It's now less than 6 Hours before the 11AM launch and still no one directly connected to VMT or any of the partners involved with today's press conference have spoken a word here or on any other board.

Currently, I'm down at Roanoke Carilion Memorial Hospital being prepped for colon transplant surgery to replace my colon which was removed some five years ago. The surgery is scheduled to begin at 11AM as well so I'll likely miss today's pyrotechnics at VMT. Unfortunately, we're still waiting for a donor, or a reasonably good match from some unknowing cadaver. Hopefully one will surface prior to 11AM or they'll have to go with the backup plan which is a pig's colon.

So, if you believe anything you've heard about 611 returning to service may I offer my sincere condolences. The part about the press conference today is true if it's not called off due to hazardous weather conditions this morning in Roanoke which are possible.

It's also true that I don't have a colon and would consider a transplant if it were a viable option. Unfortunately, they don't perform that kind of surgery as yet, and stem cell research isn't quite that advanced either.

In the interim, may I suggest that everyone enjoy the following fantasy video, and be sure to hold on tight to your dream(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S5YRyu1p84

Bob-regarding your surgery-if you like, please PM me on this topic, as my daughter went through something similar recently. I may not be able to respond until this evening, but would be happy to share some background etc.

Bob, On behalf of myself and all of us who have so enjoyed your fabulous pictures/videos over the years...our prayers for a very successful operation and many years of subsequent quality life!!!

Please keep us in the loop.

All the best, Ross Rowland

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please take care of Bob for us. He has been a good friend and we have all enjoyed his pictures and emails over the years. Please provide the doctors and nurses with the skills, tools and comfort for Bob to bring him through this difficult surgery.

Amen

Good luck Bob.

I'm waiting to hear what VMT has to say, too....I'm not holding my breath for an announcement that 611 is going to run again. I would love for my kids to be able to see her in steam since I have fond memories of her.

Andy Pullen

Bob, we are, each of us, in your corner this day. Our collective faith and strength will be with you. God's protection.

Dick

Ah, with tongue in cheek fellas, if you re-read the post, you'll see that I was kidding about the surgery at this point. It could happen somewhere down the road, but I was really trying to demonstrate just how far all this rumor business can go.

I really didn't intend to get anyone to actually "bite" as explained further down in the original post.

All the same, thanks to everyone for the good wishes. I may need them eventually though I doubt colon transplants are ever available in my lifetime let alone the use of stem cell research to regenerate same.

Bob Lyndall

There seems to be no shortage of colons among the people I have to deal with every day.

I appreciated the joke, with extra chuckle....

dave

I saw the ruse, but just watched it hatch. You're missing a good bet by not colon shopping in Washington DC. Seems to be an oversupply of them there.

If the idea was to make other people look or feel "taken in", you succeeded.
I'm uncertain as to the humor content. In my opinion, as a sucker, this was a rather shallow "joke".

Bob -

I too was taken in by your humor. Said a prayer for you this morning. Hopefully the Good Lord can put it in his file, and use it when needed.

Les

Looks like the joke backfired in a couple of ways.

It will be nice to see #611 make a comeback. Great news that they are even exploring it.

http://www.fireup611.org/

People have been exploring it since about December of 1994.