|
|
|
| | | :: Saturday, January 31, 2004 :: |
ISS Update Rumor
 It was reported recently that Expedition 10 commander Leroy Chiao would replace Bill McArthur as commander of Expedition 9, to launch in April. Now, there are unconfirmed reports that the new Expedition 9 crew will be swapped with the new Expedition 10 crew, Gennadi Padalka and Edward "Mike" Fincke. No word on why, though there have been rumors of concern from the RSA about launching an Expedition crew with two members with no long-duration experience.
The Panel
 Bush has announced the eight people who will join Pete Aldridge on the Presidential Commission on the Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy. None of them are names I recognize, and none of them appear to have been involved directly with the space agency (save Aldridge himself, of course). I'm excited about this program, of course, and have high hopes for its success, but I hope this particular step does not end up being more of a stumbling block than a step forward. One can't help but have flashbacks of Space Station Freedom. Still, the CAIB commission last year appeared to be extremely capable, so hopefully Bush's new board will be as well.
Progress Docked
 Michael Foale can breathe again! The Russian Progress cargo ship has successfully docked with the International Space Station.
Among its cargo, by the way, are a pair of research dummies which will be used to study radiation exposure in spaceflight, a key step towards further space exploration.
"One Dozen Wheels On Soil!"
 Opportunity has left the lander and is rolling through the Martian dirt!
Next up: inspecting confirmed hematite samples near the lander, which may indicate the past presence of liquid water.
Elsewhere on Mars, Spirit continues to make progress, and is expected tomorrow to be fully functional.
| | | :: Friday, January 30, 2004 :: |
Wind Beneath My Wings
 "Did you ever know that you're my hero? And everything I would like to be?"
Touring Towards Ecstacy
 Sweet, sweet Sarah McLachlan has announced new tour dates! Among her stops, she'll be in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 27, and Nashville the next night (also, New Orleans the night before Atlanta). Nicole and I are currently eyeing the feasability of an Atlanta excursion.
Secret Service Man
 Ah, what a work of wonder is the Web! Thanks to this fantastic invention, with just one click of the mouse, one can Lain in a compelling work from his college acting career. Don't blink, or you'll miss it.
That said, this piece is completely unrealistic, because it depicts Lain as not liking the idea of a guy dressed up as a Secret Service agent protecting him, when history clearly proves otherwise.
Battlebots On Mars
 Here's a theory I bet you haven't considered. At least, I hope not. 'Cause it's dumb.
Working Too Hard Will Give You A Heart Attack! Ack! Ack! Ack! Ack!
 So, is Cathy getting married? That's what everyone who loves the Cathy comic strip desperately wants to know! And, outside of those three or four people, others are mildly interested. UPI's announced that Irving will propose on Valentine's Day. No word on what the outcome will be.
However, UPI promises the result will be "a comic and societal milestone."
So, what's going to happen?
Well, if she gets married, that could be considered a comic strip milestone, in that it would probably be the first major character marriage in a non-continuity strip. It happens all the time in strips like Doonesbury and For Better Or For Worse, but I don't remember it happening in a "static" strip.
But, a societal milestone? Single Cathy was kind of a societal milestone, in that it was an early strip to depict a woman on her own, showing that she didn't need a man, but could be perfectly succesful on her own leading life as a fat, bland, anxious, often-depressed wreck--a veritable feminist icon.
So, is it a societal milestone for her to get married? It's not like she be the first married female character in comics.
So, here's my guess--and this would be a milestone: Irving's proposal finally provides the impetus for Cathy to come out. I don't think any central characters in mainstream comics are gay, currently. You've got bit players in ensemble strips like Mark Slackmeyer and that guy in FBOFW, but no leads.
When you think about it, all the pieces fit. Maybe there even will be a wedding after all.
(Man, this is way more about Cathy than I ever thought I would write on my blog)
Daily Hatbag
 No Hatbag ran 10 years ago today, 'cause it was Saturday. But, this one ran 7 years ago, so that should be worth something.
