Date: Sun, 16 May 93 05:07:34 From: Space Digest maintainer Reply-To: Space-request@isu.isunet.edu Subject: Space Digest V16 #577 To: Space Digest Readers Precedence: bulk Space Digest Sun, 16 May 93 Volume 16 : Issue 577 Today's Topics: Life on Mars. No. Re: Space Marketing would be wonderfull. Space Marketing -- Boycott Space Marketing would be wonderfull. (3 msgs) U.S. Government and Science and Technolgy Investment Welcome to the Space Digest!! Please send your messages to "space@isu.isunet.edu", and (un)subscription requests of the form "Subscribe Space " to one of these addresses: listserv@uga (BITNET), rice::boyle (SPAN/NSInet), utadnx::utspan::rice::boyle (THENET), or space-REQUEST@isu.isunet.edu (Internet). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 15 May 93 20:03:11 GMT From: Bruce Watson Subject: Life on Mars. Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.bio In article <2534@tdbunews.teradata.COM| swf@elsegundoca.ncr.com writes: | |No if you're Fred Hoyle. He rejects the Big Bang, and proposes an infinitely |old universe (*really*), so in his model life *always* starts on a given planet |by seeding from outer space - there has *always* been life somewhere. | Didn't Fred Hoyle abandon the steady state theory? -- Bruce Watson (wats@scicom.alphaCDC.COM) ------------------------------ Date: 16 May 1993 00:14:20 -0700 From: Ajay Shah Subject: No. Re: Space Marketing would be wonderfull. Newsgroups: sci.environment,misc.consumers,misc.invest,sci.astro,talk.environment,talk.politics.space,sci.space,rec.backcountry,misc.rural,misc.headlines,k12.chat.teacher wcsbeau@superior.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes: >I don't think that idea means what you think it does. Having everyone >on Earth subject to some ad agency's "poor taste" *is* an abomination. Well, we already suffer from street hoardings. If you don't watch TV, you are free of commercials there, but if you want to go from A to B you cannot escape beer ads. >us loathe it. I'd rather not have the beauty of the night sky always marred >by a giant billboard, and I'll bet the idea is virtually sacrilegious >to an astronomer like Sagan. I think the right time to stop this proposal is now. If this idea goes through, it's the thin end of the wedge. Soon companies will be doing larger, and more permanant, billboards in the sky. I wouldn't want a world a few decades from now when the sky looks like Las Vegas. That would _really_ make me sad. Coca Cola company will want to paint the moon red and white. (Well, if not this moon, then a moon of Jupiter). Microscum will want to name a galaxy `Microscum Galaxy'. Where do we draw the line? Historically mankind is not very good at drawing fine lines. I'm normally extremely enthusiastic about all forms of resource allocation for space research; I think it's the most important investment possible for mankind in the long run. But this is not the way to get the money. -ans. -- Ajay Shah, (213)749-8133, ajayshah@rcf.usc.edu ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 1993 03:30:05 GMT From: David Fox Subject: Space Marketing -- Boycott Newsgroups: sci.environment,misc.consumers,misc.invest,sci.astro,talk.environment,talk.politics.space,sci.space,rec.backcountry,misc.rural,misc.headlines,k12.chat.teacher In the New York Times on Sunday May 9th in the week in review section there was a report of a group called "Space Marketing" in Atlanta, Georgia who is planning to put up a one mile wide reflective Earth orbiting satelite which will appear as large and as bright as the Moon and carry some sort of advertising. There was an editorial about this in the Times the following Tuesday. Are others as upset about this as I am? I feel that a global boycott of anyone involved with such a project would be a good idea. Perhaps it could be made illegal in various countries around the world? Do others agree? -david [Relevant messages found on the net:] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: webb@tsavo.hks.com (Peter Webb) Newsgroups: sci.space Subject: Stopping the sky-vandals Date: 13 May 1993 21:17:22 GMT Organization: HKS, Inc. Distribution: world If you don't want to see Space Marketing put up orbiting billboards, write them, or call them, and tell them so. You might also write your congresspeople. Space Marketing can be reached at: Attn: Mike Lawson Public Relations Dept. Space Marketing 1495 Atmbree Rd., Suite 600 Rosewell, GA 30076 (404)-442-9682 -- Peter Webb webb@hks.com Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen, Inc. Voice: 401-727-4200 1080 Main St, Pawtucket RI 02860 FAX: 401-727-4208 [Alternatively, you could try to find out who their clients will be and tell *them* how you feel.