February 2005 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Re: [Utah-astronomy] more geeks
by David Dunn 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

By the way, I learned a few years ago that in addition to being a geek, I am also a Nerd. This was by the definition of my 6 year old son who said that anyone who works with or uses computers is a Nerd. I am glad that most of the people I know are Nerds as well. Dave

1 0

Re: Geeks
by Chuck Hards 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

No, I'm not done yet. This is too ridiuculous. Note that everyone is upset about the term "geeks", nobody cares that the club can't meet at the planetarium, for whatever reason. The real point of Rolly's article. But we as geeks are world class at missing the point, as demonstrated here today. I would like to state, for the record, that SLAS was started by a planetarium staffer, John Mosley. It has gone through much metamorphosis over the years, but John and a couple of college and high-school kids were the first to meet under the name Salt Lake Astronomical Society. The current club is a direct descendant of that first band of GEEKS. All of us easily fell under the current definition of "geek"..."Chas the spaz, president of the science club"....whatever. We laughed at labels like that, they were used by harmless, uninformed people who just didn't matter to someone interested in science. Nobody cared! (And, BTW that was one of the original purposes of the planetarium in the first place, as a meeting place for amateur astronomers.) Now I'll tell you that while I am not Rolly's source, I know who is, he attended the swap meet. Many of you know him and if you think about it, you'll realize who. Water off a duck's back, folks, get over it. It's a non-issue. A funny musings column. Just drop it already. Or keep talking about it and prove my point, I find it hard to care anymore either way. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - 250MB free storage. Do more. Manage less. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250

10 12

Re: Re: Re: more geeks
by Chuck Hards 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

Aw, gorsh, Kim, now I'm all a-blush. Obviously you have me confused with someone else! __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo

1 0

RE: [Utah-astronomy] Planetarium
by Dale Hooper 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

I certainly hope this doesn't sound like I'm rubbing it in. But, the OAS has been EXTREMELY fortunate. Years ago, we had to meet in the basement of a doctor's office. Now we have a fantastic relationship with the Weber State University, Ott planetarium folks and we meet in the Ott Planetarium. Of course, a lot of that is the direct result of tremendous planetarium directors, namely, Dr. John Sohl and now Dr. Stacey Palen. Dr. Palen has recently completed some major upgrades to the planetarium (with the help of some great benefactors), but, the emphasis is still on science & teaching - not special effects. Could SLAS benefit by moving in the direction of teaming up with the U of U instead of Clark? Clear skies, Dale. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces+dale.hooper=sdl.usu.edu(a)mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces+dale.hooper=sdl.usu.edu@mailman.xmission. com] On Behalf Of Jim Stitley Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 11:11 AM To: Utah Astronomy Cc: Siegfried Jachmann Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Planetarium Siegfried, So well thought out and expressed! So correct even if we don't want to believe nor accept it. It is always hard to let go of what should be, but for a number of reasons, is now no longer meant to be. It is so intuitive that A planetarium and A astronomical society are symbiotic. It seems so obvious, because it is. We need to understand that this new Clark Planetarium is no longer thought of as a hub of a learning center, but a business called entertainment - they are two very different things. We (SLAS) glory in the challenge of new knowledge and teaching this to others ( adults and kids). In my view, the Clark Planetarium is just another movie theater with different special effects, not a true learning center. So sad, but it is the new world here in SLC. Maybe someday when the new 'theater' newness wears off and attendance drops by other theater competition, there may be a new Mission Statement at Clark that just might include astronomy, and we can be in the wings to align then, .... OR not. OUR choice. Thanks for your level headed insight, Siegfried! So sad it has to be a new and different era for the planetarium that excludes one of the largest and most active amateur asronomy club I have come to know in the 8 states and 50 years of living around the country. SLAS is clearly above the crowd in terms of astronomical societies I have know before. Jim Stitley Siegfried Jachmann <ziggy943(a)xmission.com> wrote: Kim, You're absolutely right but you're talking about a different era. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,,, The days of Littmann and Mosley were very good years for the Planetarium. I still recall observing Comet Bennett or West, I forget which, with both of them on several cold winter mornings at Little Mountain. Those few times when I have had the chance to visit Griffith I still drop in to see John. He sure has gotten old though. Normally I would say, and have said, there is no more natural relationship than that of an astronomical society and a planetarium. But considering the absolute lack of consideration given our society by the Clark Planetarium, I don't see any reason to pursue a relationship. The lack of consideration of providing some space for our meetings certainly let us know how they viewed us. We found out at one of the last meetings last year that the planetarium let their solar scope out for bid. We didn't even know about it. Again, we were given no consideration. We might have bid. Or better yet, they could have considered donating it to us :-) . The thought probably never occurred to them. SLAS has matured and grown to a point that I don't see any benefit to a relationship with this Planetarium. I think we are better off with those that respect us as equals and treat us with a measure of respect. It's gotten to the point where I have no interest in pursuing a relationship or co-sponsering of events. Siegfried ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim Hyatt" To: "Utah Astronomy" Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 4:17 PM Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Planetarium Chuck wrote: I would like to state, for the record, that SLAS was started by a planetarium staffer, John Mosley. It has gone through much metamorphosis over the years, but John and a couple of college and high-school kids were the first to meet under the name Salt Lake Astronomical Society... (And, BTW that was one of the original purposes of the planetarium in the first place, as a meeting place for amateur astronomers.) I always thought the Planetarium could/would benefit more from our association than SLAS would, but due to our love of astronomy and interest in sharing it, that was fine. However, I'm curious. Why has the Hansen/Clark Planetarium shown so little interest in or given so little support of SLAS? At least that's been true for the 16 years or so I've been a member. I know that wasn't always the case, as Chuck has pointed out. To illustrate the point: No effort by the Planetarium folks to accommodate SLAS's meeting needs in the new Clark Planetarium, except an invitation to meet in the star theater if we would pay the typical rental rate. Even when we invited the Planetarium to co-host Ken Croswell's visit and lecture, they wanted us to pay them to do it! I noticed at November's meeting that the Planetarium representatives began by saying something about how they would like to see some cooperation between the two of us. However, they never really discussed it or mentioned the issue again. Kim _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com the Perfect You "inside and out" Insightful Seminars, Workshops & Coaching Increase SelfAwareness - Know Who You Are...REALLY! Discover the NEW "Inner You" http:/www.theperfectyou.us/mentor TechnoVation.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com

