Saddam's War on Insects
This is one possible explanation for the huge quantity of 'pesticides' found around abandoned Iraqi ammo dumps. However, Ken Timmerman has a more likely explanation, which would blow the roof off the conventional wisdom regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in Iraq.
Monday, April 26, 2004
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Pro-Death March
I had the interesting experience of participating in one of the prolife counterprotests at today's pro-abortion rally in Washington, DC. The activity I participated in was organized by Silent No More and was a peaceful, dignified and well-organized response to the so-called 'March for Women's' Lives', a title which ignores the violence abortion does to unborn children and the serious suffering it has caused for many women.
The pro-abortion march drew an estimated 250,000 people, comparable to some of the recent years attendance estimates at the March for Life, which is held every year on a week-day in Washington on or around January 22, the anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1973 imposition of abortion-on-demand in the United States.
I had the interesting experience of participating in one of the prolife counterprotests at today's pro-abortion rally in Washington, DC. The activity I participated in was organized by Silent No More and was a peaceful, dignified and well-organized response to the so-called 'March for Women's' Lives', a title which ignores the violence abortion does to unborn children and the serious suffering it has caused for many women.
The pro-abortion march drew an estimated 250,000 people, comparable to some of the recent years attendance estimates at the March for Life, which is held every year on a week-day in Washington on or around January 22, the anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1973 imposition of abortion-on-demand in the United States.
Friday, April 23, 2004
A Real Hero
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:13
I don't normally pay much attention to sports figures or other celebrities, but former pro-football player Pat Tillman, like many ordinary citizens, sacrificed everything to protect our freedom.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:13
I don't normally pay much attention to sports figures or other celebrities, but former pro-football player Pat Tillman, like many ordinary citizens, sacrificed everything to protect our freedom.
Monday, April 19, 2004
Space Commission hears more innovative ideas...
...at its public hearing last week in San Francisco.
Contents of presentations from this latest hearing should be up on the Commission web site sometime soon. Just a reminder to click on the 'Contact Us' button to submit your comments to the Commission. Time to comment is growing short. The Commission is due to issue its report to the President in June.
...at its public hearing last week in San Francisco.
Contents of presentations from this latest hearing should be up on the Commission web site sometime soon. Just a reminder to click on the 'Contact Us' button to submit your comments to the Commission. Time to comment is growing short. The Commission is due to issue its report to the President in June.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Language, the Culture and Space Policy
Dwayne Day writes in The Space Review on the 'feminization of American space policy', discussing the history of the language used by American leaders to describe the rationales for our space activities. He describes how by the nineties, the language tended to emphasize concepts such as inspiring and educating children.
This analysis has a lot of merit, but there is another aspect that deserves a look. Providing for one's children or for future generations is not a uniquely feminine trait, but also a strong masculine trait and responsibility. I don't think it is a coincidence that the current President who has rejuvenated our drive to explore the Solar System is also one who espouses a 'culture of life' (borrowing Pope John Paul II's phrase) which welcomes and protects children before and after birth.
Exploration, development and eventual settlement of the Solar System is a part of a positive world view of the future, in contrast to the 'limits to growth' world view which fears future generations and espouses aggressive population control around the world. W has revived the Reagan Mexico City policy curtailing US support of abortion in U.S. funded 'family planning' programs abroad.
Dwayne Day writes in The Space Review on the 'feminization of American space policy', discussing the history of the language used by American leaders to describe the rationales for our space activities. He describes how by the nineties, the language tended to emphasize concepts such as inspiring and educating children.
This analysis has a lot of merit, but there is another aspect that deserves a look. Providing for one's children or for future generations is not a uniquely feminine trait, but also a strong masculine trait and responsibility. I don't think it is a coincidence that the current President who has rejuvenated our drive to explore the Solar System is also one who espouses a 'culture of life' (borrowing Pope John Paul II's phrase) which welcomes and protects children before and after birth.
Exploration, development and eventual settlement of the Solar System is a part of a positive world view of the future, in contrast to the 'limits to growth' world view which fears future generations and espouses aggressive population control around the world. W has revived the Reagan Mexico City policy curtailing US support of abortion in U.S. funded 'family planning' programs abroad.
"We will finish the work of the fallen."
