There were a few of us liveblogging it here in the comments the other night.

This is the kind of thing that separates our civilization from barbarians.
We launch rockets into space to increase our knowledge.
They launch rockets into civilian areas to kill.

IIRC, Shug was there.

How cool was that!

HOW KEWL IS THAT?

I LOVE this country!.

Now that's cool!

I need to go see one of those.

Guess I better get out to Florida before the program is phased out.

re: #8 unclassifiable

I need to go see one of those.

Guess I better get out to Florida before the program is phased out.

You have about 10 more chances.

nasa tv has the best views. on tuesday morning I had my head phones on at launch. it kinda scared me at first it was so loud.

Holy smoke!

That does it. The family is going to plan a trip to Titusville. There are accomodations thru the National Park Service on Canaveral National Seashore. Da&m! Going to plan a week when a launch is scheduled and hope it goes as planned.

I don't care what it costs.

re: #7 savage_nation

I'd like to see the Islamic world try that! hahaha

I can hear Amadmanonjihad now - "Our peaceful space rocket unfortunately landed on the Zionist entity and our peaceful nuclear payload peacefully detonated"

We need to stop Iran first.

Yo Allah!

Because we can.

AND
YOU
CAN'T,
R

Nothin' here for Michelle Obama to be proud of.

Living here on Florida's space coast, I never get tired of seeing a shuttle launch. The wife and I woke up at 2am to stand on our front lawn and watch the night sky light up this past week. The other great shuttle experiences is listening for the double sonic booms when the shuttle lands here at KSC. When you hear them, you know that those brave explorers are going to make it home safely (and it fun to watch your dog freak out too).

Hey, Reverend Wright,

God BLESS America!

Usually re: #1 Opilio

Usually, the launches get more attention here, but Spitwad was generating so many funnies that night.

wow, talk about an earthshaking event!

0 - 60 mph is how many seconds?

Pardon my ignorance but, what was that thing?

re: #13 Kosh's Shadow

If only the Russians and Chinese didn't have their backs.

re: #8 unclassifiable

I need to go see one of those.

Guess I better get out to Florida before the program is phased out.

It's worth the trip, I saw one a few years ago, and it's an event I'll never forget. The ground rumbles, the sky lights up, and the awesome sound of the engines penetrates right through to your bones. It's an event that makes you damn proud to live in the greatest country in the world.

re: #9 Opilio

Thanks. I'll check the launch schedule.

I missed the bestest science experiment in the whole world (well at least the most spectacular) at Alamagordo (before my time).

This will make up for it.

I am proud of the USA.

re: #24 MandyManners

Proper and Good use of your Tax Dollars.

Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

I don't know about Michelle Obama, but I sure am proud.

Scratch that. I don't give a fig about either Obama.

Godspeed, brave astronauts.

re: #23 Confuzed

0.01

re: #13 Kosh's Shadow

I can hear Amadmanonjihad now - "Our peaceful space rocket unfortunately landed on the Zionist entity and our peaceful nuclear payload peacefully detonated"

My first thoughts exactly. Not what they could learn from it, but what they could run it into.

re: #32 song_and_dance_man

A real-life example of International Co-operation for the betterment of mankind. No some idealogical, Utopian rant from a academic wannabe.

There was a report earlier that a piece of debris hit the nose. Has anybody heard if they've inspected and the results?

So very beautiful! God Bless America!

re: #8 unclassifiable

I need to go see one of those.

Guess I better get out to Florida before the program is phased out.

What's the big deal? I have an STS. Not the 123 version, though. Just the Caddy version. I don't get that kind of altitude either. But it is an STS, so that's almost as cool, right?

re: #148 newsjunkie_ky From the previous thread

I've thought about getting one of those beds. So, you really like them?

The Sleep Number Bed is awesome. It has eliminated the backaches I had been suffering from for YEARS. Ours cost about $2900, so it wasn't something we did on a fling. in fact, it was 2 years from when we first looked into it that we bought one.

&#8734.....and the rockets red glare.......&#8734

re: #39 father_of_10

Are you good with tools and chemicals?

Maybe we can launch it off of Matagorda Island, TX.

re: #35 mikeinmd

My first thoughts exactly. Not what they could learn from it, but what they could run it into.

Remember, Israel was the first mideast country to launch a satellite into orbit.
And they have a problem. The important part is getting the satellite's speed high enough; launching east adds the Earth's rotation and helps. Israel had to launch west so its launch wouldn't be taken as an attack against the hostile countries to its east.

Holy cow! --I watched the NASA view of it when it actually happened, and it looked NOTHING like that! --a man-made sunrise, for a couple of seconds, there! :)

One would think that the marsh fowl would learn not to live in this area...unless they loved the launches as much as we!

Awesome. Outdated as it is, I love the Shuttle*, and since NASA seems to be petering out on the whole manned space exploration thing, it will be a long time before its like is seen again.

Also awesome: for those of you keeping score at home, it's now less than 48 hours until I buy my AR-15. ;)

*did I read somewhere that the Shuttle's computer is basically equivalent in power to the old 486 (which was pretty powerful computing back when it was designed)?

