PC Pals Forum

General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on May 11, 2011, 05:24

Title: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: sam on May 11, 2011, 05:24
Quote
Structure exists on nearly all scales in the universe. Matter clumps under its own gravity into planets, stars, galaxies, clusters, and superclusters. Beyond even these in scale are the filaments and voids. The largest of these filaments is known as the Sloan Great Wall. This giant string of galaxies is 1.4 billion light years across making it the largest known structure in the universe. Yet surprisingly, the Great Wall has never been studied in detail. Superclusters within it have been examined, but the wall as a whole has only come into consideration in a new paper from a team led by astronomers at Tartu Observatory in Estonia.

http://www.universetoday.com/85530/examining-the-great-wall/
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 11, 2011, 09:41
It says The Sloan Great Wall was first discovered in 2003 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey but this is the same Great Wall that was discovered by Geller and Huchra back in 1990 so I don't see why Sloan should take the credit for it.  These giant structures were discussed at great length during the late eighties and early nineties after astronomers discovered the Great Attractor in 1986 after more than a decade of searching.  I'm delighted that they are topical once again.   :thumbs:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: GillE on May 11, 2011, 10:34
Just so long as Sloan Rangers don't become topical again.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 11, 2011, 10:35
 ;D

I don't know, Gill, topical applications can sooth many skin issues, like things getting under it. ;)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 11, 2011, 12:57
Best method to remove splinters from under the skin is to bathe the area in turpentine before retiring for bed and the splinter will be drawn out by morning.   8-)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 11, 2011, 14:32
Does white spirits work?
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 11, 2011, 15:05
Yes it does.   8-)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 11, 2011, 17:19
Especially with tonic and a bit of lime.  ;)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 11, 2011, 17:45
I'll try and get you some 'pure' whisky. ;)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 11, 2011, 19:46
:thumb:  I've been wanting to try a good single malt for some time.  :)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 11, 2011, 21:04
I'm a whisky and bourbon drinker but I have never been fond of single malts. 
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 11, 2011, 21:42
I don't actually recall every trying one.  I used to drink Jack Daniels, but it makes me feel sick now.  :bawl:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: GillE on May 11, 2011, 22:04
Someone gave my hubby a bottle a half bottle of Glenmorangie a few weeks ago.  I must confess, I loved it!  Yet normally I can't stand whisky.  Perhaps I just have expensive tastes.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 11, 2011, 22:59
You may be appalled to learn that Mrs C poured all my partial bottles of whisky into one to free up space in the cocktail cabinet.  This included around a sixth of a bottle of Glenmorangie.  I haven't tasted the final product of her mixing but I'm certain it will be fine.  ;D
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: sam on May 11, 2011, 23:36
lets just say it will be an interesting blend. Still it'll probably taste better than Bells.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 11, 2011, 23:42
So, is Glenmorangie to be recommended?  If I'm going to try one, it would be nice to know which one to go for.  I was going to try Glenfiddich, as that seems quite popular. 
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: GillE on May 12, 2011, 00:47
Bells?

Urrrgggghhhh!      :ack:

What this forum needs is a tame Scot to opine authoritatively on the matter ;) .
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: sam on May 12, 2011, 00:52
So, is Glenmorangie to be recommended?  If I'm going to try one, it would be nice to know which one to go for.  I was going to try Glenfiddich, as that seems quite popular. 

I quite like both. I actually have been enjoying some Sullivans Cove from Australia recently.. well until recent troubles have now stopped me from drinking alcohol.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: sam on May 12, 2011, 00:53
Bells?

Urrrgggghhhh!      :ack:

I wasn't saying it was good.

I've had it in coke... though.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: GillE on May 12, 2011, 02:18
My experience of single malts is very limited, but I must say I like the citrus overtones of Glenmorangie.  Glennfiddich is more earthy and Glenlivet tastes, well... friskier, more like a fresh, babbling brook.  For the life of me, I can't understand why Glenlivet is so much more expensive than Glenmorangie but then again, my knowledge of single malts is confined to three distillations.  I'm a newcomer to single malts and hoping to hone my palate through lots of experience in the near future :) .
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 12, 2011, 08:24
I have never been a fan of Glennfiddich although it has been no stranger to my cocktail cabinet.  Give me a bottle of Bells any day!   :laugh:  But now I understand why nobody ever talks about the Great Wall or Great Attractor any more!  The conversation always turns to whisky and then these giant structures become forgotten.   :hee-hee:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 09:09
So, is Glenmorangie to be recommended?  If I'm going to try one, it would be nice to know which one to go for.  I was going to try Glenfiddich, as that seems quite popular. 

The Macallan. :)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 12, 2011, 10:26
I do actually wonder if I have an intolerance for it, developed after a very bad experience in my early 20s, where I actually actually drank a pint of Jack Daniels and Coke.  Needless to say, I was violently ill afterwards, and I never touched the stuff again for years.  Even now, a small Bells and Coke makes me feel ill, but I enjoy the taste, which is my reasoning for wondering about single malts, as they are apparently quite different to the blends.  
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 10:34
I had a similar experience with rum. :) Single malts are a world away from the blends, it's definitely worth exploring if you can - though everyone has their own favourite, so you need to try several. I'll drive you round the whisky trail if you want.

Laphroaig, Glen Morangie, The McAllan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Lagavulin are all worth a try. Cask strength, when you can find it, is the best.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 12, 2011, 10:38
Thing is, at around £30 per bottle, it's a bit of an expensive drain cleaner if I don't like it.  ;D
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 11:36
That's why you need to do the trail, free samples till you find what you're looking for. :)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: GillE on May 12, 2011, 11:41
Or try a whisky tasting.  You can get samples online.
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 12, 2011, 11:46
Hmm...  :devil:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 12, 2011, 14:22
I had a similar experience with rum. :)

And mine was with brandy.   :laugh:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 15:50
Sue's was with Drambuie.  :)
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 12, 2011, 16:01
I enjoy a "Rusty Nail" which is a mixture of whisky and Drambuie.  Now you understand why single malts are wasted on me!   :blush:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 16:04
Heathen.  ;D
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 12, 2011, 16:10
 :smirks:  I'm not proud.   ;D
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 16:13
That's right, you're Welsh.  :devil:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 12, 2011, 16:14
 :wales:  We'll keep a :welc2: in the 'illside.   ;D
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Rik on May 12, 2011, 16:15
Not Harry Secombe!!!  :aarrgh:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Simon on May 12, 2011, 16:34
:haha:
Title: Re: Examining the Great Wall
Post by: Clive on May 12, 2011, 19:42
I preferred Peter Sellers.