SPACE DEBRIS Monitoring Satellite Set to Launch

The Huffington Post/AP - 09.22.2010

The Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite was scheduled to launch on July 8, but it was grounded by concerns about software in the Minotaur IV rocket and a problem in the rocket's electronics.

Officials said there were no problems in the satellite itself.

It's designed to give the Air Force its first full-time, space-based surveillance of satellites and debris in Earth's orbit. It monitors them for possible collisions.

Launch will be at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. A command center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., will oversee day-to-day operations once in orbit.

As renderings of orbital debris show, the Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite has its work cut out for it.




An early 'green' concern of mine was about the debris we humans leave in space.

What colossal arrogance!

So on a somber (with wee pinch of science geekery) note I share this event announcement with you.

When I began to see renderings of what this space flotsam might look like (as in these renderings) I was horrified and fascinated Now, they're sending up a monitoring satellite and we will get to see what exactly is up there. For better or worse.

A Song For Saturday - Ceelo

I haven't posted in quite awhile, but this (and the fact that a good friend talked me into a Facebook page and I've been referring folks to my blog) has inspired me.

Love the Mowtown-y Vibe and the sentiment...lol

I suggest you click on the image (or the post title) to get the full-screen version on YouTube. Otherwise you can't see all the lyrics and they are fabulous!

Speak German? Translation please?

I know the Felina brand of Lingerie, but what the hell is this little film?

Too long/too early for a TV ad? Corporate film about the wonders of structured undergarments? Potential fetish film? It reminds me a little of the German "Nature" films from pre-Nazi Germany, where everyone is strong and blonde and UBER healthy, looking toward tomorrow's skies.

When was it made -- 1950's? Why does he keep smoothing his mustache (smelling his finger?...ewww.) Courtesy of Jezebel ALWAYS a terrific source :))

Anyone who can tell me more gets a fabulous prize!! heh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLg_3XyXAyc&feature=player_embedded

Man Gift Supreme! Etsy Scores Again

Clever solution to the gift-idea challenged. Particularly cool for menfolk methinks.

An Etsy vendor provides the solution:

You email them with a photo and simple specs and they create a "stuffed animal" version of...er...whomever you wish.

Great idea I think for the unsufferably egotistical, as for anyone else...and they can be TOUGH to buy for.. heh.

You could do something significantly creepier by having dolls of yourself, at various ages, locales or whatever.

My imaginations' juicing up, so I leave it to yours.

Carnival in Rio!!!

The "twirling salads" are in fact:

Members of Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

And, if you've never seen it, each samba "school" passes through the Sabadrome to parade their costumes and party like it's going to be Lent!


To give you an idea of the scope of the venue, check this out:

What Are These?

At first look I thought...little fast food salads.

Incorrect.

Take a shot?

Hint: Almost Lent!

Magical Performance by PINK at the 2010 Grammy Awards

My intent for this blog was to give, in my humble opinion, snippets, morsels and sometimes whole menus of what touches me, makes me laugh, roils my passions, or inspires awe and wonder....no matter what the subject. Just things I'd like to share.

Lately I seem to be sharing video. Call me visual.

This one caught me off guard -- Although the first hour of the Grammy Awards (recording industry awards - all kinds of music) rocked, hard. Try following full-blown production numbers by Beyonce, Lady Gaga & Elton John, etc.

Pink is never someone I paid much attention to. I knew who she was and had heard a few tunes over the years, but nothing ever grabbed me particularly.

Her performance on tonight's 2010 Grammy awards afforded me, and I'm sure many, many others, the knowledge that she can be an astounding performer. With the sweetest, most tender song Glitter in The Air she created a bit of magic with her...well, just watch by clicking on the bar above.

Update 02.02 - They took it off YouTube of course, even though it was credited to CBS...aaaargh, sorry.

Got it again! -- click on the Magical Performance title and be transported :))