Shuttle Launch

Last Monday, I had the opportunity to watch the Space Shuttle Discovery takeoff from the Kennedy Space Center, with my son and father-in-law. It was a special treat. Words cannot describe the thunder of the rockets, a sound that can be heard from as far away as Orlando. From just a few miles, it was like being pushed back by a wall of sound. Amazing.

Discovery lifted off at6:21 AM and created an artificial sunrise. Unfortunately this is one of the last times we'll see this sight and hear the tremendous sound, because come October, the shuttle program will be history.

As a fifth grader, I watched the first shuttle, Columbia, launch and return to earth. Back then it was a nationwide event. Twenty nine years have passed since that time and the launches have become routine. People regard the shuttle as little more than a truck service into outer space.

It's unfortunate the program is ending with nothing to replace it. There was a similar lull after the Apollo program ended in the 1970s. Like that lull, I hope this one is temporary and more exciting things are yet to come.

Top 10 Signs You Might Be a Car Nut

David Letterman's ratings took a beating last week when Jay Leno has bullied his way back into the late night battle. So in Dave's honor, I thought I'd come up with my own Top 10--Signs You Might Be a Car Nut:

10. When your doctor asks your blood type you reply, "30 weight non-synthetic".
9. You name one of your kids Porsche.
8. You have owned more than one car a year.
7. You suffered through the winter driving a convertible with a missing back window and no heat because you thought spring was just around the corner.
6. You can quote whole passages of you car's Chilton or Haynes shop manual from memory.
5. The sound of a V8 or V12 does the same thing to you as Viagra.
4. You are annoyed with the pretty girls at the auto show because they are blocking the view.
3. You know the differences between a Series I and Series II Jaguar E-Type because they are so obvious.
2. If you weren't married you would have a garage with a house attached, instead of the other way around.
1. You own or want a t-shirt that says, "I am the Stig."

Miata Mania

Yesterday was the first day above fifty degrees in three months. As a result, Miatas were out in full force.

I've never been a huge fan of Miatas, but this year they really appeal to me. In the spring, I get an itch to buy a convertible, like an old MGB. But there's a lot to be said for the Miata, which is a modern interpretation. And unlike the MG, the Miata is dead reliable and cheaper to own. You can find a good used one for less than five grand--about half the price of a nice MG.