Growing up in the United States during the late 50's early 60's made me part of a generation that was honored with being able to view humanity's first steps into the cosmos.
The cold-war competition between the former U.S.S.R and the U.S.A. made a dream of the ages a reality.
While it was about controlling the high ground, some wonderful things happened along the way.
The former Soviet Union had a number of historic 'firsts' (including, first satellite and first man in space, Yuri Gagarin) developing new technology and pushing the United States to 'better' that effort.
In 1969 one of those dreams was realized when Neil Armstrong planted his booted foot in the lunar dust... humankind had walked on another world.
Many of you don't realize what this space-race did then, and probably fewer of you know the impact both country's space programs have on society, even today.
...you probably would not be reading this message in this format, on this website, on your machine had it not been for the competition between the two superpowers of their time.
I could compile a list of 'spin-off' (stuff we use in everyday life that is a result of spaceflight technology) from the space program so long you would not take the time to read it... I'm sure I'm pushing the limits of anyone reading this right now.
America's space shuttle fleet is to be retired from service after a scheduled November mission. There were plans in place to replace the shuttle with an older-tech 'capsule type vehicle that would use proven technology at a reasonable cost. The shuttle is an aging vehicle and probably should be retired, I have no problem with that.
In the last six months, the Obama Administration has canceled what was to be America's next manned spacecraft, the Constellation program. Opting for private industry to provide a vehicle to put our astronauts into space. A vehicle that no one in private industry has ever been interested in if for no other reason then, where is the return on investment? Until someone comes up with a manned spacecraft for the United States to use, astronauts going to the International Space Station will need to hitch a ride on board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
It's nice to know the United States of America, the undisputed leader in manned and unmanned spaceflight, will soon be one political disagreement away from being denied access to even low Earth orbit.
Now... the administration has laid out a new set of priorities for NASA.
Charles Bolden, current NASA Administrator made this clear in a recent interview saying; "When I became the Nasa administrator, he [Mr Obama] charged me with three things. "One, he wanted me to help reinspire children to want to get into science and math; he wanted me to expand our international relationships; and third, and perhaps foremost, he wanted me to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with dominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science, math, and engineering."
Read the full story here..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7875584/Barack-Obama-Nasa-must-try-to-make-Muslims-feel-good.html
Listen, I have no problem with people of Islamic faith. I honestly do not believe all Muslims are terrorists, or even wish evil on others, period.
NASA has worked with other countries and those of other religious beliefs through its lifetime. It should continue to include anyone and everyone that wishes to contribute to exploration and science.
But a mission to make Muslims 'feel good about their historic contributions: is just plain embarrassing.
Since when does ANYONE need the United States to provide or sanction their good feelings!?
NASA had a charter, a mission. Once the Apollo program competed its run, NASA lost its focus.
The Shuttle and ISS programs again gave NASA soon-to-end direction and purpose.
In head-to-head competition great things happened that benefited all of humanity.
Without the competition, the U.S.'s space program at times suffered without a goal.
Now America has chosen to abdicate its leadership in spaceflight, and perhaps keep us grounded for some time.
Arthur C. Clarke wrote in 2061: Odyssey Three the United States and Russia have been relegated to secondary status in space... China is now the imminent power in spaceflight.
I always enjoyed his mix or history and intelligent sci-fi, now it looks as though the author WAS a prophet.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
C O U N T D O W N...
I'm creating this post, because I have no where else to put this 'thingie'.
It's only good in the U.S.
That's it; no news, attempted humor, or more crude attempts to make myself sound intelligent.
JUST THIS
It's only good in the U.S.
That's it; no news, attempted humor, or more crude attempts to make myself sound intelligent.
JUST THIS
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Birthday to me courtesy of BBC America.
In a couple of weeks I chronologically turn 55 years of age.
I remember when I was in my 20's finding it hard to imagine being 'that' old.
Funny thing is, I find it EVEN harder knowing I'm 'that' old.
Queue Mary Hopkin... "Those Were the Days" ...hopefully not "Goodbye" anytime soon.
Just kidding there, I like both songs, but I won't link them here... right now.
The high point of #55 is that night, the BBC America is airing the U.S. premier of Doctor Who season 5... or the new season 1... or isn't it REALLY season 31? (taking into account the time it was off the air as a TV series from '90 to '04) But no doubt about it, the show IS coming p on it's 50th anniversary in 2013.
Just knowing The Doctor is back helps me sleep sound at night, not having to worry about all the Mayan 2012 stuff.
I'm sure THAT will make for a great episode.
