msbelle, have you ever a desire to make a special field trip in NM to a real live telescope, I can hook you big time.

OH! Speaking of which, my dad had a Tale from the Telescope. Often in the evenings, they open up the ops building (it doesn't have ac but for the computer room) including the doors. An observer wandered out of the control room to see... a Very Large black bear walking into the foyer.

Oops. It turned and left upon seeing the human but OMGWTF! Foyer opens immediately into a common kitchen and living room area. Had the observer not come out, it'd likely have been a kitchen raid. I told him they need to get a screen door or something.

not that a screen door would do much to deter a black bear that smelled food.

No telescope, but thanks. NYC skies don't so much work for telescopes - not that I have any knowledge of that.

not that a screen door would do much to deter a black bear that smelled food.

I was thinking the wrought iron bars so common in that part of the world. Also, a non-opening wouldn't prove as curious as an opening to a nosy bear.

Also, I mean, should you ever find yourself with an astro-loving kid, I've got connections down there. I'm biased because I have fond memories of getting into unauthorized portions of telescopes. Giant wheels! Getting to push the buttons that turn tons of glass and iron! Swinging from the secondary mirror supports! OK, don't tell dad's bosses about that part.

Hee. That's a great story. The bear was probably all, "Damn! And I was just about to check out Ursa Major at close range. I'll just act casual and leave."

Actually, knowing the observers, the bear was probably like " DONUTS! Wonder if they are from the Lodge or the General Store. Hope these pinkies aren't vegan..."

OK, so I'm watching the Frontline thing on AIDS. And I just saw a President actually RESPOND to the charges of a heckler, taking responsibility, not making glib, looking tormented and saddened to admit fault. And admitting failure. Not a President I was particularly pleased with a lot of the time, but THAT was accountability. God, I miss that.

I saw part of the first half of that last night, and my reaction was the same as yours. As much as I dislike Reagan's politics and especially his delayed reaction to the AIDS epidemic, the fact that he didn't have the hecklers to his (only) AIDS speech escorted immeditately out of the room just shows how far the Presidency has fallen in the past 5 1/2 years.

Kathy, the funny part is I missed that part. My reaction was to Clinton tonight.

oh a trip out there to see the 'scopes I think will have to happen. What age would that make sense at?

I'd say whenever the kid has interest. In general experience (ie, my dad's tour requests) there is a peak around 7-10 and another in the mid teens, if they are sciencey. I think the 7-10 is sort of the most-fun, rather than career, interest stage. It's then still all about cool tools and machinery, and less about peers and life crap. This may be another bias talking as I pretty much find that age most endearing after the whole baby-kitten-cuddle phase.

OK, this Frontline program? Is seriously making want to punch people. I did hit the tv once. Threw a brush at it another. Saving lives or your fucking paper thin imitation facimile of christian or whatever morals, you fucking fuckhead?!

Really. Really. Hate. People.

I am reluctant to wish ill on people, even when I think them wrong. But I'm going there.

OTOH, there are some incredible people who pushed back. Them, I'll kiss.