Take one famous actor, a brilliant billionaire, and mix in space travel. Sound like the start of a sci-fi movie or an example of how truth can be stranger than fiction?
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: When Red recently learned that the actor William Shatner was going to be on board the second Blue Origin's space mission (now delayed until tomorrow due to weather), she admitted that she's more interested in history than current events, so compared it to the historic initial launch on July 20, which included 82-year-old Wally Funk. However, at 90-years-old, Shatner will become the oldest person ever to take a trip to space. (Talk about two great role models of inspiration and passion not having age limits.)
Meanwhile, at the risk of alienating (pun intended) Star Trek fans, Red's only seen a few of the movies, and Black has seen none, but we both have fond memories of watching the original TV show with our dad, who loved the show. So, we can't resist (like everyone else) quoting the opening monologue and its proclamation "to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Luckily, the word was "boldly," not "bravely," as Shatner has admitted he's terrified of going into space, and that was before the trip was delayed due to wind. So, we can't help but wonder if he'd prefer to order, "Beam me up, Scotty." (Although, in reality, his character never said those words.) On the other hand, Funk has been a lifelong aviator, and when the first launch had a six-minute launch hold, Jeff Bezos said how Funk was never nervous and, in fact, was like, "Are we going to go, or not? What the hell; we're burning daylight. Let's go.'"
P.S. – Red asked Black why she thought Sir Richard Branson should have Sir Elton John on his next flight, besides the fact that they were both knighted by Queen Elizabeth and that the musician is even more famous than William Shatner, to which Black replied,
He is the "Rocket Man," of course.
National Handbag Day may be a new holiday (it was started in 2013 by purseblog), but people have been obsessed with handbags for centuries. The only difference is now they have an official day of celebration.
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red has never been known for her clothing and accessories, and it's safe to say never will be, but that doesn't mean she hasn't admired many of Black's incredible handbags over the years. In fact, there was one particular bag (a black Hermes Birkin) that she downright coveted to the point that Black used to say that she'd leave it to her in her will, and then would pause and ask, "Does that mean I now need a food taster?" Several years later, Red's was shocked (and thrilled) when Black bought her one for her 50th birthday, and although Red doesn't use it very often (she can't get herself to take it to grocery stores or to run errands), it still makes her incredibly happy to see the big orange box in her closet.
When it comes to handbags, Black can't help but reminisce (something she typically doesn't do) about one of her marriage counseling sessions with her ex-husband, Larry. He was lamenting, "She doesn't respect my money." At which point, Black couldn't help but point out that you respect people. You respect their ability to make money. To save money. Even to spend wisely. But you don't respect "things" or money. To which her ex commented, "That's semantics, but the bottom line is you don't respect my money." To which Black nonchalantly replied, "And, you do not respect my handbags."
When it comes to species becoming extinct, you can be mad … you can be sad … just don't be indifferent.
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red can remember learning about extinct species as a kid, whether in the classroom or when she'd visit the awe-inspiring American Museum of Natural History in New York City. But let's face it, learning about dinosaurs or woolly mammoths, doesn't make the topic of extinction seem relevant today. (Even if, as Red points out, the movie "Night at the Museum" gives an amusing perspective of how "creatures" from the past might see today's world).
However, when U.S. scientists announced 23 species as extinct, it made headlines around the world. And although the list included many species we may never have heard of, it did include the ivory-billed woodpecker, which was once the nation's largest woodpecker (but was last spotted almost 80 years ago, well before there ever were "protected" lists).
Black, of course, went back to the actual U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announcement and saw where, technically, the 23 species had not yet been declared extinct, the USFWS was proposing "delisting" them from the Endangered Species List (created as part of the 1973 Endangered Species Act). In other words, they had given up all hope. But there was a 60-day comment period before they were declared gone forever. (She couldn't help but wonder what happens if they're spotted after being declared extinct, would they no longer be protected?)
Regardless, if you're looking at this from an emotional perspective or solely scientific,
The successful efforts of the Endangered Species Act can only do so much, and although the reasons for extinction may vary, humans were the ultimate cause. And there's no denying that we're going to see more extinctions if we don't do more in terms of conservation.
March Banter Bites
March 17 is when we first began posting Banter Bites on Facebook and Twitter. Since Red loves lists … and Black likes to be organized and efficient, here's a list of March's Banter Bites:
17: Which Is Scarier?
18: Hate This!
20: Black Admits Her Age
24: "Safe" Replaces "Sweet"
25: Getting Back To Normal … What's "Normal"?
26: Stinky Workout Clothes Inspire Face Masks
27: NBA All-Star Interviews Dr. Anthony Fauci
28: Who Has Cabin Fever?
30: Timelines Are Out Of Our Control