Hello, Everyone!

This topic is Waste management. There are No landfills in space or oceans were you can dump your waste and you can not just jettison unusable junk into space!  Things will need to be recycled, reused, or incinerated (or elsewise destroyed safely in the future. I realize at this stage of the game, open flames on a Space Station, would not be a good thing!)  Some stuff that we get from Earth, will be prepackaged, most likely in plastic, we will have to be able to do something with extra material that we can not use, both Solid and Biological waste (yes, the poo stops here!), as well as medical waste and perhaps nuclear waste as well, depending on how a future Station is powered.  Outside of making as much as we can to be recyclable, one should think about standardization items were we can too. I need this here, but can also use it over there, sort of thing.   One standard size box of nuts and bolts, as compared to dozen dozens of boxes of different sizes.  Not everything will take the same size of course, but if many things are it would cut down on storage and things might be more interchangeable. This pump can work here, but it can also work here...this pump is no longer good, but we can salvage parts from it and reduce scrap/junk, etc.

We can't ship our excess back to Earth, so this is something we would have to deal with on a Station.

~Tal

Namaste, Asgardians!

My topic for today is why we need a place like Asgardia.  Warning, I might get controversial here. Your comments are always welcome, I just ask that you keep them civil!  This is a dialog and friendly discussion.

As most of us know, this world is in a major crisis. We have two idiots, one in Washington and one in Pyongyang, threatening to blow each other up with Nuclear Weapons, we have extremist terrorist groups (that do not reflect the peace loving people of the same religions -- these extremists are hate mongers and pretty dictators), wars, droughts, disasters and climate change.

Greed, Hate, Stupidity, Intolerance and Power, are literally killing Humanity!

Now, more than ever, a concept such as Asgardia is sorely needed!  Even if it takes another hundred years before we are living in space, the concept, the idea and Core beliefs the Asgardia are very much in need on this Planet!  Over 100,000 of us; from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and beliefs, have said, "NO!, this can not go on as it has been!" We are saying that right here and right now we refuse to let Hate and Fear, Intolerance and Bullying rule our lives! No one is above me and no one is below me!  We are equals , striving for the good of everyone !  We, the people of the Earth, united , are fed up with this nonsense! So, we are forming a new Nation and if you are lucky, we might take you with us!

I always thought that perhaps I was strange. I don't hate anyone, I never have. I don't care where you're from, the language you speak, the color of your skin, your culture or whether you are LGBTQIA!  Nope, I don't. What I ask myself when I meet a person is, are they kind?  Are they compassionate? Do they have a sense of humor? Do they try to help others? Do they stand up for what is right, just and fair? That's my measuring stick.  Be nice to me, and I will be nice to you.  Instead of getting all upset, learn!  Example: I am fascinated with Japan and their culture! It is very different from my own. None the less, I would love to learn more about the Japanese people!  I am an anime fan, like some of there foods ... might try some others ... nope. lol If I visited a Shinto Shrine, I would be respectful, I think they are beautiful and I wouldn't dream of offending my Japanese friends!  That is how it should be. Learn about each other. Do not be offend when a tourist does something you find offensive. Politely tell them what is wrong and I am sure they will apologize! Help out a tourist when they are trying to pay for something and don't understand the currency! Be courteous!

We need to all shake hands and smile, not build stupid walls and say you stay over there and we will stay over here!  It will take all of us if we are ever to build an new and better world!  If you want to hate on someone ... here I am, take your best shot!  I am: Female, a lesbian/asexual, a Druid Bard.  Hate all you want, I have heard it all before!  But instead, I would rather you use these labels: She is helpful, caring, compassionate, trustworthy, loyal, and funny!  Oh, look, she has similar hobbies!  she writes, she sings, she is a P!nk fan ;-), she like RPG games, she reads, she loves music, she loves growing things, she is and information junkie and love to learn, and she loves travel!  Yes, I would much rather you think of me in those terms .  I am a nice person, all you have to do, is get to know me.  I am equally sure, my Reader, that you are a nice person too!  I just have to get to know you.

~Tal

Namaste, fellow Asgardians!

I should be getting a percentage or royalty for all these ideas!

As we know, Earth does not have the Resources for such a massive project as the Space Station and Colonies that we are envisioning! We have done enough damage to Earth as it is!  So, here is another idea and future Asgardian job!  Space mining!

The Asteroid Belt is full material from with we might extract building materials, which would make us independent of Earth, and give Asgardia a Trade good with Earth!

