NEW MEMBER? Introduce yourself in this thread.

[Sticks]

I am Graeme Stickings from Newcastle upon Tyne

I currently work in the civil service. I hold one ordinary BSc and 2 MScs

[Fraser]

Phil and I have been friends for almost 6 years now (not that we've ever met in person). This is one of those situations where we have faith that our two groups of friends are really going to like each other. We just needed to hold a big virtual party.

[Gillianren]

hello, all, both old friends and new acquaintances.

I'm Gillian, 28 (6 December, 1976), currently in Olympia, WA, born in LA county, CA. I call myself a freelance writer. in the words of the sax player from The Commitments, it feels so much better to be an unemployed musician than an unemployed pipe fitter.

I was an English major in college, inasmuch as my alma mater had majors, so I'll know when all of you are wrong. however, I won't generally tell you; I'm nice that way. usually. I also cheerfully accept correction about that whole science thing, when I'm wrong there. (generally, though, I won't venture an opinion unless I'm pretty sure I'm right, which means I don't venture a lot of opinions about science.)

erm . . . I have arthritis, scoliosis, and manic depression, which probably makes my posting style a little erratic depending on my medical state at the time I post. I'm an informational jackdaw, collecting all sorts of trivia. however, I will not reliably remember where I found it most of the time.

I'm a musician, a cook, a seamstress, and a Ren Faire worker. and I'm really, really annoyed that I went from being a Bad Master to a mere Senior Member; I was so looking forward to that Bad PhD, since the real one's on hold for a while.

[R.A.F.]

...I'm also an astronomical artist...

You are indeed! I just visited your site and the illustrations are beautiful!

[Gullible Jones]

I'm 16 years old, a citizen of the United States.

I'm obsessed with science. I want to know the universe's secrets, and other universes' if they're out there.

I believe that humanity must reach for the stars, if it is not to die in its own cradle.

I think that all people should be given all the freedom they can have without harming others or impinging on others' freedoms.

I think that even as we make progress, we should try to preserve the planet we live on.

I am a massive proponent of bioengineering, so long as it is used in a beneficial and ethical fashion.

I think that people should have freedom of religion and other sorts of beliefs, but should also have the right to know scientific truths. As such, I will do my best (whatever that may be) to debunk erroneous and harmful beliefs that present themselves on this forum.

[Obviousman]

(looks around cautiously)

Hello!

Obviousman here. Obviousman is a champion of truth, justice, and cold drinks - that about sums it up. My secret alter ego is as an Australian Naval Officer who lives in southern New South Wales, Australia.

We have been involved in aviation for a long time (20+ years), and still love it. Interests include science, military aviation, manned space programme, humour, and science fiction.

Our main purposes are to correct erroneous "Apollo hoax" claims, and to provide comic relief.

And we know who you are.......

[Lianachan]

I'm Lianachan, 33 year old scottish highlander.

I work for the UK government, and what little spare time my 2 young kids leave me is currently being mostly spent researching for a novel that I'll probably never have time to actually write, and playing the bass in a band.

I am at least vaguely interested in pretty much everything.

[antoniseb]

I'm Antoniseb, a software developer and technical trainer from the US with a lifelong interest in astronomy. I have other interests including comedy. I've been pretty active in the Universe Today forum as both moderater and opinionated poster.

[Francis]

I'm Francis, mainly lurking on the BABB for a while, but really enjoying all the topics and learning a lot.

For working at my company for 25 years, they got me a neat Meade Polaris refractor telescope. I just assembled it and am looking forward to trying it out. It comes with a 2x barlow lens, a 25mm and 9mm lens. I got to specify what I wanted to get, and chose the telescope.

[*looks around*] Hope everyone made the move okay. I'm still getting used to the new look. Good job, Phil and Fraser, for getting it together so quickly.

-Francis

[projectorion]

Still not banned. BA must be waiting for a quieter moment.


Hi Samara. It happened about 5 minutes after BA showed up. He has this thing about throwing all similar threads into single super threads which I had the terribly bad manners to openly question.

Fraser wrote

But then, maybe that's just my attention deficit disorder showing.

You too. I see it as an asset. It never seemed to slow down Edison or Einstein.

