Falcon Heavy, SpaceX's biggest rocket, lifted a heavy payload from Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week. It deployed 24 separate spacecraft into three different orbits around earth, including some for NASA and other government agencies.
The two side boosters powered the FH on a flight back in April. They were recovered and refurbished so they could be used on this mission. They were recovered after this flight also. The recently acquired ability to re-use rockets put life back into American space exploration.
Unfortunately, the center core (between the boosters) was not recovered. It crashed next to the drone ship on which it should have landed.
Friday, June 28, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Tiananmen 4
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Jiang Lin was there at Tiananmen Square in June of 1989: as a military insider, not a protester. She could have used her military ID to protect herself, but she went in civilian clothes to see what was happening.
She hoped that soldiers would not turn guns on their own countrymen. As she put it, “The People’s Liberation Army is the people’s military and it should not enter the city or fire on civilians.” But the government ordered the clearing of the square--by any means.
"She dodged hails of gunfire, explosions, and heat from burning buses. She stayed close to the ground when she needed to. Armed police officers beat her with electric prods. Her head opened up, blood gushing onto the pavement."
Jiang Lin was there at Tiananmen Square in June of 1989: as a military insider, not a protester. She could have used her military ID to protect herself, but she went in civilian clothes to see what was happening.
She hoped that soldiers would not turn guns on their own countrymen. As she put it, “The People’s Liberation Army is the people’s military and it should not enter the city or fire on civilians.” But the government ordered the clearing of the square--by any means.
"She dodged hails of gunfire, explosions, and heat from burning buses. She stayed close to the ground when she needed to. Armed police officers beat her with electric prods. Her head opened up, blood gushing onto the pavement."
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Tiananmen 3
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Tiananmen Square events happened in 1989, so the students who were there are more or less in their 50's and some of them want to speak up.
Wang Dan was one of the student leaders in that movement thirty years ago.
Tiananmen Square events happened in 1989, so the students who were there are more or less in their 50's and some of them want to speak up.
Wang Dan was one of the student leaders in that movement thirty years ago.
“I was in a dorm on my campus. But I got a lot of phone calls from my friends along Tiananmen Square… so gradually I learned that more and more people died,” he said. The scale of the bloodshed – the real toll is still a mystery – left Wang devastated."
He spent years after 1989 traveling in China to promote his convictions, and also served two prison sentences. “I still felt I had some obligations and responsibilities towards those persons who died in 1989 or sacrificed their youth,” he said.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Tiananmen 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Brave students went face-to-face with soldiers and tanks in China thirty years ago.
To make sure that their history doesn't inspire anyone else to fight for freedom, all mention of the Tiananmen Square Massacre is censored, forbidden.
"After years of enforced silence, many young people have little idea if any of [the rumored details of the massacre] took place. Others have come to believe that the crackdown was inevitable or even necessary for the sake of stability."
But those student/protesters are still alive. They're adults, and some are ready to tell their stories.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Brave students went face-to-face with soldiers and tanks in China thirty years ago.
To make sure that their history doesn't inspire anyone else to fight for freedom, all mention of the Tiananmen Square Massacre is censored, forbidden.
"After years of enforced silence, many young people have little idea if any of [the rumored details of the massacre] took place. Others have come to believe that the crackdown was inevitable or even necessary for the sake of stability."
But those student/protesters are still alive. They're adults, and some are ready to tell their stories.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Monday, June 24, 2019
Tiananmen 1
A significant 30-year anniversary slipped past us two weeks ago. On June 4, 1989, hundreds of thousands of Chinese students faced off with their government in Tiananmen Square.
"For seven weeks prior, protestors swelled into the hundreds of thousands (over a million at the height of the protests, according to some reports) and called for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, government accountability, and an end to cronyism and corruption."
They lost, the government won.
"Dissension permeated the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and even some of the upper echelons of the Chinese Communist Party sympathized with protestors, but in the end, hardliners won out. Orders were given to use military force to clear the square."
(cont'd tomorrow)
"For seven weeks prior, protestors swelled into the hundreds of thousands (over a million at the height of the protests, according to some reports) and called for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, government accountability, and an end to cronyism and corruption."
They lost, the government won.
"Dissension permeated the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and even some of the upper echelons of the Chinese Communist Party sympathized with protestors, but in the end, hardliners won out. Orders were given to use military force to clear the square."
One protester, never identified, stood in the path of military tanks coming to take them down. Many were killed, the number estimated at 200-10,000.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Friday, June 21, 2019
Yogurt 3
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Here is a person who understands the impact of small business.
