others it inspired an interest in rocketry and brought many scientists into the space industry. One of those people was Homer Hickam, a high schooler in a small West Virginia mining town who would go on to work for NASA, write a memoir, and inspire a movie. On today's episode we unpack that film – October Sky. If you went to high school in the last 20 years, there's a chance you saw it in a chemistry or physics class. But, turns out, that wasn't the case for Matt, Emily, or Nick! It's rare for these three to unpack a space movie after all seeing it for the very first time. Tune in to hear their initial impressions, what was mispronounced, and what could have been better! Did you know AirSpace has a monthly newsletter? Sign up here! AirSpace is made possible by the generous support of Olay.
Born in 1943 West Virginia, Homer Hickam, Jr. was a barely a teenager when the Soviet space program launched Sputnik 1, and subsequently launched Homer into a lifelong relationship with space. The 1999 movie "October Sky" is roughly based on his memoir, but we had the opportunity to sit down with Homer to learn the real stories behind the Big Creek Missile Agency of Coalwood, WV, and the amazing career afforded by the passions of one boy. Visit www.HomerHickam.com to learn more about Homer, purchase his books, or support the causes he supports. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors: facebook.com/prescottrockstars facebook.com/manzanitains
Penny Pettigrew is a payload communications manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, communicating with astronauts conducting scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station. She is a Space Camp alumni and a member of the Space Camp Hall of Fame.
Robert Pearlman is a space historian and the founder and editor of the website collectSPACE. He was the director of communications and the marketing director for Space Adventures, the first space tourism company to send private individuals to the ISS. Robert is a Space Camp Hall of Fame member and a contributing writer to Space.com.
Former NASA engineer Homer Hickam talks about growing up in West Virginia coal country, his complicated relationship with his father, the influence of a special teacher, and the inspirational story that resulted in the best-selling memoir ROCKET BOYS and the popular film OCTOBER SKY.
From 2015- Homer Hickam (best known for his memoir "Rocket Boys," which was adapted into the motion picture "October Skies .... and who went on to a major career with NASA) talks about his novel "Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, his wife, and her Alligator." The man and woman mentioned in the book's subtitle were Homer Hickam's parents.
As talks of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal —alternatively known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — come to a halt, it's unclear why Iran and key players involved in the deal, like the United States, have stalled negotiations. Between Russia causing global tension by invading Ukraine and America refusing to lift or alter Russian sanctions for the sake of the nuclear deal, the next step in negotiations remains unclear. Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul joins to discuss how the Russia Ukraine conflict has impacted nuclear negotiations, why 49 out of 50 Republicans don't support the current deal, and what we should expect if Iran is given easier access to nuclear power. This week, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei broke the record for the most consecutive days spent in space by an American. While this would normally be cause for a celebration, there's growing concern over his return from the International Space Station (ISS) amid current tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Despite sanctions placed on Russia and the ambiguous future of the ISS, NASA has said that plans for Vande Hei's homecoming remain unchanged. Homer Hickam, a former NASA engineer and author of Rocket Boys and Don't Blow Yourself Up, joins the Rundown to discuss the history of our relationship with Russia and space, the current state of the ISS, and his thoughts on Vande Hei's safe return. Plus, commentary by Fox News contributor Liz Peek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As talks of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal —alternatively known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — come to a halt, it's unclear why Iran and key players involved in the deal, like the United States, have stalled negotiations. Between Russia causing global tension by invading Ukraine and America refusing to lift or alter Russian sanctions for the sake of the nuclear deal, the next step in negotiations remains unclear. Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul joins to discuss how the Russia Ukraine conflict has impacted nuclear negotiations, why 49 out of 50 Republicans don't support the current deal, and what we should expect if Iran is given easier access to nuclear power. This week, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei broke the record for the most consecutive days spent in space by an American. While this would normally be cause for a celebration, there's growing concern over his return from the International Space Station (ISS) amid current tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Despite sanctions placed on Russia and the ambiguous future of the ISS, NASA has said that plans for Vande Hei's homecoming remain unchanged. Homer Hickam, a former NASA engineer and author of Rocket Boys and Don't Blow Yourself Up, joins the Rundown to discuss the history of our relationship with Russia and space, the current state of the ISS, and his thoughts on Vande Hei's safe return. Plus, commentary by Fox News contributor Liz Peek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, co-hosts Mark Curtis and Amanda Barren talk to people about the U.S.-Mexico border, the International Space Station and more! Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) calls in to talk to Amanda Barren in Segment One about her trip to the Del Rio Border Patrol Station and what is and isn't going on at the border. Amanda Barren talks to author, veteran, NASA engineer and cat lover, Homer Hickam and what he thinks of what is going on in Ukraine and how it impacts the International Space Station. Mark Curtis travels to Morgantown to talk to Amy Bush, COO of WVU Medicine Children's, about the WVU Medicine Children's Hospital Program as a part of the Mediathon sponsored by Nexstar. We end today's episode with Mark Curtis talking to Benjamin Krasna, Deputy Head of Mission Israeli Embassy, about his trip to West Virginia and why he came to the Mountain State.