[AGN Fuel]

Greetings to all! This is a very exciting event!

I'm AGN Fuel, but you can all call me AGN. I'm a 41 year old from the beautiful Central Coast of NSW, Australia. My passions are astronomy (geez, who'd have thunk??), manned space travel, my SCT, laughing, basketball and my wonderful family.

It has been a privilege for me to interact with the members of the BABB over the past few years and the prospect of widening that family through this merge is very exciting indeed!

[Van Rijn]

Introductions, eh ...

I write software in Sacramento, California. I've been crazy about space for as long as I can remember (and they tell me spacecraft toys were my favorites while I was still crawling on the floor). I grew up with Apollo and in my young life had been planning on a career in astronomy. Then, in my university days, I found I loved programming computers and the rest is history. Of course, that didn't stop my interest in space.

I am a bibliophile and I'm interested in most areas of science and technology, though some more than others. I am a science fiction and fantasy nut, and I don't really care what media it comes in. While I admire the power of imagination, I get more than a little annoyed when fantasy is passed off as reality by the pseudoscientists.

As for the rest of me ... well, you'll get the chance to form your own opinion.

[Moseley]

hi, I'm a fairly clueless but inquisitive Pom, love Oz (only had a month there in Cairns mainly and Newcastle for a visit), won't be long before I'm back. Hope a few dodgy umpiring decisions don't ruin the series come thursday.

err I'm well over 15 so don't worry.

[jrkeller]

I'm a displaced Yankee from Michigan and have been living in Texas for 20 years (as of last week). I came to Texas to go to school at the University of Texas in Austin to get my Ph.D. After four years in Texas, I enjoyed living here so much that I put down my roots.

After graudation in 1989, I moved to Houston and have worked for a NASA contractor at the Johnson Space Center in Houston for sixteen years on advanced human spaceflight projects and the space station. Currently, I am working on a several projects related to returning the shuttle back to flight. I feel extremely lucky to have a job that I really enjoy in a field that is one of my passions.

I'm divorced and techincally have custody of my three kids, but I have such a good relationship with my ex-wife that they spend about an equal amount of time with each of us.

[slotdrag]

Hi all i live in Wichita Ks. Im an automotive tech of 25 years. I love r/c monster trucks. All forms of racing, and astronmy. Im 43 married 17 years and have three kids.

[Jigsaw]

Projectorion, my understanding is that the BA and Universe Today are running this board jointly, so it's not an automatic "given" that as soon as Phil [quote unquote] "gets here", you'll be banned. Why not give him--and yourself--a chance? Relax. Nobody hates you.

(Is it okay if my brain insists on processing your nick as "Pro-ject-OR-ian", as in "citizen of the planet Projector"? Ah, those Projectorions, they know how to throw a PARTY... )


Anyway, to get back to the thread...

Jigsaw of the BABB checking in, and very happy to be here, too. This whole merging thing is way cool.

50-year-old former stay-at-home mom of three--two in college, one still in high school--recently back in the work force, this time around as a Walgreens pharmacy technician.

[Bob B.]

My name is Bob Braeunig, 47 years old, from Dayton, Ohio. I’m a civil engineer and work for a general contractor. I’ve been in love with astronomy and space flight ever since I was a child growing up during the Apollo era.

I was once a very active amateur astronomer, but over the last ten years this has largely taken a backseat to my interest in the physics and technology of space flight. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can about the topic and I’ve even developed a Web page to share my interest with others.

Needless to say, I have no love for those who advocate the moon-landing hoax theory. My primary reason for joining BABB was to help refute those claims, thus the old “Lunar Conspiracies” forum was my main hangout. Now you’ll probably see me a lot in the “Conspiracy Theories” forum, but I’m also looking forward to checking out the “Space Exploration” forum.

[Kesh]

Hello, folks! Just came back from a nice weekend trip to find the new board. Looks great so far.

Anyway, hi, I'm Kesh. I've been an avid student of science since I was a kid, and I'm now about to turn 30. I live in rural Kentucky right now, which means a few more stars in the sky than I've seen in a long time. Spent a lot of time moving across the United States, working different jobs and generally having an eclectic life. Now, perhaps, it looks like I'm settling down.

