The Blogworld of Poppyfish People Development

In 1969 the American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon. Yesterday, he died. Few things epitomise the power of human aspiration more symbolically than our attempts to explore our galaxy. Driven by a quest for knowledge and to further the development of the human race, achievements such as those that enabled Armstrong to achieve the dream of millions know few parallels. His famous phase " One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind " reflected the age in which he lived. When asked about the purpose of the Apollo 11 mission ahead of the launch from Florida and the subsequent touchdown in the Sea of Tranquility Armstrong said " I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges...it's in the nature of his deep inner soul ". His passing provokes me to pause for thought amidst a hectic weekend, and reflect on the value of lived experience and personal narrativ...

 Purity, Perfection, Victory, Peace and Friendship. The Olympic Torch reaches St. Albans The Olympic Torch came to St. Albans last weekend. The event was part of the Torch Relay  preceding the London games that has seen the torch carried the length and breadth of Great Britain. I wasn't actually that bothered about going to see it, but my youngest daughter was keen so I scooped her up and set off for a convenient street corner. We waited patiently as part of a growing crowd and after about an hour, the procession came in sight. I say sight, but actually I heard it before I could see it. The gaudy looking torch was preceded by about half a dozen advertisement riddled lorries playing loud music, creating the razz-a-ma-tazz that is now de rigeur for such events. Interspersed between them were to be found jugglers, flag sellers and at least a dozen hairy coppers on motorbikes (why do motorcycle policemen look so grizzly?). As I stood surrounded by pavements full of He...