1 0

Re: Re: more geeks
by Chuck Hards 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

Kim, one of your greatest qualities is your humility; I have much to learn from you. You also lie like a rug! ;) You are an architect, a pretty great accomplishment in itself and more broad a topic than most folks consider, a student of military history, archeology buff, camping and outdoors enthusiast, geography buff, successful patriarch to a herd of little Hyatts, I could go on... Anything but boring. You are the textbook example of "still waters running deep", my friend. Your soul has uncommon, tremendous depth. Kim wrote: > I'm one of the more boring types. My only other > serious interest is how to pay next month's bills. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com

3 2

Miller mini-planisphere
by Chuck Hards 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

For those who asked me about where I got my Miller Mini planisphere (5.5" dia.), I found an on-line source: http://www.celestialproducts.com/MPPXX.asp This is the "pocket" version of the full-size Miller planisphere, all-plastic, weatherproof, fits in a glove compartment. Comes with a plastic storage sleeve. Latitude 40N. I really like this one; the scale may seem too small for a beginner but if you know the sky at a functional level, you'll have no trouble using this one. Dark sky with white stars, intended for use at the telescope. It's small size lets me keep it tucked inside a Burnham's volume, or on an accessory tray without using up too much area. I got mine in '89, glad to see it's still in production. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com

1 0

Re: Re: [Utah-astronomy] FW: Saint George Star Party
by astrodeb＠charter.net 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

