12-11-2006, 03:03 AM
Finney -- I was in Tampa the night the shuttle was SUPPOSED to launch, at Busch Gardens.
Next night, I was leaving the corporate dinner at the Marriot World in Orlando when it went up. It's been a looooong time since there was a night launch of the shuttle, and it's one of the few joys of living in this area that I've seen that marvellous sight many times.
A medium-sized crowd gathered outside at the appropriate moment and were well-rewarded. Everyone applauded as it finally disappeared into the cloud cover. It's such a lovely community moment.
The later party (the one with all the drinking) could not have been more different. Held on a friend's tiki patio (which, sadly, will have to make way for a dance studio), this was the most Polynesian Yule celebration you've ever seen. To extend the coolness, those who wouldn't/couldn't brave the Florida "cold" (mid-50s F) could watch "Danger Diabolik" on the HDTV. The "punch" was AWESOME yet I woke up with no hangover. How DOES he do it??
Next night, I was leaving the corporate dinner at the Marriot World in Orlando when it went up. It's been a looooong time since there was a night launch of the shuttle, and it's one of the few joys of living in this area that I've seen that marvellous sight many times.
A medium-sized crowd gathered outside at the appropriate moment and were well-rewarded. Everyone applauded as it finally disappeared into the cloud cover. It's such a lovely community moment.
The later party (the one with all the drinking) could not have been more different. Held on a friend's tiki patio (which, sadly, will have to make way for a dance studio), this was the most Polynesian Yule celebration you've ever seen. To extend the coolness, those who wouldn't/couldn't brave the Florida "cold" (mid-50s F) could watch "Danger Diabolik" on the HDTV. The "punch" was AWESOME yet I woke up with no hangover. How DOES he do it??