"Look at THAT, you son of a bitch!"

[Kid Berwyn]

“You develop an instant global consciousness, a people orientation, an intense dissatisfaction with the state of the world, and a compulsion to do something about it. From out there on the moon, international politics look so petty. You want to grab a politician by the scruff of the neck and drag him a quarter of a million miles out and say, ‘Look at that, you son of a bitch.’”― Edgar D. Mitchell

[lapfog_1]

1. A fragile blue marble

and no place else quite like it for many many billions of miles around.

[Kid Berwyn]

4. The Blue Sphere

We are surrounded by the majestic statement of the sea
and the ever changing murmur of the forests;
we share all these miracles with our lively cousins:
the ones that fly
the ones that crawl
the ones that swim
the ones that run
all seeking the blessings of Mother Nature.

But all the ones that walk:
the builders of cathedrals, pyramids,
great walls and temples to the sun,
we still look at each other with hatred and misgivings
while seeking the forgiveness of a forgotten God.

-- by Adolfo Chipoco, MD

[KY_EnviroGuy]

15. Beautiful photo and poem, thank you. n/t

[superpatriotman]

2. They'd still want to build walls

nt

[Kid Berwyn]

6. "It was the only color we could see in the universe."

Mankind's Rarest View: Earth from Afar

Space travelers recall what the planet looks like from above

By Seth Borenstein
AP, April 21, 2007

EXCERPT...

The first full view of Earth came from the moon-bound Apollo 8 during the waning days of a chaotic 1968. Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders put it in perspective in a documentary: “We came all this way to explore the moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.”

Some of the photos Anders took were used on posters and pins on the first Earth Day in 1970. They’ve been “an environmental staple of Earth Days ever since,” said Denis Hayes, the first Earth Day coordinator.

For Earth Day this year — at a time when perhaps some perspective is needed — The Associated Press asked space travelers to recall what it’s like to see Earth from above:

“It was the only color we could see in the universe. ...

“We’re living on a tiny little dust mote in left field on a rather insignificant galaxy. And basically this is it for humans. It strikes me that it’s a shame that we’re squabbling over oil and borders.” — Bill Anders, Apollo 8, whose photos of Earth became famous.


CONTINUED...

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/18202449/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/mankinds-rarest-view-earth-afar/#.VkuOinarTq4

[calimary]

3. Lordy, ANOTHER freakin' awesome quote!!!

Dayum.

God bless you, Edgar Mitchell. TRUTH!

[llmart]

5. A similar image, not that one of course, was on the front cover of the Whole Earth Catalog.

Some of us are old enough to remember how popular that catalog was with some people. It certainly broadened my awareness of conservation, the environment and how fragile our planet is.

Funny how that image can still give me goose bumps. I agree that the quote is pretty fantastic also!

[Kid Berwyn]

9. Jim Lovell, too.

“It’s hard to appreciate the Earth when you’re down right upon it because it’s so huge...It gives you in an instant, just at a position 240,000 miles away from it, (an idea of) how insignificant we are, how fragile we are, and how fortunate we are to have a body that will allow us to enjoy the sky and the trees and the water ... It’s something that many people take for granted when they’re born and they grow up within the environment. But they don’t realize what they have. And I didn’t till I left it.”

—Jim Lovell, Apollo 8 and 13.

[Martin Eden]

7. Earth Rise

If only the people of this blue planet would rise above the hatred which divides us.

[Kid Berwyn]

10. What one Iranian-American said...

“The sheer beauty of it just brought tears to my eyes...If people can see Earth from up here, see it without those borders, see it without any differences in race or religion, they would have a completely different perspective. Because when you see it from that angle, you cannot think of your home or your country. All you can see is one Earth....”

—Anousheh Ansari, Iranian-American space tourist who flew (in 2006) to the international space station.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/18202449/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/mankinds-rarest-view-earth-afar/#.XTNkKoopCf1

[Martin Eden]

11. +1

I was having some very nice thoughts about this, then a terrible thought intruded.

Seeing the Earth from the perspective of space would have a profoundly positive effect on most people, but it would be totally lost on the current president of the United States.

He'd think we need a Space Force up here to strike against the shithole countries!

[RVN VET71]

17. Very sorry to agree with you, but you're spot on.

But that's the Deplorables' leader, Individual-1, and what nauseates you and me delights the herd of deplorable. Cadet Bonespur would still look at it as a profit center -- and so would the rest of his Republican loyalists.