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Newsgroups: sci.astro,sci.space,sci.misc,sci.environment,talk.environment From: klaes@verga.enet.dec.com (Larry Klaes) Subject: Light Pollution (Space Ads) Information Keywords: light pollution, advertisements Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation Date: Thu, 13 May 1993 20:45:36 GMT Dave Crawford (crawford@noao.edu), Executive Director of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), sent me information on where you can write in regards to the proposed "Billboards in the Sky" and asked me to post it: Karen Brown Center for the Study of Commercialism 1875 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20009-5728 U.S.A. Telephone: 202-797-7080 Fax: 202-265-4954 Please note that I have no involvement whatsoever with the CSC. Larry Klaes klaes@verga.enet.dec.com or - ...!decwrl!verga.enet.dec.com!klaes or - klaes%verga.dec@decwrl.enet.dec.com or - klaes%verga.enet.dec.com@uunet.uu.net "All the Universe, or nothing!" - H. G. Wells EJASA Editor, Astronomical Society of the Atlantic ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: kjenks@gothamcity.jsc.nasa.gov Newsgroups: sci.space Subject: Re: Vandalizing the Sky Date: 10 May 93 21:51:11 GMT Distribution: sci Organization: NASA/JSC/GM2, Space Shuttle Program Office X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8] X-Posted-From: algol.jsc.nasa.gov F.Baube[tm] (flb@flb.optiplan.fi) wrote: [...] : That's roughly akin to saying let's let Anaconda strip-mine : the Grand Canyon so that strip-mining can boldly go where no : strip mining technology has gone before .. because after all, : mining means profits, and profits mean technological advance- : ment, and technogical advancement means prosperity, and pros- : perity means happiness, and so to hell with the Grand Canyon .. Space advertisement in LOW Earth Orbit is very short term -- on the order of a few years before the orbit decays. (Higher orbits last longer.) Advertisers will certainly be aware of the environmental aspects of their advertising. Fred's argument is roughly akin to saying that it's bad to cut down trees, so we shouldn't advertise in newspapers. Think that through, Fred. Picture this: Our space billboard is a LARGE inflatable structure, filled with "bio-degradable" foam instead of gas. It scoops up space debris as it orbits, thus CLEANING the space environment and bringing you The Pause That Refreshes at the same time. Because of the large drag coefficient, it will de-orbit -- safely burning up -- within a year. Embedded in the foam structure is a small re-entry vehicle, which does not burn up during entry. It contains the electronics and propulsion system (which may be refurbished and re-used) as well as space science experiments proposed and built by high school students in advertiser-sponsored science fairs. Advertisers buy time on the billboard, whose surface is made up of tiny mirrors controlled by the avionics package. The avionics can reconfigure the mirrors to reflect different messages at different parts of the globe. Clever programming allows different languages to every country. During orbital night, the mirrors turn perpendicular to the surface, and small lights are revealed. The lights spell out messages for all to see. -- Ken Jenks, NASA/JSC/GM2, Space Shuttle Program Office kjenks@gothamcity.jsc.nasa.gov (713) 483-4368 "HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON JULY 1969, A.D. WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND." ------------------------------ Date: 16 May 93 04:41:26 GMT From: Magnus Redin Subject: Space Marketing would be wonderfull. Newsgroups: sci.environment,misc.consumers,misc.invest,sci.astro,talk.environment,talk.politics.space,sci.space,rec.backcountry,misc.rural,misc.headlines,k12.chat.teacher fox@graphics.cs.nyu.edu (David Fox) writes: >In the New York Times on Sunday May 9th in the week in review >section there was a report of a group called "Space Marketing" >in Atlanta, Georgia who is planning to put up a one mile wide >reflective Earth orbiting satelite which will appear as large >and as bright as the Moon and carry some sort of advertising. >There was an editorial about this in the Times the following >Tuesday. I realy like this idea, it would be wonderfull to see such a big