First, would be sending out a Refinery ship with a crew and return Hauler ship.  The Refinery ship should also have a small fleet of those Space Tugs I mentioned earlier.  Like prospectors of old, find an asteroid with minerals or gems and then use the Tugs to maneuver it back to the refinery. Break it up and sort the materials (even the dust might be good for making concrete (I hate waste!)) Gems to one side and metal baring rocks to a smelter.  Once the materials are made into ingots or whatever; then they would be loaded on the Hauler that takes the mining crew back on rotation.  The Goods are distributed where needed. A Mars colony, the Moon our Stations and Work Yard (for building ships and more Stations!) The rest could be sold to Earth at fair prices.  Most likely we will have a monopoly on such recourses until the rest of Mankind catches up to us!  Once the Hauler is emptied and new mining crew boards with supplies going back out to the Refinery.

I love Earth, but would not like to see us dependent on the governments and corporations of this world!  Otherwise space would become like Earth, the rich, power corporations rule and the governments of Earth could attempt to dictate to us how we live.  Not to mention, right now the governments and corporations could dictate or extort monetarily us for the materials we need.

There is wealth out there... if we just go get it!

~Tal

Namaste, Asgardians!

It is no surprise when I say that Space is a dangerous place!  A future job on Asgardia Station, might well be a Telepresence Operator, such as in my picture. Let's face it, the Space station or stations we envision are massive in scope!  We are not talking about something the size of the International Space Station, but rather, a miniature world! Robots and Space Tugs with human operators can assemble Asgardia Station on the outside and in other dangerous areas, such as a decompressed area that needs repairs.

Tele-operated Space tugs can be used to move larger panels into place, move cargo in a cargo bay, as emergency rescue pods for Space walkers and as perhaps a means to deflect/push meteors away from Earth.

Beyond Asgardia Station, such technology would be useful in setting up colonies on the Moon, Mars and in mining the Asteroid Belt for building materials.

Thoughts?  Ideas?

Namaste!

As a writer, I picture things in my head, twist, poke and prod them, and then try to put ideas on paper (or Blogs).  So, at the moment I am musing on what communications will be like on a future Station.  Bare in mind, I am not an expert!

So, one:  You would need 2 or 3 dedicated systems with backups.

A) Civilian: Internet, Tv/Video, email, phone(or whatever the means is to reach out to others).

B) Station: Only for Station systems with many redundancies and safeguards with very limited access.

C) Government?

So you are sitting in the living area of your apartment/housing unit and you want to contact someone. is it a monitor on the wall that you just speak to? "Call Ivan", Ivan is on my friends list, so it calls him. Nice, but what if you are watching an Asgardia Now newscast?  A wrist phone/cell phone or something like a HUD display?  I have seen these thin phones/displays that are flexible enough to wrap around your wrist.  That would be nice and practical.  If you had to suit up quickly, it would not interfere.  Also, practical if you are at work on the station or shopping, etc.  There is no reason why there wouldn't be some version of the internet or cellular service.  If you add satellites, then you could phone Earth!

Station, would have to have it's own carefully monitored system, with redundancies! A closed system that only the technicians can access.  We want the air to keep circulating! lol  We also don't want people getting into or having access to that system for a verity of reasons.  The information should go to a command center and a back up center and locations where you enter for repairs should have security (which should take into an account if the repair person is in a space suit.).  As afar as I am concerned, you could not have enough backs ups to this Station system, as everyone's lives depend on if it is functioning correctly.

Government/banking and emergency communications: There would be things you don't want to be hacked, such as the Bank of Asgardia and Elections/Voting.  Somethings the citizens need access to, such as bills and petitions, voting records of members of Parliament, official news. And then a few, with access to emergency communications in case something serious happens and the other systems are out.

These are just a few of my current idle thoughts. A potential platform to build on.  Certainly not anything technical!

Does anyone else have any visions of future communications?  Both on Station and to send back to Earth?

~Tal

Namaste!

This article is for the Ladies of Asgardia. ;-)

After reading the Chronicle article on the Women of Asgardia being a major minority at the moment, I decided to create a Forum topic area under General Topics, for the Ladies. It is entitled "The Women of Asgardia".  Hopefully it will be a gathering place where the Ladies can post their viewpoints and ideas collectively.  It is crucial that we Ladies are heard from in the shaping of this Nation!  So speak your mind!!

~Tal

Namaste and Good morning, Fellow Asgardians!

It is 9 am, EDT, this first day of Autumn. The sunrise was gorgeous here. The birds were singing and everything was alight with golden color hues.  I sit here, sipping my almost ever present cup of tea, with a plate of fresh baked scones at my side.  A beautiful day filled with so many possibilities!  What shall I do today?

