Comments on: Where has the BA Book been, Part XII: I am amused

By: JackC

JackC — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:38:25 +0000

@Michael

I have a tough time believing that the mass of the book would cause that much of an issue. I don’t recall the specifics, but have vague memories of far more massive objects being “smuggled aboard”, though I certainly understand the physics involved. That famous corned beef sandwich is probably the best-known example, and it probably massed about the same.

I just don’t think the few grams of the book would be recognised as an issue, and I DO believe that it would be very hard to beat that photo – with the possible exception of perhaps strapping it on the next probe to (trying hard to avoid the sophomoric references that present themselves!) the Kuiper belt, with a camera rigged to snap photos as it passed each major planetary (or minor) body along the way

By: Nigel Depledge

Nigel Depledge — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:11:14 +0000

KaiYves said:
“Did Victoria actually say “We are not amused” or is that just a myth like Holmes saying “Elementary, my dear Watson”?”

You are right to ask: it is, in fact, a myth. Apparently, Victoria Regina had a quite lively sense of humour. Source: QI.

Having said that, I could not find any references to back this up.

By: JB of Brisbane

JB of Brisbane — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:50:43 +0000

@Chris Owen – The statue is in Queen’s Park, which is just across Elizabeth Street from the Treasury Casino.

I wish I had thought of doing this!

By: John B. Sandlin

John B. Sandlin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:05:26 +0000

“We are amused” – two thoughts – you’ve developed multiple personality disorder, or you’ve been ready Rescue Party by Arthur C. Clarke.

jbs

By: Chris Owen

Chris Owen — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:24:43 +0000

Funny, I travel into Brisbane every day for university and I have no idea where that statue is! I might have to do some exploring after the Easter holidays.

I wonder if there are any Brisbanites around here who could get a picture of BA at the Sir Thomas Brisbane planetarium?

By: Lugosi

Lugosi — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:52:53 +0000

This is totally off topic, but I finally came across an explanation of dark matter that even I can understand.

By: Michael Lonergan

Michael Lonergan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:17:25 +0000

Jack,
I’m not sure if they will be able to take the book up. They have pretty restricted weight limits and from what I understand every ounce counts. I guess someone could talk to one of the Astronauts and see if they would take it with their personal gear. I would imagine they are allowed to take up a certain amount of stuff like books and stuff.