So today I got the sniffles when I read that Mars Phoenix is shutting down. Which is ridiculous. I mean, I got a lump in my throat over Chalcedony’s fate in “Tideline.” Then when I read “Edward Bear and the Very Long Walk” to my friends, I could hardly speak through the ending. Now this.
It’s just a machine. It doesn’t even have a ghost in it. What it has is human fingers writing sentimental tweets as it shuts down.
But then, all any ghost has is the living who believe in it, and feel sad about it being alone in the cold and dark. Brrr.
Writing Every Day 
a) I suspect the folks who worked on Phoenix were fans of STTNG (you remember Scotty’s advice to LaForge, to seem more like a miracle worker), and it was named “Phoenix” for a reason. I fully expect it to rise again next summer (Martian summer that is).
b) The original is good, but I like this one too:
c) I think the first science fiction book I ever read was “Space Cat Meets Mars.” This is the third in a series of four books. I blame one of my third grade classmates (I am not going to post his name here) for getting me hooked on science fiction.
Prior to college, I purchased very few books, but among these few were:
“Marooned on Mars” by Lester Del Rey
“Gods of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs
d) For a nostalgia kick, I am currently replaying the frpg game “Ultima VI.” Two other games were based partly on its source: “The Savage Empire” and “Martian Dreams.”
To my mind, “Martian Dreams” is the most interesting of the games set in the “Sosaria/Britannia” universe. The music is awesome. Well worth another play… Now if only I could remember where I put my copy, and transfer it from the floppies…
e) I think the (original) theme song for the TV series “My Favorite Martian” was wonderful!
Wow. If I’m from the North Pole, you’re from Mars;)!