Electric Light Orchestra releases "Discovery" 1979

Electric Light Orchestra's eighth studio album Discovery, released May 31, 1979, was their biggest selling album, riding on the success of five singles from the album.  Don't Bring Me Down was the third single released and the biggest seller of all the singles.

ELO dedicated Don't Bring Me Down to NASA's Skylab space station which burned up as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere July 11, 1979.

"Funkytown" by Lipps, Inc. hits #1 1980

Funkytown, a single released by Lipps Inc., reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 May 31, 1980 and stayed there for four weeks.  It held a record for reaching the #1 spot in 28 countries, until Madonna's Hung Up reached #1 in 41 countries in 2005.

It was the first single from their debut album Mouth to Mouth and was certified double-platinum.

Gotta love the total campiness of this video.  (This isn't Lipps Inc. performing)

Discovery (STS-124) launched 2008

STS-124 crew (L-R): Gregory Chamitoff, Michael Fossum, Kenneth Ham, Mark Kelly, Karen Nyberg, Ronald Garan and Akihiko Hoshide

Mission patch

Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-124), launched May 31, 2008, delivered the Japanese Experiment Module called Kibo to the International Space Station.  Its crew consisted of Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Kenneth Ham, Karen Nyberg, Ronald Garan, Michael Fossum, Akihiko Hoshide (JAXA) and Gregory Chamitoff.

The crew also delivered replacement parts for a malfunctioning toilet on the ISS.

They returned to Earth on June 14.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Michael López-Alegría!

Michael Lopez-Alegria, born May 30, 1958 in Madrid, Spain, is a veteran of three space shuttle missions and one Soyuz mission.  He was raised in Mission Viejo, California and became a Naval Aviator in 1981.  Part of his naval experience was over here at the NAS Patuxent River, Maryland.

His first mission in space was on Columbia (STS-73) October-November 1995 as mission specialist.

His second trip was on Discovery (STS-92) in October 2000 as mission specialist. He conducted two EVAs with fellow astronaut Peter Wisoff.

His third shuttle mission was as mission specialist on Endeavour (STS-113) November-December 2002.  Lopez-Alegria conducted 3 more EVAs with fellow astronaut John Herrington.

His fourth and final flight was aboard Soyuz TMA-9, launched September 18, 2006 to the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 14.  He returned to Earth April 21, 2007.

He holds the second all-time record for EVA duration (67 hours, 40 minutes).  He has the third longest stay in space of American astronauts - 215 days.

Lopez-Alegria retired from NASA March 12, 2012.

Remembering Space Shuttle astronaut Don Peterson (1933-2018)

For the second time in a week, a former astronaut has passed away.   Donald Peterson, who was a mission specialist on Challenger's maiden voyage (STS-6) passed away May 27 from Alzheimer's disease and bone cancer.  He was 84.

He was in the third group of astronauts assigned to the US Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program, but when MOL was cancelled he went to NASA as an astronaut.

He served as astronaut support crew for Apollo 16 and then was assigned to the space shuttle program. During the STS-6 mission, he and Story Musgrave performed the first ever EVA of the shuttle program, logging just over 4 hours.

Surveyor 1, first soft-landing on the moon, launched 1966

Surveyor 1, launched May 30, 1966, was the first successful lunar landing of NASA's Surveyor program.  (The Soviets had achieved a soft-landing with Luna 9 in February but that probe only transmitted three days.)  Surveyor 1 landed on June 3 and transmitted data until January 6, 1967 with interruptions during two-week lunar nights.

It carried only television cameras and no scientific instrumentation.  Surveyor 1 sent back over 10,000 pictures before its batteries ran down.

"Dial M for Murder" released 1954

Another of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpieces, Dial M for Murder was released May 29, 1954.  It stars Grace Kelly as the cheating wife, and Ray Milland as her scheming husband.  It's a tale of blackmail, murder and double-crossing. 

It is listed by the American Film Institute as #48 of Top 100 Thrills and #9 of its Top 10 Mysteries. 

Only Hitchcock could make waiting for a door lock to move suspenseful.

