4 Days to Apollo 11
Forty years ago today, on 16 July 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz (then Edwin) Aldrin, and Michael Collins; the Command Module Columbia; and the Lunar Module Eagle rent a hole through the atmosphere and rocketed toward the Moon aboard a mighty Saturn V, still the most powerful rocket ever launched. Three men against the merciless vacuum of outer space, millimeters of metal and insulation all that separated them from certain death, hurtling through the darkness at incredible speeds toward the mysterious, lifeless Moon. Forty years ago to the day; we are fortune to be present for this once-in-history celebration, my friends, let us make the most of the opportunity.

"We came in peace for all Mankind."





The Stars My Destination
Better late than never: N.A.S.A.link and B.B.C.link. I missed posting about the launch yesterday, but I did watch it live on T.V. Wow, that never gets old. The shuttle fleet has been flying since I was a wee lad, but the power and majesty of a launch just never gets old. Fascinating is hardly a sufficient word, perhaps enthralling is more apropos. And once the Endeavour docks tomorrow, there will be thirteen astronauts/cosmonauts at the International Space Station.

Slowly, so frustratingly slowly and maddeningly haltingly, we are making real progress up there in the heavens. And once the Orion and Altair vehicles ride into orbit and beyond atop the next generation of mighty Ares rockets, we will once again resume Apollo's work and set sail among the stars, charting a course across the celestial sea for the strange new worlds that call to the inherent human need to explore, to test our courage and ingenuity against the unknown. To challenge the unknown. These are great days for Homo sapiens sapiens, my dear fellows, don't allow yourself to lose sight of the splendor that surrounds us here on the good Earth and that awaits us among the stars.

The Rebel Black Dot Songs of the Day
Paramore, "Misery Business" from Riot! (T.L.A.M.)

Mittwoch, 15 Juli
Earthling Scum, "Self Preservation Society" via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: "Self Preservation Society," from the original British film The Italian Job, is properly known as "Getta Bloomin' Move On." Sadly, this is not an original soundtrack recording of the song, which features prominently in the film's spectacular finale.