P3D Re: verbal pummeling of bogus 3-D

[revchas@xxxxxxxx (Charlie Hotchkiss)]

>We have a similar situation in astronomy, where you have, for example, 
>the >"International Star Registry", and possibly other groups, who for a

>fee >will send you a small sky chart, plus a photograph of a star, and a
>certificate proclaiming that you have had a star named after you (or 
>your >dog, or whatever). Not illegal, just infuriatingly economical with
the
>truth. (The International Astronomical Union is the only body that can
>name celestial objects, or approve names suggested by others.) We had 
>a >run-in with them a while back, but it did no good. They continue to
do
>business, and the public love it. I had the opportunity to speak to
>someone who was intending to buy the service, and despite my careful
>explanation, she was still happy to go ahead and part with the 
>readies. I
Astronomy is an important science and a rather serious pursuit.  I don't
know if we have any business naming celestial objects at all.  I mean
it's ok to name things after myths, and the world has enough religions to
allow that practice to continue for a long long time, but I don't think
that the International Astronomical Union or The International Star
Registry or anyone else should go about naming stars after real people,
or their dogs.  Around where I live there is an absolute frenzy to name
things after the late President Reagan.  What if unpleasant things come
to light.  We have learned that naming a "Ranch" in Nevada would have
been more appropriate than naming an airport for President Kennedy, for
example.

On the other hand, people just want to have fun.  Here in Rabbit Hash, at
the General Store, you can get Rabbit Hash Passports, degrees in Riparian
Rustication from our university and Citizenship Certificates.  We'd be
happy to name a stray dog after you and send you a certificate to that
effect...It's all in fun. Twenty-five years ago  I supported myself for a
year by selling Holy Druid Dirt and a certificate of authenticity, now I
say magic words, sign a state form and voila, a couple is married, and I
get paid for it.   It's just People trying to make each other smile.  If
pretending that a star is named after you makes you smile and if the
price is fair, then what does it matter?  That which we call a rose would
smell as sweet by any other name, or words to that effect.
Rev. Chas Hotchkiss
The Primate of Rabbit Hash, KY

I read over this and decided it did't have enough 3D content to send, but
then I decided that there is a valid message.  While we should study
stereo photograpy and know the science behind it, in practice I think we
should value the effect over the rules.  As long as it dosn't give you a
headache, leave you permantly cross-eyed or frighten the horses, we
should feel free to use the 3D illusion anyway we can.

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


------------------------------