General Discussion

a geek named Bob

(2,715 posts)

9. Let us gather 'round the heat of a fuming Neo-con (as he comtemplates FOUR MORE YEARS)...

Sun Aug 26, 2012, 06:57 PM

Aug 2012

and I'll tell you a story.

Down in the land of VERY rural maryland, my wife and I were living quietly in a sleepy little town.

When I get bored, I build. After building a wind tunnel (which the neighbors brought out the lawn chairs to watch), I started work on some (relatively) small "model" rockets.

A friend of mine was over at my house, working on his car. For some reason, he didn't bother to read the sign on a barrel that read:

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE!
NO HYDROCARBONS!

He walked into the storage shed, opened the barrel, and dumped his oily rags in.

Needless to say, the original contents weren't happy. The shed "went away."

I had a long talk with the local police that day. (They only thought I was trying to make moonshine.)
The talk with the ATF was more problematic. (they were wondering about explosives.)

The upshot was, the locals asked me to be more careful, and the ATF stated it wasn't there problem.

Did I mention that I want to play with 40 foot model rockets?

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We should have been colonizing the solar system by now. [View all] Odin2005 Aug 2012 OP

we can't clothe the naked. feed the hungry, comfort and support the widow. xchrom Aug 2012 #1

There is plenty money to go around. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #2

Sure we can. What Odin's talking about is couch-cushion stuff compared to the defense budget. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #3

perhaps taking me too literally? xchrom Aug 2012 #5

Assuming it's one or the other is silly. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #6

Agree with you in general but right now we have accomplished neither. randome Aug 2012 #8

That's assuming it's one or the other, which remains silly. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #16

NASA has made advances towards all those things Nevernose Aug 2012 #47

It bugs me how few people get how miniscule NASA's budget is. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #60

It's part of a piece of rhetoric a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #137

+1,000,000,000,000 Odin2005 Aug 2012 #138

1 Trillion??? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #141

Heh, there is that, yeah. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #140

I usually figure a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #146

They are the "small minds" I hate. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #174

to them... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #185

That reminds me of an old saying: Odin2005 Aug 2012 #200

interesting... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #206

And is why the popularity of the Kardashians is depressing. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #213

I don't envision ever getting in touch with them a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #217

Huh? Keefer Aug 2012 #247

Made perfect sense to me... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #413

that is good stuff.....any idea who said it? navarth Aug 2012 #694

The reason we're not colonizing the planets is because Michael Moorcock and Samuel R. Delany klook Aug 2012 #353

nice try a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #355

Doc Smith and Judith Merril Fist Fight in Heaven klook Aug 2012 #377

klook a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #382

"Consies," they were called klook Aug 2012 #398

Defeatig republicans a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #399

This is really fascinating to me navarth Aug 2012 #699

Thanks! klook Aug 2012 #722

hmmm... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #732

Hey, Navarth -- klook Aug 2012 #734

klook a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #742

wonderful, wonderful. thank you so much navarth Aug 2012 #743

Silverberg a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #747

wow. navarth Aug 2012 #762

SF seems to generate a new label every 5 or so years a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #765

That list really knocked me out.... navarth Aug 2012 #764

Wall Street executive bonuses are 1% of the US economy, about $150 billion krispos42 Aug 2012 #737

Quoting the late, great Bill Hicks: LongTomH Aug 2012 #72

Hicks was a fucking genius! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #73

Thank you. Nt xchrom Aug 2012 #75

Beautiful sentiment but unilateral disarmament doesn't work. Sorry. nt. Bernardo de La Paz Aug 2012 #90

We could cut our military 90% without getting close to "unilateral disarmament" hunter Aug 2012 #115

I don't know about 90%, but I agree that a huge amount could be cut. 50%? Bernardo de La Paz Aug 2012 #120

If we modernized and implemented General Butler's plan for an actual Dept. of Defense Egalitarian Thug Aug 2012 #341

How many times has the United States been attacked in its entire history? Hugabear Aug 2012 #796

so? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #801

One of the key words that shouldn't be overlooked there... drokhole Aug 2012 #339

That's pretty much... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #357

Only fools and knaves can't discriminate between "drugs"... drokhole Aug 2012 #383

yup... okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #386

Tell Francis Crick to "go learn some science". EOTE Aug 2012 #490

oh boy... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #491

Whether someone "had a vision" or not would not be a factor in whether I trusted their design or not EOTE Aug 2012 #494

No, I'm a victim a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #513

For a fan of science, you think in an incredibly UNscientific manner. EOTE Aug 2012 #521

okay then... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #530

Once again, you think that anecdotes are science. EOTE Aug 2012 #617

Don't flatter yourself... drokhole Aug 2012 #619

Very interesting post. That TED talk is amazing. EOTE Aug 2012 #664

Actually... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #526

Talking to yourself now? EOTE Aug 2012 #618

If you aren't listening, why did you respond? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #630

Still refusing to address any salient points? EOTE Aug 2012 #631

sigh a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #632

So apparently you think anti-drug propaganda is observable fact. EOTE Aug 2012 #663

Wow a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #670

So, are you going to provide any proof for the urban legends you've been touting as fact? EOTE Aug 2012 #681

I posted 3 sources from NIH a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #687

You posted three sources from the NIH which had NOTHING to do with our discussion. That's called a EOTE Aug 2012 #692

Wow a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #697

Once again, they had NOTHING to do with our conversation. EOTE Aug 2012 #700

sounds like you can't argue against those articles a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #703

You have absolutely nothing but non-sequitors. Nothing but putting words in my mouth. EOTE Aug 2012 #705

Let me know when you've got a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #708

Are you slow or something? What in those articles is contrary to anything I've said? EOTE Aug 2012 #715

Wow a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #716

More urban legends and refusing to address even the simplest of issues. EOTE Aug 2012 #718

And by the way, thanks for showing how incredibly safe LSD is. EOTE Aug 2012 #688

And your attempts to evangelize are funny a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #690

