Neil Armstrong 1930-2012

I'm still feeling a bit gut-punched from the passing of Neil Armstrong. It isn't every day you lose one of your childhood heroes. And a true American hero he was too-- not a thrill seeker, not a glory-hound, but a soft-spoken engineer who sought to expand the realm of human knowledge by flinging himself off the face of the Earth at great peril to himself and his companions. He stepped out upon an new world, the first human being to do so, and left his footprint quite indelibly upon its surface. That same footprint was left indelibly upon my four-year old imagination. I looked on his heroic feat (feat not feet) with wonder that grew into a lifelong love of science and space exploration. Here's to you Neil Armstrong, you were the real-deal with the right stuff and mankind will be forever in your debt for the giant leap you took on our behalf. Thank you sir. Rest well.

The Passing of A True American Hero

I'm still in shock. 

Mikey does his best Matt Decker impression.

The actor William Windom passed away Thursday last. He is remembered fondly by Trekkies everywhere as Commodore Matt Decker, the captain of the ill-fated starship U.S.S Constellation which met it's end in the maw of the doomsday machine.

"The Doomsday Machine" easily makes the top five of my favorite Star Trek episodes. I must have been three or four when I saw it in first-run with my big brother. It scared the Hell out of me. I clung to the edge of my seat as I watched, totally enthralled. I loved it and I was hooked. It impressed itself so indelibly on my tender engrams it is no wonder that I became a life-long fan.

Windom was sometimes criticized for overacting in this episode and I don't think it was a performance he was proudest of, but I think he gave a fine portrayal of a man coming unhinged in a crisis. Mr. Windom reprised his role as Matt Decker in the the Star Trek fan production Star Trek Phase II in their inaugural episode "In Harm's Way." That may have been his last performance. 

Thank You NASA

Courtesy of Upworthy

And don't forget Tang and Space Food Sticks.

And just in case those three weren't a big enough trip down memory lane, check this out!

We're NASA And We Know It

NASA hasn't been this hip since Apollo 11.

Star Trek Phase II Gets Underway

Star Trek Phase II gets underway with a new actor, Brian Gross taking over the role of Captain Kirk. There are exciting new design changes for the Enterprise herself-- An experimental refit of engines that are a masterful synthesis of the original series engines and the ones which appear for the first time in "Star Trek The Motion Picture." The graphics, as always, are breathtaking. There are a few winks and nods to other TOS characters in this vingette, but the most delightful surprise for me was seeing Mr. Arex from the animated series on duty at the navigator's station. That put an ear-to-ear grin on my face. Arex was always one of my favorite characters and it was a big kick to see him again. And from what I understand, he's voiced by Chris Doohan. (who has a few things up his tunic sleeve himself.) I can't wait to see what other surprises they have in store.

Curiosity Touches Down on the Red Planet

Curiosity's wild ride. But look at the probe before the crane and lander deploy. Who'd have thought we'd be sending flying saucers to Mars!

William Shatner Hosts "Curiosity's Grand Entrance."

The Amazing Sky Crane

Curiosity enthralls the world. News coverage from PC Magazine

The First Pictures From Curiosity

Watch NASA TV's live coverage of Curiosity, ISS and more on the live streaming feed below.

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 NASA TV Live Stream

 For those on mobile devices, scan the QR code above to jump to NASA's Mobile TV feed. It's also good for those on slower connections. Click this link for the feed.

Watch the latest from the Mars Science Laboratory courtesy of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

As curiosity begins its mission of exploration what will it find?

Brought to you by, Superior Robotics And Machinery. Look to S.R.A.M for the latest wave of innovation taking over the planet.

"Come in Alpha Control... Do you read me?"

Just a little preview of something I'm working on.