Space Politics and the Florida Primary

China's Drive to the Moon a Strategic Challenge to the United States

Andrew Malcolm is also displeased.

Paul Spudis looks at the year 2011 in space, measures it, weighs it in the balance, and finds it wanting.

It looks like that the Chinese, not thinking the idea particularly "zany," are really headed to the Moon.

I warned you did I not?

Addendum: And here, and here, and here.

Tammy Bruce is not pleased either.

What If the Iowa Sarah Palin Write in Campaign Prospers?

Ed Morrissey at Hot Air relates the story of a campaign being launched by Sarah Palin supporters to persuade Iowa voters to write in the former Alaska governor's name in the upcoming caucus election.

Former Ron Paul Staffer Airs Concerns over Paul's Foreign Policy Views

Searching for Evidence of Alien Life on the Lunar Surface

American Crossroads Video Skewers Obama's Self Regard

American Crossroads has released a video having a little fun with President Barack Obama's claim to be the fourth greatest president in American history, after Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, and Abraham Lincoln.

'Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol' a Fine Addition to Franchise

"Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" begins with an operation gone wrong in Budapest, followed by a prison break in Moscow. The IMF team will also visit Dubai and Mumbai before saving the world once again.

20 Years Ago, the Soviet Union Fell

Twenty years ago this December, the Soviet Union collapsed, breaking apart into 15 separate countries, ending the Cold War and with it the specter of thermonuclear war that had haunted the world for decades.

Ron Paul's 'Zany' Ideas on Abolishing NASA, Renegotiating Space Treaties

Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, might be expected to support NASA, since the Johnson Space Flight Center is in that state, However, a couple of position papers from his 1988 run for president on the libertarian ticket would prove that supposition wrong.

When Cupcakes Are Security Threats, Something Is Wrong

According to the Associated Press, a TSA agent confiscated a woman traveler's frosted cupcake under the theory that the frosting qualified for the prohibition against a liquid or gel, which are forbidden for airline travelers.

What Does the Gingrich Virginia Debacle Say About the Campaign?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's debacle in not getting on the ballot for the Virginia Primary highlights two failings of his campaign: the campaign's organizational problems and the tendency of the candidate to say off putting things.

Bizarre, Strange and Off-Putting Stories of 2011

Upcoming Space Missions for 2012

Did Newt Gingrich Flip Flop on Space as Well?

For all of you folks lucky enough to find Kindles under your tree, here are some suggestions with which to fill them. Plus, two dead tree editions.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Ron Paul Has Some Explaining to Do About Attacks on Reagan, Civil Rights Act

That zany old Rand Simberg has some pointed questions to Mitt Romney about apace policy. I doubt that Romney has any good answers.

The Flight of Apollo 8

Christmas eve from the Moon:



From Children of Apollo: Christmas on the Moon

Did President Obama Throw Iraq Away?

It did not take long after the last American troops departed from Iraq for the country to start spinning out of control. According to AFP, a wave of terrorist bombings in Baghdad has left over 60 dead and about 200 wounded.

Human/Robot Marriage: The Next Frontier in Legal Controversy

The Huffington Post has a story that speculates that in the future, love and even marriage will be possible between humans and robots. A response in CNS News suggests that the idea is more than a little gross and immoral.

Pittsburgh Youths Show How to Be Stupid Crooks on Facebook

In another example of how the Internet is providing more opportunities for people to be stupid, CBS News Pittsburgh relates a story in which a gang of youths stole thousands of dollars in cash and loot and then posed with it on Facebook.

What Spock Would Tell President Obama

Several decades ago, Leonard Nimoy was obliged to publish a book entitled "I am Not Spock" about the Star Trek character that he has been so closely identified with. According to the Washington Examiner, President Obama has to make a similar denial.

Newt Gingrich Should Challenge Ron Paul to a Debate

According to CBS News, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has started to attack Rep. Ron Paul, one of his rivals for the presidential nomination, while on the stump. This would seem to be an excellent strategy.

Newt Gingrich Wants Everyone's Vote -- Even from Gay Americans

2011: the Year in Space

Lunar Mining Colonies -- What Are They Good For?

Perry Continues Negative Campaign Strategy in Iowa

Trailer for 'Prometheus': First Look at Ridley Scott's Return to Science Fiction

The first trailer for the long anticipated return of film maker Ridley Scott to science fiction, "Prometheus," is now out. The film is set in the same universe as the "Alien" franchise and shares with those films the dark, cinematic style.

Gallup Shows Romney, Gingrich Equally Electable

Ron Paul Can't Handle the Heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'

Ron Paul is getting just a little bit irritated about questions over the racist articles in his newsletters published in the 1990s. He unplugged his microphone and walked out of a CNN interview when pressed on the subject, according to the L.A. Times.

Trailer for HBO's 'Game Change' Released

The trailer for the upcoming HBO drama "Game Change," starring Julianne Moore as Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is out. The film is based on a book by the same name by Mark Halperin on the 2008 presidential campaign.

Brady, Jackson Lee Clash Over Payroll Tax Cut Extension

Rasmussen Poll Shows Indecision of Iowa Republicans

Ron Paul Excuses Bradley Manning's Alleged Treason

A video of Rep. Ron Paul, a candidate for president, praising Bradley Manning as a patriot and a hero, is circulating around the Internet. It shows how Paul regards espionage, treason, and the protection of classified documents.