So that's a big, fat no. EOTE Aug 2012 #695

When you are willing to post FACTS then we can talk a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #701

Your facts are that LSD can cause clinical insanity and that people get strychnine poisoning from EOTE Aug 2012 #704

yup... As I thought a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #707

Why the fuck should I argue against those articles (even though I already have)? EOTE Aug 2012 #709

except... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #711

A few more... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #714

Are these about hemmoroids? EOTE Aug 2012 #719

nope a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #720

So, I guess you gave up on telling me how safe I implied LSD is? EOTE Aug 2012 #721

Hey there buddy a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #726

You have been proven to be a liar numerous times on this thread. EOTE Aug 2012 #739

and thank you for your exit speech a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #741

How safe have I implied LSD is? I can guarantee you won't provide an honest answer to that question EOTE Aug 2012 #717

Dude tama Aug 2012 #746

I'm not sure what "whole-body fears" you're referring to. EOTE Aug 2012 #750

Dude... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #753

Leave me the fuck alone. EOTE Aug 2012 #754

I thought you weren't talking to me... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #756

That's certainly understandable. EOTE Aug 2012 #757

hmmm a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #759

"Grow up" says the creepy stalker who won't stop responding to posts not addressed to him. EOTE Aug 2012 #760

And here a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #763

Fears tama Aug 2012 #761

Sorry, I'm still not very certain to what you're referring. EOTE Aug 2012 #768

Very general level - on purpose tama Aug 2012 #778

I figure that fear a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #779

Yep tama Aug 2012 #780

mind you, most abstract fears a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #782

So, what are you trying to suggest, exactly? EOTE Aug 2012 #781

Art of Persuasion tama Aug 2012 #784

Makes sense, but I wasn't really aiming to convert a mass audience. EOTE Aug 2012 #786

The ego thing tama Aug 2012 #789

I'd love it too. nt Mojorabbit Aug 2012 #606

Considering the number of jobs that space colonization would generate... Zalatix Aug 2012 #95

THAT'S the spirit! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #103

Hell, Curiosity's employed about 4,400 people so far. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #104

Any new facility must have janitors. Zalatix Aug 2012 #111

Definitely - what I meant is I don't know if that number included them or not. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #207

So who starves and goes naked between here and there? xchrom Aug 2012 #105

Who says we do nothing between now and the next rocket that gets built? Zalatix Aug 2012 #110

I wish people... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #121

FAR less, Keefer Aug 2012 #253

My bad. Must be being done. Some where. Not on planet earth. xchrom Aug 2012 #166

That's a false choice of the worst kind. baldguy Aug 2012 #118

To quote SMBC: "Sorry, can't hear you. I only listen to noises that might save babies." DRoseDARs Aug 2012 #173

Cynical but oh so right on. Nt xchrom Aug 2012 #188

We clothe the the poor in space-age fiber. sofa king Aug 2012 #362

I remember reading somewhere about the spin-off payout a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #392

I've seen as low as 8:1 kentauros Aug 2012 #571

huh a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #572

Due to NASA seemingly being the only agency I ever see kentauros Aug 2012 #599

Best. Post. Ever. eqfan592 Aug 2012 #559

Odin... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #4

That last paragraph sounds like a "storytime!" cue. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #7

Let us gather 'round the heat of a fuming Neo-con (as he comtemplates FOUR MORE YEARS)... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #9

Oh, my. Warpy Aug 2012 #13

I've had to re-design the engines a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #17

You could always go with non-orbital kentauros Aug 2012 #122

cool vid! thank you! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #128

You're welcome :) kentauros Aug 2012 #152

whoops! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #154

Who wouldn't? kentauros Aug 2012 #176

I'll stick with this body a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #190

Then you better hope we never find John Varley's Titan kentauros Aug 2012 #194

That book is best read while high. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #209

I can get pretty high meditating. kentauros Aug 2012 #243

I love Pohl's Heechee books! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #205

I haven't read them in a long while. kentauros Aug 2012 #227

"Went away" is the best euphemism when applied to buildings. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #19

Hey! It's a model... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #20

"Went Away" BWAHAHAHAHA!!! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #53

Perhaps I mispoke... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #79

Did you get any height with the shed, or was it mostly arc? n/t jtuck004 Aug 2012 #88

well... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #92

Engineering a shed of unprecedented low density counts for something, right? (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #101

It was (originally) a medium sized red painted a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #109

"It's a little draft, but you can't beat one gram per cubic meter!" (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #203

welll... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #211

Zubrin was actually debunking the "it's too expensive" assumption. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #10

I sat in on one of Zubrin's presentations a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #12

That's a seriously awesome book. eqfan592 Aug 2012 #560

All of his data a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #563

Not while most of the seven billion of us go to bed hungry Warpy Aug 2012 #11

Warpy a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #14

Thanks for proving my point. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #18

Amen. I just found some really cool Gil Scott Heron footage. Check it out. Gregorian Aug 2012 #37

You're absolutely right. PavePusher Aug 2012 #131

False equivalence Warpy Aug 2012 #242

Gee, Warpy a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #350

Try Warpy Aug 2012 #376

Oh jesus a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #379

oh jesus, part two a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #380

All things considered, it would be much easier to colonize Antarctica bhikkhu Aug 2012 #15

A Sagan quote: Odin2005 Aug 2012 #22

I agree, but why ruin Antarctica or the ocean floor? Cleita Aug 2012 #23

Antarctica, yes. The ocean floor... maybe not. cthulu2016 Aug 2012 #63

All those mountain expeditions and ocean voyages.... PavePusher Aug 2012 #157

Why? Cleita Aug 2012 #21

Cleita... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #27

I believe you would. Cleita Aug 2012 #192

The engines I'd choose... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #204

Most of our own planet is uninhabitable by us except for technology. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #29

As somebody who camps a lot in extreme wilderness, Cleita Aug 2012 #34

we know where to get water and shelter on Mars a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #117

You know it's really cold there. So a shelter would have to be more than a lean to. Cleita Aug 2012 #178

