Saturday, April 30, 2011

More on Project Morpheus:

Republican Presidential Candidates Vulnerable on Policy Positions
Nightmares from Obama's Father
AP is running a story about President Barack Obama's father that, while it likely has little to do with modern politics, is entertaining nevertheless. The story will certainly be picked over by future presidential biographers.
Past Missions of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
Solar Power Struggles to Gain Traction in the Texas Market
Reboot of 'Two And a Half Men' Planned Without Charlie Sheen
The latest plan to do "Two and a Half Men" without Charlie Sheen apparently involves writing Sheen's character out and having the show feature Jon Cryer's character along with a new sidekick to be determined.
San Francisco Chronicle Accuses Obama Administration of Lying About Reporter Ban
The imbroglio between the Obama administration and the San Francisco Chronicle over a reporter's videotaping a group of protestors at a recent Obama fund raiser continues, with accusations being hurtled of White House lying.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Gabrielle Giffords Attends Shuttle Launch at a Crossroads for NASA's Future
Progressives Exploit Southern Tornadoes for Political Gain
Brad Johnson of the Center for American Progress is pretty sure who is to blame for the tornadoes that have devastated communities in the South, destroying neighborhoods and killing hundreds. It's the Republican Party.
Calling One's Dog, Cat a 'Pet' No Longer Politically Correct
The editors of something called "The Journal of Animal Ethics," apparently with too much time on their hands, have hit upon a new definition of animal abuse. Apparently it is wrong to call one's dog or cat or even canary a "pet."
Texas Gov. Perry Lashes Out at Obama's Slow Response to Wildfire Disaster
Cracker Sized 'Chip Satellites' To Be Tested on the International Space Station
Has Donald Trump Already Peaked?
Now that the birther issue has been laid to rest for all but the most committed conspiracy theorists, has Donald Trump, who used the idea that President Barack Obama is not actually an American to his advantage, peaked in the polls?
Heavy Lift Launcher Program to Be in Two Stages
On 'Bones,' the Wages of Honesty Are Death
In "Bones" Season 6, Episode 20, "The Pinocchio in the Planter," we learn what the wages of honesty are. If one is a perpetually angry person who has issues with everyone, those wages are death. For others, it is just embarrassment and hurt feelings.
Obama Administration Trying to Control Freedom of the Press
The White House is threatening to exclude the San Francisco Chronicle from future press pools on presidential events because a Chronicle reporter, Carla Marinucci, video-taped a group of protesters at an Obama fundraiser.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

'Burn Notice' Fiona Prequel Movie a Tantalizing Possibility
The "Burn Notice" Facebook page posted a nice picture of Gabrielle Anwar with this intriguing note: "We've heard you say you want to see a Fiona prequel. What skeletons and battles do you think are hiding in her closet?"
Obama 'War on Oil' Policy Increasing Federal Budget Deficit
10 Years Ago, Dennis Tito Became First Space Tourist
'Open Carry' Law Would Be Boon to Crime Deterrence
British Cops Give In to Politically Correct Hysteria
Apparently it is against the law in Great Britain to play "Kung Fu Fighting" in a public house when Chinese people hear it and decide they are offended. This is what singer Simon Ledger learned when he was popped by the peelers for doing just that.
The Project Morpheus folks show why tethered tests of rocket vehicles are a good idea:

Superman Loses More 'Americanness' in Sad, Irritating Trend
It seems that Superman will not only not fight for "the American way" along with truth and justice, but also will no longer be an American. The circumstances, described by Hot Air's Allahpundit, are a little strange.
One has to say, seeing the last scene in this commercial, that Elon Musk is not lacking in chutzpah. Mind, if it could be pulled off, it would be world historic...

'South Park' Season 15 Premiere Features Deft Riffs on Apple, 'Human Centipede'
"South Park" has always been known for two things: wry social satire and total gross out humor. In "South Park" Season 15, Episode 1, "Humancentipad," both qualities are present in great abundance.
Raylan Seeks a 'Reckoning' on 'Justified'
In "Justified" Season 2 Episode 12 "Reckoning," all of the law enforcement deployed in and around the scene of Aunt Helen's murder are regarding Raylan Givens with a wary eye. Everyone in Harlan County knows what he is capable of.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dunes Sagebrush Lizard Threatens Oil and Agriculture in West Texas
Ralph Nader Proposes to Run; Jim Hightower in the 2012 Primaries Against Obama
Ralph Nader, the perennial third party presidential candidate, is plotting to persuade a slate of liberal Democrats to run against President Barack Obama in the 2012 primaries in order to drag him back to the Left.
Plurality of Seniors Support Paul Ryan Republican Budget
Politico is running a story that suggests that supporters of President Barack Obama hope that they can use the Ryan budget, which reforms Medicare and Medicaid, to scare senior voters back to the Democratic Party in 2012.
NASA Proposes Space-Based Fuel Depot Demonstration Mission
Sarah Palin Bids Katie Couric a Fond Farewell

Plus Katie Couric Departs CBS Evening News Desk
Motion Capture Technology Could Help Schwarzenegger Renew 'Terminator' Role
The news that Arnold Schwarzenegger is shopping a new "Terminator" project starring himself and directed by Justin Lin, whose "Fast Five" premieres Friday, has elicited puzzlement and even titters among action film buffs.