2020, man, that's the only way out of this degenerate swamp. 2020. Any Democrat -- I like Mayor Pete, I like Betsy Warren, I like Kamila Harris (ain't even gonna try to affix a nick name on the D.A.!), I'll vote for Bernie, even Uncle Joe. It doesn't matter who wins the nomination. Important thing is to vote Democratic, vote Trump out, and start bringing his criminal team members to justice.

[smirkymonkey]

22. +1000

[Duppers]

8. I remember the last two sentences of this quote.

It's a most beautiful, relevant quote. Horrible that wingers will never believe it.

[Kid Berwyn]

20. The sight might knock sense into even the hardest of skulls.

I remember Apollo 11 like it was yesterday. The manned exploration of space is a great to develop new technologies without all the war.

Something few today remember is John F. Kennedy’s brother, Joseph, died trying to knock out the NAZI V-2 sites, rockets developed by Werner von Braun, who would come to the US after the war and helped develop the Saturn V.



Two guys who were able to evolve:

https://medium.com/the-secret-history-of-america/the-whitest-man-who-ever-lived-part-4-af627c5724d8

[Mr.Bill]

12. The plaque that Armstrong and Aldrin left on the moon.

says "We came in peace for all mankind".

What a beautiful and unselfish thought. It's eons from the old ways of planting a flag and claiming ownership.

It does disturb me a little bit that Richard Nixon's signature is on that plaque, though.

[Kid Berwyn]

32. Me too. Nixon nixed commissioning Apollo 11 "The John F. Kennedy"

(Blogger Machodoc) Came across an interesting tidbit at the Archives yesterday, specifically in Kissinger's National Security space files.

It seems that in early summer 1969 Bill Moyers, after reading an article in Newsday, wrote Pat Moynihan to ask if he could convice President Nixon to christen the Apollo XI the "John F. Kennedy". Moynihan agreed, sent a memo to up the chain of command, where before it finally reached the White House received a couple of additional endorsements.

On June 12 the proposal reached John Ehrlichman's desk, and in a memo to H. R. Haldeman, wrote: "Unlike Daniel P. Moynihan, I can see no advantage to the President to commission the Apollo 11 moon shot the "John F. Kennedy." We would win neither friends in Congress no votes in 1972 and would only become pawns in the press's game of perpetuating the name of JFK. Fall prey to this and the next step will be renaming the moon because NBC thinks it would be a good idea."

The next day, in a memo to his boss, Haldeman, Steve Bull agreed, an in his memo said that "we have gone far enough in "Kennedyizing" such ventures."

In the action box at the bottom of the page, in the space recommending the action be abandoned is Haldeman's "H", with a note in strong handwriting and double underlined, "positively!!"

SOURCE:

http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/000980.html

———————-

Explains why the pukes were so fast to unname Cape Kennedy back to Cape Canaveral -- speeds the day when no one remembers Liberal Democrats led the United States to the moon.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

13. The nice thing about using a Hasselblad 500 is

Last edited Sun Jul 21, 2019, 03:23 PM - Edit history (1)

that no one can complain that you should have shot the picture in landscape mode.

Hasselblad cameras in space

[KY_EnviroGuy]

14. LOL, that was one of my first thoughts.

Back in the day, I had to save for many, many months to buy my dream camera, a Nikon F. A working stiff like me couldn't even dream of buying a Hasselblad, but I did get their periodic magazine in the mail showing many unbelievable photos.

Wiki says in total, they left 12 Hasselblads on the moon. Film was approx. 2-3/4" square (70mm) in magazines of 150–200 exposures and it all had to be flown back home!

KY...........

[Kid Berwyn]

35. If you can get us a ride, I know where we can find 12 Hasselblads...

...No 120 film backs, probably, but there are digital adapters.



https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/hasselblad-apollo-camera-history/

[KY_EnviroGuy]

16. Just hit me why those photos were not so memorable back then.

Almost no one I knew had color TV..........

[Kid Berwyn]

36. My kids won't watch B&W movies.

Casablanca, Dr. Strangelove, Seven Days in May, Destry Rides Again, and unnumbered more...all because they’re not in color.

Was on an extended plane trip the other day, woman and her young daughter were getting their film on, The Wizard of Oz. She explained, “It starts out in black and white, then turns into color.”

Great photos. Like being a kid again...

https://www.space.com/15864-nasa-apollo-11-moon-landing-photos.html

Deja vu. Deja vu.

[misanthrope]

18. "The Overview Effect"

It's been a consistent trait of those who go to space and see the Earth from afar. Even the most taciturn, nuts-and-bolts pilots like Frank Borman couldn't escape its impact. Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, ISS, regardless of which one they've been a part of it, they all come back with an enlightened and enlarged perspective.

