Posted by RAD at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)
July 30, 2005
IMAX: SPACE STATION
I saw Space Station at the IMAX twice. I’m apprehensive about purchasing IMAX
DVDs because they are short, rarely have good special features and are more
expensive than your average DVD.
But Space Station was a bargain at $14.95 USD and it is the coolest DVD ever.
I’m serious. It’s the most visually spectacular, awe-inspiring piece of work
I’ve seen in a long time. Media darling Tom Cruise narrates and it’s directed
and filmed by astronauts. No whiny overpaid actors ‘round here, ‘ceptin maybe in
the sound studio. Cruise’s voice is just the script-reading tour guide. He does
a good job. I wonder if he likes space flight?
The film alone is wonderful, a story about the orbiting laboratory. Earth orbit
is the perfect place for IMAX footage to be filmed. Of course it has been
modified to fit the television screen, ruining the truest glories of the IMAX
format but it don’t matter none. Even watching this DVD on the teeniest of
television screens is acceptable. The movie starts with an exciting CG virtual
reality ISS construction “doomsday scenario.”
Over 50 minutes of special features are what really round out the superb DVD.
The astronaut-guided audiovisual tours during Expedition 7 and STS-180 provide a
rare glimpse into missions and life on orbit. The still galleries were a treat
to look through. I foresee myself watching this DVD until it breaks down into
it’s natural elements.
DVD Release Date: July 19, 2005
Run Time: 47 minutes
DVD Features:
Available subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Commentary by director Toni Myers and astronaut Marsha Ivins
Featurette: Adventures in Space – The Process of Moviemaking Director/Astronaut
Two astronaut-guided audiovisual tours of the Expedition 7 and STS-180 space
stations
--
I also got the un-rated special edition DVD comedy by Trey Parker, Orgazmo. It
takes a wide variety to entertain me.
Posted by RAD at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)
ISS/Shuttle Complex
That's no sunspot near the right edge of the Sun. It is the International Space
Station Alpha (ISS) and the docked Space Shuttle Discovery.

Image Credit & Copyright: Anthony Ayiomamitis
Posted by RAD at 11:19 AM | Comments (1)
mini-MOCR (Mission Operations Control Room)

mini-MOCR
It’s my kind of party! EVA 1 (Extra Vehicular Activity – , 1st STS-114 space
walk). 2 rookie space walkers, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Steve
Robinson.
I created a mini-MOCR this evening. It’s coming up on 3:39 am. The EVAs are just
starting. MELT and I are watching the mission in style.

After a nice 1:30am BBQ of spicy chicken and garlicky, peppery grilled zucchini
and homemade pico de gallo, we sat down at the consoles with EVA 1 mission
checklists, J-Track and J-Track 3D, a Java based realtime Earth orbiting
satellite viewer, Live NASA TV and background DVD programs about the history of
the space shuttle, just for visual flair.

"“There are just no words to describe how cool this is,” Robinson said while
riding the space station’s robotic arm. I’ll update radhole with EVA imagery
when I wake up…whenever I get to sleep….

IMAGE CREDIT: NASA TV

CREDIT: NASA TV
Follow the Return to Flight
Posted by RAD at 05:39 AM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2005
Unos, dos, tres, catorce
Last night, as I watched the Discovery wakeup call, I was delightfully amazed
that the crew was awakened by “Vertigo“ by U2 played for Pilot Jim “Vegas”
Kelly. Capcom Shannon Lucid said during the wakeup call that Vegas was recently
promoted to Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.
I’m sure the band members of U2 are honored to have their music beamed into
space. It was a nice surprise. U2 is the greatest band on Earth and now, in
space. Who can hate that U2? Impossible!
Wakeup Calls
Transcript of flight day 4 wakeup call
Posted by RAD at 09:35 AM | Comments (2)
Geeks Shall Prevail in the Afterlife
After work yesterday, I was magically pulled to CompUSA, where I purchased a
100-foot-long network cable and some blank CD-ROMs. Once I returned home, I
strung out the cable from my high-speed modem to my bedside. Now I have a ‘net
capable console at my nightstand and can watch NASA TV even while sleeping. This
is hardcore. Totally hardcore…
Posted by RAD at 08:55 AM | Comments (3)
A PSA BY THE DANCING NASA MAN

RIGHT CLICK AND 'Save Target As'
sup_nasa.avi (5 MB)
Posted by RAD at 01:00 AM | Comments (3)
July 28, 2005
DOCKED!
The Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station Alpha
today, the first time since STS-113 left in December 2002 that a shuttle has
docked with the station!

Discovery crew greets ISS Expedition 11 crew this morning. Image: NASA TV
Before docking, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot Jim "Vegas" Kelly
maneuvered Discovery through a back-flip, enabling the Station crew to
photograph Discovery's heat shield.