President Bush has just finished addressing the nation on Iraq and is now taking questions. He outlined the grave situation in Iraq, acknowledging that these have been "tough weeks in that country", and pledged to stand firm in helping the Iraqi people defend themselves while pressing ahead with the June 30 transfer of power. The leadership of the President in standing firm in this critical situation is vital to America's future, and indicates once more that he should continue to hold office for another term.
Meanwhile, some of the domestic opposition have become totally unhinged, as shown by an ad sponsored by Democrats in a local Florida paper (the publisher of which says running the ad "slipped through" and shouldn't have happened). BTW, isn't threatening a public official potentially a criminal act meriting Secret Service investigation?
President Bush has just finished addressing the nation on Iraq and is now taking questions. He outlined the grave situation in Iraq, acknowledging that these have been "tough weeks in that country", and pledged to stand firm in helping the Iraqi people defend themselves while pressing ahead with the June 30 transfer of power. The leadership of the President in standing firm in this critical situation is vital to America's future, and indicates once more that he should continue to hold office for another term.
Meanwhile, some of the domestic opposition have become totally unhinged, as shown by an ad sponsored by Democrats in a local Florida paper (the publisher of which says running the ad "slipped through" and shouldn't have happened). BTW, isn't threatening a public official potentially a criminal act meriting Secret Service investigation?
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
This Holy Week
This week marks Divine intervention in human history. Yesterday was the start of Passover, commemorating the time when God intervened to deliver the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Tomorrow evening begins the holiest time of the Christian calendar, the Easter Triduum marking Jesus' Passion, Death and Resurrection as redemption for our sins.
Link from www.truecatholic.org, artist not listed.
Have a blessed and happy Easter and Passover!
This week marks Divine intervention in human history. Yesterday was the start of Passover, commemorating the time when God intervened to deliver the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Tomorrow evening begins the holiest time of the Christian calendar, the Easter Triduum marking Jesus' Passion, Death and Resurrection as redemption for our sins.
Link from www.truecatholic.org, artist not listed.
Have a blessed and happy Easter and Passover!
A Historic Clearance for Space
The FAA has announced that it has granted a launch license to Scaled Composites to conduct suborbital spaceflights with the company's SpaceShipOne vehicle. Scaled Composites is a leading contender for the X-Prize for demonstrating suborbital spaceflight.
UPDATE: Scaled Composites did not waste any time to exercise its license, conducting another powered flight test on Thursday morning.
The FAA has announced that it has granted a launch license to Scaled Composites to conduct suborbital spaceflights with the company's SpaceShipOne vehicle. Scaled Composites is a leading contender for the X-Prize for demonstrating suborbital spaceflight.
UPDATE: Scaled Composites did not waste any time to exercise its license, conducting another powered flight test on Thursday morning.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Bipartisan Support in Congress Growing for W's Space Plans
Frank Sietzen reports that key lawmakers appear to be coming together to provide the initial downpayment in NASA's budget for the space initiative.
Particularly interesting in the UPI article is what it says about the White House's strategy in promoting the initiative:
According to congressional sources, several House members complained Bush has failed to say anything more about the moon-Mars plan since his Jan. 14 speech, and his silence has been interpreted as a cooling of support. The group was told the White House was silent, not because Bush was rethinking his grand space plan, but was instead trying to avoid further politicization.
One source told UPI that Bush would "keep his powder dry until the myths, legends, and political barbs on this strategy subside," and the president probably would speak again about his space plan sometime late in his re-election campaign.
This would counter some of the usual punditry concerning W's handling of the initiative, and may also provide insight into how the Bush Administration handles other priority issues, sometimes 'under the radar' of the Old Media.
Frank Sietzen reports that key lawmakers appear to be coming together to provide the initial downpayment in NASA's budget for the space initiative.
Particularly interesting in the UPI article is what it says about the White House's strategy in promoting the initiative:
According to congressional sources, several House members complained Bush has failed to say anything more about the moon-Mars plan since his Jan. 14 speech, and his silence has been interpreted as a cooling of support. The group was told the White House was silent, not because Bush was rethinking his grand space plan, but was instead trying to avoid further politicization.
One source told UPI that Bush would "keep his powder dry until the myths, legends, and political barbs on this strategy subside," and the president probably would speak again about his space plan sometime late in his re-election campaign.
This would counter some of the usual punditry concerning W's handling of the initiative, and may also provide insight into how the Bush Administration handles other priority issues, sometimes 'under the radar' of the Old Media.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
NASA space fly-off considered.
