Curiosity Lands on Mars

[Stefan]

I think the Chinese may beat us there simply because they have the will and national pride to get it done.

I agree. Our politicians are too preoccupied with Israel's concerns to care about progress in other facets like they used to, in the cold war days. I would love to see what the rich capitalists in our country do with space though, now that it is going more public. It might be a smart economic position, especially if they develop alternative rockets or space elevators that will make it easier, and more importantly - cheaper, to go into space and therefore bring in returns of fuel and resources from moons and mars. I love the idea of Ion propulsion, in particular. I'd love to see at least the beginnings of colonization, and maybe even terra-forming before I die, which might not be too far off since scientists are working on lengthening our life-spans and decreasing genetic deterioration.

[SilverKnight]

what a grandiose waist money ..

[Contra Mundum]

what a grandiose waist money ..

Compared to other things we spend money on, it really isn't that much. Imagine what NASA could have done with the money spent on the war in Iraq.

[Sunshine]

Don't worry. Affirmative action will get to those racist aeronautical engineers. College is too complicated for black people, just like computers. It's the white folks scheme to keep black folks out of middle and upper class jobs, especially science. There's too much mathematics in science classes and the words used are too big. They need to make it simple for black folk, just like they need to make computers simple.

How do you explain doctors and other non-whites that are in the medical field? In order to be considered admission into medical school in America, you must have a competitive MCAT score. People spend years in college studying general biology, physics, genetics, anatomy and physiology, calculus, organic chemistry, and other social and behavioral disciplines in order to achieve a well-rounded education. Maybe you have not visited a college recently, but there are many hispanics and blacks that are graduating with degrees in biochemistry, mathematics, biomedical engineering, aeronautics, etc. Granted many of these students who are excelling at the collegiate level are from immigrant families that came to America to work hard and have successfully integrated. These students do not look for sympathy or handouts. These students are often seen as nerdy or unpopular but, they mind their own business and abide by the law.

[Stefan]

How do you explain doctors and other non-whites that are in the medical field? In order to be considered admission into medical school in America, you must have a competitive MCAT score. People spend years in college studying general biology, physics, genetics, anatomy and physiology, calculus, organic chemistry, and other social and behavioral disciplines in order to achive a well-rounded education. Maybe you have not visited a college recently, but there are many hispanics and blacks that are graduating with degrees in biochemistry, mathematics, biomedical engineering, aeronautics, etc. Granted many of these students who are excelling at the collegiate level are from immigrant families that came to America to work hard and have successfully integrated. These students do not look for sympathy or handouts. These students are often seen as nerdy or unpopular but, they mind their own business and abide by the law.

I was mostly joking, referring to a newspaper article about a black guy who thought computers were racist. However, this is how I explain the people you mentioned.



I've never met a black doctor, teacher, etc though. So maybe they only exist on TV and political campaigns. Blacks are called URMs (underrepresented minorities) for a reason. Affirmative action's existence verifies this.

[Leliana]

what a grandiose waist money ..

...like nurturing your backward isles.

I want to see great photos and videos of Mars now.

[Sunshine]

I've never met a black doctor, teacher, etc though. So maybe they only exist on TV and political campaigns. Blacks are called URMs (underrepresented minorities) for a reason. Affirmative action's existence verifies this.

I think a person should be hired based on their credentials, not attractiveness, nepotism or subjective parameters. I am sharing my personal experience in order to provide another perspective. I'm still for the cause of preservation, but I still believe in giving other people the benefit of a doubt depending on the situation. Arizona seems to have a few black teachers, health care workers, doctors and medical school students. I guess my environment reinforces the views I have about race because I see hispanics and blacks that live here and contribute to society. They do not embody the stereotypes often placed on minorities. When I go out in public, I am not angry or afraid of anyone because everyone just minds their own business and cooperates. Needless to say I like the area in which I reside.

[SilverKnight]

Compared to other things we spend money on, it really isn't that much. Imagine what NASA could have done with the money spent on the war in Iraq.

True, but I have a feeling that we already know what's going on in Mars. Pyramids, as well as other non-natural sutructures have being found on Mars. There's a good possibilty this mission is just there to cover up the real truth of Mars.

I'm glad I see outside the box

...like nurturing your backward isles.

I want to see great photos and videos of Mars now.

No one has to, we're very conscious people (different from the other ones) just with an irresponsible government, but I won't get to there as it will turn into a different thread, ok ? Don't even start.

[SilverKnight]

I think a person should be hired based on their credentials, not attractiveness, nepotism or subjective parameters. I am sharing my personal experience in order to provide another perspective. I'm still for the cause of preservation, but I still believe in giving other people the benefit of a doubt depending on the situation. Arizona seems to have a few black teachers, health care workers, doctors and medical school students. I guess my environment reinforces the views I have about race because I see hispanics and blacks that live here and contribute to society. They do not embody the stereotypes often placed on minorities. When I go out in public, I am not angry or afraid of anyone because everyone just minds their own business and cooperates. Needless to say I like the area in which I reside.

Sounds like a great area to live, may I ask where is it at?

I don't believe in affirmative action, it's overrate and outdated system that has implications for good skilled people. We all have potentials and there's no need to have a system to prove it..

[Contra Mundum]

Short video of Curiosity's descent. Doesn't really show a whole lot. I think that is the heat shield being released at the beginning of the video.
In the coming days NASA will release more video showing the actual landing.

[YOUTUBE]UcGMDXy-Y1I[/YOUTUBE]