Posts Made By: Steve Hollenbach

January 23, 2012 04:43 AM Forum: Religion

Can we tell them apart....?

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Hi Rob,
Nice analogy, but you're still looking for differences. What commonalities are there? The purpose is to transport us to some destination.

Religion? Not very analogous to transportation, as the journey requires no vehicle using such a variety of fuels.

I would of course contend we concern ourselves so much with the destination we miss out on the journey. If we consider someone else's ride or destination incomparable with our own we may miss the chance to wish them well.

How's the scenery along your path? Have you met any interesting people along your way?
Just curious,
Thanks,
Steve
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February 20, 2012 04:28 AM Forum: Maksutovs

Where can you buy an Intes Micro?

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Jack Bruneau said:

I wondered if anyone know where you can buy an Intes Micro Mak or MN these days. Thanks!

Howdy Jack,
What flavor? There are two Maksutovs in stock at Stellarvision in Tucson. Saw them last week. A six and a seven inch, I think. Don't know what focal length. Frank's number is 520-571-0877. Otherwise keep looking in the adds here on Astromart.

I have an Intes Micro M10/10 and it's just great. Unless an Astrophysics 10" drops into my lap, this OTA will be written into my will.
Best of luck!
Steve
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February 21, 2012 04:13 AM Forum: Mounts

AP900 Case, on the cheap!

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Hi Floyd,
I was just admiring your handy work. Nice job!

Yesterday I was showing off the pair of cases I made from two large "Gang-box" style tool boxes from Stanley tools. They're available at Home Depot, if anyone is interested. They're not as square as the box you have, and so take more foam carving. I used the white closed cell foam often used to crate up large medical equipment. Then covered it with black velvet, using the spray-on glue.

We just completed construction on the hospital project I've been involved with. watching the techs uncrate Bo-zillion dollar equipment was a learning experience and confirmed my plans to use methods quite like those you describe. One lesson learned was the velvet sheds! The other was from here on Astromart; use a pair of nylon straps to lift the OTA out of the foam.

The 10" MAK rides in one case and the G-11 mount & tripod ride in the other. I still have a Pelican case for the finder, EPs and filters. The case with the mount, tripod and counterweights tops out at about 100 pounds. Hence a ramp for the truck.

Thanks,
Steve


March 11, 2012 07:42 AM Forum: No Holds Barred

What is wrong with this world...

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Tony Aguire said:


shocked

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-03-03/news/31120453_1_circumcision-rabbi-yitzchok-fischer-contracting-herpes

Hi Tony,
It is sad and sick. OK people have a right to their religious beliefs, but how irresponsible can
organized religions be?

Just one more reason, I remain independent in my religious beliefs. In answer to you question; "What is wrong with this world?" ...People place the rituals, dogma and details associated with their religion to overshadow common sense.

There's my two cents,
Steve
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March 14, 2012 05:03 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Read the ad!

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Rex Cox said:

Since we don't have "I like to complain about everything" anymore, I'll put this here...

I have an ad up in the equatorial mounts section of the classifieds selling some dovetail rails and radius blocks. So what kind of a response do I get? Some guy asking me if I have a cover for a C11! :S What the heck?

Hi Rex,
Just clicked over to read your add. Nothing about a cover for a C11. Since you had some parts for sale, the guy might have been shooting in the dark. Far simpler to run a wanted add.

Wonder what kind of cover he's after... Mount only, OTA, big enough for both, aperture dust cap, ...
Did he get specific, or just ask as you said?

I've run adds and received responses only remotely related to what I had for sale too. Maybe the same guy!

Steve
smile

March 14, 2012 05:03 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Read the ad!

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Rex Cox said:

Since we don't have "I like to complain about everything" anymore, I'll put this here...

I have an ad up in the equatorial mounts section of the classifieds selling some dovetail rails and radius blocks. So what kind of a response do I get? Some guy asking me if I have a cover for a C11! :S What the heck?

Hi Rex,
Just clicked over to read your add. Nothing about a cover for a C11. Since you had some parts for sale, the guy might have been shooting in the dark. Far simpler to run a wanted add.

Wonder what kind of cover he's after... Mount only, OTA, big enough for both, aperture dust cap, ...
Did he get specific, or just ask as you said?

I've run adds and received responses only remotely related to what I had for sale too. Maybe the same guy!