Addendeum: A friend of mine points out that a geriatric robot might be just the thing for a killer infiltrator, Instead of the big and bad Arnold of 1984, we have the kinder, gentler one of 2012. "Hi, I'm looking for Sarah Connor. I'm her Uncle and I need to talk to her."

"She's working her shift at the Tech Noir down the street."

"Thanks."

(Reaches over and snaps Connor's roommate's neck.)
Obama Supporters Prepare to Play the Race Card
Some supporters of Barack Obama appear to be ready to play the race card in support of the president's 2012 reelection bid. Indeed, Whoopie Goldberg, on "The View," boasted that she would do just that.
Russia Makes Demands About 'Safety' of Docking with the ISS

Addendum" Rand Simberg weighs in and curiously diverts to some of his pet obsessions.

In essence, the attempt by the Russians to strong arm us over ISS access is all Mike Griffin's fault, except for the part that is Congress' fault for insisting that NASA actually have a space exploration program and not just be a conduit for Barack Obama's crony capitalism scheme. It's actually sad, really, to witness such monomania in the guise of "analysis."

(Bumped)
'Birther' Movement Unlikely to Die Down After Obama Releases Birth Certificate
President Barack Obama, in one of the strangest displays in the history of the American presidency, released the long form of his birth certificate, laying to rest, or so he hopes, the question as to where he was actually born.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Lessons of Chernobyl, 25 Years On
Iraq Shows Positive Side of Oil Production with New Plan
As President Barack Obama continues to wage a war on domestic oil production in the United States, who should ride to the rescue of cash-strapped motorists but our good friend and allies the Iraqis.
Remembering the Typewriter, Frustrations and All
The last typewriter factory has closed its doors forever, thus bringing to an end a piece of technology that enriched and aggravated generations of secretaries and writers for the better part of a century.
Fans Already Camping Outside Westminster Abbey
WHO Proposal to Destroy Smallpox Samples Called Unwise
Palin's Advice to Obama on Libya Clear, Compelling
| Sarah Palin is offering some free advice to President Barack Obama concerning the mess in Libya. As is usual with the pronouncements from the Lady from Wasilla, the advice is adorned with uncomplicated common sense.
Shell Forced to Abandon Operation in Latest Action of Obama's War on Oil
FEMA Delay in Disaster Declaration for Texas Wildfires Politically Motivated?
Ron Paul to Run for President for a Third Time
SpaceX's Elon Musk Wants to Go to Mars
Obama Seeks to Suppress Free Speech Rights of Government Contractors
The Obama administration is preparing an executive order that will require all private entities with government contracts to disclose not only what they contributed to political candidates but also to independent groups.
'Stargate: Universe' Gives an 'Epilogue' of an Alternate Greatest Adventure
The most interesting storyline in "Stargate: Universe" Season 2, Episode 18 "Epilogue" is not the visit of the Destiny crew to the now empty planet Novus, now in the process of tearing itself apart due to the proximity of a black hole.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Reason Magazine, predictably, does not think the Posey bill is a good idea. However, unlike a lot of people who call themselves libertarian, the author of the article has the sense to be troubled by the huge government subsidies for "commercial" space.
President Obama Hears Easter Sermon from Another Race-Baiting Pastor
It seems that President Barack Obama and his family have found a church with a pastor whose sermonizing style they find familiar and perhaps comforting. That man is Dr. Wallace Charles Smith of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
Californians' Support for Public Sector Union Curbs Inconsistent with Electoral Behavior
The electorate in California is somehow very hard to figure out. When asked whether the massive benefits that public sector unions enjoy in the Golden State should be rolled back, large majorities of Californians are in favor of it.
Sarah Palin a Better Economist Than Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke
The New York Sun, taking note of the tumbling dollar and the creeping up of inflation, decided to have a little fun at the expense of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and the other perpetrators of quantitative easing.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to Watch Astronaut Husband Mark Kelly Launch on the Endeavour
Sugar Tax Rejected as Solution to Texas State Budget Deficit
Pope Benedict Touches on Evolution and the Meaning of Existence in Easter Address
A Vast Left Wing Conspiracy's Mission: Sarah Palin Must Be Destroyed!
'The Borgias' Find the Deadly Consequences of Being 'in Love'
In "The Borgias" Season 1 Episode 5 "The Borgias in Love," His Holiness Pope Alexander VI is having nightmares about little daughter Lucrezia, whom he sold for a marriage alliance with a Sforzia nobleman.
Routes in 'Game Of Thrones' All Take 'The Kingsroad' Into Peril
In "Game of Thrones" Season 1 Episode 2 "The Kingsroad," two journeys begin, one to the north beyond the Ice Wall and one south to King's Landing. Trouble will follow both journeys, but then trouble remains at Winterfell.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Houston and New York Insulted by Space Shuttle Decision
Wonkette's Trig Palin Attack Piece Causes Bipartisan Condemnation
Rep. Bill Posey Introduces 'Back To the Moon' Bill
Anti-Muslim Extremist Terry Jones Becomes Free Speech Hero
It takes rare talent to turn an anti-Muslim hate monger like Terry Jones, the Florida pastor with a desire to burn copies of the Quran into the equivalent of Martin Luther King. But somehow a Michigan jury managed it.
Fox's Brit Hume: Obama Likely to Lose in 2012
Britt Hume, Fox News' senior political analyst, had an interesting take on the 2012 elections on Fox News Sunday. Hume suggested that President Barack Obama has a good chance of losing.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Cuts in Science Research in Ryan Budget Criticized by Newt Gingrich
The Paul Ryan budget plan has come under criticism from an unusual source. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, presumptive candidate for president, and leader of the 1994 Republican revolution has a nit to pick.
