Blue Origin Takes Flight
Blue Origin, the entrepreneurial space company founded by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos conducted it's first vehicle test flight this morning, according to Alan Boyle. Sorry, no spectacular pictures. The company has been very secretive about its development efforts and no pictures have been released. Still, this is one more small but significant step by an increasingly diverse space community toward a spacefaring civilization.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Some Post Election Analyses and Commentary
Noemie Emery at the Weekly Standard has six reasons for putting last week's election in perspective from a conservative point of view. Paul Schenck at National ProLife Radio sees an opening for prolife Democrats.
And Peggy Noonan once again eloquently puts a human face on our political leaders and the political process.
Noemie Emery at the Weekly Standard has six reasons for putting last week's election in perspective from a conservative point of view. Paul Schenck at National ProLife Radio sees an opening for prolife Democrats.
And Peggy Noonan once again eloquently puts a human face on our political leaders and the political process.
At the end of the day, or the end of this day, I look at the new Congress and wish them so well, such luck. Don't you? I want to say: Go, Nancy Pelosi. Be the speaker of whom historians will write, in 2032, "This was her moment, here was the summit, here she found greatness." Go, Democrats, be great and serious. Go, minority Republicans, refind yourselves. Go, conservatives.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
The Fight for Life Goes On
The Supreme Court today heard arguments on the federal ban on partial birth abortion. The hearing drew prolife and pro-abortion advocates to express their views on the proceedings.
The Supreme Court today heard arguments on the federal ban on partial birth abortion. The hearing drew prolife and pro-abortion advocates to express their views on the proceedings.
We Win Some, We Lose Some
And yesterday's election was a loss. It does hurt to see good people lose, such as Michael Steele, Bob Ehrlich, Rick Santorum, Jim Talent, and others.
Congratulations to the winners. What we now have is a divided government and it is essential that both sides take joint responsibility for securing our civilization from those who would destroy us all regardless of party.
Certainly, the war in Iraq was the primary source of frustration for the voters, although the public is far from unanimous on what is the best solution. Senator Joe Lieberman, who supports military action in Iraq, won in an independent bid against a hardline anti-war Democrat in Connecticut. Lieberman is in an especially prized position now in the closely divided Senate, where he will be courted by both parties for support of initiatives. With the change in leadership announced today at the Defense Department, the administration will undoubtedly be revising the strategy for the war.
Other factors in yesterday's vote included the 'sixth year itch' pattern in a president's tenure, a perception of corruption and arrogance (which are all too present in both parties) and the sense that inertia in the current Republican leadership has slowed the drive toward advancing the principles and policies of their supporters.
I listened to and read some of the conservative commentators and they encouraged like-minded people to avoid bitterness and to use this setback as an opportunity to evaluate what went wrong and how to improve the campaign next time. They stressed that conservative principles and goals are as valid as ever, but that the execution needs improvement. New vigorous leadership on the Republican side and possible alliances with moderate and conservative Democrats (some newly elected) can advance initiatives in the future, while 2008 is not that far away.
As I move on to life after politics (for a respite, anyway), I have no regrets about the contributions I've made and especially the time I've spent on campaign activities this year. Working the phone banks the past few days (while ODing on caffeine and donuts) with some really nice people was a real inspiration, and I will be participating with them in future political activities.
And yesterday's election was a loss. It does hurt to see good people lose, such as Michael Steele, Bob Ehrlich, Rick Santorum, Jim Talent, and others.
Congratulations to the winners. What we now have is a divided government and it is essential that both sides take joint responsibility for securing our civilization from those who would destroy us all regardless of party.
Certainly, the war in Iraq was the primary source of frustration for the voters, although the public is far from unanimous on what is the best solution. Senator Joe Lieberman, who supports military action in Iraq, won in an independent bid against a hardline anti-war Democrat in Connecticut. Lieberman is in an especially prized position now in the closely divided Senate, where he will be courted by both parties for support of initiatives. With the change in leadership announced today at the Defense Department, the administration will undoubtedly be revising the strategy for the war.
Other factors in yesterday's vote included the 'sixth year itch' pattern in a president's tenure, a perception of corruption and arrogance (which are all too present in both parties) and the sense that inertia in the current Republican leadership has slowed the drive toward advancing the principles and policies of their supporters.
