TJM in Space! Our Thoughts on the Final Frontier

It’s no secret that we’re big outer space fans here at TJM. We love Star Trek, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, and just about everything else – Lost in Space, 2001: A Space Odyssey, you name it.

 Even our company name once had a Star Wars reference (Starts with J. Ends with I. Four letters), at least until the good folks at Lucasfilm gently suggested we change it. And we’re not too far here in Florida from Kennedy Space Center. So we thought we’d see what our staff thought about a few space ideas.

Deanna Thomas

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

Absolutely!! First, the only way to know whether the moon is made out of cheese is to see for yourself, and secondly … weight and calories don't count in space.

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Definitely Star Wars. Star Trek doesn't have Wookiees and Ewoks.

Matt Fischer

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

Yes, I think everyone should go to space if given the opportunity. It has to be such a humbling and inspiring thing to see the earth from a distance. I can only imagine that if everyone could experience that, then we might just find a new found respect for our planet and each other.

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Star Wars. Mainly because I was exposed to Star Wars more as a kid. The few times I did see Star Trek, it was old reruns and they just looked so dated to my younger self. 

Another aspect that made me a Star Wars fan is the variety of different species you would see in the movies. Some humanoid, but others not so much, like the Hutt and Mon Calamari.

Most of the alien species in Star Trek just looked like humans with some mild facial prosthetics. I just thought Star Wars did a better job of creating a more unique galaxy.  Also, one has light sabers.

Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

Han shot first. (edited) 

Shannon Moore

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

Currently, I'd probably say no.  I would want to travel there when it's as common as an airline flight. Amenities as luxurious as a standard hotel. I don't want to be cramped in a rocket with tiny beds and dry shampoo. (Editor’s note: No, Shannon’s middle name is not Karen.)

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Star Wars.  Look who I'm married to ... (Editor’s note: that would be Josh, ad campaign manager/son of the company founders. See second paragraph above.)

Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

Greedo (Editor’s note: Everyone’s entitled to their opinion.)

Have you ever attended a launch at the Kennedy Space Center?

Never attended a launch, but did go there recently and the family thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rick Cundiff

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

Although I’d love to see Earth and the stars from that vantage point, I’m far too claustrophobic to get into any current spacecraft. Maybe in something with a larger cabin size. I kinda agree with Shannon. (Editor’s note: Rick’s middle name isn’t Karen either, but he has been known to ask to see the manager.)

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

As one of the few people at TJM old enough to have seen it in its first theatrical run, I have to go with Star Wars. It was such a revelation at the time. That opening text, scrolling horizontally, indicated we were entering a whole new visual world.

Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

No question. In 1977, Han shot first.

Anonymous Staff Member

(Declined to be named)

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

 No, we are not ready or prepared for the adventure.

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Star Wars All Day! Trekkies run around in space pajamas. (Editor’s note: Spock would consider that remark to be highly illogical.)

Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

Han shot first.

Matt Maio

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

I would certainly go to space. I’m somewhat of an adrenaline junkie and I’ve yet to go 200 mph, so the chance to go almost 18,000 mph sounds awesome.

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Star Trek for sure. I think Chewbacca is awesome. (Editor’s note: We think Matt is awesomely confused. Spock again notes this is highly illogical. However, it is possible that Wookiees are distantly related to Tribbles.)

 Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

 I was thinking Han, but I confused him with Johnny Tran. Johnny Tran shot first when he and his crew were on sport bikes and rolled up on Toretto and Brian. I don’t remember Han shooting at all. He was always just munching on snacks and dropping knowledge. (Editor’s note: Matt appears to have confused Han Solo with Han Seoul-Oh of “Fast and Furious” fame. Understandable error, and quite logical.)

Justin MacDonald

If given the opportunity, would you go to space? Why or why not?

To be pedantic, we’re already in space. (Editor’s note: Fine. Would you leave the planet if you could?) To answer the question, I would absolutely go into outer space.  The answer to “why” is a simple one from me, because it’s a new experience and I love new experiences.

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Can we not enjoy both for different reasons? If we have to choose between the two, I guess I’m choosing Star Wars, because Rogue One has become one of my favorite movies ever.

Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

I’m going with Han, and I don’t really care what it makes his character look like, because I think his character fits that anyway (and I’m not mad at it).

Tell us about your experience at Kennedy Space Center.

I went to the Kennedy Space Center as (maybe) a 10-year-old.  Leading up to the trip, I read everything I could get my hands on about the space program because I was fascinated by it.  When we were on the tour, I was not-so-politely asked by our tour guide to stop answering questions because I was “ruining the experience for the other kids,” which roughly translates to “you’re stealing my thunder, kid.”

I was a little embarrassed and bummed out, so one of the other employees made up for it by allowing me to try all the “spacewalk” activities I could. Aerotrim (passed it!), Weightless Building Exercise (nailed it!), and an MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit – harder to control than anticipated!).  It is an outstanding memory that was fun, but taught me that I don’t ALWAYS have to speak up if I think I know the answer.