The Space Shuttle Discovery arrived on the launch pad on April 7th. This marks the beginning of NASA’s efforts to return to space, while still using the aging yet capable craft. According to the organization the launch of the Discovery is hopeful between May 15 and June 3. It certainly is a big milestone since the Columbia accident over two years ago.

I have always had a fascination with space. It really is such an amazing thing to ponder, mostly because it is nothing like what we as humans can relate to here on earth. Vast amounts of nothing is hard for me to comprehend. And then the added element of space flight is thrown into the mix.

As a child I just loved the idea, flying with the stars in a sense. I had kept track of launch dates and later watched the online space shuttle tracking map. Sonic booms were a regular occurrence. I would watch movies and documentaries on space flight. My family visited the Kennedy Space Center twice in a couple of years (the bus tours are memorable). I didn’t want to be an astronaut, though, I just found it fun to study and it lead to a real desire to learn more about physics.

Some people say "it’s just another space flight." I say there’s a lot to nothing, and although it may seem routine we should know it is not. It may not be easy to comprehend what’s "out there", but it sure can be fun just to think about it once and awhile. Then, just then, I realize just how miniscule I really am.

For more information on the Discovery Mission STS-114, including photos, mission details, and even an RSS feed for news updates, check out NASA.gov’s Return To Flight.

NASA Completes Shuttle Fuel Tank Test

Now that google has made cartography more enjoyable many of us are posting screenshots of locations across the country. Being a Disney Geek, I figured I would have to check out Disney World. What I was interested in this time was the behind the scenes area. Cast member parking, maintenance buildings, and possibly a construction zone or two.

It seems that one of the largest of the backstage areas is actually north east of the Magic Kingdom. I think there are several backstage roads as well, although I’m not and have not been a cast member so I’m just guessing. But I have not seen delivery trucks drive through the front gate of the Magic Kingdom parking area either.

I know I’m not the only one to share in these voyeuristic activities. Pop a link in the comments to someplace you found inspiring to view from the top.

There’s nothing like a warm, tender, and decadent desert. But who has
the time to make them. I found a great old style pan baked goodie, and looks
similar to an upside down cake.

The apple nut ring recipe requires little preparation. The bun ring is suitable as a breakfast
pastry or as a nice sweet desert. I sometimes have it for both. Might as well
eat it while it’s fresh.

Have it with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. A nice beverage helps balance
out some of the sweetness.

Ever have a morning where you are so mentally screwed up that you don’t know your right from left? That’s me this morning.

It pisses me off… but its all too human.

Carroll Shelby’s world-famous chili kit is just delicious, given the meat is fresh and other ingredients and accompaniments are half decent, that is. I’ve tried making chili with my own special blend of spices, but this is much better than anything I’ve done. While cheesecake, Jack Daniels glazed steak, and southwest pasta are my specialties, I leave my chili to Carroll Shelby. Just don’t forget to pick up a box of cornbread mix, preferably Jiffy.

Have you tried it? What’s your chili recipe, if you don’t mind sharing?

• Old people drive 15 MPH below the speed limit, and are always in front of the traffic.
• Every traffic light wants to stop you.
• You end up bagging your own groceries.
• The banks tellers are in slow motion.
• The fast food drive-through is a parking lot.

Oh, and your client wants the ad yesterday.