Tests of Bionic Leg Technology Brings 'Six Million Dollar Man' Closer to Reality
Research is ongoing to develop a true bionic leg that would replace the lower legs that have been amputated. The idea is to develop a prosthetic leg that would respond directly to signals sent by the person's nerves and muscles.
Chinese High-Speed Rail System a 'Train Wreck'
One of President Barack Obama's pet projects is the establishment of a high-speed rail network in the United States. As a model, Obama has pointed to the Chinese system as something to copy.
House Republicans Plan Push Back on Soaring Oil Prices
While President Barack Obama, with the help of some congressional Democrats, proposes to go in search of the speculator conspiracy alleged to have caused the recent oil price spike, congressional Republicans are set to propose their own solutions.
The Discovery of More Frozen Carbon Dioxide on Mars; Implications for Terraforming
Private Businesses to California: 'You Can Go to Hell; I'm Going to Texas'
Why Speculators Are Not Causing Oil Price Increases
With the price of oil and thus gasoline on the rise, politicians such as President Barack Obama have resorted to the tried and true method of deflecting blame. Blame a shadowy group of speculators for bidding up the price.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Rick Perry Asks for Prayers for Rain to Suppress Texas Wildfires
Sex in Space? Russians Say 'Nyet,' NASA Silent
Donald Trump's Un-Conservative, Un-American Use of Eminent Domain a Stumbling Block to Presidency
Donald Trump, the famous real estate mogul and media personality, has been scoring points with some Republican voters with his tough talk on subjects ranging from President Barack Obama's birth certificate to trade with China to Middle Eastern oil fields.
Criminal Creator of Earth Day Perfect Symbol for Environmental Movement
April 22 is Earth Day, which happens to coincide with Good Friday. Earth Day was the brainchild of an activist named Ira Einhorn, a self-proclaimed hippie environmentalist and, of course, an opponent of the Vietnam War.
No Public Outrage at the Paul Ryan Budget Suggests Approval from Public
With the exception of one angry man who wanted to know why Rep. Paul Ryan was not in favor of taxing the rich, there has not been a lot of rage expressed against the House budget at town hall meetings during the current congressional recess.
Rand Simberg points to Tea in Space which implies that the Tea Party suports Obamaspace. The problem is, it doesn't, as protests last year suggested. The website seems to be the work of one individual who does not give out his full name. I strongly suspect that "Andrew" is actually a liberal Obama supporter who is engaging in a little disinformation, either on his own behalf or on behalf of the Obama administration.
' Bones' Introduces Potential Spin-Off Series with 'The Finder'
In "Bones" "Season 6 Episode 19 "The Finder," Bones and Booth are obliged to seek the services of Walter Sherman, aka "The Finder," in a bar outside of Miami for a case that involves the fragment of a treasure map.
Is Peter Singleton Sarah Palin's Man in Iowa?
One of the signs that people read about Sarah Palin's presidential intentions is that lack of a concerted operation in Iowa, where the first national caucus takes place less than a year hence. But that is apparently not entirely true.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Obama, Giffords Could Share Awkward Moment at Endeavour Launch
Liberal Base Turns on Obama with Song at San Francisco Fundraiser
President Barack Obama held a breakfast fundraiser in San Francisco, where he experienced some unwelcome entertainment in the form of a serenade by a group of eight radicals who sang a song about Pfc. Bradley Manning.
NLRB Tries to Tell Boeing Where and How to Build Airliners
The National Labor Relations Board is now attempting to tell the Boeing Company where and how it can assemble its airliners. This is a result of a complaint filed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The Battle of San Jacinto Won Texas Independence 175 Years Ago
Is $6 Gasoline in the Near Future?
Could gasoline rise to $6 a gallon by summer? Some analysts think that with a convergence of some factors, including a weaker dollar and a hurricane disruption of refineries and drilling, it is entirely possible.
Choosing New Vice Presidential Running Mate Could Help, Hurt Obama
San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown made the prediction that President Barack Obama would choose a new vice presidential running mate for 2012, possibly moving current Vice President Joe Biden to the State Department.
Success of 'Atlas Shrugged: Part 1' Continues to Impress
The success of "Atlas Shrugged: Part 1," modest by movie blockbuster standards but very respectable for an independent film, seems to be baffling film industry insiders. The film version of the Ayn Rand classic had a lot of things going against it.
'Justified' Undertakes a 'Full Commitment' To Death and Mayhem
In "Justified" Season 2 Episode 11 "Full Commitment," the aftermath of the attempted shooting of Raylan Givens and possibly Winona features a lot of people yelling at one another. Even more violence is about to ensue.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Obama-Inflicted Depression of Gulf Coast Oil and Gas Industry Persists
Trig Palin's Third Birthday Occasion for Vile Smears
One of the weirdest and vilest conspiracy nut theories is that Sarah Palin's Down's syndrome child, Trig, was somehow daughter Bristol Palin's child and not Sarah's. On the occasion of Trig's third birthday, the attacks have been stepped up.
The Elon Musk/Barack Obama Commercial Space Alliance
Barack Obama's Green Energy Subsidies for the Rich
Sheen Drawn to Nutty Theories as Much as Drugs, Sex
Charlie Sheen took his "Violent Torpedo of Truth" tour to Washington, D.C., and, as appropriate for an event in the nation's capital, added some political observations to his repertoire of rants about drugging and sexual debauchery.
Siberian Alien Video Proven to Be a Hoax
Retrial of Rod Blagojevich Begins with Jury Selection
The Fidel Castro Era Draws to a Close in Cuba
Job Growth Would Make Unemployed Feel Like Superheroes
A job center in Orlando, Fla., apparently in an attempt to buck up the morale of the unemployed, spent $14,000 to buy 6,000 "superhero capes" as part of a "Cape-a-Bility" program that included a cartoon character, "Dr. Evil Unemployment."