"The Day After Tomorrow" released 2004

The Day After Tomorrow, released May 28, 2004, has been panned as one of the most scientifically inaccurate movies ever, but its still a fun movie.  There are worse ways of spending a couple of hours watching Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal and Dash Mihok.

Directed by Roland Emmerich, who likes these apocalyptic type movies (see 2012), the movie has a huge global storm over the northern hemisphere that plunges the Earth into a new Ice Age within a matter of days.  Of course, it's extremely unlikely but it's got great special effects.  I also enjoyed seeing Sela Ward, Ian Holm and Tamlyn Tomita.

Mars 3 launched 1971

Mars 3, an unmanned Soviet probe launched May 28, 1971, made the first soft landing on the Red Planet.  It was identical to the Mars 2 probe, which crashed onto the martian surface.

The decent module separated from the orbiter on December 2 and achieved a soft landing by aerodynamic braking, parachutes and retrorockets.  It began transmitting 90 seconds after landing, but, 20 seconds later, stopped for an unknown reason. 

Happy birthday, Slovakian cosmonaut Ivan Bella!

Ivan Bella, born May 25, 1964 in Brezno, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), is the first Slovak citizen to travel in space.  He flew aboard Soyuz TM-29 to the space station Mir.  He remained on board conducting experiments for a little over a week, and returned to Earth on Soyuz TM-28.

It was his only trip to space.

Remembering astronaut Alan Bean (1932-2018)

Apollo and Skylab astronaut Alan Bean passed away today.  The details of his passing haven't been released yet.  Bean, born in Wheeler, Texas, went to the moon on Apollo 12 and is one of the few men to have walked on its surface in November 1969.

He returned to space aboard Skylab 3, the second manned mission to the space station in 1973. 

He retired from NASA in 1981.

Toxic algae threatens Toledo while Pruitt fiddles

Since 2010, the U.S. has seen at least 300 toxic algae blooms in its lakes and ponds, and Lake Erie has experienced some of the worst blooms ever observed. In 2014, a bloom poisoned the water supply for Toledo, OH, affecting 400,000 people. 

Last year, head of the Trump Environmental Pollution Agency Pruitt refused to declare Lake Erie "impaired" under the Clean Water Act.  According to U.S. News, the TEPA said they agreed with state regulators who said they were making progress, and recognized the efforts to reduce pollution feeding the algae.

In April 2017, Ohio EPA Administrator Craig Butler recognized that voluntary farming incentives, such as cutting phosphorus pollution by 40% from 2008 levels by 2025 were not working.

A year later, nothing has changed but once hypothesized, now proven, the growth in algae blooms are related to global warming, and they are only to get worse.  In March, a group of scientists from the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Sea Grant and the EPA released a study that concluded increased greenhouse gas emissions are directly responsible for the increase in blooms.  And as the algae blooms decay, they release more greenhouse gases, a vicious circle.

Furthermore, The Donald, who carried Ohio in the 2016 election, has proposed budget cuts that include cutting funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.  The program funds quality oversight, runoff mitigation and habitat preservation, among many other activities.

GOP Governor John Kasich recently declared "only parts" of Lake Erie as impaired, because the middle of the lake, for example, is not impaired.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz is not happy.  He claims that the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation holes too much influence on Ohio lawmakers, and Toledoans are paying the price.

Obviously, Pruitt is much too busy with this and that to care about Ohio.

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2017/06/21/government-report-says-great-lakes-in-bad-condition-lake-erie-worst-of-the-bunch

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2018/04/17/new-stricer-regulations-coming-for-ohio-farmers-as-kasich-declares-lake-erie-officially-impaired

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2018/05/16/scientists-say-lake-erie-toxic-algae-blooms-could-be-part-of-climate-change-loop

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio/articles/2017-05-23/epa-rejects-declaring-lake-eries-waters-in-ohio-impaired

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2017/05/26/the-lake-erie-reckoning-is-here-federal-government-and-ohio-give-cold-shoulder-to-regional-water-supply

Soyuz 18 launched 1975

Soyuz 18 crew

Mission patch

Soyuz 18, launched May 24, 1975, was the second and last mission to Salyut 4.  Its crew, Commander Pyotr Klimuk and Flight Engineer Vitali Sevastyanov, set a record of 63 days in space.  It was also the second time seven people were in space (7) simultaneously.