Why the L.A. Schools Healthy Food Experiment Failed

The L A. Times has a story that illustrates the limits of what can only be described as food nannyism. An attempt to force Los Angeles public school children to eat health food in the school cafeteria has collapsed.

NASA Studies 3D Printing for the ISS, Future Space Missions

Payroll Tax Impasse -- Who Wins and Who Loses?

and

Washington Fumbles for a Payroll Tax Cut End Game

NASA Announces Kepler-20e and Kepler-20f, Earth-Sized Planets

The First Trailer for 'The Hobbit' Released

The first trailer of what has to be one of the most anticipated films of this decade, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," directed, as was the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the incomparable Peter Jackson, is now out.

The Hobbit...

Democratic Contest for Hutchison Senate Seat a Two-Man Race

Biden Wrong: The Only Friendly Taliban is a Dead One

According to Fox News, Vice President Joe Biden said in an interview for Newsweek that the Taliban are not the enemy of the United States. The White House is defending the statement as having been taken out of context.

Barack Obama is Not the Fourth Best President or Even the 40th

According to Politico, during a recent interview on "60 Minutes" President Barack Obama made the remarkable claim that his accomplishments as president rank behind only Lyndon Johnson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Kim Jong Il Body Displayed as Kim Jong Un Prepares for the Succession

Ann Coulter's Preference for Ron Paul Over Newt Gingrich is Crazy

ILO-X to Be the First Moon-Based Telescope

What is Sarah Palin Hinting at About a Late Entry into the Race?

Recap: Terra Nova, Season 1, Occupation/Resistance

"Terra Nova's" final episode of the season, and perhaps of the series, "Occupation/Resistance," suggests that in the 22nd century, mercenaries are pretty good at taking things, but pretty poor at holding them.

Supreme Court Mulls Hearing a Texas Affirmative Action Case

New Commercial Space Ventures Proposed Without Recourse to Government Subsidies

Looking Forward to 'Sarah Palin's Alaska' Season Two

Having decided, at least for now, not to run for president, Sarah Palin has some time to fill between her political causes and her duties on Fox News. So television viewers are going to be gifted with a second season of "Sarah Palin's Alaska," according to Big Hollywood.

What If Ron Paul Wins the Iowa Caucus?

Proposals for Commercial Space Shuttles Revealed

Kim Jong Il's Passage May Bring Horror in Its Wake to North Korea

and

The Death of Kim Jong Il is a Loss for Satire

Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 12, 'This is the Way the World Ends'

"Dexter," Season 6, Episode 12, "This is the Way the World Ends," sees Dexter being rescued from drowning by a boatload of Cuban refugees. There is an irony that sees Dexter returned to life while the others are brought to freedom.

Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 12, 'Marine 1'

"Homeland," Season 1, Episode 12, "Marine 1," begins with Brody, resplendent in his Marine uniform, recording his terrorist suicide recording. It is a vile, horrible justification for the mass slaughter he intends to carry out.

Romney Should Not Call Returning to the Moon 'Zany'

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has repeatedly referred to his main rival for the Republican presidential nomination, Newt Gingrich as "zany." According to Newsmax he defended his use of the term on "Fox News Sunday."

Gingrich's War Against Activist Courts Goes Too Far

NASA's Marshall Spaceflight Center Becoming Center for Commercial Space

Jedi Ninjas. That's right, jedi ninjas...

Ron Paul's Newsletter Problem

Vaclav Havel -- Writer, Political Dissident, Statesman -- Has Died

Reprieve of the Incandescent Light Bulb Ban is Welcome

One of the good things tucked into the omnibus spending bill is a provision that spares the incandescent light bulb which otherwise would have been banned in the United States thanks to a Bush era law, according to the Washington Times.

Occupy Portland Mom Employs Child Endangerment to Make a Point

If further evidence was necessary to prove that the Occupy Wall Street people are batty insane one could do well to point to the example of the Occupy Portland woman who placed her four year old son on a railroad track to block the local port.

Reported Iranian Involvement in 9/11 an Act of War

A federal judge in New York is about to issue a ruling that concludes that Iran bears legal responsibility for providing material support for the 9/11 attacks, according to the Daily Caller. If so, Iran has committed an act of war against the United States.

'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' -- a Film Review

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" is the second installment of the version of Conan Doyle's classic sleuth, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Holmes and Dr. Watson.

Has Obama Already Decided to Kill the Keystone XL Pipeline?

Congressional Republicans won a major victory by forcing prompt consideration of the Keystone XL pipeline. President Barack Obama has 60 days to approve of the pipeline rather than about a year as he originally planned, according to the Washington Examiner.

NASA Mulls More Missions for the SLS, a Return to the Moon

Ron Paul's Foreign Policy Views Impede His Election Chances

The Iraq War was Justified

The Democratic Plan to Destroy Mitt Romney

NASA Backs Away from Imposing Controls on Commercial Crew Program

Gingrich, Perry Shine; Paul, Bachmann Stumble in Sioux City Debate

Why the Keystone XL Pipeline Is a Losing Political Issue for Obama

Addendum: Looks like Senate Democrats agree with me The matter will shortly be in Obama's court.

Rick Perry Wants to Be the Tim Tebow of the Iowa Caucus

Ordinarily I don't like greenie propaganda, but this is just so bloody clever and cute:

Christopher Hitchens, Supreme Polemicist, Has Passed On

Christopher Hitchens, polemicist without peer, died of pneumonia at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, having lost his battle with esophageal cancer. Hot Air's Allahpundit has an appreciation, with links.