I listened to and read some of the conservative commentators and they encouraged like-minded people to avoid bitterness and to use this setback as an opportunity to evaluate what went wrong and how to improve the campaign next time. They stressed that conservative principles and goals are as valid as ever, but that the execution needs improvement. New vigorous leadership on the Republican side and possible alliances with moderate and conservative Democrats (some newly elected) can advance initiatives in the future, while 2008 is not that far away.
As I move on to life after politics (for a respite, anyway), I have no regrets about the contributions I've made and especially the time I've spent on campaign activities this year. Working the phone banks the past few days (while ODing on caffeine and donuts) with some really nice people was a real inspiration, and I will be participating with them in future political activities.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Time is at Hand
Tomorrow is America's Day of Decision. Once more, it's time to pray, vote, and if you have time, participate in a Get Out The Vote effort. That can mean joining a highly organized phone bank or simply helping a neighbor get to the polls.
I will be active at the polling place in the early morning and at closing and participating in the county phone bank during much of the morning and afternoon. Tomorrow night will be an interesting night.
Tomorrow is America's Day of Decision. Once more, it's time to pray, vote, and if you have time, participate in a Get Out The Vote effort. That can mean joining a highly organized phone bank or simply helping a neighbor get to the polls.
I will be active at the polling place in the early morning and at closing and participating in the county phone bank during much of the morning and afternoon. Tomorrow night will be an interesting night.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Get Out The Vote from Home
So you're not part of an organized GOTV effort in a state with competitive races, but you want to make a difference in this Tuesday's critical election. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has provided a way to participate in getting friendly voters to turn out around the country from the comfort of your own home.
Technology continues to spur innovation in the political process.
So you're not part of an organized GOTV effort in a state with competitive races, but you want to make a difference in this Tuesday's critical election. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has provided a way to participate in getting friendly voters to turn out around the country from the comfort of your own home.
Technology continues to spur innovation in the political process.
Saddam Hussein Convicted
Former Iraq tyrant Saddam Hussein was convicted today of crimes against humanity.
What is the reaction in Iraq?
Former Iraq tyrant Saddam Hussein was convicted today of crimes against humanity.
What is the reaction in Iraq?
Nouri al-Maliki, the Shiite prime minister, declared the verdicts as history's judgment on a whole era.
"The verdict placed on the heads of the former regime does not represent a verdict for any one person. It is a verdict on a whole dark era that has was unmatched in Iraq's history," al-malice said after the session.
Some feared the verdicts could intensify Iraq's sectarian violence after a trial that stretched over nine months in 39 sessions and ended nearly 3 1/2 months ago. Clashes immediately broke out Sunday in north Baghdad's heavily Sunni Azamiyah district. Elsewhere in the capital, celebratory gunfire rang out.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Pre-Election Musings and What's at Stake
It's Saturday evening, three days before the 2006 mid-term elections. The pundits and prognosticators are beside themselves talking about a 'wave', 'tsunami', 'momentum', etc. Polls in a number of tight races tend to shift back and forth by a narrow few percentage points.
So what's really going on? Obviously, there is understandable frustration about the difficult situation in Iraq, and differing opinions over what coulda, woulda, shoulda been done differently, and what are the options now. Throw into the mix the usual 'sixth year itch' that plagues whatever party is in power, Old Media bias, apparent polling results, etc. that point to modest to big gains by the Democrats.
On the other hand, Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts, independent advocacy group efforts, uncertainties in polling accuracy make that less certain.
Also, other international developments like North Korea's nukes and continuing little domestic bombshells like Mark Foley's one man scandal and John Kerry's clumsy attempt to show off his brilliance can tip the momentum in either direction.
But there are real issues at stake. Speaking for myself, there is too much at stake to vote my mood, vent anger, 'throw the bums out', etc. While issues like immigration, federal spending, etc. have led many to frustration, what are the key issues?
My conclusion is that the paramount issues are those involving life and death. They fall into two broad categories, both pointing my preferences toward the Republicans in general.
Some of these life and death issues fall under the category of national security, terrorism, and war. The war in Iraq is obviously painful and frustrating, and every casualty report grieves all of us. Mistakes in planning are easy to see in hindsight. But the fundamental questions are, where do we go from here and who do we trust to carry out the global struggle against those who want to destroy our civilization. Note, that so far there has been no attack on our homeland since September 2001.
