Robert Firth, our retired Airline pilot friend, shares his reaction after being asked by NASA to visit the Space Station:

NASA called me this morning asking if I wanted a seat on the next trip to the space station.

I said “No thanks,  I’m not much interested. The guy was confused,  “We’re offering you the chance of a lifetime.” I asked him , “What’s in space?” He said “Nothing.” I said “Exactly!” I then asked asked him: “If I go, can I get a western omelet, grits and home fries with a short stack?” He laughed and said “No, just freeze dried glop” well, what else can I do up there? Well, he said, “Not much, we have a tread mill and you can look out the window.” That doesn’t sound very exciting, what else? “Hey, you can put on a space suit and go on a space walk., that’s interesting. So, I said, how long does it take to put on a space suit? ” Oh, about 3 hours.” And,  if I exit the ship I’m tied by a rope? “Yup, tethered we call it.” What if the rope breaks, can I get back? “No, there’s no way back.” What happens then? “Well you eventually run out of air and die then you get dragged into the atmosphere and burn up” “Gee”,  I said,  “I think I’ll pass, but thanks for the invite!” “Well, before I go. Can I put you down for a trip to the moon or Mars?” I quietly hung up!

A wise decision Captain Firth! I remember my relation Ham, he was sorely tested….Search “Ham” in the Search window on my Blog for the full story..

Gibber! Gibber!

Chugley