Today marks the 40th anniversary of man walking on the moon.  NASA is celebrating at the Space Center with a giant moonpie.

The favorite snack of marshmallow squeezed between two round graham crackers and dipped in chocolate is usually served as a single snack.

As the Associated Press is reporting, “NASA’s oversized treat will be available a slice at a time to visitors Monday to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral

The anniversary moon pie is 40 inches in diameter, six inches high and weighs 55 pounds. That includes six pounds of chocolate and 14 pounds of marshmallow.”

As someone in desperate need of losing a few pounds I think I will skip this celebration.  But for those who need to see one of the most wonderful accomplishments man has participated in I urge you all to visit the Space Center.

If not just to see the enormity of the space shuttle, then to experience all the rides that simulate space travel.  It is truly a must see when visiting the Space Coast!

With four of the longest balls hit all night and leading from start to finish, Melbourne’s own Prince Fielder was able to win the Home Run Derby.  Playing for Milwaukee, he became the youngest player to hit 50 home runs in a season and now can add the trophy of home run derby champion to his mantle.

Hitting 11 to lead the way through the first round, he showed his strength making his efforts look almost easy.  In the second round, one of his home runs traveled 500 feet.  In the final round he passed Nelson Cruz of Texas for the crown with three outs still to go.

While many who enjoyed his play at Eau Gallie High knew he would be a star some day none would have guessed it would come so soon.  At 25 and over 130 home runs he has excited fans in Milwaukee as well as many here in Florida.  We are expecting great things to come for many years.

Monday’s attempt to launch the Space Shuttle Endeavor was scrubbed again as weather played a part in stalling the launch.  With safety as their main concern, storms cells and ominous clouds played a part in causing the delay after countdown had started.  The next attempt will be for Wednesday, July 15th at 6:03 p.m.

It is believed that there will only be a 40 percent chance that weather will prohibit the liftoff from occurring on Wednesday.

The shuttle launch that was scheduled for Sunday July 12 has been scrubbed for today.  Thunderstorms in the area have delayed the flight for today.  The new attempted Launch will take place on Monday July 13th at 6:51 p.m.

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.

If you would like to learn more about the flight, the crew or how to see a launch live please visit the Kennedy Space Center site by clicking here

Once Again, We on the Space Coast are being spared the wrath of a Hurricane.  Ike has changed course and is heading towards the Gulf of Mexico.  While we are being spared, our thoughts and prayers go out to the residents of the gulf coast who are preparing for this storm as it is supposed to strengthen over the warm gulf waters.

If you would like to help there are many organizations that support the people of the area with supplies.  One is the American Red Cross who bring much needed medical supplies to an area that has seen its share of tragedy in recent years.  Another is the Salvation Army who help people in need.  These organizations help those in need and make a great contribution which is only enhanced by your help.

That being said there are some people that prey on those in need.  You can use this site to point out price gougers who like to raise prices astronomically when a natural disaster hits.  It happened here in Florida when Charley, Frances and Jean destroyed houses and ripped off roofs.  People who were not prepared paid builders who weren’t even licensed to do the repairs.  The work was subpar to say the least and many people wrote checks out for work that would never be done.

Always make sure to:

1. Ask for the contractors license and make sure he is licensed in your area.
2. Take Photos of your home before and after the repairs are done.
3. Save all receipts for your insurance claims
4. Make sure the Inspector sees your repairs every step of the way.  This can save you from having to redo work in order for your home certified.

Your safety is the main concern.  Please head all warnings when you are asked to evacuate.  Remember possesions can be replace - You can’t!

At this point we have seen a lot of activity on the weather front. The Hurricanes and Tropical Storms have hit the south Atlantic with Full Force. Fay got the ball rolling when the Tropical Storm refused to move. The storm got stuck in the middle of two fronts and sat over the top of Brevard County. It was unbelievable that that much rain could fall in such a short time period. It was amazing because over 25 inches of rain fell in less than a twenty four hour period. People in my neighborhood took canoes and rowed up and down the street.

With Gustav, we got lucky to be missed by that storm. I am glad that the storm broke up as it hit landfall by our devastated neighbors in Mississippi and Louisiana. We were also lucky to have Hanna stay far enough out to sea to just drop rainfall on us. The good thing is that there was nothing to slow it down so that our rain soaked area is not as wet as it could have been.

Ike is our next storm and we will be keeping you up to date as the track is updated!