(no subject)

My sister is up at The Dish at Parkes. She (and co) will start observing Wednesday morning at 3 am, through to midnight on Wednesday, three hours off, then start 3 am on Thursday and go through to 11:45 pm Thursday.

And she may get to drive (and not crash) it! I'm so excited that I'll know someone who actually observed on The Dish! *geek* (for those who don't know, the Parkes Radio Telescope was instrumental in both the Moon Landing and rescuing Apollo 13)

( And here's a photo she took today )

(no subject)

My sister is up at The Dish at Parkes. She (and co) will start observing Wednesday morning at 3 am, through to midnight on Wednesday, three hours off, then start 3 am on Thursday and go through to 11:45 pm Thursday.

And she may get to drive (and not crash) it! I'm so excited that I'll know someone who actually observed on The Dish! *geek* (for those who don't know, the Parkes Radio Telescope was instrumental in both the Moon Landing and rescuing Apollo 13)

( And here's a photo she took today )

(no subject)

This article hits on the main problem I had with Steve Irwin.

A British survival expert who has made several TV series for the BBC says Steve Irwin's death showed how some wildlife programs have become dangerously "voyeuristic" and "gladitorial" to attract viewers.

Ray Mears said the Crocodile Hunter "clearly took a lot of risks and television encouraged him to do that.

"It's a shame that television audiences need that to be attracted to wildlife," he was quoted as saying on thisislondon.co.uk

Mr Mears said Mr Irwin's fatal stingray attack was a tragedy that underscored how "some things in nature should be left alone".

"Television has become very gladiatorial and it's not healthy," he said.

"The voyeurism we are seeing on television has a cost and it's that cost Steve Irwin's family are paying today.

"Dangerous animals, you leave them alone because they will defend themselves.

"Nature defends itself, it isn't all about hugging animals and going 'ahh'," he said.

"It's wonderful to observe, but you have to be sensible and maintain a safe distance."


I had little respect for Steve Irwin, whenever I saw him on tv I rolled my eyes and turned him off. And I'm rolling my eyes a little at the labelling of him as a naturalist. David Attenborough is a naturalist.

I'm sorry for his family and that his kids will grow up without their father. But I'd been waiting for the news for years, just expected it to be a croc or snake that got him. I don't know why people are so shocked.

He didn't cure cancer, he didn't bring peace to the Middle East. He deliberately put himself in unnecessary dangerous situations for entertainment, annoyed animals, and left his kids without a father.

(no subject)

This article hits on the main problem I had with Steve Irwin.

A British survival expert who has made several TV series for the BBC says Steve Irwin's death showed how some wildlife programs have become dangerously "voyeuristic" and "gladitorial" to attract viewers.

Ray Mears said the Crocodile Hunter "clearly took a lot of risks and television encouraged him to do that.

"It's a shame that television audiences need that to be attracted to wildlife," he was quoted as saying on thisislondon.co.uk

Mr Mears said Mr Irwin's fatal stingray attack was a tragedy that underscored how "some things in nature should be left alone".

"Television has become very gladiatorial and it's not healthy," he said.

"The voyeurism we are seeing on television has a cost and it's that cost Steve Irwin's family are paying today.

"Dangerous animals, you leave them alone because they will defend themselves.

"Nature defends itself, it isn't all about hugging animals and going 'ahh'," he said.

"It's wonderful to observe, but you have to be sensible and maintain a safe distance."


I had little respect for Steve Irwin, whenever I saw him on tv I rolled my eyes and turned him off. And I'm rolling my eyes a little at the labelling of him as a naturalist. David Attenborough is a naturalist.

I'm sorry for his family and that his kids will grow up without their father. But I'd been waiting for the news for years, just expected it to be a croc or snake that got him. I don't know why people are so shocked.

He didn't cure cancer, he didn't bring peace to the Middle East. He deliberately put himself in unnecessary dangerous situations for entertainment, annoyed animals, and left his kids without a father.

(no subject)

I'm guessing some of you probably think I'm an uncompassionate bitch. I do think it's sad that he's dead. It was a freakish accident and he was unlucky. But he continously put himself at risk for I'm not sure what point (I don't believe the extent he took it to was necessary to get the conservation message across, and I felt for the animals). As girliejones puts it: I feel the same as for a kid who smashes his car into a tree whilst racing down the freeway right near my house.

And I freely admit I don't understand his popularity.

(no subject)

I'm guessing some of you probably think I'm an uncompassionate bitch. I do think it's sad that he's dead. It was a freakish accident and he was unlucky. But he continously put himself at risk for I'm not sure what point (I don't believe the extent he took it to was necessary to get the conservation message across, and I felt for the animals). As girliejones puts it: I feel the same as for a kid who smashes his car into a tree whilst racing down the freeway right near my house.

And I freely admit I don't understand his popularity.