Speaking of dust and vacuum...

Here's some dust they won't want to throw away.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060115/D8F551S80.html

 

They used a Dyson to suck it up.

 

I think if folks knew just how difficult and complex that mission was, they'd have more of an appreciation of it. But people like Jessica Simpson think it went 70-bazillion miles to dust a rock; of course, if I had the IQ of a houseplant, that's what I'd think too

 

She probably thinks Canada is another planet.


I'm in awe at how these people do it.

It's amazing what they are doing these days, and each mission gets better and better.

 

If you had the IQ of a houseplant, you'd be working in Hollywood instead of at NASA.

 

Why does Jessica Simpson wear underwear?

Steve

 

BTW Star, I don't think I mentioned during our last conversation. While killing a 2 hour layover in Houston coming back home last month I found a NASA souvenier shop. They had NASA logo mugs with this on them:

"Hey, this isn't rocket science.

Oh wait. Yes it is"

I was tempted to get one for you, but my carry-on (lug-around) was already jammed. I wish I'd picked up a couple of them anyway. If I ever pass through Houston again I plan to grab one for each of us.

 

Some of my co-workers wear t-shirts under their bio garments that say that; I wear one that says "Bullshirt". I'm a real team player

 

I thought yours said "In case of emergency, hit"

 

To keep her ankles warm!

Steve

 

Ever seen her without makeup? She isn't that attractive.

Then again, I shouldn't be too choosy, I'm in a recession.

 

Best blonde joke....EVER!

http://primatejournal.blogspot.com/2006/01/best-joke-ever.html

 

Ah, I always knew you had potential

 

We can't tell blonde jokes here.............remember?

Steve

 

That's alright. I'm in retirement.

 

I think her sister is more attractive, a better singer, and keeps her mouth shut for longer.


NASA should have taken precious Jessica and dumped her on some remote asteroid.

 

They can't read that Steve, they have white out on the screen.

 

Wow...I just read Jessica Simpson is the second-coming of Billy Ray Cyrus, show she shouldn't be around much longer

 

Hey, lay off the Cyrus, you've given me an achy breaky heart.

 

Well, his music gave me achy-breaky ears

 

You're just jealous because his mullet is longer than yours.

 

What's fish got to do with this?

 

You know, I believe the RIAA actually hopes his music gets stolen

 

If you think that's bad, he actually "starred" in this TV show called Doc.

Needless to say it was as successful as his music.


http://images.buymusichere.net/images/video/44/218244.jpg

 

"Doc" stood for "Depending On Cyrus", which is why it went over like a poopy in a punchbowl

 

Since this thread started out on a somewhat similar topic . . . .

Hey Star - Just read in NYTimes this morning that "NASA has quietly terminated the Deep Space Climate Observatory, citing competing priorities.

I guess any real scientific investigation into Global Warming isn't a priority to this administration . . . .

 

Hi Phillie, long time no see...hope you've been well

There are 2 projects in the pipeline to replace what is commonly referred to as "Triana", or "Al Gore's Screen Saver" (); as you know, NASA's budget gets carved more than a Thanksgiving turkey, so there's only so much to go around where our work is concerned. There is also new technology available to decipher the type of data that would be gleaned from this type of project, and if the Triana project had launched when originally planned, much of the potential benefits of it would be obsolete by now. And take my word for this: it was never anywhere near ready to be launched.

Something those of us in this line of work have come to expect is the "imcomplete" reporting we "enjoy" from the press on our efforts, ie: reporting something is cancelled, but not reporting something is schedule to replace it and do an even better job. Yes, something will eventually be placed at L1, but in the grand scheme of things, time is not yet a condsideration.

I do disagree with your statement re: this administration's interest into investigating global warming; a substantial amount of our science funding is dedicated to just that.

Take care, don't be a stranger

 

My dig was aimed more at the administration lackeys with zero scientific bacground who edit and alter the resulting data and reports to suit their politics That's B.S. Do your own studies if you want, but don't alter somebody else's reported results - But that's a whole 'nother argument. . . .

I think that "Al Gore's Screensaver" was an unfortunate nickname for what was, at the time, quite a good idea!

Some interesting reading on what may become the first nation to be destroyed by Global Warming --> http://www.tuvaluislands.com/



Things are OK in my neck of the woods - Hope things are good with you as well!
I'm always around - Somebody's gotta argue about malware with Chas

 

It's still a good idea, and will come to fruition not too far down the road.


People still alter data these days? Really?!?

 

She definately keeps her mouth shut......when she's supposed to be lipsyncing!

 

Sorry for jumping in, but I recently saw a TV show on Tuvalu.

It's getting to such a desperate stage, that New Zealand has offered to accept some of the 10 000 residents.

They, the Tuvalu government, is also threatening to sue the US and Australian governments because they aren't signatories of the Kyoto protocol.

Unfortunately, it seems the mindset is, wait till the last minute before taking action or even admitting there is a problem.