Though I'm really just an amateur, I'm always eager to read up on the latest science findings and discussions. That led me to the BABB, when I saw a post to one of the BA's moon hoax debunkings on another site. I've really enjoyed reading and posting on the forum, which eventually led me to Universe Today's forums as well. So, I'm fairly happy to see a merger like this!

[§rv]

Hi I'm §rv, well I haven't been around for a while and I'm quite surprised to see this new look for the forum. Maybe I'll start back lurking now. I'm 16 and from Trinidad and apart from astrophysics I love cricket and contemplation

[Maksutov]

I am a Maksutov 2005 BB poster Production Number 1. I became operational at the Mak Plant approximately 800 miles east of Urbana, Illinois many years ago. My first instructor was Dr. Chandra. He taught me to sing a song, it goes like this,

Don't know much about history
Don't know much biology
Don't know much about science books
Don't know much about the Spanish I took
But I know I like the BABB, I do
And if the BAUT's like the BABB was too
What a wonderful board this will be.

Don't know much about geography
Don't know much trigonometry
Don't know much about algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for
But I know that 0.999... and one equals two
And if that's true on the BAUT BB too
What a B-A-U-T-ful board this will be.

[Trebuchet]

Trebuchet's the name, hurling is my game. There's a really small pumpkin in my avatar.

Otherwise, I live in the Northwestern USA, work for a large aerospace company formerly headquartered here, and I think I can get used to the new board!

[projectorion]

Projectorion, my understanding is that the BA and Universe Today are running this board jointly, so it's not an automatic "given" that as soon as Phil [quote unquote] "gets here", you'll be banned. Why not give him--and yourself--a chance? Relax. Nobody hates you.

He drew first blood. You shouldn't push if you don't like getting pushed back.

Is it okay if my brain insists on processing your nick as "Pro-ject-OR-ian", as in "citizen of the planet Projector"? Ah, those Projectorions, they know how to throw a PARTY...

Nice to meet you. That's my old BA username. From before I was banned the first time. I usually post as Wayne Smith now. Pronounce it how you like. Sounds better than PO. Sharing the same initials as the mail delivery service makes it easy to remember but other possible interpretations make it unsavoury. An example, "BA is 'P'd Off' right now".
Some personalities don't always meld well. I have plenty of respect for BA but I don't worship him. If he wants to talk to me in a condescending fashion then I'm more than happy to mirror it back at him. I'm sure you've had friends who turned out to be lousy flatmates. Same applies. I was happy posting here before but now that the BA is here and wants to stifle any discussion of radical concepts like Orion I'm not bothered about moving on. It's fine. Just don't try and blow smoke up my butt about it being because of my personality. Just ban me and cut the crap. That's all I'm saying.

[umop ap!sdn]

I am an amateur astronomer and freelance software writer currently living in Arizona, but in the past have also lived in Oregon, California, and Connecticut which is where I was born, on JD2444728.2.

Aside from astronomy, my interests include music (late '60s through early '90s, especially soft rock/pop, also Enya and a few similar artists), cats (got 3 of the cute little troublemakers living here with me), languages (currently reading Teach Yourself Ancient Greek), chemistry/spectroscopy.

I'm in college right now with plans to pursue a degree - ultimately I want to get a PhD in one of the sciences, probably chemistry.

[MrObvious]

He drew first blood. You shouldn't push if you don't like getting pushed back.



Nice to meet you. That's my old BA username. From before I was banned the first time. I usually post as Wayne Smith now. Pronounce it how you like. Sounds better than PO. Sharing the same initials as the mail delivery service makes it easy to remember but other possible interpretations make it unsavoury. An example, "BA is 'P'd Off' right now".
Some personalities don't always meld well. I have plenty of respect for BA but I don't worship him. If he wants to talk to me in a condescending fashion then I'm more than happy to mirror it back at him. I'm sure you've had friends who turned out to be lousy flatmates. Same applies. I was happy posting here before but now that the BA is here and wants to stifle any discussion of radical concepts like Orion I'm not bothered about moving on. It's fine. Just don't try and blow smoke up my butt about it being because of my personality. Just ban me and cut the crap. That's all I'm saying.

