Cirque du... Solar System?

The Cirque Du Soleil founder/bazillionaire blasted into space last week for a cool round-trip cost of 35 million bucks. While Canada has definitely produced its share of space cadets, Guy is our first "space tourist" and is about halfway through his 12 day adventure. The guy has received his fair share of criticism from those who say that money could have been better spent here in Gravityland. After all, it's not like he's doing any scientific experiments up there. He's onboard with a fistful of clown noses and has said he plans to tickle the astronauts while they sleep. Not exactly a giant leap for mankind.

But does it matter? I for one, am more interested in Guy's space jaunt than say, Julie Payette's. Not to diminish the important and necessary work of a true, homegrown astronaut - that's obviously a given. I just think that almost 40 years since the first moon landing, maybe we aren't as fascinated as we once were. The novelty may have dulled a little. After all, for anyone born after 1969 space travel has technically always existed.

But space tourism hasn't! Guy Laliberte has no scientific or engineering background. He may not know an asteroid from a hemorrhoid. He is simply there because he is a dreamer and an adventurer (and okay, a billionaire) - and I think that should speak to the child in all of us. Guy Laliberte is the grown up version of that kid who always dreamed big. He built his own fortune and if he has the cash to travel aboard the space shuttle, more power to him! He could very well have stayed on earth and commissioned a diamond encrusted toilet with his millions and none of us would have been the wiser. Instead, he chose to squeeze into a claustrophobic tin can and get blasted into the unchartered blackness of beyond - voluntarily! I can't say I'd do the same thing if I was in his big silly clown shoes. I'd sit here on earth waving a fistful of million dollar bills at the sky, trying to bribe space to come to me.

Besides, Laliberte has certainly done his fair share for charity. For one, he's donated 100 million dollars to his One Drop Foundation dedicated to raising awareness about the world's water-related issues. A topic he hopes this space flight can also bring to light. Today (Friday, Oct. 9) he'll be hosting the first live show from outer space. It will involve 14 cities around the world as well as various celebrities here on terra firma. I for one, will be watching. With my glass of powdered Tang. And maybe a clown nose.

p.s. - here's a cool website if you want to keep tabs on who's in the ether: www.howmanypeopleareinspacerightnow.com