'Burn Notice,' Season 5, Episode 18, 'Fail Safe'

In "Burn Notice," Season 5, Episode 18, "Fail Safe" the situation with Anson and Michael's new career with the CIA collide in the final airing until next summer. It ends with the sum of all of Michael's fears and a horrible betrayal.

Why the Right-Wing Hate of Newt Gingrich?

and

Gingrich Brain Science Initiative Could Save Millions of Lives, Trillions of Dollars

Perry Turns to Economic Issues to Attack Gingrich, Romney

NASA Studies Landing on Jupiter Moon Europa

How a Sound Energy Policy Could Punish Saudi Arabia for Killing 'Witches'

How does one prove one is a witch in Saudi Arabia? According to Foreign Policy Magazine, proving someone is a witch usually involves a sting operation conducted by the religious police. Then, after a drumhead trial, the witch is executed.

U.N. Resolution Attacks Free Speech by Criminalizing Criticism of Religion

The L.A. Times is reporting in an oped that the United Nations is preparing a resolution that will criminalize speech that attacks religion or belief. Though this would seem to be in opposition to the First Amendment, the Obama administration is supporting it.

Obama Likes TV Shows About Gangsters and Terrorists

ABC News has revealed that President Obama, in between golf games and blaming the Republicans for all the world's ills, gets in a little TV watching from time to time. Two of his favorite shows are "Boardwalk Empire" and "Homeland."

Egyptian Islamists Declare War on Tourism

One of the first acts of an Islamist government in Egypt will be to declare war on the largest industry in the country -- tourism. It will no longer be legal to have any fun in Egypt if the Islamists have their way, according to the Daily Mail.

Partisan Gridlock Erupts Over Payroll Tax Cut

Houston City Council Mulls High-Rise Ordinance

Chelsea Clinton's Debut as a TV Reporter -- a Step to a Political Future?

Why Would Barack Obama Want to Be Spammer in Chief?

In an apparent effort to make the president even more unpopular than he already is, the Obama 2012 website is inviting supporters to submit the email addresses of their Republican friends so that the campaign can build a database.

Today is the 100th anniversary of Amundsen's arrival at the South Pole. Paul Spudis has some thoughts on the nature of exploration.

Newt Gingrich and the Mars Prize

What One Thinks of Gingrich Depends on Where One is At

Sarah Palin Proposes Reform of Honest Graft in Congress

Time Magazine's Person of the Year Worth Protesting

Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2011 is "the Protestor," made in an announcement on the Today Show according to the Houston Chronicle. This apparently includes Occupy Wall Street as well as those who ushered in the "Arab Spring."

Interesting stat that I'm sure the Internet Rocketeer Club will scream and leap at. The Space Foundation did a survey on the question of who were the top ten space heroes were. They are:

1. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, who flew in both the Gemini and Apollo programs and was the first human to set foot on the Moon
2. NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz, who played a key role in both the Gemini and Apollo programs and is best known for directing NASA's Mission Control efforts to save the crew of Apollo 13 after the capsule suffered a catastrophic explosion while en route to the Moon
3. Astronaut Capt. John W. Young*, USN (Retired), whose 42-year NASA career included the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, including walking on the Moon and piloting the first Shuttle
4. Astronaut Capt. James Lovell*, USN (Retired), who flew in both the Gemini and Apollo programs and is best known for commanding the dramatic return to Earth of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission
5. Former Senator and Astronaut Col. John Glenn, USMC (Retired), who was first American to orbit the Earth and the only astronaut to fly in both the Mercury and Space Shuttle programs
6. (tie) Russian Cosmonaut Col. Yuri Gagarin, Soviet Air Force, the first human in outer space; and fictional character Capt. James Tiberius Kirk of the starship USS Enterprise from the 1960s television series, Star Trek
7. Former NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, Ph.D., who led the U.S. space agency from 2005-2009
8. Scientist and author Carl Sagan, Ph.D., known primarily for popularizing astronomy, astrophysics and other natural sciences
9. (3-way tie) Astronaut Col. Buzz Aldrin*, Ph.D., USAF (Retired), who flew in both the Gemini and Apollo programs and was the second person to walk on the Moon; Mercury Astronaut Lt. Col. Virgil "Gus" Grissom, USAF, who was the second person to fly in space and the first to make a repeat trip, and was killed in a pre-launch test for Apollo 1; and Astronaut Rear Adm. Alan Shepard, USN (Retired), who flew in both the Mercury and Apollo programs and was the second person and first American in space
10. (tie) Entrepreneur and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who has created the first fully commercial U.S. space venture; and rocketry pioneer and scientist Wernher von Braun, known as the greatest rocket scientist in history

Not taking anything away from Musk, but it should be noted that the coolest kid in commercial space is number 10 whereas Satan himself--aka Mike Griffin--is number 7.

'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Looks Promising

The trailer for the next "G.I. Joe" film, entitled "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is now up. Except for three of the Joes from the original film, the cast is all new, with Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock and Bruce Willis as General Joe Colton.

Texas Company Plans High-Speed Rail Line Between Houston and Dallas

Canada Withdraws from Kyoto, Conceding to Reality

In a refreshing display of realism, Canada has become the first country to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocols, designed to force countries to reduce their production of carbon to combat global warming, according to the National Post.