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

New York Health Dept. Deems Playing Too Dangerous for Children, Looks to Regulate Fun
It seems that the state of New York deems any activity in which children play strenuously to be too dangerous to be allowed. In that spirit, the state's health department has offered a list of games that are deemed dangerous, thus triggering state regulation.
It's the end of the world as we know it...
Obama has Testy Interview with Texas TV Reporter
Charles Manson Attracted to Apocalyptic Aspect of Global Warming
Upon the 40th anniversary of his conviction for the murder of actress Sharon Tate, among other people, Charles Manson broke a 20-year silence and, in a phone interview from prison, revealed a new obsession of his—global warming.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer Vetoes Birther, Guns on Campus Bills
New Round of NASA Commercial Crew Subsidies Awarded
Paul Spudis gives Michael Lind the thrashing he deserves for celebrating the alleged end of human space flight.
Was Kennedy Killed for Wanting to Know About UFOs?
A letter from President John F. Kennedy to the CIA director, written Nov. 12, 1963, was recently unearthed that will likely marry two of the most famous conspiracy theories in history—the Kennedy assassination and UFOs.
Cutting Ethanol Subsidies Perilous Move for Farm State Politicians
Casting about for ways to save money, Republican lawmakers have hit upon ethanol subsidies. Even some farm state senators, such as Dan Coats of Indiana and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, suggest that it is time for the subsidies to go.
Destiny Crew Find Humans of 'Common Descent' on 'Stargate: Universe'
"Stargate: Universe" Season 2 Episode 17 "Common Descent" finds our intrepid heroes under attack by the alien drones, running low on supplies, and running out of luck. The Destiny finds itself at a planet with some interesting inhabitants.
'House' Explores 'The Last Temptation' Of Martha Masters
"House" Season 7 Episode 19 "The Last Temptation" starts on the last day of Masters' medical student career. She has to finish her medical procedure log and decide where she wants to be an intern. It will be the most important day of her life.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Standards & Poors Lowers Outlook for U.S. Credit Rating
Gulf of Mexico Health Near to Pre-BP Spill Levels, Scientists Say, with Caveats
Walter Mondale Still Wants to Raise Your Taxes
Walter Mondale, former senator, former vice president, epically failed presidential candidate, and oldest of old liberals, published an op-ed in the Washington Post which shows that he has not learned from the thrashing he got in 1984.
NASA, National Pride and the Global Test
Jill Biden Seriously Does Not like Kim Kardashian or Reality TV
Stewart Money, in a piece on the Falcon Heavy, has an interesting insight.
If the Falcon Heavy is available, however, the rationale for selecting the flexible path—because it’s the only thing we can afford—simply doesn’t exist. A return to the Moon becomes not only obviously more affordable, but also available on a much, much quicker time frame, which should allay fears that the United States is in danger of losing the mantle of leadership in space exploration. For an administration that frequently uses the term “pressing the reset button,” there is no time like the present to do so, particularly when one considers the alternatives if it does not.

Falcon Heavy certainly, if it works as advertised, support a return to the Moon that relies on fuel depots, inlike the heavy lifter congress has mandated which requires no such new technology.
'The Borgias' Celebrates 'Lucrezia's Wedding' with Debauchery, Intrigue
Having arranged for the death of Prince Gem at the behest of his loving brother back in Constantinople, Pope Alexander now has the 400,000 ducats for daughter Lucrezia's wedding with Giovanni Sforza.
'Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe' Explores Michael Weston's Buddy's Back Story
"Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe" is the origin story, more or less, of the series' wise-cracking, mojito-swilling, ex-Navy SEAL friend of Michael Weston, Sam Axe, who has a buddy everywhere that could be useful.
'Game Of Thrones: Winter is Coming' a Good Start to a Different Kind of Fantasy Epic
"Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming" starts north of the ice wall in the northern part of a mythical land that might be Britain, but is very different, with magic, combat, treachery, and all else that makes life worthwhile.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

