A Space Day

I don't really have to wonder why there isn't a day to commemmorate the first animals or seeds or moss to make the trip into outer space... there is only a special space day for the first human, Russian Yuri Gagarin, who, on this day in 1961 became the first human to do so. The fact that he was beat to it by a monkey might sound bad, but of course it was a good thing that chimps, dogs and monkeys beat him to the punch - I guess they taught the astronauts a thing or two about safe space travel. (As did the fruit flies, the first "animals in space" - what, do you think they just sent up some rotten bananas?) So, in Russia, today is Cosmonaut's Day, and the day is known around the world as Yuri's Night, which sounds a little more exciting I think... there are events all over the place too, though in Yaroslavl? I'm not sure. But, the Yuri's Night website insists that it's like St. Patricks Day or Cinco de Mayo... but for space! This just brings to mind a picture of a bunch of drunken, bead-laden people cruising around up in the atmosphere - maybe in green space suits? Throw a couple martians in there and the picture is complete.... what a space party. The drunkenness thing would work here... not that people need an excuse to party. Or drink beer. Our excuse is... today is the last home game of the season!!

Yuri Gagarin

p.s. animals et al. launched into space include: fruit flies, monkeys, mice, dogs, chimps, guinea pigs, frogs, rats, cats, wasps, beetles, tortoises, bullfrogs, fish, spiders, a mummichog (!? I know! it's a fish), newts, ants, cockroaches and scorpions... and more... (why scorpions!?)

Ham the Chimp - made the trip to space... maybe not in comfort though

Space dog kennel - for real

This just makes me laugh... poor little guy - ("Baker" went into space in 1958)