A salute to a hero...

[xelasnave]

This site is run by a hero "Mike the Man" and there will be none that could disagree with that..unless they want to step out side with me and discuss it;).

But I want to point out another who has created a similar site somewhat inspired from what he saw here.

A man who built an observatory reflecting his pursuit of excellence.

I refer to Shawn, a member here, who would have to take the prize for most improved astrophotographer of the year.

Shawn built the Ravenshoe Observatory and the Internet site.

He is a contributing member here and once when I was ticked off for having one of my terrible threads closed he encouraged me not to leave this site for a simple misunderstanding..and he was right.. I got over it and went onto understand the job of the moderators is a hard one..one that I try to make easier than I once did:D.

Moderators are also heroes:thumbsup:.

But Shawn built the Observatory one might say single handed for Shawn is in fact an amputee.

He never would say such seeking no more recognition than the next man...and to build all he has and work through all the set backs I can only say...

Shawn you are a hero mate I congratulate you and salute you as I am sure all others will...

I know he would not say a thing about the limitation or the higher degree of difficulty so that's why I have...

He may be annoyed with me for letting the cat out of the bag but in the interests of a fair tribute I have done so... my intentions are decent Shawn and you can not hold it against me for letting your secret out:sadeyes:.

So one hero more to inspire the astronomy world:thumbsup:.

Congratulations Shawn well done:thumbsup::thumbsup:.

I have thought of posting this for a while and had to wrestle with saying what I have said but today he posted a 30 sec movie to show members at his site around... looking at everything I decided I could hold back no longer.

I wish you the best ...you are an inspiration:bowdown:.

alex:):):)

[Glenhuon]

You are so right Alex, these are the real heros and heroines. My lady has been afflicted with a kind of Muscular Dystrophy all her life. She still held a job until a few years ago, brought up 2 daughters (one of whom has the same problem, even more severe) and has been wheelchair bound for 6 or 7 years. Does it hold her back, no way. I have the greatest admiration for her and anyone who triumphs over adversity. Her eldest has been in a wheelchair for most of her 19 years, but is presently at University in Sydney. To someone like me who has been reasonable healthy for my 60 years, it is an inspiration. Good on yer Shawn, the world needs more like you.

Bill

[rumples riot]

I thought hero's were those that rescued others?? Must go and check the dictionary.

[xelasnave]

You made me wonder if I had put Mike, Shawn and the moderators into the wrong box but....on checking the dictionary I think the word is reasonable...

1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.

3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.

4. Classical Mythology. a. a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.

b. (in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability.

c. (in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.

5. hero sandwich.

6. the bread or roll used in making a hero sandwich

The usage that really gets up my nose is the use in reference to sports stars ... i cringe when I heard the term...sporting heros...so I can understand where you are coming from.

best wishes

alex

[ving]

i dont think any of those metioned are bread rolls :lol:

[netwolf]

A hero is also one who points us in the right direction, shows us a better way. A hero is modest and does not seek fame. And a hero inspires by his example.
Good on you Shawn for being all three of these and no doubt more.

[rumples riot]

LOL, what you smoking Alex?

I think the definitions relate more to people who would do something like charge a machine gun nest to saves his comrades, or a fireman diving into a burning house to save the life of a child or into a swollen river to save the life of another. That is a hero, trying to say what your saying actually demeans the actions of those that have risked their life to save another. In other words a true hero.

[xelasnave]

Yes the bread roll thing threw me Ving maybe but it was there I could not be selective simply to suit my case..but how curious.

But I agree with the notion that the term is somewhat corrupted when you consider daily usage one comes across.

Still I feel anyone like Mike and Shawn who by their action, although a personal thing, offer encouragement to others.

An outstanding human may be a better term but it does not have the same ring to it...


alex

[iceman]

Paul you really don't need to argue the point, there's no purpose in it. If Alex wants to salute Shawn for whatever reason, he can.

[matt]

Salute whomever you like, Alex.

Onya Shawn. Good work...

[xelasnave]

I agree with you Paul in the way you have put it.
I think this came up once before and I dont want to do that...

As I said its like the phrase sporting heros as I said I see similar to what you suggest there.

What am I smoking??? The dinner how did you know?
Got involved here and forgot all about it...black battered fish..the dogs are happy.

