Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
Seething midwest explodes over Lombardi cartoons
Curiosity has zapped its first rock and moved on.
Curiosity has zapped its first rock and moved on.
Curiosity has zapped its first rock and moved on.
“A pompous, self-absorbed, often-in-error-but-never-in-doubt blowhard impervious to facts and logic.”
Astronomers using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory have found that the Milky Way is surrounded by a halo of hot gas.The uncertainty of science: Astronomers using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory have found that the Milky Way is surrounded by a halo of hot gas.
The uncertainty of science: Astronomers using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory have found that the Milky Way is surrounded by a halo of hot gas.
This is the key quote:
The estimated mass of the halo is comparable to the mass of all the stars in the galaxy. If the size and mass of this gas halo is confirmed, it also could be an explanation for what is known as the “missing baryon” problem for the galaxy.
“Missing baryon” is another way to say “dark matter.” In other words, this discovery might prove that it isn’t necessary to invent exotic unknown particles of physics, such as the Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) to explain the missing matter. The missing matter might simply be this hot gas, previously undetected.
The uncertainty of science: Astronomers using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory have found that the Milky Way is surrounded by a halo of hot gas.
This is the key quote:
The estimated mass of the halo is comparable to the mass of all the stars in the galaxy. If the size and mass of this gas halo is confirmed, it also could be an explanation for what is known as the “missing baryon” problem for the galaxy.
“Missing baryon” is another way to say “dark matter.” In other words, this discovery might prove that it isn’t necessary to invent exotic unknown particles of physics, such as the Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) to explain the missing matter. The missing matter might simply be this hot gas, previously undetected.
More than a thousand pastors have resolved to defy the IRS and preach politics from the pulpit before the election.
Good for them: More than a thousand pastors have resolved to defy the IRS and preach politics from the pulpit before the election.
“The purpose is to make sure that the pastor — and not the IRS — decides what is said from the pulpit,” Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel for the group, told FoxNews.com. “It is a head-on constitutional challenge.” Stanley said pastors attending the Oct. 7 “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” will “preach sermons that will talk about the candidates running for office” and then “make a specific recommendation.” The sermons will be recorded and sent to the IRS.
“We’re hoping the IRS will respond by doing what they have threatened,” he said. “We have to wait for it to be applied to a particular church or pastor so that we can challenge it in court. We don’t think it’s going to take long for a judge to strike this down as unconstitutional.”
First of all, the IRS has always enforced this oppressive regulation very selectively. Black churches for example have been allowed to preach Democratic Party politics for decades, without any threats from the IRS.
Second, the regulation really does make no sense. What right does the IRS have deny these religious leaders the freedom to participate in the political debate? Free speech is free speech. To threaten their tax status just because they express their opinions for or against a candidate seems quite oppressive, the kind of thing petty dictators do when they want to shut their opponents up.
In fact, when you think about it, the regulation’s basic consequence was to shut these religious leaders up. Much like the “equal time” regulation that was used for decades to shut up conservative thought on the radio and television airwaves, this IRS regulation has effectively banned religion from the political process. Our Constitution might forbid Congress from setting up an official religion, but it does not forbid people of religion from using their moral teachings to try to influence elections. As I say, free speech is free speech. They are citizens like everyone else, and have the right to express their ideas and to try to persuade people. And in a free society, no one is obliged to listen to them or be convinced by them,
Good for them: More than a thousand pastors have resolved to defy the IRS and preach politics from the pulpit before the election.
“The purpose is to make sure that the pastor — and not the IRS — decides what is said from the pulpit,” Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel for the group, told FoxNews.com. “It is a head-on constitutional challenge.” Stanley said pastors attending the Oct. 7 “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” will “preach sermons that will talk about the candidates running for office” and then “make a specific recommendation.” The sermons will be recorded and sent to the IRS.
“We’re hoping the IRS will respond by doing what they have threatened,” he said. “We have to wait for it to be applied to a particular church or pastor so that we can challenge it in court. We don’t think it’s going to take long for a judge to strike this down as unconstitutional.”
