This isn’t really needed but there are two groups I’d like to publically congratulate, the team behind curiosity, all of them. From the guy who makes sure the bins are empty to the project director. Well done on getting your guy down I hope you get even part of the success of Spirit and Opportunity (I would wish you as much success but they were extraordinary).
The second group is all of the athletes and contestants at the Olympics. I’ve never been a fan really but I have enjoyed the last few days! Well done for getting to the games, it’s a great achievement even if you do not get a medal. I think a special congratulations must go to those members of Team GB who have done so well and made everyone in the UK proud. Not only have you done well but when interviewed you’re all so nice! Well done, and thank you.
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John Finnimore (Now Show last week Olympic Special 1) made a lovely point about how fascinating it can be to watch real experts doing their thing! The atmosphere in London has been amazing – people are actually talking to each other on the tube, and that’s unheard of.
I can see why you linked the two events – when I saw the release of tension and sheer joy in mission control at JPL my first thoughts were ‘they look like a team who has just pulled a gold medal from the jaws of defeat’. The inability to take control and the need to leave everything to on board systems must have been terribly frustrating. If Curiosity does find evidence of life it will go down in human history as one of our most important moments ever.
I have found I like to live in interesting times.
I did hear that episode of the Now Show (well most of it, I play it before sleep). He inspired me to write this post, and watch more of the games.
My girlfriend went up to see some of the games earlier in the week and she hasn’t stopped talking about the atmosphere. I’m thoroughly impressed by the people of London and am very proud that such a successful (so far) games have been held in the UK.
Your comments mission control has made me think how similar that is to the team behind each of the athletes, I’ve not made that connection before…
I do often wonder about the people behind the success of the sportsmen and women, they seldom get the thanks they deserve. It’s been great to see all of the athletes thanking them and talking about them. On my way home from work today there was the head of innovation and technology for sport England, they put a lot of time and effort into making the athletes just that little bit better and it’s been great to see them get some attention as well… Reminds me of something one of my lectures once said “don’t forget there are people behind the discoveries.”