The other category of life and death issues are those social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and exploitation of human embryos. Over 45 million surgical abortions in this country each mark the violent death of a living human being. The Terri Schiavo case was only the most visible example that getting out of the womb doesn't free the rest of us from the danger of this anti-life mentality. And the hype over embryonic stem cells and the deceptive efforts to write human cloning into public policy represent the most blatant attempt to exploit the hope for progress in mitigating suffering to achieve an agenda of further eroding the respect for the dignity of every human life. The leadership in Washington in recent years has at least nudged public policy more toward a culture of life and begun to balance the ideological mix on the federal courts.
Oh! Any election predictions, you ask? It will be an interesting night.
It's Saturday evening, three days before the 2006 mid-term elections. The pundits and prognosticators are beside themselves talking about a 'wave', 'tsunami', 'momentum', etc. Polls in a number of tight races tend to shift back and forth by a narrow few percentage points.
So what's really going on? Obviously, there is understandable frustration about the difficult situation in Iraq, and differing opinions over what coulda, woulda, shoulda been done differently, and what are the options now. Throw into the mix the usual 'sixth year itch' that plagues whatever party is in power, Old Media bias, apparent polling results, etc. that point to modest to big gains by the Democrats.
On the other hand, Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts, independent advocacy group efforts, uncertainties in polling accuracy make that less certain.
Also, other international developments like North Korea's nukes and continuing little domestic bombshells like Mark Foley's one man scandal and John Kerry's clumsy attempt to show off his brilliance can tip the momentum in either direction.
But there are real issues at stake. Speaking for myself, there is too much at stake to vote my mood, vent anger, 'throw the bums out', etc. While issues like immigration, federal spending, etc. have led many to frustration, what are the key issues?
My conclusion is that the paramount issues are those involving life and death. They fall into two broad categories, both pointing my preferences toward the Republicans in general.
Some of these life and death issues fall under the category of national security, terrorism, and war. The war in Iraq is obviously painful and frustrating, and every casualty report grieves all of us. Mistakes in planning are easy to see in hindsight. But the fundamental questions are, where do we go from here and who do we trust to carry out the global struggle against those who want to destroy our civilization. Note, that so far there has been no attack on our homeland since September 2001.
The other category of life and death issues are those social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and exploitation of human embryos. Over 45 million surgical abortions in this country each mark the violent death of a living human being. The Terri Schiavo case was only the most visible example that getting out of the womb doesn't free the rest of us from the danger of this anti-life mentality. And the hype over embryonic stem cells and the deceptive efforts to write human cloning into public policy represent the most blatant attempt to exploit the hope for progress in mitigating suffering to achieve an agenda of further eroding the respect for the dignity of every human life. The leadership in Washington in recent years has at least nudged public policy more toward a culture of life and begun to balance the ideological mix on the federal courts.
Oh! Any election predictions, you ask? It will be an interesting night.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Peggy Noonan on Rick Santorum
The eloquent Peggy Noonan writes about what a national loss it will be IF Rick Santorum loses his Senate race.
Note the amazing but true account of Rick and Karen Santorum's prayerful act near the end of her column.
Of course, the only poll that matters hasn't been counted yet. After reading this column today, I sent a contribution toward my native state tonight via this link.
The eloquent Peggy Noonan writes about what a national loss it will be IF Rick Santorum loses his Senate race.
Mr. Santorum has been at odds with the modernist impulse, or liberalism, or whatever it now and fairly should be called. Most of his own impulses--protect the unprotected, help the helpless, respect the common man--have not been conservative in the way conservative is roughly understood, or portrayed, in the national imagination. If this were the JFK era, his politics would not be called "right wing" but "progressive." He is, at heart, a Catholic social reformer. Bobby Kennedy would have loved him.
Note the amazing but true account of Rick and Karen Santorum's prayerful act near the end of her column.
Of course, the only poll that matters hasn't been counted yet. After reading this column today, I sent a contribution toward my native state tonight via this link.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Home Stretch
A week from now, I'll know the election is over when:
-I get more sleep and exercise.
-I'm consuming less caffeine and more healthy red wine.
