Loss
I wanted to sneak in here and get some bandwidth while I can over here to post a brief memorial for Neil Armstrong. I saw notice of his death in the news. This post, by necessity scheduled for later, will be late coming but no less heartfelt.
I for one mourn the loss of this American. I don’t have to regurgitate his biography; you all can do that yourselves, and honestly you ought to. I believe that someday, history will continue to mark July 20th, 1969 as a pivotal moment in the history not of the United States, but rather all of humanity. Mr. Armstrong was the first in what will become a long line of humans to walk on other worlds.
Longtime followers may recall a half-inebriated post or two of mine last year detailing my application – even at my age – to the Army Astronaut Program. All of the snark aside, I was entirely serious and willing to become an astronaut. In truth, I have since I was about four years old. In spite of the obstacles, I still would.
Men such as Neil Armstrong were and are the inspiration to me and many others. We should remember them well.
BrainRants 
August 26, 2012 at 07:52
Amen, brother.
August 26, 2012 at 08:35
Thanks, John
August 26, 2012 at 08:20
Well said . I don’t know about you(to do with age) but the guy was all over our textbooks.
August 26, 2012 at 08:36
Here as well. Yes, I’m old.
August 26, 2012 at 10:47
Definitely a great loss. He was a role model and hero.
August 26, 2012 at 11:01
For many of us.
August 26, 2012 at 10:48
I see him cruising around Mars on Curiosity like one of the Space Cowboys. 🙂
Maybe Space-X has spots for us still-aspiring astronauts? Me, I made a Freedom 7 capsule out of the box the new fridge came in.
August 26, 2012 at 11:02
I’m wondering about a post-Army stint at one of the private efforts.
August 26, 2012 at 12:15
Actually, the moon landings were made a pivotal part of history on a large Internet sci-fi work called Orion’s Arm. (www.orionsarm.com)
Their calendar starts at 0 A.T, for After Tranquility, and the start of each year (July 20, our calendar) is called Armstrong Day.
Let’s hope that our actual future follows suit – and not that Neil Armstrong’s death marked the beginning of the end for manned space exploration.
Godspeed, Neil.
August 26, 2012 at 12:24
Thanks, John!
August 26, 2012 at 14:28
On the next clear night with a full moon, I will make sure to walk outside thinking of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.
August 26, 2012 at 21:17
Awesome!
August 26, 2012 at 16:08
Definitely a great loss in the passing of Neil Armstrong… and your willingness speaks volumes… take care.
August 26, 2012 at 21:20
A bit past ‘willing’
August 27, 2012 at 21:15
well then, go get ’em tiger! 😀
August 28, 2012 at 01:10
Might just…
August 27, 2012 at 21:50
A quiet man – an explorer with the same courage and sense of adventure as those who sailed ancient ships to settle wild lands. Hopefully some spark will continue and let some follow in his path. Private companies will push onward. They must.
Nice post.
August 28, 2012 at 01:11
Agree completely.
August 28, 2012 at 08:37
the spacemen I know say one of the mainrequirements is mental toughness – you’re getting experience in that – so remember to write it on that Space X resume (I’ll be the one selling space chili cheese dogs and waving as you fly out)
September 1, 2012 at 14:33
Amen, Rants.
He proved even the wildest dreams could come true.
September 2, 2012 at 00:17
Yes they can, Guapo.