The group Rush attended the first shuttle launch, and were inspired to write the following song. It's one of my favorites.

Countdown
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson
Dedicated with thanks to astronauts young & crippen and all the people of nasa for their Inspiration and cooperation

Lit up with anticipation
We arrive at the launching site
The sky is still dark, nearing dawn
On the florida coastline

Circling choppers slash the night
With roving searchlight beams
This magic day when super-science
Mingles with the bright stuff of dreams

Floodlit in the hazy distance
The star of this unearthly show
Venting vapours, like the breath
Of a sleeping white dragon

Crackling speakers, voices tense
Resume the final count
All systems check, t minus nine
As the sun and the drama start to mount

The air is charged --- a humid, motionless mass
The crowds and the cameras,
The cars full of spectators pass
Excitement so thick --- you could cut it with a knife
Technology --- high, on the leading edge of life

The earth beneath us starts to tremble
With the spreading of a low black cloud
A thunderous roar shakes the air
Like the whole world exploding

Scorching blast of golden fire
As it slowly leaves the ground
Tears away with a mighty force
The air is shattered by the awesome sound

Like a pillar of cloud, the smoke lingers
High in the air
In fascination --- with the eyes of the world
We stare...

re: #27 song_and_dance_man

It was the STS-123

What does it do?

re: #44 Kosh's Shadow

Remember, Israel was the first mideast country to launch a satellite into orbit.
And they have a problem. The important part is getting the satellite's speed high enough; launching east adds the Earth's rotation and helps. Israel had to launch west so its launch wouldn't be taken as an attack against the hostile countries to its east.

Didn't know that, very interesting! When I am out there this summer, I will have some trivial knowledge that my in-laws will be impressed with! Thanks Kosh!

re: #50 MandyManners

Shuttles things. Into space.

re: #30 ggt

Proper and Good use of your Tax Dollars.

I wonder how many.

re: #43 unclassifiable

Are you good with tools and chemicals?

Maybe we can launch it off of Matagorda Island, TX.

Well, it would be a comfortable 4 seconds anyway.

re: #50 MandyManners

it fluffs

re: #40 song_and_dance_man

Is that the BGRB* launch program?

Big Giant Rubber Band

I watched that through internet streaming. Amazing to see. As long as we have missions to space I am happy. :D

/oh yeah Good Morning one and all.

And they want us to revert to the 7th century, and wear sheets and tablecloths and sandals?! And not listen to music, and not dance and laugh and have fun?!

LONG LIVE THE USA! ! !

^{/...and not eat BAR-B-Q ! !? !? ! ! ?}

re: #49 CyanSnowHawk

Countdown

re: #48 Palandine

Awesome. Outdated as it is, I love the Shuttle*, and since NASA seems to be petering out on the whole manned space exploration thing, it will be a long time before its like is seen again.

Also awesome: for those of you keeping score at home, it's now less than 48 hours until I buy my AR-15. ;)

*did I read somewhere that the Shuttle's computer is basically equivalent in power to the old 486 (which was pretty powerful computing back when it was designed)?

NASA is going backwards, re-using Apollo concepts instead of guaranteeing buying the many concepts that private industry has come up with.
As for the computer, well, the original Shuttle computers probably had less power than my watch, although they have been upgraded.

re: #32 song_and_dance_man

Just kidding my Mandy.

It's a mission to the International Space Station

Why was the fire in a ball?

re: #44 Kosh's Shadow

Remember, Israel was the first mideast country to launch a satellite into orbit.

And they have a problem. The important part is getting the satellite's speed high enough; launching east adds the Earth's rotation and helps. Israel had to launch west so its launch wouldn't be taken as an attack against the hostile countries to its east.

Interesting, I didn't know that. Thanks for posting. I'll check it out.

re: #48 Palandine

Awesome. Outdated as it is, I love the Shuttle*, and since NASA seems to be petering out on the whole manned space exploration thing, it will be a long time before its like is seen again.

Also awesome: for those of you keeping score at home, it's now less than 48 hours until I buy my AR-15. ;)

*did I read somewhere that the Shuttle's computer is basically equivalent in power to the old 486 (which was pretty powerful computing back when it was designed)?

Which AR-15 are you getting? I've been thinking hard about it and I think I might get an FN-FAL instead.

re: #57 hayseed

it fluffs

ROFLMAO!

re: #60 LeePro

Can't live without 'Q, Lee.

Can't live without 'Q.

Yep, the application of a couple of million horsepower is always impressive.

When I was a kid, my Dad was stationed a Edwards AFB. It was an experimental base and had a lot of things like rocket sleds and other space program equipment. There was also a rocket engine test facility on the base, where they would test fire ICBM engines for a couple of minutes at a time. When they fired at night, the entire sky would light up and the ground would shake, as the bedrock the engines were tethered to ran all the way under the base too, including the housing area. The uninitiated, upon first encountering a test firing, always assumed it was a California earthquake, and would run outside in a panic, it happened to my Grandmother when she visited. They were invariably embarrassed to find themselves alone, outside in the dark, and alone in their terror.

