Note: This column represents the opinions
of the writer and as such, is not purported as fact
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As expected George Bush has announced that the USA will be sending men back to
the moon, and ultimately to Mars.
This kind of announcement often produces huge divides and tends to polarise
people into two camps: those who think manned space exploration is a great
idea, and those who think there are much better things for us to spend money
on.
When you look at the state of the planet and the number of people still
dying from disease, war and famine, it's hard not to understand where
those opposed to "wasting" money on space exploration are coming from.
But even they must acknowledge that space exploration does create some very
significant technological advances that benefit everyone on the planet.
The Aardvark PC-Based Digital
Entertainment Centre Project
Yes, at last, this feature
has been updated again! (31 Mar 2003)
Just look at how much our technology advanced in the 1960's thanks to the
space race that was taking place between the USA and Russia.
We have America's determination to put a man on the moon by 1970 to thank
for many hi-tech breakthroughs that now serve to improve our every-day
lives or which look set to play a crucial role in our futures.
The printed circuit board, teflon, fuel cells, GPS -- the list goes on
and on.
There's also something perhaps even more important...
I refer to the way in which the entire world, for just a moment, became
one people without concern for race, religion or other division at the
very moment Neil Armstrong took the last step down Apollo 11's ladder
and touched the surface of the moon.
Quite frankly, I can't think of a single event that has brought the peoples
of this planet closer together -- albeit just for a few minutes.
If you're old enough to remember the moment that man first walked on the
moon then you'll remember what a hugely unifying and exhilarating event
it was. It would sure be nice to relive such a global sense of elation.
Unfortunately, I doubt that mankind returning to the moon will produce
the same effect -- but a manned Mars landing might.
On the downside however, the financial cost of getting man to Mars and back
is truly horrendous and may be as much as a trillion US dollars according
to some.
So how much is a trillion dollars?
Well it seems that the folks over at TV3 news don't expect their viewers
to be very bright so in last night's bulletin they went to great lengths
to explain the real size of this very large number.
Unfortunately, those who inhabit TV3's newsroom are even less bright than
their viewers -- listen to this clip from that bulletin
to find out why.
Didn't I just write a column about declining standards in the news media?
Let's hope that however much is spent on furthering man's exploration of space,
the benefits are manifold and can be used to improve the lives of every person
on the planet.
Lighten Up
Yes, it's time to cast off the worries of the week and relax with a little of
what's good for you.
Don't you just hate the way that, when they're selling cars, people tell such
horrible lies about the condition and quality of the vehicle they're trying
to get rid of? Well just look at
this eBay auction
for a breath of fresh air.
Now we all know that our computers are filled with tiny chips, but
this is ridiculous.
Here's
another Flash game
based on an old favourite but with an interesting
new flavour. Unfortunately it comes out very small on my screen.
With any luck, next week you'll start to see the introduction of the raft of new
features and content I've got planned for this website. Stay tuned!
If any Aardvark readers want to share an opinion on today's column or
add something, you're invited to chip in and have your say in
The Aardvark Forums or, if you prefer,
you can contact me directly.
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