Expanded foamed rock should do it a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #277

Somehow, I doubt you go camping buck naked and without supplies. PavePusher Aug 2012 #159

And so I would on Mars, but if all my life support fails and Cleita Aug 2012 #181

And the exact same is true of almost every environment on Earth. PavePusher Aug 2012 #202

I can breathe oxygen just about anywhere on earth except under water. Cleita Aug 2012 #219

All that free air won't do you much good if you are caught unprepared in a blizzard. PavePusher Aug 2012 #228

I'm not against technology. Cleita Aug 2012 #234

I don't want them! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #278

You think we should never have started mining. You are against technology. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #303

I grew up in a mining camp. Cleita Aug 2012 #327

The key difference here a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #358

You do realize how dangerous mining is. Cleita Aug 2012 #424

okay then... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #425

Open pit mining doesn't solve the problem. It also scars the landscape. Go to West Virginia Cleita Aug 2012 #433

are you comparing the appalachians to a Stony type rock??? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #434

You still have to extract the ores and make it into something. Cleita Aug 2012 #447

Solar fractional heating takes care of that a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #464

You talk about solar and yet if you are on an asteriod in the belt, Cleita Aug 2012 #495

The simple version is a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #514

Odin tama Aug 2012 #225

I agree with you. hunter Aug 2012 #133

If humans are either incapable or unwilling to be avebury Aug 2012 #24

I'm sure our primary interest would be in mining any heavenly body out there Cleita Aug 2012 #26

It is most cost-effective to mine asteroids. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #31

Getting things DOWN a gravity well is relatively easy! LongTomH Aug 2012 #77

Ummm, Cleita? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #87

Just another version of the "polluting space" mantra. PavePusher Aug 2012 #163

O c'mon. We don't have a good history of cleaning up after ourselves. Cleita Aug 2012 #187

Cleita... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #198

Perhaps, but really should we be rearranging the Solar System? Cleita Aug 2012 #221

Cleita, I'm always suspicous of the word "should" a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #226

"Let it become an enormous park." Cleita Aug 2012 #231

Cleita a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #233

That could probably be arranged. Send them all to their Libertarian paradise with Cleita Aug 2012 #237

Cleita, a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #241

Are there robots yet in that world? Cleita Aug 2012 #251

sigh a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #279

You can buy kits out in the middle of space? Cleita Aug 2012 #284

ah... humor... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #288

Oh, you just got the humor? I was there all along with the Libertarian paradise meme. Cleita Aug 2012 #290

I just finished a 70 page thesis a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #292

Sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive. n/t Cleita Aug 2012 #294

you weren't a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #298

That reminds me of Asimov's fictional world Solaria in his robot books. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #257

That one, and Caves of Steel are pretty good a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #260

You don't really think we could ever pollute space to any significant degree do you? 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #640

But what about the deadly pollution of the delicate vacuum, by industrial fumes? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #641

60 years ago when I was twelve, I didn't believe we could pollute the earth. Cleita Aug 2012 #642

There are some assumptions there a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #643

60 years ago would be 1952, at which point we had already significantly 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #644

and we've learned a bit since then... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #645

Have we learned not to pollute tama Aug 2012 #650

sigh a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #653

Think tama Aug 2012 #660

alrighty then a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #661

... tama Aug 2012 #662

Okay then a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #672

2) tama Aug 2012 #698

kind of figured a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #702

Thank you for your water, may it grow a life of beauty :) tama Aug 2012 #712

hmmm a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #725

Cool tama Aug 2012 #736

why not bring them with? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #740

Of course. tama Aug 2012 #744

nope a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #745

Ah tama Aug 2012 #748

that I am a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #749

LOL eom tama Aug 2012 #790

You are probably right but the average person didn't know it. Cleita Aug 2012 #651

Uhm I don't know. Cleita Aug 2012 #183

It's not a problem a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #195

Orbital ballistics is an entirely different subject from "little regard to what we leave behind". PavePusher Aug 2012 #197

By that logic a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #28

You cannot really compare the immigration of people to the North avebury Aug 2012 #33

"humans no longer have nobility that is once had" What nonsense. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #40

Amen a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #91

Avebury... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #41

If humans are incapable or unwilling to rid themselves of their avebury Aug 2012 #62

RIIIIIIGHT... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #85

Humans have never been anything like noble. Codeine Aug 2012 #51

This is exactly the misanthropy I mentioned in my OP. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #30

Parochial nonsense. Codeine Aug 2012 #35

I haven't seen that movie... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #42

Avatar was a great movie by James Cameron, he's going to the moon in 2017 bananas Aug 2012 #321

Do you seriously think that if humans had the ability to avebury Aug 2012 #52

Have you seen what the other planets in our solar system look like? Codeine Aug 2012 #64

Movies and TV shows are your source a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #96

Look at the history of humanity - not overwhelmingly positive and avebury Aug 2012 #168

Asteroids are lifeless rocks. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #177

(Bob bows to his honorable opponent) a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #179

Yes, every other planet in the solar system looks like avatar Confusious Aug 2012 #59

Don't expect serious discussion from someone Codeine Aug 2012 #61

Or citing just about any SF these days to do so, for that matter Posteritatis Aug 2012 #66

I just finished a thesis paper on SF a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #98

I hate cyberpunk, and I think cyberpunk tropes are a part of the problem. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #108

Cyberpunk is a terrible, cliched genre Dash87 Aug 2012 #367

One can hope that someday you'll get through Confusious Aug 2012 #71

There are no Na'vi. We're it. We're the only manifestation of intelligent life in the universe. lumberjack_jeff Aug 2012 #394

LOL, Jeff. LOL. =) AverageJoe90 Aug 2012 #669

Well, maybe I'll amend my first opinion a bit. Cleita Aug 2012 #25

O'Neill talked about this a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #32

