So much for that dulcem chore. TOS has been a part of my life for so long yet I've never enjoyed such a deliberate, paced approach to the series. It's also a nice solution to writer's block to have one's material queued week after week! It's a delight to experience them at last in digital clarity and sound (not to mention, convenience), a far cry from Grandma's floor and tinny early color set. The show itself has come from standard beginnings now to the award-winning fan produced Star Trek New Voyages, up on two superior episodes that deserve review. (Of course there's the new film too, just now appearing on long range sensors…)
Yet on the world revolves, bringing with it these breathtaking days we currently experience that deserve no absence of attention. A new space race revives aspiration as Asia now takes pronounced steps at the moon and in LEO, Columbus is set to launch for its final berth, and even non-national if not amateur efforts are starting to stir. Good time again to be looking up!
Kudos to the spectacular upgrades to ISS and all the fine crews that serve with such aplomb and fortitude (Godspeed Expeditions 15 and 16!). The installation and outfitting of Harmony positions PMA for the impending arrival of Atlantis, the relocation of the P6 truss enables the necessary power configuration even as the starboard array gives a little trouble, and though in every way I know it's not they simply make it look easy. (Commander Whitson is my new hero.) Last not least is the all but incredible rescue of the port solar array by doctor turned astronaut turned tailor Scott Parazynski, in a risky but straightforward plan devised and executed after a severe tear developed during extension. It's too funny that every little plastic model of the station will now have to implement that rather obvious repair.
Expect to hear about the new love in my life, the marvelous Orbiter Space Simulator. Orbiter realizes a software framework for realistic space simulations yet offers API opportunities for user work on both easel and painting. (Too bad my current interest in Orbiter leans less towards importing PVN and more towards flying to Moonbase Alpha!) Orbiter does have a tremendous learning curve and few shallow wading ends, but inspirational software like this can undoubtedly spark the next generation of young technical minds our times so desperately need.
Because it should never be underestimated what a dedicated mind can do, especially when the task is sweet.