First of all, the IRS has always enforced this oppressive regulation very selectively. Black churches for example have been allowed to preach Democratic Party politics for decades, without any threats from the IRS.
Second, the regulation really does make no sense. What right does the IRS have deny these religious leaders the freedom to participate in the political debate? Free speech is free speech. To threaten their tax status just because they express their opinions for or against a candidate seems quite oppressive, the kind of thing petty dictators do when they want to shut their opponents up.
In fact, when you think about it, the regulation’s basic consequence was to shut these religious leaders up. Much like the “equal time” regulation that was used for decades to shut up conservative thought on the radio and television airwaves, this IRS regulation has effectively banned religion from the political process. Our Constitution might forbid Congress from setting up an official religion, but it does not forbid people of religion from using their moral teachings to try to influence elections. As I say, free speech is free speech. They are citizens like everyone else, and have the right to express their ideas and to try to persuade people. And in a free society, no one is obliged to listen to them or be convinced by them,
“Bias” is no longer a suitable description of the character of the media establishment. “Partisan toadies” may be a better one.
“Brainless fools” is another term I like. Also “Pravda.” “Irresponsible partisan hacks” also comes to mind. Consider this:
» Read more
“Brainless fools” is another term I like. Also “Pravda.” “Irresponsible partisan hacks” also comes to mind. Consider this:
» Read more
An avionics unit in the Soyuz capsule to be used to fly three astronauts to ISS later this month had problems in testing which required its replacement.
So that was what caused the delay: An avionics unit in the Soyuz capsule to be used to fly three astronauts to ISS later this month had problems in testing which required its replacement.
So that was what caused the delay: An avionics unit in the Soyuz capsule to be used to fly three astronauts to ISS later this month had problems in testing which required its replacement.
This year’s Ig Noble Awards have been announced.
This year’s Ig Noble Awards have been announced.
I especially like the research where scientists performed MRI brain scans on pumpkins, Cornish hens, and dead fish. And they even got a signal from the dead fish!
This year’s Ig Noble Awards have been announced.
I especially like the research where scientists performed MRI brain scans on pumpkins, Cornish hens, and dead fish. And they even got a signal from the dead fish!
France and Germany in the European Space Agency are at loggerheads about the best way to compete in the launch market.
The competition heats up: France and Germany in the European Space Agency are in serious disagreement about whether to replace the Ariane 5 or upgrade it.
The French space agency, CNES, quietly backed by Europe’s Arianespace launch consortium, has argued that the current Ariane 5 heavy-lift vehicle has only a fragile hold on its current 50 percent commercial market share. Just as important, according to the French reasoning, is that the entire Ariane 5 system, including its ground infrastructure, is expensive to operate and likely to remain so. Because money is short in Europe, it would be preferable to move immediately to a next-generation vehicle that would carry payloads ranging from 2,500 kilograms to 6,000 kilograms — with an extension to 8,000 kilograms — into geostationary transfer orbit, one at a time. This modular vehicle ultimately would replace not only today’s Ariane 5, but also the Russian Soyuz rocket that is now operating from Europe’s Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.
Set against this reasoning are industrial policy issues raised by the German space agency, DLR, and by Astrium, which is Ariane 5’s prime contractor. They say Europe needs to complete development of an upgraded Ariane 5 — at a cost of about 1.4 billion euros ($1.8 billion) — before embarking on a decade-long development of an Ariane 6 whose cost and industrial work-share distribution are unknown. [emphasis mine]
It is very clear that ESA has recognized that once Falcon 9 becomes completely operational, it will be difficult to get anyone to buy tickets on the very expensive Ariane 5. From the article it appears the battle centers on the fact that the French realize this, while the Germans are willing to look the other way.
The competition heats up: France and Germany in the European Space Agency are in serious disagreement about whether to replace the Ariane 5 or upgrade it.