Steve
smile

March 20, 2012 11:17 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Question about tires?

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Hi Lee,
For handling and a predictable grip from left to right, stay with the same type per axle. Using one of you Michelin's as a spare isn't a bad idea. For a Camry, you've got heaps of decent tires available and way better prices. I take it you don't autocross the car on weekends?

I rotate a set of six identical tires on my Jeep, and as a pair gets worn, I replace them at the same time (BF Goodrich). Long ago I raced a 914 and rotated a set of eight, also bought and sold only in matched pairs. Perellis at first then Fuldas, then BF Goodrich Comp TA. If your tires have the same tread and same depth use them on the same axle. Some can be sensitive to rotational memory. When you rotate, be sure the left tire gets marked left, right tire gets marked right, and when you buy new ones, put your best tread up front.

Thanks,
Steve


March 24, 2012 02:01 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Clouds on Mars?

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Yep, clouds all right. Some storms last weeks there.
Nice shots!
Steve
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April 9, 2012 06:19 PM Forum: Religion

From a scientific point of view question?

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

John Meiners said:

By no means am I asking this question as a joke or am I trying to make light of Today's holiday Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I read after Jesus met again with His following, he then, "rose up into the clouds" my question as an astronomer is: Where did he go? I am sure there will be some explanation that will help me understand this event. JM

Hi John,
There many possibilities, however, being that you question here is scientific I'll focus on that first. Being levitated, we know not how, suffice to say physical transportation is indicated. Very impressive if you want to add drama to a story. There are accounts of Jesus being buried, but the Bible has him levitated into the clouds, as if Heaven is physically located there. I don't think the Bible is factual at all, so I'll stick to the science of it. Physical transport would support all indications that he's just a man. Amazing abilities, or perhaps access to amazing technology, but no less physical.

Because science is a method of observation, documentation and repeatability of results, we have no repeatability of results to support or reject this case. As to where... someplace else. Heaven is as good an explanation as any under the circumstances.

Without getting into too fine a detail, this is one of the many Biblical fables which lends itself more to fabrication meant to impress, rather than the more likely story of died of infection and burried where he wouldn't be disturbed. Again, when the Bible was compliled, a lot was left out in the editorial proccess. If we could travel back in time, this is one of the times and places I'd like to see. Well I am from Missouri.

Getting back to Theology... A truely Infinite being (without limits) would have no need to impress us, certainly not so few people if the message were so important. If we were able to levitate into the clouds, where would you go?

Hmmmmm...
Steve
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May 15, 2012 03:37 AM Forum: Religion

Jim Brown....

Posted By Steve Hollenbach

Doug Matulis said:

http://www.astromart.com/forums/viewpost.asp?forum_post_id=786412&poll_id=&news_id=&page=

I am convinced that Christ would not have opposed gay marriage based upon his actual sermons. [SIZE="Small"] -Jim Brown[/SIZE]

...Where is Jesus' sermon supporting gay marriage?

I am also convinced that God does not make abominations and God created gays as they are.[SIZE="Small"] -Jim Brown[/SIZE]

Where did God say he made not only Adam and Eve, but also Adam and Steve?

Hi Doug,
You're the one saying Adam & Steve. To make that point valid you've elevated it to the level of "God didn't say it." through implied contradiction. In fact God didn't say he made Adam & Eve, a book you happen to believe in says it. If you hold to that belief, fine. Avoid marrying a gay person.

In my belief, and many billions of others, (elevation again, I know) God made all things, gay or straight, vegetable or mineral, Ford or Chevy and so on. Does my set of beliefs shatter yours? Of course not. You'll go happily on thinking I'm doomed, or some such. I'll go happily on thinking you're missing out on some of life's adventures.

The point of opposition on gay marriage is one group is trying to suppress another groups pursuit of what they believe to be happiness. That is from one point of view. My point is that's really none of my business. I'll go happily along without spoiling whatever joy they might find in life.

The point of opposition on personal belief is where we cross the line between maintaining our own faith, and interfering with that of others.

In our case, it goes back to you thinking life only has one path, and my thought that each of us finds one of many billions of paths. Yours ends in salvation, as that destination is important to you. Mine simply does not end, as the journey itself is what I value. Well... May your way be as pleasant as mine has been.

As for the many millions of gay people in the world... It can't be easy, so I wish them well.

There's two more cents,
Steve
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