Raising Spirits
 As early as today, Spirit "will be perfect again," according to the JPL team. Good news, indeed, considering that it was orginally believed it would take weeks to restore functionality, and that it might never be back to spec. Spirit resumed acquiring science data yesterday, using its panoramic camera to focus on two rocks scientists have called Cake and Blanco.
Let me just say, it's an honor and a privilege to be associated with this agency, where saying no one else on Earth can do things NASA does is an understatement.
Japanaut?
 Apparently inspired by the success of China's Shenzhou V manned spaceflight, Japan is considering developing its own manned space program. Currently, the nation does have astronauts, which have flown for about a decade aboard NASA Shuttles, and has completed an ISS module which is currently at KSC awaiting launch. No time frame has been given, but a new policy is expected to be developed by mid-year.
And So The End Begins
 When Ken Bowersox, Don Pettit, and Nikolai Budarin launched aboard Endeavour in November 2002, they never would have dreamed that they would be the last ISS Expedition crew to fly to Station aboard the Space Shuttle, but it appears that may be the case. In order to expedite the exploration initiative goal of ISS completion by 2010, all future Expedition crews may fly to Station aboard Soyuz, even after Shuttle returns to flight. While no decision has been made, NASA officials say that removing crew rotation requirements from the Shuttle schedule would make it easier to complete the required construction tasks. No word on how exactly this would be arranged, since NASA is not currently allowed to pay the cash-strapped Russian Space Agency for Soyuz seats.
Hubble Trouble
 Sean O'Keefe announced yesterday that the decision to cancel the Hubble SM4 servicing mission will be reviewed by CAIB head Adm. Gehmen. Contrary to reports that costs, particularly in light of funding realignment under the exploratin initiative, were driving the decision to discontinue Hubble servicing, the primary concern is safety. CAIB requires that NASA conducts on-orbit inspection of orbiters on all future missions. Protocols are being developed to perform these inspections while Shuttle is rendezvoused with Station, but no protocols have been developed for conducting them on non-Station missions. However, with the final Hubble servicing mission cancelled, none would be needed, since all remaining Shuttle missions would be Station missions. Gehmen will evaluate the servicing mission as it relates to CAIB recommendations.
Progress In Space
 A Russian Progress cargo ship was launched from Baikonur yesterday, and will dock with ISS Saturday around 7:15 a.m. CST. Nothing in the manifest struck me as terribly exciting. The crew will be getting a new flex hose for Destiny's Earthward window to replace the one which caused the leak earlier this month. Also, it amuses me that they're getting "an entire spare Elektron." You'd think they'd try to stay positive.
Early Opportunity
 The JPL team is now saying that Opportunity could drive off its lander Saturday night, rather than on Sunday as was previously reported. "It's going to be an easy ride," said mission manager Matt Wallace.
Jason In Space
 If anyone doubts the success of NASA's endeavors to inspire the next generation of explorers, just read this week's Foxtrot strips.
Freelance Jobs
 Pixar has broken off negotiations to continue its distribution deal with Disney, and is now seeking a new studio partner.
Changing Lanes
 So, apparently, Beyonce won't be Lois in the Supes movie. No new word on whether Depp will be Luthor.
| | | :: Thursday, January 29, 2004 :: |
This Week At NE
In a rare event recently, I have two stories at NASAexplores this week, one about how NASA was able to succesfully land the two rovers on Mars, and the other about research into cellular skeletons.
CEV Update
 In a move that will likely excite confused Trekkies, Peter David, and Scotty in Star Trek V, Sean O'Keefe announced yesterday that NASA will develop Constellation-class spacecraft.
Daily Hatbag
Ten years ago today, Hippie and the Black Guy had a big day
Stand-Up Opportunity
 Opportunity has begun standing up in preparations for a roll-off from the lander likely Sunday night. Health checks on the rover so far are going well, with the exception of a faulty thermostat, which causes heating units to run during the night.
That's The Spirit!
 JPL late yesterday released the first photo sent from Spirit on Mars since its problems began last week. The black and white haz-cam photo shows the rover's science arm reaching out to examine a pyramid-shaped rock nicknamed Adirondack. Efforts continue to clear the rover's overloaded flash memory so that it can return to something closer to full functionality.l
Wrong Lane
So, according to Ain't It Cool News, the next big screen Lois Lane will be Beyonce Knowles, and Johnny Depp will be playing the other big Double-L (sorry, Lana). Um, suddenly Nic Cage as Superman doesn't seem as colosally bad anymore.
Well, OK, it still does, but these stink pretty bad too.
| | | :: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 :: |
Fallen Heroes
Over the past 18 years, I have often marked the anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger by writing a brief remembrance. Below are a few thougts from this year:
One year ago, the pain was in the past.
One year ago, the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and her crew on January 28, 1986 was a scar from a wound distant but still remembered, not completely healed.
As I paid tribute a year ago today to those who had given their lives 17 years earlier, I had no idea that just days later, the wound would be re-opened.
That days later, seven more would also make the ultimate sacrifice for the cause to which they dedicated their lives.
The hurt was very different this time. The loss of Challenger was a national tragedy. The loss of Columbia was death in the family. I had not personally met any of the seven men and women who died on February 1, 2003. But I know and have worked with those who did; I have seen the hurt of those who lost friends that day.
And STS-107 may well be the last time I have the luxury of anonymity. When the Shuttle fleet returns to flight, faces familiar to me will fly aboard the next three missions.
We are in the midst of NASA’s darkest week, in the midst of a period of a mere six days filled with too many anniversaries, too many remembrances. Seventeen lives lost in the last 37 years.
On January 27, 1967, Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee were killed in the Apollo I pad fire during ground tests for their upcoming mission.
On January 28, 1986, Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Judith Resnik, Ellison Onizuka, Ronald McNair, Greg Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe were killed during the 51-L mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger when the Shuttle was lost 72 seconds into flight.
On February 1, 2003, Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Michael Anderson, Dave Brown, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon were killed during the STS-107 mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia when the orbiter disintegrated during re-entry.
Too many anniversaries, too many remembrances. Too close together.
But today, NASA is preparing to remember fallen heroes in a fitting manner. Today, with a plan for the future, NASA is poised to honor their legacy.
Like any good agenda, NASA's plan includes both old business and new business.
Old business like returning the Shuttle fleet to flight.
Old business like an unfinished mission from 18 years ago. Christa McAuliffe lost her life on her way to be the first teacher in space. Soon, her dream will be fulfilled. Eighteen years ago, Barbara Morgan was the backup for Christa, prepared to step in if needed. On STS-118, that time will finally arrive. This time, however, Barbara Morgan is not a “teacher in space.” She is an astronaut—a fully trained, fully prepared member of the corps. Her first flight will be no publicity stunt, but a first step in a new era of inspiring the next generation of explorers. And she will be followed by others—a new group of educator astronauts has already been selected, and will be announced soon along with their fellow members of the astronaut class of 2004.
Old business like the legacy of a mission from one year ago. The STS-107 crew of Columbia lost their lives in pursuit of performing science on the frontier. They carried with them some 80 experiments, seeking in the unique environment of microgravity everything from clues to new cures for diseases to ways to create more efficient engines. Looking in space for new ways to improve life on Earth.
Even as they flew, a better way was already under development. Even before its launch, STS-107 was already likely to be the last of its kind—the last science laboratory mission of the Space Shuttle. Already, that science was being performed aboard the International Space Station, still very much a work in progress. What better way to honor their legacy than to see that work in progress through.
And, then, on to new business.
For the three men who were NASA’s first to give their lives in the cause of space exploration, even the new business would sound much like old business.
Grissom, White, and Chaffee died in preparations for what was to be the next step toward landing a man on the Moon.