Turn up the volume and stand back.

Charles, you should have given us a sub-woofer warning for this!

re: #45 savage_nation

It's still out there in the ethernet. There was also a Modern Marvels type show --probably available from the Gift Shop -online --from the Space Center website.

re: #55 father_of_10

Well you did say it was a caddy so its got comfy seats.

How's the cup holders and the sound system? NASA never thinks of those things.

Looked like a man-made sunrise... Beautiful.

re: #53 guitardalek

Shuttles things. Into space.

To what? The space lab?

re: #50 MandyManners
It's taking supplies (no, I don't know what kind) to the International Space Station.
And, iirc, the STS was unmanned - that is, the launching, "flying" and docking with the ISS was all to be done by computers on board the STS, the ISS and at NASA.

re: #54 MandyManners

Not nearly enough. Our betters in congress keep diverting money to their pet election programs.

re: #62 Kosh's Shadow

I adore the scene from Apollo 13 where the rocket scientists all get out their slide rules to figure out the trajectory of the crippled mission.

The.Right.Stuff.

re: #12 ggt

Going to plan a week when a launch is scheduled and hope it goes as planned.

Here are the currently planned launches:

2008                2009
late May            late April
late August          mid July
mid October           early September
early December        late October

2010
Mid March

And that's it. There won't be another manned U.S. launch until at least 2015, probably later.

re: #49 CyanSnowHawk

Here you go. Rush.

re: #75 realwest

It's taking supplies (no, I don't know what kind) to the International Space Station.
And, iirc, the STS was unmanned - that is, the launching, "flying" and docking with the ISS was all to be done by computers on board the STS, the ISS and at NASA.

My HP is feeling pretty tiny and insecure now.

re: #72 unclassifiable

Well you did say it was a caddy so its got comfy seats.

How's the cup holders and the sound system? NASA never thinks of those things.

2 cup holders front and 2 rear. Bose sound system that is totally awesome. Built-in Sat. radio, integrated phone and cool GPS system. And NO ignition key. Just a button. My wife said it is a total waste and nothing more than my ego slapping my brain down. I said: Yeah. So?

re: #34 unclassifiable

Unclassifiable - WOW, thanks. That's 1/100th of a second from 0 to 60 mph, that's mind-boggling.

re: #60 LeePro

re: #67 Sarge1984

re: #68 savage_nation

My question for the imam?

What the hell has a juicy slow cooked perfectly rubbed pork rib ever done to you?

/tearing another juicy chunk off as we speak and I am not kidding

re: #80 Opilio

Going to have to plan for 2009 late April launch.

re: #74 MandyManners

To what? The space lab?

No, I don't believe that's in business anymore.

They may have a sort of spacey-station though.

re: #65 father_of_10

I'm a woman, and I think the FN-FAL is too much rifle for me right now. Same with the AK-47. I'm going to the gun show on Saturday in my state--there's a very reputable manufacturer, CMMG, that sells very gently used AR-15s for around $550 (some of which are not used at all, but only have scrapes on the exterior). Still, I've got Uncle Sugar's federal tax refund in my pocket, and we'll see what I end up with if any private party is selling.

re: #77 ggt

Not nearly enough. Our betters in congress keep diverting money to their pet election programs.

Pork grease oils the gears of much.

re: #73 Dan G.

Well that shows you've got a GM..... :)

(referring to comment #46..... :)

re: #82 song_and_dance_man

I remember when this poem was part of a signoff for a Los Angeles station, back when TV broadcasters actually singed off.

Does anyone else remember this?

I certainly do.. It was so cool. I miss the days when the TV went OFF at night.

It's all awesome, but having said that, a sub-geostationary space station should be an affront to every legit science nerdgeek on the planet.

Why don't we set the record for the world's lowest suborbital flight instead? Heck, it's a lot easier than actually dreaming of the stars and what's beyond.

We really don't want to go there, do we?

re: #83 MandyMannersSo is my Gateway and, frankly, me!

re: #82 song_and_dance_man

Memorized it for a class in high school. Did it just after I got my glider pilots liscence. Talk about dancing on laughter silvered wings.

re: #88 guitardalek

No, I don't believe that's in business anymore.

They may have a sort of spacey-station though.

Thank you, Ronald Reagan.

re: #76 savage_nation

I've had a little too much wine to come up with a "Favorite Things" lyric for barbecue....but I'm thinkin' about it.

And it does NOT include California tri-tip.

re: #89 Palandine

I'm a woman, and I think the FN-FAL is too much rifle for me right now. Same with the AK-47. I'm going to the gun show on Saturday in my state--there's a very reputable manufacturer, CMMG, that sells very gently used AR-15s for around $550 (some of which are not used at all, but only have scrapes on the exterior). Still, I've got Uncle Sugar's federal tax refund in my pocket, and we'll see what I end up with if any private party is selling.