He bought the factory. The employees kept their jobs. They accomplished something big and had the joy of it. They built a new Little League field in town. For every new Chobani hire, ten more jobs are created in the town. Every one of them enjoys new wealth.
He had not taken a business course on how to create vision or how to motivate his employees or how to draw up a business plan. He's an intuitive, natural-born entrepreneur. He saw what needed to be done and kept doing it.
Only a small percentage of people are willing to take that kind of risk (he borrowed $700,000 for the factory), and put all their time (for years) into hard work.
Hamdi is another in the long tradition of immigrants who come to America and bloom in the liberty.
Here is a person who understands the impact of small business.
He bought the factory. The employees kept their jobs. They accomplished something big and had the joy of it. They built a new Little League field in town. For every new Chobani hire, ten more jobs are created in the town. Every one of them enjoys new wealth.
He had not taken a business course on how to create vision or how to motivate his employees or how to draw up a business plan. He's an intuitive, natural-born entrepreneur. He saw what needed to be done and kept doing it.
Only a small percentage of people are willing to take that kind of risk (he borrowed $700,000 for the factory), and put all their time (for years) into hard work.
Hamdi is another in the long tradition of immigrants who come to America and bloom in the liberty.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Yogurt 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Hamdi bought the factory with borrowed money, and had a meeting with four employees that he rehired. His only idea was to paint the walls white. Mike (one of the four) said, "Hamdi, tell me you have more ideas than that!"
Mike and the others were hoping for more ideas . . namely, a bunch of ideas to make the factory successful. To make enough money to keep this business operating, they would have to make and sell a lot of yogurt, at least enough to cover all their expenses and pay the employees.
Only one hint of how they did it is given in yesterday's video: Hamdi and his original employees worked day, night, and weekends - for five years! I remember that Elon Musk has a bed at Tesla. Whatever Hamdi and his employees did to establish this new business, it took a great deal of effort.
Hamdi bought the factory with borrowed money, and had a meeting with four employees that he rehired. His only idea was to paint the walls white. Mike (one of the four) said, "Hamdi, tell me you have more ideas than that!"
Mike and the others were hoping for more ideas . . namely, a bunch of ideas to make the factory successful. To make enough money to keep this business operating, they would have to make and sell a lot of yogurt, at least enough to cover all their expenses and pay the employees.
Only one hint of how they did it is given in yesterday's video: Hamdi and his original employees worked day, night, and weekends - for five years! I remember that Elon Musk has a bed at Tesla. Whatever Hamdi and his employees did to establish this new business, it took a great deal of effort.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Yogurt 1
Hamdi, originally from Turkey, drove down a dead end road in upstate New York and toured the factory of a failed business. He met the people. He took a serious risk.
Listen to this inspiring story.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Listen to this inspiring story.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Fatherlessness
The National Association of Black Journalists partnered with Detroit police to hold a forum together.
Moderator Josh Landon said, "It's time for us to have a conversation that's been delayed and long overdue. I want to have a kitchen table conversation on the unaddressed mental health awareness in our community. Let's remove the social stigma and share positive reflections."
Moderator Josh Landon said, "It's time for us to have a conversation that's been delayed and long overdue. I want to have a kitchen table conversation on the unaddressed mental health awareness in our community. Let's remove the social stigma and share positive reflections."
A staff psychiatrist at the forum said that the lack of a father is a big factor affecting mental health:
A family therapist at the forum said, “There’s an overwhelming impact of fatherlessness on the emotional level . . ."
To all of you men trying to be good dads: thank you.
Monday, June 17, 2019
30 couples
A pastor in Texas recently made an offer to couples in his church who were living together:
He urged them to get married . . and the church would pay the costs if they would do it, including dresses and rings and maybe even a month's rent.
Many couples see cohabiting together as a step toward marriage, but up to half never get married . A woman who lived with her boyfriend for four years said later, “I felt like I was on this multiyear, never-ending audition to be his wife.”
"After the church service Sunday morning, at 2 p.m., Carter said nearly 30 couples came up to him to start the process of “stepping into marriage,” an undertaking he said takes 90 days to complete."
“We don’t just call out the issues that we face. We give people pathways . ."
He urged them to get married . . and the church would pay the costs if they would do it, including dresses and rings and maybe even a month's rent.
Many couples see cohabiting together as a step toward marriage, but up to half never get married . A woman who lived with her boyfriend for four years said later, “I felt like I was on this multiyear, never-ending audition to be his wife.”