Swing State Gallup Poll Has More Bad News for Obama

According to USA Today, a new Gallup poll taken in a select number of swing states contains more bad news for President Obama. He trails both Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich by five and three percentage points respectively.

Space Pioneers Announce Stratolaunch Systems to Revolutionize Space Flight

Let's see, we have here a privately financed, privately operated commercial space firm that will seek to service both government and commercial markets. At some point, the new spaceship will be carrying people into LEO.

Explain to me again why we're spending $6 billion on so-called commercial space taxis?

Addendum: I notice a lot of yammering from Internet Rocketeer types who are noting Mike Griffin's presence on the board of directors and are sniffing like a gaggle of little old ladies, "What is he doing there?"

Griffin has far more experience doing private sector space than the people polluting the Internet with their ill-informed snark. Fortunately Paul Allen and Burt Rutan recognize this. Griffin knows what commercial space can do and what it can't do. he will be a key player in the new company.

Factbox: Roald Amundsen, First to the South Pole, Dec. 14, 1911

Iran Refuses to Return Captured Drone

CERN Scientists Close in on the Higgs Boson Particle

Americans' Fear of Big Government Bodes Ill for Obama

Gingrich Used Occupier Rhetoric in Attacking Romney

'Terra Nova,' Season 1, Episode 11, 'Within'

"Terra Nova," Season 1, Episode 11, "Within" is a set up for the climactic final battle between Taylor and his prehistoric colonists and the evil people from the future who want to rape the land -- or something like that.

Gingrich is right about the space program.

Rand Simberg starts with a pretty good post about Newt Gingrich's views on space exploration and then the virtues of lunar mines. Then he goes off the rails with a knee jerk defense of the Obama space policy that consists of Solyndra-like subsides for commercial space firms and and abandoning the Moon and its resources.

Addendum: Rand posts some more ideas, some of them actually sound, about changing some of the legal regime to encourage private space development. However he continues to undermine his credibility with his knee jerk opposition to efforts to actually go to the Moon. Canceling the STS is a non-starter if one wants to really have a space exploration program. But then, maybe that is the plan...

Michael Savage, Glenn Beck Crazy to Turn on Newt Gingrich

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich may be more conservative than former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney, but that does not seem to have impressed two of the most controversial radio talk show hosts in America -- Michael Savage and Glenn Beck.

Newt Gingrich and Space Mirrors

Addendum: Jim Oberg points to a Russian experiment along these lines.

Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 11, 'The Vest'

Obama is More of a Peacock Than a Skunk

Kevin Lunsmann Escapes from Islamists Captors, Will Be Home for Christmas

Michele Bachmann Wrong About 'Newt Romney'

Atheist Group Clashes with East Texas Town Over Nativity Scene

Recap: 'Once Upon a Time,' Season 1 , Episode 7, 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter'

In "Once Upon a Time," Season 1 , Episode 7, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," Sheriff Graham is in agony over his inability to feel anything. There is a reason for this, stemming from the fact that he is the Huntsman in fairy tale land.

Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 11, 'Talk to the Hand'

"Dexter," Season 6, Episode 11, "Talk to the Hand" starts with the folks at Miami Homicide finding the aftermath at Travis' boat. It ends with the tables turned decisively against Dexter, who may have met a predator more powerful than him.

Newt Gingrich Might Be the First Futurist President

Romney Flip Flops on Going Back to the Moon

Christian-Themed Texas License Plate New Controversy

Ron Paul Would Not Do Well as a Third-Party Candidate

George Will, the venerable Washington Post columnist and fixture as the lone conservative voice on ABC's "This Week" posits what he suggests is a nightmare scenario, a Ron Paul third party candidacy.

A Gingrich/Santorum Debate Brought to You by Donald Trump

The vaunted Donald Trump moderated debate to be sponsored by Newsmax and broadcast on the Ion Network has only two takers, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Senator Rick Santorum, according to the Washington Times.

Gingrich Makes a Better Professor Than Kerry a War Hero

Ross Douthat, writing in the New York Times, commits fallacy by imperfect historical analogy. He compares the idea of a race between Newt Gingrich and Barack Obama to the 2004 contest between George W. Bush and John Kerry.

Mitt Romney, prepare to feel my wrath...

Romney and Gingrich Clash on Lunar Mining Colonies During Debate

Newt Gingrich Does Well in the Debate Lion's Den

With $10,000 Bet, is Mitt Romney Too Rich to Be President?

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Texas Redistricting Case

Anti-Putin Protests Show Spirit of Democracy in Russia

The U.K. Telegraph is covering massive demonstrations that have been ongoing against Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is expected to run for President of Russia next year. The protests are the largest held in Russia in 20 years.

Gingrich: Palestinians Are an 'Invented People,' Causes Outrage

Democrats Fear Occupy Wall Street Protest at Charlotte Convention

NASA Announces Launch Date for SpaceX's Dragon to the ISS

and

The Flights of the SpaceX Falcon

NASA: Some of Our Moon Rocks Are Missing

Rick Perry Launches 42-Town Bus Tour for Final Iowa Push

Islamic Cleric Weighs in on Bananas and Cucumbers, Report Says

Watergate, McCarthy References Fly Fast and Furious at Hearing

The Washington Examiner is reporting that Attorney General Eric Holder, while under harsh questioning by Rep. Rep Darrell Issa, R-Calif, the chair of the House Oversight Committee about the Fast and Furious gunwalking scandal, played the Joe McCarthy card.

