Where were you when Challenger Exploded?

[abaris]

You know, back then there wasn't that news overflow we have now. I'm sure they reported it on the news, but given how often I've seen that explosion in the last 30 years, I can't even say when I've seen them the first time. As I said, it wasn't important for us. A tragic accident the Americans had with their space program.

But interestingly, I remember exactly what I did when the first Shuttle left for space in 1981. And to underline what was important for us back in the day, living just 30 miles from the Iron Curtain, I remember the news coverage when Gorbatchev became secretary general of the Soviet Union in 1985. I was fixing myself a sandwich while someone was analysing that person noone had seen before in the hierarchy.

[Gawdzilla]

Regarding Chernobyl, my brother's family was in the fallout pattern, Ramstein AFB, Germany. So far the boys have done just fine, no untoward problems.

As for Chernobyl itself: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/radioacti...tion/7108/

[Thumpalumpacus]

I don't remember where I was when it happened.  I didn't find out about it until later when I got to school.  I remember I had a philosophy seminar, and the professor devoted the hour to exploring the question, "What makes a death dignified?"  I even remember my answer.

What was your answer?

ETA: answer provided for the impatient.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I was also in elementary school. Young enough to not really understand much except that I was sad.

I remember I was at home when Mt St Helens erupted. I was only 5, so it was very scary because my parents were very alarmed. We lived far enough away that we only got a little ash, but we had family living much closer.

On a slightly related nite, half my family were extras in that movie, lol.

Where did you live? Did they collect ash?

I had a business trip to Butte MT shortly after. They told a lot of ash fallout stories.

My sis was in a Catholic boarding school in Coeur d'Alene ID, rehabbing from speed addiction, when the mountain erupted. She sent me a Ziploc baggie of ash -- said they had four inches on the ground.

[Anomalocaris]

Enjoying a snow day off from school. But not pleased the day was going to end with Reagan giving a state of the Union address.

[ignoramus]

I was about 9 years away from being a sperm.

As a little Iro sperm, you pushed and shoved your way passed millions of your potential brothers and sisters to be first to the egg!

Tell us, how does it feel to be a an uncaring mass murderer?

Hehe.

[Anomalocaris]

I was about 9 years away from being a sperm.

As a little Iro sperm, you pushed and shoved your way passed millions of your potential brothers and sisters to be first to the egg!

Tell us, how does it feel to be a an uncaring mass murderer?

Hehe.

You credit Iro Sr. With a normal sperm count.

[Iroscato]

I was about 9 years away from being a sperm.

As a little Iro sperm, you pushed and shoved your way passed millions of your potential brothers and sisters to be first to the egg!

Tell us, how does it feel to be a an uncaring mass murderer?

Hehe.

More arousing than it should be, I fear.

[Mr Greene]

For those that experienced Chernobyl, do you know anyone personally that suffered fallout consequences? We had a woman in our corporation that had secondary thyroid cancer. Can't remember exactly where she was from.

A few of the farms near where I am are still under quarantine due to fallout, also every year a group of children from Ukraine come for a few weeks with a charity.

[c172]

And today (well, the 13-years-ago version), Columbia broke up over Texas and Louisiana. I don't frankly remember where I was when I heard about it. I know I was living in Pennsylvania, 12 miles north of Pittsburgh. But somehow, between Challenger and that day, I became a somewhat calloused adult. Columbia didn't affect me quite as much. I do remember having some 80's song stuck in my head that day, but I haven't heard it since. It remains on the tip of my tongue.