Captain Kathryn Janeway vs. The Cast of Frasier

I felt a little bit of nostalgia coming on, and had to post this video of Captain Kathryn Janeway from the television series, "Star Trek: Voyager".

The series aired from 1995-2001 on the UPN network which later changed it's name to the CW.  It was the networks longest airing series at the time and I watched every single episode.  Of all the Star Trek shows, this was by far, my favorite.  The Captain, while foolish in her decisions at times, was statuesque, brave and downright sexy.  We all loved her.  Well... most of my friends did anyway. LOL.

In either case, the cast from the sitcom, "Frasier" which aired from 1993-2004 were featured alongside Captain Janeway and her bridge during the Emmy Awards and it was absolutely hilarious.  Check it out.

Rush Limbaugh's Letter To The American People [NSFW]

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

I Quote That - Love Him

Isn't This The Truth? How Many More Versions?

I don't blog about religion much, because a lot of folks want to get rude and nasty, instead of discussing the issue at hand.  But since I found this great picture I had to say something :-)

I wanted to be a preacher growing up, and well, we all know how that turned out.  But one of the many questions I was asked during High School was why there were so many different versions of the Bible.  In the English language alone there are over 60 or so.  It's a sad reality, but it's true.  Most Christians will tell you that instead of saying versions, you should say "translations".  But I'm going to argue that point, because you can't keep saying there are many translations when the Hebrew and Greek text that it was originally written in has been changed to reflect a different meaning.  That is not a translation, that is a version.  Translation is the taking of a word or sentence and converting it from one language to another, like from Spanish to English or from French to German.  We know there are many translations, because not everyone can read Hebrew or Greek.

For example, here are three different versions of 
1 Corinthians 5:9

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators.

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people

I did write to you in the epistle, not to keep company with whoremongers

Really?  Whoremongers?  I'm sorry, but these do not constitute three different translations, these are three different versions of a verse translated into the English language.  So which version is the right one?  

Yeah... my thoughts exactly.  

And then you wonder why so many people are exhausted over religion.  Its up to you to decide, do some research, but most importantly have faith.  As to why there are so many different versions of the Bible?  I'll leave that up to God to decide which version we should've been using.  Look, I'm gay, I believe in God, and most importantly he made me in his image.  Take with it what you will, because I'll be judged according to Him, not by you.

Must Watch: Dubstep Violin by Lindsey Stirling

This was unbelievable.  If you're a fan of the string instruments, this will knock you off your feet.  I'm actually listening to it right now as I type this blog.  It truly relaxes you.  I'm going to agree with one of the comments on her YouTube page, and say "they can play this at my funeral, and I'd be back."

OMG, the piano, the sax, the clarinet, all of them are great to listen to, but this video was simply amazing.  Play it and you'll never look at music the same again.  The filming location was just as astounding.

Also if you're interested in finding out where this was filmed, you can check out The ICE CASTLES AT SILVERTHORNE.  They are an unparalleled creation of walkways, illuminated ice formations, tunnels, and arches – made entirely out of ice and designed with the visitor in mind. These massive and dynamic ice structures are nearly 30 feet high, and collectively measure over 10,000 tons.

On a recent blog entry, Oprah.com described the Silverthorne Ice Castles as “magical...twinkling and sense-defying and straight out of fairy tales.” The post went on to say, “of all the gorgeous pictures on the internet of incredible structures made of ice (and to be sure there are many.), I'm most moved by Brent Christensen's Silverthorne Ice Castle, a cavernous, surreal-looking place that looks as if it were constructed by an army of icy elves, or else appeared on its own in an enchanted forest.”

This is definitely another great place added to mine and Ryan's wishlist of places to visit.  A-ma-zing.

Kiss of the Week - Issue No. 014

A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth - and endures all the rest.  

~Helen Rowland

Just Sayn'

Cyanide and Happiness: Accident

What is a Leap Year?

I know that most of you have wondered why February sometimes has 28 days and sometimes it has 29.   In short, if we didn't add that extra day into our calendar every four years you'd literally be celebrating Christmas in July.  No, really - you would.