Rosie O'Donnell Should Read a Newt Gingrich Biography

Rosie O'Donnell was on Joy Behar's show on CNN's Headline News network and was chewing over Newt Gingrich's proposal to assign students in poor communities to clean their schools when she made an unintentional joke on herself.

Obama Practices Appeasement, Despite Killing Bin Laden

Occupy Wall Street Shuts Down 'Law and Order' Set

The "Law and Order" franchise often uses left-wing themes in its police procedure/courtroom drama story. So it was a surprise when a shoot of an episode with an Occupy Wall Street theme was shut down by Occupy Wall Street protestors.

Recap: 'Bones,' Season 7, Episode 5, 'The Twist in the Twister'

The unfortunate victim in "Bones," Season 7, Episode 5, "The Twist in the Twister" is one of those crazy people who chase after tornadoes in order to study them instead, as sensible people do, run away or hide from them.

Ron Paul's Relationship with Israel

'Burn Notice,' Season 5, Episode 15, 'Acceptable Loss'

In "Burn Notice," Season 5, Episode 15, "Acceptable Loss," Michael and Fi infiltrate a law firm that Anson has been using. They don't find anything on Anson specifically, but they do find something on someone else.

Could Sarah Palin Still Get in the Race?

The campaign to get former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to change her mind and jump into the Republican presidential race is still ongoing, though without any response from the subject herself. Rhodes Cook, who writes for Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball, suggests that a late entry might work.

Gingrich Accused of Creating Gridlock, as if it was a Bad Thing

Bill Schneider, writing for Politico, has launched another in the flurry of broadsides against Newt Gingrich. Among the familiar litany is a new one: Gingrich, from the moment that he entered Congress in 1978, championed gridlock.

Obama Threatens to Veto Pipeline Provision to Pander to Environmentalists

According to The Hill newspaper, President Obama threatened to veto the extension of the payroll tax cut if a provision is attached to it that requires a quick approval of the Keystone XL pipeline between Alberta, Canada, and Texas.

Mars Rover Opportunity Finds Gypsum, Evidence of Water

The universe...

Will Romney Ad Succeed in Alleviating Doubts About the Candidate?

Ann Coulter Misunderstands Alvin Toffler's Ideas; Gingrich Finds Them Appealing

A lady named Lara accompanies herself on the piano and violin, playing the theme from "Game of Thrones." Beautiful beyond compare.


And "Pirates of the Caribbean" on the violin:

Gingrich Appointment of Bolton Would Pick a Fight with Democrats

Rod Blagojevich's Fall was Sordid, Not Shakespearean

Harry Morgan, of 'Dragnet' and 'M*A*S*H' Fame, Passes On

Harry Morgan, who graced the small and big screen, has died. Morgan is best known for two roles in iconic television series, "Dragnet" and "M*A*S*H," to which both his acerbic persona added considerable spice.

Rick Perry Makes Big Iowa Media Buy in Effort to Pull Off an Upset

Billy Graham, Preacher to the Presidents, Released from the Hospital

Evangelist Billy Graham , 93, had been released from the hospital after his second bout with pneumonia in seven months, according to the Associated Press. He has responded well enough to antibiotics and physical therapy to be allowed to go home.

Mythbusters Prove that Accidents Can Happen Even to Experts

No doubt on the advice of their legal counsel, the Mythbusters air a PSA on their popular show in which they say, "Don't try this at home. We are what you call experts." But even experts can have accidents.

Michele Bachmann Confronted by Kid with Gay Mom

Why Obama's Channeling Teddy Roosevelt Won't Work

NASA's Asteroid Mission Slips from 2022 to 2028 and Beyond

Besides Pearl Harbor and 9/11 -- Surprise Attacks that Changed History

Recap: 'Covert Affairs,' Season 2, Episode 16, 'Letters Never Sent'

"Covert Affairs," Season 2, Episode 16, "Letters Never Sent," begins with Annie and Danielle going on vacation in Stockholm to help sooth big sister from finding out that her husband in cheating on her.

Pearl Harbor Birthed Modern Super Power in America

Don't try this at home. They are what you might call--experts.

Newt Gingrich -- Big Government Conservative?

Space-Based Washer/Dryer to Allow Astronauts to Have Clean Clothing

Recap: 'Once Upon a Time,' Season 1, Episode 6, 'The Shepherd'

"Once Upon a Time," Season 1, Episode 6, "The Shepherd" is part origin story for the Prince known as Charming and part love triangle story involving David (aka the Prince), Mary Margaret (aka Snow White) and David's wife.

NASA's Dawn Discovers that Vesta More like Planet Than Asteroid

Julian Assange Escapes Extradition to Sweden -- For Now

Former Vice President Dan Quayle Endorses Mitt Romney

How and When Could We Visit Kepler 22B?

Texas Looks at Desalination for Long-Term Water Solutions

Who is Waging a Covert War Against Iran?

Ron Paul and Rick Perry Battle in Iowa with Dueling Ads

Newt Gingrich Emulates Reagan in Iowa Campaign Ad

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has released his first Iowa ad, a warm, inspirational one minute that features scenes of Americana and Gingrich himself, assuming a Reaganesque, grandfatherly mien.

Pelosi Risks Ethics Charges to Bring Down Newt Gingrich

It looks like that the air of bipartisanship that hung over the infamous couch ad with former Speakers Newt Gingrich and Nancy Pelosi has dissipated to be replaced by threats, counter-threats, and accusations.