 

It's convenient to blame everything on the current administration; I don't think Global Warming began the same day W took the oath of office

The concern with the Kyoto Protocol is the effect it would have on energy hungry nations such as China, India, South Korea and Japan, and the effect on the economy in Australia which I know you know is the world's biggest coal exporter. A recent meeting in Sydney that burning fossil fuels is critical to these nations economies, and the U.S. and Australia pledged a combined $127 million to an Asia Pacific plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. And according to spending docs I've seen, the President will ask for an additonal $52 million for these studies.

I can see the envornimentalists, fatalists that they tend to be, aguring that it is based on untried technology; but at one time, everything was "untried technology".

 

LOL!

But, you'd at least think they'd be sneaky about it. I think it's the brazen arrogance that really gets to me . . . .

Ain't that the truth?!

@Star - Nobody mentioned W

Though, it is interesting to see all the people leaving FEMA in droves like rats from a sinking ship. 50+ since Katrina . . . A little off topic, I know

It would be nice, though, if W could at least acknowledge that the problem exists . . . .

 

I'm certainly not blaming any current administration, but it's also up to them to come to a workable solution, or at least a start.

Whether the Kyoto protocol is the answer or not, or part of the answer, I don't know, there are better minds than mine on this subject.

However, ignoring the problem, or being dragged to it kicking and screaming or making money the primary concern isn't the answer.

Even I know that. (I do remember the Bush administration saying at one stage that Global Warming didn't exist, even though it's now accepted by most scientists)

 

FEMA's had issues long before the most recent incidents

The cause of Global Warming is one of the most debatable topics there is. I can even remember Nixon wondering if it really existed. I think W acknowledges it exists, like I said funds are committed to it

I'm not brazenly arrogant when I alter data; I'm pretty damn sneaky about it

 

All you have to do is look at Dubyah's handling of certian issues, like Iraq for example, to see that Global Warming is out of his depth or brain capacity.

Bring back Ross Perot, he'll fix it.

 

Well, I guarantee you he has a better understanding of it than most people do, and re: Iraq, let me just offer that if you were in a position to see documents like I've seen, you and most others might not be so quick to think we shouldn't be there.

People attacked Clinton over certain issues, people attack W over certain issues, people will attack the next Preisdent over certain issues; not matter what, someone's not gonna be happy about something.

I agree about Ross Perot; deploy those ears, and not only is global warming blocked, but all warming

Wait, that was in poor taste on my part, I should never attack someone over their ears, or perceived lack of brain capacity, or anything like that

 

As far as Iraq, I don't understand how you can even justify anything Dubyah has done.

The Neo Conservatives had been dying to topple Saddam since the early 90's, and when Dubyah got "elected" they saw their opportunity.

The UN inspectors, and most of the world begged him to not start a war and asked for more time, but he ignored everyone thinking he knew best.

Then there was the yellowcake incident from Nigeria, and he still stuck to the script even when there was evidence it was a forgery.

He has made a mess of it, but unfortunately, we can't cut and run now.

 

Again, with all due respect to you and the "general public" postion you are in as far as knowledge of all the facts, not everything has been revealed that is fact. I'm in a position to know more than most, and trust me, keep an open mind to the possibility that not everything is the way it seems in the negative sense that is commonly reported. I appreciate where you are coming from, but also give me the benefit of the doubt and do the same for me. I wouldn't lead you wrong; you've got that man-eating vacuum cleaner at your side

 

Well sorry, I don't believe in "trust me, I'm from the government".

So what you're saying is, there is an answer to this, but it can't be revealed because of national security?

I'm not set in my views, and can only go on the information that is available.

I'm more than happy to change and accept other views, but I do that when I see the evidence and not on hearsay.

Even that misses the point.

Whether or not there were valid reasons to invade, you need to have a plan and not rush in empty headed.

The US government (and British and Australian) should know better than anyone. When they defeated Germany, they kept parts of the German Army to enforce law and order.

With Iraq they wildly went in with NO plan or law and order.

And leave my vacuum out of this, it's American.

 

That's hardly what I'm saying.

I understand your position, sometime down the road something pertinent to all this is going to become evident and perhaps allow you to see things in a little different light. I'll just leave it at that.

 

Star for Governor!

 

No way...I hate politicians

 

At least you have a choice, here in Australia voting is compulsory.

So much for democracy!

 

Well, in America most of the people don't bother to vote, but readily bitch and moan about most all elected officials. And we have several million people that could do a better job in the White House than W, but can't afford to quit their day jobs at McDonald's

 

I hate being forced to vote.

Why should I be forced to choose someone when I don't agree with their policies, just because they are the best of the worst?

That's when I throw the good 'ol Aussie sickie or say it's against my religious beliefs to vote.

Either that or wear a $100 fine.

 

Wasn't aware that's how it worked there; if we fined everyone here $100 that didn't vote, we could buy Canada with the proceeds

Unless, RoboCop can become RoboPolitician, there's no end to not making everyone happy here.

 

As desireable as we are, we're not for sale. Sorry.

 

we should buy Canada and turn it in to a kiddy playground no wait turn it to a paintball park

 

I was waiting to see who would post that!

LOL

Where does it all end?