That's one small step for man, one giant leap for Britney Spears. ... Oops. I did it again.

What? OK, so it wasn't that garbled.

When Neil Armstrong first stepped foot on the moon back on July 20, 1969, he spoke the words that would forever remain in our memories: That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. However, that phrase didn't always ring true with word enthusiasts and geeks everywhere (present company included). The problem with the grammar is that man and mankind are basically the same thing. When using them both together like this, it is repetitive.

Armstrong has always insisted that he said:That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind. Do you see the difference? This way, the correct way, means that the step he is taking is a small one for him but a great big one for everyone. Oy.

At any rate, new technology out of Australia has actually found the missing "a" in Armstrong's words. It was hidden by inflection, a slur, and about 8 bizillion miles of interference. So we can all sleep a little easier now. The boys at NASA have their A.

Oh, and the new Australian technology also deciphered what Armstrong said immediately after those famous words. He said, "I'm guessing there's not going to be a burrito stand up here. Man, do I love burritos."