We live in a wonderful time. From eso.org:

The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) has taken the first ever image of a young, Sun-like star accompanied by two giant exoplanets. Images of systems with multiple exoplanets are extremely rare, and — until now — astronomers had never directly observed more than one planet orbiting a star similar to the Sun. The observations can help astronomers understand how planets formed and evolved around our own Sun.

Louisville isn’t the only destination with great food. I’m in Covington LA and we’re two for two on meals so far.

After a day on airlines, we decided to eat somewhat light so we visited Seiler Bar. We shared some generous and very tasty hors d’ouvres including chorizo shrimp, lamb chops, and seared scallops. With a nice bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot. Great atmosphere, great food.

Today we had lunch at Lola, and the food there was a home run. I had a fired chicken sandwich and truffle fries that was as good as any chicken sandwich ever. Jon had a bowl of mac and cheese topped with pulled pork and some picked jalapenos. Looked delicious, and he confirmed that.

Every time I’ve been to the north shore of Lake Ponchatrain the food has been memorable. So far this visit is no different.

I failed to acknowledge one notable event yesterday. William Shatner, Captain Kirk himself, made it into space (well, to the edge of space) at the age of 90. There’s so much about this that’s cool. The obvious thing is his age – that pretty much crushes the idea that only young healthy folks can survive a launch. Good news for me. I might make it to the Moon after all.

The other cool aspect is the life imitating art part. Captain Kirk goes to space in real life! I spent many nights as a youngster hiding in the hallway watching Star Trek surreptitiously, because it was on way past my bedtime. Mom and Dad may have known I was there, but I doubt it. Then, 15+ years later, I spent many afternoons at college with my geeky friends drinking and watching those same Star Trek episodes. We knew every line and scene – that made it all the more fun.

It *is* kind of sad that the spaceship he rode looks like something from a scifi-porn movie. Or the Hitchhiker’s Guide. The Enterprise was iconic and cool. The Blue Origin New Shepherd…not so much.

But we take what we can get in real life, and I’m happy for Kirk/Shatner realizing this dream.

Final note – I can’t take credit for the post title. I read it somewhere last night, and it’s too good not to share.