The French space agency, CNES, quietly backed by Europe’s Arianespace launch consortium, has argued that the current Ariane 5 heavy-lift vehicle has only a fragile hold on its current 50 percent commercial market share. Just as important, according to the French reasoning, is that the entire Ariane 5 system, including its ground infrastructure, is expensive to operate and likely to remain so. Because money is short in Europe, it would be preferable to move immediately to a next-generation vehicle that would carry payloads ranging from 2,500 kilograms to 6,000 kilograms — with an extension to 8,000 kilograms — into geostationary transfer orbit, one at a time. This modular vehicle ultimately would replace not only today’s Ariane 5, but also the Russian Soyuz rocket that is now operating from Europe’s Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.
Set against this reasoning are industrial policy issues raised by the German space agency, DLR, and by Astrium, which is Ariane 5’s prime contractor. They say Europe needs to complete development of an upgraded Ariane 5 — at a cost of about 1.4 billion euros ($1.8 billion) — before embarking on a decade-long development of an Ariane 6 whose cost and industrial work-share distribution are unknown. [emphasis mine]
It is very clear that ESA has recognized that once Falcon 9 becomes completely operational, it will be difficult to get anyone to buy tickets on the very expensive Ariane 5. From the article it appears the battle centers on the fact that the French realize this, while the Germans are willing to look the other way.
Butch Cassidy’s Colt 45 revolver will be auctioned off later this month.
Want a piece of history? Butch Cassidy’s Colt 45 revolver will be auctioned off later this month.
Want a piece of history? Butch Cassidy’s Colt 45 revolver will be auctioned off later this month.
Eleven construction workers sit on a girder eating lunch, 800 feet above the ground: The story behind the 1932 picture.
Eleven construction workers sit on a girder eating lunch, 800 feet above the ground: The story behind the 1932 picture.
Eleven construction workers sit on a girder eating lunch, 800 feet above the ground: The story behind the 1932 picture.
October 7 is now set as the launch date for the first operational cargo flight of Dragon to ISS.
The competition heats up: October 7 has now been set as the launch date for the first operational cargo flight of Dragon to ISS.
The competition heats up: October 7 has now been set as the launch date for the first operational cargo flight of Dragon to ISS.
Newly released results from Dawn have found evidence of hydrogen on the surface of Vesta
Newly released results from Dawn have found evidence of hydrogen on the surface of Vesta, which also suggests that the asteroid once had water. More here.
The article focuses on the possibility that the hydrogen originally came from ice placed there by icy asteroids. While likely, this remains only one possible explanation.
Newly released results from Dawn have found evidence of hydrogen on the surface of Vesta, which also suggests that the asteroid once had water. More here.
The article focuses on the possibility that the hydrogen originally came from ice placed there by icy asteroids. While likely, this remains only one possible explanation.
A Texas school district has banned the use of religious signs at football games, even if created entirely and freely by the students.
A Texas school district has banned the use of religious signs at football games, even if the signs were created entirely and freely by the students.
[According to Kevin Weldon, the district’s superintendent], legal counsel recommended that religious activities not be carried out, even if the are being organized and implemented by students. “Per the advice of TASB Legal, please do not allow any student groups to display any religious signs or messages at school-sponsored events,” the superintendent wrote in a letter to parents who are involved in organizing extracurricular activities.
So, according to the legal counsel for this school district, freedom of religion and speech is outlawed at any government event. What a crock.
The good news is that the students are refusing to back down, and intend to display even more signs at future events.
A Texas school district has banned the use of religious signs at football games, even if the signs were created entirely and freely by the students.
[According to Kevin Weldon, the district’s superintendent], legal counsel recommended that religious activities not be carried out, even if the are being organized and implemented by students. “Per the advice of TASB Legal, please do not allow any student groups to display any religious signs or messages at school-sponsored events,” the superintendent wrote in a letter to parents who are involved in organizing extracurricular activities.
So, according to the legal counsel for this school district, freedom of religion and speech is outlawed at any government event. What a crock.