'Atlas Shrugged: Part 1' Opens to Respectable Numbers Despite Critical Pans
"Atlas Shrugged: Part 1" may have been panned by just about every mainstream critic in the United States, but it nevertheless made a respectable first weekend opening, taking in $1,676,917 on about 300 screens across the country.
Sen. Rand Paul's Reckless Proposal to Cut Defense
Sen. Rand Paul, freshman Republican from Kentucky and tea party favorite, has hit upon a way that conservative deficit cutters can reach across the aisle to liberals. Rand advocates cuts in defense spending in order to help close the deficit.
Will Ricardo Sanchez Win a Senate Seat in Texas for the Democrats?
Sarah Palin in Wisconsin: 'Mr. President, Game On!'
China Mulls Building a Moon Rocket
Jesse Jackson Jr. Denounces the iPad for Destroying Jobs
It is very rare in the 21st century for an American politician to embrace ludditism. But Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., did just that when he condemned the iPad.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Condi Rice to Play Alex Baldwin's Former Girlfriend on '30 Rock'
It seems that Condi Rice is about to add to her resume that includes Secretary of State, National Security Adviser, academic, concert pianist and ice skater that of television actress. And the role she will play will be ironic indeed.
Houston Mayor Parker has Big Plans
NASA to Begin Post Constellation Programs Amid Budget Uncertainty
Wisconsin Gov. Walker's Budget Holds Down Taxes, Wipes Out Deficit
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, having endured a virtual insurrection by Wisconsin's public employee unions, participated in by Democratic state senators, now seems to be totally vindicated, according to a new report.
'Atlas Shrugged: Part 1' -- a Film Review
"Atlas Shrugged: Part 1" opened at theaters, appropriately enough, on April 15. Low budget and filled with unknown actors though it was, the movie is a magnificent film version of the first third of Ayn Rand's iconic, philosophical novel.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Obama Sinks in Gallup Poll as Discontent Rises on Left
Friday's Gallup Poll reports that the job approval rating for President Obama is now matching his all-time low at 41 percent. Barack Obama enjoys a 50 percent disapproval rating, according to the same poll. He has been at 41 percent twice before during his presidency.
TSA Continues Ineffective Security Measures with 'Arrogant' Passenger Screening
Apparently the TSA does do behavior profiling when deciding who to subject to either the "enhanced pat downs" or being sent into the machines that strip one naked. One of the behaviors they look for is complaining about security procedures.
Texas Congressmen Demand Answers on NASA's Houston Space Shuttle Decision

Meanwhile Chuck Schumer has some love for Houston.
"When people from Paris, Beijing, Tokyo and Amsterdam start saying they want to go to Houston, maybe then they'll get a shuttle," Schumer told the Daily News. "I'd say to Texas, don't mess with New York."


Also Chaffetz Space Shuttle Bill Offers Fairness, Common Sense
Obama Attacks on Ryan Budget Ensure Its Passage
President Barack Obama had some more trouble with an open microphone at a fundraiser in Chicago, where he dropped the bipartisan stance of the past few weeks in the budget debate and laid into the Republicans with a will.
It seems that New York is affronted that it got a fake orbiter. Talk about chutzpah.
Keith Olbermann Back to His Outrageous Self with Planned Parenthood, S.E. Cupp Comments
Keith Olbermann may have been banished from MSNBC and is now languishing at Al Gore's obscure Current TV, but he has not lost his ability to be offensive or make headlines while doing so.
'Bones' Explores 'the Truth in the Myth'
In "Bones" Season 6 Episode 18 "The Truth in the Myth," a somewhat mismatched couple, he a scrawny butterfly aficionado, she a full-figured sex maniac, is about to have a tryst in the woods when they almost roll over on a corpse.
Some pictures from yesterday's Morpheus hot fire test at the Johnson Space Center.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Congress Must Provide Funding to Complete Heavy Lift Launcher by 2016

Our favorite "recovering aerospace engineer" is predictably not pleased. He offers the following without a hint of irony:
--it's past time for Congress to learn that the road to the solar system for humanity will not be paved with crony capitalism, from either side of the aisle.

Providing billions of dollars in subsidies for favored commercial space firms is not crony capitalism. Building a heavy lift rocket is. Got it. Glad we now understand.

He is also pretty sure who is responsible.

Mind anyone with a brain could tell that the Congress was not pulling the specifications of the HLV out of their posteriors but instead had expert advice. Mike Griffin would fit that to the T, of course. This would prove that Griffin is more wily at politics than the entire Internet Rocketeer Club combined and seems to have more effect on space policy than the current NASA Administrator.

My guess is, all of this being true, Dr. Griffin is preparing the way for his triumphant return when the next Republican gets elected, presumably next year, It would be a delicious thing to experience, just to see the look ob certain peoples' faces.
Texas, Commercial Space Firms Too Far Apart to Make Progress
'Spring Spheres' Continues Irritating Trend of Politically Correct Holidays
It looks like Morpheus has a good hot fire test.
Kirk Lippold, Commander of USS Cole Could be Stirring Candidate for Nevada Congress
Sharron Angle just got some very stiff competition in her quest to be the congresswoman from the 2nd District of Nevada in the form of Cmdr. Kirk Lippold (Ret). Lippold is famous due to the fact he commanded the USS Cole in the year 2000.
A GOP Senate Supermajority in 2014 Opens Up Possibilities, Peril
Could the Republicans get a 60 seat super majority in the Senate in 2014? Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg thinks it is theoretically possible, considering that the Democrats must defend 23 Senate seats in 2012 and 20 more seats in 2014.
Robert Redford's Assessment of Sarah Palin Wide of the Mark
That Robert Redford, Hollywood actor, director, and liberal environmental activist, hates Sarah Palin should be no surprise. But his stated reasons bear examination and provide a window into the liberal mind.
Obama's Tax Proposals Fall in Deaf Ears
What If They Gave a Class War and Nobody Came?