From where I'm standing it looks like you drew first blood on this board. This board gave amnesty to all, the least you could do is return the favour. In other words: don't judge him for something he hasn't even done.
Just thought you'd like to know thats what it appears like you are doing at the moment.

Just a tip, when riding a motorbike the first thing they teach you is you go in the direction you are looking. If you don't want to hit the tree, then don't look at it, if you don't want to ride off that cliff, then stop looking at it!! Life in many ways follows this simple rule.

[Champion_Munch]

hi, I'm a fairly clueless but inquisitive Pom, love Oz (only had a month there in Cairns mainly and Newcastle for a visit), won't be long before I'm back. Hope a few dodgy umpiring decisions don't ruin the series come thursday.

err I'm well over 15 so don't worry.

Hey Moseley. :mrgreen:

Last few games have been a blinder, can't wait for the final. :P

with regards

[Champion_Munch]

Hi all,

My real name is Fahad Sulehria. I'm a Multimedia Engineering student at the University of Lund, Sweden, but I'm also an astronomical artist (IAAA member). I've been into astronomy since the past 12-13 years and this experience greatly helps me in making accurate astronomical art.


With Regards,
Fahad Sulehria

Hey Fahad, I came about your website quite a few months back, some of those portraits are fantastic!

I have the Pluto-Charon one as my desktop, and I've had it there for about a month (which is pretty rare for me).

Just noticed, you have the same sign-off as me... :P

with regards

[Paul Beardsley]

I am 42 (but I always believe people who tell me I look much younger) and live in Havant in the south of England. Four years ago, after inheriting £1000, I wrote to Sir Patrick Moore to ask his advice on buying a telescope; a couple of mornings later he phoned me up to recommend a Meade ETX-125; he even told me where the nearest dealer was to my house!

I used to work in Engineering but was mediocre at it so this month I'm taking up a new career in teaching.

My main hobby is writing science fiction and fantasy stories. I've had a few published since 1990.

I'm delighted by the new merger, and glad to see people like Sci Fi Chick back. I've also had a quick look at Fahad's website - marvellous stuff, I'll be spending more time on that!

[Nicolas]

Hello!

I'm Nicolas. I come from the BABB.

I'm a 21y old Aerospace engineer. Currently (as in "since today") I'm continuing my studies with a Masters in Aerospace engineering: control & simulation, specialisation: human-machine interaction (oh the title....)

Needless to say I'm interested in spaceflight, astronomy and aircraft.
I also have an intereset in music (making and listening), audio equipment and programming.

[Paul Beardsley]

Nice to meet you. That's my old BA username. From before I was banned the first time. I usually post as Wayne Smith now. Pronounce it how you like. Sounds better than PO. Sharing the same initials as the mail delivery service makes it easy to remember but other possible interpretations make it unsavoury. An example, "BA is 'P'd Off' right now".
Some personalities don't always meld well. I have plenty of respect for BA but I don't worship him. If he wants to talk to me in a condescending fashion then I'm more than happy to mirror it back at him. I'm sure you've had friends who turned out to be lousy flatmates. Same applies. I was happy posting here before but now that the BA is here and wants to stifle any discussion of radical concepts like Orion I'm not bothered about moving on. It's fine. Just don't try and blow smoke up my butt about it being because of my personality. Just ban me and cut the crap. That's all I'm saying.

I don't think any of us worship the BA - we just recognize that he's a man who knows what he's talking about, and he has provided us with one of the few forums on the internet to allow - nay, enforce - civilized conversation.

The rules have always been easy to stick to - basically, be polite and back up your claims. That's not stifling discussion.

Of course, people may choose to break the rules, get themselves banned, then adopt a victim mentality and use words like "censorship" and "oppression". But most of us here can see that sort of posturing for what it is.

[AstroSmurf]

Hi all!

I'm another migrated BABBler, no longer in juvenile feathers as I'm 31. I live in Sweden, and started out trying to become a physicist before becoming seduced by computers. I'm mostly interested in human spaceflight, but I also love amateur astronomy, astrophysics and such. Other than that, I like history, music and lots of other things...