The good news is that the students are refusing to back down, and intend to display even more signs at future events.
The cost of regulations is 80 times higher than OMB’s estimate, according to the estimates of each individual government agency.
We’re more doomed than we know: The cost of government regulation is actually 80 times higher than OMB’s estimate, according to the estimates made by each individual government agency.
“While OMB officially reports amounts of only up to $88.6 billion in 2010 dollars,” said Crews, “the non-tax cost of government intervention in the economy, without performing a sweeping survey, appears to total up to $1.806 trillion annually.”
The $1.8 trillion number comes from looking at the estimates made by each agency and then adding them up.
We’re more doomed than we know: The cost of government regulation is actually 80 times higher than OMB’s estimate, according to the estimates made by each individual government agency.
“While OMB officially reports amounts of only up to $88.6 billion in 2010 dollars,” said Crews, “the non-tax cost of government intervention in the economy, without performing a sweeping survey, appears to total up to $1.806 trillion annually.”
The $1.8 trillion number comes from looking at the estimates made by each agency and then adding them up.
“Obama observes ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day.'”
Obama today observed ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day.’
The screen capture however from Drudge puts is this in much better context:
Obama today observed ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day.’
The screen capture however from Drudge puts is this in much better context:
Obamacare: a program in disarray.
Obamacare: a program in disarray.
The critical regulations outlining what the Obamacare insurance benefit will look like was supposed to be out more than six months ago. Now it looks like this regulation won’t be dropped until after the election.
The author then describes each component of the law that is failing in one way or the other. I especially like this paragaph:
The crown jewel of Obamacare’s effort to contain healthcare costs, the creation of Accountable Care Organizations, is so unwieldy that major provider groups have said they won’t participate. The idea is to consolidate doctors, turning them into employees of large systems, and then pay these systems lump sums of money to take care of groups of patients. A letter from 10 major medical groups that previously ran similar programs said, “it would be difficult, if not impossible” to accept the financial design created by Obamacare. In another rebuke, an umbrella group representing premier medical organizations said 90 percent of its members wouldn’t partake.
None of this is a surprise to those who opposed this turkey of a law. We were right to oppose it, and we are right to want it repealed.
Obamacare: a program in disarray.
The critical regulations outlining what the Obamacare insurance benefit will look like was supposed to be out more than six months ago. Now it looks like this regulation won’t be dropped until after the election.
The author then describes each component of the law that is failing in one way or the other. I especially like this paragaph:
The crown jewel of Obamacare’s effort to contain healthcare costs, the creation of Accountable Care Organizations, is so unwieldy that major provider groups have said they won’t participate. The idea is to consolidate doctors, turning them into employees of large systems, and then pay these systems lump sums of money to take care of groups of patients. A letter from 10 major medical groups that previously ran similar programs said, “it would be difficult, if not impossible” to accept the financial design created by Obamacare. In another rebuke, an umbrella group representing premier medical organizations said 90 percent of its members wouldn’t partake.
None of this is a surprise to those who opposed this turkey of a law. We were right to oppose it, and we are right to want it repealed.
Hundreds of peer-reviewed papers in the field of anaesthesiology are about to be retracted because their data was fabricated.
Hundreds of peer-reviewed papers in the field of anesthesiology are about to be retracted because their data was fabricated.
After more than a decade of suspicion about the work of anesthesiologist Yoshitaka Fujii, formerly of Toho University in Tokyo, investigations by journals and universities have concluded that he fabricated data on an epic scale. At least half of the roughly 200 papers he authored on responses to drugs after surgery are in line for retraction in the coming months.
Like many cases of fraud, this one has raised questions about how the misconduct went undetected for so long. But the scope and duration of Fujii’s deception have shaken multiple journals and the entire field of anesthesiology, which has seen other high-profile frauds in the past few years.
Fujii’s work was published in many different journals, where it appears none of his referees ever checked his data. Worse, this is not the first such case in this field.
» Read more
Hundreds of peer-reviewed papers in the field of anesthesiology are about to be retracted because their data was fabricated.