Soyuz 18 mission took place during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, hence all the people in space.  The crew were controlled from an Crimean Control Center, not used since Soyuz 12.

By the end of the mission, the environment aboard the station was deteriorating, windows fogging over and green mold growing on the walls.

Happy birthday, German astronaut Thomas Reiter!

German astronaut Thomas Reiter, born May 23, 1958 in Frankfurt, West Germany, went into space for the European Space Agency.  He has spent over 350 days in space, more than any non-American or non-Russian.  He is also the first German to perform an EVA.

His first trip into space was aboard Soyuz TM-22 to the space station Mir.  He was part of expedition Mir EO-20 from September 1995 to February 1996.  During this time he conducted two EVAs, becoming the first German to perform a space walk. 

His second trip was aboard Discovery (STS-121) to the International Space Station as a mission specialist in July 2006, when he became part of Expedition 13.  He remained on board the ISS to become a member of Expedition 14.  He was replaced by Sunita Williams in December, aboard Discovery (STS-116).

"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" released 1984

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, released in the U.S. May 23, 1984, is probably the darkest of the Indiana Jones movie franchise.  The trivia section of this movie on imdb.com makes several references to Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford, saying they weren't entirely pleased with this one because of its darker tone. 

It won an Oscar for Best Effects, Visual Effects and John Williams received a nomination for his musical score. 

Temple of Doom opened to mixed reviews, mainly due to the horror and violence, but it still remains one of the best movies ever!

BTW, those were alligators in the river under the rope bridge, not crocodiles! 

Patricia and Mike, Philipine monkeys, launched 1952

Several years before Sputnik and the on-set of the space race, scientists were already dabbling with the effects of weightlessness and what happens to the human body if was exposed to zero-g environments for extended period of time.  On May 22, 1952, Patricia and Mike, two Philipine monkeys were strapped into the nose section of an Aerobee rocket and launched from Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.  Patricia was in a seated position and Mike was put in a prone position, so scientists could see if there were any differences in effects of rapid acceleration.

They reached an altitude of 36 miles (the highest any primate had reached before.  Scientists had been sending monkeys into suborbital space since 1948) and speeds of 2000 mph.  Patricia and Mike were recovered successfully after they parachuted back to Earth from the upper atmosphere. 



https://history.nasa.gov/animals.html

Two years ago, Okla Legislature called for Obama's impeachment for "bathroom policies"

How far we've fallen.  Two years ago, the Oklahoma Legislature filed a proposal asking Congress to impeach President Obama over his call to allow transgender students to use public facilities they identify with. 

Now the Pretender-In-Chief has admitted to adultery, sexual assault and lying.  It's known he colluded with Russia to hijack our election process.  He has appointed the most corrupt cabinet in history.  The list goes on.

Oklahoma Legislature?  Nothing?

Your silence is deafening.


http://alan-scott.blogspot.com/2016/05/oklahoma-legislators-call-for-obamas.html

http://kfor.com/2016/05/21/its-a-political-distraction-lawmakers-fighting-over-call-to-impeach/

Happy birthday, German astronaut Ernst Messerschmid!

Ernst Messerschmid, born May 21, 1945 in Reutlingen, Germany, went into space on the shuttle mission directed, sponsored and paid for by West Germany.  It was the last successful mission of Challenger (STS-61-A) and had a non-NASA designation Deutschland-1 (D-1).  Messerschmid joined fellow German astronaut Reinhard Furrer and Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels. 

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Robert Springer!

Robert Springer, born May 21, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri, is a veteran of tw space shuttle flights.  He was a pilot in the Marine Corps and flew combat sorties during the Vietnam War. 

His first mission was aboard Discovery (STS-29) as mission specialist in March 1989.

Springer's second and final mission was aboard Atlantis (STS-38) as mission specialist in November 1990.  This flight carried a classified payload rumored to monitor events during the first Gulf War.

