I had hoped that the Endeavour would be in orbit today. The Endeavour first went into orbit for mission STS-49 on this date in 1992. The current plan for the launch of mission STS-134 is scheduled for May 16th (as of yesterday), its last flight into orbit. It will then be transported atop a specially modified Boeing 747 to go on display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, its final flight.
This is our Open Thread. Please feel free to present your thoughts on any topic that comes to mind.
TheZoo 
What a timely post … 🙂
Perhaps I will have something more insightful to say later … right now, I am in somewhere else, perhaps where the Endeavor has already been … or has yet to be …
Space … the final frontier 😉
No, no, no, Ebb. There is only one version of that song to play…
Forget the horses, this is where it’s at:
Hey!!! You’ve made it Music DAY!!! Thank you all for your posts! I’ll try to keep with the theme … 🙂
For you, and space cadets everywhere, Moondoggy:
Great choice Lass… Natalie floats in a most delightful way, so much better than Bowie’s jerking at the end of his tether.
🙂
Thanks, Raven … And look, I am at Ravenswood (Downstreet) Cafe as I type this post – magical this space time continuum, eh?
I have a few more hours to enjoy the lovely weather here … I am to understand thunderstorms with hail later? Good thing I reserved my yardwork for tomorrow 😉
I’ll check in as I am able … Love, Luck and Lollipops to ya’ll!
Yes, Gary … I will except your offer, as long as Moondoggy and others in the Zoo community are in agreement 😀
This fine lady had a local tv show that I watched as a lil’ lass … and her signoff was “Love, luck and lollipops” :
Gotta go now … the bonbons await 😉
Not to be a downer, but this is why some people hate liberals.
Noam Chomsky says bin Laden is innocent of 9/11 until proven guilty:
“In April 2002, the head of the FBI, Robert Mueller, informed the press that after the most intensive investigation in history, the FBI could say no more than that it “believed” that the plot was hatched in Afghanistan, though implemented in the UAE and Germany. What they only believed in April 2002, they obviously didn’t know 8 months earlier, when Washington dismissed tentative offers by the Taliban (how serious, we do not know, because they were instantly dismissed) to extradite bin Laden if they were presented with evidence—which, as we soon learned, Washington didn’t have. Thus Obama was simply lying when he said, in his White House statement, that “we quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda.”
Nothing serious has been provided since. There is much talk of bin Laden’s “confession,” but that is rather like my confession that I won the Boston Marathon. He boasted of what he regarded as a great achievement.”
Oh, and “uncontroversially, Bush’s crimes vastly exceed bin Laden’s.” Uncontroversially. It’s that word that proves you are listening to a fanatic.
http://www.guernicamag.com/blog/2652/noam_chomsky_my_reaction_to_os/
Why, badmoodman, because they speak the truth? I disagree that Chomsky’s use of the word “uncontroversially” proves he’s a fanatic. Bush is responsible for the deaths of more innocent people than bin Laden. I don’t think he means that there is no debate about it, I think he means there can be no debate about it. “Bush lied, people died” may sound pithy and worthy only of a bumper sticker to some people, but it happens to be the truth.
The WI Senate is trying to pass bills en mass because of the upcoming recall votes. Seems that they want to take revenge on the voters prior to losing their seats in June.
“Smiles Everyone, Smiles!” … If you haven’t already, there is still time to make your mom a card (even if she is no longer here with us, she’ll surely appreciate the loving gesture in her honor:)
Back to the bonbons …
lass,
They’re called bourbons. Nice touch on Kentucky Derby day! Mint Juleps?
Kentucky Derby: A large bunch of horses’ asses watching a small bunch of horses’ asses riding a small bunch of horses.
Very apt description, House!
Ebb, the first person I ever heard say that was my shop teacher in high school. It just kind of stuck with me ever since.
Good afternoon, good people. Time for a, probably last, goose update.
Mother Goose and her brood have made the epic journey to the small pothole up the street. I’ll miss having the “pet goose” greet me at the door but the young family deserves more privacy. I’m not too sure about the pictures of the goslings. Without any sharp edges it was damned hard to focus the camera on them. I’m going to set up the tripod and closeup lenses and burn the rest of the roll on my new fish so I will probably get the film processed next week. Then it will just be a question of whether I can remember how to operate my scanner that I haven’t touched in a couple years.