Anyway, I took my kids to see Clash of the Titans Saturday. The movie was alright, I would suggest you see the 2-D version and not pay the couple of bucks extra for the #-D like we did. It wasn't bad, but the #-D was not something that added to the movie as it did in "Avatar", or even Burton's, "Alice"
The movie itself was okay, not great, but my kids enjoyed it and THAT is enough for me... sometime.
The reason I brought the movie up was during the previews for coming attractions they showed a trailer for the new Season of Doctor Who on the BIG SCREEN! Perhaps this is run-of-the-mill in Great Britian but over here in the states I was something that if I were not about to turn 55, but 25, or even 35 I might of stood up and yelled; "YEAHHHHH!" fist clenched in the air. Of course my kids would have destroyed me as surely as Gort's gaze would in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (THE ORIGINAL, not that Reeves remake crap.) So the old guy just turned to his equally excited kids (the love The Doctor too) and whispered; "Isn't THAT cool?"
Okay, back to the new Doctor Who season.
Back in the ancient era days, we geeks considered ourselves lucky to see ANY Doctor Who episode regardless of how old it was. In the late '70's - early '80's we were introduced to The Doctor via Tom Baker. Most casual U.S. viewer do not beleive ther is another Doctor other then that guy with the curly hair, big teeth, and long, long, scarf... and Jelly Babies
Then came Peter Davison (still a personal favorite) followed be a succession of other actors. Somewhere in the schedule PBS backed up and showed Doctors 1 (Hartnell) #2 (Troughon), and #3 (Pertwee, it seems to me a lot of folks OLDER then my love those guys)
Though the lag time is greatly reduced, BBC One still shows the episodes in England ahead of when they will be shown in the U.S.
Several years ago, I found a great use for my son's Wii and PS3.
Using the console's web browsers, I could see the episodes on my big screen, sometime as soon as 'hours' after they'd shown, via YouTube and some wonderful Brits that took the time to put them up until the BBC pulled them down.
After we returned from the movie yesterday, I walked into the living room hearing a different sounding Doctor Who into... my son had pulled up "The 11th Hour" so we could watch it.
Soooo I didn't wait until my birthday, but sat down with my boy and watched it.
One episode is not enough to make a determination on, but I thought Matt Smith's Doctor was as good as most and better then many. I was a bit shocked at how well he transitioned into the part. To be honest with you, I didn't miss David Tennant a bit. Smith's new companion should be good too, but Catherine Tate's; Donna Nobel is now at the top of my all-time favorite list of companions, replacing Tegan Jovanka.
Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing the episode again in a little under 2 weeks, by then I'll have seen 2 more over the internet.
I AM a geek aren't I? An OLD geek!
I remember when I was in my 20's finding it hard to imagine being 'that' old.
Funny thing is, I find it EVEN harder knowing I'm 'that' old.
Queue Mary Hopkin... "Those Were the Days" ...hopefully not "Goodbye" anytime soon.
Just kidding there, I like both songs, but I won't link them here... right now.
The high point of #55 is that night, the BBC America is airing the U.S. premier of Doctor Who season 5... or the new season 1... or isn't it REALLY season 31? (taking into account the time it was off the air as a TV series from '90 to '04) But no doubt about it, the show IS coming p on it's 50th anniversary in 2013.
Just knowing The Doctor is back helps me sleep sound at night, not having to worry about all the Mayan 2012 stuff.
I'm sure THAT will make for a great episode.
Anyway, I took my kids to see Clash of the Titans Saturday. The movie was alright, I would suggest you see the 2-D version and not pay the couple of bucks extra for the #-D like we did. It wasn't bad, but the #-D was not something that added to the movie as it did in "Avatar", or even Burton's, "Alice"
The movie itself was okay, not great, but my kids enjoyed it and THAT is enough for me... sometime.
The reason I brought the movie up was during the previews for coming attractions they showed a trailer for the new Season of Doctor Who on the BIG SCREEN! Perhaps this is run-of-the-mill in Great Britian but over here in the states I was something that if I were not about to turn 55, but 25, or even 35 I might of stood up and yelled; "YEAHHHHH!" fist clenched in the air. Of course my kids would have destroyed me as surely as Gort's gaze would in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (THE ORIGINAL, not that Reeves remake crap.) So the old guy just turned to his equally excited kids (the love The Doctor too) and whispered; "Isn't THAT cool?"
Okay, back to the new Doctor Who season.