Discovery performs its “back-flip maneuver.” Image: NASA TV

Discovery from ISS Alpha. Image: NASA

A HI RES VERSION OF THIS PICTURE
Check out the Return to Flight Multimedia Galleries with awesome pictures and
video. I recommend the Ballistics Testing For Safer Flight video, showing how
foam traveling at 500 miles an hour can create a massive hole in the wing of the
shuttle. The Space Shuttle Pitch Maneuver (mentioned above) and WB-57 Chase
Plane Videos are also spectacular.

Discovery docked with ISS Alpha. Image: NASA TV
All systems on the shuttle/station complex are operating normal.
Posted by RAD at 07:34 PM | Comments (2)
debris event pictures
The next shuttle missions have been grounded because of these “debris events!”
Why? WHY!!?
All of this chaos isn’t deterring from the glory of the mission. It’s still a
sight to see.
MISSION STATUS REPORT #04
Debris event pictures (click for larger versions)

Posted by RAD at 11:17 AM | Comments (1)
July 27, 2005
NASA HOARDER

Russ hoards his NASA TV schedule
Posted by RAD at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
smack
The word of the day is smack
smack
[n, v, adj] slang for Heroin. A blow from a flat object (as an open hand).
Negative junk talk about a person.
Use smack in a sentence. Here are my contributions:
1.) That ninny was talkin’ smack about me all night long.
2.) I cannot understand how 2nd grader Johnny was hooked on the smack.
3.) Don’t make me smack that filthy smirk from your smug face Sammy!
4.) I’m cuckoo for smack.
Posted by RAD at 10:06 AM | Comments (2)
Discovery Launch
Bare with me people. My life is all about human space flight currently. I’ve
noticed my readership and/or comments have been severely lacking lately, well
before the Return to Flight. Is this stuff boring to you people? BAH!
I am adjusting my sleep patterns to coincide with Return to Flight, which marks
the beginning of our journeys of exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond. The
crew and orbital operations are on a different schedule than I am currently used
to. I watched the crew wake-up last night at 10:39 pm. They played Sonny and
Cher and clips from the movie Groundhog Day. Eileen Collins’ statement about
Return to Flight made the tears flow.
Eileen Collins' statement:
"On the evening of our first day in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery,
the STS-114 crew would like to send our thanks to the teams who've worked so
hard over the past two and a half years to return the fleet to orbit. Our thanks
go out to all the managers, the engineers, the technicians and everyone. Give
yourselves a pat on the back. This is work well done."
"As our crew looks back at our beautiful planet and then outwards toward the
unknown of space, we feel the importance, today more than any time, of space
exploration to all those who are living on Earth. Our flight is the next flight
of many in the human exploration of the universe."
"And finally, we reflect on the last shuttle mission, the great ship Columbia
and her crew -- Rick, Willie, Mike, K.C., Dave, Laurel and Ilan. We miss them,
and we are continuing their mission. God bless them tonight, and God bless their
families. Good night."
The NASA TV schedule is a great resource. I printed mine and highlighted the
interesting portions, which is pretty much all of it. Of course the times can
change, if problems develop, especially during the EVAs (space walks). The
Mission Status Briefings are interesting. Tomorrow Discovery docks with the
International Space Station Alpha…the first time a shuttle has docked with the
ISS since November 2002! Such a long time…
I don’t think the two launch "debris events” are going to be a problem. I am no
expert. Since this mission is the most photographed Space Shuttle mission ever,
there is bound to be some new data and imagery that could be called questionable
by the laymen. I think the media is blowing it all out of proportion. We’ll see
what the engineers discover after pouring over all of the data. Decisions about
the tiles and damage should be known by the end of the crew day tomorrow.
BUZZ WORDS I have noticed so far during the mission: Hot Mic and glare shield.

Image Credit: NASA
HI RES VERSION OF THE PHOTO
Posted by RAD at 09:30 AM | Comments (3)
July 26, 2005
Let the digi flow!

A nighttime panorama of early morning launch day at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Image Credit: Chris Chamberland/KSC ) HIGH RES VERSION.
There will be a flood of cool images with the flight of STS-114 mission.
Posted by RAD at 08:38 PM | Comments (0)
NASA TV
Watch the space shuttle launch online at NASA TV
The Return to Flight space shuttle mission STS-114 of Discovery launches today.
It’s been almost 2 and ½ years and I’m eager to follow the missions again. I’m
even more excited for the digi, as this will be the most photographed shuttle
mission ever.
I have followed each shuttle mission for as long as I can remember. I read up on
the missions and the crews. I feel like I know them all. I’ve participated in
launch parties and stare in marvel, watching great technological achievements
each and every time. One of my goals is to make it to Florida to witness a
launch firsthand. I need to do it before the program is finished by 2010.