WOW! $550? I wish I could have you get one for me. I haven't found one for under $750 anywhere around here.

re: #75 realwest

It's taking supplies (no, I don't know what kind) to the International Space Station.
And, iirc, the STS was unmanned - that is, the launching, "flying" and docking with the ISS was all to be done by computers on board the STS, the ISS and at NASA.

STS-123 has a crew of 7 aboard. It's primary mission is the delivery of the Japanese Kibo Logistics Module and the Canadian Dextre robotics system to the International Space Station.

Jack Straw said in a letter that a "regrettable administrative error" led to the blunder and apologised for any offence caused to the Muslim community.

The Justice Secretary has ordered staff at the category B facility to be more diligent and prison officers will be re-trained to consider inmates' cultural and religious needs.

/the ham sandwiches of blasphemy!

re: #89 Palandine Um, please be careful about buying from a "private party".
Just sayin......

re: #86 unclassifiable

I. Hate. You.

/green with envy

Jack Straw apologises after 200 Muslim prisoners are given ham sandwiches during Ramadan

Jack Straw said in a letter that a "regrettable administrative error" led to the blunder and apologised for any offence caused to the Muslim community.

The Justice Secretary has ordered staff at the category B facility to be more diligent and prison officers will be re-trained to consider inmates' cultural and religious needs.

/the ham sandwiches of blasphemy!

Later, Lizards!

NASA version of the launch

re: #61 lone_wolf_in_illinois

Thanks lone wolf. I tend to forget to look for videos of these things since they are blocked at work, where I do most of my LGF lurking.

re: #99 savage_nation

^^^^^My avatar, Savage. :)

Actually, I think I'm getting a Zombie Squad grip plate for it, but I'm not sure. Just excited about my first AR-15.

I've heard they're like potato chips--no one can stop with just one.

Sorry for your loss, Savage. Drive safe.

re: #107 Killian Bundy

They got ham sandwiches, and I wasn't even allowed to eat during the day.

/Stupid U.S. Army terrorist appeasement

All that global warming!

re: #107 Killian Bundy

Maybe we should send them some chess sets...

(It's a Hadith reality joke.)

re: #82 song_and_dance_man

Yes. This is often quoted at memorial services for pilots.

re: #94 really grumpy big dog Johnson Hey my friend - hope you're doing well, it's been a while since we "spoke".
As for your "Heck, it's a lot easier than actually dreaming of the stars and what's beyond.

We really don't want to go there, do we?"

Hell YES I want to go there. Umm, I mean I want one of us to go there!

This is a little old, but you get the idea.

Here is the wiki on it.

17.3 Billion for 2008 FY and we gave how much to the ME?

re: #106 Sarge1984

Urrrp!

What?

Slurrp. Munch. Purr. Chew

re: #80 Opilio

YOU are awesome!

re: #102 Opilio I sit corrected!

re: #102 Opilio

STS-123 has a crew of 7 aboard. It's primary mission is the delivery of the Japanese Kibo Logistics Module and the Canadian Dextre robotics system to the International Space Station.

It's also delivering an NASA astronaut who will be staying in the ISS, and will be bringing an ESA astronaut back from the ISS.

re: #119 savage_nation

If they had had Bacon they would be hooked for good.

re: #105 savage_nation

Oh, absolutely. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissin' the beef. I'm dissin' California's idea of BBQ, and tri-tip isn't BBQ. But California seems to think so.

re: #80 Opilio

Why do the mission designation numbers not seem to have any discernible order (at least not to me).

re: #103 Killian BundyUh, WHAT?! This thread is about the STS-123!

re: #111 savage_nation

ACK! Now im hungry!

I hope you have some potato salad on the side.

Unless it's pulled pork sandwiches. Then it's cole slaw on top as well.

re: #67 Sarge1984

Where are you?

re: #94 really grumpy big dog Johnson

oh yes, we do!

re: #125 Opilio
Are there any Muslim astronauts?

Space Oddity

re: #90 MandyManners

Pork grease oils the gears of much.

I was watching tonight when the esteemed (can I say that about a politician?) Senator from South Carolina, Senator Jim DeMint proposed a one year moratorium on ear-marks and Senator Allard from Colorado is proposing an amendment on establishing the fetus as a human being from conception on. And this is all in the budget debate. Interesting night on C-Span.....

re: #68 savage_nation

MEMPHIS! ! ! Best BBQ on the PLANET!

re: #132 LeePro

Tucson.

re: #129 realwest Ah, never mind, just saw your #107!

re: #136 savage_nation

Hot links! ---slapping his fore head with the palm of his hand---

re: #138 LeePro

Neeley's even has a store in the airport!

I'll route a trip through Memphis any time I can!

re: #123 ggt

YOU are awesome!

Just a BIG fan of the space program. Have been my whole life. I vividly remember sitting glued to the TV watching the Eagle (Apollo 11 LEM) land and then Armstrong and Aldrin walking on the Moon. I was 9.

re: #137 lone_wolf_in_illinois

CSPAN is just about all I watch, when I watch.

NO JOKES!

