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Gerald Elkin

House Finch

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Posts Made By: Gerald Kuchera

January 27, 2009 05:17 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

It had to happen..bifocals

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
My first eyeglasses were progressive lenses and it was a disturbing period of getting used to them that almost made me give 'em up. I have mild astigmatism in one eye and moderate astigmatism in the other. So I've gotta wear them at the EP now. :C

I'm on my third set and have been having no problems observing with them. They don't seem to affect my view through the EP. smile

My second pair I bought at a large optical company and have learned not to ever go to such places. The third pair has the best correction I've ever had--proof that staying away from the big guys is good advice.

Gerald



February 13, 2009 08:49 PM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

Current Gas Usage Decrease, Will it Make a Differe

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Alright,

So we're about down to 2007 levels of 90,000,000 barrels of oil per day.

Human population continues to grow and energy needs will too. We're still injecting an awful lot of fossilized carbon into the atmosphere. I'd say it's negligible.

Gerald

February 21, 2009 03:51 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Criterion RC-6 Help

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
I assume you mean, Criterion Dynascope RV-6? If so, there is the Dynascope Yahoo Group that focuses on all models of Criterion telescopes.

Gerald

March 3, 2009 03:32 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Lulin and Mars?

Posted By Gerald Kuchera


-September-23 Lulin approaches Mars

Better git yer big 'un's to see it! It'll be near 15th magnitude.

I just realized, you might be thinking how close will it APPROACH Mars.

Hmmm. Dunno. But it'll miss Mars by a couple a.u..

Gerald

March 5, 2009 03:27 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Laser pointer

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
One of the best setups I've seen was on a fellow member's scope.

It had the Jasper laser on their cool swivel mount. His laser was on all night at 32ºF and the only laser that kept going. He might've had a battery pack on it, I don't recall now.

It's not what I would call cheap,
but then again, I am. I think it was $129 for laser and mount + shipping.
I'm saving up for one someday.

I bought a cheapie and it doesn't like the cold. Smart Astronomy sells a nice looking laser finder bracket, but it's out of stock for the week or so.

ATWB carries the orion, Hotech lasers and Lumicon brackets.

Haven't seen the Howie Glatter laser, it might be nice.

Gerald

March 10, 2009 07:02 PM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

Not all Scientists Agree

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Considering heartland institute is funded by Exxon, who can be suprised.

The Flat Earth Society is also trying to debunk the "consensus" on an even more basic level!

http://www.alaska.net/~clund/e_djublonskopf/Flatearthsociety.htm

Gerald

March 21, 2009 03:42 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Dealing with eyepieces...

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Walt,

I've been using an Orion eyepiece fanny pack--I don't have as many eyepieces to use as many astro-marters, nor do I generally use my 2inch EPs anymore (too dam big and bulky) Don't have the budget for Naglers and such so I don't miss the wide views. I've got a low power, a medium, a zoom to cover everything else, and a barlow for when I get greedy for power! I put foam spacers to fit the various EP lengths. It works ok.

I've been considering a fishing vest someday. You might look into that. Here's an example with nice mesh for when it's hot out.

--http://www.cabelas.com/ssubcat-1/cat601044.shtml

Gerald

June 18, 2009 12:41 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Eyepiece Suggestions

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
I use a Vixen 8-24mm zoom EP and prefer it to fixed focal length EPs when using my PST. I would easily recommend a zoom to anyone and in particular a solar scope.

Enjoy the Lunt!

Gerald

September 16, 2009 01:00 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Barlow or 2 inch powermate

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Who could tell it better than Al himself:
http://www.televue.com/engine/page.asp?ID=42

Gerald

February 10, 2010 01:56 AM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

Risk Management

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Well, if the Great Lakes evaporate in 50 years and Florida, most of the US coastline goes bye bye under the waves, and the Corn Belt turns into just another limb of the dust bowl--we won't be having these arguments but fight'n over the pathetic remnants of what once was.
It ain't the fall, it's the landing that rapidly follows that kills ya. Likewise a rapid change in climate is big trouble for civilization. That's to me a bigger economic harm.

I'll take more efficient products, cars that get 65mph, more diseal engines, electric cars (what the hell, most trips are less than 40 miles anyway) windmill generators over wars over oil and strip mines for coal any day. I'm dreaming of the time soon we go back to the moon to put up solar cells and microwave electricity from the ever-lit polar crater rims to earth.

Some see (economic) harm, I see opportunity.

Gerald

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