For more photos, go here:

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/apollo/catalog/70mm/

[Kid Berwyn]

42. A profound effect.

The Moon-Walking, Alien-Hunting, Psychic Astronaut Who Got Sued By NASA

A Radio Motherboard chat with the late astronaut Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man on the moon and a connoisseur of consciousness, psychics, and aliens.

By ALEX PASTERNACK
May 14 2016, VICE

Snip...

On the way back, however, things were more relaxed, quieter. Mitchell took time to look out the window, and was transfixed by the sight of the largest thing he'd ever seen, the largest thing he'd ever known, floating in the dark. The moment would change his life, giving him a glimpse of a deeper, hidden nature.

"All of us had the experience—let's call it the overview effect or the big picture effect—of seeing Earth in its setting rather than as the end all and be all of living systems," Mitchell told me in 2012 (you can listen to some of our conversation on this episode of Radio Motherboard). "My own experience was a very powerful one—on the way back after my work was done... From looking at Earth from space you come up with the question, who are we, how did we get here and where's all this going? And that's an ancient, ancient question that humans have asked for a long time."

"My experience was to realize that perhaps our science is wrong at answering these questions and perhaps our religious cosmologies are archaic and flawed. And given that now we are an extraterrestrial civilization ourselves, we need to re-ask these questions, and do a lot more work to find the answers."

Mitchell, who passed away in February at the age of 85, was exceptional even among astronauts. Like the archetypal moon walker, he was a Boy Scout and a military test pilot with a protestant upbringing and an impressive command of engineering and aeronautics. His PhD dissertation at MIT was about designing a mission to Mars. Finally, in February 1971, after nine years of training and a three-day trip, he became the sixth man on the moon.

Continues: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/aek7ez/astronaut-edgar-mitchell-outer-space-inner-space-and-aliens

[ET Awful]

19. "A peaceful place or so it looks from space. A closer look reveals the human race.

Full of hope, full of grace is the human race. But I'm afraid we may lay our home to waste." - John Perry Barlow and Bob Weir

[Kid Berwyn]

43. Franklin's Tower and a whole lot more.

Four times I heard the Grateful Dead in person.

From John Perry Barlow:

Principles Of Adult Behavior

1. Be patient. No matter what.

2. Don’t bad-mouth: Assign responsibility, not blame. Say nothing of another you wouldn’t say to him.

3. Never assume the motives of others are, to them, less noble than yours are to you.

4. Expand your sense of the possible.

5. Don’t trouble yourself with matters you truly cannot change.

6. Expect no more of anyone than you can deliver yourself.

7. Tolerate ambiguity.

8. Laugh at yourself frequently.

9. Concern yourself with what is right rather than who is right.

10. Never forget that, no matter how certain, you might be wrong.

11. Give up blood sports.

12. Remember that your life belongs to others as well. Don’t risk it frivolously.

13. Never lie to anyone for any reason. (Lies of omission are sometimes exempt.)

14. Learn the needs of those around you and respect them.

15. Avoid the pursuit of happiness. Seek to define your mission and pursue that.

16. Reduce your use of the first personal pronoun.

17. Praise at least as often as you disparage.

18. Admit your errors freely and soon.

19. Become less suspicious of joy.

20. Understand humility.

21. Remember that love forgives everything.

22. Foster dignity.

23. Live memorably.

24. Love yourself.

25. Endure.

Source: https://www.jambase.com/article/john-perry-barlow-25-principles-of-adult-behavior

[Blue Owl]

21. Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot

n/t

[misanthrope]

24. Something too many ignore

[aidbo]

26. Was going to mention this. Glad someone else did too.

[ooky]

23. Look Mr. President...

one side really is flat! Go tweet it....

[lordsummerisle]

25. k&r n/t

[Me.]

27. Institute of Noetic Sciences

"The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) is an American non-profit parapsychological research institute. It was co-founded in 1973 by former astronaut Edgar Mitchell, along with investor Paul N. Temple,[5] and others interested in purported paranormal phenomena,[1] in order to encourage and conduct research on noetic theory and human potentials.

The Institute conducts research on topics such as spontaneous remission, meditation, consciousness, alternative healing practices, consciousness-based healthcare, spirituality, human potential, psychic abilities, psychokinesis and survival of consciousness after bodily death. The Institute maintains a free database, available on the Internet, with citations to more than 6,500 articles about whether physical and mental health benefits might be connected to meditation and yoga.

Headquartered outside Petaluma, California, the IONS is situated on a 200-acre campus that includes offices, a research laboratory and a retreat center (originally the campus of World College West). Its current director is Cassandra Vieten. Other researchers associated with it include Dean Radin “and Rupert Sheldrake.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Noetic_Sciences

“For centuries, the power of science has propelled us forward. It has unlocked the mysteries of the natural world and driven human innovation. Robust scientific inquiry serves as the basis for progress by providing a sturdy, objective foundation on which to build.