I clearly remember when I was in 4th grade, 1986, when Challenger exploded at
liftoff. And then on Saturday February 1, 2003, when Columbia disintegrated
during reentry … I wept when I found out. It was a horrible event and showed the
dangers and risks involved with human space flight.
With this launch of STS-114 to the International Space Station Alpha, the hopes
and dreams of all humankind are lifted to that extraordinary place that very few
have gone. With the launch of STS-114, we all will be one step closer to
returning to the Moon and putting human footsteps on Mars. Let’s hope all goes
well. Finally, after all this time, it’s time to relight the candle. Exciting
times.
Watch the space shuttle launch online at NASA TV
Posted by RAD at 05:50 AM | Comments (1)
July 25, 2005
DISCOVERY GO
GO!

Image: NASA/KSC
CLICK FOR A HI RES VERSION OF THIS PIC!
Posted by RAD at 07:06 PM | Comments (0)
faceless enigma
I find that I often wish to roam the Earth as a faceless enigma, like Bruce
Banner, the Incredible Hulk. There are a lot of things that people know about
me. My “life” is an open book, broadcast and published to the internety world
wide web like a daily newspaper. Of course I keep a lot about my life secret,
for me and my friends and family, as I’m a deeply private person.
faceless enigma
By RAD
pink, orange and red sky in the east
spectacular sunrise
a new day
I awake with nature
a child of the sun
the stars sleep with daylight
I’m a youngster
in the presence of celestial Gods
Sleep ends to soon
as my dreams were rudely interrupted by the shrill
the bastard shrill
of the alarm clock
because time controls our lives
Must put on a beam
and greet this day
like all others
with fake smiles
and lonesome conversations
with myself
and those who could really care less
about me
a faceless enigma
who tries to hard
to please the hordes
and not myself
to greet this day
with humor and wit
to please the hordes
and not myself
my dreams were rudely interrupted by the shrill
because time controls our lives
without humor and wit
time controls our lives
and we run out of it
sunset comes soon
warming daylight ends
time creeps ever forward
stamping out the chance
to solve the faceless enigma
Das Ende
Posted by RAD at 09:56 AM | Comments (1)
Superman Returns Logo

The final colorized version of the Superman Returns logo.
Posted by RAD at 08:56 AM | Comments (1)
July 24, 2005
Kennedy at Rice University
"Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it, and the moon and the planets
are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as
we set sail we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and
greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked." -- John F. Kennedy, address
at Rice University on the Nation's Space Effort, Houston, Texas, September 12,
1962
The countdown has started. Discovery set to launch Tuesday July 26 at 08:39 am
MST. Will this finally be the return to flight?

Posted by RAD at 12:36 AM | Comments (3)
July 22, 2005
Well Wishes
Happy Birthday Dad.
Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary Eric and Stacie!
Posted by RAD at 06:15 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2005
Biscuits and Gravy Society
Biscuits and gravy: the finest grub ever invented by modern man. I am the
founder and President of The B&G Society, a vagabond group of people who search
the world over for the holiest of holies: the bestest plate of biscuits and
gravy ever! We elite at the B&G Society are ever searching, always seeking, the
holy grail of biscuits and gravy.
My fascination with this wholesome treat started in my teen years. I first made
biscuits and gravy on Sunday, December 1, 1991. I remember it like it was
yesterday. I was 16 at the time and whipped up a hefty batch with best friend
MELT. The culinary delight had ground turkey white gravy and was GOOD!
Here at the radhole HQ, we have shared countless plates of biscuits and gravy
together over the years.
The search still continues to this day.
I pride myself on taking the quest so very seriously. I know that the finest
plate of biscuits and gravy is out there somewhere. Some say B&G is deadly and I
laugh! I consider it like the Japanese delicacy, fugu! The hunt for B&G takes
determination, foresight and leaves no room for bashfulness. It’s a rough road.
Don’t be afraid to photograph your biscuits and gravy. You shall not be
persecuted.
While on the travels, one never knows when one will hit a B&G jackpot. Truck
stops, family owned restrents or street vendors usually sell the grub B&G.
Undoubtedly, while on the road, there is a painful twinge in the back of your
brain, a hankering for a mess of fluffy, mongo buttermilk biscuits slathered in
peppery, white country sausage gravy. Few can fight the urge.