If President Obama thought that his new push to "soak the rich" was going to get any traction, he might be sobered by the news that 62 percent of Americans prefer spending cuts to tax hikes in reducing the federal deficit, according to an AP poll.
Obama's Deficit Speech an Epic Fail
The irrepressible Ron Paul, like me, likes to quote Ayn Rand in supporting the space program.
'Justified' Debts and Accounts Are Paid Off
In "Justified" Season 2 Episode 10 "Debts and Accounts," the fallout of the killing of Coover Bennett continues apace. All of the characters seem to be lining up for some climatic conflagration as the season winds to a close.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Some of my niece's school chums put this one together:

The Guns of Fort Sumter Ignited the American Civil War 150 Years Ago
The artillery bombardment of Fort Sumter, which is in the harbor of Charleston, S.C., is considered the beginning of the American Civil War, which would last just more than four years and take more than 600,000 lives.
Senators Propose New Tax on Internet-Based Sales
Congress is about to make another attempt to slap a tax on Internet based sales. The measure, called somewhat creatively the "Main Street Fairness Act," is to be introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Bolivia's Morales Proposes U.N. Treaty Giving 'Mother Earth' Rights
Texans Express Outrage Over NASA Shuttle Decision; Politics Strongly Suspected
Utah Tar Sands Mining Proposal Stirs Controversy from Environmentalists
Mai's, Houston's Oldest Vietnamese Restaurant, Rises from the Ashes
'House' Explores Hoarding, Thirteen's Fate in Episode 18
"House" Season 7 Episode 18 "The Dig" begins with House meeting none other than Thirteen at the gates of a prison, martini in hand. She has just spent a short stretch for excessive prescribing, but House knows she has done much more than that.
The Crew Goes Hunting -- And Gets Hunted -- on 'Stargate: Universe'
"Stargate: Universe" Season 2 Episode 16 "The Hunt" concerns the discovery of a nasty predator on a planet and the discovery by Eli and Brody that one ought not to punch buttons willy nilly on unknown alien machines.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Paul Spudis: A Rationale for Cislunar Space
New Palestinian Terror Tactic Proposed -- Sexually Harass Israeli Girls
A female Egyptian lawyer named Nagla Al-Iman has developed a new and rather unique, albeit disgusting, tactic for young Palestinian men to resist the Zionist entity. They should seek out young Israeli women and sexually harass them.
Texas Considering Raising Speed Limit on Some Rural Roads to 85 MPH
'Taken' Stands Up Despite Real-Life Inspiration's Lies
"Taken," the 2009 film starring Liam Neeson, was apparently based on the experiences of William G. Hillar, who regaled countless audiences with stories of his days as a Green Beret and how he rescued his daughter from kidnappers.
Burqa Ban Goes into Effect in France
FBI's 'The Vault' Contains Secret UFO Memos
'The Kennedys' Miniseries Omits Moon Race, Tax Cuts
With the conclusion of "The Kennedys" miniseries, which ran on the hitherto obscure Reelz Channel, the time to nitpick has arrived. Specifically, it is time to wonder about the stuff that was left out of the eight-hour show.
A duet from Earth and Space:

The Left Asks Itself: 'Why Is the Tea Party Winning?'
Moon Express Proposes Lunar Mining Operations
'The Kennedys' Concludes with Marilyn Monroe, Expected Tragedies
The final two hours of "The Kennedys," the mini-series showing on Reelz Channel, was a study in the inevitability of tragedy. History has already recorded what happened to Jack Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy. It played out as expected on TV.
Pope Alexander VI Tries to Make Money on 'The Borgias'
In "The Borgias" Season 1, Episode 3 "The Moor," Pope Alexander VI, also known as Rodrigo Borgia, needs to get some ready cash. He has spent a lot of money becoming pope, and it will take a lot of money remaining the same.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Arab League to Call for No-Fly Zone -- Over Gaza
When the Arab League agreed to a no-fly zone over Libya, it was hailed by supporters of the Obama administration as a triumph of diplomacy. But now the other shoe is about to drop as the Arab League is preparing to demand a no-fly zone over Gaza.
Sen. Chuck Schumer: Raise Taxes and Cut Defense to Address Deficit
The budget proposal advanced by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, while a bold move to solve the deficit crisis, has been almost universally panned on the left, Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer suggested an alternative.
Israeli Iron Dome ABM System Score Succeses in Blocking Hamas Rocket Attacks
Israeli officials are hailing the success of the Iron Dome ABM system designed to protect urban areas of Israel against rocket attack. Two batteries, one at the southern town of Beersheba, the other at Ashkelon, have achieved perfect kill records.
Sarah Palin Tacitly Supports Donald Trump's Birther Campaign
Final Push to Get a Space Shuttle for Houston
Texas Considering Ban on Sharia Law in Courts
'The Kennedys' Episode 6: The Cuban Missile Crisis and Mary Meyer
Episode 6 of "The Kennedys" covers more of President John Kennedy's philandering and Jackie's discontent with it and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is so far the weakest episode of the miniseries.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Texas Space Alliance May Have Trouble Advocating Commercial Space in Texas
Some Important Space Firsts of the Past 50-Plus Years
Head of KUHF, Houston's NPR Station, Insults Republicans
Charlie Sheen Bombs at Radio City Music Hall
Having failed to impress at the Detroit performance of his "Violent Torpedo of Truth" tour, Charlie Sheen moved on to New York and opened at Radio City Music Hall. In many ways the New York performance was a greater disaster than the Detroit one.
Sidney Lumet, Director of '12 Angry Men' and 'Network', Dies at 86
Sidney Lumet, the director of such iconic films as "12 Angry Men", "Network" and "Dog Day Afternoon," has died at the age of 86. Lumet's film directing career spanned 50 years.
$38.5 Billion in Budget Cuts Agreed To, Averting Government Shutdown
Literally at the last minute, President Barack Obama, the Senate Democrats and the House Republicans agreed to a package of budget cuts totaling $38.5 billion in a continuing resolution that will fund the federal government through the rest of the fiscal year.
Health Care Reform Repeal Senate Vote Set by Budget Deal
One of the more interesting provisions of the deal that averted the government shutdown was an agreement to have and up or down Senate vote to defund Planned Parenthood and another one to repeal health care reform.
'Hanna,' A Fairy Tale About Assassins
"Hanna" can be approached as if the Brothers Grimm and Robert Ludlum collaborated on a movie. Essentially Snow White is trained by the Huntsman to be the perfect assassin and then is sent after the Wicked Witch.