So far, the plan is to read my emails and respond, check in here at Asgardia and set my phone for Asgardian messages, so I know if someone here is trying to reach me.  Later, I am suppose to be interviewed by the Civic Department of Asgardia about volunteering. No doubt I will have tons of Facebook chatter and text messages to sort through too! lol  For an introvert, I am somewhat of a social butterfly!  lol

But in this moment, while I am looking out on this new day, with the leaves on the trees and birds flying in the blue cloudless sky, why space?  Why give up the beauty of this Earth to go out into the Great Beyond?  A difficult question for me. I am a Druid Bard, so Nature is a big part of my world view. I believe in a Higher Power or Divine Creator in whatever form or name this Holy One wishes. The short version is I believe in love and compassion for ALL creation, from humans to trees! ;-)  this having been said, why would someone like me, dream of space?

I believe is our inheritant "Manifest Destiny".  We are Beings that create, wonder and explore.  For me, I have to expand my Viewpoint from a Global one, to a Universal one!  Wow! That is a little hard to take in! the Creator created the Universe and we are mere custodians of this gift. So, in my Viewpoint I am not only a custodians for this world, but for other worlds, ecosystems, and Beings/creatures we may meet along the way!  So, while I hope there are Green places on Asgardia Station when it comes into being and Earth is where my heart is, I will have to be a voice (which is what a Bard does...) for all worlds!

Like a Bard of old, I put the stories, Truths and experiences of people into Tales or Chronicles.  This is "my" journey and what happened along the way.  This is "my" life, from my viewpoint.  Everyone's story is valid. Their viewpoint, is valid. Their feelings, are valid.  That is why I joined Asgardia. It gave me HOPE in finding like minded individuals and maybe save Humanity.  I am sure we won't always agree on things. We have different views, feelings and things we believe are important.  That is okay, we are human.  But what we need to learn, is patience, compassion to go with our passion and the art of listening and having dialogs.

As for my mornings with my tea and beautiful sunrises; if I were on the Station, I would settle for a bench by a window, and watch the sunrise over the Earth. I understand that is breathtaking too!

~Tal

Namaste!

I was just reading an interesting article in the Chronicles, stating that only about 15% of Asgardians are women! For me, this brings up a major concern.  As part of that 15%, I am a bit about having women involved and represented in the decision making process of shaping our new Nation!

There is a famous saying: "If women ruled the World, there would be peace".  While I am not sure how actuate that saying is, I can say that our thoughts, ideas, passion and compassion, are vital to a strong, healthy Nation!  We need to be fairly represented!

~Tal

Namaste, Friends!

While gathering new friends, I noticed how many different languages are being spoken.  Some, like myself, only speak our native language.  I want to know what everyone thinks and what they are saying! Wouldn't it be helpful if we could have some kind of Translation Application on this website?  Just a though...

~Tal

Namaste, Friends!

Because we are all Asgardians we signed on this adventure because we strongly believe in the Core values of Asgardia and in saving Humanity by offering a different way of life.  A one in which Mankind "Grows up" and stops acting like bullies in a school yard and more like the caring and compassionate people that we are destined to be!

In that regard, Asgardia is a beacon for Mankind to follow into Space. It is my hope, that we set a shinning example for the whole Earth.

How?

Not everyone has leadership skills.  Not everyone is a genius.  Not everyone has money to fund projects.

However, we all appear to have some social networking skills, otherwise we would never have found and sign aboard this Odyssey!

Me? I am running as a Debutant candidate and I have volunteered by sending an email to: volunteers@asgardia.space , my interview is tomorrow...wish me luck!  But the other thing that everyone can do, make friends!  I strongly encourage that!

So far on my own journey, I have made several new friends.  Just be respectful and civil. Have fun !!  Hit me up with a friend request!  I love hearing about other cultures!  It is a fascinating world we have! Tell me about yourself! Your city/town/village!

A Little about Talamon/Tal/Carol:

I am a Tea fanatic!  Jasmine Green tea is my favorite!

I love sweet wines and am always looking for a good recommendation.

I sing -- I have a deep contra-Alto voice.

One of my hobbies is writing Science Fiction/Fantasy novels. Not published yet, but I write for the fun of it! lol

I like to Role-play on Fantasy Boards and have been a Global Moderator and a Regular (See Anime League -- I am "The ShadowBard" )  I have left Anime League now, but some of my writings are still there.

I am an avid Reader and former Library Aide.

Avid information junkie.  I use to work a Research Desk in a Library and I hope that Asgardia creates a virtual Library...I would volunteer in a heartbeat to run that!!  I recommend the Follet Library system. It is very user friendly!