Back in the ancient era days, we geeks considered ourselves lucky to see ANY Doctor Who episode regardless of how old it was. In the late '70's - early '80's we were introduced to The Doctor via Tom Baker. Most casual U.S. viewer do not beleive ther is another Doctor other then that guy with the curly hair, big teeth, and long, long, scarf... and Jelly Babies
Then came Peter Davison (still a personal favorite) followed be a succession of other actors. Somewhere in the schedule PBS backed up and showed Doctors 1 (Hartnell) #2 (Troughon), and #3 (Pertwee, it seems to me a lot of folks OLDER then my love those guys)
Though the lag time is greatly reduced, BBC One still shows the episodes in England ahead of when they will be shown in the U.S.
Several years ago, I found a great use for my son's Wii and PS3.
Using the console's web browsers, I could see the episodes on my big screen, sometime as soon as 'hours' after they'd shown, via YouTube and some wonderful Brits that took the time to put them up until the BBC pulled them down.
After we returned from the movie yesterday, I walked into the living room hearing a different sounding Doctor Who into... my son had pulled up "The 11th Hour" so we could watch it.
Soooo I didn't wait until my birthday, but sat down with my boy and watched it.
One episode is not enough to make a determination on, but I thought Matt Smith's Doctor was as good as most and better then many. I was a bit shocked at how well he transitioned into the part. To be honest with you, I didn't miss David Tennant a bit. Smith's new companion should be good too, but Catherine Tate's; Donna Nobel is now at the top of my all-time favorite list of companions, replacing Tegan Jovanka.
Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing the episode again in a little under 2 weeks, by then I'll have seen 2 more over the internet.
I AM a geek aren't I? An OLD geek!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Even Now...
It's easy to lose focus of what's important in life when things don't seem to be going my way.
The United States has a Congress that is not listening to it's constituents. (I know, they ARE politicians and are SKILLED Liars.)
Our country is on the verge of bankruptcy and our elected officials continue to spend money like a drunken sailor on leave.
It's like the old saying about falling from a high place; it's not the fall that kills you...
I feel for my kids and their entire generation (and those to follow) for the huge dump that is going to fall on them for OUR financial transgressions.
I loathe the fact you can't have a civil conversation in the U.S; verbally, or on the internet, about politics.
To compound the situation, all some folks need to know is I consider myself conservative (though I have libertarian leanings) to label me a ignorant, stupid, intolerant, uncaring, insensitive, Neanderthal. (I'm sure I left something out there.)
An then if I bring up my faith in Jesus... I might as well have been tried and found guilty at Nuremberg according to 'them'.
Look, I believe the scripture, but in this country, our constitution guarantees individuals rights regardless of what they believe in, what color their skin is, where they are from, or who they sleep with. I will be the first to admit, some of their rights have not been realized at this time. I do not want to see anyone discriminated against.
As long as it doesn't interfere with my life or my childrens'; people should have the right to live the way they want without persecution.
Anyway, I was a bit down this evening and needed something to redirect my mind...
Music ALWAYS helped me through my young adult years.
It still helps me as an old 'fogie'.
Hearing this (again) showed me that someone else understands how I feel...
The United States has a Congress that is not listening to it's constituents. (I know, they ARE politicians and are SKILLED Liars.)
Our country is on the verge of bankruptcy and our elected officials continue to spend money like a drunken sailor on leave.
It's like the old saying about falling from a high place; it's not the fall that kills you...
I feel for my kids and their entire generation (and those to follow) for the huge dump that is going to fall on them for OUR financial transgressions.
I loathe the fact you can't have a civil conversation in the U.S; verbally, or on the internet, about politics.
To compound the situation, all some folks need to know is I consider myself conservative (though I have libertarian leanings) to label me a ignorant, stupid, intolerant, uncaring, insensitive, Neanderthal. (I'm sure I left something out there.)
An then if I bring up my faith in Jesus... I might as well have been tried and found guilty at Nuremberg according to 'them'.
Look, I believe the scripture, but in this country, our constitution guarantees individuals rights regardless of what they believe in, what color their skin is, where they are from, or who they sleep with. I will be the first to admit, some of their rights have not been realized at this time. I do not want to see anyone discriminated against.
As long as it doesn't interfere with my life or my childrens'; people should have the right to live the way they want without persecution.
Anyway, I was a bit down this evening and needed something to redirect my mind...
Music ALWAYS helped me through my young adult years.
It still helps me as an old 'fogie'.
Hearing this (again) showed me that someone else understands how I feel...
Monday, February 8, 2010
Quick Hits...
I DID NOT watch the super bowl last night.
I have little interest in pro 'football'...
I actually watched The Adventures of Buckeroo Banzi, a movie so weak, I could never bring myself to watch it before. I'm NOT going into details because you've done nothing evil to me, so why would I inflict the story line on you?