Easy way to make a space colony: Odin2005 Aug 2012 #36

Odin... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #43

I got the idea from Kim Stanley Robinson's new book "2312" Odin2005 Aug 2012 #49

What color will the sky be? I kid of course, surely it will be fluorescent blue. n/t 2on2u Aug 2012 #67

2312 was a great book; but, I still prefer Gerry O'Neill's designs LongTomH Aug 2012 #82

I was thinking that the asteroid's bulk would keep cosmic rays and solar flares out. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #124

There would be enough leftover asteroid or lunar regolith, plus 'slag' from the refining process.... LongTomH Aug 2012 #134

Cool site, thanks! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #136

We should have bullt these by now..... A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #127

I would kill to live in one with the climate of San Franscisco. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #142

How about we grab a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #149

Too far away from the sun. A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #158

so we build up a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #161

Fair enough. Plenty of silica on the moon as well as nearby asteroids. n/t A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #180

I'm all in. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #189

Gimme another 11 people with some tech skills a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #193

Easily done. A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #150

Heretic a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #144

Under an entirely new set of rules, I would suppose. A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #155

getting paid by the mile would feel pretty good... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #160

Nooooo. A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #172

I Reaaallllly want to a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #182

"Export"?!? A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #215

I like it! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #222

I'm fine with wine. A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #258

at 5 cents per KWH a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #262

That is the fucking craziest shit I have ever seen jsmirman Aug 2012 #273

you could build the mirrors out of thick tin foil, and deisgn the whole thing to a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #280

Google "Lagrangian Point" A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #296

Thank you both for the answers jsmirman Aug 2012 #314

So this would work so long as jsmirman Aug 2012 #316

I'm by no means a mathmatician.... A HERETIC I AM Aug 2012 #320

Argh jsmirman Aug 2012 #340

Great Book a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #359

probably safer than working with the problems a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #102

Ben Bova came up with it before that, but I doubt it was new for him either Occulus Aug 2012 #426

For the world is hollow and I have touched the sky TheKentuckian Aug 2012 #565

great episode! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #567

I'm holding out for a ringworld. kentauros Aug 2012 #145

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #151

Why can't robots do most of the structural work? kentauros Aug 2012 #162

With ladder logic PLC's a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #167

You're a Maker?! kentauros Aug 2012 #191

I am a Maker. Been one all my life... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #201

"Great Maker!" kentauros Aug 2012 #224

LOL a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #229

Then I have a site for you to mine: kentauros Aug 2012 #240

A ringworld would be awesome. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #184

Yeah, but that automated recentering system will burn ya! kentauros Aug 2012 #196

Ringworlds and Dyson Spheres are thousands of years away. LongTomH Aug 2012 #506

Thanks for taking my post literally kentauros Aug 2012 #569

Just make sure to leave spaces for the deserts. Dr. Strange Aug 2012 #713

You need spices kentauros Aug 2012 #723

Okay... I'll say it, if no one else does a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #728

May the Schwarz be with you! kentauros Aug 2012 #731

that works! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #733

Maybe so, but remember... Dr. Strange Aug 2012 #738

hell, we can't colonize earth spanone Aug 2012 #38

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #39

I was floored by those Huygens lander images from Titan. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #45

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #80

OP can't distinguish sci-fi from science. stopbush Aug 2012 #44

So you are calling Robert Zubrin a liar? Odin2005 Aug 2012 #46

Putting a colony on any number of nearby bodies in our solar system Codeine Aug 2012 #48

...Sigh... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #106

Nonsense Liberal_Dog Aug 2012 #132

My HS library was depressingly underfunded Posteritatis Aug 2012 #169

Robert Goddard flew the first liquid-fuel rocket just 22 years after the Wrights' first flight.... friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #439

Robotic exploration is much cheaper and will produce more technical innovation struggle4progress Aug 2012 #50

It's not about "cheaper", and it's not about technological innovation. Codeine Aug 2012 #54

Some time in the eighties, best as I can tell. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #56

Bland, grey, and soulless. Codeine Aug 2012 #69

I'm a fan, and I build a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #139

when history ended (n/t) BOG PERSON Aug 2012 #57

The object of space exploration should be the scientific info we can obtain. That, of course, struggle4progress Aug 2012 #65

All depends on what you count Confusious Aug 2012 #93

ugh no thanks BOG PERSON Aug 2012 #55

I'd go to space in a heartbeat. Codeine Aug 2012 #58

I'll be the guy with the bags of tea a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #129

The Hubbert Hurdle applied to the Fermi Paradox bhikkhu Aug 2012 #68

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #86

Here's my rebuttal of the Paradox: Odin2005 Aug 2012 #97

My response is simply "404" Posteritatis Aug 2012 #99

Oh, I admit that it's just pure speculation on my part! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #113

Yeah, okay. WinkyDink Aug 2012 #70

Don't be so rude... The OP makes some good points. Dash87 Aug 2012 #76

We can't even take care of our own planet. Alduin Aug 2012 #74

The other planets in the solar system are wastelands Confusious Aug 2012 #78

Yes. Alduin Aug 2012 #311

Well then please explain Confusious Aug 2012 #325

Because that's what life does. Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #81

Colonizing Mars means bring it BACK TO LIFE via terraforming. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #89

To my pagan friends, I usually reply a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #107

That's EXACTLY my attitude. We are Gaia's way of reproducing. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #119

Overall... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #125

Exactly. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #126

Easier said than done. Alduin Aug 2012 #309

We only know ours is fucked up Nevernose Aug 2012 #199

yep heaven05 Aug 2012 #83

It's not a matter of technology. It's a matter of will. NYC Liberal Aug 2012 #84

we still only have about a 50/50 record when it comes to landing on Mars Motown_Johnny Aug 2012 #94

We should have been on Mars by now. roamer65 Aug 2012 #100

Agree to Disagree. bvar22 Aug 2012 #112

Attacking? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #114

Nobody is "attacking" anything. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #116

Yeah, I know. bvar22 Aug 2012 #143

...sigh... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #165

The mining will be on asteroids, not Mars. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #171