-I can start to seriously clean up the clutter around my house.
-The phone bank scripts begin to fade from my memory.
-I'm making no more political donations for awhile.
-I go back to spending more time at Space.com than I do at RealClearPolitics.com.
-I have more time to blog on more various subjects.
But that's a week from now. In the meantime, I'm signed up for phone-banking this weekend and on Tuesday. (I'm taking the day off from work.) Gov. Ehrlich is virtually tied with Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley in the Maryland Governor's race and Michael Steele is gaining national attention as he is closing in on Rep. Ben Cardin for the U.S. Senate seat.
We had our final Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) planning session in Montgomery County last night. The volunteer base here is fired up and ready to climax months of effort with the big push during these final days. And while there are some unique circumstances here in Maryland, I hear that grassroots efforts in other states are also large and energized.
A week from now, I'll know the election is over when:
-I get more sleep and exercise.
-I'm consuming less caffeine and more healthy red wine.
-I can start to seriously clean up the clutter around my house.
-The phone bank scripts begin to fade from my memory.
-I'm making no more political donations for awhile.
-I go back to spending more time at Space.com than I do at RealClearPolitics.com.
-I have more time to blog on more various subjects.
But that's a week from now. In the meantime, I'm signed up for phone-banking this weekend and on Tuesday. (I'm taking the day off from work.) Gov. Ehrlich is virtually tied with Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley in the Maryland Governor's race and Michael Steele is gaining national attention as he is closing in on Rep. Ben Cardin for the U.S. Senate seat.
We had our final Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) planning session in Montgomery County last night. The volunteer base here is fired up and ready to climax months of effort with the big push during these final days. And while there are some unique circumstances here in Maryland, I hear that grassroots efforts in other states are also large and energized.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
This Picture Says It All
John Kerry has apologized for his so-called 'botched joke'. Whatever the political impact of his debacle, this response by some of our troops is precious. It's been circulating around the Internet like wildfire, apparently with no restrictions, so feel free to download and spread further.
John Kerry has apologized for his so-called 'botched joke'. Whatever the political impact of his debacle, this response by some of our troops is precious. It's been circulating around the Internet like wildfire, apparently with no restrictions, so feel free to download and spread further.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
It's a GO!!!
NASA
NASA Administrator Mike Griffin today announced the decision to proceed with one more Shuttle servicing mission to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). I attended the announcement which brought a standing ovation from the crowd of Hubble NASA and contractor staff at the Goddard Spaceflight Center. The event also included a stem-winding speech in support of the decision by Senator Barbara Mikulski, who has vigorously supported the Hubble project on Capitol Hill. (Yes, even with my feisty red-state of mind, I could stand and applaud Babs on this subject.)
While planning and preparation for this mission has been underway for some time, having it formally placed on the Shuttle manifest and having a crew assigned (including three Hubble servicing veterans) will expedite the activities leading to the (no earlier than) May 2008 launch date.
My colleagues and I will have much to do over the next eighteen months or so, working on this exciting mission.
NASA
NASA Administrator Mike Griffin today announced the decision to proceed with one more Shuttle servicing mission to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). I attended the announcement which brought a standing ovation from the crowd of Hubble NASA and contractor staff at the Goddard Spaceflight Center. The event also included a stem-winding speech in support of the decision by Senator Barbara Mikulski, who has vigorously supported the Hubble project on Capitol Hill. (Yes, even with my feisty red-state of mind, I could stand and applaud Babs on this subject.)
While planning and preparation for this mission has been underway for some time, having it formally placed on the Shuttle manifest and having a crew assigned (including three Hubble servicing veterans) will expedite the activities leading to the (no earlier than) May 2008 launch date.
My colleagues and I will have much to do over the next eighteen months or so, working on this exciting mission.
An Ethical Stem Cell Breakthrough
British Scientists have developed a 'mini' version of a human liver which could lead to full scale transplants using laboratory developed livers. The scientists used umbilical cord blood stem cells and NASA developed technology to achieve this breakthrough.
British Scientists have developed a 'mini' version of a human liver which could lead to full scale transplants using laboratory developed livers. The scientists used umbilical cord blood stem cells and NASA developed technology to achieve this breakthrough.