I live in Jamestown, NY, USA, which is the Hometown of Lucille Ball!  And I am 20 miles away from Chautauqua Institution (which is online).  Chautauqua Institution is much like Asgardia. People come together there in the Summer and discus a verity of topics.  Most of the major religions have Houses on the Grounds. And guess what? There has never been a single incident of violence!  Imagine that!  lol ;-)

Well, that is enough about me for the moment! lol  I am good natured, love to learn and have fun.  If Asgardia Station was up and had a Concourse with businesses...I would have a little tea shop...I like to bake and can make awesome scones! ;-)

Have a great day and thank you to all my new friends!  It is heartwarming to have so many respond! :)

~Tal

Namaste!

I am not sure if anyone has viewed my candidacy post or not.  If not, please look it up and read it.  I am running as a Debutant candidate and would appreciate your vote! If elected, I would do everything in my power to protect my follow citizen's rights and push towards the goal of becoming a recognized Space Nation.  I will not make wide promises that I can not keep.  I will, however, listen and do the best I can for the majority of our people.  I will stand, resolute and not bow to pressure.  I know, I will not be able to please everyone, but I will try my utmost to represent as many of you as I can!

If you are reading my blogs and like what I say, please, please look up my candidacy post and vote for me!  I still need my 10 votes!  Thank you!

~Tal

PS: Look to the left, Where it says: "Local Candidates". Go to the bottom of that list, select: "See All". Next, choose the tab, "Debutants".   I should be at the bottom of page 2.   Again, thank you for voting!!

Namaste!

Everyone wants to help Asgardia become a Nation, right?  This takes work and dedication.  As you know, I am a Debutant candidate.  Since I do not seem to be racking up votes, I went looking for something else I might help out with!  I found it!

Take a moment and look around. See if there is something you might be able to do for Asgardia!  If you would like to volunteer for something, here is what you do:

Put together a brief resume, explain how you think you can help Asgardia and then email it :

volunteers@asgardia.space

I did!  I am just waiting to hear back to see if they accept my offer or not.  If you think you have something to offer our fledgling Nation....VOLUNTEER!

~Tal

Greetings, everyone!

I just want to say "Hello", to my new friends who sent me friend requests!  I am very happy to meet you and hope that we will have many friendly discussions! I love hearing peoples ideas, hope and dreams!

For anyone else reading my little blog... if you like what I am saying, shoot me a friend request! Don't be shy!!  I love talking to people! :-)  All are Welcome at my Blog!

Will creating a new Nation be easy? No. It will take hard work and yes, some compromise. We are a collective of individuals and each of us have our own ideas and hopes.  I want to be a hard working person who serves the greater community.  I will not compromise on things that matter. I will keep faith with the Core Values of Asgardia. I will keep faith with you! I will listen to your concerns. You may reply to any of my blogs.  I actually WANT to hear from you!  All I ask is that you remain civil, other than that....please let me know what is on your mind.  If you vote for me, I need to know you and what your concerns are, so that you may be heard.

Carol Lynn Lockhart, Talamon

"Tal"

Namaste, everyone!

I see that things are moving forward. National Symbols have been voted on and final selection will be made by Parliament.  I like the selection to our National Anthem. I find it moving and a reflection of what we all hope to achieve.  The Flag, well it wasn't my choice, but I will bow to the will of the people.  I was hoping it might be more stately looking. As I understand it, now that the people voted on the National symbols, they will go before Parliament and the final selection will be made there.

What is the next hurdle? The election of representatives to Parliament.  This is crucial. The people you elect to represent YOU, will be those who will mold this new Nation.  Your votes for various candidates should be carefully considered.  We can not and must not have a government that is reminiscent of terrestrial governments.  Just take a look around, terrestrial governments. We need an inclusive government where every citizen is equal. Where justice and equality is for everyone. Not big money or corporations.

I am a debutant candidate and I would be honored to serve you to the best of my ability.  I would try my best to set our new government up so that every citizen is treated as fairly as possible.  Whether they are a member of Parliament, or a scientist/astronaut, or someone with a little tea shop on the Station's Concourse. I don't want to be rich. I would like to be that person with that little tea shop and a nice place to live.  But being a citizen also has responsibilities that come with the title: Asgardian. One should be humble and serve their fellow citizens to they fullest.  That is why I am a debutant candidate. Not for riches, not for power to shove people around and not even for fame.  I just want this bold endeavor a hundred or two hundred years from now, to succeed! I want the people of Earth to look to the stars and WANT to apply for visas  and citizenship. For the future to see that humanity can rise above pettiness, hate and greed.