In the constant search for biscuity goodness, the quest has taken me to various
locations upon this great American land: Kentucky, Alabama, Kansas, Iowa,
Minnesota, California, Delaware, New York, Washington DC, Georgia, Tennessee,
Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Utah and Colorado.
I’ve searched and searched for the ideal biscuity knowledge. The one true
source! But nothing compares to the righteous and stout recipe by GrandPappie
Bailey. I was weaned on his freshly split buttery enchantment. I used to watch
him craft breakfast. He was a cook in the World War II. He taught me to cook.
Them biscuits are legendary! Them breakfasts am hearty. I salivate.
Old GrandPappie Bailey perfected his blissful recipe when he was four years old
back in Saratoga Township, Pratt County, Kansas in 1925! Forget Bisquick!
GrandPappie make his exquisite biscuits from scratch and they’ll make you rise
on up and proclaim with a hearty holler "GrandPappie Bailey’s biscuits make me
sing in jubilee!" Add those goodly biscuits to perfecto gravy sunshine, luscious
gravy or grubby gravy; all made from the drippings of the finest browned
breakfast sausage, and you’ve got yourself a mess of breakfast delight!
Biscuits and Gravy, a tradition in certain circles, is also a great ceremony.
There are times when B&G is made just for the sake of making it. It’s a treat
sitting down to a steaming plate of biscuits and gravy. Try it. They taste good
any time of year.
Besides homemade, the current best biscuits and gravy (2005) reside at Bauer's
Campus Café, 435 Poncha, Alamosa, CO 81101 (719) 589-4202. They are cheap and
delectable.
Russ Dale
Biscuits and Gravy Society
a biscuits and gravy picture gallery
THE B&G RAP by Russ Dale
Biscuits and Gravy Rap Lyrics:
TELEPHONE CONVERSATION

Yo. We hit the B&G jackpot dawg. We be sittin' down to a heapin' plate of
biscuits and gravy yo. Better dan da restrents. Come on over Shiz-Hole. It's
homemade from the drippings of the finest browned breakfast sausage. Uh huh.
Dats right. You's got a hankering for a mess of fluffy, mongo buttermilk
biscuits covered in peppery, white country sausage gravy? I'll sees you in ten
minutes dawg!
What up J-Hole? I's got a song fo you.
Forget your cereal. We got lardy goodness.
It's ethereal. Down right crudeness
Food stuffs. Release your cuffs.
No greasy bacon. Hey I ain't fakin' It's time to awaken!
No no no
No eggs neither
Take a breatha
We's gonna slather
or rather
tether, every otha, whilst enjoy this weather.
And together
Fill our bellies with anti jams and jellies. Inhale the smellies, no delis
fellies, feelin' wellies. Feliz Navadad!
Knees on sod, pray to God, not Zod, just nod, join the B&G vice squad. It's odd.
It's peppery. We play. Don't stray!
It's biscuity goodness. Call the press.
I see you drool. Welcome to school.
You's got hunger? You ain't getting' any younger!
The pains be stabbin'. Yo stomach you grabbin'
Soooooooooooo
(Chorus)
Grab a plate yo. It's feast time.
You's be filled with glee
At my blissful recipe.
It's Biscuits. Biscuits and gravy. (HAY-VE)
freshly split
buttery enchantment (buttery)
hearty contentment
Don't be lazy. Taste my gravy
I used that buttermilk? Smoother than silk!
And da steamin' pepper white gravy. Sweeeeeeet so very savory.
Can't forget the peppah. Freshly ground black peppah.
Pass the butter yo. Ain't in no mood for olio.
Damn straight yo. We go wit da flow.
Got the Jimmy Dean sausage. Brown breakfast sausage.
Yo it's spicy pork. Don't need no goddamn fork.
I know I be a smarty. This food am mighty hearty.
Hear that bell that ring? Join me and sing.
It's breakfast time. Come here my rhyme.
(Chorus)
It's feast time.
You's be filled with glee
At my blissful recipe.
It's Biscuits. Biscuits and gravy.
freshly split
buttery enchantment
hearty contentment
Don't be lazy. Taste my gravy
Taste like shit? Damn foo. You don't like it?
Well fuck you!
I slather I don't skimp. I'm the B&G pimp.
Posted by RAD at 10:40 PM | Comments (4)
July 20, 2005
Fiesta 30 '05
I don’t technically turn 30 until November 18, but a colossal birthday party is
in order sometime and it might as well be September 24. MELT turns 30 first.
MELT is the first of my high school buddies to hit the big Three-Oh! My sister
and I are the next. Maizy dropped out of the frolic.
Shout out to Debbie MC for the use of her house!