Today, NASA is rededicated to that goal.
But, make no mistake, this new initiative is about far more than old business. It is about far more than landing a man on the Moon. It is about exploration; about opening the door into the unknown.
The Apollo program was about a goal to be met—“before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.”
This new exploration initiative, on the other hand, is about taking first steps—“We do not know where this journey will end, yet we know this: human beings are headed into the cosmos.”
Apollo was finite. Exploration is infinite. New business, indeed.
Three weeks before he was killed in the Apollo I fire, Gus Grissom said, "If we die, do not mourn for us. This is a risky business we're in, and we accept those risks. The space program is too valuable to this country to be halted for too long if a disaster should ever happen."
The same could be said for all who have followed. They knew the risks, and accepted them. They braved the danger, because they felt it was worth it. To honor them, we, as a nation, can do no less. Their legacy is in our hands.
This week, we honor fallen heroes.
But to truly honor them, and their legacy, let us look not only to the past, but also to the future.
| | | :: Tuesday, January 27, 2004 :: |
Still, If You're Only Sending One...
So, it turns out that Bill Clinton sent only two e-mails the entire time he was president--one a test message, and the other to John Glenn in space. And after Al Gore did all that work inventing the internet...
The Undiscovered DVD
Star Trek VI comes out on DVD today, along with Comic Book: The Movie and The Critic.
Cosby Day
I can't verify this, but it turns out it's a real shame that I'm not going to be around for Bill Cosby's Huntsville show, because apparently that date marks the first day of National Jello Week.
Sorry
I'm home sick today, and not feeling all that hot, so forgive the lazy bloggin'.
| | | :: Monday, January 26, 2004 :: |
Daily Hatbag
With the 10th anniversary of Hatbag now behind us, here's where it all began.
Boeing, Boeing
 What will the future of space exploration look like? Well, if Boeing has it's way, it could look something like this. This gallery shows artist's concepts of various spacecraft that would be used as part of the new NASA exploration initiative.
Hyper-Time For NASA
 Preparations are being made for a Feb. 21 test of the X-43A "Hyper-X" scramjet test vehicle. "If it works, the X-43A will become the first air-breathing hypersonic vehicle in free flight."
(BTW, starting with this news item, I've added another item in the sidebar to the left with an aerospace calendar, in which I'll be posting upcoming NASA- and space-related events as I hear about them or get around to it.)
Fallen Heroes
 The next week marks the anniversaries of every American spaceflight tragedy:
37 years ago tomorrow, Gus Grissom, Ed White, Roger Chaffee were killed in the Apollo 1 pad fire during ground tests for their upcoming mission.
18 years ago Wednesday, Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Judith Resnick, Ellison Onizuka, Ronald McNair, Greg Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe were killed during the 51-L mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger when the Shuttle was lost 72 seconds into flight.
1 year ago Sunday, Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Michael Anderson,Dave Brown, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon were killed during the STS-107 mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia when the orbiter disintegrated during re-entry.
Here are some articles discussing NASA, 1 year after the latest tragedy:
NASA: One Year After Columbia -- Bush's New Vision Changes Agency's Course Mid-Stream
O'Keefe: New NASA to be 'Distinctively Different' than Old Agency
NASA: Shuttle Flights to Look Like Business as Usual
Opportunity Update
 Per CBS News "Space Place":
""I will attempt no science analysis because it looks like nothing I've ever seen before in my life," Squyres told flight controllers as the black-and-white navigation camera images flashed on large projection screens.
... We had expected to see something that was very flat on a broad scale and that was hilly and hummocky on a finer, more regional scale and that's what we're seeing. That outcrop is just out of this world. I can't wait to get there. I've got nothing else to say. These are fantastic. This is the sweetest spot I've ever seen.""
Spirit Update
 Per Spaceflight Now:
"The group working to unravel the glitch with Spirit and return the rover to action has narrowed the possible cause of its trouble to three potentials, officials said Sunday afternoon.
"Spirit is still serious but we are moving toward guarded condition now," rover project manager Pete Theisinger said. "I think we got a patient well on the way to recovery.""
Anniversary Celebration
 If your still in a celebrating frame of mind even though the weekend's over, MacNN has a bunch of links to articles about the 20th anniversary of the Macintosh for your reading pleasure.
| | | :: Friday, January 23, 2004 :: |
Opportunity Knocks
 While the JPL team works to get Spirit roving again, her sister rover, Opportunity, is drawing closer to the Red Planet. Landing will be tomorrow at around 11:05 p.m. CST, and will be televised and Webcast on NASA TV.
New Poll
 In addition to updating the sidebar today, I finally got around to changing the poll once again. For the old poll, regarding what product people would most like to see Apple create, a new PDA was the big winner, with 54 percent of the vote. OS X for Intel, a video-capable iPod, and an under-$500, stripped-down PC each received 18 percent of the vote.
Daily Hatbag
 With tomorrow being the 10th anniversary of Hatbag, what better time to go back and remember how it all came about.
One Trillion Dollars
James Oberg has yet another excellent article today, this one about the actual cost of the Moon initiative:
"Bush’s new space plan certainly deserves to be debated. And it won’t be cheap. But any discussions that are based on flawed data and outright fantasies are worthless."
More Martian Water
 The European Mars Express orbiter has confirmed the existence of water ice at the south pole of Mars. It was already known that water ice exists at the north pole, and the south pole had been believed to hold water ice as well, but Mars Express has provided the first confirmation that there "appears to be a vast store of frozen water mostly buried under a blanket of carbon dioxide ice."
Spirit Update
Spirit has transmitted back "limited data" twice today, for a total of 30 minutes. The JPL team have not had time to completely analyse the data sent back, but have said that it confirms that the rover is in a contingency fault mode. The team is trying to determine whether the problem lies in software, which could be fixed remotely, or hardware, which can't.
Happy Anniversary, Macintosh!
The Macintosh turns 20 tomorrow! To commemorate, Lain sent me this link to the very first Macinoth presss release ever.
"CUPERTINO, Calif., January 24, 1984--Apple Computer today unveiled its much-anticipated Macintosh computer, a sophisticated, affordably priced personal computer designed for business people, professionals and students in a broad range of fields. Macintosh is available in all dealerships now."
| | | :: Thursday, January 22, 2004 :: |
Garage Bandolier
 Once again, in the Fantasy Film League, Bandolier Of Schmutz has pulled out even farther ahead of Automan: The Movie. Be forewarned, though: The comeback starts next week.
This Week At NE
 This week at NASAexplores, I've got an article about new cockpit displays that will give pilots weather information. For those that prefer more interesting articles, Maggie's got one about space research on insects.
"Very Serious Anomaly"
NASA has been unable to communicate with Spirit for over 24 hours.
"Scientists initially thought a storm in Australia was keeping them from sending signals to instruct the Spirit rover to drill into a Mars rock. But on Thursday, the problem appeared to be more serious than a passing storm."
Daily Hatbag
Here's another look back at Hatbag history. This piece of artwork is one of the most-viewed things on the site, presumably from people running a search for "Hippie draft" or something similar.
Suddenly My X-Wing Is Much Less Cool
 OK, now here's the coolest Star Wars Lego construction ever: Han Solo. In carbonite. Life size. Built from about 10,000 Lego bricks.
So, here's my idea for saving the Star Wars franchise: This guy and the girl with the X-wing car yesterday should get married. They should have kids. Their kids should direct the sequel trilogy. (Well, that could cause a problem with using the original actors I guess. Maybe we could skip a generation, and they could just get together themselves and make the new films. Because clearly they love Star Wars far, far more than Lucas does).
Details
 James Oberg has an excellent article about details of NASA's new spaceflight goals that talks about the agency's plan to "refocus" itself.