I find it interesting a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #239

Let's hope they never watch the original Russian movie Solyaris kentauros Aug 2012 #248

SHHHHH!!! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #259

It's the Deep Ecology people. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #261

Being a Pagan Smith a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #263

You can't tama Aug 2012 #364

Given that "logic" a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #369

As I've said tama Aug 2012 #372

Sins of the father? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #375

No tama Aug 2012 #437

hmmm... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #440

So you think if we 'stay home and play nice', your putative Vogons will leave us alone? friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #444

Golden and Silver rule tama Aug 2012 #455

Being as their doesn't seem to be any other intelligent lifeforms in the Solar system... friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #459

Sounds good to me! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #467

"Doesn't seem to be" tama Aug 2012 #470

"Not all populations and cultures behave in that way" How about the Maya and the people of Rapa Nui? friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #446

How about the Maya? tama Aug 2012 #465

Well said! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #471

If you *really* feel that way, I know some people you should talk to: friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #442

The technology is already here to colonize the moon Taverner Aug 2012 #123

We've had the tech since 1939 a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #130

You're crazy. The most important thing in the world is to make rich people richer valerief Aug 2012 #135

Then pass me my straitjacket, and get me my meds a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #147

Time to get drunk and jaded with the rest of us. valerief Aug 2012 #153

I'd rather build a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #156

What if we convince the PTB to build penal colonies in the Kuiper Belt? (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #164

LOL a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #170

Would renaming it Spacestralia and wrapping a cheesy reality show around it draw migrants? (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #175

hmmm a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #186

This subject should TRANSCEND political wrangling! fxmakeupguy Aug 2012 #148

Excellent post! kentauros Aug 2012 #208

WECOME TO DU!!! Odin2005 Aug 2012 #216

If you're starting off with posts like that I sure hope you stick around for awhile! (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #218

Welcome a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #235

For all those people who are sneering at those who are concerned about polluting space, Cleita Aug 2012 #210

I'll continue to sneer at anyone who tries to cite Avatar as evidence in an argument. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #212

So it's a cartoon. Is that your problem? Cleita Aug 2012 #214

My "problem" is that it has zero bearing - none, zip, nada - on any reasonable argument. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #220

Nor should it so why do other people bring it up? Cleita Aug 2012 #223

Cleita a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #232

The Amazon rain forest, a cave environment, and <shudder> Pandora are all Codeine Aug 2012 #236

This is the error people make. Cleita Aug 2012 #245

But an asteroid isn't a cave. Codeine Aug 2012 #249

How do you know? Cleita Aug 2012 #255

Are you seriously trying to argue that airless asteroids are somehow vibrant ecosystems? (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #268

No and I don't know where you get that. Cleita Aug 2012 #274

By that 'logic' we shouldn't be mining anything, anywhere, ever. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #286

That would be fine with me. Cleita Aug 2012 #289

WTF??? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #291

There are other materials to make those things from. Cleita Aug 2012 #330

That's a really stupid thing to say via the Internet. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #300

Please leave. You only want to insult and feel superior to anyone who Cleita Aug 2012 #332

Did you post that with a sustainable, organically-grown computer? friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #448

Of course not. Cleita Aug 2012 #450

So you use advanced technology to sustain life, but prefer others go without? friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #456

Oh Snap! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #472

*FACEPALM* Odin2005 Aug 2012 #306

And you have the chutzpah to post that on the Internet? PavePusher Aug 2012 #335

Why do I have to do that? I am a woman and I know how to spin and weave from Cleita Aug 2012 #338

Cleita a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #349

Actually, it would have to be a communal farming society like the New Stone Agers, the Cleita Aug 2012 #454

If it all broke down a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #460

Living like we did 200 years ago wouldn't be that bad. Cleita Aug 2012 #498

And you'd have have no antibiotics, few vaccines a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #517

Let me make something clear. Cleita Aug 2012 #527

While I like a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #531

I wasn't talking about doing it for hours or even doing it at all. Cleita Aug 2012 #534

hmmm... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #535

Spinning is a high intensity bicycle class in a gym. Cleita Aug 2012 #538

Interesting... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #543

It's not unhip what you do, but many people who have sedentary jobs Cleita Aug 2012 #546

sure... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #548

Oh it's not up to me to do it, but you guys who dream of Cleita Aug 2012 #549

in that case a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #551

Because it will give you the knowledge to fix them in space. Cleita Aug 2012 #553

Nice chatting with you, too a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #555

Gardening communities tama Aug 2012 #496

okay... here we go a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #515

Response tama Aug 2012 #536

Response to response a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #542

... tama Aug 2012 #573

Tama... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #575

Willing I am tama Aug 2012 #591

This is the stuff that makes my blood tingle a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #594

Are you familiar tama Aug 2012 #598

"The land belongs to everyone." How many homeless people stay at your place? friendly_iconoclast Aug 2012 #449

Me, I stay at their place. I can't offer my benefactors land to anyone can I now? n/t Cleita Aug 2012 #452

Without either, BILLIONS STARVE. Ikonoklast Aug 2012 #342

That is just a conjecture on your part. Cleita Aug 2012 #343

It HAS been tried a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #360

After hunter gatherers, there were farmers in the Stone Age. Cleita Aug 2012 #427

Cleita a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #428

Sorry, it wasn't technology but knowledge. Cleita Aug 2012 #505

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #519

Curanderas/os tama Aug 2012 #595

There is no use explaining that here. Cleita Aug 2012 #603

Who does? :D tama Aug 2012 #605

For that matter... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #430

Terra preta tama Aug 2012 #499

Thanks. I have actually read about it. Cleita Aug 2012 #502

I guessed you might have tama Aug 2012 #509

It likely was a planet a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #272

Avatar was about an earth-like planet. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #238

Nothing is really dead. Cleita Aug 2012 #250

You're venturing rapidly into "don't know what you're talking about" territory with that analogy. nt Posteritatis Aug 2012 #265