Atlantis begins Hubble Mission modifications

So one of the final major rare spectacles of the shuttle era--winged space transports on both Kennedy pads at the same time--await the Hubble servicing launch period late in 2008.

We saw Discovery on the pad once. I'm glad we're refurbishing Hubble.

God Speed!

re: #141 savage_nation

Nice thought, but the heat doesn't hang around long enough, and the shuttle doesn't burn white oak. (Eastern NC style, BTW)

re: #134 spikester

Are there any Muslim astronauts?

There are some excellent Muslims scientists, but he more radical ones would be jihadonauts...

re: #129 realwest

It's a delayed thread.

Spitwad, well shall we say, occupied our time that night.

re: #149 Timbre
How do you put your rug down in space?

re: #146 ggt

I like to at least know that I know where my paycheck is going, rather than being an ignoramus about the whole thing!

re: #152 spikester

How do you put your rug down in space?

Velcro.

re: #141 savage_nation I think a little further away than that, but I really don't know - or care!
And regardless of whether or not this is now a bbq thread, as pertains to the STS-123 and our entire Space Program - just reinforces MY pride in being an American.

re: #154 RTLM

---slapping his fore head with the palm of his hand---

re: #118 realwest

I wanna go! I wanna go! I wanna go!

Something about seeing the Earth from Space.

I wanna go! I wanna go! I wanna go!

I didn't do so good in Algebra, think they'd let me go anyway?

re: #152 spikester

How do you put your rug down in space?

You deny anti-gravity and trust in A.... Or just tack it to the floor...

re: #152 spikester

How do you put your rug down in space?

I think there is a rug in here.

re: #145 Opilio You were NINE?
Geebus, I was 23. Saw it on a tiny, portable black and white TV and it's something I'll never forget, either.

re: #153 lone_wolf_in_illinois

If I think of it in those terms, I get really depressed. I like to know what really happened, so when I hear the drive-time radio version, I can laugh.

re: #152 spikester

And in space...there's NO EAST?

/SPACE MECCA IS RIPPING US OFF!

re: #7 savage_nation

I'd like to see the Islamic world try that! hahaha

The horrible reality is that if an Islamist country could achieve orbit, it would immediately put the result to the most destructive of uses--all with Koranic justification, of course.

re: #149 Timbre

Do jihadonauts go through TSA?

---Sir you have to leave the box cutter in your locker---

I allmost got to see the shuttle launch once. the countdown was stopped at 7 seconds and it was scrubbed.lol

re: #154 RTLM ROTFLMAO!

re: #86 unclassifiable

LOL!

"tearing another juicy chunk off..."

The ONLY way to eat pork bbq. Pulled.

re: #161 lone_wolf_in_illinois

That is NOT a prayer Rug!

re: #159 ggt

I wanna go! I wanna go! I wanna go!

Something about seeing the Earth from Space.

I wanna go! I wanna go! I wanna go!

I didn't do so good in Algebra, think they'd let me go anyway?

I think for 20 million the russians will give you a lift

re: #169 savage_nation

Damn! Jews own all the good shit!

re: #169 savage_nation

And never forget, the largest planet in the Solar System is JOOPITER!

re: #175 guitardalek

DOWN WITH INTERGALACTIC ZIONISM

(that part seemed to get left off somehow)

A Muslim's Dilemma: How To Face Mecca From Space

/not an Onion article

re: #128 Timbre

Why do the mission designation numbers not seem to have any discernible order (at least not to me).

Since the missions are planned out and training for them begins years in advance, they are numbered sequentially according to their order in the initial schedule. Over time circumstances change and with them, sometimes so does the launch order.

Actually they've been sticking pretty close to plan lately. The last 10 launches (since the Columbia was lost) have been, in order: STS-114, 121, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, and 123

re: #167 spikester

We joke and enjoy life, but they...I hope the Range Safety Officer is the very best and has a survival-oriented conscience.

re: #173 hayseed

You know, I'm a little short this month --can you spare a few million?

I promise I'll pay when I get back

Gotta hit the hay.

Goodnight lizards.

Take care of one and other.

re: #178 Opilio

Gubbermint maph

cole slaw on bbq yuck....I like pickles on mine

re: #158 savage_nation

Very thin vinegar sauce, and spicy.

re: #178 Opilio

Thanks--I knew from the other night when we were e-together that you would know.

re: #113 Palandine

I've got a WASR-10 based on the RPK front site post was way off and I had to get the adjuster. I'm no good with Kentucky windage. Accuracy out to 150 yards, I might as well be shooting at a barn. I always wanted an AR-15, the nostalgia I feel with one in my hands. I've read of AR-15 rifles coming out with faster barrel twists like 1 to 7 to handle the heavier 70 to 90 grain bullets currently under development. I've got to find that Guns Magazine article!

re: #164 ggt

That works for me too, and to also debate my (insert a term which belongs to a classification system no longer in use and is now considered offensive) adversaries at work.

re: #179 Timbre

That may depend on if he is a political appointee or a bureaucrat.

re: #186 savage_nation

10-4.

re: #159 ggt Oh I'd LIKE to go, but am too old mature and out of shape. And I "got" Algebra!

