QUOTE (Shaka @ Jul 1 2006, 03:13 PM) 
Tom,
If you wait until we can read the inscription on the slab, like Horton, you'll miss the distinction of the 'good scientist' who revises his conclusions as soon as new evidence compels it. The 'rocket scientists' in the MER team have done that now - so they are 'good scientists' - better late than never.
Of course we never appeal to authority around here, so you should only change your view when the evidence convinces you, not the popular vote swing. Pando is a case in point - 'a good scientist' - right, Pando?
As far as I know only one person 'elected' me captain, ElkGroveDan, (and you know what they say about Californians!
). I'm sure I wasn't the first Near-rimmer, Tesh or Rodolfo were probably in there long before their geometry and Dilo's charts of the unchanging 'image' of Beacon finally compelled me to get down from the fence. In fact I think Shirley or somebody put me on the Near list before I ever formally embraced it. (Pity that much of this early history of the beacon debate was lost with the Victoria on the Horizon thread that somehow got lost or corrupted on Doug's server.) I think "cheerleader" is probably a better description of my role in this debate than captain, but I do like to think that I am also 'on the squad'. 
YAY, TEAM!! 
Shaka, don't get me wrong. You appear to be on the Victorious team, and you chose your team correctly. My "cheerleader" comment only referred to the fact that you have been so verbose while your team's accurate kickers have put one right into the net. You have contributed materially to the discussion. It's just that the s/n ratio is somtimes low, imho, which is why I have previously called you enthusiastic. I bear you no ill will. Really...
If you wait until we can read the inscription on the slab, like Horton, you'll miss the distinction of the 'good scientist' who revises his conclusions as soon as new evidence compels it. The 'rocket scientists' in the MER team have done that now - so they are 'good scientists' - better late than never.
Of course we never appeal to authority around here, so you should only change your view when the evidence convinces you, not the popular vote swing. Pando is a case in point - 'a good scientist' - right, Pando?As far as I know only one person 'elected' me captain, ElkGroveDan, (and you know what they say about Californians!
). I'm sure I wasn't the first Near-rimmer, Tesh or Rodolfo were probably in there long before their geometry and Dilo's charts of the unchanging 'image' of Beacon finally compelled me to get down from the fence. In fact I think Shirley or somebody put me on the Near list before I ever formally embraced it. (Pity that much of this early history of the beacon debate was lost with the Victoria on the Horizon thread that somehow got lost or corrupted on Doug's server.) I think "cheerleader" is probably a better description of my role in this debate than captain, but I do like to think that I am also 'on the squad'. YAY, TEAM!! 
(along with the traitors on my side who left to beat traffic after the seven the inning 
)
