Over three decades, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour flew more than 100 missions. NPR takes a look back at some of the momentous video that came out of NASA’s space shuttle program. An incredible look back at one of the most important space programs of our life time, a bit sad that none of us will probably see another shuttle launch for a long long time.

- T, I drive a tonne I am talking sometimes 6 to 8 hour round trips, so I spend a lot of time listening to a lot of music and a lot of radio especially NPR, which in my opinion has better production value than most of whats on tv or even the internet for that matter, proper journalism. Sadly we don’t get local telecast but when I saw this video pop up in my inbox I knew I had to post this up.

Anyone who’s familiar with my other blog will know that I’m a huge fan of good night time/sky timelapse photography.  This effort by Daniel Dragon Films is one of the better ones.  The fact that they’ve chosen a really dark and moody soundtrack really adds to the film.

- S, make sure you watch in HD and with the sound way up.

This had to be shared, I usually detest posting Youtube clips, cause I hate the look of the player but this is too cool. Might try use my stop timer remote tonight.

- T, 4am to 7am!

Been a while since we had a space themed post, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still massive geeks. Virgin’s Galactic program recently had its first “feathered flight”. Don’t know what that means? Watch the video and find out.

- t, one step closer…

- t, coooool

It’s that time of year again, and I couldn’t care less about cheap nasty chocolate from China. I prefer the much less lead riddled option of The Big Picture’s yearly tradition of an advent calendar compiled from images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

- t, click the pic for the link

As I write this, above the earth Space Shuttle Atlantis is currently serving its final mission ever. With the NASA shuttle program winding down, we begin to see the instantly recognisable beasts take their final flights into the black abyss that is outer space. May 14th marked the launch of Atlantis on its 32nd, and final mission. With it, we move ever closer to the shutting down of NASA’s shuttle missions, with only two left. It’s sad to think that these somewhat cumbersome creations from the 80s will no longer be in service.

One of my favourite sites around, The Big Picture documents the journey from last November’s gentle glide landing to Atlantis’ turn around this week and it’s paradoxically violent firing towards the sky once again. Some great images of a subject that will never bore me. Check it all out here.

- t

I tried to get this done before it passed my birthday, but I failed by 10 minutes. Please forgive me an read on…

- t

1. Ubiq Grace

Ubiq are really doing well with the whole indie sneaker/shoe/boot thing of the last few years, and this wheat nubuck version of the Grace Mid shoe is a stellar effort. Something that’s both classic and modern at the same time. This particular version of the Grace is a little tricky to find, but you can pick some up at Kasina.

2. Hard Graft 3Fold Multi-Use Bag

I’ve already mentioned Hard Graft’s work in a previous post, and I can vouch for the amazing quality of their items after I grabbed last season’s Y+U Laptop Sleeve.

This new season sees a return of their extremely limited bag range in different colours. Whilst the 2UNFOLD Laptop Bag seems to be the most popular item of the range once again, what caught my eye is the 3Fold Multi-Use Bag this time in slate grey nappa leather (this stuff is seriously bonkers). Where this bag gets its name from is the ability to be 3 bags in one; a laptop bag, portfolio bag or an overnight bag. Whilst the price seems steep, the quality of Hard Graft’s materials and construction is making this quite a tempting birthday gift to myself.

3. Apartment – A Shirt

My boys at Apartment have just added to their expanding clothing line with a new range of A T-shirts. They’re all organic, and all-too-comfy. I grabbed myself the black/black version for ultimate stealthiness (’cause Jigga told me to) but there’s also some more summer-suitable versions. Check them all out at the Apartment e-store and grab one from there or go and see the boys in-store. Tell ‘em twizzy sent ya!

4. Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept

Ok so they’re just renderings, but c’mon Bertone and Alfa Romeo together spells trouble. I’m sure many will hate it, much like they hated the Mantide and the last creation from the marriage of these two companies the BAT 11. I for one loved both of those cars, and from these shots I love this one too. Many concept cars have lost the flair and stupidity that these cars are supposed to represent. Nowadays they’re just a preview of a company’s upcoming sedan with big wheels and LEDs everywhere.

This car however has swagger and doesn’t lack insanity. Hopefully it looks even better once it’s released at the Geneva Auto Show.

5. Samsung Wave

So I’m starting to think I need a new phone. I haven’t bought myself a new cellular device for quite some time, something like 5 years or more. For that time period I survived on hand-me-downs which seem to have done the trick better than investing into new dodgy build quality pieces. But alas, I am finally succumbing to the technological advances in the smart phone arena. The new Samsung Wave looks to be a cracker. On paper the hardware sounds fantastic, 1gHz processor, more RAM than my old computer and that bloody brilliant Super AMOLED screen which seems impervious to sun light. The only question on this bad boy is the software… we’ll see.

6. Common Projects Desert Boot – Warm Grey

Once again I’m reposting something I’ve discussed before. This time though we see this great shoe made from “warm grey” suede and actually being available, even if the price is a bit on the crazy side.

7. HTC Desire

What do you get when you take Google’s Nexus 1 phone and remove the Google-iness? Why that’d be the HTC Desire. What’s even better is it’s coming to Australia in April! The bad news it’s a Telstra exclusive, but that’s manageable. Wonder what the price point is going to be on it though…

8. V8 Supercars Round.1 – Yas Marinas

Best part about this one is it doesn’t cost money. After what feels like years, the V8 Supercar season starts back up. Whilst last week’s QLD Raceway test day was a ball (I always forget how good the cars sound in real life) there is no substitution for racing. This time it all kicks off in the UAE, with the boys racing around the stunning Yas Marinas circuit (sadly a shorter version that that used by F1). Frankly I’m not too happy about it not being televised live (around 2am) as it means I have to tape it and re-watch it after work. Boo!

You can check the whole season calendar at the V8 Supercar website.

9. Waft

Yes it’s a stupid name, yes it’s a stupid book cover, yes it’s a stupid website, and yes the price is nearly stupid. But just look at the cars featured and think about the awesomeness that lies within. You’ll thank me (and someone buy me a copy).

10. A Splendid Endeavour!

Sit down, shutup, turn on HD and watch the brutal elegance that is leaving the earth’s atmosphere.

It’s no secret that myself and the big T go a bit gooey for anything astronomical. What’s interesting is the amount of effort that goes into capturing images from the deepest realms of the universe. Whilst you could use a multi-billion dollar telescope like Hubble to take a few glamor shots, there are also plenty of amateur astrophotographers around.

Last year Rogelio Bernal Andreo let Wired in on the process he uses to create some amazing shots of nature at work thousands of lightyears away. Check out the article here.

On a more recent note, you may recognise the nebula in this image as the one that we shamelessly use for the blog header (and cards). It’s the Orion Nebula and this particular shot was taken on the new VISTA telescope. What’s even more amazing is the size of the full-resolution file: 341mb!

- t

I’m a little slow to post this but it’s one of my favourite things. Way better than shitty chinese chocolates and lead-based paints. Click the pic to be redirected to the calendar.

- t, ps. First post from my new computer wee