A bad idea for the holidays

SteveDallas · 02-08-2003, 02:48 PM

With the approach of Valentine's Day, I notice we are once more prone to radio advertisements for the International Star Registry and its ilk. Although some people defend the practice of "naming" stars for money on grounds that it's just for fun, most serious astronomers (amateur as well as professional) denounce the practice because it misleads the purchasers, who are often taken aback when they belatedly find out that all they have gotten for their money is a piece of paper. (Regrettably, our own Franklin Institute here in Philadelphia falls into the former camp; they carry a "star naming kit" in their gift shop.)

I would strongly urge anyone who is considering the "gift of a star" for Valentine's Day to reconsider.

The following web site has a good explanation with links to other resources:

http://www.morehead.unc.edu/PR/PR199...buy.html?print

elSicomoro · 02-08-2003, 02:54 PM

Nah, I don't want a star named after me...a street, a park, okay...maybe even a town...but not a star.

wolf · 02-08-2003, 06:41 PM

you're thinking too small syc ...

I would like a BATTLESHIP.

elSicomoro · 02-08-2003, 06:53 PM

Ships have a limited use and life, IMO. But cities and streets...those tend to last longer.

wolf · 02-08-2003, 07:07 PM

But they get renamed more often ...

elSicomoro · 02-08-2003, 07:19 PM

We'll write into law that my street or park can never be re-named or destroyed.

After all, Rep. Bud Shuster wrote the designation for Interstate 99 into law...a real sore point with road geeks. And I don't think it can be changed easily.

Elspode · 02-09-2003, 10:58 PM

The best way to have an astronomical body named after you is relatively simple. First, achieve deity status through some series of extraordinary actions, then wait about 2000 years or so. Your existence and deeds will fade into the fuzziness of myth, and then some future astronomer with a bent for ancient stories will name something after you, and, if that something is associated with some other somethings, possibly name them after your dog, your girlfriend, your mom...

Hint: actions such as rescuing maidens in distress, defeating enormous hideous beasts and showing supernatural skill in some form of warfare have high potential for elevating you to deific status.

SteveDallas · 02-10-2003, 12:17 AM

Or you can just discover one. Worked for Hale and Bopp. (IIRC one of them noticed The Comet when he was just setting up his telescope & checking to see if everything was hooked up right.)

Elspode · 02-10-2003, 12:59 AM

Excellent point! Not as funny as suggesting that someone try and become the foundation of a myth, but still an excellent point.

I got to see David Levy give a fascinating talk on Comet Shoemaker-Levy about a year and half before it broke up and smashed into Jupiter. That event has to be just about the coolest natural astronomical phenomenon in our lifetimes, IMHO.

Uryoces · 02-10-2003, 12:04 PM

Quote:

you're thinking too small syc ...

I would like a BATTLESHIP.

How about the "James Marshall Hendrix". It's an R&R ship. It has surface-to-air cheese spreaders, vodka refueling A6's, and one heck of a "smoke stack"!

So, for your astronomical sweetheart, buy some sort of coffee-table Hubble photo book. Some of those nebula photos would look very nice on glossy paper.

Elspode · 02-10-2003, 12:19 PM

If I gave my wife a book of astronomical photos for Valentine's Day, she'd pummel me into unconsciousness with it.

slang · 02-10-2003, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elspode
If I gave my wife a book of astronomical photos for Valentine's Day, she'd pummel me into unconsciousness with it.

So what did you get for her? A new vacuum?

Elspode · 02-10-2003, 12:48 PM

Nope...'cause I already knew that a vacuum would suck out loud.

Actually, I'm spiriting her away to a B&B somewhere in rural Missouri for two days of hot tubbing and general carnal debauchery...plus assorted Valentine novelty items on the day itself, since we won't go out of town for another two weeks.

The only thing worse than having a job is not having a job, isn't it?

slang · 02-10-2003, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elspode
Actually, I'm spiriting her away to a B&B somewhere in rural Missouri for two days of hot tubbing and general carnal debauchery...plus assorted Valentine novelty items on the day itself, since we won't go out of town for another two weeks.