There was some interesting casting but that's about it.
I did watch THE WHO during the super bowl's halftime (number 2 on my list of favorite bands.)
I received a phone call telling my they were coming on so I was more then happy to switch from fictional rocker Buckeroo to Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry, two of rocks major deities.
Not exactly the songs I wanted to hear, pretty predictible, but for a could of old geezers the young people watching got to see rock done right.
Daltry's voice is nowhere near what it was, but hey put 30 to 45 years on any part of your body and see how it performs. Townshend's backup vocals helped a lot.
And Pete's guitar play... what can I say?
Not the greatest player of all time, but the guy literally attacks his guitar and makes it do what he wants it to. (Almost like the late Keith Moon's manner of playing drums, but Townshend has more talent on his instrument... and I LOVED Moon's drumming for The Who!) btw, the was Zak Starkey doing a great job on drums during the performance, not his first time playing with the band... I bet Ringo was pleased.
Anyway, I think you get the point I'm biased concerning this band, and was satisfied with their performance.
Lastly... (is that really a word?)
The weather 'humanoids' are predicting up to 8 more inches of snow starting tomorrow...
My back IS NOT happy!
Arrivederci!
I have little interest in pro 'football'...
I actually watched The Adventures of Buckeroo Banzi, a movie so weak, I could never bring myself to watch it before. I'm NOT going into details because you've done nothing evil to me, so why would I inflict the story line on you?
There was some interesting casting but that's about it.
I received a phone call telling my they were coming on so I was more then happy to switch from fictional rocker Buckeroo to Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry, two of rocks major deities.
Not exactly the songs I wanted to hear, pretty predictible, but for a could of old geezers the young people watching got to see rock done right.
Daltry's voice is nowhere near what it was, but hey put 30 to 45 years on any part of your body and see how it performs. Townshend's backup vocals helped a lot.
And Pete's guitar play... what can I say?
Not the greatest player of all time, but the guy literally attacks his guitar and makes it do what he wants it to. (Almost like the late Keith Moon's manner of playing drums, but Townshend has more talent on his instrument... and I LOVED Moon's drumming for The Who!) btw, the was Zak Starkey doing a great job on drums during the performance, not his first time playing with the band... I bet Ringo was pleased.
Anyway, I think you get the point I'm biased concerning this band, and was satisfied with their performance.
Lastly... (is that really a word?)
The weather 'humanoids' are predicting up to 8 more inches of snow starting tomorrow...
My back IS NOT happy!
Arrivederci!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Robin Hood
Given the DVDs on my shelf, and the movies I feel stimulated my heart and mind (and I actually spent money on), I'd have to say Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors.
I know Legend was not a great movie, but Scott's vision of what that world would look like made it so that even I, could watch a Tom Cruise movie.
I just saw a trailer for his next release... Robin Hood.
Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett star, so that's a good start.It could be wonderful, or dreadful, but given Ridley Scott's track record I have to think it will be the former.
Regardless, it will probably wind up on my DVD shelf.
...btw, LOTS of snow outside.
We are used to snow in central Ohio, but yesterday's storm HAD to be one in the top (or bottom) 3 worse driving days* I've been on the road in. (An ice storm and the 1978 blizzard, being worse.)
Cars off the road everywhere, and most folks were doing no more then 10 MPH.
At one point as I was driving up a steep hill to my house, my vehicle turned sideways and was sliding down hill. Fortunately, there were no other cars close to me... THAT was embarrassing, and a little scary.
Today I get to shovel the driveway some more, after spending most of my afternoon yesterday doing the same... I really have to save money for a snow blower.
I know Legend was not a great movie, but Scott's vision of what that world would look like made it so that even I, could watch a Tom Cruise movie.
I just saw a trailer for his next release... Robin Hood.
Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett star, so that's a good start.It could be wonderful, or dreadful, but given Ridley Scott's track record I have to think it will be the former.
Regardless, it will probably wind up on my DVD shelf.
...btw, LOTS of snow outside.
We are used to snow in central Ohio, but yesterday's storm HAD to be one in the top (or bottom) 3 worse driving days* I've been on the road in. (An ice storm and the 1978 blizzard, being worse.)
Cars off the road everywhere, and most folks were doing no more then 10 MPH.
At one point as I was driving up a steep hill to my house, my vehicle turned sideways and was sliding down hill. Fortunately, there were no other cars close to me... THAT was embarrassing, and a little scary.
Today I get to shovel the driveway some more, after spending most of my afternoon yesterday doing the same... I really have to save money for a snow blower.
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