"After the church service Sunday morning, at 2 p.m., Carter said nearly 30 couples came up to him to start the process of “stepping into marriage,” an undertaking he said takes 90 days to complete."
“We don’t just call out the issues that we face. We give people pathways . ."
Friday, June 14, 2019
Wall torn down
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Two years after President Reagan made his visit to the Berlin Wall, that wall came down.
A very surprising announcement was made that travel was going to be opened up, and people were shocked. A journalist living in Germany at that time describes it:
Two years after President Reagan made his visit to the Berlin Wall, that wall came down.
A very surprising announcement was made that travel was going to be opened up, and people were shocked. A journalist living in Germany at that time describes it:
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Berlin Wall 3
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
In 1987 U.S. President Ronald Reagan went to Berlin, to the Wall, to stand at "Checkpoint Charlie," to deliver a message to East Germany and its masters in the communist Soviet Union.
Addressing his audience on the free west side of the wall, he praised them for rebuilding their city after WWII. He mentioned that East Germany had begun to permit some freedoms (like ending some jammed radio broadcasts), but that they should go further.
Addressing the leader of the Soviet Union, he famously said:
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
In 1987 U.S. President Ronald Reagan went to Berlin, to the Wall, to stand at "Checkpoint Charlie," to deliver a message to East Germany and its masters in the communist Soviet Union.
Addressing his audience on the free west side of the wall, he praised them for rebuilding their city after WWII. He mentioned that East Germany had begun to permit some freedoms (like ending some jammed radio broadcasts), but that they should go further.
Addressing the leader of the Soviet Union, he famously said:
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Berlin Wall 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
More than three million East Germans had crossed to the West before the Wall was erected in August of 1961. It was built by East Germany to keep its citizens from getting out.
The Wall was a barrier between West Berlin and East Berlin, with two big concrete walls including towers and guards with guns. Along the center was a wide empty space, referred to as the "death strip."
Despite all the deaths (yesterday's post), there were some who courageously managed to escape. Harry Deterling was one of them:
"Four months after the Wall was first erected, a young railroad engineer in East Berlin spotted a gap in the barrier. Harry Deterling discovered a disused train track that still ran from an East Berlin suburb into West Berlin.
"Deterling promptly signed up to drive the train on the nearest route and plotted “the last train to freedom.” On Dec. 5, 1961, Deterling brought his family and friends on board, drained the air from the train’s emergency brakes, and steamed at full throttle towards West Berlin, sending startled border guards flying.
"Once on the other side, one of the passengers rang West Berlin’s police to inform them: “We’ve just escaped with a train.” East Germany blocked the railway line the next day."
More stories . . here.
(cont'd tomorrow)
More than three million East Germans had crossed to the West before the Wall was erected in August of 1961. It was built by East Germany to keep its citizens from getting out.
The Wall was a barrier between West Berlin and East Berlin, with two big concrete walls including towers and guards with guns. Along the center was a wide empty space, referred to as the "death strip."
"Four months after the Wall was first erected, a young railroad engineer in East Berlin spotted a gap in the barrier. Harry Deterling discovered a disused train track that still ran from an East Berlin suburb into West Berlin.
"Deterling promptly signed up to drive the train on the nearest route and plotted “the last train to freedom.” On Dec. 5, 1961, Deterling brought his family and friends on board, drained the air from the train’s emergency brakes, and steamed at full throttle towards West Berlin, sending startled border guards flying.
"Once on the other side, one of the passengers rang West Berlin’s police to inform them: “We’ve just escaped with a train.” East Germany blocked the railway line the next day."
More stories . . here.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Berlin Wall 1
When World War II ended in 1945, the victorious Allies returned Germany to its pre-war borders. Germany's territorial gains were reversed. The country and the capital (Berlin) were temporarily occupied by Allies: Britain, Russia, and America.
Instead of the Russian communists eventually leaving, their goal became to occupy Eastern European countries and expand their own influence.
The Russian sector of Germany in the East became "the communist German Democratic Republic." Berlin, located here in the East, was also divided east/west.
East Germans started fleeing the country, especially the young and educated. By 1961 the leader of East Germany warned the leader of Russia, Nikita Kruschev, that this "brain drain" was a serious threat to stability.
That year a barrier wall (which lasted 28 years) was erected to keep East Germans from escaping to the West. Eventually 100-200 lost their lives trying to get across.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Instead of the Russian communists eventually leaving, their goal became to occupy Eastern European countries and expand their own influence.
