Once I took a tour of the Kennedy Space Center. It was kind of boring because there weren't any launches or anything. Just buses taking us out to patches of dirt where rockets had been or would be launched. I do recall one of the burners being bigger around than I am tall. That gave me a tiny inkling to the vast scale of things, especially parts of the rocket that wind up being shed as it rises.

I've always liked science, even did pretty well in it at school until I got to college. I'm fascinated by the shuttle launches, by science programs, space, biology and general chemistry type stuff.

I'm a little sad because the shuttle hasn't taken off, but I realize the need for safety. I remember my freshman year Biology lab, they wheeled the TV into the room so we could watch. Freshman year of college and we all watched Challenger become a ball of fire.


I think the key is that we keep exploring. If those more powerful than us give up, what are we to take from that? Where will that leave us and our world, nation, ideas, technology and pioneer spirit?
I think it would be awesome if they launch on July 4. Not just patriotic, but life affirming in this time where it's getting harder and harder to see the patch of blue sky to shoot for.