CBrajkovich Ramblings

http://youtu.be/RMINSD7MmT4

This video created a fervor in the imagination of millions of people back in 1969. We all remember those famous words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” We were in uncharted territories when we set foot onto a foreign surface, so far above the planet that we call home. For those of us who became fascinated with outer space from those initial interactions with NASA, Neil Armstrong was one of those who lit the way for our imagination to expand infinitely.

He’ll always be remembered for being the first to set foot onto the Moon’s surface. And he was part of the cadre of pilots who helped expand a space program that set this country and the world onto a path of curious exploration. One more piece of our history is now consigned to memory. He passed on to the starry skies on August 25th. And we will forever be thankful that he helped mankind grow exponentially since our first tentative steps through those stars. Thank you for the memories, Neil Armstrong. Rest in peace.

– video courtesy of NASA

p.s. Back in 2010, Neil Armstrong responded to a post by NPR’s Robert Krulwich to describe his thoughts on the moon mission by NASA. This is the kind of letter that unveils the difficulties of every mission that space agencies everywhere face in going to an unknown planetary body.  We assume these missions are so straightforward, but don’t realize the amount of dedication they require from all those involved on each mission. It’s the ultimate in collaboration in order to reach a new horizon – a coordinated effort that stands in sharp contrast to our earliest explorers who just struck out towards the unknown. This is how far science has brought us, and why these pioneers want us to keep moving forward as they did.

(thanks Boing Boing for this last direct connection to a hero for all generations.)

We see this happen way too often with dolphins and whales. This time it happened in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil (back in March 2012), but it had a happier ending because a group of tourists and beach-goers sprang into action to save this trapped pod of frightened dolphins who clearly didn’t see the danger until it was too late. We’ve seen a lot of sad episodes where there was no one to rescue these gorgeous creatures, but thankfully here’s one that shows that mankind really can have a big heart.

This remarkable rescue was taken by Gerd Traue, who told the story to CNN. Honestly, this is what the circle of life is really about. But to respect this circle, we need to understand how we fit into it amongst all of the other living creatures on this living planet. We are all in a symbiotic relationship. So, if you want to know more, then go visit your local aquarium, zoologist, or any other scientist who can teach you about the delicacy of life on Earth. I recently visited the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, CA, and it reminded me of the responsibility that we all have to learn how to co-exist with our fellow companions on this blue marble we all call home.

– thanks Dad for pointing me to this story with a happy ending <3

Thought for the day: Is this how you pick the special people in your life? Because it’s a pretty great way to think of it. Lately (it’s been a long lately), I’ve been one of those mixed-up souls. Not in the sense that I don’t know what I want. But in the sense that I (like everyone else on this planet) am trying to figure out the best way to unraveling the morass of my soul.

It’s easy to shuffle those hard-to-approach problems in our lives into the dustiest of corners, hoping that they’ll magically fix themselves so that your sanity is saved. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you lay out the details of each problem, the solution is not as transparent as you’d hope. Or maybe it’s that it’s so transparent that it’s slipped your attention. Whichever way it falls, look at this little note and know that there are indeed people who fit this description of understanding. It’ll help when you look at your path going forward and see one too many branches in the road.

– thanks Piccsy for this reminder

Norway looks like a dream. I’ve heard so many good things about the country, and now that I’ve seen some photos, I’m in love. I’ve always been fascinated with stories about the Vikings, and wondered what their homeland would look like. After seeing this image, I want to visit there (maybe even move there, though it’s unlikely). What do you think? If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Of course, if you like to travel, then where would you want your home base to be? Considering how beautiful Earth is, there’s so many amazing things to experience that it would be hard to choose just one.

– thanks for the inspiration, Reddit

Nature has some magic to offer us, and Reddit shared it. This gorgeous Wisteria tree in Japan is just one of many that can be visited during the early part of the year (ends in May). The cascading blossoms look like curtains in delicate shades of purple, pink, and white, providing us with a sense of mystery as to what can be seen through the delicate branches. You can almost imagine something magical dancing amongst the snowy petals, tempting us to hear stories of wonder. Take a look and see the magic for yourself: