The history of the space shuttle in photos
The history of the space shuttle in photos. Hat tip Clark Lindsey.
Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
A look inside NASA’s “Skunk Works”
Astronaut Mark Kelly says he won’t run for political office
Astronaut Mark Kelly says he won’t run for political office, leaving politics to his wife, Gabrielle Giffords.
It was a terrible tragedy that Giffords was so seriously injured in the Tucson shooting in January. However, I am completely baffled why people think this incident has somehow elevated the qualifications of both her and her husband for higher office. How does getting shot in the head make you a better leader/executive? It is absurd. If anything, this injury should sadly force us to question her ability to continue in office. As for her husband, mere name recognition isn’t enough. I respect him for recognizing that and bowing out.
More delays for the James Webb Space Telescope?
More delays for the James Webb Space Telescope?
Internet Explorer continues to lose market share to Chrome, Firefox, others
Battle of the browsers: Internet Explorer continues to lose market share to Chrome, Firefox, and others.
U.S. National Parks’ Cultural and Natural Resources Threatened
The pigs begin squealing again: According to a report written by a D.C. advocacy group, the national parks face serious problems due to a lack of sufficient funds.
It’s never enough. The National Park Service budget [pdf] has grown from $2.5 billion in 2003 to $3.1 billion in 2011. At the same time, they have increased fees on all public lands, often introducing fees where none had ever existed before.
Somehow, they managed for decades on smaller budgets. At this time of unimaginable federal debt, I have no sympathy for them, despite the fact that I am a passionate lover of the natural wonders contained in the national parks.
NASA Foresees 2-Year Final Shuttle Retirement Phase
Seems a bit long to me: NASA foresees a two year period after the last shuttle lands to retire the program completely.
World’s longest sea bridge opens in China
The world’s longest sea bridge opened in China yesterday. With some cool images.
The families of the Challenger astronauts come out in favor of commercial private manned spaceflight
The families of the Challenger astronauts come out in favor of commercial private manned spaceflight.
Everything Bad is Good For You
Starting in 2014, Obamacare will punish those who work and those who are married
We’ve got to repeal this piece of crap: Starting in 2014, Obamacare will punish those who work and those who are married.
Computer chess program stripped of its four titles and its programmer banned
A computer chess program has been stripped of its four titles and its programmer banned because of accusations of plagiarism.