Scottunder

Apollo lift-off in slo-mo

This is the first 30 seconds of the Apollo 11 lift-off shown from a camera mounted on the corner of the launch platform, showing the incredible effort, energy, and forces involved to fire a Saturn V rocket to the moon.

Steinbeck's Pigasus

Random fact: John Steinbeck sometimes included a small drawing of a flying pig he named Pigasus next to his signature on letters or in books, along with the phrase ad astra per alia porci, or "To the stars on the wings of a pig."

According to a letter from his wife, "the little pig said that man must try to attain the heavens though his equipment be meager. Man must aspire though he be earthbound." On the other hand, it may have been a reaction to a college professor who told him he'd be a writer when pigs flew. 

Unfortunately, I don't have time to track down earlier flying pigs, but later ones come to mind. Also, Lewis Carroll used the phrase in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland:

"I've a right to think," said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried.
"Just about as much right," said the Duchess, "as pigs have to fly...."

A couple days in Seattle

A few pictures from a visit to Seattle, like this happy guy.

Two views of Richard Serra's "Wake," in the Olympic Sculpture Park.

   

Tulips at the Seattle Tennis Club in Madison Park.