Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
How a Chinese cave got listed on the U.S. stock market
The collapse of the solar power industry
What Do Democrats Really Stand For Today?
A valid question: What do Democrats really stand for today?
A valid question: What do Democrats really stand for today?
Some further information on the flight of the X-37B
Some further information on the ongoing flight of the X-37B.
Some further information on the ongoing flight of the X-37B.
Signals transmitted to Phobos-Grunt this week have failed to raise its orbit
Phobos-Grunt has once again failed to respond to signals transmitted this week in an attempt to raise its orbit.
Phobos-Grunt has once again failed to respond to signals transmitted this week in an attempt to raise its orbit.
Canada has joined the United States in raising objections to a planned $100-billion a year climate fund
The gravy train is ending: Canada has joined the United States in raising objections to a planned $100-billion a year climate fund.
I like this quote describing the U.S.’s objections:
Heading into the United Nations climate conference in Durban this week, the United States has made it clear it will not support the current proposals for the climate fund over concerns about how the money would be raised, lack of verification of how it is spent, and an unwillingness of major emerging countries to commit to legally binding emissions reduction. [emphasis mine]
Other than these minor points, everything about the fund is above board and legitimate.
The gravy train is ending: Canada has joined the United States in raising objections to a planned $100-billion a year climate fund.
I like this quote describing the U.S.’s objections:
Heading into the United Nations climate conference in Durban this week, the United States has made it clear it will not support the current proposals for the climate fund over concerns about how the money would be raised, lack of verification of how it is spent, and an unwillingness of major emerging countries to commit to legally binding emissions reduction. [emphasis mine]
Other than these minor points, everything about the fund is above board and legitimate.
Despite earmark ban, some lawmakers continue to try to give money to hundreds of pet projects
The efforts to resurrect spending on pet projects reveal the tenuous nature of current reform efforts. Two senators have publicly called out their colleagues and will introduce legislation Wednesday that would ban earmarking with the force of law. “I have heard too many appropriators say informally that they are very hopeful that we can get back to earmarking in the future with few restrictions,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who is co-authoring the bill with Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.). “That has come out of the mouths of Democrats and Republicans.”
What I glean from this article is that a good number of legislators are still trying to sneak in their earmarks, but that they are finding it increasingly difficult. Unfortunately, it also appears that too many of them are still succeeding.
The efforts to resurrect spending on pet projects reveal the tenuous nature of current reform efforts. Two senators have publicly called out their colleagues and will introduce legislation Wednesday that would ban earmarking with the force of law. “I have heard too many appropriators say informally that they are very hopeful that we can get back to earmarking in the future with few restrictions,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who is co-authoring the bill with Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.). “That has come out of the mouths of Democrats and Republicans.”
What I glean from this article is that a good number of legislators are still trying to sneak in their earmarks, but that they are finding it increasingly difficult. Unfortunately, it also appears that too many of them are still succeeding.
Pictures of London’s Tower Bridge, taken during construction in the 1890s, discovered
Cool images: Lost for more than a hundred years, a set of pictures taken during the construction of London’s Tower Bridge in the 1890s have been rediscovered.
Cool images: Lost for more than a hundred years, a set of pictures taken during the construction of London’s Tower Bridge in the 1890s have been rediscovered.
Video: The competing worldviews of the Tea Party and OWS
A fascinating short video: The competing worldviews of the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street.
A fascinating short video: The competing worldviews of the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street.
An ISS status report confirms that NASA has combined the next two Dragon test missions into one flight
From Clark Lindsey: An ISS status report has confirmed that NASA has combined the next two Dragon test flights into one mission.
From Clark Lindsey: An ISS status report has confirmed that NASA has combined the next two Dragon test flights into one mission.
Nanosail-D has sailed home, burning up in the atmosphere on September 17
The solar sail Nanosail-D has sailed home, burning up in the atmosphere on September 17.
