....One Giant Leap For Mankind

I was saddened today to learn of the passing of Neil Armstrong. As early as I can remember, he was one of my inspirations to become an engineer. In my opinion he was the tip of the sword in the greatest engineering feat ever pulled off in the history of mankind. Without Neil Armstrong and the mission of Apollo 11 there would be no Tranquility Base Arcade. He proved to us that anything is possible. Armstrong's name is known around the world and he is one of America's true national heroes. He is characterized by fortitude, determination, courage and dedication. He put everything on the line for the betterment of mankind. Godspeed, Neil Armstrong.

Curiosity Has Landed!

Earlier this week NASA landed a rover named Curiosity on Mars. The six-wheeled rover is about the size of a small car and weighs approximately one ton. Curiosity’s mission is to determine the landing site's habitability including the role of water as well as the study of the climate and the geology of Mars. This data would be important for a future manned mission. Click  here to see an animated version of Curiosity landing along with footage from Mission Control.

Lost Highway Arcade

I was lucky enough this past weekend to receive an invitation from John McCann to come and visit his Lost Highway Arcade in Altura, Minnesota. John shares a true passion for vintage arcade games and we have been corresponding via e-mail the last two or three years.  Seeing only pictures of the Lost Highway Arcade does not do it justice. You have to see this AWESOME arcade in person to get the full effect and witness his attention to detail.  WOW!!! 

John was also the inspiration for me attempting to tie the world record on one of my favorite arcade games from my youth - Sea Wolf.  John worked extensively with Twin Galaxies to verify the highest possible scores based on a specified time duration (this effort was probably just as hard as setting the actual record!).  Without these efforts it would not even be possible to attempt a Sea Wolf record.

Of course I needed to shake John's hand in front of Sea Wolf and pose for this picture, as currently we are “The Two Greatest Sea Wolf Players In The World!”

I guess now all I need to do is get my shovel going and start looking for a Skee Ball machine. 

Thanks John!  We had a wonderful time!