My favorite information guru, CGPGrey is back and he's going to explain it to you in detail.  You may remember him, he's the one who gave us the 8 animal Misconceptions Rundown.

If you liked this video you will definitely want to check out CGPgrey's other fantastic videos I previously blogged about. In addition to the one I highlighted above the video.

Coffee: The Greatest Addiction Ever
Daylight Saving Time Explained
Pennies Should Be Abolished
2012 & The End of The World
Primary Elections Explained 
10 Misconceptions Rundown

Quick-Pic 001: Nick Jonas

This is what I'm talking about... the ever-so-lovely Nick Jonas at the 2012 Jason Taylor Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday.  I don't think Golf ever looked so appealing, don't you think?

Courtesy of Just Jared Jr.

iPad 3 Facts

The folks at Joy of Tech have released this wonderful chart showing you the truth about the new iPad 3, and why they think you should get this awesome new pad.  

I, for one, am enjoying the original iPad.  I don't get why people keep buying the newer versions of everything, nothing really changes in their lives. LOL.  Seriously. I use mine to check email, get on the internet, read books, blog, and watch videos.  What is so different about the iPad2 or 3 that will make it more convenient for me?  It's not like I'm going to be walking around taking pictures with this huge square object.  I have my iPhone for that. Just sayn'.

Waldo: The Movie - The Official Trailer

You've waited long enough. We've searched long enough.  But the time is finally here - Waldo has been found.  Or has he?  

It may not be official, but it is downright funny.  "Where's Waldo: The Movie" trailer has been released and it's going to be a thriller!!!  Just when you thought finding Waldo was difficult, imagine finding yourself.  The movie hits theaters Summer 2016. lmao

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 022 - Commerce, Trade & Technology

I remember reading, not even a month or two ago about President Obama asking congress for more power to streamline and reorganize the federal government.  He asked to be able to combine several agencies into one that would primarily deal with commerce and trade, including the Small Business Administration.  We'll see what happens, because you know how the REDs are only about making Obama a one-term president - that is their number one goal according to Mitch McConnell.  I ended up finding an article on the President's plan, you can read it here.

But long before he asked congress for help on his new, bold plan, he's been working on his achievements and promises.  We are going to look at three WTFs today, one concerning a broad policy, one in regard to funding and a targeted action - all having to do with technology, commerce and trade. 

WTF-64

Promoted internet freedom as part of U.S. foreign policy.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in early 2010 urged China to investigate cyber intrusions that led Google to threaten to pull out of that country – and challenged Beijing to openly publish its findings.

"Countries that restrict free access to information or violate the basic rights of Internet users risk walling themselves off from the progress of the next century," she said. Clinton said the U.S. and China "have different views on this issue, and we intend to address those differences candidly and consistently" as part of a cooperative relationship. [Read More]

***

In early 2010, Larry Downes over at c/net wrote an article showing how clear the White House was in developing an ambitious new plan to support information technology that previous administrations simply didn't have. The emerging emphasis on IT could lead to very positive developments, particularly for Internet companies and users.

There's no doubt that the plan will make universal broadband access for all Americans a national priority. Universal access will be defined as affordable, high-speed Internet availability throughout the United States and will rely on a combination of fiber, cable, satellite, copper, and high-speed wireless. (I heard no mention of broadband over power lines, a technology that has shown promise but has so far been held back by regulatory inertia.) Set-top box technologies that will make televisions act more like computers are also critical, particularly to lower-income Americans.

The administration believes that an aggressive rollout of higher speeds and full coverage will translate to faster economic recovery and increased competitiveness for U.S. businesses. Although broadband Internet access is currently available in 90 percent of the United States and installed in roughly 73 million homes, as a percentage of population, the U.S. currently ranks eighth in overall broadband penetration. [Read More-1, Read More-2]

WTF-65

Expanded loan programs for small businesses.

"the Small Business Administration's loan and micro-loan programs which provide start-up and long-term financing that small firms cannot receive through normal channels." were President Obama's words and promise during his campaign in 2008.

President Obama gave small business some love when he announced he was expanding programs for the Small Business Administration on March 16, 2009.