He retired from NASA in December 1990.

Yoshio Tsuchiya, Godzilla actor, born 1927

Yoshio Tsuchiya, born May 18, 1927 in Japan, was a prolific actor who appeared in several Godzilla movies.  One of his first appearances was the classic film Seven Samurai in 1954, but then he went on to star in Godzilla Raids Again, Son of Godzilla, and Destroy All Monsters.  His final appearance was in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in 1991.

He passed away last year September 5.

Atlantis (STS-84) launched to Mir 1997

STS-84 crew:

Front Row (L-R): Jerry Linenger, Charles Precourt, Michael Foale; 

Back Row (L-R): Jean-Francois Clervoy, Eileen Collins, Ed Lu, Yelena Kondakova, Carlos Noriega

Mission patch

Atlantis (STS-84), launched May 17, 1997, was the sixth shuttle mission to the space station Mir.  Its crew consisted of Commander Charles Precourt, Pilot Eileen Collins, Jean-Francois Clervoy, Carlos Noriega, Ed Lu, Yelena Kondakova and Michael Foale.

Michael Foale stayed aboard as part of Expedition Mir EO-23, and Jerry Linenger returned with the STS-84 crew on May 24.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Joe Acaba!

Joseph Acaba, born May 17, 1967 in Inglewood, California, is the first astronaut with Puerto Rican heritage.  His parents moved from Puerto Rico to California in the mid-60s where he was born.

His first flight was aboard Discovery (STS-119) in March 2009 as mission specialist to the International Space Station.  He conducted two EVAs, which included lubrication of the station arm grapple snares and installation of a Global Positioning System antenna to the Kibo Laboratory.

His second mission was aboard Soyuz TMA-04M May 15, 2012.  He participated in Expeditions 31 and 32, returning to Earth September 17, after almost 125 days in space.

His third mission to the ISS was on Soyuz MS-06, on September 12, 2017, to participate in Expeditions 53 and 54.  During the mission he and Randy Bresnik performed an EVA to continue lubrication of the new end effector on the robotic arm, and to install new cameras.

Endeavour's final launch (STS-134) 2011

STS-134 crew (L-R): Andrew Feustel, Michael Fincke, Mark Kelly, Greg H. Johnson, Greg Chamitoff, Roberto Vittori

Mission patch

Endeavour launched its final mission (STS-134), May 16, 2011.  It was the next to last shuttle flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program.  Originally thought to be the last flight, NASA decided in February 2011 that STS-135 would fly regardless of the funding situation.

Its crew was Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, Michael Fincke, Roberto Vittori, Andrew Feustel and Gregory Chamitoff.  Four EVAs were completed by three astronauts during the flight.  Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Michael Fincke spent a total of 28 hours and 44 minutes outside the ISS.

Endeavour landed for the final time June 1.

"Godzilla" released 2014

When I first saw the trailers for Godzilla, I got excited.  From the clips, it looked like it would be an epic film and I was not disappointed.  It captured the essence of the old Godzilla movies, where the G-Man battles giant monsters and knocks down big buildings.  It was fantastic!

This is one of the few recent movies that I actually saw in theatres, and with those 3-D glasses, and I cheered when Godzilla finally used his radioactive breath.  It's one of those things that makes this movie so much better than the Matthew Broderick version.

It received mostly favorable reviews and was considered a box office success, so much so that two sequels were ordered just days after its release.

Many people complained that Godzilla didn't show up until about an hour into the movie, but this is typical of Godzilla films.  The threat to Earth (or Tokyo) is set up and then Godzilla comes in to save the day.

Sputnik 3 launched 1958

Sputnik 3, launched May 15, 1958, was the third Soviet satellite to achieve orbit and the only one launched in 1958, the International Geophysical Year.  During Stalin's reign, scientific interchange between East and West had been interrupted so this was a way to being a new era of collaboration.  Sixty-seven countries participated in IGY projects.