True story - one of my former Law Partners took a sabbatical from the firm to go work for NASA - when he returned in 1980, he had autographed photos of all the crews on photos of Earth from Space. My gosh I spent A LOT of time hanging around his office, just absolutely awestruck at the photos and about the fact that he had met all those great people!

I AM SO PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

re: #103 Killian Bundy

Jack Straw said in a letter that a "regrettable administrative error" led to the blunder and apologised for any offence caused to the Muslim community.

The Justice Secretary has ordered staff at the category B facility to be more diligent and prison officers will be re-trained to consider inmates' cultural and religious needs.

/the ham sandwiches of blasphemy!

WHAT... are you talking about?

Good night all, sweet dreams!

re: #188 lone_wolf_in_illinois

They do tend to shut-up and give you that "deer in the headlight's stare" when they realize you actually watched/read the source material.

I find those people are really good at memorizing and regurgiating. They never seem to grasp the whole picture and draw their own conclusions.

re: #194 savage_nation

Boy, that would be a tough call. I'm not sure I could do it, honestly.

Unless shortshit was in the cockpit, then NO PROBLEM

You'd kill Danny DeVito? He's so Charmin-like!

re: #163 savage_nationWell to be honest with you my friend, although I believe you are correct, of ALL THE REST, major league kudos have to go to Israel.

re: #159 ggt

I wanna go! I wanna go! I wanna go!

Something about seeing the Earth from Space.

I wanna go! I wanna go! I wanna go!

Virgin Galactic is selling tickets for a sub-orbital flight. It'll take you up about 62 miles. You get few minutes of weightlessness, and you're back on terra firma before you know what happened. Price: $200,000

No Joke.

re: #105 savage_nation

Texas BBQ is always good

TEXAS? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Where they cook up a mess o' cow meat and call it BAR-B-Q? ? ? ? ? ?

re: #196 ggt

They can't handle the truth!

re: #192 realwest

I'm too old /unhealthy (by their standards), but, I'M WILLING TO TAKE THE RISK. I'll go! I'll go! I'll go!

Probably blow all my joints apart on take-off, but I DON'T CARE.

re: #199 Opilio

Will I get to see the Earth from Space?

re: #177 Palandine

A Muslim's Dilemma: How To Face Mecca From Space

/not an Onion article

Remember Pitch Black, when humanity matures technologically and we start colonizing space. What sort of delema will arise for facing Mecca? Especially, if we make it pass Mars.

re: #107 Killian Bundy

Jack Straw apologises after 200 Muslim prisoners are given ham sandwiches during Ramadan

/the ham sandwiches of blasphemy!

Did they enjoy them?

re: #200 LeePro

TEXAS? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Where they cook up a mess o' cow meat and call it BAR-B-Q? ? ? ? ? ?

Hey, I'm a semi-Hindu Texan, but do not doubt our Barbecue!

re: #189 savage_nation

The Newport Pig Pickin' is the festival to go to. It's April 4-5 this year, if you find yourself out that way in a few weeks.

Otherwise, if you're out there any other time, Smithfield has restaurants throughout NC that will give you an idea about Eastern NC BBQ. It's commercial stuff, but still...

hey realwest....got the invioce from my surgery in december....

80,231.58 . the metal in my neck cost 28,633.37 I have to pay 100 dollars. Glad I have insurance

re: #204 Idle Drifter

There's probably a sura in the Koran that prohibits space travel, so they won't have to worry about it.

re: #201 lone_wolf_in_illinois

I meant this truth... Now I know I need to go to bed!

Makes me proud to be in the only nation who can do this. Do we hide it? Make it top secret? No, we share it, broadcast it and invite others to try and catch us.

The shuttle is coming up on being a 30 year old vehicle. In many states that will qualify an automobile for Antique tags, but still no other nation even comes close. The Russians tried, couldn't keep up, now its just us.

re: #193 LeePro

Nevermind. Saw your later reference.
:/

re: #189 savage_nation
You NEVER had NC bbq?! Oh you poor man. But there's still time to get some! And it's worth the trip, TRUST ME!

re: #203 ggt

Will I get to see the Earth from Space?

You'll just have to look out the window.

I find the video from their test flights and post it. It's way cool.

re: #200 LeePro

TEXAS? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Where they cook up a mess o' cow meat and call it BAR-B-Q? ? ? ? ? ?

Oh, yeah.

Embrace the 'Q, Lee.

Melt-in-your-mouth brisket with a wonderful smoke ring. And sauce that would make you wanna slap your granny.

'Q's more than just pork. Texas 'Q has its own redeeming qualities as well.

re: #207 rw in san diego

Did they enjoy them?

Get a Grand Jury quick!

re: #212 lone_wolf_in_illinois

The first post was good too!

I love that scene.

re: #217 Opilio

I gotta go to bed Opilio -- can you email it me?

Night all!

Dagnabbit! Dem noisy neighbors are at it again.

Emma, where's my shotgun? I'll show 'em the real meanin' of a "blastoff".