bright satelite on the night sky. I will even promise to try to buy whatever product it advertises to help this project. Please write to Space Marketing and encourage this project. I sadly dosent have enough money to invest in it. >congresspeople. Space Marketing can be reached at: >Attn: Mike Lawson >Public Relations Dept. >Space Marketing >1495 Atmbree Rd., Suite 600 >Rosewell, GA 30076 >(404)-442-9682 >Space advertisement in LOW Earth Orbit is very short term -- on the >order of a few years before the orbit decays. (Higher orbits last >longer.) Advertisers will certainly be aware of the environmental >aspects of their advertising. Fred's argument is roughly akin to >saying that it's bad to cut down trees, so we shouldn't advertise in >newspapers. Think that through, Fred. >Picture this: Our space billboard is a LARGE inflatable structure, >filled with "bio-degradable" foam instead of gas. It scoops up space >debris as it orbits, thus CLEANING the space environment and bringing >you The Pause That Refreshes at the same time. Because of the large >drag coefficient, it will de-orbit -- safely burning up -- within a >year. >Embedded in the foam structure is a small re-entry vehicle, which does >not burn up during entry. It contains the electronics and propulsion >system (which may be refurbished and re-used) as well as space science >experiments proposed and built by high school students in >advertiser-sponsored science fairs. >Advertisers buy time on the billboard, whose surface is made up of >tiny mirrors controlled by the avionics package. The avionics can >reconfigure the mirrors to reflect different messages at different >parts of the globe. Clever programming allows different languages >to every country. >During orbital night, the mirrors turn perpendicular to the surface, >and small lights are revealed. The lights spell out messages for all >to see. >-- Ken Jenks, NASA/JSC/GM2, Space Shuttle Program Office > kjenks@gothamcity.jsc.nasa.gov (713) 483-4368 > "HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH > FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON > JULY 1969, A.D. > WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND." -- -- Magnus Redin Lysator Academic Computer Society redin@lysator.liu.se Mail: Magnus redin, Rydsv{gen 240C26, 582 51 LINK|PING, SWEDEN Phone: Sweden (0)13 260046 (answering machine) and (0)120 13706 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 1993 05:35:30 GMT From: Tom R Courtney Subject: Space Marketing would be wonderfull. Newsgroups: sci.environment,misc.consumers,misc.invest,sci.astro,talk.environment,talk.politics.space,sci.space,rec.backcountry,misc.rural,misc.headlines,k12.chat.teacher In some sense, I think that the folks who think the idea is wonderful, and the folks who want to boycott anyone who has anything to do with this project are both right. That is, I think that space advertising is an interesting idea, and if someone wants to try it out, more power to them. However, a company may discover that the cost of launch is not the only cost of advertising, and a company who gauged that ill will would lose them more revenue than the advertising would gain might decide to bow out of the project. I got incensed when I read that Carl Sagan called this idea an "abomination." I don't think that word means what he thinks it does. Children starving in the richest country in the world is an abomination; an ad agency is at worst just in poor taste. Tom Courtney ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 1993 06:14:53 GMT From: OPIRG Subject: Space Marketing would be wonderfull. Newsgroups: sci.environment,misc.consumers,misc.invest,sci.astro,talk.environment,talk.politics.space,sci.space,rec.backcountry,misc.rural,misc.headlines,k12.chat.teacher In article vis@world.std.com (Tom R Courtney) writes: >I got incensed when I read that Carl Sagan called this idea an "abomination." >I don't think that word means what he thinks it does. Children starving in the >richest country in the world is an abomination; an ad agency is at worst just >in poor taste. > >Tom Courtney I don't think that idea means what you think it does. Having everyone on Earth subject to some ad agency's "poor taste" *is* an abomination. (abomination : n. loathing; odious or degrading habit or act; an object of disgust. (Oxford Concise Dictionary)) Maybe *you* don't mind having every part of your life saturated with commercials, but many of us loathe it. I'd rather not have the beauty of the night sky always