Resistance against the Russian war in Ukraine comes in many forms, such as just remaining at work and refusing to leave. In this episode, Laura Winter speaks with two former heads of the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Volodymyr Usov and Lyubomyr Sabadosh, and their colleague Liliya Shevchuk, the director of the country's Space Initiatives Center. But first, Winter speaks with Homer Hickam, a retired NASA aerospace engineer and a New York Times best-selling book author, who wrote a Washington Post opinion piece, published on March 9, with the headline “Our space partnership with Russia can't go on.”
Homer Hickam is an author and war veteran who has helped train and prepare astronauts for real space missions and exercises. One of his books, Rocket Boys, was adapted into the Hollywood film, October Sky. He continues to entertain and relate with stories of struggle and fulfillment in Don't Blow Yourself Up, a bookabout his life as a budding writer. In Part 2 of my interview, you'll hear Homer describe his career as an astronaut trainer, what astronauts should know regarding their spacesuits, and the time he trained a late-night talk show host for an underwater episode. He provides his thoughts on space camps and what he observed about students in one of those programs. You'll gain insight to the experience of training foreigners in Japan and Russia, and their cultural differences from America. Homer also explains his fascination with SpaceX, the Moon, and why we should be cautious about space tourism. "There's no such thing as a perfectly safe rocket." - Homer Hickam This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores: What it was like being a "pretend astronaut" while in training What astronauts should expect when wearing spacesuits Why getting into foot restraints wasn't an easy experience The time Homer trained David Letterman for an underwater episode Space camps: who started them and Homer's realizations them The difference between astronaut training cultures in the US and Japan Homer's experience with Russian cosmonauts Homer's thoughts on space tourism and the possibilities of mining the Moon Why there's no such thing as a safe rocket launch Why Homer says SpaceX is a special company capable of extraordinary things The future of humanity in space Connect with Homer Hickam: Homer Hickam Website Book: Don't Blow Yourself Up Homer Hickam on Twitter Homer Hickam on LinkedIn Spaceship Not Required I'm Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean. I'm an explorer, and that doesn't always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action. In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required. Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores. Visit my website atkathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead! Don't forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts! Spotify IStitcher IApple Podcasts I iHeart Radio ITuneIn IGoogle IAmazon Music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homer Hickam is an author and war veteran who has helped train and prepare astronauts for real space missions and exercises. One of his books, Rocket Boys, was adapted into the Hollywood film, October Sky. He continues to entertain and relate with stories
Homer Hickam has famously authored many books. His notable works include, Torpedo Junction, Rocket Boys—a book about his childhood which was eventually adapted into the Hollywood film, October Sky—and the recently published Don’t Blow Yo
Homer Hickam has famously authored many books. His notable works include, Torpedo Junction, Rocket Boys—a book about his childhood which was eventually adapted into the Hollywood film, October Sky—andthe recently published Don't Blow Yourself Up, a memoir of his experiences and struggles as a writer. Besides being a highly successful novelist, Homer is also a war veteran and scuba instructor who has worked with NASA in spacecraft design and crew training. In part 1 of this episode, you'll hear about Homer's triple life as he describes his experiences as a writer, diver, and NASA spacecraft designer. He shares his love for reading and how it influenced his passion for writing. He recounts his experiences in the army and the frightening story of his first dive. He describes the shipwrecks he found in his dives and how they inspired him to write Torpedo Junction. You'll also get insight into our time working together in NASA. "Sometimes, ignorance is not only bliss; it's also an advantage." - Homer Hickam This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores: Who Homer Hickam is and how he led a triple life The memoir Hollywood is set to adapt into a film Homer's love for reading and how it segued into writing Homer's education, army service, scuba diving, and other experiences Writing a story about the battle against U-Boats during World War 2 Homer's writing history and how shipwrecks inspired him to write his first book The amazing story of his first scuba dive and the wrecks he explored When Homer received a job offer from NASA Revisiting the time Homer and I worked together as divers Writing Rocket Boys and what it was like reliving his childhood How curriculum changed after Sputnik Resources Mentioned: Film: October Sky Connect with Homer Hickam: Homer Hickam Website Book: Torpedo Junction Book:Rocket Boys Homer Hickam on Twitter Homer Hickam on LinkedIn Spaceship Not Required I'm Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean. I'm an explorer, and that doesn't always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action. In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required. Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores. Visit my website atkathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead! Don't forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts! Spotify IStitcher IApple Podcasts I iHeart Radio ITuneIn IGoogle IAmazon Music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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