yes its more logical, and cheaper, to send machines into space. its also logical, and cheaper to video conference than to work next to someone, but those things aren't the same. using immense quantities of energy and huge machines to propel humans across large distances is what half of the engineering sector is about (auto, mech, aero, lots of civil). Machines would do an admirable job, but humans EXPERIENCE it and, well, experience is half the fun. Without the fun engineering and science are just work. Space exploration is supposed to be exciting and inspiring, and robots on Mars are nowhere near as exciting as humans on Mars.

The point of the quote was subtly altered i thought though, from who monitors the watchmen, to make sure they are doing the right thing in the latin context to who looks after the watchmen, to make sure they're ok - the watchmen were so much more vulnerable than superheros are normally portrayed

You're totally missing the point of going to see a movie. Your "big screen" is not going to rival the immersion of watching it on a proper big screen, and your sound system couldn't possibly compete with that of a cinema. Saying going to the movies to watch a film is a waste of money is missing the point... like buying a live dvd but not seeing the band. It is an experience, and that's what you pay for. Its a treat kind of situation.

I agree completely. The songs were relavent to the settings and spirit of the era portrayed. All along the watchtower was perfect, and "Hello darkness my old friend" the oppening line to The Comdedian's funeral? What could be more apt. The only problem I had with the whole thing was the Leonard Cohen version of Hallelujah over the sex scene... thought the whole scene was a little gratuitus and the song too cheesy. But after pondering it would have been hard to make it any other way so it is forgivable.

one option could be two small modules tetherd together, but quite a distance apart. apply to correct thrust and they could "orbit" a central point on the tether, at a realtively low speed. problem with this would be contant fuel usage, a larger "sweep" area in which they could come into contact with debris and a reduction in available space in which to house equiptment/lockers (as the celing and floor would be out of comission)

true. after 3 or so months most women will experience "breakthrough" bleeding though, because the lining of the uterus isn't deisgned to last years so it deteriorates anyway and they just bleed slightly, less than a period, and dont get cramps and such, but they bleed until they stop and have a "proper" period.