The flight phase of the mission successfully demonstrated a deorbit capability that could potentially be used to bring down decommissioned satellites and space debris by re-entering and totally burning up in the Earth’s atmosphere. The team continues to analyze the orbital data to determine how future satellites can use this new technology.
The concept being tested appears to use a solar sail as a navigating tool for guiding defunct satellites back into the atmosphere.
The solar sail Nanosail-D has sailed home, burning up in the atmosphere on September 17.
The flight phase of the mission successfully demonstrated a deorbit capability that could potentially be used to bring down decommissioned satellites and space debris by re-entering and totally burning up in the Earth’s atmosphere. The team continues to analyze the orbital data to determine how future satellites can use this new technology.
The concept being tested appears to use a solar sail as a navigating tool for guiding defunct satellites back into the atmosphere.
New discoveries at Stonehenge are suggesting the site is far older than previously believed
New discoveries at Stonehenge are suggesting the site is far older than previously believed.
New discoveries at Stonehenge are suggesting the site is far older than previously believed.
Senate passes bill allowing military to hold US citizens indefinitely, even within the US borders
Fools and tyrants: The Senate today passed a bill allowing the military to hold US citizens indefinitely, both inside and outside the US borders. The vote was 61-37, with 44 Republicans and 16 Democrats voting in favor.
To me, this is more proof that we need to throw out as many Senate incumbents as possible, with Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) being the first to go. These bastards don’t give a hoot about freedom. What good does it do us to defeat Al Queda if we destroy the very rights and freedoms that makes the United States different from Al Queda?
Fools and tyrants: The Senate today passed a bill allowing the military to hold US citizens indefinitely, both inside and outside the US borders. The vote was 61-37, with 44 Republicans and 16 Democrats voting in favor.
To me, this is more proof that we need to throw out as many Senate incumbents as possible, with Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) being the first to go. These bastards don’t give a hoot about freedom. What good does it do us to defeat Al Queda if we destroy the very rights and freedoms that makes the United States different from Al Queda?
Outcry over possible cuts to the European Union’s science budget
Running out of other people’s money: Shortages in the European Union’s science budget is prompting proposed cuts, which in turn is sparking outrage.
Running out of other people’s money: Shortages in the European Union’s science budget is prompting proposed cuts, which in turn is sparking outrage.
The landing date of the X-37B remains a mystery, even as it nears a record mission length
The landing date of the X-37B has been extended, even as it nears a record mission length.
The landing date of the X-37B has been extended, even as it nears a record mission length.
Lame-duck Barney Frank joins effort to repeal Obamacare “death panels”
A bit late, ain’t he? Lame-duck Barney Frank joins the effort to repeal Obamacare’s “death panels.”
Note also that Frank has now essentially admitted that Sarah Palin was right about these panels (though he of course hasn’t come out and said it). Rather than be partisan back when she first brought this issue up, why couldn’t Frank have acted more responsibly and voted against the bill in the first place?
Update: I reworded the above paragraph because the original language gave the impression that Frank had actually said he now agreed with Palin, something he has not done.
A bit late, ain’t he? Lame-duck Barney Frank joins the effort to repeal Obamacare’s “death panels.”
Note also that Frank has now essentially admitted that Sarah Palin was right about these panels (though he of course hasn’t come out and said it). Rather than be partisan back when she first brought this issue up, why couldn’t Frank have acted more responsibly and voted against the bill in the first place?
Update: I reworded the above paragraph because the original language gave the impression that Frank had actually said he now agreed with Palin, something he has not done.
The astronomical logbooks of David H. Levy, now online
For the amateur astronomer or historian: The astronomical logbooks of David H. Levy are now online.
For the amateur astronomer or historian: The astronomical logbooks of David H. Levy are now online.
American Airlines files for bankruptcy
American Airlines files for bankruptcy. Note this as well:
American was the only major U.S. airline that didn’t file for bankruptcy protection in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks that triggered a deep slump in the airline industry. The last major airline to file for bankruptcy protection was Delta in 2005.