How an Occupy Wall Street Protestor Took Gingrich's Advice and Got a Job

NASA's Kepler Space Telescope Discovers Planet in Habitable Zone of Sunlike Star

Santorum's Daughter, Suffering from Trisomy 18, Inspires His Quest for the Presidency

Obama Faces the Loss of Pennsylvania in 2012

Occupy D.C. Mess like the Ones Puppies Make

Maybe the Remake of 'Starship Troopers' Will Get it Right This Time

The story in Latino Review that a remake of "Starship Troopers" is in the works should be greeted with cautious optimism. The previous, 1990s version with European goremeister Paul Verhoeven had a lot wrong with it.

Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 10, 'Ricochet Rabbit'

"Dexter," Season 6, Episode 10, "Ricochet Rabbit" begins with Dexter dealing with the big reveal that Geller is dead and Travis is the sole Doomsday killer. It ends with Dexter having a potentially life-changing breakthrough.

Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 10, 'Representative Brody'

"Homeland," Season 1, Episode 10, "Representative Brody" concerns the next step in making Brody a Manchurian candidate for Al Qaida. Also Carrie and Saul close in on Brody's Saudi handler.

Michelle Trachtenberg Would Have Been Great as 'Twilight's' Bella Swan

Michelle Trachtenberg, the young actress best known for having played Buffy's little sister Dawn in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" almost was cast in the role of a vampire lover, that is to say Bella Swan in the "Twilight" series.

Will Sarah Palin Endorse Rick Santorum?

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has not yet revealed whom she will endorse. But some, including Gary Cohen at Newsmax, suggests that person may well be former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania.

Herman Cain was Brought Down by a Lack of Preparation

Occupy L.A. Needs Mental Health Therapy

Texas Towns Struggle to Tap Water Supplies in the Midst of a Drought

Arthur C. Clarke Discusses Lunar Exploration in BBC Interview from 1963

Ron Paul 'Too Extreme' for Republican Jewish Coalition

Saudi Clerics Claim Women Drivers Lead to Lack of Virgins

The Daily Mail is reporting that a study conducted by Saudi Arabia's religious council has predicted dire consequences if that country's ban on women driving were ever to be lifted. There will be a shortage of virgins and everyone will turn gay.

Boeing's Plan to Return to the Moon by 2022

Meghan McCain Proves Herself to Be Not 'More Smarter' Than Sarah Palin

Donald Trump as Debate Moderator Not as Crazy as it Sounds

8.6 Unemployment Rate Less Than Meets the Eye for America, Obama

Texas Lawmakers Campaign to Make Houston HQ of the Military's Africa Command

Conservatives Ask: Is Newt Gingrich Too Vain to Be President?

Russian President Medvedev Promises Punishment for Space Mishaps

Taking note of the two stories below, has anyone ever wondered why so many television characters have daddy issues? Is it just a lazy plot device or do a lot of people who work in Hollywood have problems with their fathers?

'Bones,' Season 7, Episode 4, 'The Male in the Mail'

In "Bones," Season 7, Episode 4, "The Male in the Mail," several boxes filled with the dismembered remains of a human being are found at a dead letter office. And Booth's estranged father dies, much to the FBI agent's relief.

Recap: 'Burn Notice,' Season 5, Episode 15, 'Depth Perception

At the start of "Burn Notice," Season 5, Episode 15, "Depth Perception," Madeline slaps her son Michael silly and orders him out of her house for not being fully candid about the true nature of her now-dead boyfriend Benny.

NASA Space Exploration Workshop Discusses Moon vs. Asteroids

Paul Seeks to Be the Last Man Standing with Gingrich Attack

Medal of Honor Winner Sues Defense Contractor for Defamation in a San Antonio Court

Occupy Wall Street Turns on Barack Obama

An Islamist Government in Egypt Could Spark a Middle East War

According to Arutz Sheva, Israel National News, Islamist parties have won the majority of seats in the Egyptian parliament in the first round of voting in the elections to take place in the post-Mubarak era.

Romney Needs to Find a Better Answer to Explain Health Care Reform

Recently former Mass Gov. Mitt Romney sat down to an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier. Afterward, Romney expressed his displeasure at what he felt was the aggressive nature of the questioning, which he said was uncalled for, CNS News reports.

Jewish Donors Pay $10,000 to Hear Obama Lie About Support for Israel

President Barack Obama attended a fund raiser in New York recently, according to ABC News, and told a group of prominent Jewish donors that his administration has done more to help the security of Israel than any previous administration.

Paul Spudis does not like the idea of a Venus flyby at all.

Barney Frank, Foe of Space Exploration, is Retiring

Poll of Gingrich on Occupy Wall Street Yields Bizarre Results

Store Santas Trained to Lower Kid's Christmas Expectations in a Sign of the Times

The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, which trains department store and shopping mall Santas, is training its students to deal with the Christmas desires of children in an era of economic malaise, according to the Daily Mail.

'Boneshaker' Movie Could Start Successful Steampunk Franchise

Coming Soon is reporting that Hammer Films and Cross Creek Pictures has picked up the movie rights to "Boneshaker," the steampunk novel by Cherie Priest set in an alternate 19th century that features air ship pirates and zombies.

Why Newt Gingrich Could Be Elected President

Police Clear Out Occupy Los Angeles as Movement Slides into Irrelevancy

Baseball Latest Sport to Be Played in Space

Lakewood Church's Joel Osteen to Create Reality Show

Ann Coulter's Bleeped Remarks on McCain Show Inconsistency

'Covert Affairs,' Season 2, Episode 15, 'What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?'

In "Covert Affairs," Season 2, Episode 15, "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" Annie is recruited by a fellow named Kenneth, an MI6 operative, to get him access to the Smithsonian in order to uncover a terrorist plot.

Why Not a Voyage to Venus?

Storming of British Embassy in Tehran Raises Specter of Second Iranian Hostage Crisis

Rick Perry Helps Establish the Institute for Applied Cancer Research

Lana Peters, Daughter of Josef Stalin, Has Died

Barney Frank is Getting Out While the Getting's Good

Is Ginger White the Final Nail in Herman Cain's Coffin?

and

Herman Cain was Unprepared to Run for President

'House M.D.,' Season 8, Episode 8, 'The Perils of Paranoia'

The unfortunate patient in "House M.D.," Season 8, Episode 8, "The Perils of Paranoia" is a prosecutor who, in the midst of destroying a witness on the stand, asks for a continuance as he is having a heart attack.

'Terra Nova,' Season 1, Episode 9, 'Now You See Me'

"Terra Nova," Season 1, Episode 9, "Now You See Me" starts with Taylor going off alone into the wilderness and leaving Shannon in charge to continue the mole hunt. Taylor is still looking for his wayward son and wondering what he is doing.

Carla Gugino to Bring Excitement to Season 3 of 'Justified'

TV Line is reporting that none other than Carla Gugino will be joining the cast of "Justified" as a reoccurring character. That is the good news. The bad news is that she will not be reprising her role as Karen Sisco.

Run, Sarah, Run...

Houston Light Rail Extension Gets $900 Million Federal Grant

Democrats to the White Working Class -- Drop Dead

Solyndra Scandal's Stench of Corruption and Incompetence

Newt Gingrich Latest Former House Speaker to Run for President

Is Space-Based Solar Power's Time Drawing Nigh?

Barney Frank's Career Began with a Sex Scandal, Ends with Economic Calamity

The Alternate History Novels of Newt Gingrich

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, currently the front-runner for the Republican nomination for president, is also a well known writer of alternate history and historical fiction, in partnership with William Fortschen.

'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 9, 'Crossfire'

In "Homeland," Season 1, Episode 9, "Crossfire," Carrie must deal with the public relations flap surrounding the mosque shooting while hunting down Walker. Also Brody relives part of his captivity and there is a big reveal.

Recap: 'The Walking Dead,' Season 2, Episode 7, 'Pretty Much Dead Already'

"The Walking Dead," Season 2, Episode 7, "Pretty Much Dead Already," Glenn reveals to the rest of the group what he knows about the barn filled with walkers. This sparks a series of events that will end in a heart-rending big reveal.

Recap: 'Once Upon a Time,' Season 1, Episode 5, 'That Small Voice'

"Once Upon a Time," Season 1, Episode 5, "That Small Voice" begins with a small boy in the fairy tale world snatching purses and picking pockets while the townsfolk watch an amusing puppet show.

Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 9, 'Get Geller'

In "Dexter," Season 6, Episode 9, "Get Geller," Dexter, with Travis' assistance, begins to hunt for Geller. This will lead to some unexpected revelations. Meanwhile, Debra actually gets some benefit from therapy, which will disconcert LaGuerta.

Occupy Wall Street Fundraising -- Gay Porn and Michael Moore Sings

'Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1' Birthing Scene Causes Seizures

Apparently the grossest part of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" has nothing to do with vampires sucking the blood out of their mortal lovers or werewolves rending apart their victims. The Bella Swan birth scene is causing seizures.

and

Twilight Breaking Dawn's Bella Swan is No Role Model

Writing for Big Hollywood, Lauren Veneziana poses the proposition that the "Twilight" series presents a conservative role model for women in the form of Bella Swan, the human lover of a vampire named Edward.

China the Rising Challenge for the United States

Curiosity Rover -- Next Stop Mars

and

Curiosity Latest Mars Rover to Head for the Red Planet

Native American Group Object to Texas License Plate Honoring Buffalo Soldiers

It's Too Late for Sarah Palin to Reconsider

Gingrich's Manchester Union-Leader Endorsement Gives Campaign Boost

Atlas V Seeks NASA Man Rating Certification to Launch Commercial Spacecraft

Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Endorse Rick Perry for President

NASA Launches Curiosity Rover on Mission to look for Life on Mars

Amazon allows one to give as a gift an ebook to anyone who owns a Kindle. Here are some gift ideas to consider.

Contact with Phobos-Grunt Reestablished by European Space Agency

Thanksgiving as a Boy and a Man

And How Tomato Sauce Came to Be

and

The Silence of the Turkeys

Occupy Black Friday a Bad Idea

Ron Paul Stands Alone in CNN National Security Debate

Jim Lovell's Apollo 13 Check List Up for Auction

New Climategate Emails Spark Science Fraud Firestorm

A newly released batch of 5,000 emails from among climate scientists who have supported the doctrine of man-made global warming have started a firestorm that threatens to dwarf the original climategate controversy of two years ago.

Who Will Sarah Palin Endorse?

The most sought-after endorsement of this political cycle will be from a woman who holds no political office and is not currently seeking one. That is why each of the Republican candidates have done the equivalent of kissing Sarah Palin's ring.

