this wasnt the 'sidewalk astronomers/JD' tv show I was thinking of, that was an earlier one then this, which had weaved thru it JD teaching a beginners class on making cheap mirrors/dobs, and they made a solar scope. Also the one i was thinking also had one of my fave JD lines something like 'on dark matter, you are dark matter and your also standing on it'
i think some may of missed the point re JD, hero worship!?
what the..?
I think, and millions of others obviously, the zen astronomy aside, think he is a shining 'example' of altruism and selflessness.
On one point alone, to forego the patenting the dob mount and subsequent royalties in the interest of popular amateur astronomy and mass enjoyment/enlightenment is astonishing in this 'me me me' aquisition/corporate/money hungry world. (dont forget someone invented and patented the clothes peg! and i'm sure they were admired and hero worshipped for making money outta something 'simple', as many are)
A kinda gandhi of AA and bringing it to the masses if you will mebbe.
I agree with Mark, theres probably many more contributions he has made than the mount, dont be fooled by his example of modesty and humility and common touch.
Theres PLENTY of hero worship going on in oz (especially by the media), sadly mostly for sports people ie swimmers, and the wealthy, and John Howard.