DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
Remembering Neil Armstrong, the Biggest TV Star of 1969
August 25, 2012  | By Bill Brioux  | 23 comments
 

Have to agree with colleague David Bianculli of TV Worth Watching that the 1969 moon landing was "the best TV show I ever saw in my life."

Neil Armstrong, who died today (August 25, 2012) at 82, was the biggest star on or off the planet that summer. It was July 20, 1969, and — like every July — I was up at the cottage with my parents at our own sea of tranquility, Oliphant, Ontario, somewhere on the Bruce Peninsula.

My dad helped build the wood frame cottage in 1947, and the place is still fairly On Golden Pond-ish. A septic tank was installed just two years earlier, forget a TV set, so I saw Armstrong take his odd little hop/leap off the last step of the lunar module ladder on the portable set at Oscar and Mazie's cottage next door. The silver antenna extended all the way, the image on the 19-inch screen was black and white and fuzzy and still we all thought it was a miracle. The studio, after all, was 238,000 miles away.

I was just 12 at the time, born a few months before Sputnik — the Russian satellite that kick started the space race — was launched. Watching history unfold like this was a trip for a 12-year-old and, like everyone I knew, I ran out and bought a plastic model of the Lunar Excursion Module as soon as it arrived — in my case, at Rigbey's hobby shop, then on Bloor Street West in Etobicoke. Some lucky kids got the whole command module to assemble. The spindly, retractable legs of the LEM drove home the whole idea of weight and gravity on the moon (before snapping off in kid's rooms all over planet Earth).

Major Matt Mason also landed at my house soon after Armstrong's grand adventure. The bendable spaceman was a little big for the model of the LEM, plus his arms looked like vacuum cleaner hoses.

Crowding around that small TV set up in Oliphant, it sure sounded to me like Armstrong said, "one small step for man…," not, "a man" as he later claimed and as was written on the plaque left on the lunar surface. It didn't matter. The part we all got right away was the "giant leap for mankind."

Like others, my memories of watching the event on television center around CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite. Mopping his brow, saying "Whew!" for the rest of us, Uncle Walter brought the whole moon landing down to earth for viewers across North America. I don't have any memory of a CBC or CTV guy calling the moon shot, or even who they might have been at the time.

What I do remember was the awe of it all, and the promise. The idea that people could do anything, that the future was going to be very cool. Everything leading up to this had been a tease — Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Planetarium, Space Food Sticks. We'd all be taking commercial jets to the Sea of Tranquility by the time we were as old as Armstrong, 38 at the time.

It hasn't quite turned out that way. Still, I'm forever thankful Oscar and Mazie brought a set up to their cottage that July and that I saw the best TV show ever in Oliphant. It is a still, clear, primitive place where the night sky still holds that same sense of awe. There's never been a reason to install a proper cable or satellite reception up there — you look up over the bay at night and can see shooting stars and satellites streaking across the Milky Way, the greatest show on earth. On night's when the moon is full, the white light dances off the rippling waves of Lake Huron and washes all over Lonely Island. It is beautiful and humbling, and to this day, whenever I'm at the cottage on a clear night, I still look up at the moon and think of Neil Armstrong.

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
HSPYS
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 2  | Go to page: 
23 Comments
 
 
Content Discoverer Online Coupon Codes
Niche Inspectors Online Coupons and Content Discoverer Online Coupon Codes is a game changer, the deals are amazing and unbeatable. It is my go-to destination for savings.
Sep 4, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
IPS USA - Website Design and SEO Agency USA
Information Process Solutions and Services (IPS USA) is a Result Driven Web Design and Digital Marketing Agency in the USA. With over 15 years of experience in website development and digital marketing, we bring a profound dedication to detail, result-driven strategies, and a unique value proposition.

Our expertise encompasses WordPress website development, Shopify store design, SEO optimization, Google & Social Media Ads for Lead Generation and Brand Enhancement. What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence, offering free website and SEO (T&C).

We stand behind our work with a free moneyback guarantee, ensuring your satisfaction and success. We're not just a service provider; we're your dedicated partner in achieving your online goals. Guaranteed 100% Return on Investment. Contact us with confidence for any such requirement. We are just a click away!
Apr 8, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Mens Leather Jackets
Shop our men's leather jackets and coats. Buy real leather jackets and coats for men with custom-made to-measure options. Free shipping in USA & worldwide.
Mar 4, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Mens Leather Jackets
Shop our men's leather jackets and coats. Buy real leather jackets and coats for men with custom-made to-measure options. Free shipping in USA & worldwide.
Mar 4, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Our team is motivated and dedicated to providing you a seamless experience when it comes.
Feb 10, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative .
Feb 8, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Outdoor Plants in Dubai
Integrating lush greenery and vibrant foliage can transform the entire ambiance, elevating it to new heights Outdoor plants in Dubai offer numerous benefits, such as creating a welcoming and refreshing atmosphere that impresses attendees and boosts their overall experience
Dec 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Accounting Firms in Dubai
Professional Accounting Firms in Dubai And Highly Skilled Top CA Firms in Dubai
Dec 4, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Accounting Services in Dubai
Professional Accounting Services in Dubai And Highly Skilled Top CA Firms in Dubai
Nov 21, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
??????
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
Nov 16, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Crista UAE
For corporate tax in uae Contact Crista UAE https://cristauae.com/tax-services
Nov 7, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Thank you for very usefull information..
Oct 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
it's really attractive and even meanful. it's really nice web log. Associating is amazingly invaluable item. you have got certainly given a hand to plenty of people just who have a look at web log and allow them all usefull tips.
Jul 10, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Our mission is to eliminate scams in the timeshare industry. We review timeshare exit companies and help timeshare owners find the best exit company for their situation. We are America’s #1 Timeshare Exit Resource and we prioritize timeshare owners.
Jul 8, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Our website offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to explore our comprehensive selection of tankless heaters effortlessly. With just a few clicks, you can learn more about our cutting-edge technology, exceptional features, and energy-efficient benefits.
Jun 1, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Are you a fan of flag football? If so, you'll love our website, which is filled with amazing flag football facts! From the origins of this popular sport to its most famous players and teams, we've got all the information you need to become a true flag football expert. Click here to learn more and explore our website today!
May 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
Looking to earn more rental income from your vacation home? Look no further than Vogue Vacation Dubai. Our expert team of vacation home management professionals can help you increase your rental income by up to 30%.
Jun 5, 2023
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you for some other informative blog. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal means? I have a mission that I’m just now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information.
Apr 1, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.
Mar 29, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Your website is really cool and this is a superb inspiring article.
Mar 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 2  | Go to page: