Thanks,
Jason

If you are listening on iTunes — my best suggestion is to download the file here from the website, listen to it here if you can or give iTunes a few weeks to get the links straightened out.

Sorry about the trouble — if I had know I would have taken better precautions.

Your friend,
Ammon

You are a person a continent away, who I have never met, and probably never will. But for the second time in my life, you have made me cry. Your gentle memorial to your brother touched a cord with me. Thankfully I’ve never had such a loss, but I feel for yours. I’m glad you have a hope to see him again.
I look forward to hearing where the Dreamship sails to next. But in the mean time thanks for sharing something on such a personal level.

Matt Norman (UK)

Words cannot express the anguish you have been through, that your family has been through, with the tragic loss of your younger brother. I have no doubts he was a fine man and a finer brother. May he rest in eternal peace. And may you find peace of mind knowing he lived a wonderful life.

My sincere condolences,

Jeff C.

I am very saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I’m very sorry for your loss. Fortunately, as members of the church, we do know that there is a greater plan and that we will be reunited after death. I know it still hurts very deeply, though.

I’m an active amateur astronomer and am fascinated by space in general. I’ve closely followed Richard’s trip since the first podcast and was glad to see him have such a great trip.

I especially enjoyed the story where Richard explained how the NASA astronauts accepted him into the club based on their motivations, not their qualifications. The professionalism and candor of our astronauts never fails to amaze me.

I think the media’s tag of “Space Tourist” and NASA’s tag of “Private Space Explore” both miss the point. I propose a new name for Richard and his fellow travelers: Amateur Astronaut!

By definition, an amateur is one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport for the love of it and not to make money. In the world of Astronomy, amateurs can now do things that 10 years ago, only professionals with multi-million dollar equipment could perform. I see Richard in the same vein: he is at the leading edge of a new wave.

So what do you think? Amateur Astronaut Garriott – I like the ring of it!!! Don’t forget where you heard it first

Tracy Hickman

I couldn’t agree with you more in your suggestion of equivalence between Michael Moore’s work and Ben Stein’s film. Both employ manipulation of facts, fallacies and mis-truths to peddle their messages.

Lastly, I find it ironic that you cite the history of heliocentrism and its eventual usurpation of an earth-centric theory in your attempt to describe science as arbitrary as religion. Especially when one considers it was the religious establishment that “expelled” Gallileo in his attempts to advance it.

Was/Is that your intent? To suggest that science is as arbitrary as religion in its formulation and execution? Honestly?

Let’s see some evidence.

Cheers,
Mason

Thanks again, Tracy and Laura, for visiting us in Oz. I must admit that I was surprised at just how great I found it to meet you and to hear your words of wisdom.

I have a ton of respect for you, man, but your mistaken as to the definition of the word theory. Theory used collquially does mean as you say, but when used in the realm of science means something altogether different. It means a hypothesis (reasoned guess) that has been submitted to the empirical method, not just by its suggestor, but also tested and not proven wrong (notice last three words) by a group of peer scientists. So, saying a theory is just a Guess, is misleading, and possibly dangerous.

Wishing you well, Tracey and keep the faith against the corporate machinations of the Evil Empire…

BB

I’m an active scientist, meaning, I have a degree in science, work in the field, and my hobbies also include science (astronomy). I’m also a Christian and while many people like to pit those two as opposing points of view, I felt that you articulated my feelings on the matter perfectly in this podcast. 600 yrs ago the smartest people on this planet all _KNEW_ that the Earth was flat – it wasn’t even a theory! I have no doubt that our grand-children’s generation of scientists will find new ways to explain developmental biology, dark matter/energy, and other issues that perplex current scientists.

I also loved the way you pointed out the hypocrisy in regards to Moore and Stein – Bullseye!!!

I do have two nits:
First is your usage of the word Theory. In the scientific community that word has a different meaning than when it is used in every day vernacular. For example, Gravity is a theory in science. Comparing Evolutionary Theory (scientific meaning) is not comparable to Intelligent Design Theory (common meaning). That is an apples and oranges discussion. However, I COMPLETELY agree with you that Evolutionary Theory has risen to the point of almost being a religion…

Lastly is the usage of “Darwinism”. People that believe in Evolution DO NOT follow Darwinism nor do they subscribe to Darwin’s theories of the evolution of the species. His work served as the basis upon which current evolutionary theory is built; however, the current working theory of evolution is light years past where Darwin started. For example, Mendel’s work on Genetics didn’t happen until long after the voyage of the Beagle, yet genes now play a central role in evolutionary theory.

Maybe a better way to put it using Darwin’s theories to represent current thinking on Evolution is like using a horse drawn buggy to represent an Indy Race Car.

Again, while I believe in many parts of current Evolutionary Theory, I am still a Christian that believes in God and his role in our creation – I don’t see them as mutually exclusive: We just aren’t smart enough to see how they can properly co-exist.

Thanks again for ALL of your great works over the years – I look forward to many more years of it to come!!!

The background music for the Halloween podcast comes from Digital Juice’s StackTraxx #16: Spooky Stacks. This is licensed music that has a wonderful finished sound. You can can hear for yourself by visit them at the Digital Juice website.

The fact is that if you hear a sound effect or music aboard the DragonHearth, chances are pretty good that it comes from Digital Juice.

Tracy Hickman

Here’s to staying sober and creative.

The fix may take a little longer to filter into iTunes, if you’re subscribed through the store.