Retired Adm. Craig E. Steidle, head of NASA's new Exploration Office (Code T), says a fly-off competition for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) might be advantageous to the agency's exploration goals. Adm Steidle is drawing on his experience with the military's Joint Strike Fighter project, for which such a competition was held.
Retired Adm. Craig E. Steidle, head of NASA's new Exploration Office (Code T), says a fly-off competition for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) might be advantageous to the agency's exploration goals. Adm Steidle is drawing on his experience with the military's Joint Strike Fighter project, for which such a competition was held.
W signs bill to protect second victim.
White House photo by Paul Morse
President Bush today signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (also known as Laci and Conner's Law). In his remarks at the White House signing ceremony, the President said:
"With this action, we widen the circle of compassion and inclusion in our society, and we reaffirm that the United States of America is building a culture of life."
White House photo by Paul Morse
President Bush today signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (also known as Laci and Conner's Law). In his remarks at the White House signing ceremony, the President said:
"With this action, we widen the circle of compassion and inclusion in our society, and we reaffirm that the United States of America is building a culture of life."
Sunday, March 28, 2004
X43A Experimental Flight Success!
NASA
The X43A experimental vehicle is designed to test hypersonic flight technology. Saturday's successful test took place off the California coast.
NASA
The X43A experimental vehicle is designed to test hypersonic flight technology. Saturday's successful test took place off the California coast.
An Example of Why This Election Matters
On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which would prosecute, in cases under federal jurisdiction, an attack on a pregnant woman and her unborn child as an attack on two persons. The measure passed on a vote of 61-38. One of the 'No' votes was that of Senator John Kerry. President George W. Bush is eager to sign the bill into law.
On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which would prosecute, in cases under federal jurisdiction, an attack on a pregnant woman and her unborn child as an attack on two persons. The measure passed on a vote of 61-38. One of the 'No' votes was that of Senator John Kerry. President George W. Bush is eager to sign the bill into law.
Friday, March 26, 2004
Old Media Echo Chamber
In this week's Space Review, Dwayne Day explains the sloppy journalism behind the common impression conveyed by the Old Media that President Bush is proposing to spend 'a trillion dollars' on 'a mission to Mars'. One more example of why to take what you learn from the Old Media (formerly the 'mainstream media') on any significant public issue with more than a few grains of salt.
In this week's Space Review, Dwayne Day explains the sloppy journalism behind the common impression conveyed by the Old Media that President Bush is proposing to spend 'a trillion dollars' on 'a mission to Mars'. One more example of why to take what you learn from the Old Media (formerly the 'mainstream media') on any significant public issue with more than a few grains of salt.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Feast of the Annunciation
Link from Knights of Columbus, Artist not listed
The Word being made flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. In our current times, this feast highlights the value of human life, and is often marked as the Day of the Unborn Child.
Link from Knights of Columbus, Artist not listed
The Word being made flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. In our current times, this feast highlights the value of human life, and is often marked as the Day of the Unborn Child.
Space Commission Hearings
The President's Space Commission held its third public hearing session yesterday and today in Atlanta. A highlight was testimony by space entrepreneurs on the need to engage the private sector in space activities. A reminder that the commission is soliciting public input on its web site (Click on the 'Contact Us' button.).
The President's Space Commission held its third public hearing session yesterday and today in Atlanta. A highlight was testimony by space entrepreneurs on the need to engage the private sector in space activities. A reminder that the commission is soliciting public input on its web site (Click on the 'Contact Us' button.).
The Shores of Mars
Catching up with a busy week which featured the historic announcement that scientists have conclude there was an ancient sea where the rover Opportunity is now studying the Martian surface.
Catching up with a busy week which featured the historic announcement that scientists have conclude there was an ancient sea where the rover Opportunity is now studying the Martian surface.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Next step for SETI
As Project Phoenix has concluded, an announcement of funding for the more advanced Allen Telescope Array.
As Project Phoenix has concluded, an announcement of funding for the more advanced Allen Telescope Array.
St Joseph's Day
Today is the feast day of my patron saint. (Since my middle name is Patrick, I have a sort of double-header this week for patron saints.)
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
Today is the feast day of my patron saint. (Since my middle name is Patrick, I have a sort of double-header this week for patron saints.)
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
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