Touchy subjects at public events

On 8 Sep 2003 02:51:24 -0700, (Doogie Hoosier)
wrote:

I once told some people who were looking at the Andromeda galaxy
through my binoculars and my C-8 that the light that was entering
their eyes has been traveling through space for two million years.

It didn't take long for somebody to tell me that was not possible,
because..."According to the WORD OF GOD, the light could only have
existed for 6,000 years."

I told that person that if he wouldn't mind looking up that bit of
scripture and telling me where it was, I'd make a public retraction
the next time I had my scope out in public. He said he'd look it up
and give me a call. I wonder how long he looked for it.

Any other subjects known to be better left not broached at public
viewings? Like, maybe mentioning the revelation that almost got
Galileo burned alive when he looked at Jupiter?

In a similar vein, I was getting my eyes tested about four years ago.
The eye doc and I were chatting, and he asked if there were any
special requirements that needed to be accounted for in the
prescription, coatings i.e. do I spend a lot of time in front of a
computer etc. I mentioned astronomy and he said he was fascinated by
what's up there to. Great. He asked me what I get out of the hobby,
and one thing I mentioned was how it makes you think: The Andromeda
Galaxy - the light you see left the galaxy at about the same time our
distant ancestors left the trees. He flat-out said that he did not
believe that. Everything was created 6000 years ago. Man and dinosaur
existed together. Evolution is false. He wasn't preachy or trying to
convert me, but he was firm in his convictions.

Hooo-boy. I haven't gone back.

Cheers,

- Craig