For the first time in history all the major countries in the world are pushing together to reach this goal... building something in space that is really for all humankind.

I was, I remember, I still remember when the first time I pointed the telescope at the sky and I saw Saturn with the rings. It was a beautiful image.

Also we will be carrying food and clothes for the Expedition Two crew. And as well as spare parts for the EVA that will be conducted from the station in the following months.

During that space walk there will be some repositioning of the power so that the arm can be fully controlled by the robotic station that is in the Lab.

And so, I will be probably, since I am not involved in all the activity, I will have some spare time to devote to document all this busy part of the flight.

And then my chance really happened in 1996 when we added the second flight of the tether satellite.

And since Italy was involved in the space station as well as signed an agreement with NASA. And when the possibility to enter the 1996 Mission Specialist class.

At that point, there will be the handover between the shuttle arm and the station arm so that the shuttle arm will take the cradle and put it into the cargo bay.

And then I graduate two years later, in 1998, with my class. And, since then I've been here in Houston for training basically. And I was very happy to be assigned to this mission.

I remember; I was 15 years old when Neil Armstrong put feet in the moon.

But, what we need to get out of the first EVA is to have the arm completely unfolded and powered so that they can keep the temperature under control. That will really the call of the first EVA.

Speak to yourself with compassion on the inside and you will radiate peace on the outside.

That's a real sign of the times - can you imagine Nick Cave wearing a hoodie? He may not wear one, but he definitely sells them.

We face now an era where we're going to be fighting the terrorist threat. I mean, that's simply a reality we are going to have to address that one.

Inexperienced leaders are quick to lead before knowing anything about the people they intend to lead. But mature leaders listen, learn and then lead.

Everest has always been a magnet for kooks, publicity seekers, hopeless romantics and others with a shaky hold on reality.

As the fertilest ground, must be manured, so must the highest flying wit have a Daedalus to guide him.

Ed Wood served a great purpose - mainly making writers feel better about their work.

Scripture doesn't speak of people who found God. Scripture speaks of people who walked with God.

A servant cannot be greater than his master.

Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul None is more gladdening or fruitful than to know You can regenerate and make yourself what you will.