Posts Made By: Darian Rachal

Would selling something like a grenade launcher with the propellant & explosives removed be OK in the non astronomy part of the classified?. The reason I am asking is that on the Rocketry Online forums there was some controversy about someone selling such an item. DR

James, I guess that the best way I can answer this question is to say that at the present time there is no evidence to suggest there is life elsewhere. It's funny, when I was much younger such questions as this one facinated me & I believed, like you do, that the laws of probability suggested that we were not alone. I guess I'm just too preoccupied with other matters to give a great deal of thought to such matters these days.

Years ago I had a dream about another life form in the universe & you know how some dreams have a realistic quality to them. It was as if I was exposed to this life form & when I awoke it seemed to significantly affect my thinking on the matter. It was interesting to say the least.

But, you may be entirely correct in your conclusion. Darian Rachal

Just heard Rush announce that he is addicted to pain killers & will be checking into a treatment center for the next 30 days. He'll have guest hosts on his program during that time. DR

I've noticed that for some time now, Scientific American magazine has a format somewhat similar to Discovery magazine. Is there any magazine on the market similar to the old Scientific American, or is the content of the new SA still pretty good? Some of the astronomy articles in the old SA were, in my opinion, very well written & certainly a cut above the articles generally found in Sky & Telescope. DR

James, Can question #1 be proven scientifically, if you think it is correct, or is it basically a philosophical question? DR

Anybody watch this program on NBC? I made a special trip to a neighbor's last night to see the 2nd episode. Anybody care to speculate on what the "big surprise" next week will be? DR

I would appreciate the opinions of people living outside(or inside as well) Louisiana of their perception of the state. I live in Alexandria(center of state) which is a town of about 50,000 or so. Basically, I am trying to determine if my opinion of the state is a bit too cynical or am I realistic regarding the state's future.
Over the last several years I have driven 1000s of miles in the SE & out west. I have gotten the impression that LA must be the filthiest state in the US. Basically, the sides of the roads resemble garbage dumps. About the only area that may be worse is I10 south of Tucson, on up to Phoenix. Otherwise, the rest of AZ looks nice.
LA has the most pathetic excuses for roads that I have encountered in any state. I recently drove more than 4000 miles out west & not once did I encounter such dilapidated roads as when leaving & coming back into LA.
I believe that LA is is the only Southern state that is losing population; basically leaving to find jobs because LA is not business friendly. I suspect that LA has one of the highest % of state or government employees, as well as one of the highest % of people on some form of welfare(food stamps, disability, etc.)
I am generally interested & would appreciate any feed back on the thoughts of others regarding LA. Respectfully, Mr. Darian Rachal

those LSU Tigers? Geaux Tigers!

I'd be curious to see what predictions everyone has for 2004 in the amateur astronomy/astronomy fields. For example, something like 1. Orion will release a Chinese 4" apo for under $1000. 2. The latest infrared telescope in space will make significant discoveries regarding Saggitarius*.

I guess just try to be somewhat realistic. Thanks, Darian Rachal

One thing I have noticed at star parties, on occasion, is people with red lights a bit too bright & shining them up in your eyes. I find the Rigel on high intensity good for illuminating the ground if you are walking in the dark, if pointed down constantly & on lower intensities when reading charts or working at the scope. DR