At the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), we are inspired by the power of science to explain phenomena not previously understood, harnessing the best of the rational mind to make advances that further our knowledge and enhance our human experience.
The mission of the Institute of Noetic Sciences is to reveal the interconnected nature of reality through scientific exploration and personal discovery, creating a more compassionate, thriving, and sustainable world.

As scientists focused on what are common but not often understood phenomena, we are also aware of the vast historical records of wisdom practices that also speak to the mysteries and possibilities which allow us to access more of our human capacities. At IONS, our scientists apply the rigors of their respective disciplines to explore such phenomena, with a focus on understanding humanity’s inherent interconnectedness and the inner wisdom common to us all.”

https://noetic.org/about/

[Haggis for Breakfast]

28. Thank you for this wonderful post.

[Me.]

29. Here In NY

Years ago, on public access, there was a discussion show that was amazingly interesting and covered all manner of topics. The host was a doctor of philosophy and the other guest (never more than one for the half-hour) was a scientist or expert from a variety of fields.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

30. Noetics is a fascinating field of study.

[Me.]

31. It Is

and that trip to space that Edgar Mitchell took changed him and his life.

[elevator48]

33. Edgar Mitchell

expressed knowledge that extra-terrestrial contact has been made. In his personal papers that have been recovered by his daughter is evidence of recovered craft that is not of this planet. His Noetic Institute has as one of it's missions to raise human consciousness to a level that we can interact with other intelligent beings and accept that reality.

[misanthrope]

34. Where's this evidence?

I would think we would have heard about it by now.

[elevator48]

38. "We have heard about it"

If you take the time to investigate the evidence that is available, you might find it enlightening. Edgar Mitchell was a very intelligent man and had access to things most people don't. Some of the papers and documents found by his daughter refer to an Admiral Wilson, who was Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Google him and learn some interesting information.

There are many people and factions with power that work to prevent information on this subject from being disseminated to the public. There is a lot of disinformation and fringe theories that are used to ridicule serious inquiry. Richard Dolan is a serious, experienced researcher that provides a sober look at the evidence.

[misanthrope]

41. You didn't provide evidence

You told me to go find it myself. But I'm not the one making the claim.

[elevator48]

44. Am I supposed to bring it to your house?

I told you the names to google. If that is too much trouble stay ignorant. I truly don't care.

[misanthrope]

46. Here's some stuff that comes up on Google

I get the feeling they're pertinent here. Take a gander.

[elevator48]

47. Huh?

That was inspiring.

[Hotler]

37. Welcome to DU.

Have fun.

[TwilightZone]

39. Zero first-hand knowledge.

He said he was briefed by "senior military officials" and that was the source of his "knowledge" about aliens.

He never claimed he had first-hand knowledge.

[elevator48]

45. You didn't dig deep enough.

In this case it was a former Deputy Director of Intelligence. But, I can see where someone in that position would want to fabricate stories about alien technology. Right.

Besides, that is just one source. His espousing this position is based on many years and sources.

[zipplewrath]

52. Who never confirmed it

He claimed a conversation with the DDI, but there is little first hand evidence that the conversation either took place, or that he represents the details of it correctly.

And what makes it really hard is that the people that promulgate much of this information use all sorts of ill defined expressions and technical jargon that is non-existent. No scientist is going to use an expression like "not made by human hands" because there is nothing on an object that would indicate as such. There is no classification called "above Top Secret", mostly because it would be meaningless. There are "compartments" in which such activities would be placed where only select people could gain access. There are variations of "for eyes only" which merely indicates who can make physical (or in these days electronic) copies of things.

Quite honestly, the most "credible" idea I can find in much of this stuff is that private laboratories have somehow gained access to physical hardware and it has "disappeared" in the sense of it now being out of government control such that they don't know what they gave away. And those labs aren't going to be all that interested in exposing anything they might have gleaned from the hardware that they believe to be valuable.

[calimary]

50. Welcome to DU, elevator48!

I just wish we could raise human consciousness PERIOD. We're pretty stuck in lizard-brain mode at the moment.

[1cheapbeemr]

40. 'You develop an instant global consciousness'

These guys were all military pilots - turned instantly into hippies....

[elevator48]

48. Pilots?

Who said anything about pilots?

[1cheapbeemr]

49. The original astronauts?

Tended to come from the military test pilot community.

[3catwoman3]

51. Well put by Mitchell.

There are many politicians who need to be dragged by the neck to many moments of awareness.