Twenty Years

The Sombrero Galaxy - 28 million light years away

Hubble's best photographs are nothing short of amazing. Getting ready to celebrate it's 20th anniversary, the Hubble Telescope has given us a look at ourselves and our neighbors that few of us ever expected to see. The scientific successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, is scheduled to be launched no earlier than June 2014. Unfortunately, we won't be able to see that launch because it will take place in French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. The James Webb Telescope, like Hubble, has been created at the Goddard Space Flight Center, in Maryland. Goddard is one of many NASA Space Centers. The James Webb telescope will be able to see objects beyond what Hubble has captured. To see exactly what that is, click here. One more thing to add to the list of what knowledge we've gained from the space industry.

Spring (Training) is in the air

Spring Training in Viera

Fenway Park

Spring Training games at Space Coast Stadium are the best bang for the entertainment buck out there. Top photo: box seats for all 15 ST games at Space Coast Stadium = $270. Bottom photo: Fenway Park box seats one game: $200 ea. (note: Boston fans when they score a home run = priceless) Spring Training game tickets for the Washington Nationals are now on sale. You can see a game for as little as $6!!! For team schedule, stats, and other player info, visit their website. Tickets can be purchased online or at the stadium. We need to support Spring Training or they will find another location. And while they are here, the team does spend money!

A first

Parked flip flops by sand dune so I could walk the beach - like I always have - except when I came back, they were gone! They were old, worn, and not attractive. So why would anyone take them? In all my life, this is a first for me. Come on, folks!

Go Kelly

It's not GQ but it's still impressive...

Escape

Sunday, Jan 30 is National Escape Day. Drag yourself out of bed early enough and you can escape to the beach and see a miracle take place: the dawning of a new day in a place where others pay to come see. How lucky are we! And since you are going to witness such an awesome sight, why not do it at Coconut Point Park in Melbourne Beach? That way you can help clean up the beach from 8 a.m. to noon, with Keep Brevard Beautiful. A miracle AND a chance to prevent sea life from ingesting trash that gets swept out into the water with the tide - what better way to spend a Sunday morning than that!

Challenger - 25 years later

Something a parent should never have to do is watch their child die. Christa's parents and sister, Betsy, watch in horror.

Three days later, a candlelight vigil at the water's edge in Cocoa Beach. Weeks later, remains of the crew, recovered by the Coast Guard, prepare to travel to their respective final resting spots. May they rest in peace.

2-hour kayak tour

Brevard Zoo will hold a 2-hour tour of Manatee Cove, in Merritt Island, on Saturday, Jan 29. Time is 9-11 a.m.. You can use their kayak or yours. Cost is $30 for non-member, $25 for member - includes snack and water. Reservations required. Info: Brevard Zoo Examiner.

Space Coast Writers' Conference

Friday and Saturday, Jan 28-29, the Space Coast Writers' Conference will take place in Cocoa Beach. The conference is open to the public, so all those who have ever entertained the idea of writing, take note! Wannabe authors will get the chance to meet and pick the brains of published authors, agents, and editors. For more info, contact Joyce Henderson by clicking here or here. Anyone willing to work for me so I can go, let me know! Sitting on my balcony, overlooking the sea, letting my thoughts flow from my head to my laptop........... yeah, I could see it....

Challenger memories 25 years later

This is where my mind goes when I think about the Challenger explosion. For me, where it all began. On a small college campus in the 60's. The country's first college founded just to train teachers.

Within these halls were classrooms, all filled with people, mostly women, who wanted a career in education. Some of the buildings dated back to the early 1830's and there was a series of tunnels between buildings that had been part of the Underground Railroad. Very handy when the temperature dropped or the sky opened up.

One of the students in our graduating class was Sharon, "Please call me Christa", Corrigan. She was a commuter. She, like I, majored in secondary education and so we shared many classes over the years. When she was selected to be the first teacher in space, I, like everyone in the class, was both surprised and proud.
Over the course of time, those of us who were teaching were given the opportunity for our classrooms to participate in the lessons she would be teaching from space.

On January 28, 1986, my students and I stood outside watching the launch, waving American flags.

Adults who have watched launches knew immediately that something had gone wrong. What to say to the children was the hard part. My thoughts went immediately to her husband and children, who were watching from Kennedy Space Center.

Today, Framingham State College houses the Christa McAuliffe Center for Education.This Center offers professional development for teachers, corporate team-building seminars, and Christa's dream - a hands-on science center for middle school students where they participate in a mock Voyage to Mars. It is just the way she'd like to be remembered.

Bridal show Sunday

Sunday, Jan. 30, the Crowne Plaza Oceanfront will host Meet Me at the Altar, a bridal show. Vendors, a fashion show, and door prizes will, of course, be included. The time is 1-4 p.m. and those planning a wedding should not miss this event! For details.....click here.

