The space shuttle Discovery is trying to tell everybody that it wants to retire now, not after one more flight. We’ve been following the saga of the final launch (HERE and HERE) and the shuttle’s resistance to soaring one more time to the space station. It’s latest planned liftoff was two weeks ago, but had to be postponed several times because of the weather. Then last week a hydrogen gas leak near the fuel tank was discovered along with some cracks in the insulation nearby, setting the launch back until the end of this month while they get repaired on-site.
Now comes word that still more cracks have been found in that same area that surrounds a pod that contains electronic equipment. More work = more time needed to get the creaky old gal ready. This next launch “window” is open from November 30 until about December 5. If they don’t make that, the next opportunity doesn’t arrive until February.
You know, I think that if I was one of those astronauts watching these last-minute obstacles parade by, I would start getting a little edgy about going through with this adventure. How about you?
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From the Good News side of the information highway comes word that one of the East’s favorite beers is making a comeback…maybe. The geezers around the greater New York area fondly remember Rheingold Beer and their popular, annual Miss Rheingold contest. First brewed in 1883, the Brooklyn brewery became the solid favorite of the workingman due to its low selling price and good flavor. But when the “dirty water” brews of the national brands swept through in the late 1970′s, putting scores of local breweries out of business, Rheingold turned off the kettles in 1976.
Chug-a-Mug
About ten years ago, one of the family heirs started a small operation in NYC brewing Rheingold once again using the same recipe. Five years ago a niche holding company, Drinks America of Wilton, Connecticut, purchased the brand and are now re-launching it in the home base area of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut. Their trial distribution plan was successful and now they are going to expand their sales base. Firegeezer hopes they get down here in my patch before too much longer because it was always one of my favorites. I especially remember with fondness the Rheingold Chug-a-Mug bottle. Ahhh… great stuff.
Ok, let’s cut out the daydreaming and get this equipment checked out. I’m going to get the coffee started.
