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Post by Count Zero on Mar 20, 2011 21:10:36 GMT -4
Excellent work! I hadn't known where to find archival satellite weather photos from that far back. I especially liked the way you integrated the sat photo with the Apollo pic.
Perhaps we can merge this with the other thread so that it all stays sticky at the top?
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Post by Count Zero on Mar 9, 2011 4:38:41 GMT -4
Well, thank you for the condescension, Wade. If you had asked, instead of lashing-out, I would have happy to tell you that my name is Richard Rather, and that I am US Navy vet with combat experience. That's not important. This is: But somebody who does not even use their real name does not get to credibly challenge Brian’s courage. You admirably lept to the defense of Dr. O'Leary; perhaps because he is your friend, or you admire his accomplishments, or because you had facts to refute what you perceived as an insult, or (probably) all three. You knew (and know) in your heart and in your mind that it was the right thing to do. You Took a Stand. The Hoax proponents challenge the integrity, honesty and courage of admirable people who risked more, and accomplished greater things than you, I or Dr. O'Leary ever have or ever will. Whatever Brian's personal feelings for Slayton, Shepard and the rest, they are no less deserving of a vigorous, fact-based defense. So, he regrets getting involved in this discussion (and I can't say that I blame him, under the circumstances), but tough - too bad. Even though he would "...like to be relieved of the responsibility for having a strong polarized position," he is a public figure. Like it or not, he consented to an interview in which he was asked to give his informed opinion, and he is accountable for his words. The Rubicon has been crossed. Dr. O'Leary wrote of "the greater responsibility we have as a civilization," and wanting to "...carry on with my own work rather than address issues relating to past events." Brian wants to change the world. He wants to stir people up, rally the public and government and show them that when science and engineering are harnessed for peaceful means, we really can change the world, inspire people and reap untold benefits (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). The debate over the reality of Apollo is not an academic quibble over footnotes in history. Apollo is the ultimate example of government, popular will, science and engineering coming together to achieve the seemingly impossible. How many times in your life have you heard the question, "If we can land a man on the moon, why can't we _______?" Defending Apollo is integral to the causes that Dr. O'Leary has dedicated himself to. It is not history; it is about the here-and-now and about inpiring people to create a better future. This is his fight, and I am astonished that he does not see this. Which brings me to the point of this post, and my previous one. Wade, I understand your awkward position as the middle-man in this, and I appreciate you taking on this burden, especially considering your mixed feelings and unhappiness about his position. But I would like to implore you once again to try to change his mind. Whether he likes it or not, whether he wants it or not, whether he knows it or not, he is involved in this debate. As a public figure, his word carries weight. Weighing-in may be uncomfortable, but it will lend support to the causes he champions. He needs to Take a Stand. Please help. Respectfully, Rick
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Post by Count Zero on Mar 8, 2011 22:22:37 GMT -4
I am disappointed in him.
His "final word" is nothing but waffling and dodging.
He says he wants to "focus on what we need to do NOW about our pressing global problems..." but many of the problems he cites are rooted in the anti-science movement for which the Apollo Hoax has been a gateway issue for many people.
As a "competent scientist", he has a duty to go with the evidence. By taking an agnostic position, he is effectively giving the same weight to unsubstantiated hear-say that he is to the massive historical record.
His statement that he has' "...chosen not to take the time to do the research needed to form an authoritative opinion." is nothing but a cop-out. The rest of us here on ApolloHoax hold-down jobs and have commitments, too. The time it takes to reach this particular issue is not onerous.
If he is really so determined to save the world, he's going to need to find the courage to stand-up to the manipulative and self-aggrandizing demagogues who subvert the scientific process and who lead people to make & support policy based on who shouts loudest, rather than on reasoned consideration of the facts.
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Post by Count Zero on Mar 4, 2011 13:32:49 GMT -4
I'd been expecting someone to chime-in with the "Let's Enhance" montage, but Chew's "Red Dwarf" clip put it over the top!
I can only add:
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Post by Count Zero on Mar 3, 2011 2:39:26 GMT -4
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Post by Count Zero on Mar 1, 2011 21:40:41 GMT -4
Secondly, do you need to put a man on the moon for there to be a laser reflector on the moon? My response is no. Unmanned probes Magic fairies on flying unicorns can do the job. Fixed that for you. Do you realy not see the contradiction in your position? You say that the veracity of something for which there is a mountain of documentary evidence should be questioned because you can come up with an alternative explanation for which there is no evidence whatsoever?. So, everyone else should give unimpeachable evidence for their position, but you don't need to provide anything but unsupported conjecture to support your side? Sorry - You don't get a "free pass" at the expense of people who have accomplished so much.
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 23, 2011 10:53:54 GMT -4
The day I left New Zealand, there was a lahar on Mt. Ruapehu. The day my mom left, Christchurch had this earthquake. At first I thought that maybe my family shouldn't visit New Zealand - But then I realized that we just shouldn't leave New Zealand. Obscure?
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 23, 2011 3:32:06 GMT -4
He lives near Wellington, on the North Island - well away from the affected area.
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 22, 2011 15:47:12 GMT -4
My wife is in tears, looking at the pictures. We were quite captivated by the city when we were there four years ago. My mother was there less than a week ago. We worry about our friends there.
Our condolencess to those who are directly affected, and our hearts go out to all Kiwis who feel the loss of this treasure of the South Island.
"My words are inadequate to the burden of my heart."
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 21, 2011 13:36:59 GMT -4
Now THAT's a seagull. Thanks for the demo, Inconceivable.
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 20, 2011 21:50:18 GMT -4
I wouldn't mind being attacked by Sara Douglas.
Actually, I'm not into horror movies, but I like the looks of this one. Although some things have to pass with a wink (secret Saturn V launch, in-LM video, etc.), it looks like they did a good bit of research on the actual records to get the "look" right. Most people don't know that LK even existed, so they win some points right there.
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 20, 2011 21:42:20 GMT -4
So what? At least he stood up to be counted.
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 20, 2011 21:40:15 GMT -4
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Post by Count Zero on Feb 11, 2011 11:28:17 GMT -4
I remember that one! Can't recall the name, but the ending was awesome. Orbital dynamics for the win!
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Post by Count Zero on Jan 31, 2011 12:11:52 GMT -4
Dr. Leopold Strabismus?
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