This might seem self-evident, but it is still an assumption until it has been proven true; after all, if self-evidence is sufficient to declare something as "pure and simple truth", Cogito becomes redundant - I have no doubt of my own existence, do you ?
ultranova disappears in a infinitely small puff of his own logic:)
I *hate it* when they paint the pentagram on my chest!/Daemon:)
Why not just coat the entire shuttle external tank with something that doesn't permit water or ice to bond to it? Similar products have been on the commercial market for decades, and they work fairly well. I'm sure that 3M or somebody else could come up with something that would work in this situation, even with the temperature differences.
However, it's too elegant and simple a solution to not have been considered before, so I'm thinking that there must be a reason it it won't work.
That was, I think, the only post I've ever read on Slashdot that made me cry.
I've known for some years that I'm not likely to see 50 yo - partially because of lots of bad decisions, but genetic fate is playing it's part as well as I approach 40.
Just go on makin' music, my friend. You certainly make wonderful music here.
I do some computer business on the side, and it's about the same percentage as his wrt to malware.
Most of the time I spend in front of customers machines is watching progress bars (virus scanners, spyware scanners, update installers, etc, etc). Leaves plenty of time to play on my other machines:)
(the rest of the time is usually spent surfing google and trying to figure out WTF some obscure error message says...)
We could keep track of all the tags before it enters space, and determine if anything could've damaged the tiles.
RFID tags have a very, VERY short range. To "keep track of them" we'd have to have the sensors, sensors leads, computer time and communications for them aboard the shuttle.
More weight, lots more expense.
It's not actually a bad idea, it's just that it's adding a lot more complexity than they can build in right now. The shuttle already has about as sophisticated internal sensor network as we can make reliable under the conditions of flight at this point.
Maybe the next-gen craft, if it's built, will have something better, perhaps even based on something similar to RFID technology.
One thought; during reentry it's likely that any wireless "echoes" at low power - like RFID - will likely fall under the EM noise of the plasma sheath that the shuttle is generating moving thru the atmosphere. So they'd probably have to be hardwired - like the sensors are now.:)
What surprised me more is that it didn't spin off away from the shuttle like a tarp. Those windows are pretty good sized and the covers really are pretty lightweight.
The tape thing actually makes sense. High humidity, winds, perhaps the tape was old or just plain had a bad adhesive run at the factory. Of course it *could* have been just plain sloppiness - but I seriously doubt it. The flight pad crews really know their jobs.
I imagine they're installed before the shuttle enters the VAB, to protect the windows from damage during assembly. Dunno for sure, but that would make sense.
I reserve it for those movies that are poorly thought out, with campy dialogue and poor acting. Which unfortunately is most of them.
(in that respect, I don't consider Firefly within the space opera camp - but it's a great Space *Western*:) and one helluva story)
"Science Fiction" I consider to be the well-rounded stories that weave the human story in with the technology so it seems like these characters actually *live* with their technology.
Many won't agree, but I'm considered a bit strange anyhooo:)
Offtopic:
You know, one of the things I love about the new BSG is that aside from the jump drive, it's all pretty basic technology. Missiles, railguns, armor, maneuverability.
Makes the tactics more important! and, to me, the story much more believable that way... no last minute tech tweaks to get out of a situation (Star Trek), no supernatural abilities (SW), nope, in BSG2003 we just apply a little plain old-fashioned human whup-ass courage and decent tactical thinking:)
I've gone back and rewatched a fairly large portion of the original tv series. What has come to mind, really, is that we were so desperate back then for *any* scifi on tv, that we dealt with how horridly the original story was implemented. The brilliance of the story does shine thru here and there, but not enough.
I love the remake. This is what it should have been originally. Dark, terrifying struggle with very dark humor, symbolism (I love the photo of Caprica burning on the wall of the briefing room, that's a great touch) and deep emotional confrontations touching on our very humanity (there's some current science for you *grin* )
I think the idea was in the original but they just didn't or couldn't pull it off. But then the world has changed considerably...
It's the end of the world, Lee, I felt I should confess my sins.
I believe the idea of airing it out of sequence was some higher-up Fox network execuidiot idea - I've heard here and there that it was done to intentionally kill the show, can' t put a lot of credence into it but it wouldn't surprise me at all:(
As to the actors, if you haven't seen the Special Features track on the DVD, you should (you have, haven't you?:). In particular, seeing Nathan practically in tears as he describes his experiences working on Firefly is illuminating.
I was "lucky" in a way - missed it on tv, got the series on DVD, and got to watch it in order and back to back. Addicted:)
Amen about the actors being into the show. Whedon is a genius, but that's not all of it. He has people dedicated to the show and the idea. Also fans. Lots and lots of very level-headed, very rabid fans.