marred by a giant billboard, and I'll bet the idea is virtually sacrilegious to an astronomer like Sagan. Reid Cooper ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 1993 05:05:45 GMT From: brian@quake.sylmar.ca.us Subject: U.S. Government and Science and Technolgy Investment Newsgroups: sci.space,talk.politics.space,sci.research,talk.politics.misc,talk.politics.libertarian,misc.education In article pgf@srl03.cacs.usl.edu (Phil G. Fraering) writes: >mccolm@darwin.math.usf.edu. (Gregory McColm) writes: >>In article conor@owlnet.rice.edu (Conor Frederick Prischmann) writes: >>>In article <1srfii$79k@suntan.eng.usf.edu> mccolm@darwin.math.usf.edu. (Gregory McColm) writes: >>>Huh? Please state your criteria for selecting the "greatest philosopher" >>>title. P.S. Ever read any Nietzsche? >>Greatest = most likely to be remembered five hundred years hence. >>I must admit that that makes many of my personal favorites not >>that great. I make no comment on Nietzche except to remark that >>he was no Immanuel Kant. Interpret that cryptic remark as you >>please. >Some people have appended that remark, that Nietzche was no Kant, >with "thankfully." I haven't read enough of either to comment, although >everyone tells me I should read Nietzche. I would have to say that the "greatest philosopher" title would have to go to Plato since the whole enterprise of philosophy was essentially defined by him. Although he got most of his answers wrong, he did definitively identify what the important questions are. I think it was Descartes who said that "All philosophy is just a footnote to Plato." If I were to choose which philosopher made the most important advances in human knowledge over his lifetime, that's simple...it is Aristotle. This is so much the case that many simply refer to him as "the philosopher". Regarding Nietzsche, he's one of the most entertaining, although since his ideas were so fragmented (and since his life was cut short) it is doubtful that his influence as a philosopher is likely to be very extensive 500 years from now. They'll probably still be reading him in 500 years though. As for "modern" philosophers, I would have to say that Kant was the most influential since he had such a strong influence on almost everyone who came after him (and unfortunately, they maintained his errors and amplified them over time). I would say that the most influential "american" philosopher would have to be Dewey. But as to the question of what philosopher will be most highly regarded in 500 years, it may very well be Ayn Rand (who in every important respect was "American", but was born in Russia). But I guess that remains to be seen. --Brian ------------------------------ Received: from CRABAPPLE.SRV.CS.CMU.EDU by VACATION.VENARI.CS.CMU.EDU id ab16329; 15 May 93 23:25:46 EDT To: bb-sci-space@CRABAPPLE.SRV.CS.CMU.EDU Path: crabapple.srv.cs.cmu.edu!bb3.andrew.cmu.edu!news.sei.cmu.edu!cis.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!digex.com!digex.net!not-for-mail From: Pat Newsgroups: sci.space Subject: Shuttle and Pennicillin Date: 15 May 1993 22:44:07 -0400 Organization: Express Access Online Communications USA Lines: 26 Message-Id: <1t49pn$hh9@access.digex.net> Nntp-Posting-Host: access.digex.net Sender: news@CRABAPPLE.SRV.CS.CMU.EDU Source-Info: Sender is really isu@VACATION.VENARI.CS.CMU.EDU Pennicillin if i have everything correct, was a highly valuable Myco-toxin, discovered during WW2. It proved to have an amazing Bacterio-cidal effect without human toxicity. It's immediate administration showed immediate dramatic results solving problems that previously were fatal. Although initially enormously expensive to culture, within 3 years, the price had fallen at least two orders of magnitude, and within 10 years, was not much more expensive then aspirin. Penicillin was also usable for an amazingly wide class of infections. Centoxin is a drug that is not passing FDA approval. It promised amazing results for Toxic shock, a rapidly fatal disease. It consumed enormous amounts of funding in testing and developement, However it works less then 1 in 5 times of administration and costs $2,000 per administration with no promise of any reduction in manufacturing cost. The drug thus costs $10,000 per useful case, and is implicated in a slight increase in mortality for some patients. I would not dare to compare the shuttle to Pennicillin, but to centoxin. pat ------------------------------ End of Space Digest Volume 16 : Issue 577 ------------------------------