#121 - Back to Space
I just finished watching the live launch of the Space-X Falcon 9. Four things really amazed me. The quickness of the launch; the rocket just leapt off the pad. The new space suits; so clean and slim compared to the old models. The clean uncluttered interior of the cockpit. The old Apollo cockpits were so crowded the astronauts were just shoe horned in. And lastly, the control room. The pictures speak volumes.
Wow!
This is what the world should be spending its time and energy on. Medical research, infrastructure, space exploration, research.
Instead we have a grand collection of venal, ignorant, megalomaniacs who should all be housed in mental institutions, that are solely worried about their popularity and controlling their populations.
One of whom, in his utter inability to think clearly and set priorities, used Air Force One twice with a bunch of his closest ass kissing sycophants to watch the launch on site. A blatant misuse of his power. What an egregious dick wad. The irony of his actions is that he is a person (I can’t use the word “man” with a straight face) who has no understanding of science whatsoever. And he is spending U.S. taxpayer $$$ (~$200,000/hour – Not to mention the F-16s that escort it while it is in the air) to go watch something he is incapable of understanding even if one used cartoon pictures and single syllable words. And his primary purpose of course was to spin as a personal triumph even though he had nothing to do with it.
Imagine where the world could be now if governments cooperated on science. Especially medical care, agronomy, clean energy, and sustainable technologies.
What if the hundreds of billions of $$$ spent on “defense” were funneled into sustainable technologies that could be used to create affordable housing for millions of people? And invested in a functioning healthcare system that wasn’t all about revenue?
The human race has such incredible potential. Yet we allow our politicians to squander it because as a race we lack the critical thinking skills and will to control them. America is led by a misogynistic, egomaniacal moron, Russia by an aging strong man (another misogynist) who is smart but obsessed with his ego and the desire to have Russia PERCEIVED as a world power, and China by secretive authoritarians who want to rule the world (and again consumed with how they are PERCEIVED). They are all in a WIN-LOSE mindset. No thought of the greater good, or cooperation, or the human race as a whole. Tribalism in its stupidest and most negative aspects.
So, what are these countries famous for now?
America – Having a dangerous laughingstock for President and abandoning all anti-pollution measures
Russia – Corruption, cybercrime and Facebook trolling
China – Secrecy, thievery, a pervasive police state, and shoddy goods
Wow guys! Great job!
Regardless, I was really encouraged by the launch. Kudos to Elon Musk (not that he needs them from me 😊). What an incredible accomplishment. And … average cost of a Space-X Falcon launch is $57 million. Average cost of a Space Shuttle mission (2011) was $450 million. Yet another reason to not allow government agencies to be run without serious private sector oversite. And Space-X’s President and COO is a woman. The sad thing is that I even mention it (Female leadership) like it is noteworthy.
Interesting item (if true) … Space-X doesn’t even do patent applications because Mr. Musk has stated that he doesn’t want China to be able to take advantage of their advances.
In other news … The UK is thinking of opening up a path to UK citizenship for 2.9 million Hong Kong citizens if Beijing does not suspend plans for a security law in the territory. The law, making it a crime to undermine Beijing's authority, prompted fears Hong Kong's unique status could end. Naturally, the Chinese authorities are incensed. But they deserve it. Authoritarian pricks!
And now for something completely different …
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52842303
Here is a YouTube video of Emirates cargo flight coming in to Amsterdam. It was relaxing to watch. The views, the calm professionalism, the smooth flow of technology working … Made me wish I had become a cargo pilot. I don’t regret the past. Silly thing to do. But I think I would have enjoyed it. I am still thinking that I would like to learn to fly but … who knows if that will be practical now.
https://youtu.be/8zAjqg3yAKo - Another Emirates Airlines FEMALE crew flying a cargo jet to several locations for International Women’s Day.
Must be a relaxing time to be a pilot, especially cargo 😊.