Its launch was attempted on April 27, but 90 seconds after lift-off, strap-on boosters broke off and the whole thing crashed back to Earth about 140 miles away from the Baikonur site.  The satellite had separated from the launch vehicle and was recovered nearby almost intact.  After it was taken back to Baikonur Cosmodrome, an electrical short started a fire and the satellite could not be reused.

A backup booster and satellite were launched successfully on May 15.  Sputnik 3 was a scientific laboratory in space with twelve instruments on board.  It re-entered the atmosphere and burned up on April 6, 1960.

The Fixx releases "Reach the Beach" 1983

British 80s band The Fixx released their second studio album Reach the Beach, May 15, 1983.  It is their best-selling album, reaching #8 on the Billboard charts and was certified platinum.

They released two singles One Thing Leads to Another, their best-selling single, and Saved by Zero.

Book review - "The Mysterium" by P. C. Doherty

I was reluctant to start The Mysterium by P. C. Doherty since the synopsis made it sound a lot like the previous novel, Nightshade.  Remember in that novel, a sinister, mysterious assailant known as the Sagittarius was ambushing people with a long bow.  In this novel, there is another sinister, mysterious assailant known as the Mysterium.  I was afraid it was going to be a similar theme, but fortunately, it was entirely different.

In the seventeenth installment of P. C. Doherty’s Hugh Corbett series, a chief justice, close to Edward I who sought sanctuary in an abbey after he had been implicated in a series of crimes, has been found with his throat slashed, although his cell was locked from the inside and he was the only one in there. 

About the same time, the justice’s clerk’s body is found floating in the Thames, bound to the body of a pirate hanged earlier.  The clerk’s body had the letter ‘M’ carved into his forehead before he died.

Edward fears the Mysterium, a mysterious assassin, has reappeared after twenty years of silence.  The person they believed to be the Mysterium vanished without a trace then, and nothing has been heard from him since. 

Corbett and Ranulf are dispatched to the abbey to discover and capture the Mysterium.  The mystery hinges on a number of events that occurred twenty years prior, which still reverberate through the kingdom.  And the bodies continue to pile up.

I enjoyed The Mysterium more than Nightshade which I found confusing.  It could also be that I figured out who the Mysterium was before Corbett made the final reveal.

I would definitely recommend this one for mystery fans.

Soyuz 40 launched 1981

Soyuz 40 crew: Leonid Popov, Dumitru Prunariu

Mission patch

Soyuz 40, launched May 14, 1981, was the final flight of the Soyuz 7K-T spacecraft, since it was being replaced by the newer, better Soyuz-T.  It was also the last spacecraft to dock with Salyut 6.

Its crew consisted of Commander Leonid Popov and Romanian cosmonaut Dumitru Prunariu.  They returned to Earth almost 8 days later on May 22.

Happy birthday, Godzilla actor Kenji Sahara!

Kenji Sahara, born May 14, 1932 in Kanagawa, Japan, is an Japanese actor, but his real name is Masayoshi Kato.  He initially used the name Tadashi Ishihara before changing it to Kenji Sahara, when he got the lead role in Rodan in 1956.

He starred in the original Godzilla in 1954 and has starred in more Godzilla series than any other actor. 

With actor Akihiko Hirata, Sahara starred in the debuts of Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah!

Soyuz T-5 launched 1982

Soyuz T-5 crew (L-R): Valentin Lebedev, Anatolis Berezovoy

Soyuz T-5, launched May 13, 1982, was the first mission to the new Salyut 7 space station.  Its crew consisted of Commander Anatoli Berezovoy and Flight Engineer Valentin Lebedev.  While docked with Salyut 7, Soyuz T-6 (with Jean-Loup Chretien, first French astronaut) and Soyuz T-7 (with Svetlana Savitskaya, the first female astronaut in 20 years).

Soyuz T-5 returned to Earth August 27.  The return crew consisted of Commander Leonid Popov, Flight Engineer Aleksandr Serebrov and Research Cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Greg H. Johnson!

Gregory H. Johnson, born May 12, 1962 in South Ruislip, Greater London, United Kingdom, is the veteran of two space shuttle flights.