Ditto about the movie! All the screenings are so far from here, I can't receive the signal:(
The first season of TNG turned me off so much I stopped watching TV (well ok, was well on my way there anyway at that point:) - it just was a huge disappointment. They made up for it later, tho I've only seen it on reruns years later after I started watching tv again.
Stargate... I watch on and off. Some of the episodes are quite good, some, well, just mediocre. Feels to me like their long-term storyline is a bit weak. (Stargate Atlantis, from the few I've seen, seems to have a stronger longterm.) - Still watching, so probably don't understand it completely yet.
Hypothesis: The more intense a scifi tv series story, the shorter it runs? *grin*
Cheers! SB (currently trying to browbeat the only local theater into getting Serenity at the opening...)
They remade BattleStar Galactica into a Space Opera, more emphesis on Opera than Space. Cyclons look and act human now, they stole^H^H^H^H^H^Hborrowed that from "The Terminator". A few characters got their gender changed.
I disagree. I think the original (and I watched it on tv when it was first broadcast) was much more space opera. The new BSG is much more hard science fiction, from the technical aspects to the way the characters interact - the new one has much more realism ala the fact that these officers were *all* career military, even Starbuck.
In many ways the idea that the Cylons can look and act human pulls this show off of the "aliens are all stormtroopers" kind of viewpoint, and that is a good idea - I was very skeptical whether they could pull it off, but they not only did that, they did it very well. Instead of this faceless evil Baltar we have one who is human and faced with humans doubts, yet can't control himself enough to face them. That ongoing thread lends hugely to the story weave.
Starbuck? Katee Sackhoff does a superb job. The new Starbuck is much more believable than the old one. The confrontation between her and Adama over Zac is incredibly well done.
In many ways the new series reminds me of David Weber's Honor Harrington series - in the character protrayal especially, and with just a dash less politics:)
The care taken in the CGI detail didn't hurt at all, either. It's *hard* to pick apart the CGI physics. That's very unusual in *all* tv scifi.
I'm very much in agreement with you about Farscape - I started watching it very late, and was just getting hooked, and Bam. Bastards:) Ditto Space:Above and Beyond.
I do think that SciFi is doing a very good thing with their new Friday lineup. At least we only have to suffer thru the commercials for the rest of the tripe and not have said tripe inserted between the good shows *grin*.
Sorry, I just find that the new BSG is hugely better than the old one. Rare it is that remakes are better, but this one scores huge.
Morning, Starbuck, what do you hear? Nothin' but the rain, sir...
Cheers! SB
Re:are we talking scifi, or drama?
on
Sci-Fi on the Cheap
·
· Score: 2, Informative
Type "firefly" into the search box and hit return. The signal returns this coming Friday - in order, even *grin* but they aren't airing all the DVD episodes, apparently. (why I don't know):-D
Definitely agreed and seconded. I was very skeptical before I saw the whole show, but now consider it the best scifi tv series I've ever seen.
I'm no entertainment critic, so I'll simply say that it was the most realistic story I've ever seen done on screen, and it was SCIENCE FICTION. SCIENCE FICTION. Amazing.
It'll be interesting to see where they take it this year!
Cheers, SB
Re:Wow, none of that is science fiction
on
Sci-Fi on the Cheap
·
· Score: 2, Insightful
I'm pretty much in agreement with you - but I'll add that SciFi buying the rights to air BG2003 and Firefly (and doing it the CORRECT WAY for the latter! although I do wish they'd marathon it) has gone a long way toward redeeeming them in my eyes. Hopefully they'll take the hint when Friday nights become watched again... and nice lineup there;)
I don't blame the "high priesthood" however, I blame political correctness and all it's demon-spawned idiocy(ts). I also blame his department head. She obviously isn't very objective, and she calls herself a scientist? Woe:(
Slashdot Mirror
This might seem self-evident, but it is still an assumption until it has been proven true; after all, if self-evidence is sufficient to declare something as "pure and simple truth", Cogito becomes redundant - I have no doubt of my own existence, do you ?
:)
/Daemon :)
ultranova disappears in a infinitely small puff of his own logic
I *hate it* when they paint the pentagram on my chest!
SB
Well said.
SB
I think we're going to need a new version of Godwin's law in about ten years or so...
SB
That'd be like, totally uncool, Dude :)
SB
Heh. Well, the shuttle *is* a pig of sorts :)
SB
Why not just coat the entire shuttle external tank with something that doesn't permit water or ice to bond to it? Similar products have been on the commercial market for decades, and they work fairly well. I'm sure that 3M or somebody else could come up with something that would work in this situation, even with the temperature differences.
