I dont know whether any of you in UK saw todays "Breakfast with Frost" this morning?
I normally watch this programme to catch up with whats in the news.But this morning I found myself captivated by the interview between Frost and our man in space--Michael Foale--Commander of the international space station--destined to be "up there" for 6 months altold--and will "clock up" the most time for being in space and will therefore have Christmas in the "wide blue yonder"
I was struck by this young mans enthusiasm and utter modesty --feeling very proud that a Brit has aquired such a position after all his years of
dedicated hard work.
He is accompanied by an American and Russian--he laughingly said that he has company for his "afternoon tea" as its the Rusians drink too
Ive put this topic on --as I think it is excioting to dwell on the fact--that --as Michael says-we could have "Man on Mars " within next decade-he believes it will take that long to build the space ship to take them there.
It must be very strange to look down at the Earth--our home--from all those miles away;a truly moving experience.If only we could all have that chance--then we might value it more d'you think?
As first man on moon--Neil Armstrong when asked said the Earth was "A jewel in Space" and Michael said as much speaking of it as a beautiful sight full of wonderful colour.
After watching it my son said "I wouldnt mind spending Christmas up there!"
I said" Maybe you will some day.Or possibly Mars!"
From a young age,space travel has always excited me and today particularly I wished myself 30 years younger
My sons other name is "Neil" and so explains my passion for this subject
Anyone else here enthused by this :?:I do hope so

Ellie wrote:Anyone else here enthused by this :?:I do hope so

Apparently not!

I think ellie should go easy on that herbal tea

All I can say is----and you disppointment me greatly by your responses Michael& Digger!---what a "narrow vision" you have---That you have no enthusiam for "Whats out there"-----and for those who work hard and have the courage to venture into the final frontiere--this venture is not only to tests mans endurance and how he can cope & travel further into space--but if you didn't know--they--in this case an American a Russian and our own "Michael Foales"(who I feel very proud of) but its also to carry out research in the "medical field"----one being experiments with treatments of cancers--which "up there" are easier to carry out as there is no atmospheric pressure and therefore achieve quicker results---------------these experiments may-- one day help you and I or our loved ones.
Just think on this a little more deeply.
I for one --salute those guys
and no Digger--I don't drink herbal teas---I just drink the old-fashioned type-----I dont need stimulants--"life" both here and the thought of "out there"! is stimulating enough for me --much love Elliexx (well--it is the season of goodwill!)

Well said Ellie

Particularly loved the line about not needing stimulants as your life was plenty stimulating enough without them - I am thinking of passing that one to my teenage children

Maddi

Thanks Mads Cherie
can't "we" show these men a thing or two
At the risk of repeating myself---J says Im "immaturing nicely"---my mind I think--wish it was the body Have a good day x.

Youve got me on a "roll" now Mads!
Was just thinking-----they talk of the "mile high" club---but how about the--is 12/13 mile high one
Mmm --sex in space--how does that "grab" you----no "pressure"----is that thought stimulating---no need for Viagra---would it truly be "Out Of This World" D'you think
isn't it true?---that we stop ageing in space-----we could be permanently---ina "Heavenly State"
Hope my apostrophes are all correct Michael

Sex in space? But I like to get a good push off the headboard - do that in space and we'll never stop cartwheeling!

Re. apostrophe . . . yes!

this is,whirrrrr,Cam of the Mekons,click click,searching for intelligent life?????splutter,splutter,having difficulty,only contact,///////two male species,low foreheads/Digger/ Michael!Are these typical male earthlings .ssssssss,if this is normal interllect,tic tic tic, no hope for humans,losing contact===>But. will invite ellie and maddi,splutter splutter for a couple of orbits around the earth,whirrr whirr+++>firing up energy pods now,will you join me,whoooosh female earthlings*******in zero gravity <<<>>>>await your contact++++=soooooooon:::::>>.................

oohh err Michael----your headboard sounds well-sprung-----------
Mr Mekon(or may I call you Cam?)-------I'll take up your offer---willingly--"anything" to get away from being p-----d on in deepest darkest Lincs--and yet another verse of Noddy Holder's "and here it is merry christmas"
Only thing is--I dont have a spacesuit--will the birthday kind do ?
and one request please? Can I bring some hot minepies with me if I promise not to get crumbs in your pods?
Of course i could get very dizzy at that great height just going round in circles----any chance of zooming off to explore er------where exactly do you come from

Ellie, contrary to what you think, I do think there's intelligent life out there!

And, for this reason I think we should keep very, very quiet and not bring attention to ourselves. I for one do not relish the fact that I might be viewed as food by some extra-terrestrial sentient being that looks on me as a cow, chicken or cauliflower!

Youve been reading too much"Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy" Mike!
From the posting of Alien(Cam of mekons)theyre real "friendly guys "up there!"
I expect the "lady Mekons" are too--so fasten your seatbelt--you could be in for a bumpy ride