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Hello.I hope my query qualifies as a quick question, but if not, no worries. My question deals with determining the distance and age of light being emitted from other stars or galaxies.I think (hope) I understand the basics of the Doppler effect, and how we discern whether a galaxy is moving away from or toward our galaxy, i.e. the red shift and blue shift.But how do we determine the distance?This excerpt is from Hawking's "The Universe in a Nutshell". So small and faint?I understand that this book is for the laymen, me, and doesn't go into too great of detail, but I was hoping some from this forum could help satiate my curiosity, Cavediver, maybe, or anyone else knowledgeable in astronomy or cosmology.Thank you, kindly.This message has been edited by AdminJar, 04-25-2006 10:02 AM

Thanks jar. Appreciate the help.

Hello.I have been meaning to ask this question for a little while due to the fact it is perfectly inescapable. Everytime I look out of my window, or go out to the backyard, I cannot but help feel compelled to help these two trees, Chrysanthamums (sp), I think. They are afflicted with what looks like powdery mildew. White, light, and almost hair-like projections protrude from many of the leaves. It is almost as if the leaves are growing white, senior-like beards.I believe it is caused by some sort of parasite, but not sure exactly which one.I have heard that neem (sp?) oil may do the trick; an organic pesticide, a botannical, more specifically. Or that a specific amount of soap mixed with water and sprayed on could also be effective.I guess what I am asking is if anyone knows what might be the cause of this affliction, and which pesticide would be the most efficacious and ecologically-friendly? Or, a reference to a knowledgable website on the matter would be equally beneficial.Any ideas, corrections, or suggestions on this matter would be most welcomed, and I humbly thank you for your time.

Thanks again Jar.

Hello. I have recently taken up chess. It's a game I played sometimes when I was a kid, but now have taken a more serious approach. I want to learn the different stategies and tactics that are employed, and how best to use each in certain situations.I am a member at gameknot.com, and fairly routinely have my ass handed to me by more experienced, and brighter people.My questions are: if you play chess, what advice would you give a novice? What websites, books, exercise books, etc. would you recommend I take up?I have seen a few tips that are fairly common, and from what little I understand, are in no particular order:1- protect your king
2- control the middle
3- develop your pieces (knights, bishops, rooks(sp?)Lastly, I did see the EVC chess competetion thread, and saw this thread first, seeing it to be fit for these questions, as well.Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.Edited by Admin, : Add note about where to reply.