Friday, April 08, 2011

Florida Representative Challenges Obama's Embargo on Moon Travel
Democrats Get Hyperbolic, Claim Republicans Want to 'Kill Women'
Whether or not there is a government shutdown, and the reader may know of this as he or she reads these words, the run up has featured some of the most super-heated, hyperbolic rhetoric since the Civil War.
What's the Future for Space Travel, 50 Years After Gagarin?
Giffords' $8,000-a-day care might prove politically damaging
What If America Had Beaten the Soviets into Space?
A Brief Timeline of the Race to the Moon: 1961-1969
Has Michele Bachman Supplanted Sarah Palin? Not so Fast
One of the ways the media are trying to destroy Sarah Palin is by attempting to concoct a narrative that her time has passed and the current Tea Party heroine is none other than Rep. Michele Bachmann, Republican of Minnesota.
'Bones' Season 6 Episode 17 'The Feet on the Beach'
In "Bones" Season 6 Episode 17 "The Feet on the Beach," the viewer is spared the intern of the week and is introduced to Dr. Douglas Fillmore, a self described "forensic podiatrist," a very fussy, passive-aggressive Canadian.
Episode 5 of 'The Kennedys' Delves into James Meredith, Joe's Stroke, and Rosemary's Lobotomy
Episode 5 of "The Kennedys" looks at civil rights, focusing on the efforts of James Meredith, an African American, to enroll at segregated Ole Miss; Jackie and her addiction to amphetamines; Joe Kennedy's stroke; and Rosemary's lobotomy.
Conservative Supreme Court Justice Now Likely Winner in Wisconsin Despite Union Onslaught
When the Prosser/Kloppenburg Wisconsin state Supreme Court race had concluded, only a few hundred votes separated the two candidates. However, a development late Thursday has given Justice David Prosser 7,000-plus extra votes.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Does the Russian Space Program Have a Future 50 Years After Gagarin?
Obama Approval Slips Among African-Americans, Hispanics
A Brief Timeline of the Soviet/Russian Manned Space Program
'The Kennedys' Episode 4: the Berlin Wall, Sam Giancana, and Dr. Feelgood
Episode 4 of "The Kennedys" featured the erection of the Berlin Wall, the Kennedy family's somewhat strained relationship with mobster Sam Giancana, and the nefarious Dr. Feelgood, who was such a balm for what ailed the president.
'Justified' Season 2 Episode 9 'Brother's Keeper'
In "Justified" Season 2 Episode 9 "Brother's Keeper," Mags Bennett achieves a great coup, only to have everything turn to ashes in her mouth. It is positively Shakespearean in its scope and well deserved tragedy.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Wait Times for Orthopedic Surgeries in Britain Causes Patients to Languish in Agony
Glenn Beck to Leave Fox News; Who Will Replace Him?
Glenn Beck's afternoon talk show will soon cease airing on the Fox News Channel. Beck has cut a deal to produce original programming on FNC and will no doubt show up on other Fox programs as a contributor.
Group Suggests 70 Percent of Illegal Immigrant Families Receive Welfare
Bristol Palin Made $262,500 for Teenage Pregnancy Awareness Work
Jesse Ventura on Sarah Palin, 9/11 and His Political Future
What Does Mussa Kussa Know?
Wisconsin Prosser-Kloppenburg Election Down to the Wire
SpaceX to Test Falcon Heavy Launch Vehicle in 2012
Episode 3 of 'The Kennedys' -- Bay of Pigs, J. Edgar Hoover, and Judith Campbell
Episode 3 of "The Kennedys" miniseries focused on the Bay of Pigs fiasco, Bobby Kennedy bumping heads with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and Jack Kennedy's somewhat indiscreet and dangerous liaisons with Judith Campbell.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Jean-Michel's Rendez-Vous Houston Sound and Music Spectacle 25 Years Ago
Egypt's Military Will Not Allow 'Another Khomeini' To Run the Country
Amid fears of the rising influence of the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist organization in post Mubarak Egypt, the county's Military Council suggested that the Egyptian military would not allow "religious extremists" to rule Egypt.
Tina Fey Blames Anger Over Sarah Palin Impressions for Low Ratings of '30 Rock'
Actress Tina Fey blames her "Saturday Night Live" impersonation of Sarah Palin as one reason that her prime time show "30 Rock" has such low ratings. Despite the low ratings, the critically acclaimed show was renewed for a sixth season.
Reaction to Ryan Budget Proposal Pretty Much Along Party Lines
The official rollout of Rep. Paul Ryan's budget proposal, which would cut $4.4 trillion from the federal budget deficit, $6.2 trillion from President Obama's projected budget, received the expected reaction pretty much along party lines.
Ivory Coast Civil War Set to Conclude with Surrender of President Laurent Gbagbo
House Republicans Offer a Third Continuing Resolution, Cutting $12 Billion
New Study on Obama Commercial Crew Program Sparks Controversy
'Stargate: Universe' Season 2 Episode 15 'Seizure'
"Stargate: Universe" Season 2 Episode 15 "Seizure" is all about bad choices and their consequences. One bad decision is made by Home Planet Command. The other is made by Dr. Rush, the master of bad decisions.