(slang thinks to self: No wonder I never get laid, I give the wrong gifts. )

Elspode · 02-10-2003, 01:01 PM

I'm sort of at that point myself - I mean, if I ever want to get laid again, I'd damn well *better* be taking her to a rural B&B for Valentine's Day...

Next time, try gifting your intended with a vibrator and a Wholesale Club package of the appropriate size batteries. It is the gift that keeps on giving, and everytime she uses it, she'll think of you...or Ben Affleck. Plus, she'll know that you care about her satisfaction. Not enough to actually concern yourself during the eventual, hoped-for actual intercourse, but still, it shows that you care.

02-08-2003, 02:48 PM	#1
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	A bad idea for the holidays With the approach of Valentine's Day, I notice we are once more prone to radio advertisements for the International Star Registry and its ilk. Although some people defend the practice of "naming" stars for money on grounds that it's just for fun, most serious astronomers (amateur as well as professional) denounce the practice because it misleads the purchasers, who are often taken aback when they belatedly find out that all they have gotten for their money is a piece of paper. (Regrettably, our own Franklin Institute here in Philadelphia falls into the former camp; they carry a "star naming kit" in their gift shop.) I would strongly urge anyone who is considering the "gift of a star" for Valentine's Day to reconsider. The following web site has a good explanation with links to other resources: http://www.morehead.unc.edu/PR/PR199...buy.html?print

02-08-2003, 06:41 PM	#3
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	you're thinking too small syc ... I would like a BATTLESHIP. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

02-08-2003, 07:07 PM	#5
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	But they get renamed more often ... __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

02-09-2003, 10:58 PM	#7
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	The best way to have an astronomical body named after you is relatively simple. First, achieve deity status through some series of extraordinary actions, then wait about 2000 years or so. Your existence and deeds will fade into the fuzziness of myth, and then some future astronomer with a bent for ancient stories will name something after you, and, if that something is associated with some other somethings, possibly name them after your dog, your girlfriend, your mom... Hint: actions such as rescuing maidens in distress, defeating enormous hideous beasts and showing supernatural skill in some form of warfare have high potential for elevating you to deific status. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

02-10-2003, 12:59 AM	#9
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Excellent point! Not as funny as suggesting that someone try and become the foundation of a myth, but still an excellent point. I got to see David Levy give a fascinating talk on Comet Shoemaker-Levy about a year and half before it broke up and smashed into Jupiter. That event has to be just about the coolest natural astronomical phenomenon in our lifetimes, IMHO. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

02-08-2003, 02:54 PM	#2
elSicomoro Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,486	Nah, I don't want a star named after me...a street, a park, okay...maybe even a town...but not a star.

02-08-2003, 06:53 PM	#4
elSicomoro Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,486	Ships have a limited use and life, IMO. But cities and streets...those tend to last longer.

02-08-2003, 07:19 PM	#6
elSicomoro Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,486	We'll write into law that my street or park can never be re-named or destroyed. After all, Rep. Bud Shuster wrote the designation for Interstate 99 into law...a real sore point with road geeks. And I don't think it can be changed easily.

02-10-2003, 12:17 AM	#8
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	Or you can just discover one. Worked for Hale and Bopp. (IIRC one of them noticed The Comet when he was just setting up his telescope & checking to see if everything was hooked up right.)

02-10-2003, 12:19 PM	#11
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	If I gave my wife a book of astronomical photos for Valentine's Day, she'd pummel me into unconsciousness with it. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

02-10-2003, 12:48 PM	#13
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Nope...'cause I already knew that a vacuum would suck out loud. Actually, I'm spiriting her away to a B&B somewhere in rural Missouri for two days of hot tubbing and general carnal debauchery...plus assorted Valentine novelty items on the day itself, since we won't go out of town for another two weeks. The only thing worse than having a job is not having a job, isn't it? __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

02-10-2003, 01:01 PM	#15
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	I'm sort of at that point myself - I mean, if I ever want to get laid again, I'd damn well better be taking her to a rural B&B for Valentine's Day... Next time, try gifting your intended with a vibrator and a Wholesale Club package of the appropriate size batteries. It is the gift that keeps on giving, and everytime she uses it, she'll think of you...or Ben Affleck. Plus, she'll know that you care about her satisfaction. Not enough to actually concern yourself during the eventual, hoped-for actual intercourse, but still, it shows that you care. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

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