A musical Advent calendar

Yep, it's another Advent calendar - this time with classic Christmas music videos. I'm sure this will bring back many a memory. Enjoy.

YouTube of the Whenever: Warmest wishes for the holidays.

For this installment of YouTube of the Whenever, a little something to warm those cold winter nights and get you into the holiday spirit: a virtual fireplace, complete with Christmas music.

YouTube of the Whenever: The final countdown.

Since I haven't done a YouTube of the Whenever in a while....

After 30 years and 135 missions, the Space Shuttle program is about to come to a close. Yesterday at 11:26 am ET, Space Shuttle Atlantis started its final mission: a 13-day journey to deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

Contrary to what some people believe, this does not mark the end of the USA's space program. It does, however, mark the beginning of a hiatus in American manned spaceflight. In the interim, the Russians will send people to and from the ISS.

I'm going to miss the Space Shuttle; watching it take off (even from South Florida!) was one of the perks of living in Florida. I will, however, be keeping an eye on the various commercial enterprises who are hoping to establish a presence in the final frontier. Things have looked pretty good for them so far.

Godspeed, Atlantis.