Now? I’m going to horn in on the neighbors’ belated Cinco de Mayo celebration. The music may not be to my taste but the barbeque smells delectable.
I have a date with three ladies tonight. There’s The Lady in Black, her name is Darlington. In an hour I have to attend the young lady Amy Pond, and there’s my regular Saturday night date, Audrey Forbes-Hamilton (To The Manor Born).
You’ll need a small number of horses to haul them all around, house of roberts…
Censor too late
that poem did await
to find the grate
twas it’s fate…
😉
pete, it is always hard to say goodbye to the kids when they leave the nest. Looking forward to the pics.
It’s supposed to be hard to say good-bye to the kids…?
Oh.
Yes, Zooey. The trick is not to let them know that or they will never leave.
So it was a good thing that I cheered when Zoo Jr got his own place. 😉
Positive reinforcement.
Kentucky Derby Winner: Animal Kingdom
Just sayin.’
It’s not like we were expecting much from the plants…
I have missed this Zoo space! And momentarily, I will have left work and “the building” 😉
Lass, come home!
Bobby Jindal releases birth certificate for some reason. But if you believe life begins at conception, like the Christianist wing of the GOP does, he was born in India:
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/gov_bobby_jindal_releases_his.html
Raven, you are making me cry … I am heading there now …
Did anyone ask him for his birth certificate?
He’d make better use of his time by filling sandbags.
Oops.
I’ll let someone else put up Hotel California.
Not me, Raven. Too many memories on that one.
Uh huh.
Here, this is a little cheesy, but hey…
oops
Uh, I was heading to my house to let my dog out … My “home” is where Moondoggy is … I wonder if there is a mini-vacation near water in my future? 😉
Much classier Ebb!
Check out the photography in this one…
for Lass when she gets home.
With all due respect.
Thank you for the dedication, Raven … and the respect is very gratefully appreciated 🙂
If you place your cursor arrow at one edge on the center label of the LP and look closely, you can easily see what we have known all along, that Einstein was right…
Bobby Jindal releases birth certificate for some reason.
Do you think it would be worth it at all to point out to anyone on the Right that that is not a “birth certificate”, it’s a “certificate of live birth”?
Does that cursor trick work with this droid on the LP? Ugh … what I wouldn’t give for a lo-fi funky folded note right now!
So, Moondoggy, whom I trust with my life, for some reason won’t come to pick me up … what do you all suggest I do?
Lass, I would say punt.
Punt … like kick or “Land of historical reference” … ?
I doubt if this will help, but… a punt is a small narrow flat bottomed boat usually propelled with a long pole.
Lass if you are waiting for Moondoggy, any of the above.
Raven, your insights are always appreciated … and I will add you’re to the list of punt definitions. Any suggestions re: Moondoggy … In terms of “respectfulness”, I was raised with the notion that a lady doesn’t “chase” a man ~ and I am a lady 🙂
That is totally hilarious, Ebb.
Noting the large cross above the doorway of the taxidermist’s residence and collection of junk cars, we can assume he took the biblical “Blown to Kingdom Come” rather seriously.
lass o had written
so Raven’s response of:
would be most appropriate.
And hooda, thank you for your encouragement … 🙂
Good evening.
I’m a little drunk and so full of Mexican food that I’m going to turn in early. I thoroughly enjoyed brushing up on my atrocious Spanish. Once again, I was struck by the odd hybrid language that the Hispanic kids speak. Mostly though, it was just a really nice party with really friendly people. Someone was constantly handing me a fresh Tecate’, a tamale, or a marvelous taco. I tried to stick with the “carnetas” (I think that’s how it’s spelled. Roasted pork doused with several kinds of pepper and cumin.) and puerco con salsa verde (Pork in a tomatillo and cilantro sauce) while avoiding the beans, rice, and other filler. It will probably take a couple weeks to bring my cholesterol back down but was worth it even if it takes days off my life.
Good night, good people. I hope you all drift off with the same feeling of utter contentment I’m feeling.