Fiesta 30 ‘05
30th Birthday Bash
Saturday September 24, 2005 @ 3pm
FIESTA 30 '05 FLYER Right Click and 'Save Target As'
COOKING CONTEST FLYER Right Click and 'Save Target As'
JUDGING FORMS FOR THE COOKING CONTEST! DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN THE
BENJAMIN?
DESSERT .PDF Right Click and 'Save Target As'
MAIN COURSE .PDF Right Click and 'Save Target As'
PICO, SAUCE, PICANTE, SALSA, QUESO, GREEN CHILI .PDF Right Click and 'Save
Target As'

A GALLERY OF FIESTA 30 '05 PICTURES!
MY NARRATIVE OF THE PARTY
230 pounds of ice. A mammoth variety of beer: 20 cases. Margaritas. Luminarias.
Many people. Karoke. Games and prizes. Piñatas (one with plastic liquor shooters
inside). Pin the Tail on the TelePuertoRican. Digital cameras. Candies and food.
Such goodly grubs and treats.
Fiesta 30 ’05 was a complete success. The 30th birthday party for MELT, my
sister and I is over. It was wild and pleasurable.
The Cook Off Extravaganza was especially wunderbar. Everyone took pride in the
foodie dishes that they prepared and entered into the contest. From green chili
pot pies to various green chili’s (spicy hot and hotter!) to Mexican meatloaf to
burritos to pico de gallo to salsas to desserts to the famous and freakishly
tasty Puerco Pibil (a traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork dish aka ‘kill the
cook pork’), everything was tasty. And with sassy and creative names like:
Mommasa Mexicana Meat Loafa Fabulosa, El Puerco Pibil, Salsa Corn Holy-o, Chile
Te jeno Relleno, El fuego de Gringo and Inferno Verde, one cannot go wrong. I
was so stuffed from tasting and judging everything.

It was Torin's "Inferno Verde" green chili stew that won the prize of $100 USD
cash. All of the entries were very good, and it was a chore to decide the
victor. Ultimately it was the numbers that dictated who would win. If J. Quirk
would have won for his Puerco Pibil, he would have been executed. We would have
done it quick and neat, allowing for an open casket.
Thanks to everyone who came and participated. I hope everyone had a good time.
Write comments about the party. Do it.
Posted by RAD at 10:39 PM | Comments (8)
RIP Mr. Scott
Actor James Doohan, dead at 85. Now that puts a major black mark on the day…
Rest in peace Scotty. May the engine room in the sky greet you with open arms.
Second star to the right Mr. Scott and straight on 'till morning.

Posted by RAD at 10:04 AM | Comments (3)
Sunrise in Denver
Here is a picture of sunrise in Denver this morning. It’s supposed to be 101° F
today. Near record high heat! Thank goodness for modern air conditioning.

Posted by RAD at 08:31 AM | Comments (1)
Apollo 11: 36 years
36 years ago today, on July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon.
It was the day that Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. took
humanities first steps on the Moon from the Lunar Module Eagle.

NASA
Posted by RAD at 07:42 AM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2005
My flickr Photo Page
My flickr Photo Page

More will be added of course.
Posted by RAD at 11:05 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2005
Hero: Chocolate Chong and Friends
Hero: Chocolate Chong and Friends

Quicktime Required.
Right click and 'Save Target As'
Chong_Web_l.mov (2004, M. Twardy) 30.6 MB
Posted by RAD at 07:21 PM | Comments (2)
Puppy Tongue©
Puppy Tongue©
a radhole film

RIGHT CLICK and ‘Save Target As.”
puppy_tongue_small.avi (2005) 8.87 MB
Posted by RAD at 01:18 PM | Comments (1)
ZEUS: a radhole film
ZEUS
a radhole film

starring Russell A. Dale
vocals by EJD White Lightning 1988
Quicktime required
RIGHT CLICK and ‘Save Target As.”
ZEUS.MOV (2005) 14.64 MB
More O mine films over at Medicine Films!
Posted by RAD at 12:07 AM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2005
jamming
I have been jamming to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Frankie Valli can
sing. ‘Nuff said.

To change the subject, I love the poem Howl by Allen Ginsberg. I have a spoken
word MP3 of Ginsberg performing the whole poem, although this is my favorite
part:
“who journeyed to Denver, who died in Denver, who came back to Denver & waited
in vain, who watched over Denver & brooded & loned in Denver and finally went
away to find out the Time, & now Denver is lonesome for her heroes,” -- From
Allen Ginsberg. Howl
Posted by RAD at 12:01 AM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2005
Zinger High

Posted by RAD at 01:33 PM | Comments (0)
The Blizzard -- a novel excerpt
Here is an excerpt from my novel The Legacy of the Calhoun called The Blizzard.
It’s a .pdf file and relates some tales of Elias Calhoun, the great-grandfather
of the main character. It’s still a rough edit, and there are places where I’ve
put notes to myself. Anyone interested please read it and give me feedback. I
want feedback. Give me feedback. Please. Feedback. Do it.
Posted by RAD at 01:31 PM | Comments (0)
radhole poor quality audio theatre
I’ve been talking about nothing but spacey related subjects as of late. As a
treat, I encoded some old skool radio snippets of mine, dating back 8-10 years,
to .MP3 format. The audio is poor quality, but it’s radio and fits nicely with
the ambience and the themes of the clips. I was a wee child.
radhole poor quality audio theatre
presents
90.9 KASF FM The Claw
Radio Shows from the Past
Starring Russell A. Dale as The Ambassador
(Right Click and ‘Save Target As’)
15 Disturbing Valentine's Day.mp3 (4.06 MB)
A monologue about Russ’ Elementary School Valentine’s Day horrors.
(Right Click and ‘Save Target As’)
04 Angelo Moby Gets Over.mp3 (11 MB)
DAY 11 audio of the Dale Florida driving family vacation of 1992. Mom goes crazy
when older brother Eric doesn’t pull over for lunch. CLASSIC!
Posted by RAD at 07:22 AM | Comments (1)
July 14, 2005
luv it
I love the RADHOLECAM.

