Posts Made By: James Adams

Allen,

As you narrow the bandwidth more surface detail appears, but less prominence detail. IMO, a good all-purpose bandwidth is around .8 to .6 nm., where you can see surface features and proms.

J Adams

I can't remember the quote, but wasn't there something about not being able to defeat an indigenous people in rebellion? Not to negate the dedication and expertise of the snipers, who were putting down the rebellion against democratic rule.

IMO the possible failure of pacification in Iraq has to do with not addressing the emotional and religious needs of the insurgents. First, engage them in a dialogue in which their point of view is acknowledged, then appeal to their patriotism and desire for unity and political power. Direct and lead, not force and deny. That's what led to suicide bombings; the terrorist KNOWS he has no other option in order to be heard. If he knows he has a voice and can effect change, he will try that first.

Robert,

I have a pair of these, ordered for binoviewing, at a bargain price; my understanding was that these were NOT designed by TMB, but that the second iteration of these would be. I might be wrong.

I haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but I will as time and weather permit.

James Adams

This seems to come up from time to time. it would seem to have little merit because the Moon's been done before, and NASA is very conservative, except, sometimes, politically.

I don't think NASA would spend any money on reinventing the wheel. History tells us that followup visits to the Moon weren't followed very closely by the U.S. public, Apollo 13 notwithstanding.

The money might be better spent on truly innovative projects, IMO.

James Adams

Alex,

Typically it would be ground glass. Don't know where to get it, maybe photo shop or glass supplier. I've used plexiglass and run an orbital sander with 220 grit paper over it for the same effect.

J Adams

Bosch is used more often in cabinet shops, IMO; De Walt has more of a rep as high-end hobbyist stuff, though their human engineering features are good.

In practice either will probably serve you well.

J Adams

The actual description of Ebony Star is "high pressure plastic laminate" or, hppl, or, simply, P-lam.

There are many manufacturers of hppl, including Formica, Wilson Art [who make Ebony Star], Textolite, Pionite, etc.

Melamine is low pressure plastic laminate, a thinner and somewhat softer product.

I'll check with my suppliers to see if Ebony Star will continue to be available; if not, there may be other laminates which feature the pebbled texture which made Ebony Star so useful.

James Adams

I seem to remember that Antares Instruments has a 105 mm. diameter achromat "elite" series [supposedly from the supplier for Vixen] at around f 6.6.

I have purchased two achromat lenses from them and they're both excellent; one 80 mm. f 11 and one 102 mm. f 15.

James Adams

I'm not sure Italy didn't deserve to win the World Cup, but so many factors besides the skills of the players and coaches came into the competition, it hardly seems like a decisive win.

First, FIFA allowing the German Federation to decide the parameters of the seeding meant initial bias toward European teams; had the usual formula been used, the US would have certainly been a seeded team, and not have had to play three of the strongest teams in the first round. As it was, they went into the first game wound up tighter than a two dollar watch.

Second, FIFA's instructions to the referees would seem to have been, ah, unevenly interpreted. The result was that key players sat out games for marginal fouls. The best ref's steered a middle course, allowing play to go on when a foul wasn't bad.

The overall quality of play was uninspiring, largely, because teams played not to lose, rather than to win. Many teams played a single forward, electing to try to support him from the midfield, resulting in the single attacker not getting service. See: the US and England.

I thought Italy played a bit cynically. In their game against Australia, the smile on the face of the forward who "tripped" over the Aussie defender spoke a volume. They were skillful, though, but as in so many kinds of competition, that isn't enough. You need to be lucky, too, and they were lucky.

Zidane acted stupidly, no matter what Matterazi said to him. Zidane was fun to watch, though!

James Adams

Update: I have a couple of local leads but won't have info about whether the whole unit is needed, or just legs, until school starts, since the Outdoor Ed program has everything stored in a container which won't be opened until then.

Thanks to all who replied with offers! This is a wonderful program which offers all sorts of new experiences to kids, some of whom have never been to the deep, dark woods.

James Adams