I once blogged about my obsession with NASA and the Space Shuttle. I talked about how our youngest son and I had chased a live launch for years and failed. Well, we finally got to see a live launch last week, even if it wasn’t a shuttle. It was a thrill and an exciting moment. But, it also added some perspective.
We watched the launch of an Atlas V rocket with a satellite as its payload. The Atlas V is our second biggest rocket today and it has about a quarter of the thrust of the shuttle. That isn’t a comment on today’s space program which is as exciting as ever. Rather it is another comment from me on just how amazing the shuttle was.
Without a doubt the coolest sensation was when the sound finally made it across the causeway to us. The rocket was already in the clouds and out of sight before we heard the first rumble. Very fun.
Speaking of perspective, long time readers of my writing know I am an enthusiastic cyclist. I just can’t write an "off business topic" post without commenting on the latest Lance Armstrong investigation. I am not going to take sides. I am going to agree it is a teaching moment. To me, if he did it, I am okay with the cheating because he was the best of his generation and, literally, everyone did it. The playing field was level, though dirty. If you look at the original Tour de France podium finishers, before doping bans, from something like 1998 to his retirement, every single person except him has been convicted of doping.
The thing that bugs me is not the violations. It is exactly how few people in a similar position, when caught with overwhelming evidence, say, yep, you got me. Please forgive me.
I really am okay with the cheating, under the circumstances, but not the denials when busted. Just once I want to see a top athlete that gets busted come clean. Pun intended.
Thanks for reading.
