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Oct. 22nd, 2003
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Oct. 22nd, 2003 08:23 amPossible explanation for the Bermuda Triangle disappearances?
Plus: the answer to the asteroid threat: Asteroid tugboats?
Methane bubbles from the sea floor could, in theory, sink ships and may explain the odd disappearances of some vessels, Australian researchers reported on Tuesday.
The huge bubbles can erupt from undersea deposits of solid methane, known as gas hydrates. An odorless gas found in swamps and mines, methane becomes solid under the enormous pressures found on deep sea floors.
from Methane Bubbles Could Sink Ships, Scientists Find
Plus: the answer to the asteroid threat: Asteroid tugboats?
The asteroid tug test project is dubbed the B612 mission. That's the name of the asteroid in The Little Prince, the well-known young person's book by Antoine de St. Exupery. In fact, late last year, Schweickart, Lu, Hut and Chapman formed the B612 Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to developing and demonstrating the capability to deflect asteroids from Earth. ...
Given enough warning time, an asteroid tugboat could nestle up to the mini-world, then provide long stints of gentle pressure. The tug would nudge the asteroid ever so slightly, but enough to shift the space rock's orbit so an Earth collision is averted.
The B612 test mission to deflect an asteroid could use Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) engines. The VASIMR propulsion unit employs radio waves to ionize a gas and accelerate the plasma to even higher exhaust velocities. Veteran shuttle astronaut, Franklin Chang-Diaz, is exploring this novel, low-thrust propulsion technology.
from Mission Possible: Asteroid Tugboat Backed for Trial Run
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Oct. 22nd, 2003 10:13 am"Neo-paganism initially focused on heterosexual union because the roots of our reconstruction are based in fertility cults - fertility of the tribe and fertility of the crops. No gay witch is going to dispute the role of fertility. We all got here through reproduction. But a gay witch will recognize that everyone has male and female, god and goddess energy in themselves. All men have feminine energy. All women have masculine energy. GLBT folk have a different blend of these energies when compared to the traditional heterosexual roles. It makes them perfect for magical world, because they can access whatever current of energy that is needed."
Christopher Penczak, in this Beliefnet interview on his new book, Gay Witchcraft (emphasis added)
Do you agree or disagree with the part of this statement that I highlighted? This matches my own beliefs and experience, going back to when I was a practicing ceremonialist.
Expanding the idea beyond neopaganism or witchcraft -- it has long been my contention that being transgendered, and to a lesser extent being non-heterosexual, is a great spiritual blessing, no matter what one's beliefs are. There are difficulties associated with it, but these are far outweighed by the spiritual insights brought about by the perspective one has, and by the personal discoveries one must face, because of it. We are creatures of uncommon beauty.
Christopher Penczak, in this Beliefnet interview on his new book, Gay Witchcraft (emphasis added)
Do you agree or disagree with the part of this statement that I highlighted? This matches my own beliefs and experience, going back to when I was a practicing ceremonialist.
Expanding the idea beyond neopaganism or witchcraft -- it has long been my contention that being transgendered, and to a lesser extent being non-heterosexual, is a great spiritual blessing, no matter what one's beliefs are. There are difficulties associated with it, but these are far outweighed by the spiritual insights brought about by the perspective one has, and by the personal discoveries one must face, because of it. We are creatures of uncommon beauty.