Watching shuttle launches is a spectator sport here in Central Florida, and there will be no better place to see Atlantis take off this evening than from my driveway.
As season pass holders for the Kennedy Space Center, the Elliott family can get its hands on launch tickets. But why bother? The beer is colder here, the views are almost as good, and it’s much less crowded. Plus, we don’t miss a thing, thanks to NASA TV (ahh, our tax dollars at work!).
It’s looking like a great day for a launch. Skies are clear, winds are calm, and as far as I can tell, all systems are go.
The kids are probably the most excited. My oldest son Aren told me yesterday that he wants me to sell our 2005 Honda Accord and replace it with a Space Shuttle. Iden, our two-year-old, wants to become an astronaut.
And right now, we’re also wondering if they would make an exception and admit a six-month-old in the astronaut corps. We’d like to nominate our daughter, Erysse. She would do very well during training, particularly the sleep-deprivation part.
I’ll update this blog when Atlantis takes off with pictures.
Update:The launch was picture-perfect. See for yourself.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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