Varments!

re: #204 Idle Drifter

Thanks!

Uncle!

Thank-you, Lizards, once again, for the conversation, companionship, and memories of great BBQ!

Savage, and VXBush, good thoughts and prayers for both of you and your families in these most difficult times.

See y'all tomorrow night.

re: #131 Sarge1984

Unless it's pulled pork sandwiches. Then it's cole slaw on top as well.

Oh.
My.
God.

Nobody has been so right since gop_patriot was last here (where are you, gop?)

You gotta tell me where you are. Gop_patriot and I are trying to get together sometime soon at the Germantown Commissary. You close enough to join us?

Opilio --put it in the Linkys under Science. Everyone can see it then--and I can find it easy tomorrow.

Night again all --have a good evening and talk nice about me when I'm gone.

re: #210 hayseed Doesn't surprise or shock me one little bit. When I had the angiogram and they inserted a stent in my artery in my right leg, with one overnight at the hospital, the total bill was $57,000+ some few bucks.
Fortunately I too had insurance and all I hadda pay was $300! AND I didn't have any anesthesia, either (those anesthesiologists charge a LOT!)!

Oh heavenly Father grant thy grace, to those who venture out in space.

17th Street Bar & Grill
3-Time World Grand Champion
With four locations in Southern Illinois
Welcome to 17th Street Bar & Grill, the first 3 time winner World Grand Champion at "Memphis in May" - the Super Bowl of Barbecue. In addition, Bon Appetit just picked our ribs "Best in America". Look for the announcement on the Food Network.

[Link: shop.17thstreetbarbecue.com...]
[Link: www.thesouthern.com...]

re: #139 Sarge1984

Tucson.

You get "real" bbq way out there?

re: #227 ggt

Opilio --put it in the Linkys under Science. Everyone can see it then--and I can find it easy tomorrow.

Night again all --have a good evening and talk nice about me when I'm gone.

Found it! I'll put it over there. Good night!

this thread was fifth item down on google search of "The launch of the STS-123", just now....

re: #211 guitardalek

There's probably a sura in the Koran that prohibits space travel, so they won't have to worry about it.

Well according to Scientists, 1 billion years from now the sun is predicted to expand and cool due it using up its fuel but it's atmosphere will incinerate any life on Earth and even the Earth itself.

re: #210 hayseed WHOA, my friend - was that "the metal in my neck cost 28,633.37" part of the overall bill or in addition to it? And what the hell kinda metal did they put in there that cost so much?!

the meds are working....nite all.....nite realwest

prayers for all

Awesome!

re: #224 spikester

For what, thank Palandine.

re: #236 realwest

the metal was included...I could of bought a car with that.lol

#236 realwest

Six screws and six rods in my back only ran $140,000, never saw the final bill for the angioplasty and stent.

For land based lizards ... I posted this back in Nov. Again for your enjoyment.

Definitely something to think about......

"DEFINITION OF ACCELERATION"

One top fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more horsepower
than the first 4 rows of stock cars at the Daytona 500.

Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1-1/2 gallons of nitro
methane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet fuel at the same
rate with 25% less energy being produced.

A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to drive the
dragster's supercharger.

With 3,000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on overdrive,
the fuel mixture is compressed into a near-solid form before ignition.

Cylinders run on the verge of hydraulic lock at full throttle.

At the stoichiometric (stoichiometry: methodology and technology by
which quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions are
determined) 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture of nitro methane, the flame front
temperature measures 7,050 deg F.

Nitro methane burns yellow. The spectacular white flame seen above the
stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from atmospheric
water vapor by the searing exhaust gases.

Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is essentially the
output of an arc welder in each cylinder.

Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After halfway,
the engine is dieseling from compression, plus the glow of exhaust
valves at 1,400 deg F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting the
fuel flow.

If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in
the affected cylinders and then explodes with sufficient force to blow
cylinder heads off the block in pieces or split the block in half.

In order to exceed 300 mph in 4.5 seconds, dragsters must accelerate an
average of over 4G's. In order to reach 200 mph (well before
half-track), the launch acceleration approaches 8G's.

Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have completed
reading this sentence.

Top fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from light to light!
Including the burnout, the engine must only survive 900 revolutions
under load.

The redline is actually quite high at 9,500 rpm.

Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for free, and
for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimate $1,000.00 per
second.

The current top fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441 seconds for
the quarter mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher). The top speed record is
333.00 mph (533 km/h) as measured over the last 66' of the run (09/28/03
Doug Kalitta).

You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter "twin-turbo" powered
Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road, a top fuel dragster is staged and
ready to launch down a quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the
advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the
gears and blast across the starting line and pass the dragster at an
honest 200 mph. The "tree" goes green for both of you at that moment.
The draster launches and starts after you.

You keep your foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine
that sears your eardrums and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and
passes you. He beats you to the finish line, a quarter mile away from
where you just passed him. Think about it; from a standing start, the
dragster had spotted you 200 mph and not only caught you, but nearly
blasted you off the road when he passed you within a mere 1,320 foot
long race course.