Monday, April 04, 2011

Wednesday Rally Planned to Secure a Space Shuttle Orbiter for Houston
Obama 2012 Launch Ad Kicks Off Campaign to a Lethargic Start
Syria Street Clashes Continue as Assad Names New Prime Minister
Chinese Artist and Dissident Ai Weiwei Arrested
Khalid Sheik Muhammad to Be Tried at Guantanamo After All
When running for President, Barack Obama vowed that he would close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay and try terrorist prisoners in civilian courts. But, as the saying goes, that was then and this is now.
The Chieftains, Still Making Celtic Music After Almost Fifty Years
'The Borgias' Begins a Season of Sex, Violence, and Political Intrigue
The long-awaited series set in the Italian Renaissance, "The Borgias," premiered on Showtime Sunday night. "The Borgias" is brought to us by the same folks who produced the four-season epic "The Tudors" about Henry VIII of England.
'The Kennedys' Miniseries Not as Controversial as Advertised
The first two episodes of "The Kennedys," the controversial miniseries, aired Sunday night. One comes away wondering what the fuss was about. True, members of the iconic family are not depicted as walking on water, but they are not monsters either.

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Houston Child Contracts Measles; First Instance Since 2005
Paul Ryan's House Republican Budget to Cut $4 Trillion Over 10 Years
Romney Tries to Turn Health Care Reform Lemons into Electoral Lemonade
Mitt Romney has all of the advantages of a potential frontrunner. He is telegenic, a former governor, has a reputation for sound, economic acumen, and has run for president before. But he had one very heavy millstone hung around him.
How to Find ET: Look for Signs of Asteroid Mining
Charlie Sheen's 'Violent Torpedo of Truth' Bombs in Detroit
Charlie Sheen's "The Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is not an Option" tour started in Detroit's 5,000-seat Fox Theater, which had sold out within minutes, on Saturday. It was, by all accounts, an unmitigated disaster.

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Texas Heart Surgeons Begin Trials of New Heart Valve Replacement
Bill Maher Abuses Palin, Bachmann, Male Republicans in Birth Certificate Routine
Another episode of Bill Maher's "Real Time" aired, so therefore it was the occasion of another attack on Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. To be sure, Maher also slimed Donald Trump, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee.
'Limitless' Film Review
"Limitless" uses a tried but true science fiction device. Take the real world, introduce a new technology and then see what happens. For Eddie Morra, a down on his heels writer played by Bradley Cooper, the results are decidedly mixed.
Sarah Palin Crucified Painting is Torture Porn at Its Ugliest
A painting displayed at a recent art exhibit in Los Angeles appears to show former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin being crucified. George W. Bush only had to endure assassination porn. Sarah Palin is now the subject of torture porn.

Friday, April 01, 2011

Facts About Yuri Gagarin, First Man to Fly in Space
Wisconsin Supreme Court Challenger Hinges Campaign on Misleading Ad
Rep. Bill Posey Argues for More Funding for NASA Space Exploration
Texas House Votes to Cut Arts Funding to Pay for Elderly and Disabled Programs
Poll: Most Prefer Government Shutdown to More Spending
Democrats have been salivating at the idea of a government shutdown in about the week, should an agreement not be reached for a continuing resolution for the rest of the current fiscal year. They believe that a repeat of 1995 is in the making.
Heavy Lift vs. Fuel Depots -- How Meaningful is This Space Debate?
Obama - Four More Years

The April Conspiracy: How America was Fooled About How the Moon Race Ended
A soon to be published book entitled "The April Conspiracy: How America was Fooled About How the Moon Race Ended" has an explosive revelation that answers a question that has haunted space enthusiasts ever since the end of the Apollo program.

Why has no one been back to the Moon since 1972?