Cleita a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #276

Well, when you figure out how to plant a garden, without needed energy sources and Cleita Aug 2012 #293

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #297

You are amazing. drokhole Aug 2012 #345

Is Mars really that dead? Cleita Aug 2012 #275

But it's dead now. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #281

So that means we should go destroy a geological record? Cleita Aug 2012 #282

Terraforming Mars will take a few hundred years. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #285

I don't think you will ever get an atmosphere through terraforming that will Cleita Aug 2012 #493

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #287

You could be no more wrong. NCTraveler Aug 2012 #468

No I don't but frankly I think we really need to examine our footprint and Cleita Aug 2012 #492

You say you didn't have a heater growing up. NCTraveler Aug 2012 #611

My bad. I didn't elaborate that it wasn't an electric or gas heater. I forget that Cleita Aug 2012 #621

I fully understood the implication. You don't understand heater efficiencies. NCTraveler Aug 2012 #622

If it is good for you. Cleita Aug 2012 #623

Cleita, it likely WAS alive a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #283

You keep talking about "polluting space". PavePusher Aug 2012 #331

Then go away and find someone rational enough for you. Cleita Aug 2012 #334

Is there a difference between a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #537

Guessing what you are thinking. Cleita Aug 2012 #541

I don't like intimidation a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #547

Cost of Hubble telescope program over the last THIRTY years = $10 billion jsr Aug 2012 #230

They want to privatize the Space Program. What killed it was the Privatizers. They don't want sabrina 1 Aug 2012 #244

The solar system would beg to differ: coalition_unwilling Aug 2012 #246

Buddha's left nut! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #267

Again, the life on other planets wants us to remain on earth: coalition_unwilling Aug 2012 #370

Coalition... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #371

Health insurance for all = "silly causes." Welcome to my Ignore list. N.B. It's coalition_unwilling Aug 2012 #390

here we go a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #391

Perhaps the space based weapons (in both high and low earth orbit) had priority, Odin2005. bobthedrummer Aug 2012 #252

Robotic probes will be the principal mode of space exploration for the foreseeable future entanglement Aug 2012 #254

All the money or will in the world won't change the fact that we don't know HOW. LeftyMom Aug 2012 #256

We can do it for $30 billion dollars. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #266

We can't do it for $300 billion. Unless we decide the people involved are disposable. LeftyMom Aug 2012 #295

please! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #299

We can discover "how" through innovation. kentauros Aug 2012 #315

Let's send the Republicans to Uranus AnnieBW Aug 2012 #264

+1000 ellisonz Aug 2012 #344

We need to get the country back into realizing the importance of science and exploration. Marrah_G Aug 2012 #269

If we do that a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #270

I agree that if we are going to spend trillions on military hardware, how much Cleita Aug 2012 #271

Yeah, let's spread our hatred and fighting to the stars. Trillo Aug 2012 #301

brilliant "logic" a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #302

We've already fired a missile at the moon. First it was explored, then was used as target practice. Trillo Aug 2012 #363

Oh sweet jeebers a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #368

You guys are so predictable. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #307

Most folks are pretty nice. Trillo Aug 2012 #366

riiight a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #374

Well, I think there is some on that 3rd rock.... guess that eliminates your point #1 Trillo Aug 2012 #396

Trillo a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #397

I'm against that meme tama Aug 2012 #501

You said it yourself. NASA is competing directly with the Pentagon for technology spending. leveymg Aug 2012 #304

I wholly, emphatically agree with your post. David__77 Aug 2012 #305

I'm a Technogaian who think technology and sustainibility go hand an hand. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #310

sigh... as an astrophysicist, I feel the saddest for the irrationally optimistic MStuart Aug 2012 #308

LMAO, people like you in 1950 thought space flight was impossible. Odin2005 Aug 2012 #313

I don't know where you're getting your information from... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #319

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #322

I find it difficult to believe that you are an astrophysicist, kentauros Aug 2012 #323

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #324

Ah, the classic example of a kentauros Aug 2012 #328

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #326

Yeah, but when the fuel runs out, and all forward momentum stops dead, kentauros Aug 2012 #333

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #336

And we can't get to the Indies by sailing west.... n/t PavePusher Aug 2012 #337

When I was in elementary school (1960-66) my dream was to be on the 1st manned mission to Mars... Rowdyboy Aug 2012 #312

Anthropocentric BS Sick of the GOP Aug 2012 #317

Hey Buddy! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #318

This message was self-deleted by its author Warren DeMontague Aug 2012 #329

What Warren said! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #352

Preach it brother. lumberjack_jeff Aug 2012 #393

So we let the misanthropes stay on parts of Earth a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #395

Please read again what you wrote tama Aug 2012 #539

It usually means "man hater" a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #544

If the hint was too subtle tama Aug 2012 #550

Oh? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #552

A thing about philosophy tama Aug 2012 #580

Tama... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #581

Best space thread I've seen here in quite a while! LunaSea Aug 2012 #346

Why? We are NOT special and WILL die out one day regardless. CaptPicard Aug 2012 #347

I told them that whole "multicellular" thing was just a fad, but no, they wouldn't listen! JHB Aug 2012 #348

That was super-helpful. nt Codeine Aug 2012 #351

Thank you for your less than stirring screed a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #354

Post removed Post removed Aug 2012 #356

too many a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #361

That doesn't sound like the Jean-Luc Picard we all know. Efilroft Sul Aug 2012 #378

You are being disingenous to dismiss ... GeorgeGist Aug 2012 #365

no... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #373

Star Trek is just a TV show. I know that sometimes, *it just seems sooo real!!!!*. Just tv. Romulox Aug 2012 #381

so you are going to bring up a TV show??? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #384

Yes I am. Because we all KNOW that Science FANTASY animates much of this discussion. nt Romulox Aug 2012 #385

Who's this We? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #387

Gibberish. nt Romulox Aug 2012 #388

I agree with you, that a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #389

What immutable law of nature prevents us from ever leaving earth? 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #436

