I just hope he throws something in there while he’s down there.
Like a mother fuck.
All kidding aside, what can Cameron accomplish in person down there that can’t be accomplished by a remotely-operated vehicle for far less money and risk?
Being smug? And getting publicity?
Really though- if you could, wouldn’t you? I probably wouldn’t, because I do tend towards claustrophobia, but still…
If he finds that damn 14k of whatever crap down there you guys won’t be laughing anymore.
What do you call James Cameron at the bottom of the ocean?
A good start.
Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week. Be sure to tip your waitress!
Seriously, we’re giving the guy a hard time because he’s doing something really cool?
Ha! That Neil Armstrong. Thinks he’s so special for walking on the Moon. He just did it for the publicity!
I’m more interested in the craft itself. Does it have a window? If so, how thick is the glass or plastic? How will he retrieve biological samples and how will they not depressurize and explode when brought to the surface? How long does it take for the descent and ascent?
Seems to me to be a pretty risky adventure. A sudden catastrophic end to this trip is a possibility and not a chance I would take.
Not the place I would like to be and suddenly notice there is this tiny leak coming from the door…
Also, just wondering how his hundreds of very bright lights will affect any small or large creature that may have evolved over millions of years to living and seeing without light - wouldn’t that be the equivalent of having the sun suddenly plop next to your bedroom window?
I hate you.
I agree that they could probably do two or three remote dives for the price of one manned dive. But then James Cameron wouldn’t want to pay for it, now would he? Bored millionaires have been leading exploration for centuries. I see no reason to disparage the latest set.
I hope he sees a beer can and cigarette butt when he’s down there. If poor ole me can’t go just about anywhere on this damn planet without seeing them then neither should some richer than shit guy.
Actually I have nothing against the man. I am just tired of all this motherfucking litter on this motherfucking planet.
barely related rant over.
My guess is that at that depth you would never notice a tiny leak. Any type of breach of the hull no matter how small would lead to an instant destruction of the diving bell and death of anyone inside.
CTV news ran the item last night that included a black-and-white clip of the 1960 expedition. I watched with rapt attention just in case, and was rewarded with the narrator’s “for about 20 minutes.”
Someone at CTV news is a doper.
No, I wouldn’t go first. I’d let some of those ‘Death or Glory’ guys go first and see which it is.
I’d be willing to go, but only if Cameron promises me script and casting approval for True Lies 2.
Apparently, the idea is that there’s no substitute for having a human right there. [That’s the article linked to from boingboing, and it’s well worth a read.]
I had no idea Cameron was now an official National Geographic explorer.
Bumping to update. Cameron has begun his descent.
If you’re ever in DC, you can go to the Navy Museum and see the Trieste, which was the first craft that descended to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. It’s surprisingly large.
Apparently he’s made it safely to the bottom…and a Straight Dope meme is forever put to rest.
I’m only slightly disappointed that there doesn’t seem to be a live webcam feed.
Anyone wanna lay odds he sees some garbage/litter down there?