"Our recovery in the present and our prosperity in the future depend upon the success of America's small businesses and entrepreneurs," he said.

The Obama administration announced it was increasing the amount it would guarantee to private lenders making loans under Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. Previously, the federal government would guarantee 85 percent for loans at or below $150,000 and up to 75 percent for larger loans. Under the new program, the government will guarantee up to 90 percent of all loans for a limited time.

Obama promised he would expand Small Business Administration loan programs. The SBA does not lend money directly, so these moves have the effect of expanding the program by increasing incentives for private lenders. These efforts are temporary, but Obama specifically said he would be outlining further steps on behalf of small businesses in the weeks and months ahead. For now, the Obameter moves to Promise Kept. [Read More]

WTF-66

Small Business Act.

On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, the most significant piece of small business legislation in over a decade. The new law is providing critical resources to help small businesses continue to drive economic recovery and create jobs. The new law extended the successful SBA enhanced loan provisions while offering billions more in lending support, tax cuts, and other opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners. [Read More]

• New Law Puts More Capital in the Hands of Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

SBA Enhanced Loan Provisions – more than $12 billion in lending support
Higher Loan Limits – increased maximum loan sizes in top loan programs
Alternate Size Standards – more small businesses eligible to get SBA loans
Temporarily Allow for Commercial Real Estate Refinancing
Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) Pilot Program
Small Business “Intermediary” Lending Pilot

• New Law Strengthens Small Businesses’ Ability to Compete for and Win Contracts, Including Implementing Recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Business

Equal Treatment across Federal Contracting Programs
More Opportunities for Small Businesses
Combating Fraud, Waste and Abuse

• New Law Promotes Small Business Exporting, Building on the President’s National Export Initiative

• Law Expands Training and Counseling

• New Law Provides $12 Billion in Tax Relief to Help Small Businesses Invest in their Firms, Create Jobs

• Treasury Department Provisions

I would like to list everything under each category, but there comes a time when even a blog gets too large. LOL. But make sure to click on the "Read More" links to read more on WTF-66.

I promise to come back to this topic in another issue, until then, please feel free to read my previous issues by clicking here.

Make sure to read the next issue
Issue No. 023 -Government Efficiency

WTF Has Obama Done is an ongoing series posted daily or weekly on BLADE 7184 until Election Day, 2012!

I Quote That - Scared

To the one person I love most in this world, Ryan Joseph Lopez

Must Watch: Extended Dallas Trailer

"There is oil beneath this land... 

worth countless billions... 

every drop has a secret buried with it... 

and it all belongs to the Ewings."

Dammit, I'm excited! You can actually go to my blog and do a search of "Dallas" and you will find every blog I've written on this television series.  Ryan and I sat with me and watched all 14 seasons (14 years worth) over the last 2 years - we finished watching all 357 episodes last April.

If you're a true Dallas fan like I am; And Ryan is now.  You will not want to miss this extended trailer TNT released in December.  It is absolutely amazing and we cannot wait for the show to air this coming summer.  Word on the street is they will be releasing it in June.*crosses fingers*

For more awesome stuff on Dallas click here

Isn't This The Truth? Duck Face

Uh-huh, bitch don't lie, you know it's true!  My black girlfriends will tell you so. LOL.

Family Research Council vs. Family Equality Council

Absolutely awesome chart on what really constitutes Family Values for the two conservative and gay rights councils courtesy of Lapham's Quarterly.  Look at the striking difference between these two.  One council truly shows you the true meaning of love and family, while the other dictates what it should be.

click to enlarge

Just how different are the conservative Family Research Council and the liberal Family Equality Council? Let’s go to the chart. - From our current issue “The Family”

Glove and Boots: Nine Movies That Make Men Cry

Too funny, but oh so true.  Mario and Fafa are back, and this time they're letting us know that "there's a team of jerks in Hollywood who dream up ways to make men cry.  They use special formulas to target your 'man' strings." LOL.  