My craziness is not induced I am just a happy guy ...alone with a net connection.
Anyways mate I take your point about the word hero.
alex

[xelasnave]

Thanks Mike.

Paul has a point when I think it thru I admit.

I think something like this came up when I used the word once before in a similar fashion. I dont want to take away from our war heros and those who risk their life to save others.

I just wanted to give Shawn a bit of encouragement.
I like to encourage people.

alex :):):)

[Ric]

I have visited Shawn's website quite a few times and read about the building of the observatory here on IIS.

I agree, what Shawn has accomplished is nothing short of amazing and he should be commended, plus I got some great ideas for my future observatory.

Cheers

[seeker372011]

well i for one had no idea

[ballaratdragons]

I was told in private quite a long while ago. I'm sure Shawn doesn't mind people knowing, he just doesn't mention it. Shawn is Shawn with or without an arm.

And he has built more than just his observatory :thumbsup:

[erick]

I had wondered about his descriptor:-

Shawn
Mostly Harmless

Good on yer, mate! :thumbsup:

[Shawn]

Wow, Well Im getting all teary eyed here, and are not entirely sure how to respond.

What I will say is that I have never kept my slight impediment a secret, I just dont talk about much, It really doesnt matter to me. Obviously though it does to some, I joke about it occasionally in a subtle way and sometimes this is picked up by diligent readers of my posts. Well spotted Erick, yes that is one of my jokes.. Herioc though , no I dont think so unless you are refering to how this came about in the first place, but thats another story...

Ive allways wanted my efforts to be judged without pity and the same support volunteered as would be volunteered to any other, this forum for example and its members has been a marvelous support tool for project and myself at times, And I have learnt that with all the best intentions folk do tend to assume that a bloke with one hand is handicapped, and thus go out of there way to help him in areas that are not really required, whilst this is a noble thing it is not help, it is more often a display of pity. I have spent a good portion of my life trying not to put people in this position.

When something like this happens to an individual you have choices as to how to deal with it, I think I went a little over the top and set out to prove that this was no impediment, and embarked on a 20 year spree of doing things that two handed folk would question as being rational. Certainly more fruitful than wallowing in self pity and resentment. Now its history, and I really think nothing of it, although I still have trouble with shoe laces..:lol:

I am deeply touched by Alex,s openening post and really do appreciate anybody else that has posted a message of support and encouragement. We are all freinds here I hope, and this little cat being let out I hope will change nothing...

Yours in humiliation

Shawn

...

[Dujon]

Shawn, I have trouble with shoe laces and I've got two sets of fingers to help me. I am though getting better at it; my granddaughter is teaching me. :(

OK, I jest, but I did have to teach my son how to tie his tie when he was required to wear one of the stupid things at some sort of formal function. He at the time was in his late twenties. I think I've failed as a father.

Veer alert!

Over the years I have often had dealings with those who have some sort of disability. No problem. After all, someone who has been damaged physically is still no different to myself other than from the result of the accident or whatever.

Perhaps Bill or his family can answer this?

Right, here I go: In a sense it's a matter of etiquette.

What does a person who needs to use a wheelchair expect of those with whom they deal?

For many years I was a banker and for some years after that I was a shopkeeper. In the first life it was easy; I'd sit behind my desk and they would sit in their transport. In my second life it was more ambivalent.

I was never sure that what I was doing was the right thing and sometimes got the impression that what I was doing was wrong. It seemed to me at that time that some of my customers were too proud and others were appreciative. What I speak of is the simple act of crouching or kneeling in order to show products and talk face-to-face, rather than towering over them. This is not meant to be some patronising bull**** - it's a matter of how someone who cannot stand up perceives those who can.

[xelasnave]

All people are different John.. I know what you mean however as I was always dealing witht the public in my various careers.

Respect however is all you can give to another human..if they reject it you can not take it personally as their response is conditioned by events you had no control over.

I think however in retrospect that I should have said nothing about Shawn's single handed approach as in some respects it does not add to what he has done but causes folk to focus on that side rather than it is a great effort by any standards.

Shawn I am happy you did not take what I have done here in any other way than my attempt to say well done:thumbsup:.

best wishes
alex:):):)