Thanks for all the comments.

But I'm hoping we keep in mind that the article tried to point out some of the economic and business constraints influencing current space focused activities and provide a little background using historical analogues.

The examples discussed are noteworthy and fun to talk about but they're certainly not the only two current space industry personalities using a little hyperbole to help generate interest and drive funding.

Hi Sydney,

I believe I did say that in the article. Even the part about the the ISS being suitable for experiments.

Our technology has always influenced our activities and sometimes changed our habits and patterns (for example, very few of us still grow our own food or personally hunt and kill the meat we eat. The technology has progressed to the point where most of us can focus on other things).

However, it's worth noting that the invention of the "LongPen" and associated technologies as described in the article at http://www.photojunkie.ca/archive/2006/06/margare... hasn't yet led to the demise of the book tour, the speaking engagement or the in-person meeting.