Lass sez:
In terms of “respectfulness”, I was raised with the notion that a lady doesn’t “chase” a man ~ and I am a lady
Then stop chasing him.
A good man comes when called.
It might not be easy, but that’s the way it is.
Ebb, where does a lady find such a boat at this hour (besides the Venetian in Vegas?)?
You’ve been eating some rather hybrid Mexican food as well, pete.
“Here Moondoggy … Come home for Scooby Snacks … The lights are on!”
How did I do, Raven?
Men are peculiar creatures, Lass.
Hopefully he’s in his final throes before surrender.
I didn’t realize I was chasing, Z. I thought I was responding to his overtures ~ he does admit to being a tease … guess I was fooled again …
Lass, you brought up the “chase” word. On some level, you must be chasing.
No kidding, Raven!
Lass, you do know Moondoggy is 74?
The woman chooses, Lass; always.
This goes back to the beginning.
Remember this, and be strong.
Thanks for the tune, Ebb … 🙂
Raven, that is so sexist.
It only works that way when the man wants to be chosen.
Ain’t that a fact, Hooda? 😀
I have just finished the last paper for the last assignment for my undergrad degree. Woo hoo!!
I only have to get 25 points on the paper to get the A, so that’ll be another batch of As under my belt.
Hooda knows the score!
——
Congratulations Zooey!
When is graduation?
Z, I actually feel I am “chased” on many levels; it is hard to explain in words, and apologies if I am not making myself clear on this. Raven, I will do my best to remember your words **sobbing while typing**
Geez, Lass. The guy isn’t bothering to show up, so your feeling may be off on this one.
Yes, well, I’m a man hoodathunk.
I appreciate being chosen and have to respect that.
Even if it’s not easy and means coming when called.
And hooda, thank you for your reminders too 🙂
Z,
Dang I forgot to add this.
Raven, you have gotten lucky. Enjoy.
Zooey’s graduation is on the 14th if I remember correctly. It’s the old Alzheimer’a thing that sometimes throws me off!
Lass, perhaps stepping away from the matter, assessing from a different angle will be a better guide to the solution!
Thanks, Ebb!
Graduation is on the 14th. Hopefully the weather will be good.
Thanks, Hooda.
It’s weird to think I can put away all my school stuff now. *sniff*
Congrats, Zooey. Last paper done. Proud of you.
So, I shall punt, call and be strong?
Just got in from walking the dog and twisted my ankle, btw …
Raven, men are strong and decisive. Women are soft and supportive.
And both those ideas are pure crap.
I agree, Hooda. 😆
In honor of your graduation, I shall attend a local orchestra concert 🙂
And Z, with all respect, my feelings are pretty clear about this …
🙂
This may be totally irrelevant, or not.
I once had a beautiful collie named Moondog, who would take off and not come when called.
She was eventually stolen, possibly by neighbors who wearied of my incessant whistling and calling.
How else could you imagine I know what I am talking about?
😉
How appropriate – the 14th will be the first day of ‘fledge watch’ for the four young Peregrines.
One may fly on the very day you’ve earned your ‘sheepskin’.
Each flying free~!~
~!~ Excited for you ~!~
Congratulations Zooey, a long hard slog to a just reward!
I’ve enjoyed almost every minute of it. 🙂
Both men and women can be strong and decisive and soft and supportive at varying degrees and at varying times. That is what makes the dance of intimacy one that many of us yearn for- to witness self with other …
Where did you pick that crap up, hooda?
Same place I did, undoubtedly.
Thank the FSM or whatever we dropped it along the way, eh?
Raven, your wisdom always gets me **crying again**
There, now that’s the Lass o’ Delight I know and love.
Balance.
Both genders learning to let go of the tendencies of each to strive for equilibrium.
I just took a supplement to help with my ankle … I may become sleepy or my words will begin to make less sense than usual … just sayin’
Thank you for loving and appreciating me, Raven **less crying more smiling**
Good.
Now become still and imagine ten fingers circulating around the ankle, finding the knots, breathe, releasing them.
Light flows into the space.
Women have a love/hate relationship with the few men who understand them. I suppose the opposite is true as well.
lass, a man like that may not be worth being caught so it might be better not to chase him no matter what.
“I suppose the opposite is true as well.”
hoodathunkit?