X Marks The Spot
 Sites in Florida and New Mexico were recently named as finalists for hosting the X Prize Cup, the follow-on games that will see competition between private spacecraft after the orginal X Prize is won. The article notes that the X Prize may be won by this summer (which seems pretty likely). As a reminder, for just $20 you can become an X Prize general member, which means that your name will be flown on the first private spaceflight.
People Are Morons
 Let me just say: People are morons.
And the media does little to help.
I'm doing my daily space reading, when I see an article posted on, natch, SpaceDaily (though originating from AFP news service) saying that "Three-fifths of Americans oppose Bush's mission to moon, Mars" (possibly because they missed that last comma).
I'd be curious, though, what they asked, in that the article says "his plan to spend billions of dollars to manned mission to the moon and eventually to Mars drew opposition from 61 percent ..."(sic)
So does that mean they asked, "Should the president spend billions to send a manned mission to the Moon and Mars?" I would imagine that doing that would give you very different results than asking, "Would you support a 1 percent annual increase in the NASA budget if it would mean sending returning men to the Moon instead of remaining in Earth orbit?"
I get tired of hearing about how many billions of dollars this project is going to cost absent any sort of context.
Anyway, on the important bit about people being morons.
"Some 40 percent they would rather improve education, 27 percent would balance the federal budget, and 13 percent would clean up the environment."
Let's put this in some perspective here.
The proposed increase for NASA's budget for next year is $200 million.
As I stated earlier, this is an increase of a little over 1 percent of NASA's most recent budget of about $15 billion.
The Department of Education budget passed in August for the current fiscal year is $55.4 billion. The proposed NASA increase is a little over a one-third of one-percent of that. Would that make a big difference in improving education? Well, the Education Department budget in 2001 was $39.9 billion, meaning that it's seen an increase of $15.5 billion in 3 years. Again, let's put that in perspective--In the last 3 years, the federal Education Department has had a budget increase greater than THE ENTIRE NASA BUDGET. And, keep in mind, this is just federal education spending, and that most education spending comes from state and local moneys. So, again, how much improvement of education is another $200 million going to bring about? Greater than the benefits of reinvigorating spaceflight? I'm biased here, but to me, you stand to gain more by showing a new generation of kids that science and math can be cool, by doing something exciting again.
The federal budget for natural resources and environment is $30.4 billion for FY 2004. The proposed NASA increase would represent two-thirds of 1 percent of this. In comparison, in actuality, environmental funding for FY 2004 is up $1 billion over FY 2003--a 1 year increase equal to the amount Bush is proposing NASA's budget be increased over the next 5 years.
So the question is not whether federal spending on these areas should increase--it already is. I see no reason why NASA shouldn't be allowed a small increase also.
Of course, my personal favorite is the 27 percent that would balance the federal budget, which, as we all well know, is only $200 million off, right? That's how the deficit increased by about $216 billion from 2002 to 2003. You could eliminate the entire NASA budget, and it would have left the federal budget for that year another $359 billion shy of being balanced. I also like the version of this that I've seen elsewhere--that instead of giving NASA the increase to go to the Moon, we should use that money to repay the national debt. Even with a balanced budget, repaying the debt with the $200 million the president has proposed to give NASA next year would take over 35,000 years. Now, I realize that the president's proposal would amount to a much greater increase than $200 million over the next 20 years, but even at the real rate, the extra NASA funding wouldn't eliminate the debt in our lifetimes. Or our childrens'. Or our grandchildrens'. Or our great-grandchildrens'. Or our great-great-... well, you get the idea.
I'm all for more responsible government spending, but looking to change education, the environment, or the federal budget with the extra pocket change being given to NASA is like trying to reroute the Mississippi River by bailing it with a bucket.
| | | :: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 :: |
Objects In The Mars View Window
 Here's what Mars looks like from the Opportunity rover spacecraft, which will be landing Saturday night. This simulator constantly updates, so the Red Planet will be getting bigger in the view as Opportunity approaches it.
