Archive for December, 2006

2006.12.09

Moonward Bound

It turns out there quite a few good reasons to go back to the Moon.

The steadiest supporters are those who want to discover if Mars ever supported life (see story) or whether it could become a life raft for humans if Earth becomes uninhabitable (either by asteroid, global warming, nuclear war, or other such cataclysm).

A moon base, besides being a training pad for Mars landings, would also provide a Hubble-like, atmosphereless eye on the stars and more details on the origins of the solar system. For the less curious, the mining of rare minerals, such as helium-3, would create a commercial, K-Street-like space constituency.

For patriots, the project would help regain US competitiveness in technology and revive its dominance in science and engineering education. A US-led presence on the moon might keep it safe for all humanity to use, as Antarctica is now.

For the globally minded, NASA’s offer to let other nations participate in the project would build in US obligations to keep funding it, as the International Space Station has done.

For those not familar, just the mining of helium-3 could potentially pay for the entire endeavour. From Space.com we learn, “The equivalent of a single space shuttle load or roughly 25 tonscould supply the entire United States’ energy needs for a year, accordingto Apollo17 astronaut and FTI researcher Harrison Schmitt.” With a couple round trips the energy needs of America could be met, with for some time to come. Not bad considering we consume about 26% of the world’s energy alone (I like this picture).

2006.12.07

Ha! Hairy Palms!

I was just watching the boob tube when a commercial came on advertising Rogaine’s new foam. I remember as a kid the joke was that if you masturbated you’d get hairy palms. Now you can skip beating off and just use foam…

2006.12.05

Fly Me To The Moon

At long last NASA is getting off their butts and working towards something I can believe in: colonization of space starting with the moon.

NASA has decided to pursue a base on the Moon. The space agency rolled out today a strategy and rationale for robotic and human exploration of the Moon—determining that a lunar outpost is the best approach to achieve a sustained, human presence on the Moon.

The Moon base would eventually support 180-day lunar stays, a stretch of time seen as the best avenue to establish a permanent presence there, as well as prepare for future human exploration of Mars.

I’ve thought for years that we need to get out there. I know a lot of people say that we need to focus our money on the problems “down here” but if the human race is to survive at all we will have to leave eventually. It might as well be now.

2006.12.03

Progress for Progressives

I know this happened last week but it still makes me smile to think about it.

At a recent White House reception for freshman members of Congress, Virginia’s newest senator tried to avoid President Bush. Democrat James Webb declined to stand in a presidential receiving line or to have his picture taken with the man he had often criticized on the stump this fall. But it wasn’t long before Bush found him.

“How’s your boy?” Bush asked, referring to Webb’s son, a Marine serving in Iraq.

“I’d like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President,” Webb responded, echoing a campaign theme.

“That’s not what I asked you,” Bush said. “How’s your boy?”

“That’s between me and my boy, Mr. President,” Webb said coldly, ending the conversation on the State Floor of the East Wing of the White House.

This pissed off a lot of the blowhard pundits who think it was rude of Webb when President Bush was snippy with him. These were the same people who probably thought it was cool when Cheney said, “Fuck yourself,” on the Senate floor.

For so long the conservative movement has portrayed liberals and progressives as being pussies with no spine and no authority. The worst thing is that they have been repeating this meme so long even liberals and progressives were beginning to believe it. This always pissed me off.

Now I’m just waiting for some conservative pundit to spout their usual tripe and someone like Webb to just start laughing at them. On television. Nationally.

Conservative Pundit: What you don’t understand is that by not allowing the privatization of Social Security you are ruining the institution of marriage for one man and one woman. This aids and abets the terrorists in their war on Freedom, which we will fight by building a chain link fence on our borders and a database on American citizens to protect them and their unborn children. I know God would agree it’s for the best. If you don’t agree you must be a Godless homosexual pushing your agenda to undermine the liberty of all Americans.

Progressive Pundit: (pointing at Conservative Pundit) Bwa-ha ha!

Well I can dream, right?

2006.12.02

Pictures From the Holiday Party

Last night was our VIZ holiday party at Bimbos. I had a really good time and talked to so many people I don’t even remember all the conversations. I did haul my camera around and took a load of pictures which you can see here. There are almost 70 more pictures but I will refrain from posting some to protect the guilty. :)