This list of bankrupt airlines does not include Southwest, however, which has seen its business boom in the past decade. I wonder, could these other airlines be driving customers away with their high baggage fees, complex ticket rules that end up costing customers money or convenience, and their willingness to go along with the abuses of the TSA?
Whenever I can, I fly Southwest, because they don’t charge for baggage and allow me to change or cancel flights without penalty. However, I also fly as little as possible these days, mostly to avoid being treated like a criminal by the TSA. And I know I am not alone in this.
Thus, all airlines have lost business due to TSA abuse. You’d think they’d wake up and start to fight this government intrusion into their operations.
American Airlines files for bankruptcy. Note this as well:
American was the only major U.S. airline that didn’t file for bankruptcy protection in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks that triggered a deep slump in the airline industry. The last major airline to file for bankruptcy protection was Delta in 2005.
This list of bankrupt airlines does not include Southwest, however, which has seen its business boom in the past decade. I wonder, could these other airlines be driving customers away with their high baggage fees, complex ticket rules that end up costing customers money or convenience, and their willingness to go along with the abuses of the TSA?
Whenever I can, I fly Southwest, because they don’t charge for baggage and allow me to change or cancel flights without penalty. However, I also fly as little as possible these days, mostly to avoid being treated like a criminal by the TSA. And I know I am not alone in this.
Thus, all airlines have lost business due to TSA abuse. You’d think they’d wake up and start to fight this government intrusion into their operations.
“What the hell are we paying you for?”
Chris Christie to Barack Obama: “What the hell are we paying you for?”
This is so good, so honest and to the point, that it deserves to be embedded everywhere.
Chris Christie to Barack Obama: “What the hell are we paying you for?”
This is so good, so honest and to the point, that it deserves to be embedded everywhere.
Two weeks after the Richmond Tea Party complained about the city government’s double standard about protests and demanded a refund for its costs, they received a letter that they are being audited.
Leftwing oppression: Two weeks after the Richmond Tea Party complained about the city government’s double standard about protests — requiring the tea party to pay $8,500 in order to demonstrate but letting Occupy Richmond demonstrate for free while trespassing — they received a letter from the city announcing that they are being audited.
What amazes me is how tone deaf the Democratic Party officials running Richmond are, somehow thinking this is going to help them politically.
Leftwing oppression: Two weeks after the Richmond Tea Party complained about the city government’s double standard about protests — requiring the tea party to pay $8,500 in order to demonstrate but letting Occupy Richmond demonstrate for free while trespassing — they received a letter from the city announcing that they are being audited.
What amazes me is how tone deaf the Democratic Party officials running Richmond are, somehow thinking this is going to help them politically.
Senate bill would allow the military to arrest and hold US citizens at home or abroad indefinitely
Madness: A Senate bill, to be voted on today, would allow the military to arrest and hold US citizens indefinitely, both at home and abroad.
Termed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and drafted behind closed doors by Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) the NDAA would:
1) Explicitly authorize the federal government to indefinitely imprison without charge or trial American citizens and others picked up inside and outside the United States;
(2) Mandate military detention of some civilians who would otherwise be outside of military control, including civilians picked up within the United States itself; and
(3) Transfer to the Department of Defense core prosecutorial, investigative, law enforcement, penal, and custodial authority and responsibility now held by the Department of Justice.
For any elected official to consider this kind of legislation acceptable is only clear evidence that they should be put out of office immediately. Fire them all!
Madness: A Senate bill, to be voted on today, would allow the military to arrest and hold US citizens indefinitely, both at home and abroad.
Termed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and drafted behind closed doors by Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) the NDAA would:
1) Explicitly authorize the federal government to indefinitely imprison without charge or trial American citizens and others picked up inside and outside the United States;
(2) Mandate military detention of some civilians who would otherwise be outside of military control, including civilians picked up within the United States itself; and
(3) Transfer to the Department of Defense core prosecutorial, investigative, law enforcement, penal, and custodial authority and responsibility now held by the Department of Justice.