These puppets are simply hilarious.  I've blogged about them before and they're great.  For example, they start with number nine (Braveheart) where they proceed to tell you that "really bad stuff keeps happening to Mel Gibson in this film.  He's Scottish so he has train with rocks."  LOL.  "It keeps raining on him, they kill his dad, they kill his lady friend, they kill most of his other friends. Friends they don't kill, betray him, then they torture him, then they kill him." LMAO.  

You have to watch the remaining 8 reviews. Too funny.

The Neverending Story in Real Life!!!

I don't know why, but this image is stuck in my head.  I wanted to post it earlier this morning, as it reminded me so much of one of my favorite childhood movies, The Neverending Story.

There's a point in the movie where the character, Atreyu heads to the Swamps of Sadness to see the ancient Morla, the wisest being in all of Fantasia.  Well, his horse Artax is overcome by the sadness of the swamps and ends up sinking into the mud.  Artax doesn't make it :-( - I cried.

But in this awesome true story... the horse lives!!!!

After being stuck in the mud for three hours, Astro was freed from the mud yesterday!  According the guardian, Nicole Graham was enjoying an afternoon ride on the beach when all of a sudden the ground gave way and down went Astro.  He was freed with the help of a tractor and harness.  Check out the amazing rescue here.

Katy Perry Covers Interview Magazine

Katy Perry is on the cover of Interview Magazine next month, and who knew she could look so amazing!  Ironically enough she kinda reminds me of Elizabeth Taylor in this spread.

If you haven't already heard, Katy Perry is our March covergirl. We're pretty excited (!), especially as she's interviewed by one of our favorite comedians, Kristen Wiig. Above is a sneak peek of Katy's cover, shot by Mikael Jansson and styled by Karl Templer.via Interview Magazine

Cyanide and Happiness: Spike

Obama is back! Thank you Mr. President - We've Missed You!

Now, this is what I'm talking about.  I was watching Rachel Maddow last night and I saw this clip of President Obama speaking to the same auto workers the REDs ignored and wanted to fail.   And he let them REDs have it.  What an excellent, excellent video.  A definite must watch for those who don't believe in this man.  OMG, this video was excellent!!!

As I'm sure most of you know, The REDs have been having a field day bringing up social issues because the economy is getting better.  They're hating on us Gays, hating on women's rights, and saying the President is a "Snob" for promoting higher education (college) for our kids.  And as you know, they were not in support of saving thousands of jobs (people's jobs) in the Auto Industry, they wanted them to fail.  Well, the president made a mockery of it.  And rightly so, because everything he said in this video is absolutely true!

Obama is back!  Thank you Mr. President - We've Missed You!

That Awesome Moment...

WHEN YOU REALIZE THAT E.T. APPEARS IN THE EPISODE I OF STAR WARS

THAT AWESOME MOMENT WHEN YOU REALIZE THAT YODA APPEARS IN THE E.T. MOVIE

AND E.T. SAYS: HOME! BECAUSE THEY ARE FROM THE SAME GALAXY

EPIC GEORGE LUCAS

AND

STEVEN SPIELBERG

ARE EPIC!

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 021 - Transparency & Accountability

Every day individual frustration grows as concerns for our, our children and our grand-children's futures lie with the decisions of our elected representatives. We have a responsibility to let Washington know how their actions, or lack thereof, affect us before legislation is passed. We must be assured the legislation that has passed is meeting its' intended purpose. My only cause is that the voices of the people be heard.  And President Obama has done so, more than any other President in our lifetime. Imagine if George W. Bush's administration had been more transparent and accountable for their actions.

President Obama has not only released presidential records when requested, he's instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible, imposed limits on lobbyists' access to the White House, the Department of Defense has opened access to social media sites (Air Force News) and the DOD will also film all interrogations.  There are countless of other achievements President Obama has achieved in the last 3 years in regard to transparency and accountability.  Today, I'm sharing three.

WTF-61

Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible.

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government.  We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.

Government should be transparent.  Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. 

Government should be participatory. Public engagement enhances the Government's effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions. Knowledge is widely dispersed in society, and public officials benefit from having access to that dispersed knowledge.

