Science!
The Red Bull Stratos "Mission to the Edge of Space" ended well, with parachutist Felix Baumgartner returned safely to earth: Flight of the Felix. It is likely that Baumgartner set new records for the jump from the highest altitude & the greatest speed attained by a human being without a vehicle, though we are still waiting on official confirmation from the world governing body, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (F.A.I., not to be confused with the automotive F.I.A.). I watched the initial ascent of the Stratos capsule (to my knowledge, the capsule doesn't have a proper name, which is a genuine shame) from my hotel room before courtesy compelled me to finally put in my appearance at the morning-after brunch, the finale to the weekend's wedding festivities (a "Project MERCATOR" post is forthcoming). I missed the remainder of the ascent & the thrilling descent while motoring from Chicago to Grand Blanc in the Lumi the Snow Queen. Holy smokes, he did it! He did it!

"No, GIR! Those piggies are for science. Science!"

The Queue
The Chessmen of Mars finished stronger than it began, which was a nice surprise after the previous Barsoom volume, Thuvia, Maid of Mars, was sabotaged by a weak, hurried ending. I'd still love for the focus of the books to return to John Carter, the Warlord of Mars, & Dejah Thoris, his incomparable bride, but the tales of their children (son Carthoris in Thuvia & daughter Tara in Chessmen) still make for rip-roaring yarns. A brief side trip into unabashed partisanism & then back to Barsoom for more of Burroughs's brilliance.

Recently
Mike W. Barr & Jim Aparo, Showcase Presents: Batman and the Outsiders, Vol. 1
Bob Haney, Ramona Fradon, & Sal Trapani, et al., Showcase Presents: Metamorpho, Vol. 1
Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Chessmen of Mars ***resumed***

Currently
Rich Thomaselli, I Love Michigan: Personal Stories about the World's Greatest Team, Fans, and Traditions/I Hate Ohio State: Personal Stories about the Absolute Worst Team, Fans, and Traditions

Presently
Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Master Mind of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs, A Fighting Man of Mars
Sir Ernest Shackleton, South: A Memoir of the Endurance Voyage
Edgar Rice Burroughs, Swords of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs, Synthetic Men of Mars
Sir Richard Francis Burton, translator, The Arabian Nights (specifically, "Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves")

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
The Blues Brothers, "Sweet Home Chicago" from The Blue Brothers: Original Soundtrack recording (Mr. Danny Boy)

Commentary: "Sweet Home Chicago," performed by The Blues Brothers, was the last song played at last night's wedding reception, a most excellent decision on the bride & bridegroom's part.