Through The Mist Darkly

Word comes that all spacewalks from the International Space Station have been curtailed due to problems with missing chemical canisters that remove deadly carbon dioxide from the life-support systems of their spacesuits and a potential problem with the handrails used to keep the spacewalkers from drifting off.

One has to wonder how you can misplace something as important as equipment necessary to the production of breathable air but the handrail issue is even more bizarre. Engineers back on Earth found that the handrails in their testing facility have shown abnormal degradation due to problems in the manufacturing process. However, they’re not sure if the handrails on the ISS have the same issue because they’ve LOST THE PAPERWORK!!. Now that’s just scary. One of the most complicated structures ever built is orbiting above our head and they’re having trouble with their filing system?

CNN story

UPDATE: Seems they conducted tests and the handrails are OK! (story) Still no word on the missing chemical cannisters.

Tags: Uncategorized by EyeNo
2 Comments »

After my last update regarding the dismantling of the Super Constellation that has lain neglected near Pearson Airport outside Toronto, I received a comment from Robert Bogash, Constellation Project Manager with the Museum Of Flight located in Seattle Washington.

Mr. Bogash took me to task for using the word “Scavengers” in my post title and passed along information regarding the museum’s long battle to secure the Connie, clean it up and move it to permanent display along with their other acquisitions which include the original Air Force One Boeing VC-137B, the 747 prototype and a Concorde. He is a dedicated volunteer and former Boeing employee and I apologized for suggesting that the aircraft was being torn apart or treated badly.

Bob maintains a website that is chronicling the project to restore CF-TGE.

The Museum Of Flight’s website has plenty to see and it looks like a worthwhile place to visit. I’m going to follow their progress closely and I would like nothing more than to be on hand when the Connie is unveiled.

Once again, I apologize to Robert Bogash and his associates and I wish them well in their endeavours.

Tags: Uncategorized by EyeNo
No Comments »

Bet you didn’t know I was an agent for CTU? Actually, thanks to Browncoat over at FARK for making this up for me. Love watching “24″ and following the discussion threads over at Fark after every episode.

Tags: Uncategorized by EyeNo
No Comments »

I’ve written before about the dismantling of the last Super Constellation left in Canada. Yesterday, I went to see how the work was progressing and I was saddened to see that the last thing left is the nose gear, standing forlorn in a muddy field near the Toronto airport.

Further investigation found that they had moved the fuselage and other assorted bits about 1/2 mile away.

Rumor has it that the Connie is destined to take a trip to the paint shop where she will once again bear the colours of Trans Canada Airlines. After that, who knows? The best guess is that she will be sent to Washington state for display but groups still are fighting to keep her in Canada.

I can’t bear to see what’s happening to this bird and I can only hope that she will finally find a permanent resting spot where she will be cared for and given the dignity she so richly deserves.

Tags: Uncategorized by EyeNo
3 Comments »

Hands up everyone who has tried to play a ukelele. Just as I thought. I’m willing to bet none of you made it sound as good as this guy does. Link to a video of him playing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Awesome!

Tags: Uncategorized by EyeNo
No Comments »

Here’s the problem.  You’ve heard all the buzz about Brokeback Mountain and you know you really should go and see it.  However, you’re a little uncomfortable with the subject matter.

The solution?  Watch the 30 second version performed by those talented bunnies.

The link. 

Tags: Uncategorized by EyeNo
1 Comment »