The only thing that will cause renewed acceleration is another force. That is why the standard model now requires some form of dark energy which science hasn't yet pinned down.
It might concern some people that scientists talk about there being more dark energy than dark matter and more dark matter than the "real" stuff we know about, but "dark" in this case is shorthand for unknown.
I am glad some people are still thinking about these big ideas while many are more interested in celebrity gossip and sport controversies, so keep it up John.
We might not crack the mysteries of the universe in the Chronicle's letters but at least we will appreciate the vastness of it all and how much there is still to learn.
KEITH BEAUTRAIS, Earth
Velodrome roof
I wrote a letter criticising David Bennett and Graeme Young's take that there was not a business case for roofing the velodrome. My take was that they did not factor in the social good, part of the bottom line.
Subsequently I had a meeting with them over a cup of coffee at Jolt. Both said they were not opposed to the roofing - but who would use it (as, at present, it is used by six cyclists)?
When queried about the business case for the art gallery, David said when it's built the punters will come. Maybe they will come, have a look and leave - but roofing of the velodrome is to make our town more attractive to the younger generation so they come, work and live.
Waikato has a velodrome and they cannot imagine the Waikato without it. The Hamilton and Cambridge mayors said it was a no-goer and would have no part of it, so Rob Waddell took over, raised money then went to the regional council. When it was finished, the mayors lauded the velodrome and wanted front-row seats at the opening.
It would be socially irresponsible of the council to allow the velodrome go to rack and ruin.
David and Graeme, it will have its uses just like the Cambridge one - uses unforseen.
G R SCOWN, Whanganui
Nuclear Denmark
In response to Alan Davidson's letter "Schmoozing" (Chronicle, March 27), I would like to make two corrections about Denmark:
1. Denmark imports nuclear products for nuclear energy - 3-4 per cent a year for electricity consumption and reticulation. Of course, Denmark is strong on wind-generated power.
2. Denmark is now considering ending a moratorium (effectively lifting a ban), put in place 25 years ago, on extracting uranium in Greenland to provide nuclear power and armament for Nato armies.
3. Greenland still has a US base in Tula facing the old Soviet Union.
4. The United States neither denies nor confirms nuclear-powered or armed vessels entering Greenland.
5. Greenland was so-called Green to attract Vikings in the 10th century. It should be independent from Denmark just like Faroe Island through a referendum. But that is another story.
LEON BENBARUK, Whanganui
Freedom campers
"Ahh serendipity," as one of our late ''eminent artists'' would say.
To pick up the town crier on an excursion from my "safe place" in the country into my beloved home town, now unrecognisable by name; to be assaulted again, not only by my mayor's chorus girl legs spread to all-comers, but also by two free campers on blocks in front of the boat club on Anzac Parade.
Ah yes, Joan would say, progress, prosperity, prostitution, or gang rape, by any name, it's all the same.
If I were a poet I would surely have something to say ...
CHRISTINE GAVIN, Whanganui
Russian 'scourge'
As far back as 1917, the world was warned that Russia would be a scourge.
Three young children in Fatima, Portugal, told an unbelieving world that a lady, who said she was a messenger from God, told them Russia would spread errors all over the world, fomenting wars, engulfing nations etc.
This was laughed at since Russia was not yet a global power. The children were told God would use or allow Russia to punish the world for its sins.
Svetlana, Stalin's daughter, tells of sitting at her dying father's bedside when he shook his fist at some unseen horror in the air over his head. It can be assumed the demons were there waiting to take his soul for the millions he had killed.
TED DOWNS, Whanganui