None, so far as I know. Who is stopping *you* from beginning a new life in the cosmos, right now? Romulox Aug 2012 #525

You are dead set on the "if we haven't done it now it must be impossible" mentality 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #529

Discussion hits a brick wall when you start refuting points nobody has made. nt Romulox Aug 2012 #629

Sorry, someone else must have said: 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #638

Is that a physical or a philosophical question? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #639

You put quote marks around something I didn't say, right in your subject line for post 529. Romulox Aug 2012 #666

And you still haven't answered MY question: Who's stopping you from living in space? What physical Romulox Aug 2012 #667

You really think it's an individual effort? 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #668

I'm not the one complaining about it, though. YOU are. So it's your job to convince everyone Romulox Aug 2012 #671

Now you're moving the goalposts 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #676

Learn how to use quotation marks, please! I NEVER used the word "impossible". nt Romulox Aug 2012 #680

So now you're saying colonizing spaces isn't impossible? 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #686

This is childish. I will make the points I wish to make. I will not refute points only you have Romulox Aug 2012 #689

You really can't think it's both impossible and possible at the same time 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #693

And you're refuting point I haven't made again! My point was that no one is "stopping" you from Romulox Aug 2012 #673

fallacy a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #675

If you want other people to pay for it, you'll have to convince us. That's just how it works. Else Romulox Aug 2012 #679

Gee, dude... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #683

Projection 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #678

This is childish. Perhaps I'll just invent some nonsense, put quotes around, and demand you defend Romulox Aug 2012 #682

So . . . stay the course but with quotation marks? 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #685

Quotation marks are a representation that someone said those exact words. You're being dishonest. nt Romulox Aug 2012 #691

If you insist. Why not clarify your stance. 4th law of robotics Aug 2012 #696

I'M a rugged individualist, and I have to a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #674

The "rugged individualist" stuff was something only the HAL guy mentioned. I just said we aren't Romulox Aug 2012 #677

Presented without endorsement caraher Aug 2012 #400

"Space colonization" = Randian excuse to ignore the environment and poor Liber T. Anjustis Aug 2012 #401

Such gleamingly fine logic a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #406

Not one of those people but, janlyn Aug 2012 #402

Maybe it's part of YOUR nature a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #407

one tiny issue BOG PERSON Aug 2012 #403

oh dear... Here we go a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #408

it's not *my favorite cause* BOG PERSON Aug 2012 #411

...sigh... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #412

Post removed Post removed Aug 2012 #415

I seem to have touched a nerve... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #416

Um... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #421

no, the international financial cartel needs that money to extort more countries librechik Aug 2012 #404

Then we self-fund the project a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #409

meh, I'm one of those people who think robots can do the job better for the foreseeable future librechik Aug 2012 #414

okay then... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #417

yes--be sure to wear a lead cup--and don't start any long term relationships librechik Aug 2012 #419

librechik... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #420

right back atcha, jr! librechik Aug 2012 #422

Now I'm confused... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #423

Also... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #418

Why? Because we haven't f*cked up this planet enough? (nt) Jeff In Milwaukee Aug 2012 #405

Maybe some of us want to get away from the shit-slingers a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #410

You don't get to start a second planet until you clean up the first one... Jeff In Milwaukee Aug 2012 #429

HEH a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #431

Who gets to decide who leaves and who has to stay? tama Aug 2012 #451

Therein lies the question... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #462

Bro, tama Aug 2012 #482

No such thing... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #484

Some of us dare to take a look tama Aug 2012 #443

Tama... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #457

I kinda like Socrates tama Aug 2012 #478

cool a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #480

Know thyself - gnothi seauton tama Aug 2012 #488

it's great a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #489

Anti-philosophical attitude tama Aug 2012 #503

Tama... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #518

Rhetorics aside tama Aug 2012 #528

This seems to be your thing a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #532

Apparently not XemaSab Sep 2012 #809

....but then I got high... jberryhill Aug 2012 #432

point? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #435

It's a song, Bob jberryhill Aug 2012 #445

Oh a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #458

I was going to colonize space, but I got high jberryhill Aug 2012 #461

In a weird sort of way... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #463

Thanks for the great thread. MyUncle Aug 2012 #438

We aim to please a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #441

Personally, I consider this a possible RW meme, "The elect are headed to a better place. Fuck Earth" patrice Aug 2012 #453

Never enough facepalms for comments like these. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #466

SO much of the comments against space travel a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #469

You forgot "I'm not personally interested in this, therefore it's evil." (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #476

okay... that one got by me a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #477

What parts of the words "Personally" and "possible" do you not understand & what you just patrice Aug 2012 #479

could you elucidate? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #481

Of course I could, but "sissy don't play your game." nt patrice Aug 2012 #486

??? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #487

Maybe we should stop "colonizing" things in general. Puregonzo1188 Aug 2012 #473

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #474

How about a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #475

Actually, there was a problem with the term 'space colony' back in the late 70s. LongTomH Aug 2012 #508

And tama Aug 2012 #511

don't worry this isn't going to happen Johonny Aug 2012 #510

Up to you a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #524

I work in this field you know Johonny Aug 2012 #540

Kind of the whole point is to disagree, until someone comes up a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #545

I think for any worth while expedition into space we would have to live at least 100+ years. And demosincebirth Aug 2012 #577

Demosincebirth a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #730

It's all great for the imagination and I think about it too. But for any deep space exportation, and demosincebirth Aug 2012 #785

well... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #787

Addendum... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #788

Naw, let's build one of these: kentauros Aug 2012 #797

EEP a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #798

I know. kentauros Aug 2012 #805

If I remember my readings correctly a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #806

I find our planet fascinating...every day. nt demosincebirth Aug 2012 #795

...and that's fine a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #800

I believe Paul Wellstone would beware of "Greeks" bearing "gifts." nt patrice Aug 2012 #483

How is this relevant? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #485

The militarization & weaponization of space: patrice Aug 2012 #627

Timeo danaos et dona ferentes tama Aug 2012 #504

Well, not all Greeks and not all gifts, just a warning to be wary of vehicles that can hide weapons. patrice Aug 2012 #512

