No snow! Again. It’s like days in a row. The weather at last feels like an Ashlandia spring. We’ll pop up to 80 F today. Low in the bottom 40s. Sunrise quarter past six. Sunset after eight in the evening. This is what Daddy likes.
It’s April 26, 2023. Sad news that ispace lost contact with Hakuto-R. Latest theory they’ve put out is it unexpectedly accelerated and crashed on the moon while attempting its approach. Back to the drawing boards.
I’ve always been a proponent of exploring space and trying to reach other planets. Curiosity of what’s out there drives me. I know, many argue that we’re already screwing up Earth and have demonstrated ourselves to be poor caretakers of our home planet, so why should we ‘be allowed’ to go somewhere else. Also, space exploration is a little pricy. Cost more than my annual coffee budget. And we have so many problems in our society, unintended consequences of systems, practices, laws and technology. So much we have here we need to fix.
But I’m an optimist. I hope that going to space more will lift our spirits and encourage us to change. I know, I know but space travel and exploration opens possibilities, and fires hope and optimism. Of course my background is white male. American, sure of food and shelter. I know in an intellectual way that it’s way different for others in ways that I struggle to fully imagine and comprehend. I try. I try to empathize and sympathize and help. And I want for others to have at least the levels of comfort, security, access to equity, and opportunities that I’ve experienced.
Had a plethora of dreams again. Some involved Dad and painting. I’ll explore that more, I think.
Thoughts of space impelled Les Neurons to fire up “Rocket Man” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin 1972. Found a lovely video of John in concert with the song in 1972. Just fifty plus years ago, hey?
Stay pos and don’t let your fuse burn out. I’ve got some coffee if you need it. Maybe we can pass the cup.
Here’s the music. Enjoy. Cheers
Michael Seidel, writer 
I am one of those you mention who thinks the money we spend on space exploration could be better spent feeding the poor, housing the homeless, and educating our populace. But alas, I seem to be in the minority in this. When Elon’s rocket exploded into a bazillion pieces last week, I couldn’t help but think of the children who went to bed hungry, or the old woman living in a cardboard box on the street, but Elon’s ego was more important.
I love Elton and this one is perfect for the day! Thanks, my friend. Hugs ‘n cheers!
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I know what you mean. My desire to go to space is always offset by the cost and what could be done with that money instead. But this will always be so as long as we allow the capitalist dream to dominate the world, and let a small group pursue paying less taxes and having greater wealth. If we can break that stranglehold, I think both going to space and caring for everyone on Earth AND improving the planet by saving it from ourselves can be accomplished. See how much of an optimist I can be? Hugs and cheers, Jill
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Indeed you are an optimist! I was once considered to be one, but … life and time turned me into a realist. Not truly a pessimist, but no longer an optimist, either. Seen to much of the human species. If I return to Planet Earth, I’m coming back as a wolf!!!
By the way … I’m stealing … er, um, ‘borrowing’ Rocket Man for tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) music post! Thanks, Michael!
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