Working in collaboration with experts from the US, the Newcastle scientists succeeded in separating out the stem cells from blood removed from the umbilical cord minutes after birth.
They are then placed in a 'bioreactor' - a piece of electrical equipment developed by NASA to mimic the effects of weightlessness. Inside this, the freedom from the force of gravity allows them to multiply more quickly than usual.
Then, various hormones and chemicals are added to coax the stem cells into turning into liver tissue.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Michael Steele Rising
Some recent developments have further energized the already passionate supporters of Lt. Gov. Michael Steele's campaign for U.S. Senate from Maryland.
First was Michael Steele's quick response to the Michael J. Fox ad supporting embryonic stem cell research and Steele's Democratic opponent, Rep. Ben Cardin.
Unfortunately, many other Democrats and some Republicans in the House also voted to reject this bill supporting promising and ethical stem cell research. It just shows that the agenda for this hype over embryonic stem cell research has less to do with advancing medical science and more to do with trying to further erode society's respect for the dignity of every human life.
Now, after flubbing a televised debate last night, Cardin was a no-show for a NAACP debate tonight in Charles County. Cardin's campaign says he never confirmed his participation, but this doesn't seem like a smart move while trying to hold onto the traditionally Democratic African-American vote. Still to come, another NAACP debate on Saturday and a nationally televised debate on Meet the Press on Sunday.
Stay tuned. This is getting really interesting.
UPDATE: 10/27/06
The Steele campaign has released a powerful ad featuring Dr. Monica Turner, Michael Steele's sister, speaking to the stem cell issue. Watch the video here. Here's a link to RCP Blog featuring the dueling ads.
Some recent developments have further energized the already passionate supporters of Lt. Gov. Michael Steele's campaign for U.S. Senate from Maryland.
First was Michael Steele's quick response to the Michael J. Fox ad supporting embryonic stem cell research and Steele's Democratic opponent, Rep. Ben Cardin.
Michael Steele said, "There is only one candidate in this race who voted against stem cell research and it's Congressman Ben Cardin. Ben Cardin had a chance to support stem cell research that would not destroy human embryos, and he voted against it - not because of his beliefs on the issue, but as a transparent political stunt."
Unfortunately, many other Democrats and some Republicans in the House also voted to reject this bill supporting promising and ethical stem cell research. It just shows that the agenda for this hype over embryonic stem cell research has less to do with advancing medical science and more to do with trying to further erode society's respect for the dignity of every human life.
Now, after flubbing a televised debate last night, Cardin was a no-show for a NAACP debate tonight in Charles County. Cardin's campaign says he never confirmed his participation, but this doesn't seem like a smart move while trying to hold onto the traditionally Democratic African-American vote. Still to come, another NAACP debate on Saturday and a nationally televised debate on Meet the Press on Sunday.
Stay tuned. This is getting really interesting.
UPDATE: 10/27/06
The Steele campaign has released a powerful ad featuring Dr. Monica Turner, Michael Steele's sister, speaking to the stem cell issue. Watch the video here. Here's a link to RCP Blog featuring the dueling ads.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
We Band of Brothers (and Sisters)
Gotta love Laura Ingraham. On her radio show this morning, she noted the traditional feast of St. Crispin, playing a reading from Shakespeare's Henry V which recounted the battle of Agincourt, and rallying her audience for our current political and military struggles.
Here are the final verses:
So much going on, so little time to blog. The deceptive cloning amendment in Missouri
is going down while Jim Talent is edging up. Here in Maryland, Michael Steele is on the move. So much more happening but it's past my bed time. Got to rest to carry on the fight.
Gotta love Laura Ingraham. On her radio show this morning, she noted the traditional feast of St. Crispin, playing a reading from Shakespeare's Henry V which recounted the battle of Agincourt, and rallying her audience for our current political and military struggles.
Here are the final verses:
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
So much going on, so little time to blog. The deceptive cloning amendment in Missouri
is going down while Jim Talent is edging up. Here in Maryland, Michael Steele is on the move. So much more happening but it's past my bed time. Got to rest to carry on the fight.
Friday, October 20, 2006
State of Enchantment
I'm back from a meeting at JSC earlier this week, and will be doing more political activity this weekend. But if I could be somewhere else this weekend, it would be in Las Cruces, NM, where the X-Prize Cup events are being held. Events include vertical rocket launches, lunar lander demonstrations, space elevator demonstrations, exhibits, conferences, etc.
