The Grasshopper

 
Sometimes there are You Tube  videos that are just "Cool to the Max" like this one from the California-based rocket launch company,
Space X. This video was shot from a remote helicopter with an HD camera strapped to its belly. The video looks like animation, but it is not...it's live video. The under 2-minute video records the test launch of the vertical launch and landing of the Grasshopper space launch vehicle. The test launch occurred at the test flight facility in McGregor, Texas on a clear bright day, flat horizon southwest of Waco.

Is this the future of space launch capability? Time will tell but from looking at this video it does seem possible.

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZDkItO-0a4

btw...the picture above...I shot this on a window screen in Texas, not far from Waco...

VISIT THE ZOO

I've recently selected my book, "VISIT The ZOO, vol. VI" to be listed in the Amazon Kindle Owners' Library known as part of their Amazon Prime program. This is how Amazon describes the Lending Library:

What is the Kindle Owners' Lending Library?
With an Amazon Prime membership, Kindle owners can now choose from thousands of books to borrow for free once a month, with no due dates.

So, for those of you who are members of this Kindle Library, please check out this book for free. It is part of my 12-book series "Visit The Zoo" presenting over 120 animals you can encounter in zoos around the world. There are great descriptions with fascinating and little known facts about these animals. Great photography gets you up close and personal.

And if you like vol. VI in this series you will love the other books as well. It is like having your own personal docent on your Kindle, tablet or laptop as you wander through your local zoo. For more information on this book series go to my website at www.visit-the-zoo.com.