Getting bigger...

So far so good. The images from the latest ultrasound revealed a much more recognizable smudge. In 8-10 days we should get the results from todays' CVS procedure. It will hopefully eliminate nearly all serious genetic defects. We will also then know what gender astronaut we are dealing with.

Application from Fetus Brody

Fetus Brody has contacted me telepathically and advised of her/his intention to become an astronaut. I now clearly see my role in the worldwide struggle to prevent annihilation by asteroid: I must raise the destroyer of near earth objects. Other than the prenatal preparations already underway, I think this ASTRONAUT SCHOOL would be a good place to start. Anything less than my child saving humanity from an asteroid would mark my failure as a parent... not to mention all the negatives associated with humanity's demise.

John W. Backus, 82, Fortran Developer, Dies

An interesting obituary in the Times.

"Fortran changed the terms of communication between humans and computers, moving up a level to a language that was more comprehensible by humans. So Fortran, in computing vernacular, is considered the first successful higher-level language."

I like happening across people like this, although its too bad they usually have to die before folks like me notice them. Its encouraging to be able to trace the outrageous growth and expansion of technology back to mortals.

Crazy Radar

Whats that blip on the radar screen... container ship? Super tanker? No, its much, much bigger. So big that by the time our courses intersect this voyage will never be the same.