Russ Dale, 29, of Denver, is a Return to Flight poster child
Posted by RAD at 07:22 PM | Comments (0)
N2O Queen
She is the Nitrous Queen. She can do anything!!!

photo by normsquatch
Posted by RAD at 11:58 AM | Comments (2)
Dear CMM²
Dear CMM²:
Are you still there? I miss talking with Candace and Chris. Are you going to any
midnight Harry Potter parties? Hope all is well. Take care.
-- Russ

Posted by RAD at 07:40 AM
July 13, 2005
Hunched Dreams

STS-114 SCRUBBED!
INFO HERE
I guarantee that NASA Administrator Michael Griffin will have a better
deportment during the next press conference. He was hunched during the entire
post-scrub press briefing. I found it unsettling. It made me shift in my seat.
Why was he all drooped like that? Hunchy. Shifty.

I’ll keep you up to date on Griffin’s posture during the upcoming mission.

Check out the NASA/KSC ACRONYM LIST.
Posted by RAD at 08:47 PM | Comments (3)
July 12, 2005
Comet Tempel 1
Comet Tempel 1 taken 67 seconds after Deep Impact's impactor spacecraft hit.

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UMD
More Deep Impact Mission Images.
Posted by RAD at 10:11 AM | Comments (0)
I wake up scared. I wake up strange.
Do you hold grudges? Yes you there! Are you a grudgemeister?
Are you the type of person who takes things so personally that it drives madness
into your mind and heart, blocking all reason and rational thought until past
life-pains burn a hole in your belly? Do you sit around your house all day
festering on aged slights that accrued long-ago by your friends? Have you been
so hurt that you forsake your friends? I have. On more than one occasion. It’s
not healthy. It’s also not easy to forgive.
People make mistakes in this world. Friends make mistakes. It’s part of being
human. The best part of friendship is that good friends stand tall above all
diversity. If at least one person believes in the friendship, then it cannot be
lost forever. If one wants to pass up something good and live a grudgemeister
life, then perhaps one was not worthy to be a friend in the first place.
The word of the day is forgive
forgive
[v] To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon. To renounce anger or resentment
against. To absolve from payment of (a debt, for example).
Use forgive in a sentence. Here are my contributions:
1.) I forgive grandpappy for dry-clicking his revolver at me.
2.) Can I forgive the grocer for getting rid of brick chili?
3.) “Forgive me! PLEASE! I BEG OF YOU!” he yelled from behind the bathroom
stall.
4.) I’m cuckoo for forgive.
Posted by RAD at 08:51 AM | Comments (4)
July 11, 2005
STS-114 Return to Flight
An aerial view of Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle
Discovery stands at the center, poised to take flight Wednesday July 13, 2005 at
1:51 p.m MDT. Shuttle mission STS-114. Docking with International Space Station
Alpha July 15 at 10:27 a.m. MDT. Undocking occurs July 23 at 7:23 am MDT.
Landing on July 25 at 9:01 a.m. MDT.

JSC2005-E-16172 NASA
Godspeed crew of Discovery. You are all heroes. Light the candle! Follow the
mission ON THE WEB.
Posted by RAD at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)
Bubba McLachlan
Could there be a more unattractive picture of Sarah McLachlan during her Live 8
performance in Philadelphia? Must her Bubba McLachlan image be broadcast on the
jumbo-tron? Her music has lost its appeal to me. I used to like Sarah’s music,
but her vocals are like fingernails on a chalkboard. I much prefer Tori Amos.

Bubba McLachlan is a spoof of Bubba Ho-Tep
Posted by RAD at 09:30 AM | Comments (4)
July 10, 2005
Hubble Spies Me
Here is a picture from the Hubble Space Telescope with the constellation of
Orion. Near Orion's belt is a fuzzy area known as the Great Nebula of Orion or
M42. In this nebula is a bright star cluster known as the Trapezium. I have
zoomed in on one particular area.
IT’S ME! I see a likeness of me in the nebula, with a woman sprouting out of my
head. Freakish.

