Wednesday 19 December 2007

Σαν Σήμερα


35 years ago today, the crew of Apollo 17 returned to Earth. The last trip to the Moon ended. We've never been back since.

However, George Bush (or someone like that) announced plans to colonise it, so we can look forward to being able to live there soon. Admittedly there's not much there. It's not even got a Post Office. Still, there would be some plus points about life on the Moon:

  • No Post Office
  • Less Weight - With a lower gravity, you weigh less, and can leap around a lot more without any effort. This means that ceilings will have to be higher, at least for those of us who aren't dwarves.
  • No Weather - I know that not everyone would agree, but I think it would be an improvement. Brits would of course still need to keep up with the weather back home in order to have something to talk about, but at least they wouldn't need satellite pictures.
  • No Atmosphere - Imagine really being able to shut out all noise. Also no need to worry about living near busy roads. Or pollution.
  • Nice View - See above. Star gazers will be able to see better, too.
  • First Steps - At some point, the human race has to look at moving off the Earth, and ultimately out of the Solar System. Preferably before the sun dies. In all probability we'll have died out first, but moving to the Moon would be a small step in the right direction for mankind.
  • Moon Light - Again, I might be in a minority here, but I think it would be great if people on the Earth could see the artificial lights of human civilisation on the moon.
Give me an internet connection and a plentiful supply of green beans, and I'll happily move there tomorrow. Oh, and I'll want to be able to shop, which will initially involve buying everything online. Which means they'll need to build a Post Office there...

On second thoughts, maybe I'll stay where I am.

Picture: This was taken on Christmas Eve, 1968 by Apollo 8, which orbited the moon.

17 comments:

Jean Knee said...

did you just call Bee a dwarf? now that's cold

Bee said...

I WOULD LOVE TO LEAP AROUND!!
Oh man I'm excited now...

Wait... did you just call me a dwarf?? I prefer mini-person please and thank you!

I don't know if I could move up there though cuz I'm afraid of heights.

Bee said...

Off the subject, I can't wait for the Holidays to be over!
More bad news on the Bee front, my MIL called to ask if the one person on this earth who I can't stand (my archnemisis) can attend MY family Chrsitmas Eve party!!! My SIL said it was okay... Holidays are about spending it with people you love right? Not those you despise?
Just checking.
Sorry I'm using your blog for my pity parade Brian but I can't do it on mine... ;o)

Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

It depends whether she'd need the ceilings raised or not.

Heels and leaping would be a bad combination...

Bee:

Vertigo:

It's only 20,000 miles "up"...

Happy Holidays:

As far as I can tell, "holidays" like this involve a certain amount of time spent with people you normally spend the year avoiding...

Bee said...

Holidays:
Andy said it was only for a few hours and I should deal, which I will, but I think this will be the last year we combine the 2 families for Christmas Eve.
I usually go to my in-laws on Christmas Day and my FIL has already expressed oh so nicely how much he hates the chaos and having to deal with people he doesn't know.

For New Year's, I'm gonna bake a ham for my family that live within 1 mile of me and relax in the comfort of those who judge me only occasionally! ;o)

Jean Knee said...

not to brag but, my FIL is dead.
am I repeating myself here?



They ought to just send the criminals to the moon and toss them out to fend for themselves like they do in Mexican prisons.
with crime growing as rapidly as it is (just look at my rap sheet) the earth would soon have a manageable population, and we'd have a place to send toxic waste.

I'm sure it would deterr crime once the crooks catch on

Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

I'm not generally convinced about deterrents, since even the most severe penalties don't seem to stop people offending.

They did this transportation lark before, and ended up with Australia - a country where people work less hours and have a good standard of living...

Do you think you should be sent there?

Brian o vretanos said...

The moon, I mean. Not Australia.

Brian o vretanos said...

I don't think deterrents cut crime, but detergents cut grime.

Bee said...

Grimey Criminal:
HA HA HA!

I'd move to Autralia. Maybe I'll do a fund raiser so I can move there now. Or Hawaii. Yeah, forget Autralia.

Brian o vretanos said...

Bee:

Do you think there are enough people willing to pay to get you to move there ;-)

Jean Knee said...

I love Austraila. yes I had forgotten how Australia was the dumping ground for criminals, founded on criminal minds etc.

Drew has the most delightful Australian clients. I actually like client dinners when they come.


no way I should go to the moon. my offenses are all very minor,
especially if I forget deodorant

Bee said...

I don't know but it might make for a good post! :o)

Bee said...

HEY!! Can I send my archnemisis to the moon?? Or Australia?? But not Hawaii...

Jean Knee said...

to the moon alice!

Jean Knee said...

it's 11:00 he should be home from the disco bt now

Anonymous said...

Yeah, of course, 35 years ago Apollo 17 came back to earth, and the wife of Father Christmas gave birth to a healthy boy, hahahaha, very funny but outdated!!