😉
Hooda sez:
Women have a love/hate relationship with the few men who understand them.
Only if there’s smugness involved.
Ten fingers for Lass…
Only if there’s smugness involved.
On which side?
Either side.
Now I’m crying…
it’s all good…
I will use the imagery, Raven … thanks to you and Ebb for the music therapy as well. Shayne, I love this man dearly and would catch him if he fell; I hope that you can make some sense of my initial response to Zs chasing post.
Goodnight, all.
I still get tired fairly early, and I’m supposed to pay attention to those things now. *grump*
Tomorrow is the day the three Z sisters are re-united for a week, so I better rest up!
There are many American traditions. Men don’t understand women. Women understand men and can occasionally save them. Men are strong and independent yet cannot function properly without a woman’s influence. Women are the salt of the earth and can save men from their self destructive tendencies.
In essence, women control men, tame their nastier tendencies yet women are somehow less than men. Weird shit, Maynard.
My eyes are getting weary … those songs were exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you again – I am gonna work some “fingers” on my ankle now 😉
Now if that ain’t a Moondoggy inspired song, Ebb – Nice one on the Echo!!!!!!
Right on hooda.
Raven – the Leopard Seal avatar is great!
For some reason my neighbors are cranked up and loud. Who knew they were Mexicans? Or maybe they just loves them some tequila.
Eh, these are the same people who were Irish on March 17. It’s probably bedtime.
They are just celebrating the multiculturalism that is Portland, nice!
Goodnight, gummit.
Cinco de Mayo was two days ago, yes?
I missed it, not a lot of noise out in the woods, what with the fire restrictions on.
Heh! I’m glad I checked in before bed. I figured I better let all the food settle or I might suffer. Just to choose the subject that’s most dear to my heart:
I decided to be a bachelor fairly early in life. Even then I knew that I wasn’t willing to give enough of myself to make a permanent mating work. That’s also why I transitioned from a “dog person” to a “cat person”.( NOTE: I am not comparing women to cats, dogs, or any other non-human animal!)
I would have changed my mind if I had been fortunate enough to connect with a woman who shared my ideas on mutual independence, and came close a couple times, but it just never quite happened.
Of course, I came of age in the “free love” era so I’ve never been the least bit hesitant to just go out and seduce someone a few times a year. I just don’t mix friends and lovers. I count many women among my friends and none of my brief romances have resulted in mutual acrimony.
Hooda, I must disagree. I understand some women, and some women understand me, but understanding does not necessarily translate to comparability. My very best female friend ever, aside from my late Mom, happens to be gay and very feminine. The simple fact that we weren’t ever going to be confronted by the complications that come with the tender indignities of physical love allowed us to just be ourselves with each other and concentrate on making each other laugh. She doesn’t understand, or much appreciate, men in a general sense any more than I understand women in a general sense. But? We like each other a whole lot. She’s the little sister I never had and I’m the big brother who wasn’t a scum bag who spent most of his adult life in prison (Her expression.).
Generalities seldom apply to humans.
Trusting that Zooey is feeling better, Lass gets a ride home, Ebb continues to remain her inscrutable self, gummitch is able to adapt to cultural discombobulation and hoodathunk retains his astuteness, I bid you all a good eve.
The sale of my house progresses, I have an appointment to rent a dance studio tomorrow that I will turn into who knows what, and I love you all.
Cheerfulness!
Raven,
Most of my neighbors are of Hispanic descent and were at work on the 5th. Today was a big celebration, complete with a lot of music I didn’t like, so rather than sitting around cranking up my stereo to drown it out, I joined in for the food and beer. A very good time was had by all. (NOTE: Today was the first day this spring we passed 70 degrees and that added to the festivities.)
Independent and interdependent ~
Hey pete… it just dawned on me that Cinco de Mayo has passed me by.
Strange, living in New Mexico…
It is odd, being so quiet here in town this weekend. Usually there is a lot of thumping music, fireworks and screeching tires.
I did notice a lot of cops, flashing lights and cars pulled over on Friday night…
That is beautiful Ebb, thank you.
A keeper.
That which makes us unique draws us together. That which makes us alike drives us apart. We humans are really weird critters.