Credit: J. Bally, D. Devine, & R. Sutherland, D. Johnson (CITA), HST, NASA and
R. Dale for enhancement.
Here’s the original picture.
Posted by RAD at 02:11 PM | Comments (1)
July 09, 2005
scumbag serial rapist gets 1,500 years
Remember the scumbag serial rapist terrorizing Denver? He got 1,500 years in
prison. That's a long time.
A Denver Post reporter received many letters and a 49-page journal from him
after his incarceration began in February. He said he wanted his writings to
raise awareness about how he came to be, to warn others how to intervene earlier
in the life of an abused child and to prevent others from becoming like him. A
very interesting read. Excerpts here.
Posted by RAD at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)
July 08, 2005
the sunrise life
There is something beautifully magical about driving towards the magnificent
blue, orange and red sunrise, the cool morning breeze flowing through the open
windows while listening to grand tunes and absorbing the exquisiteness of the
world around you. You look into the rear-view mirror, the majestic Rocky
Mountains begging you to come for a visit.
Those moments of clear thought and peace are enough to inspire even the harshest
of cynics. Those moments of absolute beauty are what we all live for, pushing
aside the pain and hurt in the world to amaze in the wonder and calm. I embrace
such moments, savoring their brief but wonderful times. In those moments, time
itself seems to stand still. There are no wars and terrorism and hatred. There
is only hope for the future.
The sunrise brings a new day, with new challenges and new adventures to be
experienced. The sunrise brings warmth to the cold and drowns out all the
shadows.
Posted by RAD at 12:09 PM | Comments (2)
radholecam
Russ sings, “I’ve got the high speed! And now I broadcast. No network censors. I
shake my fist at the Federal Communications Commission in defiance. FCC … … I
DEFY YOU!”
The radholecam can be found here on the radhole or independently HERE. With this
link, I can call it up on my phone! You can as well. Technology is great.
I am currently experimenting with bandwidth usage. Right now the camera is set
to update every 20 minutes. We’ll see how much that uses. Most likely I will
adjust the refresh rate, especially when I am home. There is no need to upload a
picture every minute if nobody is home right?
And no pervs, there will probably not be any hardcore Colorado dirt fuckin’
goin’ on live anytime soon!
Posted by RAD at 07:11 AM | Comments (4)
July 07, 2005
regrets
Do you have any regrets? Maybe something you’ve said or done to another person?
A path you’ve taken with your life? Anything? In the past I’ve tried not to
regret anything. I have very few regrets in my life, one of which is causing
pain and hurt with words, the worst in terms of causing pain. Those things I do
regret, I do so wholeheartedly.
Posted by RAD at 11:57 AM
high-speed
Today, if all goes well, I will be acquiring high-speed internet for my home
console. High speed should work splendidly from the new computer! Be wary
friends. I sense a great disturbance in the Force.
Posted by RAD at 07:53 AM | Comments (3)
July 06, 2005
fink
The word of the day is fink
fink
[n] Slang. A contemptible person. An informer. A hired strikebreaker.
Use fink in a sentence. Here are my contributions:
1.) He was just a lowly fink living a shady existence.
2.) “I want that fink dealt with! Permanently!”
3.) I’d much rather be called a strikebreaker than a fuckin’ fink.
4.) I’m cuckoo for fink.
Posted by RAD at 09:21 AM | Comments (2)
July 05, 2005
The Power of the Wasteland

Posted by RAD at 05:40 PM | Comments (2)
July 04, 2005
Witnessing Deep Impact
I couldn’t have spent my limited time any better during this holiday weekend.

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UMD
Of course, the bitterness has set in this morning as I sit resigned at work on
console, very tired after witnessing the comet Tempel 1 Deep Impact Mission late
last night at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It was very enjoyable.
There were approximately 600 people at the DMNS to witness the affair, the
scientifically minded Denverite social elite.

The probe impactor, a 820-pound copper “bullet” built by Ball Aerospace &
Technologies Corp in Boulder Colorado, was struck by Tempel 1 at 11:52 pm MST on
July 3, 2005. The impactor spacecraft was vaporized instantly. Comet Tempel 1,
at 4/ ½ miles wide and 83 million miles away from Earth, was traveling at 23,000
mph. The flyby spacecraft witnessed it all from about 5000 miles away. Lorna
Hess-Frey, the Flyby Structures & Mechanisms Lead for the Deep Impact mission,
gave a mission overview of the spacecraft.
The impact gave off energy equivalent to exploding almost 5 tons of dynamite.
Woo hoo it was spectacular. It was especially exciting when confirmation of
impact sent a cry of jubilee through the auditorium, mirrored by the images of
joyful scientists in mission control. Engineers assigned to the flyby spacecraft
wore blue shirts, while those who worked on the impactor wore red. The red,
white and blue shirt-clad mission control people made a fitting portrait for the
greatest 4th of July fireworks spectacular ever.
More than 150 professional astronomers were watching from more than 50
telescopes around the world including three Earth-orbiting NASA observatories.
One cannot forget the amateur astronomers who fixed their telescopes on the
heavens.
It was awesome when real time images were coming in, displayed live from NASA TV
on the big screen. I had the best seat in the house. It was almost as good as
being in mission control at the Jet Propulsion Labortory.