Government should be collaborative.  Collaboration actively engages Americans in the work of their Government. Executive departments and agencies should use innovative tools, methods, and systems to cooperateamong themselves, across all levels of Government, and with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals in the private sector.  [Read More]

WTF-62

Released presidential records.

During the campaign of 2008 President Obama said this... "I will nullify the Bush attempts to make the timely release of presidential records more difficult."

On his first day in office, Obama fulfilled a promise to roll back some Bush administration restrictions on presidential records. He signed an executive order that restored a 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records before they are released. It also eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews.

If this sounds familiar, it may be because we covered this issue during the Democratic primary. It became a controversy because restrictions put into place under Bush potentially delayed the release of records from Hillary Clinton's time as first lady. 

Here's how the release of presidential papers generally works: When a president leaves office, the records of his administration go to the National Archives. After five years, the records are subject to public records requests under the Freedom of Information Act. Professional archivists determine which records should be publicly available, and the current and former presidents have the right to review them as well. The former president is given seven years to claim exemptions for his entire White House archive under the Presidential Records Act of 1978.

There is federal legislation that has passed the House that would codify the changes Obama made through executive order, she said, and Obama said he would support it. As of this writing, it still needed to pass in the Senate. 

"The truth is, every government bureaucracy has the potential to become secretive and cover up what it"s doing," Fuchs said. "That could happen with this administration or any other administration." 

In the meantime, Obama signed the executive order as promised. Promise Kept. [Read More]

WTF-63

Required new hires to sign a form affirming their hiring was not due to political affiliations or contributions.

In one of his first acts as president, Barack Obama kept a campaign promise to reduce political influence in his administration by signing an executive order on Jan. 21, 2009. 

The "Executive Order on Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel" requires that appointees sign forms saying that they were not hired because of political affiliations or contributions. 

Obama "requires that government hiring be based upon qualifications, competence and experience, not political connections," according to a statement issued by his press secretary. " He has ordered every one of his appointees to sign a pledge abiding by these tough new rules as a downpayment on the change he has promised to bring to Washington." 

We rate this promise as Promise Kept. [Read More-1, Read More-2]

I promise to come back to this topic in another issue, until then, please feel free to read my previous issues by clicking here.

Make sure to read the next issue
Issue No. 022 - Commerce, Trade & Technology

WTF Has Obama Done is an ongoing series posted daily or weekly on BLADE 7184 until Election Day, 2012!

I Want To Know What It's Like

These outstanding men and women want to know what it's like to feel wanted, loved, and accepted.  And quite frankly so do I.  What is it like to feel like I belong, to feel like I'm strong, that who I am isn't wrong?  What is it like to not feel like a freak, weak, or to be silenced when I speak?  These are the words echoed throughout this short film by Ryan James Yezak.  And what an amazing film it is.

Yezak has released a series of inspiring short films over the last few weeks in reference to his new documentary "Second Class Citizens" and his latest film below is no exception.  Each of these films leaves the viewer with an overwhelming feeling, that we as Americans deserve to be heard, deserve to love who we love, that we matter in a country that doesn't give equal protection under the law.  Thank you Ryan! I will continue to blog about your wonderful work so long as I live.

If you wish to support Ryan and his efforts to produce Second Class Citizens please find out how after the jump...

I Quote That - Holding Hands

Facebook 101: Facebook in Real Life

Movies You Will Never Watch: "Movie: The Movie"

This was absolutely fantastic. Too hilarious!  I don't even have the words to describe it, but it is the best movie trailer you will ever, ever see.  If there is anything you watch all day, it should be this and the Laugh of the Day I posted earlier this morning.

Movie: The Movie  packs everything moviegoers love into one spectacular motion picture event. Romance, Action, Family, Drama, Comedy, Suspense, Horror, and more! 

The movie, yet to be filmed, stars Ryan Phillippe, Jessica Alba, Taylor Lautner, Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Colin Farrell, Jeff Goldblum, Bryan Cranston, Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Cameron Diaz, JJ Abrams, Martin Scorsese, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Jessica Biel, Helen Mirren, Steven Tyler, George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Tom Hanks, Ed Norton, Meryl Streep, Gabourey Sidibe, and a hilarious Matt Damon.

