Bolide or Satellite?

I was outside and something caught my attention. Looking to the south, I saw what looked like a fireworks rocket about 15 degrees above the southern horizon. Within a few seconds, it grew larger; it now appeared to be the size of about 1/10 of the size of a full moon. It was a bright orange, and lasted about two seconds longer. I figured a thin band of cirrostratus clouds were obscuring the object, or it went back into space. It was small, either due to distance, size, or both.

I continued watching. Looking overhead, it reappeared and it was now obvious it was falling apart. Several pieces broke away and continued streaking across the sky. The colors of the objects ranged from orange to white. Some almost immediately burned out and the speeds were random.

Eventually, only one object was left, which continued to the north and eventually disappeared; a bright orange; about 20 degrees above the northern horizon. After a long time, I heard some dim thuds, which were the objects breaking the sound barrier.

Bolide? I don't think so. I'm thinking a satellite; probably military or foreign, considering the polar orbit and various colors of objects burning up in the atmosphere. I'm betting we'll never know.

This happened at a little after 3:00 am on 2-28-2013, in case someone is interested.

update:  It was a Chinese rocket. My suspicion of a man made object was confirmed. If you've never seen such a thing, it's damn interesting to watch.

Today Will Be Busy....

...and it's already started.

I usually don't write words of encouragement, or impart happy advice, but today I'll make an exception:

"Don't be so open minded your brains fall out"

There you go; words of wisdom for your Wednesday.

No Big Soda Delivery on Pizza Night

The new law to take effect on March 12 in New York City means that a 2 liter bottle of soda can't be delivered with a take-out pizza.  Can you say ridiculous? Good, I knew you could.

Diplomacy and Condiments

John Kerry is the new Secretary of State, which means he's at the top of the list for replacement of the President if things really get out of hand.

I don't like John Kerry. He's a career politician and, as far as I can see, is in it for the power and money. Even worse, he's supposed to be the biggest ambassador for the U.S. and I don't feel he's even close to being an example of the majority of the citizens in this country. That's bad. His views are from a lifetime of wealth, which doesn't coincide with the experience of most people that make this country work. His thoughts, and actions, will not be for something he doesn't understand and his being in a position of representation will lead foreign leaders, with a life of hardship, to not respect someone that had few moments where daily survival was a constant reminder of how tenuous life can be.

Personally, I don't think this will end well. At a time when the U.S. needs to be respected, we've sent another person to be derided and insulted. The perception will be that the U.S. is weak, and the perception will be accurate. Our politicians, and bureaucrats,  have given up what makes this country great for a pittance and a life in a place that is destined to be changed by an unhappy citizenry. While they clamber for something that only exists by the will of the people, the people they ignore are becoming more angry.

Meanwhile, At The Oscars

Michelle Obama appeared at the Oscars and presented the award for "Best Picture:. I wouldn't really care, because I don't give a rodent's fanny about Hollywood, but I'm thinking some of my tax dollars paid for the plane ride. That's a pet peeve I've held for years. Taxpayers dollars are not for personal use and that includes everyone, President and family included. If they want to pay for their trip out of their own pocket, get after it. Just don't insult me by living a lavish lifestyle on my dime. I've worked too hard and the insult is taken to heart.