Ragamuffin Ramblings

Those words from American astronaut Neil Armstrong resonate today as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landings. Oh, how I wish that I had been alive on July 20, 1969, to watch the moon landings on live television. It was a pivotal moment in history that left the late Walter Cronkite giddy with excitement. Going to the moon proved that in an age of unrest and uncertainty, America was still a land of explorers. It lifted the spirits of humanity and propelled us into the space age.

Today, 40 years later, many doubts and negative opinions exist about America's space program, NASA. NASA's plans to go back to the moon in 2020 and eventually to Mars in 2037 have evoked criticism and concern. 'Why continue sending man into space?' some ask. They cite budgets and finances, making the argument that it is too costly to send some humans on a million-dollar space excursion. But the words of fictional character Sam Seaborn of the West Wing come to mind.

My oldest brother brought this show to my attention, and now I'm bringing it to yours! In the last few years, NBC has hosted some of the worst dramas on television (My Own Worst Enemy, Kings, Knight Rider). So you'd imagine my surprise when NBC's 'Parenthood' piqued my interest. In the beginning, it was strictly because of the people involved. Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind) and Brian Grazer (24, Arrested Development, Shark) are the executive producers, Thomas Schlamme (Sports Night, The West Wing, Studio 60) is directing, and the cast is chock full of some great actors like Peter Krause (Sports Night) and Craig T. Nelson (The District).

So, I thought, at least some great people are working on it! Then I watched this promo, and now I'm hooked. Keep your eyes peeled for this show as it has been pushed back for a midseason premeire on NBC!

Enjoy a short snippet of the fantastic fireworks show we experienced this year.

Happy Fourth of July!