It has long been my belief that there is a nobility in Mankind.  We, all of humanity, have so much untapped potential!  If we all came together, the things we could accomplish would be astounding! There are teenagers, right now, figuring our how to clean the oceans, how to bring water to drought stricken areas, how to create clean energy!  Alas, no one listens!  Big corporations keep these breakthroughs from  coming to light.  Governments want money from big business, so they look the other way.  Discontent, hate, race, religion, rich/poor....are things the terrestrial  governments use to control the masses.  It has to stop. We have to rise above it all. Religion is fine, so long as you do not preach hate.  Culture is fine, so long as you do not look down on others. Everyone...every last person on this planet, has something to offer. A hand, a dream, a goal.  The man who plants a rose, for the sake of the beauty and joy that it brings others, is just as important, if not more so, than the person who sits in Parliament and never stops to smell the rose.

Before Asgardia came into being, I had very little hope for Mankind.  I could not figure out why there was so much hated and conflict in the world.  I was sure that we were a doomed race. A foolish Race of arrogant people determined to kill ourselves off.  I thought that maybe it would be for the best if Mankind destroyed itself. We CAN NOT take our pettiness, fear and hate into space!! We do not know what we will find out there.  It may take every last one of us to solve a problem that may confront us!  When Asgardia came along... here we are...a bunch of people from all around the Earth, and we are saying: NO!  We will stop the hate, we will strive for the good of ALL Mankind, we will face the future BOLDLY, resolute and determined to not fear what lies ahead, but to grasp all the possibilities that our out there!

I will not fear my Muslim neighbor. I will not fear the Governments. I will not fear those who spout hate filled rhetoric! I will embrace my neighbor, respect my neighbor and stand side by side with my neighbor!  TOGETHER, we can face ANYTHING that space might throw our way, as long as we have courage, determination and each other!

This is what I believe in. I hope you do as well.  I would be honored to serve you all in whatever capacity you wish.  I am here to serve.

Thank you.

~Tal

Day by day the Constitution becomes closer to being ratified. Voting continues on our national symbols and progress is slowly  being made. It is time to start considering what kind of leadership you want and whom you want to help lead you into a peaceful and prosperous future!

I would like to ask you for your vote as a Debutant canidate.  Our next goals are to be recognized by the UN and to continue in matters of space research, development and exploration. I will not make you promises I can not keep. I will endeavor to faithful represent the majority as best I can. I can not please everyone,  but will try my best to represent you  all as fairly as I can!

Thank you for considering my candidacy!

To the Stars, my friends!!

Namaste, fellow Asgardians!

New beginnings are never easy. While reading in the forum the other day, a question was put forward that I would like to address.

What can we do NOW? (My paraphrase )

Obviously, working towards Nationhood and recognition by the UN should be foremost.  Without that, it would be very difficult to move ahead.

But perhaps we can still do something else toward our goals right now.

One of our stated goals is to protect Earth from space borne threats. Conceivably,  we could at this moment work towards building a monitoring system of satellites and space telescopes to scan the solar system for any threats. We could also have a standby rocket equipped with robot drones that could push a deadly asteroid away from Earth. Mankind currently has the technology to do this.

I also believe that once Nationhood is established that we should create embassies where we might be able to coordinate future community and goal planning strategies from.

~Tal

"Will to serve for the future. "

It seems almost overwhelming at times when you consider building a nation from scratch, especially when it is a space going one.

We need to prioritize. First, a presence in space. A foothold as it were.

Second,  a Constitution and perhaps a Bill of Rights, voting in an elected government and the symbols of a nation.

Third, recognition by the UN and other Nations. Which will not be easy!

Fourth,  once we are a Nation, infrastructure, commerce, trade, embassies.

Five, ad Astra. ..to the stars! A space station capable of supporting a very large community in comfort and hopefully,  beauty will cost more to build then most of the countries on the planet have! Logically,  mining the asteroid belt for metal and then manufacturering in space would seem more cost effective. Alas....as much as I wish it were different, this is a very long way in the future.

We are dreams and visionaries. Most likely none of us will live to see a physical Asgardian presence in space.  So what we are actually doing, is trying to provide a solid foundation for future Asgardians who will come after us. It is not glorious and easy. We will struggle, fight the Nation's for our shot and most of us will be lost to the pages of history before Asgardia physically makes it into space.

Therefore,  do not argue  the small stuff. By all means, put it out there for the future to ponder. But let us strive towards Nationhood first, as difficult as that maybe.

~Tal