If you don't understand my directions go to http://www.ut.blm.gov/stgeorge_fo/sgfofort_pierce.html Debbie > > From: <astrodeb(a)charter.net> > Date: 2005/02/01 Tue AM 09:49:24 MST > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] FW: Saint George Star Party > > For those of you guys going to St. George Friday, don't follow that map. If you follow the map, you will end up in Hilldale with the polygamists! So I'm going to explain how to get to Fort Pearce from River Rd. > > >From the freeway get off at exit 8 which is St. George Bouvelard and make a left turn. Go across the bridge to River Rd. Turn right on River Rd. Go south till you cross the Virgin River bridge and turn left at 1450 South. Take this road and head east and you will come to a stop sign. Turn left on 1580 South and keep going east. This will turn into 3400 South when you enter Washington. The road will turn right and you will head south on Washington Fields Rd. Keep going until you see the old farmhouse and turn left on the dirt road. There is a sign and it will say Warner Valley. Go southeast on this road about 5.6 miles till you see the signs for Fort Pearce. Turn right to go to Fort Pearce. The dinosaur tracks are farther east of the Fort Pearce turnoff. There is a sign that says "Dinosaur Tracks" if anybody is interested. > > Debbie > > > > From: David Dunn <david.dunn(a)albertsons.com> > > Date: 2005/01/27 Thu AM 06:39:51 MST > > To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > > Subject: [Utah-astronomy] FW: Saint George Star Party > > > > OAS is planning to have a Star Party at Fort Pearce on the nights of 2/4 & > > 2/5. Anyone is welcome to come and get some winter observing in with us. > > To get to Fort Pearce, take exit 8 in St. George, turn left on St. George > > Blvd and Right onto River Rd. Then follow the directions below (188 S River > > Rd is just a random address to get the directions started) . For those of > > you that went to see Columbia return, we went to see the dinosaur tracks and > > Fort afterwards. This should be a good dark site. It is on public land so > > you can camp nearby if you want. Most of the people that have told me they > > are considering going are planning to get a motel room. If anyone finds a > > good rate, let us all know. > > > > > > 188 S River Rd > > 188 S River Rd > > Saint George, UT 84790-2114 > > to > > 37 03 13-113 27 50 > > 37 03 13,-113 27 50 > > > > > > > > > > Estimated Total Driving Time: > > 52 minutes Estimated Total Driving Distance: > > 40 miles Total Number of Steps: > > 13 > > > > Step Directions Distance > > 1 You are at 188 S River Rd,Saint George,UT. > > > > > > > > > > 2 Go N on River Rd for 0.32 miles 0.3 > > miles > > > > > > > > 3 Turn left onto UT-34 (100 N, St. George Blvd) > > 0.1 miles > > > > > > > > 4 Turn right on ramp to I-15 N 0.3 miles > > > > > > > > > > 5 Continue on I-15 N 6.8 miles > > > > > > > > > > 6 Bear right onto off-ramp at exit 16 to UT-9 (State > > St) 0.2 miles > > > > > > > > 7 Take UT-9 (State St) Ramp 0.2 miles > > > > > > > > > > 8 Continue onto UT-9 (State St) 9.4 miles > > > > > > > > > > 9 Turn right onto Main St 0.1 miles > > > > > > > > > > 10 Turn left onto 100 S 0.3 miles > > > > > > > > > > 11 Continue onto UT-59 (Highway 59) > > 21.9 miles > > > > > > > > 12 Turn hard right onto Uzona Av 0.1 miles > > > > > > > > > > 13 You are at 37.000000,-113.000000,, > > > > > > > > > > > > Destination: 37 03 13-113 27 50 > > 37 03 13,-113 27 50 > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > David Dunn > > 801-961-3253 > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com

1 0

Re: [Utah-astronomy] FW: Saint George Star Party
by astrodeb＠charter.net 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

For those of you guys going to St. George Friday, don't follow that map. If you follow the map, you will end up in Hilldale with the polygamists! So I'm going to explain how to get to Fort Pearce from River Rd. >From the freeway get off at exit 8 which is St. George Bouvelard and make a left turn. Go across the bridge to River Rd. Turn right on River Rd. Go south till you cross the Virgin River bridge and turn left at 1450 South. Take this road and head east and you will come to a stop sign. Turn left on 1580 South and keep going east. This will turn into 3400 South when you enter Washington. The road will turn right and you will head south on Washington Fields Rd. Keep going until you see the old farmhouse and turn left on the dirt road. There is a sign and it will say Warner Valley. Go southeast on this road about 5.6 miles till you see the signs for Fort Pearce. Turn right to go to Fort Pearce. The dinosaur tracks are farther east of the Fort Pearce turnoff. There is a sign that says "Dinosaur Tracks" if anybody is interested. Debbie > > From: David Dunn <david.dunn(a)albertsons.com> > Date: 2005/01/27 Thu AM 06:39:51 MST > To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > Subject: [Utah-astronomy] FW: Saint George Star Party > > OAS is planning to have a Star Party at Fort Pearce on the nights of 2/4 & > 2/5. Anyone is welcome to come and get some winter observing in with us. > To get to Fort Pearce, take exit 8 in St. George, turn left on St. George > Blvd and Right onto River Rd. Then follow the directions below (188 S River > Rd is just a random address to get the directions started) . For those of > you that went to see Columbia return, we went to see the dinosaur tracks and > Fort afterwards. This should be a good dark site. It is on public land so > you can camp nearby if you want. Most of the people that have told me they > are considering going are planning to get a motel room. If anyone finds a > good rate, let us all know. > > > 188 S River Rd > 188 S River Rd > Saint George, UT 84790-2114 > to > 37 03 13-113 27 50 > 37 03 13,-113 27 50 > > > > > Estimated Total Driving Time: > 52 minutes Estimated Total Driving Distance: > 40 miles Total Number of Steps: > 13 > > Step Directions Distance > 1 You are at 188 S River Rd,Saint George,UT. > > > > > 2 Go N on River Rd for 0.32 miles 0.3 > miles > > > > 3 Turn left onto UT-34 (100 N, St. George Blvd) > 0.1 miles > > > > 4 Turn right on ramp to I-15 N 0.3 miles > > > > > 5 Continue on I-15 N 6.8 miles > > > > > 6 Bear right onto off-ramp at exit 16 to UT-9 (State > St) 0.2 miles > > > > 7 Take UT-9 (State St) Ramp 0.2 miles > > > > > 8 Continue onto UT-9 (State St) 9.4 miles > > > > > 9 Turn right onto Main St 0.1 miles > > > > > 10 Turn left onto 100 S 0.3 miles > > > > > 11 Continue onto UT-59 (Highway 59) > 21.9 miles > > > > 12 Turn hard right onto Uzona Av 0.1 miles > > > > > 13 You are at 37.000000,-113.000000,, > > > > > > Destination: 37 03 13-113 27 50 > 37 03 13,-113 27 50 > > > > > > Thanks, > David Dunn > 801-961-3253 > > > _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com