No new drilling

Time to contact your congressmen and tell them to support House Bill #261 - NO NEW DRILLING. The Space Coast is losing one major tourist attraction - shuttle launches, we can't afford to lose another. See what Surfrider is doing and chick here to find out WHO you should be contacting!

Tis the season

Whoever said Florida doesn't have seasons didn't know what they were talking about. Our January and February are the Midwest's spring tornado season. Watch the weather tonight! From 2-4 a.m. the Space Coast has a excellent chance of a tornado. The above photo was taken by Lake Okeechobee in January, 1991. Next week marks the 3rd anniversary of the tornadoes that struck the middle of the state in 2007, killing 19 people. Statistically speaking, just in the period from 1950 - 1995, Florida ranked #4 in the country for tornado frequency, with 2,104 recorded tornadoes. 85 deaths and 2,631 injuries were also recorded. So check the weather before going to sleep tonight!

Valentine's Day Brunch

Looking for something different to do for Valentine's Day this year? Brevard Zoo is hosting a Valentine's Day Brunch with a spectacular menu and free admission to the zoo for the afternoon. The date is Sunday, Feb 13 and the event usually sells out. For details and menu, read the Brevard Zoo Examiner article. 

Beach clean-up for the brave

Keep Brevard Beautiful is holding a beach clean-up Sunday morning from 8 a.m. to noon. With temps predicted to be in the low 30's, volunteers are advised to dress appropriately (do we even own gloves?). Location is Seagull Beach, on A1A, just south of Pineda Cswy, across from 1st Street, just south of Days Inn in Satellite Beach.

Final shuttle launch

Space Shirts is a locally-owned shop that has existed by selling space program memorabilia; T-shirts, hats, and lots of other good stuff. Now available, for the final shuttle launch of Discovery, are t-shirts, golf shirts, patches, and puzzles. Located in Merritt Island, check them out and support local!

Unique auction

Whether you are seeking rare, exotic pieces of furniture, or just unusual conversation pieces to accent your home - you need to go to this auction.

The auction takes place for three days, Sat & Sunday Jan 22 & 23, starting at 1 p.m. and again on Monday at 6 p.m. Location: Melbourne Square Mall, entrance between Macy's and Dick's Sporting Goods. Just to give you an idea of what to expect.....they are advertising Oriental rugs, chandeliers, fountains, fireplaces, gazebos, statues, as well as full bedroom, living room and dining room sets.

Antique show

There will be an antique show/sale at Melbourne Auditorium, on Hibiscus, this week-end. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 admission.

Kayaking opportunity

The Brevard Zoo is offering a 4-hour kayak tour of the Sebastian River on Saturday, Jan. 22. The zoo has kayaks for those without, or bring your own for a reduced fee. Contact the zoo for cost and times. For a closer look at some of the zoo-guided kayak tours, check out the Examiner articles on Samson Island, Haulover Canal, and Manatee Cove. For those looking for the ultimate in peace and tranquility, kayaking is just what you're looking for.

Whale watching

Recently in the news: a right whale, one of only 350 that remain, became entangled in fishing line off the coast of Cape Canaveral. Rescue efforts have been able to remove some of the line by sedating the endangered giant. Because our waters are part of a critical habitat zone, a network of spotters has been assembled so ships can be alerted. While navigating the waters off the Space Coast, boaters are asked to report any whale sightings to the Marine Council hotline at 888-979-4253.

Time to move

While everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the 2-year moratorium was placed on oil drilling, no-one gave a thought to what happens after the two years are up. For those who place blind trust in the government and rely on Washington to 'do the right thing' - wake up and smell the sea water! Last week the 'President's Oil Spill Commission' (whose job it was to study why Deepwater Horizon exploded and what could be done to prevent another oil spill...) released it's report. No surprise to those without blinders that both the oil industry and the government are to blame. All fine and good, but what do we do to prepare for the day two years from now when the subject of drilling near Florida shores comes up for debate again?

Enter Save our Seas, Beaches, and Shores, Inc. - a citizen's group that believes the decision on whether or not to allow drilling near our shores should be made by the citizens of Florida. They are fighting to  place an amendment to the Florida Constitution that permanently bans drilling for oil close to our shores on the ballot for our next election. Unless the scenario in the above photo amuses you, please take a moment to look at what this group is doing. There is a downloadable petition form available on the web site. Please don't turn your back on this; the Space Coast's greatest draw is our beaches. We need to protect ourselves.

Tastes like chicken?

Looking for something completely out there to do this week-end? Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival is happening and you are invited. For directions, menu, live entertainment schedule, etc - Space Coast Events Examiner.