His first flight was on Endeavour (STS-123) in March 2008 to the International Space Station.  The mission set a record for the longest shuttle stay at the ISS, at just over 15 days, 18 hours.

His second and final flight was on back on Endeavour (STS-134) as pilot in May-June 2011 to the ISS. It was the next to last flight of the space shuttle program.

"Inside Passage to Murder" on Amazon and Smashwords!

I've decided to go the self-publishing route to continue my writing, and thanks to Tony at Glendale ePub Services my first novel Inside Passage to Murder is available as pre-order from Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.  The eBook and the Print-On-Demand formats will be available May 14, 2018! 

The links are below:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/824986

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1981041249

Blurb: 

Paranormal sleuth Mark Shotridge has a dream that indicates a cruise ship operating in Alaskan waters is in trouble.  He books passage on the ship to investigate his vision.  After leaving Seward the first night at sea, Mark has another vision that suggests someone has been thrown overboard into the icy waters of the north Pacific.  However, nobody is reported missing and Mark begins to question his special abilities. 

Soon crew member is found murdered in his cabin and Mark is certain that there is more going on than he originally suspected. The body count rises and he realizes that a serial killer might be on board but what is the reason behind the murders? 

Mark must use all of his powers to stop a ruthless killer before the ship docks in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Otherwise the tourism industry and the economy of Alaska may be destroyed.

Atlantis (STS-125) launched 2009

STS-125 crew (L-R): Mike Massimino, Michael Good, Gregory C. Johnson, Scott Altman, Megan McArthur,  John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel

Mission patch

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-125), launched May 11, 2009, was the fifth and final mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Its crew consisted of Commander Scott Altman, Pilot Greg C. Johnson, Michael Good, Megan McArthur, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino and Andrew Feustel.

Three of the astronauts had already worked on the Hubble Telescope on previous missions.  Scott Altman, Mike Massimino and John Grunsfeld were all on STS-109, the fourth servicing mission.  Grunsfeld had also traveled to Hubble on STS-103. 

On Day 7, the crew woke up to New York State of Mind by Billy Joel, chosen by Mike Massimino.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Ellen Ochoa!

Ellen Ochoa, born May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, California, is a veteran of four space shuttle missions and is the first Hispanic woman in space.

Her first mission, making history, was aboard Discovery (STS-56) as mission specialist in April 1993.

Her second flight was also as mission specialist on Atlantis (STS-66) in November 1994.

Her third mission was back on Discovery (STS-96) as mission specialist in May-June 1999. It was the first space shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station.

Her fourth and final mission was on Atlantis (STS-110) in April 2002.

After her retirement as astronaut, she became the first Hispanic and second woman to become director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.  She is also a concert flautist and has performed with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra at Stanford University.  She even played the flute during one of her space shuttle missions!

Twilight Zone episode "Passage on the Lady Anne" airs 1963

I probably would not have liked this episode so much if I didn't enjoy cruising,  but I kinda relate to the characters in Passage on the Lady Anne, a Twilight Zone episode which aired May 9, 1963. 

A young couple book a 13-day cruise on the Lady Anne from New York City to London.  The wife, Ellen Ransome, hopes the long voyage will help rekindle the romance in her marriage to Alan (married to his job).

Her plans don't work out and they agree to separate once they reach London, but the Lady Anne has other plans.  Ellen and Alan are first met with hostility since the older passengers can't understand how they were able to book passage.  And the Lady Anne hasn't had new passengers in years.  She is going to be retired once they reach London.

The old passengers are devoted to the ship, and speak as if she is a living being.  She might be considering some of the strange events that happen on board, which ultimately lead to Alan and Ellen finding romance once again.

Finally,  the captain Alfred Pennyworth...oops, I mean, the captain (played by Alfred Pennyworth) forces the Ramones off the ship at gunpoint, but promises they will be  picked up in a few hours.

The Ramones are rescued and they try to find news of the Lady Anne, but she and her passengers have disappeared without a trace.

I suppose I would be  like the old passengers on a beloved cruise ship, knowing that she would take care of us forever in the Twilight Zone. 

Luna 5, Soviet lunar probe, launched 1965

Luna 5, a Soviet spacecraft to the moon, was launched May 9, 1965.  It was intended to be the first soft-landing on the lunar surface, but its retrorockets failed and it crashed.  It is rumored that the dust plume it created on impact could be seen for 10 minutes.

Happy birthday, Apollo and Space Shuttle astronaut Vance Brand!

Vance D. Brand, born May 9, 1931 in Longmont, Colorado, is a former NASA astronaut, who flew on the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project and three Space Shuttle missions.

In July 1975, he was Command Module Pilot for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project with Tom Stafford and Deke Slayton, the first joint mission between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. 

In November 1982, he served as Commander aboard Columbia (STS-5), the first mission to deploy satellites.

His third  trip into space was Commander aboard Challenger (STS-41-B) in February 1984. which featured the first untethered spacewalk  by Bruce McCandless.

His fourth and final mission was aboard Columbia (STS-35) in December 1990.  At the time he  was the oldest person to go into space at 59.

"Star Trek" premieres 2009

The newest incarnation of the Star Trek movie franchise, Star Trek, premiered May 8, 2009.  It presented the classic characters from the original 1960s series but with new faces.  Chris Pine as Capt. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, and Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy.  It was the film debut of Chris Hemsworth as George Kirk.  Leonard Nimoy appears as Spock.

I thought it was a gutsy move, breaking away from the Star Trek universe most of us grew up with but it did introduce Star Trek to a new generation of fans.

It garnered many positive reviews (I even liked it!) and even won an Oscar for Best Makeup, the first Star Trek movie to receive an Academy Award.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Camarda!

Charles Camarda, born May 8, 1952 in Queens, New York, flew on  the space shuttle one time.  He flew as mission specialist aboard Discovery (STS-114) July-August 2005.  It was the first flight after the Columbia disaster in 2003.

Although he retired from being an astronaut, he still works for NASA.

Happy birthday, Space Shuttle astronaut Tammy Jernigan!

Tamara Elizabeth Jernigan, born May 7, 1959 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a veteran of 5 space shuttle flights.

Her first flight was on board Columbia (STS-40) in June 1991 as mission specialist.  It was the first flight to have 3 female astronauts.

Her second mission was also on Columbia (STS-52) in October-November 1992.  On this mission, ashes of Gene Roddenberry were carried during the flight.

Jernigan's third flight was on Endeavour (STS-67) in March 1995.  At just over 16 1/2 days, it was Endeavour's longest flight.

Her fourth mission was back on Columbia (STS-80) in December 1996. At just over 17 1/2 days, it was the longest shuttle flight ever.

Her fifth and final flight was on board Discovery (STS-96) May-June 1999.  It was the first space  shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

She retired from NASA in 2001 and is married to fellow ex-astronaut Peter Wisoff.

Endeavour's maiden flight (STS-49), launched 1992

STS-49 crew (L-R): Kathyrn Thornton, Bruce Melnick, Pierre Thuot, Daniel Brandenstein, Kevin Chilton, Thomas Akers, Richard Hieb

Mission patch

Endeavour blasted off on its maiden voyage (STS-49) May 7, 1992 to capture a satellite.  Its crew consisted of Commander Daniel Brandenstein, Pilot Kevin Chilton, Richard Hieb, Bruce Melnick, Pierre Thuot, Kathryn Thornton and Thomas Akers.

It was the first shuttle mission to feature 4 EVAs and the first to have three people performing EVAs at the same time.  

Happy birthday, Gul Dukat!

Marc Alaimo, born May 5, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is probably best known for his role as Gul Dukat in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space 9.  According to imdb.com, he has more distinct roles than anyone else in the Star Trek universe: two different humans, two different Cardassians, an Antican and a Romulan. 

He has also one of six actors to appear in ten different seasons of Star Trek series.

Mars InSight launched this morning!

NASA launched its latest mission to Mars this morning.  The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) took off about 7:05 am EDT from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

InSight will land on Mars November 26, after a trip of over 300 million miles.  It will look beneath the Martian surface, measuring its heat output and listening for marsquakes. 

Its mission will take about two years.