For any elected official to consider this kind of legislation acceptable is only clear evidence that they should be put out of office immediately. Fire them all!
Further analysis of the climategate 2 emails: Hiding the decline by Michael Mann
Further analysis of the climategate 2 emails: Michael Mann hides the decline.
Further analysis of the climategate 2 emails: Michael Mann hides the decline.
Airport worker fired for standing up to abuse by Muslim employees
The tolerance of Islam: An airport worker has been fired because she complained about the abuse and harassment committed against her by other Muslim employees.
The tolerance of Islam: An airport worker has been fired because she complained about the abuse and harassment committed against her by other Muslim employees.
Why Climategate 2 is important: a close look at a full email thread, and how it tried to squelch knowledge
Why Climategate 2 is important: a close look at one entire email thread, and how it proves these global warming scientists were trying to suppress knowledge.
Why Climategate 2 is important: a close look at one entire email thread, and how it proves these global warming scientists were trying to suppress knowledge.
Scientists have figured out how to make the perfect foam
Scientists have figured out how to make the perfect foam.
Scientists have figured out how to make the perfect foam.
How Richard Branson started Virgin Atlantic
How Richard Branson started Virgin Atlantic.
“In ’79, when Joan, my fiancee and I were on a holiday in the British Virgin Islands, we were trying to catch a flight to Puerto Rico; but the local Puerto Rican scheduled flight was cancelled. The airport terminal was full of stranded passengers. I made a few calls to charter companies and agreed to charter a plane for $2000 to Puerto Rico. Cheekily leaving out Joan’s and my name, I divided the price by the remaining number of passengers, borrowed a blackboard and wrote: VIRGIN AIRWAYS: $39 for a single flight to Puerto Rico. I walked around the airport terminal and soon filled every seat on the charter plane.
How Richard Branson started Virgin Atlantic.
“In ’79, when Joan, my fiancee and I were on a holiday in the British Virgin Islands, we were trying to catch a flight to Puerto Rico; but the local Puerto Rican scheduled flight was cancelled. The airport terminal was full of stranded passengers. I made a few calls to charter companies and agreed to charter a plane for $2000 to Puerto Rico. Cheekily leaving out Joan’s and my name, I divided the price by the remaining number of passengers, borrowed a blackboard and wrote: VIRGIN AIRWAYS: $39 for a single flight to Puerto Rico. I walked around the airport terminal and soon filled every seat on the charter plane.
Newt Gingrich snags top New Hampshire newspaper endorsement
Hmm. Newt Gingrich has gotten the endorsement of New Hampshire’s largest newspaper.
Hmm. Newt Gingrich has gotten the endorsement of New Hampshire’s largest newspaper.
A searchable database of the climategate emails
I had just posted, as a comment, a link to a searchable database of the climategate emails, including both the 2009 as well as the just released emails. However, I think it makes sense to post this separately, on the main page of Behind the Black, to make sure all my readers will see it and thus have access to it. The link is here.
I had just posted, as a comment, a link to a searchable database of the climategate emails, including both the 2009 as well as the just released emails. However, I think it makes sense to post this separately, on the main page of Behind the Black, to make sure all my readers will see it and thus have access to it. The link is here.
Occupy Wall Street protester arrested for threatening to kill the Republican governor of South Carolina
Leftwing hate: An Occupy Wall Street sympathizer has been arrested for threatening to kill the Republican governor of South Carolina.
Leftwing hate: An Occupy Wall Street sympathizer has been arrested for threatening to kill the Republican governor of South Carolina.
‘Jet Man’ Flies In Formation Over Swiss Alps
‘Jet Man’ Yves Rossy flew his custom-built jet suit over the Swiss Alps in formation with two aircraft this week. Video here.
‘Jet Man’ Yves Rossy flew his custom-built jet suit over the Swiss Alps in formation with two aircraft this week. Video here.