However, it's too elegant and simple a solution to not have been considered before, so I'm thinking that there must be a reason it it won't work.
Anyone know?
Cheers,
SB
That was, I think, the only post I've ever read on Slashdot that made me cry.
I've known for some years that I'm not likely to see 50 yo - partially because of lots of bad decisions, but genetic fate is playing it's part as well as I approach 40.
Just go on makin' music, my friend. You certainly make wonderful music here.
Keep flyin'
SB
I do some computer business on the side, and it's about the same percentage as his wrt to malware.
Most of the time I spend in front of customers machines is watching progress bars (virus scanners, spyware scanners, update installers, etc, etc). Leaves plenty of time to play on my other machines
(the rest of the time is usually spent surfing google and trying to figure out WTF some obscure error message says...)
SB
Yeah, but it's not very compressible
SB
and when will it become a singularity from "mass" accumulation? ;)
pasty singularity, yum
SB
We could keep track of all the tags before it enters space, and determine if anything could've damaged the tiles.
:)
RFID tags have a very, VERY short range. To "keep track of them" we'd have to have the sensors, sensors leads, computer time and communications for them aboard the shuttle.
More weight, lots more expense.
It's not actually a bad idea, it's just that it's adding a lot more complexity than they can build in right now. The shuttle already has about as sophisticated internal sensor network as we can make reliable under the conditions of flight at this point.
Maybe the next-gen craft, if it's built, will have something better, perhaps even based on something similar to RFID technology.
One thought; during reentry it's likely that any wireless "echoes" at low power - like RFID - will likely fall under the EM noise of the plasma sheath that the shuttle is generating moving thru the atmosphere. So they'd probably have to be hardwired - like the sensors are now.
Cheers,
SB
(1 NASAW: National Association of Stupid Aerospace Wankers)
:D
Please note that the only position NASA takes about the NASAW is the crash position; head between legs and ass in the air.
SB
Deserves a +1 Tasteless if anything does
LOL
;-P
What surprised me more is that it didn't spin off away from the shuttle like a tarp. Those windows are pretty good sized and the covers really are pretty lightweight.
Guess that's why Murphy didn't haunt *me* today
The tape thing actually makes sense. High humidity, winds, perhaps the tape was old or just plain had a bad adhesive run at the factory. Of course it *could* have been just plain sloppiness - but I seriously doubt it. The flight pad crews really know their jobs.
Cheers,
SB
I imagine they're installed before the shuttle enters the VAB, to protect the windows from damage during assembly. Dunno for sure, but that would make sense.
cheers,
SB
some random thoughts
:) and one helluva story)
:)
:)
I *hate* the term "space opera". *grin*
I reserve it for those movies that are poorly thought out, with campy dialogue and poor acting. Which unfortunately is most of them.
(in that respect, I don't consider Firefly within the space opera camp - but it's a great Space *Western*
"Science Fiction" I consider to be the well-rounded stories that weave the human story in with the technology so it seems like these characters actually *live* with their technology.
Many won't agree, but I'm considered a bit strange anyhooo
Offtopic:
You know, one of the things I love about the new BSG is that aside from the jump drive, it's all pretty basic technology. Missiles, railguns, armor, maneuverability.
Makes the tactics more important! and, to me, the story much more believable that way... no last minute tech tweaks to get out of a situation (Star Trek), no supernatural abilities (SW), nope, in BSG2003 we just apply a little plain old-fashioned human whup-ass courage and decent tactical thinking
I've gone back and rewatched a fairly large portion of the original tv series. What has come to mind, really, is that we were so desperate back then for *any* scifi on tv, that we dealt with how horridly the original story was implemented. The brilliance of the story does shine thru here and there, but not enough.
I love the remake. This is what it should have been originally. Dark, terrifying struggle with very dark humor, symbolism (I love the photo of Caprica burning on the wall of the briefing room, that's a great touch) and deep emotional confrontations touching on our very humanity (there's some current science for you *grin* )
I think the idea was in the original but they just didn't or couldn't pull it off. But then the world has changed considerably...
It's the end of the world, Lee, I felt I should confess my sins.
Keep flyin', friend,
SB
Those barbarians! lol
Cheers and thanks for the laugh!
SB
I believe the idea of airing it out of sequence was some higher-up Fox network execuidiot idea - I've heard here and there that it was done to intentionally kill the show, can' t put a lot of credence into it but it wouldn't surprise me at all :(
:). In particular, seeing Nathan practically in tears as he describes his experiences working on Firefly is illuminating.