That folks is acceleration...

re: #144 savage_nation

OMG what is the name of that place down the street from Graceland where they pick you up in a pink Caddy?

No earthly idea — bad part of town. Never set foot in Graceland.

All the "great barbq" places in Memphis are in mid-town and out east, with at least one out in the county.

re: #234 slokat

this thread was fifth item down on google search of "The launch of the STS-123", just now....

For good reason.

Too bad the Google web crawlers are inanimate objects.

People have more fun.

re: #21 savage_nation

They shot an Atlas up last night from Vandenberg (1st for that rocket on the west coast) but didn't blow it up... also between 2am & 4am so I didn't stay up... or would post a pic.

re: #241 Dublin(CA)Dude

I got 2 rods and 10 screws.lol

Very, very strange.

When police arrived they found a 35-year-old woman stuck on the toilet. But she wasn't tied or bound. Instead, police say she had sat on the toilet for what could have been more than a month, causing her muscles and legs to form around the seat. Investigators also believe she had not left the bathroom for more than two years.

re: #238 Dublin(CA)Dude Hey Dude - how are ya doing? Geez I haven't seen you out here in I don't know how long (course I'm not usually up so late and my meds are starting to kick in too)!

re: #246 hayseed

But did you have an angioplasty and stent too?

re: #143 Sarge1984

Neeley's even has a store in the airport!

I'll route a trip through Memphis any time I can!

Are you an OTR driver?

If you like, gop and I can let you know when we'll get together. How much advance time do you need?

re: #241 Dublin(CA)Dude

I pray you are doing well.....i may have to have more done this fall

re: #250 Dublin(CA)Dude

no angioplasty no stent

re: #241 Dublin(CA)Dude $140,000 ?! Gulp. PLEASE say you had insurance!

re: #249 realwest

How have you been doing? Just got great readings back from the cardiologist today, cholesterol down 87 points, triglecrides down 120 points, b/p now 100/70, he's real happy.

goog nite aall sweet dreams

re: #256 realwest

yup, good thing I'm insured, my out of pocket on that one was 500 bucks.

re: #235 Idle Drifter

And so the Muslims are going to want to leave earth by then or what...?

Fuck yeah!

re: #248 jcm Oh great. Just effin' great - I gotta go to sleep NOW and now I'm gonna have that to think about?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

re: #100 Sarge1984

what's wrong with tri-tip?

re: #158 savage_nation

Is that a vinegar base? I'm partial to a tomato base BBQ sauce....

Nooooo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o! ! !

Night launches are the best. I have seen 4 launches up close but only one at night. I highly recommend travelling to see it if you can. Only thing that sucks is there are often delays. I had to wait through a two hour delay to see mine. It was like a tailgate party and when they hit the engines it went from pitch black to noon in a second. There is no describing the raw power.

re: #257 Dublin(CA)Dude Hey, I'm glad to hear that! Good for you.
Me, I'm feeling ok I reckon,('except for a toothache where the dentist has one more nerve in one tooth to pull out to complete a root canal. My Onc isn't as happy as he was a while back though. Thanks for asking though!

re: #259 hayseed Good night Hayseed - sleep well!

re: #263 realwest

Oh great. Just effin' great - I gotta go to sleep NOW and now I'm gonna have that to think about?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

sorry.....

Godspeed Endeavour!

re: #184 Sarge1984

Very thin vinegar sauce, and spicy.

You must come here and cook for us! If you're young enough, we'll adopt you. If you're old enough, you can adopt us (but you'd have to be pretty old for that!).

LOL

Well it's been grand as usual, but I gotta get some sleep!
I hope you all have a GREAT EVENING/EARLY MORNING and that I get to see you down the road!

And, again, to savage_nation and to vxbush, my sincerest condolences on your repespective losses.
May God keep each of you healthy and give you strength in your time of need. Prayers will again be going up for you both.

re: #192 realwest

You sound like my father (no prouder American ever lived!), but you can't be. I'm 4 years older than you. Maybe you're my long-lost brother...

re: #196 ggt

They do tend to shut-up and give you that "deer in the headlight's stare" when they realize you actually watched/read the source material.

I find those people are really good at memorizing and regurgiating. They never seem to grasp the whole picture and draw their own conclusions.

I LOVE reading you! you have such a... way with words.

LOL

Charles . . .

Thank you for this link.

I love spaceflight. One of these days, I'm going to go to Cape Canaveral and personally witness a lift-off.

re: #208 Timbre

Hey, I'm a semi-Hindu Texan, but do not doubt our Barbecue!

Semi-Hindu?
Cows are sacred! ! ! You cannot kill/eat cows! ! !

~ ...do not challenge ours! ! !

re: #213 savage_nation

Yep....YUCK!

Spectacular still of same launch:

[Link: antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov...]

re: #258 savage_nation

How far are you from Olive Branch? I'm not parking my truck in West Memphis, no effin way!

Olive Branch is due south of me. I'm nowhere near West Memphis! Get a map, look for Germantown. That's where I am. :)

re #2: #258 savage_nation