1 0

The whole (geek) story
by Patrick Wiggins 01 Feb '05

01 Feb '05

Bill Cowles just sent me this link. It goes to the entire Rolly piece in today's Tribune. http://www.sltrib.com/rollywells/ci_2545895 Geek Patrick Say it loud, "I'm a geek and I'm proud!"

2 1

Re: more geeks
by Chuck Hards 31 Jan '05

31 Jan '05

Kim wrote: > I don't know - I think a true geek would have > pigeons. Or chickens. Kim, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Thanks, it hit the spot! I wonder if Ozzy Osborne keeps either? Something Debbie wrote earlier today has been echoing in my head. Perhaps familiarity does breed contempt, but after all these years, an astronomy interest just doesn't impress me in a human being, by itself. Of all the amateur and professional astronomers I've ever met, the most interesting were, without exception, those who had greater interests, other than science and astronomy. Even people on this list- I've met people with serious side interests in various animals & husbandry, farming, music, art, craft, literature & poetry, militaria, history. Sad to say those who centered their lives on science exclusively were the most boring...to paraphrase Homer Simpson (that paragon of wisdom) when referring to a primatologist, "I knew scientists wasted their lives, but JEEZ! You must be the most BORING woman alive!" Now, I know many professional scientists, grew up with more than a few kids who now earn their living as full-blown research scientists, and from experience, it truly is the one-trick-ponies who have wasted their lives. Not that their professional work is without value, but that they have missed-out on so many fantastic experiences, passed up chances for personal growth as human beings, missed opportunities to know their own environment and their place in it, outside of a narrow definition forged as a grad student. Some have such practiced demeanors that they are mere cariacatures of human beings anymore. They are so steeped in playing the role of scientist that they have truly lost the greater part of their own humanity. They take the science too seriously, as an end unto itself, rather than as the means to and end that it really is. Some eventually find this out on their own, and usually drop out of hard-core science after ten or fifteen years and start living again for real, while they have some time left. It seems that Mr. Rolly, whom I'm sure is actually a very fine human being, is laboring under a stereotype. In his mind, anyone who looks at the sky in wonder is a nerd, egghead, geek. To him, we are apart, separate from our fellow humans. He sees us as wasting our lives, or a part of it, without realizing that in most cases, the astronomy is only the tip of the iceberg. One facet out of hundreds on what is really a brilliant gem, cut in many directions. His terminology gives away his real opinion of the person who enjoys the sky, even as he pretends to tilt at a windmill on our behalf. Perhaps instead, he should examine the life of a man who spends most of his working life trying to expose unimportant foibles of others; a man who lives in a glass house yet tosses stones without understanding what his target truly is...and I wonder if he'd still do it if there were not a paycheck involved? Just maybe, if he actually comes out to a "geek" gathering, and meets some of us, his opinion might change for the better. And if it doesn't, no matter. I knew musings columnists wasted their lives, but JEEZ, he must be the most boring man alive!" No reflection on Ann...he's an in-law, not a blood relative, right? ;) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

2 1