The Russian sector of Germany in the East became "the communist German Democratic Republic." Berlin, located here in the East, was also divided east/west.
East Germans started fleeing the country, especially the young and educated. By 1961 the leader of East Germany warned the leader of Russia, Nikita Kruschev, that this "brain drain" was a serious threat to stability.
That year a barrier wall (which lasted 28 years) was erected to keep East Germans from escaping to the West. Eventually 100-200 lost their lives trying to get across.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Monday, June 10, 2019
Air Force grad
Joseph Kloc graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy last month, along with 988 classmates in the class of 2019.
His grandfather, now 101 years old, was a bombardier pilot in World War II. He flew from New York to Colorado Springs to commission his grandson.
His grandfather, now 101 years old, was a bombardier pilot in World War II. He flew from New York to Colorado Springs to commission his grandson.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
D-Day prayer
Was the U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt a Christian believer? Whatever his spiritual state, he was the leader of America, and America was mostly a Christian nation at that time. So - instead of a call to military glory - he prayed a somber prayer with the country for our troops on D-Day:
Friday, June 7, 2019
D-Day 3
Looking back on D-Day 75 years later, it may seem like just another historic date to remember, kind of ho-hum. But it was life and risk of death to the soldiers, and to their families at home. Many took their fears to God.
"Back home in New York’s Grand Central Station, when the invasion was announced, a woman sitting on a bench sank to her knees in prayer, and then another and another, until almost the entire crowd kneeled to pray for God’s mercy on their sons and countrymen. In wartime Grand Central Station became a house of prayer."
General Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, felt the awful risk. Just in case of disaster, he prepared a press release to take the blame on himself:
"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."
It was never used, thank God.
In a ceremony at the American cemetery yesterday, France's President Macron said: "We know what we owe to you, veterans: our freedom. On behalf of my nation, I just want to say thank you.”
"Back home in New York’s Grand Central Station, when the invasion was announced, a woman sitting on a bench sank to her knees in prayer, and then another and another, until almost the entire crowd kneeled to pray for God’s mercy on their sons and countrymen. In wartime Grand Central Station became a house of prayer."
General Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, felt the awful risk. Just in case of disaster, he prepared a press release to take the blame on himself:
"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."
It was never used, thank God.
In a ceremony at the American cemetery yesterday, France's President Macron said: "We know what we owe to you, veterans: our freedom. On behalf of my nation, I just want to say thank you.”
Thursday, June 6, 2019
D-Day 2
Today is the 75th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, to try to put an end to Nazi domination of Europe.
Thirty-five years ago, American President Ronald Reagan stood there and spoke to the Army Rangers veterans who had climbed the cliff at Pointe du Hoc. They were the first wave and they had to overcome Nazi guns on the top of that cliff.
Thirty-five years ago, American President Ronald Reagan stood there and spoke to the Army Rangers veterans who had climbed the cliff at Pointe du Hoc. They were the first wave and they had to overcome Nazi guns on the top of that cliff.
D-Day 1
Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of "D-Day," one of the most significant days of the twentieth century. On June 6, 1944, over one hundred thousand Allied troops landed on the Normandy beaches of France.
Why? Because much of Europe (including France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria and more) had been invaded and conquered by Nazi forces - and they deserved to have their countries back.
A future of Europe being ruled by Adolf Hitler was terrifying.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Why? Because much of Europe (including France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria and more) had been invaded and conquered by Nazi forces - and they deserved to have their countries back.
A future of Europe being ruled by Adolf Hitler was terrifying.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Organs
Back in 2015, this article at Daily Beast reported that China was "harvesting" organs from dissidents in a minority religion called Falun Gong. Some conjecture that the Uighurs mentioned yesterday may also provide organs for China's profitable transplant industry.
First-hand accounts make for unpleasant reading. This one (shocking if accurate) reported two days ago is from a doctor who fled to Canada when he couldn't stomach what he was being told to do.
The trailer below is for the documentary that claims China has been doing this for many years.
First-hand accounts make for unpleasant reading. This one (shocking if accurate) reported two days ago is from a doctor who fled to Canada when he couldn't stomach what he was being told to do.
The trailer below is for the documentary that claims China has been doing this for many years.
Monday, June 3, 2019
Release Uighurs
China has a huge number of Uighurs, a Muslim ethnic group, in captivity at "training camps."
The U.S. State Department has called on China to release them.
The U.S. State Department has called on China to release them.
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