King's work ethic

As we celebrate Martin Luther King's birthday, let us recall the speech he is most well known for: "I have a dream". His dream was for freedom and equality. There was never a mention of separation, free rides, or favoritism - just equal rights. If he had lived, would he re-think his dream?  King had no free rides. He skipped ninth grade and, because of his college entrance exam scores in his junior year of high school, skipped his last year of high school and went directly to Morehouse College on a scholarship he'd earned. He was 15 when he started college. No-one handed that man anything.

Beach Clean-up

Keep Brevard Beautiful is holding a beach clean-up at Pelican Beach Park (Mark) in Satellite Beach, on Sunday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. - noon. Please come help. Temps are going to be mid 70's - GREAT beach day finally!

National Pet Adoption Week-end

 Ghandi said it best: "The true character of a nation can best be described by how it treats it's animals."

This may be National Pet Adoption Week-end but every day should be the same. Brevard Animal Shelters are sponsoring a low-cost spay-neuter program for just $20 per cat for those earning less than $15K/year. For every dog that is euthanized, three cats are. 3-4 million dogs are euthanized yearly, so that means 9 million unwanted cats are euthanized - a fate much preferable than that which they are dealt in China. Do your part- adopt a rescued animal and have your pets fixed. If Ghandi is correct, we are a nation of character, aren't we?

Obviously Floridians

Those visiting from Maine would be right at home today....

Dream On

The newest Disney cruise ship, Dream, can be seen in it's berth at Port Canaveral. It's maiden voyage to the Bahamas will be January 26. If you have tickets - lucky you! If not, maybe you can watch it navigate the channel by Jetty Park! Find out more in Space Coast Events Examiner.

Time to stand together

Plans are under way for a private group to build where Perkins used to be, on A1A in Satellite Beach, and create an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) which would mean no more beach access. If you agree that public land should NOT be sold to a private business that plans to limit/prevent beach access then NOW is the time to speak up. Let Surfrider tell you how you can help. Contact the Cocoa Beach chapter or the Sebastian Inlet chapter; just do something! If you don't want Space Coast beaches to resemble those beaches in South Florida where public access is hard to find, speak up!

Preseason Thunder @ Daytona

Tickets now on sale for the ultimate racing fan event at Daytona. The 3-day test of the new track surface will take place Jan 20-22. Besides being an inexpensive way to experience the speedway, fans can camp out for FREE (with a ticket to the 3-day event) on the infield. Autograph sessions, tours and numerous other events are planned for fans. Tickets are only $20, and are FREE if you scored a ticket to this year's 500. Also FREE for kids under 12. Details and schedule here.

Surfside Players & CATS!

The Surfside Players will be performing the highly-successful musical, CATS, Jan 14-30 at the Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach. The show can be seen Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.. Come support the Surfside Playhouse and see all the programs they have to offer. They are the only surfside community theatre on the Space Coast and they are LOCAL! Call 321-783-3127.

Extreme Makeover TV show

For those wanting to watch the work in progress, a shuttle will transport the curious to the site. Go to the Cocoa Landfill and look for signs. Park for free there (roll up the windows!) and grab shuttle. 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. Available until the bus leaves!

Today is National Man Watcher's Day

Another little-known holiday...another reason to love our beaches...

Poking fun at Capitol Hill

The King Center presents Capitol Steps, a parody of the song and dance that is our government. This show has been ongoing for 30 years and is endorsed by, often hired by, Capitol Hill, proving that even they laugh at themselves! 7 shows will be presented over a 6-day period, starting January 11th. Details at Space Coast Events Examiner.

Beach Clean-ups

Saturday - Jan 8 - 8-10 a.m. at Pelican Beach (Mark) in Satellite Beach. This is held monthly by one very caring individual: Judy de la Rosa. Go meet her and prepare to be impressed.

Sunday - Jan 9 - 8 a.m. to noon - Paradise Beach in Indian Harbor Beach. Held by Keep Brevard Beautiful.

Kayaking opportunity

Sat., January 8 & again January 22, the Brevard Zoo will offer an Outdoor Kayaking Adventure on the Sebastian River, in Sebastian. Cost includes lunch, snack & water. The 4-hour trip will be guided by a Zoo naturalist. Open to those ages 8 & up, children 8-12 must ride with an adult and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult going on tour. Option to bring your own kayak - affects cost. For more info or to register: 321-254-9453 Ex 219 OR edregistrar@brevardzoo.org. For more kayak opportunities, visit the Brevard Zoo Examiner articles on kayaking.

The eyes have it

January is National Eye Health Month. Having experienced multiple eye surgeries in 2010, this writer can safely say - they stink. Those who spend a lot of time by the water should look up "Pterygiums" and get an eye exam. Ask an experienced surfer. Ask a pro. Polarized sunglasses can prevent many eye problems.
Don't give up the water, just control the power of the sun reflected off it.