Gingrich's 'Humane' Approach to Illegal Immigration May Get Him into Trouble

Recap: 'Covert Affairs,' Season 2, Episode 14, 'Horse to Water'

"Covert Affairs," Season 2, Episode 14, "Horse to Water" begins and ends with a gunshot. The first gunshot occurs in the middle of Red Square in Moscow when an American double agent is gunned down by one of his peers as a traitor.

Anne McCaffrey, the Dragon Lady of Pern, Has Passed On

Anne McCaffrey, known as the creator of the "Dragonriders of Pern" novels, has died at the age of 85. Thus passes one of the pioneers in science fiction and fantasy literature, two genres that she often combined in her stories.

Will the Mars Science Lab Be One of the Last Nuclear NASA Space Missions?

What If John Kennedy Had Lived?

What if John F. Kennedy had lived? That is one of the most haunting alternate history scenarios that are discussed and endlessly argued about. The answer largely depends on where one is on the ideological spectrum.

Rick Perry Opens His Mind on Domestic, Foreign Policy Issues on Fox News

Jimmy Fallon Insults Michele Bachmann in Song

Michael Moore: Pepper Sprayed Occupiers like Tiananmen Square Students

Putin Booed by Russian Martial Arts Fans

Mars Science Laboratory Latest NASA Nuclear Powered Space Craft

Recap: Terra Nova,' Season 1, Episode 8, 'Vs.'

In "Terra Nova," Season 1, Episode 8, "Vs." a couple of mysteries lead one to the realization how both politically correct and thin the premise behind the entire series is. The episode begins with a dragonfly.

Recap:'House M.D.,' Season 8, Episode 7, 'Dead and Buried'

In "House M.D.," Season 8, Episode 7, "Dead and Buried," we discover that House's love of solving medical mysteries is just another expression of his addictive personality. How typical and how disappointing.

Advocates Mourn the Loss of Commercial Space Funding

Texas Rare Earth Resources Developing Mine in Hudspeth County, Texas

Could Ron Paul Win the 2012 Iowa Caucus?

Could Rep. Ron Paul, the other presidential candidate from Texas, actually win the Iowa caucus? A broad spectrum of political opinion suggests that there is that possibility, though the implications of such an event are unclear.

Why was Michelle Obama Booed at a NASCAR Race?

Was it 'Right Wing Hate' or Lee Harvey Oswald Who Killed Kennedy?

Recap: 'The Walking Dead,' Season 2, Episode 6, 'Secrets'

"The Walking Dead," Season 2, Episode 6, "Secrets" is about, as the title suggests, secrets, including secrets revealed, secrets kept, and secrets found out about oneself. All sorts of consternation follow.

Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 8, 'Achilles Heel'

In "Homeland," Season 1, Episode 8, "Achilles Heel," the aftermath of two revelations, one that Walker is still alive and is now working for Al Qaida, and one that Carrie has been spying on Brody, makes things intense indeed.

Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 8, 'Sins of Omission'

In "Dexter," Season 6, Episode 8, "Sins of Omission" Debra's job is really starting to get to her as she starts in on Dexter, her beloved brother. Meanwhile, Dexter and Travis get mixed messages on the will of God.

Why 'True Blood' is Superior to 'Twilight' in Every Way

The latest installment of the "Twilight" series, "Breaking Dawn Part 1" has made over $283.5 million in world-wide ticket sales. That proves that a cadaverous, pale, but moral vampire and his zombie-like bride appeals to a lot of people.

Nazi Naming Parents Lose Custody of the Fourth Child

The fourth child of Heath and Deborah Campbell, a white supremacist couple who had given their previous three children Nazi inspired names, has been seized by officials of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, according to ABC News.

Stephen Hawking: Time for Space Colonies to Save Humanity

Lakes Discovered Beneath Europa Ice Pack

Local Texas Communities in Eagle Ford Formation Enjoy Healthy Tax Revenues

Time for Some Nation Building in Syria

Republican Candidates Engage in Group Therapy at the Thanksgiving Family Forum

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1' is Excruciating Tedium

The first two thirds of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" is an excruciating tedium that will threaten to make one want to claw one's eyeballs out. Fortunately the last third has some good violence to enjoy.

Gabrielle Giffords' Great Idea to Cut Congressional Pay

Just before being shot in the head sidelined her political career, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had a brilliant idea. Congressional pay should be cut 5 percent. Now her staffers are reminding people of that proposal in hopes of getting it enacted.

Newt Gingrich Hospital Cancer Divorce Story Refuted

NASA Recruiting a New Class of Astronauts for the Post Shuttle Era

This is the most awesome movie poster ever.

Republican Donor Suggests a Perry/Romney or Romney/Perry Ticket

FDA Avastin Decision Potential Death Sentence to Breast Cancer Sufferers

Nancy Pelosi, Occupy Wall Street Have Sights Set on Children

PETA Demands Turkey, Texas, Change Its Name to Tofurky, Texas

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter: A Timeline

Sarah Palin Takes on Honest Graft in Congress

In another hint of a presidential campaign that could have been, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has published an oped in the Wall Street Journal in which she takes aim at honest graft in the Congress.

An Israeli Electronic/Cyber Strike Could End Iran, Not with a Bang, but with a Whimper

Herman Cain and Prince Harry Love Meat Toppings on Their Pizza

One of the things most endearing about Herman Cain is his occasional politically incorrect utterances. No further example can be found than when he condemned vegetable-topped pizza as "sissy." This aroused the ire of the media.