New Television Series Set to Adapt Asimov’s Foundation Series

Having guided Esterline Power Systems in Los Angeles, Mark Thek is an established Southern California entrepreneur. Among Mark Thek’s passions are math and reading, and he particularly values the insights found in Issac Asimov’s classic 1950s Foundation trilogy, which the science fiction author expanded over the decades through prequels and sequels.

Set to launch in 2021, Apple TV+ is currently working on a 10-episode Foundation mini-series produced by Robyn Asimov, the author's daughter. Like the books, it is set in the future, during the decline of a Galactic Empire that spans much of the Milky Way. The protagonist Hari Seldon is a mathematician and scientist who has created a psychohistory that can predict the future through the study of large populations and their behavior.

An expansive saga spanning 1,000 years, the upcoming series was described in a recent Wired article as realistically articulating the vision of a multi-location epic that, in its novel incarnation, inspired film epics such as Star Wars. One key challenge has been in placing human relationships as a focal point in a plot that involves mathematics as one of the primary avenues in coming up with a solution that will avoid a dark age lasting 30,000 years.

A Brief Biography of Author Isaac Asimov

A graduate of UCLA, Mark Thek earned a master's in physics before launching a career as a physicist and engineer. Since 1995, he has served as president of Esterline Power Systems in Los Angeles. Outside of his professional pursuits, Mark Thek spends his free time reading, counting the works of Isaac Asimov among his favorites. 

The author of hundreds of books, Isaac Asimov was one of the most prolific and influential science fiction writers of all time. Born in Russia in 1920, Asimov and his family immigrated to the United States when he was 3 years old. Asimov enjoyed writing from an early age, and his first story was published in 1939. His first success came two years later with the publication of Nightfall, which is still regarded by some as the best science fiction short story ever written. 

Asimov studied chemistry at Columbia University while enjoying early success as a writer. In the early '40s, he worked as a chemist for a few years before returning to school and earning a PhD in 1948. Asimov published his first novel, Pebble in the Sky, in 1950, and his highly regarded Foundation series from 1951-53. Though he accepted an associate professorship at Boston University in 1995, he gave up teaching in 1958 to pursue writing full time. 

In addition to his Foundation trilogy, some of Asimov's most well-known fictional works include I, Robot; The Stars, Like Dust; Fantastic Voyage; and The Robots of Dawn. Prior to his death in 1992, he also wrote many nonfiction works in a variety of areas, including mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, physics, history, and literature.

Three California Ski and Snowboard Resorts to Visit in 2019

An experienced engineer with more than 35 years of experience, Mark Thek is the president of Esterline Power Systems, which is based in Los Angeles, California. Mark Thek is also a published author. His book Quantification of Human Emotion outlines methods for measuring human emotion. Beyond his professional activities, Mark Thek has numerous hobbies and interests, including a dedication to snowboarding.

Ski and snow resorts throughout California offer a mix of tradition and innovation in 2019. Here are three spots to consider visiting this year:

1. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. This internationally-famous resort located near Lake Tahoe underwent a $1.4 million renovation in 2018 centering on sustainability efforts to continue to protect the region in which it was located. The resort also added new snowboard and ski school programs.

2. Kirkwood Mountain Resort. With top-quality snow from the locally-famous K Factor effect, this resort is especially ideal for skiers and snowboarders at the top of their game. Its steep ridgeline known as "the wall" is perfect for catching some air.

3. Northstar California. With daily Champagne toasts, the iconic Lake Tahoe resort was already a top luxury destination for families. Recent updates, like a new al fresco bar and fire pits at the kids' play zone, take it to new heights.

New Study Links Genetic Variation With Happiness and Depression

Based in Southern California, Mark Thek guides Esterline Power Systems and offers innovation-driven solutions in the electrical power distribution sphere. Reflecting a background in science and math, Mark Thek is presently working toward completion of the book The Quantification of Human Emotion. He has an interest in defining the range of emotions and psychological states that people experience, which have traditionally been challenging to concretely quantify. New research, though, is finding that genetic factors may represent a clue.

As reported in Futurism, an international team led by Baylor College of Medicine researchers has recently completed genomic data research spanning nearly 300,000 people. The focus is on uncovering the genomic data linked to specific feelings, including happiness and well-being, as well as neuroticism and depression.

Past studies have indicated that the individual differences in perceptions of well-being might reflect genetic predispositions just as environmental and psychosocial aspects of life are said to do. With maintaining a sense of happiness is tied to physical and mental health, the genetic connection has a significant potential impact in defining approaches to help people reach psychological equilibrium.

The recent study found a trio of genetic variants associated with subjective perceptions of well-being. In addition, 11 genetic variants were tied to neuroticism, and a pair of gene variations was linked with depressive symptoms. These genetic overlaps with states of mind that can be challenging to pin down were described as representing a “breakthrough” and opening up new pathways of research.

Hand Vein Thermography as a Pathway For Analyzing Emotion

Mark Thek is a Southern California entrepreneur who guides Esterline Power Systems as it provides innovative electrical power distribution solutions. His hobbies include a longstanding interest in mathematics and physics. Mark Thek also is working on the book, “The Quantification of Human Emotion.”

Analyzing human emotions through sensors is a topic of current scientific research, with hand vein thermography serving as one promising pathway. This approach involves measuring hand micro-perspirations and sweat, as exhibited by skin temperature patterns. Measurements are undertaken without actually touching the skin through thermograms, or pictorial representations of the hand’s heat radiation patterns.

The infrared camera used picks up minute aspects of temperature distribution changes, with a focus on skin tissue that contains veins and has a temperature gradient. Though this technique is an efficient way to measure emotion, it does suffer from two shortcomings: It is difficult to conduct in uncontrolled environments, where other sources of heat are present, and infrared sensors are very expensive.

Best Surfing Spots in and near Los Angeles

Mark Thek, the president of Esterline Power Systems, enjoys surfing in his free time. As a resident of Los Angeles, California, Mark Thek lives in close proximity to a number of well-regarded surfing spots. According to local experts, some of the best surfing areas include the following:

1. Zuma Beach. Extending for nearly two miles in northern Malibu, Zuma Beach offers numerous waves ideal for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Zuma stands out from the majority of beaches in the Los Angeles area because surfers can enjoy clear waters and quality swells year-round.

2. Topanga Beach. This spot gives surfers the option to choose from diverse ride lengths, given the mix of rocky and sandy terrain. Also located in Malibu, Topanga Beach lacks the crowds of other local destinations, but still remains popular among serious surfers.

3. Venice Beach. Venice Beach offers welcoming conditions for surfers of any level. Individuals looking for the beach’s best swells should make their way to the area between the Santa Monica and Venice piers where they will find the famous Venice Breakwater.