I hope that all my nieces and nephews are on the mission. I hope that my family's genetic materials ride out and onward yet.

If you doubt that spinoffs from the space program, you'd best log off Mudcat and turn off you computer, 'cause if it wasn't for the space program you'd be using Big Iron instead of PC and you'd likely not be posting -- IF the Internet existed at all.

I will make an offer to anyone who was alive between the time Sputnik I was orbited and July 20, 1969: I will refund to you, or donate to the cause of you choice, the amount the US space program cost the average citizen of the US during that time IF you will swear and sign a contract to the effect never to again use anything that is a spinoff of the Space Program.

Now, in order to be fair, here are some things you'll be giving up:

Personal Computers
Colorization of black and white movies
"Sound Guard" record cleaner
Solar powered calculators
Aluminized bags for snack food
Weather satellites
Halogen lights for cars
Sports domes
Microwave Ovens
Pocket calculators
Phone calls by satellite
"Mylar" balloons
"Blue Blocker" sunglasses               
Digital watches and thermometers
"DirecTV", "Dish Network", etc
"Kevlar" for bullet proof vests
"Mini Mag" flashlights                                                                  
Fiber optics for phone calls
"Vortec" engines in GM cars
"Ovation" guitars and helicopter blades
Pacemaker batteries that last 20 years and can be recharged through the skin.
Compact Disks
M R I medical scanners
Electronic ignition in automobiles
Laser scanners in stores
"Bulb Miser" devices for long life light bulbs
Weather Maps on television
Juice boxes for "Hawaiian Punch", etc
"The Patch" medical device
Breathing systems for Mt. Everest climbers, Scuba divers and firefighters
"Flexon" eyeglasses and dental braces
Cellular phones and beepers
Cable Television, H B O, Showtime, etc
Sunglasses that block 99% of U. V. light                        
Pens that write upside down and under water
Anti corrosive paint for bridges and boats                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Scratch resistant coatings on glasses
Football helmets for the NFL
GPS Navigation Systems
Cordless vacuums, etc.
Aerodynamic bicycle wheels
Thermal gloves and boots
Joystick controllers
Computer controlled automobile engines
CDs
...and a whole bunch of medical stuff that's not mentioned, including the things used in laproscopic surgery and CAT scans.

Okay, who's ready to take me up on my offer?

Another hint: I already know what it will cost me....