After more than a decade of suspicion about the work of anesthesiologist Yoshitaka Fujii, formerly of Toho University in Tokyo, investigations by journals and universities have concluded that he fabricated data on an epic scale. At least half of the roughly 200 papers he authored on responses to drugs after surgery are in line for retraction in the coming months.
Like many cases of fraud, this one has raised questions about how the misconduct went undetected for so long. But the scope and duration of Fujii’s deception have shaken multiple journals and the entire field of anesthesiology, which has seen other high-profile frauds in the past few years.
Fujii’s work was published in many different journals, where it appears none of his referees ever checked his data. Worse, this is not the first such case in this field.
» Read more
The White House press secretary today “question[ed] the judgment” of someone publishing cartoons critical of Mohammad and Islam.
Cowards: The White House press secretary today “question[ed] the judgment” of someone publishing cartoons critical of Mohammad and Islam.
Carney said the White House supports free speech, but that is a lie if they are not going to defend the use that right in all cases.
Cowards: The White House press secretary today “question[ed] the judgment” of someone publishing cartoons critical of Mohammad and Islam.
Carney said the White House supports free speech, but that is a lie if they are not going to defend the use that right in all cases.
The French prepare for a vibrant debate on free speech from the members of its Islamic community.
The French prepare for a vibrant debate on free speech from the members of its Islamic community.
The worst part of this story isn’t that we expect Muslims to riot because someone said something they don’t like. The worst part is how eager many liberals are to lend these violent thugs quisling support.
Update: If you want to see some of those new Mohammad cartoons from the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, go here.
The French prepare for a vibrant debate on free speech from the members of its Islamic community.
The worst part of this story isn’t that we expect Muslims to riot because someone said something they don’t like. The worst part is how eager many liberals are to lend these violent thugs quisling support.
Update: If you want to see some of those new Mohammad cartoons from the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, go here.
Eight strange rock islets from around the world.
Eight strange rock islets from around the world.
Eight strange rock islets from around the world.
The rocket that will launch the next flight of the X-37B, and the first to return to space, has been assembled.
The rocket that will launch the next flight of the X-37B, and the first to return to space, has been assembled at Cape Canaveral.
The launch is scheduled for sometime in October, and will send the first X-37B into space for its second flight.
The rocket that will launch the next flight of the X-37B, and the first to return to space, has been assembled at Cape Canaveral.
The launch is scheduled for sometime in October, and will send the first X-37B into space for its second flight.
A mural in Oregon.
After postponing Juno’s second midcourse correction burn, engineers have now successfully completed that burn.
After postponing Juno’s second midcourse correction burn last month, engineers have now successfully completed that burn.
NASA’s Juno spacecraft successfully executed a second Deep Space Maneuver, called DSM-2 last Friday, Sept. 14. The 30 minute firing of its main engine refined the Jupiter-bound spacecraft’s trajectory, setting the stage for a gravity assist from a flyby of Earth on Oct 9, 2013. Juno will arrive at Jupiter on July 4, 2016.
After postponing Juno’s second midcourse correction burn last month, engineers have now successfully completed that burn.
NASA’s Juno spacecraft successfully executed a second Deep Space Maneuver, called DSM-2 last Friday, Sept. 14. The 30 minute firing of its main engine refined the Jupiter-bound spacecraft’s trajectory, setting the stage for a gravity assist from a flyby of Earth on Oct 9, 2013. Juno will arrive at Jupiter on July 4, 2016.
The automatic budget cuts triggered by sequestration appear increasingly likely according to two defense analysts.
Good news: The automatic budget cuts triggered by sequestration appear increasingly likely according to two defense analysts.
Now that the Obama administration has released some details on how these 8.2 and 9.4 percent cuts will be imposed, I find them a refreshing change from business-as-usual in Washington. As far as I can tell, the only thing really wrong with them is that they only scratch the surface of the federal budget debt.