Things We Can Do To Save The Environment - Issue No. 06 - Ditch The Mansion

The Global Warming Survival Guide

Purchasing a smaller home is one of the many ways to help save the environment, and at the moment, Ryan and I are living in it.  But our future goals have us buying a much larger one.  In this day and age there are many energy saving products we can buy, so hopefully by the time we build or buy our larger home we will still be doing our part.  

Giving credit to TIME,  I'd like to thank them for showing us the many ways we can meet these goals of saving our environment.  And yes, even one person can make a difference, and it starts with YOU! - Peter aka Blade7184

6. Ditch the Mansion

Oversize houses aren't just architecturally offensive; they also generally require more energy to heat and cool than smaller ones, even with efficient appliances. And in the U.S., big houses are becoming the norm, even though a relatively inefficient small house consumes less energy than a greener large house and uses fewer building materials, which expand the carbon footprint. A typical new single-family home in the U.S. is nearly 2,500 square feet today, up from about 1,000 square feet in 1950, even as the average household has shrunk from 3.4 to 2.6 people. 

If you really want to live small, visit Jay Shafer. The former art professor dwells alone in a home fit for a hobbit, 100 sq. ft. in northern California that he designed and built himself in 1999. Shafer now runs Tumbleweed Tiny House and sells custom designs for miniature dwellings that range from 70 sq. ft. to 350 sq. ft. He made his move because he felt guilty about the size of his residential carbon footprint, and now prefers life tiny and tidy. "If I throw my jeans down on the floor, I can't get across the room." 

Make sure to follow Blade 7184 every Tuesday for a new issue of Things We Can Do To Save The Environment.  Each issue is thought-provoking, informative and may hold the key to saving your children and grandchildren's future

Cyanide and Happiness: Last Meal

Are People Really This Stupid? Issue No. 22 - Gone in 60 Seconds

I'm sorry, I'm doing my best here, but this is the second time this month and the third time in a row that I've come across the most dumbest question on "Yahoo Answers".  I can't take this stupidity anymore. LOL. Just kidding, I love it!

In the last issue a guy asked Yahoo Answers "why is my girlfriend unhappy?" after his girlfriend's father just passed away, and he kicked her out of the house within a week of each other.  Then wanted to know how he could make her happy again. Seriously?

This time, are 60 seconds really the same as 1 minute?  Remmy P doesn't seem to think so, and is going to Yahoo for answers....

click to enlarge

I'm not going to comment on this...  I'm done! LOL.

Laugh of the Day: Oprah Repos Her Favorite Things

OMG, this was f-ing hilarious! You need to watch this.  Everybody and their mother knows Oprah, and everybody and their grandmother remembers when she used to give away her favorite things.  Well, Jimmy Kimmel decides to take a trip to the OWN offices to share some new show ideas for her television network.  For example, one of his show ideas is to have Oprah take her things back from the people she gave her favorite things to.  Let me tell you, the moment I saw Oprah taking one of her cars back, I started ROFL.  I won't say anymore, you gotta watch. This is some funny shit.

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 020 - Space Exploration & Space Station

We all know that President Obama is to blame for everything; According to the REDs anyway.  But unfortunately for them, they are wrong, and most of the country knows they are.  I can't name the number of times I've heard these fools at work or family say that its Obama's fault the Space Shuttle program ended, and that the Soviet Union (they forget there's no more Soviet Union) will regain their dominance in space and blow us to bits.  Lord help them.  I think they forgot China is on the rise, not RUSSIA.

The beginning of the end of the Space Shuttle program came with the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia in February, 2003 (6 years before Obama took office).  "Immediately after the accident, NASA administrator Sean O’Keefe activated the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, or CAIB. Very early in the investigation one common topic of discussion among CAIB members and staff was whether the shuttle was too dangerous to continue flying, and whether the CAIB should recommend its immediate retirement."  Those are not my words, those are from the Space Review.  The date for its 2010 retirement was set way, way before our current President took office, and until the REDs pull their heads out of their ass and read some articles from time to time, they will never learn the truth. Ugh. They frustrate me so.