I need to go to more events at the museum, since I am a member. The space
shuttle return to flight mission, Discovery STS 114, is scheduled for launch on
July 13. I am seriously thinking about taking the day off to witness it in
similar fashion as Deep Impact. I’m hot for shuttle missions to resume.
GALLERY OF DEEP IMPACT MISSION IMAGES
Posted by RAD at 09:32 AM | Comments (3)
Holiday Weekend
On Saturday July 2, 2005, some Droogs and I took the Light Rail from Broadway
and I-25 to Invesco Field at Mile High after eating a nice Greek meal at Pete’s
Central 1, 300 South Pearl, Denver, CO 80209, 303-778-6675. I had delicious
gyros, salad and soup. Our mission: Attend the 2005 Major League Lacrosse Wild
West Showdown.

We were late for the game due to walking, dinner and a freight train that
stopped in front of the “Sports Walk.” We were all forced to climb between rail
cars, tanks of some dangerous ammonia compound. Real exciting stuff.

The game set a Major League Lacrosse attendance record with over 12,000 people
attending. The game went into sudden death overtime and the Young Guns beat the
Old School. There was a grand fireworks display after the game.

Some photos by J. Quirk
Posted by RAD at 09:26 AM | Comments (4)
July 03, 2005
fireworks

last night
Tonight is the Tempel 1 Comet event!
A narrative with pictures about the 4th of July weekend coming Monday.
Posted by RAD at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2005
man-manicure
On the spur of the moment yesterday, after leaving the grocery store with a bun
sammich and the liquor store with a 6er of oatmeal stout, I was drawn into the
nail salon where I found myself getting a manicure. Or as I call it: a
man-manicure. It must be the metrosexual in me taking control.
I have always bitten my nails. In an effort to quit, I haven’t done anything
with them and they grew longer and were out of control. I have no idea how to
groom them. I’ve always thought about getting a manicure and yesterday was the
day. It was my first experience with such things and by golly it was wonderful
yet very surreal. It only cost 10 bucks.
I could barley understand the Korean lady, but I managed to make her laugh. All
of the ladies in the salon, ranging from teenage girls to elderly woman, all
getting manicures and pedicures, were very nice and talkative to this fellow who
came in off the street. There was a television mounted on the wall with a talk
show about spousal abuse and disturbingly loud volume. Screaming kids were
running around in circles at the main entrance. I yapped about current events
and how I’m writing a novel. Everyone seemed to be enthralled with my every
word.
For all you men out there, THE PLACE to meet women is at the nail salon. Or book
stores. Or coffee shops. But who ever thought of nail salons? A very, very
attractive woman named JEN and I had a very first-class conversation as she was
getting a French manicure and pedicure. I got her number. I should call her.
Should I call her?
Ladies I have a question for you: Do you find it odd that men get manicures? Is
it a turn-off or a turn on? Are you indifferent by it all? Inquiring minds want
to know…tell me...
Since pink is "my colour," my manicure was finished off with three coats of a
glossy iridescent pink nail lacquer. NOT.
Posted by RAD at 08:42 AM | Comments (5)
July O Five
Is it July 2005 already? This year is cruising by fast. There are a little over
4 months until my 30th birthday. Jenkies. Christmas is soon. Zoiks.
I am finally truly entering the internet age. On Thursday July 7, I will be
getting high-speed internet at home. I have been using 56k dial-up all these
years and with the purchase of my new home PC, high-speed internet access is a
necessity. Using 56k dial-up taught me one thing: patience. With high-speed, I
can now easily swap files with my brother in Canada and anyone else who wants to
swap large files. Would you like to swap large files with me? I have tons and
tons of large files. I’m a media whore.
With the acquiring of high-speed net, I will be broadcasting the radholecam
24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If I am home, I can be seen
going about my daily life. Exciting yes? If I am not home, there will be nothing
to look at except the living room. But since I will be broadcasting all the
time, perhaps I’ll leave special things in view, like dirty dishes, piles of
laundry and/or secrets. haha
This weekend will be a busy one. Having to work on all holidays, my 4th of July
will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday. Lacrosse game at Invesco Field at
Mile High on Saturday, Deep Impact/Tempel 1 comet collision on Sunday and
Monday, the day of American independence, I shall find myself on console at
work.
Posted by RAD at 08:05 AM | Comments (0)