:)
:(
:) - it just was a huge disappointment. They made up for it later, tho I've only seen it on reruns years later after I started watching tv again.
As to the actors, if you haven't seen the Special Features track on the DVD, you should (you have, haven't you?
I was "lucky" in a way - missed it on tv, got the series on DVD, and got to watch it in order and back to back. Addicted
Amen about the actors being into the show. Whedon is a genius, but that's not all of it. He has people dedicated to the show and the idea. Also fans. Lots and lots of very level-headed, very rabid fans.
Ditto about the movie! All the screenings are so far from here, I can't receive the signal
The first season of TNG turned me off so much I stopped watching TV (well ok, was well on my way there anyway at that point
Stargate... I watch on and off. Some of the episodes are quite good, some, well, just mediocre. Feels to me like their long-term storyline is a bit weak. (Stargate Atlantis, from the few I've seen, seems to have a stronger longterm.) - Still watching, so probably don't understand it completely yet.
Hypothesis: The more intense a scifi tv series story, the shorter it runs? *grin*
Cheers!
SB
(currently trying to browbeat the only local theater into getting Serenity at the opening...)
Addendum: I think the tension introduced by the Cylons looking like us adds to the movie - much like in a real war, there are often agents among us
That they introduced it in the pilot, rather than later, shows that they'd really thought the storyline through.
Cheers,
SB
They remade BattleStar Galactica into a Space Opera, more emphesis on Opera than Space. Cyclons look and act human now, they stole^H^H^H^H^H^Hborrowed that from "The Terminator". A few characters got their gender changed.
:)
:) Ditto Space:Above and Beyond.
I disagree. I think the original (and I watched it on tv when it was first broadcast) was much more space opera. The new BSG is much more hard science fiction, from the technical aspects to the way the characters interact - the new one has much more realism ala the fact that these officers were *all* career military, even Starbuck.
In many ways the idea that the Cylons can look and act human pulls this show off of the "aliens are all stormtroopers" kind of viewpoint, and that is a good idea - I was very skeptical whether they could pull it off, but they not only did that, they did it very well. Instead of this faceless evil Baltar we have one who is human and faced with humans doubts, yet can't control himself enough to face them. That ongoing thread lends hugely to the story weave.
Starbuck? Katee Sackhoff does a superb job. The new Starbuck is much more believable than the old one. The confrontation between her and Adama over Zac is incredibly well done.
In many ways the new series reminds me of David Weber's Honor Harrington series - in the character protrayal especially, and with just a dash less politics
The care taken in the CGI detail didn't hurt at all, either. It's *hard* to pick apart the CGI physics. That's very unusual in *all* tv scifi.
I'm very much in agreement with you about Farscape - I started watching it very late, and was just getting hooked, and Bam. Bastards
I do think that SciFi is doing a very good thing with their new Friday lineup. At least we only have to suffer thru the commercials for the rest of the tripe and not have said tripe inserted between the good shows *grin*.
Sorry, I just find that the new BSG is hugely better than the old one. Rare it is that remakes are better, but this one scores huge.
Morning, Starbuck, what do you hear?
Nothin' but the rain, sir...
Cheers!
SB
Your wish is partially granted:
:-D
Schedule
Type "firefly" into the search box and hit return. The signal returns this coming Friday - in order, even *grin* but they aren't airing all the DVD episodes, apparently. (why I don't know)
SB
Definitely agreed and seconded. I was very skeptical before I saw the whole show, but now consider it the best scifi tv series I've ever seen.
I'm no entertainment critic, so I'll simply say that it was the most realistic story I've ever seen done on screen, and it was SCIENCE FICTION. SCIENCE FICTION. Amazing.
It'll be interesting to see where they take it this year!
Cheers,
SB
I'm pretty much in agreement with you - but I'll add that SciFi buying the rights to air BG2003 and Firefly (and doing it the CORRECT WAY for the latter! although I do wish they'd marathon it) has gone a long way toward redeeeming them in my eyes. Hopefully they'll take the hint when Friday nights become watched again... and nice lineup there ;)
Then again, there's "Attack of the Sabretooth"
*cringes*
Cheers!
SB
the Giant Petri Dish of The Internet
;-)
I knew it, the Cyberworld is flat *and* round.
SB
I noted that too, and it really pissed me off.
:(
I don't blame the "high priesthood" however, I blame political correctness and all it's demon-spawned idiocy(ts). I also blame his department head. She obviously isn't very objective, and she calls herself a scientist? Woe
Not that it's new or anything...
SB