Matrix tama Aug 2012 #522

he, he, "stuttering" . . . and therein lies a tale of those who can't/don't "speak" the "speech" patrice Aug 2012 #554

it's a bad sign a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #557

sez you. patrice Aug 2012 #568

right... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #570

Thanks, I was rather proud tama Aug 2012 #585

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #586

LOL tama Aug 2012 #592

Personally... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #597

"overly verbose ego-defense" tama Aug 2012 #604

Tama... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #608

I know tama Aug 2012 #610

Ma'am. Yes, Ma'am. a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #613

Consider changing that "erudition" to cognition and you might BEGIN, like Tama and I and Others, to patrice Aug 2012 #593

I'll stick with a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #596

Never agreed with Chomsky tama Aug 2012 #602

Had to look wiki tama Aug 2012 #600

One of the connotations of erudition a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #614

"No need to idolize them." tama Aug 2012 #652

I see two outcomes of an attempt to colonize Mars CubicleGuy Aug 2012 #497

This message was self-deleted by its author randome Aug 2012 #500

Why bring them back? LunaSea Aug 2012 #516

Bring me the Universe... sibelian Aug 2012 #507

and I'll have a cookie while doing it a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #533

Wow, this is a long thread. But I *have* to offer my 2 cents. Proles Aug 2012 #520

The window for colonizing any planet is closing.. LunaSea Aug 2012 #523

The British television series UFO, produced in 1970, Art_from_Ark Aug 2012 #556

Both shows were interesting a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #558

+Billions and billions Grave Grumbler Aug 2012 #561

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #562

If I had my way, colonizing the Solar System. Grave Grumbler Aug 2012 #564

Gotta start somewhere... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #566

While I certainly advocate for the exploration of Mars, Grave Grumbler Aug 2012 #574

I can go with that. a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #576

We'll certainly know more about Ceres in 2015 Grave Grumbler Aug 2012 #579

Flying to Mars with chemical rockets is daff Kolesar Aug 2012 #578

the standard trip a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #583

Try Plasma Propulsion LongTomH Aug 2012 #601

Or go cheap, and build a non-nuke Orion a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #635

I Want to Live on the Moon and Snort an endless supply of... fascisthunter Aug 2012 #582

remember to cut it a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #584

oh? fascisthunter Aug 2012 #587

Pure Helium will kill you a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #588

LOL! I don't of course fascisthunter Aug 2012 #589

Dude... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #590

Robert Zubrin is an anti-environmentalist Randian McGee from Muskogee Aug 2012 #607

sources? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #609

We should be solving problems on Earth by now. Coyotl Aug 2012 #612

Facts not in evidence a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #615

How are you going to change the gravity on Mars? Coyotl Aug 2012 #620

Do you have a point to make? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #628

Life has evolved here on Earth for billions of years. This is our home. cpwm17 Aug 2012 #616

Okay... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #633

If some billionaire wants to have a really crappy (fun?) vacation to Mars, who's stopping him/her? cpwm17 Aug 2012 #646

It's a new frontier a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #648

No way! Earth First! Zorra Aug 2012 #624

WOW! Great screed a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #634

If we had just followed through with Reagan's Star Wars and weaponized space ... Jim__ Aug 2012 #625

??? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #637

The standard, tired "anything to do with space is military in nature" angle, I figured. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #751

Ah... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #752

You could probably simulate one of these threads with a pretty short perl script. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #755

Oh? a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #758

A chat channel I hung out on awhile back had a really out-there gun nut... Posteritatis Aug 2012 #766

I remember dealing with a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #767

They had to get written up for that? Oy. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #769

It was a publicly run program a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #770

To be fair, in such a situation I wouldn't be shocked. Posteritatis Aug 2012 #772

My wife says a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #773

Wow, this has turned into one of the longest running threads I've seen here in a long time! LongTomH Aug 2012 #626

great thread! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #636

The L5 Society was absorbed (engulfed and devoured by, assimilated by) the National Space Institute LongTomH Aug 2012 #647

Interesting! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #649

You can get part of the story from the NSS website LongTomH Aug 2012 #655

LongTomH a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #656

Interesting. I'd love to read it sometime! LongTomH Aug 2012 #658

I am immediately intrigued. (nt) Posteritatis Aug 2012 #774

hmmm... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #775

Yes, this is true...and we could have cured hunger, provided shelter and education for the world Taverner Aug 2012 #654

Holy crap Odin, I think this is one of the biggest threads I've ever seen EvolveOrConvolve Aug 2012 #657

I say we go a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #659

Kind of like graywarrior's "I want to create a thread that never dies" thread, kentauros Aug 2012 #724

Cool! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #727

I like mass-drivers. kentauros Aug 2012 #729

Cool tune! a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #783

I know how a rail gun works kentauros Aug 2012 #791

You would cancel the momentum a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #792

I thought as much on the momentum part. kentauros Aug 2012 #793

The idea I'm pushing, for the rocks a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #799

Okay, well, that idea is similar to another idea kentauros Aug 2012 #804

Whatever you guys and gals decide to do is going to be fine with me. GliderGuider Aug 2012 #665

Air-conditioning bill for our troops in the Middle East greater than the NASA budget. David Zephyr Aug 2012 #684

What I'm tired of tama Aug 2012 #706

I like the US military a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #710

And instead we are being told to bow our heads to the 'job creators' and arguing with people who ck4829 Aug 2012 #735

only 230 posts to go... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #771

Of course, the REAL number of posts to achieve is kentauros Aug 2012 #794

You have that wrong. It's the MILITARIZATION of Space. Remember "Star Wars"? Do you patrice Aug 2012 #776

Ummm... a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #777

TOTALLY Wrong... Iggy Aug 2012 #802

pfft a geek named Bob Aug 2012 #803

Weak, Very Weak Iggy Sep 2012 #807

Well a geek named Bob Sep 2012 #808