As I'm sure many are now aware, the Return to Flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery had a mishap during launch earlier this week. A piece of insulating foam (not unlike the one that caused the accident that stopped all NASA shuttle launches) again tore off during flight. Fortunately, however, it happened at a time and place during the launch that resulted in the foam floating off to the side of the shuttle, causing no damage.

Here's the official statement.

My thought is this: What did they expect? They're using ships and technology that is about 30 years old, and has never been monitored in this way. I'm sure that the last two launches weren't the last time debris has fallen from the ship...we just have the technology to actually monitor it now. In the end, however, we have to maintain a bid on space. I am a big fan of the scientific research side of things, but this isn't the biggest reason to keep our fingers in the program. We will eventually use up the natural resources of this planet and if we are to have a bid on the first space=retrieved resources we will have to stay at the forefront of space exploration. I think it's time that we take a look at the SciFi world and start grabbing some ideas much as the way that the private sector has in the design ideas that came out during the X-Prize. Let's face it, we all were drooling when SpaceShipOne made it's winning flight.

I believe that it is time that NASA created it's own "kick-ass ride" like the ones in Armageddon...something state-of-the-art, that is more cost effective to launch, can withstand more dents and dings, and is more equipped to take the NASA of today into its visions of tomorrow.

Well it looks like I blogged too soon. Microsoft has put in its bid for earth with the MSN Virtual Earth (which I shall, from here on out, refer to MSEarth because we all know that is what they’re eventually shooting for).

Right away I can see that the two applications are shooting for somewhat different audiences. MSEarth uses a less resource intensive, lower-res program that runs in IE via a downloadable plug-in. Google Earth (Which I shall, from here on out, refer to GEarth for short). Runs in its own application window and requires a 3D card among other things to run affectively.

While MSEarth has its initial advantages and will appeal to a more general audience with less technical computers, GEarth is definitely pushing towards the high-tech side of the application. Lets face it, in a few years MSEarth will be a buggy, choppy, second-hand application while GEarth stays clean and on the leading edge of technology. It is unclear who will be putting in the final bid on Earth in the years to come, but it is apparent that Microsoft is losing strength from the monopoly it once was.

It is time for my final Adieu. As of 4:00pm this afternoon, I shall no long be calling myself a Customer Support Representative. It has been a great run, wonderful experience, and an overall near perfect stepping stone. I now step into new shoes as:
Mikey, Network Repair Specialist!

Why Mikey? Well, it just so happens that the position has set me up with some coworkers that have known me since grade school…some things die hard, and in their mind I will be Mikey forever.

I shall miss many things about my Customer Support days: frequent miss-directed conversations about politics, space, religion, and anything else to burn time on a slow day, helping the owner spend tons ‘o $$ on new toys (such as VoIP), and just the general feeling of acceptance of the staff I worked with.

I, however, look into my new position with intrigue, excitement, and hope. You understand the excitement and intrigue, but hope you ask? Well, one thing I have yet to accomplish is to obtain a position that has serious potential of longevity…that’s right, a career! As I move into the final stages of preparing my and Amanda’s wedding, as it is only 2mo off, I have found huge relief in the fact that I am now working a position that, needs be, could support the two of us. It also carries good benefits, allowing ease of mind for both of us on what we were going to do to get medical insurance.

As I stated just moments ago on a fellow coworker’s blog:

and as the clock clicks steadily closer to the hour at hand I must give a final farewell as a fellow coworker... It is not, however, a farewell as a friend and fellow inquisitive mind, so as Mike: Customer Support Representative must sail away, Mikey: Network Support Specialist is already here to take his spot.

I was sent a recent link from Jessi. This link talks about how a person was able to use Google Maps to get out of a ticket.

I started thinking of this same scenario 10 years from now...

...so I whipped out my pocket Google 3D imager (G3Di for short) and tapped into the WiFib (Wireless Fiber) network to bring up G.Earth3D. A view of the planet popped up in front of the imager for both myself, the cop, and the judge to see.

I stated the date, time, and location of the incident and G.Earth3D dove down into the planet zooming strait into the city until it was generating 1:20 replica of the intersection. We watched my car, identified by my ID digitally inscribed on the top of the car by G.P&P (People and Places), pull into the turn and then swerve abruptly as a car clearly breaking the speed limit whipped past in the other lane.

The judge immediately dismissed the charges and, without missing a beat, issued a fine to the driver of the speeding car using the digital ID above the driver's side of his vehicle and the speed of the vehicle, which was blinking right behind it. While at it, he also issued his passenger an NRH (no restraining harness) ticket which was clearly visible after the judge commanded that G.Earth3D zoom into a 3:1 perspective of the front shield of the other vehicle. As the passenger's ID was also digitally inscribed on the vehicle, the court clerk had no problem jotting down exactly who to send the ticket to.

As most of my readers (yeah, ok there's only like 2 of you, but I can pretend, right?) know me personally, I try to keep my blog updated with personal things, intertwined with some political, space, and intellectual topics.

Today I post on a more personal topic. As I'm sure you know, from previous posts, I work for a small ISP as a technical support rep. I enjoy my job, the people I work with, and the customers I serve, but I have always viewed this position as a stepping stone in my life. Well, I've just taken my next step. Two days ago, Friday afternoon, I got a call from a company I recently interviewed with. They offered me a position as a network repair tech. The position is M-F with a set schedule, and pays 2x my current hourly wage.

I am very excited for my new venture, but am humbled by the fact that the desk I'm currently sitting in as I write this post will soon no longer be my second home. It is difficult to envision a workday that doesn't involve seeing my current coworkers as to whom I've built, what I'd like to think is a great repor. I do, however, welcome the challenge of building that same repor with my new coworkers, some of which I have known for years and others who will be new faces to me.

One thing I do hope for with this new shift is that I find new time to post and maybe even dig up a few more people to comment to my babblings and random utterances.