Within two or three years, this annual event will feature actual suborbital spaceflights like those accomplished by the privately funded and developed SpaceShipOne in 2004. Already it is a hotbed of entrepreneurial space and educational activity, and is laying the groundwork for our expanding future in space.
This event is being covered by Space.com, which is providing a live webcast of events (Friday and Saturday), plus several other web sites and blogs.
I'm back from a meeting at JSC earlier this week, and will be doing more political activity this weekend. But if I could be somewhere else this weekend, it would be in Las Cruces, NM, where the X-Prize Cup events are being held. Events include vertical rocket launches, lunar lander demonstrations, space elevator demonstrations, exhibits, conferences, etc.
Within two or three years, this annual event will feature actual suborbital spaceflights like those accomplished by the privately funded and developed SpaceShipOne in 2004. Already it is a hotbed of entrepreneurial space and educational activity, and is laying the groundwork for our expanding future in space.
This event is being covered by Space.com, which is providing a live webcast of events (Friday and Saturday), plus several other web sites and blogs.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Tenth Anniversary Wishes
Wednesday evening I went into DC to Charley Palmer's Steakhouse to join the 10th anniversary celebration of National Review Online. I got to chat with some well known Washington people and many other interested citizens. Thanks to Kathryn Jean Lopez and the others at NRO for putting on a fine party.
Also celebrating their tenth anniversary this week, the Fox News Channel. Happy anniversary to both fine organizations.
Wednesday evening I went into DC to Charley Palmer's Steakhouse to join the 10th anniversary celebration of National Review Online. I got to chat with some well known Washington people and many other interested citizens. Thanks to Kathryn Jean Lopez and the others at NRO for putting on a fine party.
Also celebrating their tenth anniversary this week, the Fox News Channel. Happy anniversary to both fine organizations.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Meanwhile, Back on Earth...
...as I was making the previous post on Mars before going to bed, Fox News has just broken an unconfirmed report that North Korea has just performed it's first nuclear weapon test. AP and Fox News are now reporting that NK claims a successful test.
...as I was making the previous post on Mars before going to bed, Fox News has just broken an unconfirmed report that North Korea has just performed it's first nuclear weapon test. AP and Fox News are now reporting that NK claims a successful test.
Mars Exploration: Striking New Images
Image of Rover Opportunity at Victoria Crater seen from MRO
Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech
Ground view from edge of Victoria Crater from Rover Opportunity
Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech
With so much going on in politics and other things these days, one can lose track of the continuing progress of exploration around the Solar System. But recent images from Mars, both from the ground with the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers, and from orbit with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), are too spectacular to overlook. Here's more description from Space.com.
Image of Rover Opportunity at Victoria Crater seen from MRO
Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech
Ground view from edge of Victoria Crater from Rover Opportunity
Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech
With so much going on in politics and other things these days, one can lose track of the continuing progress of exploration around the Solar System. But recent images from Mars, both from the ground with the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers, and from orbit with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), are too spectacular to overlook. Here's more description from Space.com.
A History Lesson Today's Feast Day
Michael Novak reminds us of the historic battle that occurred on October 7 that made this date become the Feast of the Rosary.
Michael Novak reminds us of the historic battle that occurred on October 7 that made this date become the Feast of the Rosary.
The two greatest naval forces ever assembled — 280 ships in the Turkish Armada, some 212 on the Christian side — came into each other’s sight on the brilliant morning of October 7. So confident was the Turkish admiral, Ali Pasha, that he sailed proudly at the center of his own Armada, bringing with him on vessels just to his rear his entire fortune, and even a part of his harem.
Historians tell us that all over Europe a pall fell. Few had hopes that the Christian fleet could avoid the doom that seemed to hang over Italy. The pope had urged all Christians to say the rosary daily on behalf of the brave crews on the Christian galleys. The rosary is a simple prayer that can be said in almost any setting, and had already achieved a certain popularity among humble folk. With each decade of the Hail Marys they had been taught to reflect upon a different event in the life of Jesus. The beads went through one’s fingers as regularly as the blood through one’s body, as regular as heartbeats and the breathing of the lungs.
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