Good news: The automatic budget cuts triggered by sequestration appear increasingly likely according to two defense analysts.
Now that the Obama administration has released some details on how these 8.2 and 9.4 percent cuts will be imposed, I find them a refreshing change from business-as-usual in Washington. As far as I can tell, the only thing really wrong with them is that they only scratch the surface of the federal budget debt.
A four pound meteorite originally from the Moon is up for auction and is expected to sell for more than that $340K.
Own of piece of the Moon: A four pound meteorite originally from the Moon is up for auction and is expected to sell for more than that $340K.
Own of piece of the Moon: A four pound meteorite originally from the Moon is up for auction and is expected to sell for more than that $340K.
Curiosity snaps a Martian lunar eclipse.
Curiosity snaps a Martian lunar eclipse.
Curiosity snaps a Martian lunar eclipse.
The French magazine whose offices were firebombed last year after publishing an issue ridiculing Mohammad is about to do it again.
Go for it! The French magazine whose offices were firebombed last year after publishing an issue ridiculing Mohammad is about to publish another issue doing the exact same thing.
Charlie Hebdo’s latest move was greeted with immediate calls from political and religious leaders for the media to act responsibly and avoid inflaming the current situation. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault issued a statement expressing his “disapproval of all excesses.”
The magazine’s editor, originally a cartoonist who uses the name Charb, denied he was being deliberately provocative at a delicate time. “The freedom of the press, is that a provocation?” he said. “I’m not asking strict Muslims to read Charlie Hebdo, just like I wouldn’t go to a mosque to listen to speeches that go against everything I believe.”
I say, good for the magazine Charlie Hebdo. And more publications should join in! If a lot of people make fun of Islam and Mohammad, it will make it very difficult for the religion-of-peace’s firebombing and rioting mobs to keep up.
Go for it! The French magazine whose offices were firebombed last year after publishing an issue ridiculing Mohammad is about to publish another issue doing the exact same thing.
Charlie Hebdo’s latest move was greeted with immediate calls from political and religious leaders for the media to act responsibly and avoid inflaming the current situation. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault issued a statement expressing his “disapproval of all excesses.”
The magazine’s editor, originally a cartoonist who uses the name Charb, denied he was being deliberately provocative at a delicate time. “The freedom of the press, is that a provocation?” he said. “I’m not asking strict Muslims to read Charlie Hebdo, just like I wouldn’t go to a mosque to listen to speeches that go against everything I believe.”
I say, good for the magazine Charlie Hebdo. And more publications should join in! If a lot of people make fun of Islam and Mohammad, it will make it very difficult for the religion-of-peace’s firebombing and rioting mobs to keep up.
“A manufactured political narrative that bears little resemblance to reality.”
A Florida family now faces fines for hosting weekly Bible study sessions in their home.
A Florida family now faces fines for hosting weekly Bible study sessions in their home.
Shane and Marlen Roessiger, of Venice, Fla. are facing a $250 per day fine for hosting Friday night prayer and Bible study gatherings that are attended by as many as 10 people. “It is difficult to understand how it is illegal to have a prayer meeting on Friday night with a half dozen people but it is alright if I invited the same group on Monday evening to watch Monday night Football,” Roessiger said. The Roessigers are also facing a fine for putting a small sign in their front yard.
Gee, maybe they should riot and kill people instead. That way the government would call them members of the religion of peace and let them practice their religion freely.
A Florida family now faces fines for hosting weekly Bible study sessions in their home.
Shane and Marlen Roessiger, of Venice, Fla. are facing a $250 per day fine for hosting Friday night prayer and Bible study gatherings that are attended by as many as 10 people. “It is difficult to understand how it is illegal to have a prayer meeting on Friday night with a half dozen people but it is alright if I invited the same group on Monday evening to watch Monday night Football,” Roessiger said. The Roessigers are also facing a fine for putting a small sign in their front yard.
Gee, maybe they should riot and kill people instead. That way the government would call them members of the religion of peace and let them practice their religion freely.