Daily Hatbag
Rather than posting a strip, here's something a little bit different today. As the 10th anniversary of Hatbag approaches, here's a look back in history.
The Mississippi Valley State University Of The North
A Harvard instructor is disappointed with technological accomplishments of the Spirit rover, basically because it isn't as cool as stuff he watched in science fiction movies. Apparently, teaching at Harvard makes you an expert in subjects of technology, even if you just teach writing.
Major Milestone
 When the Space Shuttle Main Engine has succesfully fired for a total of a million seconds since its creation, the landmark event will occur not in space, but in Mississippi. The SSME will pass the million second mark today during a test firing at Stennis Space Center.
RTF Update
 It's too early to tell when the Shuttles will return to flight, according to the Stafford Covey Task Group, which reported yesterday that while substantial progress has been made, there's still a lot left to do before the fleet is ready to fly again.
Strange New Worlds
 To be sure, I had hoped that Spirit would quickly confirm that bodies of liquid water had once existed on Mars, and that the research and analysis would go easily for the JPL team. That said, I do find it cool that Mars is turning out to truly be an alien world. With all of our modern understanding, I, and I think others, assumed that we would be able to go there, take samples, apply models from Earth, and figure out easily what's going on. But, it turns out in everything from the "mud" in the rover tracks to the discovery of olivine, Mars is a pretty complicated place.
The Next Samurai
 According to thie arguement, the iPod is the modern-day equivalent of the samurai sword.
Drink 'Em Both Down
 Having apparently misheard the line in the old song about putting the lime in the coconut, they putting the lime in the Coke. Coca-Cola Co. has released a lime-flavored version of Diet Coke, which supposedly is pretty good. I have yet to actually find in, having looked for it a total of one place last night. If anybody tries any, let me know what you think.
Attention Single Guys!
 I don't know if this woman's single, but, man, it could be worth your time to find out.
Although, that said, I think I would have gone a little lighter on the blast marks. But, that's just me.
I, Movie
 Oh, man, this clinches it: We need to make a movie!
"Tarnation may be the first feature-length film edited entirely on iMovie, and it cost $218.32 in videotape and materials. Despite its low budget, the film has already earned a high profile."
| | | :: Friday, January 16, 2004 :: |
North Vs. Mars
It's very cold in space, but not was cold as up north. Well, at least not on Mars.
Gateway To Space
 According to Cosmic Log, space tourism company Space Adventures is currently in the process of trying to establish a private, suborbital spaceport, and will likely pick a location within the year.
Bandolier On The Run
In the Fantasy Film League, Bandolier Of Schmutz has pulled out even farther ahead of Automan: The Movie.
I'm Batman?
 So, according to an AICN rumor, Batman may already be on Smallville.
Lucky Cow
 This guy needs his own spin-off strip, or possibly animated TV show.
| | | :: Thursday, January 15, 2004 :: |
The Race, Part II?
 Per ITAR-TASS:
"MOSCOW, January 15 (Itar-Tass) - Resumption of the Moon and Mars exploration programs is now being discussed in Russia, Rosaviakosmos First Deputy Head Nikolai Moiseyev told Itar-Tass. “A federal space program, covering a period of up to 2015, is to be drawn up before the year is up. The above-said projects may be included in it,” he added."
The History Of The Future
The writers who last week broke the story about Bush's announcement have published a piece on how exactly the plan came about. Very fascinating reading.
Trilogy Of Trilogies
 Aint It Cool News has a report on the latest rumors about the Star Wars sequel trilogy, reporting that there's some evidence that Lucas is keeping the door open to keep going after Episode III. Now, I love Star Wars as much as the next guy, but I'm kinda torn on this. After the prequel trilogy, I'd really just as soon that he leave well enough alone. On the other hand, if a sequel trilogy were made with the original characters, aged as they have in real life, I might be interested in it. Of course, it could ruin the original trilogy in a way that the prequels failed to but screwing up beloved characters, but, if done right, I could dig it. It's just that "if done right" part that would be the trick.
