LJ

LJ is Laurie Street (NOT Larry J! - sorry to all and sundry about the confusion the similar monikers may have caused!). I live in Rosedale, BC, Canada about 100 km east of Vancouver, where I work as a Biomedical Engineering Technologist at the local hospital, taking care of the patient care technology (ECG monitors, defibrillators, IV pumps, etc). My interest in space began before I can remember; I do remember sitting on the beach and watching Sputniks and the brilliant Echo satellite pass overhead (I was 7 in 1960), and of course Yuri Gagarin, Alan Shepard, John Glenn, the Apollo 1 crew, Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins, and all, are huge, LIVE heroes in my life. Watching Neil step onto the moon live on TV was an incredible thrill. Some of my dreams for space include the resurrection of Project Orion, the exploration of Mars by real live people, and a probe into the oceans of Europa. I believe life is incredibly tenacious and adaptable, and we will eventually find it in unexpected places.

I enjoy outdoor activities with my family. We have a very remote cabin on Quesnel Lake in the BC interior, 50 miles from paved roads or power lines (and lights). It's a soul-replenishing place, and the night sky there is unbelievable.

I'd like to thank everyone who participates in HZ. You represent an amazing amount of talent and thoughtfulness, and the time and effort you put into your posts is much appreciated.

The picture is of my family and myself at a local lake where we like to hike (I'm the one with the beard!).