Let's get started with today's achievements...

WTF-58

Worked with international allies on International Space Station

With the release of his fiscal year 2011 budget, President Barack Obama advanced his promise to continue working with the United States' international partners on the International Space Station.

Continuing to use the ISS over the longer term is not a foregone conclusion, since its expected retirement date is officially January 2016. But in seeking to continue utilizing the station until at least 2020, Obama followed the recommendation of the U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, a blue-ribbon panel more commonly known as the Augustine Committee, after its chairman, Norman Augustine, the former CEO of Lockheed Martin.

That committee advised that "the return on investment of (the International Space Station) to both the United States and the international partners would be significantly enhanced by an extension of ISS life to 2020," according to a summary released last September. "It seems unwise to de-orbit the station after 25 years of assembly and only five years of operational life. Not to extend its operation would significantly impair U.S. ability to develop and lead future international space flight partnerships. Further, the ISS should be funded to enable it to achieve its full potential: as the nation's newest national laboratory, as an enhanced test bed for technologies and operational techniques that support exploration, and as a framework that can support expanded international collaboration."  [Read More]

WTF-59

Increased spending to prepare for longer space missions

Because Republicans in congress would rather spend money on causing wars, than spending it on space, this has yet to pass, but it is still considered an achievement and promise kept for the President.

During the presidential campaign, Barack Obama said his administration would "support increased investment in research, data analysis and technology development across the full suite of exploration missions including the Mars Sample Return mission and future missions to the moon, asteroids, Lagrange points, the outer solar system and other destinations."

Obama's budget proposes canceling Constellation, the successor system for the space shuttle, and jettisoning the idea of returning astronauts to the moon by 2020. Instead, NASA would allocate billions of dollars to "commercial crew" programs and the development of new technologies, as well as $3 billion over five years to pursue robotic missions "to scout locations and demonstrate technologies to increase the safety and capability of future human missions and provide scientific dividends."

As with all elements of the president's budget, nothing is final until Congress passes the relevant appropriations bills and the president signs them. In the case of exploration missions, securing the degree of investment the president wants depends in part on his administration's ability to wring savings from its proposed cancellation of Constellation, whose defenders in Congress could pose an obstacle to the president's broader space agenda. (Some of the money would come from a less controversial source, the end of the space shuttle program.)

That said, the president has not only stated a commitment to further space exploration but has proposed funding levels that outpace inflation. In our view, he has lived up to his promise to "support" such a course. Even though Congress has not yet acted to implement it, we are moving this promise from Stalled to Promise Kept. [Read More]

WTF-60

Added another Space Shuttle flight

Obama "supports congressional efforts to add at least one additional Space Shuttle flight to fly a valuable mission and to keep the workforce engaged. He will work to ensure there is adequate funding to support that additional flight so that it does not interfere with developing the Shuttle's successor."

As the clock ticks on the soon-to-be-retired space shuttle, the president has kept alive the hopes of scientists who want to install a device that would be used for one more experiment on the International Space Station.

First, an update on the space shuttle. The shuttle, which first orbited the Earth in 1981, is slated for retirement in 2010. The Bush administration in 2004 decided to wind down the program so that funding allocated to the shuttle could be redirected to building its successor. As a result, NASA had to cut the number of shuttle flights assigned to assembling and supporting the International Space Station. Originally, the shuttle had been expected to operate throughout the lifetime of the ISS. Under the new Bush policy, all flights were to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2010, specifically Sept. 30, 2010. 

Once in office, Obama did two things. First, with passage of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution on April 29, 2009, he presided over the removal of the Sept. 30, 2010, cutoff date for the shuttle program, giving NASA the scheduling flexibility to complete the remaining flights without excessive time pressure. Second, on May 7, 2009, Obama requested funds for the AMS mission in his fiscal year 2010 NASA budget. The mission is scheduled to launch in mid to late 2010, although it is widely expected that some shuttle launches will slip into the first half of fiscal year 2011.  [Read More]

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Issue No. 021 - Transparency & Accountability

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