So, I open it for discussion--what could Lucas do in a sequel trilogy that would make you want to see it made?
This Week At NASAexplores
 OK, I'm proud. Keep in mind, I had the idea for this story months ago, and finished writing it weeks ago, not even being sure when it was going to run. But, through sheer luck, this week at NE I've got a story about preparing for human exploration of Mars that even mentions using the Moon as a proving ground for the Red Planet. How's that for well-timed?
Also this week, Maggie's got a story about the Super Guppy cargo plane that can carry around ISS modules in its hold, and a story on "city-swallowing sand dunes," the first story from the office of microgravity, which we recently added as our third sponsor.
Let The Roving Begin!
 The Spirit rover is now on the surface of Mars! During the night, the rover successfully drove off of its lander, and on the Martian surface, finally getting its wheels dirty. Due to problems retracting the airbags, the rover had to leave the lander via a less-than-optimum route, which the JPL team described as the most dangerous task the rover would have to perform once on the surface.
Putting A Dent In Casting
 According to the BBC, casting has begun for the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" movie.
Low-Carb News
 Latest developments on the low-carb front:
Frito-Lay has announced that it will be making low-carb Doritos and Tostitos. Under the names Doritos Edge and Tostitos Edge, the chips will have about six net carbs per serving.
Chili's Grill & Bar announced that it's adding a low-carb option on its menu as well. However, most of the menu appears to consist of either existing menu items, such as steak or chicken wings, or slightly modified menu items, such as hamburgers without the buns, or fajitas without the tortillas.
Donatos Pizzeria has become the first pizza chain I know of to go low-carb. The chain will start testing next week in limited locations a "NoDough" pizza made with a base of "low-carb soy crumbles." The bad news, though, is that the low-carb pizza still has 14 grams of net carbs per serving.
Burger King becomes the latest fast-food joint to go low-carb, if half-heartedly. The chain will sell you a Whopper with no bun for the same price as one with a bun. And, unlike Hardee's, which has the second-laziest low-carb menu, Burger King doesn't even wrap it in lettuce for you, they just drop it in a bowl. The chain is also adding chicken and shrimp salads to its menu relatively soon, and a steak salad a little further down the road.
Given that tasty low-carb hamburger buns are out there, and would cost less than 60 cents each, it really disappoints me that burger joints that are doing the low-carb thing won't sell them. I'd sooner pay an extra 60 cents for a really good low carb burger than I would pay the same amount for less food. Given that Blimpie's is going the low-carb bread route, I don't see why others can't.
Denny's and Holiday Inn are jumping on the low-carb bandwagon, primarily at breakfast, and 7-Eleven will be selling 50 Atkins-branded products.
For those in or visiting Huntsville, local restaurant Green Hill's Grille has added a low-carb menu, but no word as to what's on it.
| | | :: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 :: |
And So It Begins
 ...to worlds beyond...
Full text of speech is here.
Quote Of The Day
 "Apple's market share does provide us with an accurate reading of the percentage of reasonable people in our society."
--Roger Ebert
Ad Luna
What's So Amazing About Really Deep Impact
 If you haven't signed up to have your name sent to a comet, time is running out. This month is the deadline to have your name included on NASA's Deep Impact space probe, while will collde with a comet in July 2005.
Ask An Astronaut
 The Ask The White House Forum will be hosting astronaut and NASA Chief Scientist John Grunsfeld for an online Q & A today at 4 p.m. CST to discuss U.S. space policy. You can submit questions now, though that seems kind of silly given that nobody will know exactly what U.S. space policy will be until very shortly before he's supposed to start answering questions.
Daily Hatbag
Here ya go.
You know, I mentioned the upcoming Hatbag anniversary, but didn't realize until last night that we began regular publication of Hatbag on the 10th anniversary of the Macintosh. Kinda cool, huh?
| |
