The New York Times, having undergone a transgender experience from its former existence as the good Gray Lady, is now appearing as Iago.
Under fire for its savage smear attack on John McCain about his relationship with a woman lobbyist, the Times today fielded David Brooks in an op ed column . In a grand display of passive-aggressive hand-wringing, Brooks manages to lay the whole mess at the feet of McCain staffers.
Cunningly, he also gets in a whack at McCain campaign manager Rick Davis, dissects the personalities of Davis and former staffer John Weaver, and declares at what point McCain's presidential hopes will be over. Waving Desdemona's handkerchief, Brooks, pandering relentlessly for the Times, declares McCain to be a hopeless romantic who likes death under fire but who is "a fine man."
Brooks does everything but directly parrot Iago's famed quote about the warrior Othello: ""I follow him to serve my turn upon him." Yesterday, the Peanut crew, no stranger to Shakespeare, asked if the Times had endorsed McCain only to later knock him down. And so we come to act II, Scene 3:
"When devils will the blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows.
Now the meaning of the Times' endorsement of McCain as the best Republican candidate becomes clear. Here, we need to page Dr. Freud, because Brooks, either knowingly, jabbing at someone in the McCain camp, or unknowingly, takes on Iago's own language of poisons: "the poisons have yet to be drained."
Here's an out-take from Brooks' column:
"But while calling around to a dozen senior McCain friends and advisers Thursday, what struck me was the enormous tragedy of the rift. They all love McCain. They all say it is absurd to think he abused his power in the way that is alleged.
But the rift is like some primal sore. It affected every conversation I had Thursday, as it has infected McCain efforts again and again over the past many years.
At his press conference Thursday, McCain went all-in. He didn’t just say he didn’t remember a meeting about Iseman. He said there was no meeting. If it turns out that there is evidence of an affair and a meeting, then his presidential hopes will be over. If no evidence surfaces, his campaign will go on and it will be clear that there were members of his old inner circle consumed by viciousness and mendaciousness.
But lingering over everything is the bitterness of the rift, which has caused duplicity and anger to seep into the campaign of this fine man. The poisons have yet to be drained."
Having done everything but posed downstage to proclaim "Oh, notable strumpet!" about lobbyist Vicki Iseman (without even a handkerchief as proof), the Times has revealed--perhaps too quickly?--its Iago strategy in endorsing McCain.
"Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains.
Yet, for necessity of present life,
I must show out a flag and sign of love, which is indeed but sign. "
Senator McCain: don't pick up any more handkerchiefs with the initials NYT embroidered on the edge, no matter how perfumed.
Friday, February 22, 2008
CSI Daytona: Cops Using DNA Testing to Hunt a Serial Killer
In Daytona Beach, FL, police are using high-tech in their quest to stop a serial killer before he strikes again. They're collecting DNA samples on the scene during prostitution stings and from "persons of interest" found during traffic stops.
A special task force hit the streets in January. Police Chief Mike Chitwood and profilers have warned that "no woman" is safe even though those killed so far have been connected to prostitution, drug use, or a borderline existence.
Authorities say that the killer, who may also be linked to a murder in nearby Sanford, FL, will appear normal, seem trustworthy, and probably is married or in a relationship. They caution that his ability to blend in, like that of Ted Bundy, is a mask for a monster.
Bundy, whose killings began in 1974 in Washington State, was executed in Florida in 1989. After escaping from prison in the Northwest, Bundy killed two students and battered tow more during a bloody rampage at a Florida State University sorority house in 1978.
A few weeks later, he kidnapped and killed 12-year-old Kimberly Leach in rural Lake City, FL. Bundy confessed to more than two dozen killings, and police across several states believe that there were more victims, possibly up to a hundred. Experts say that Bundy's first kill may have occurred when he was 15 years old..
Ironically, Bundy's last arrest was during a traffic stop--as was his first arrest. In gathering DNA samples gathered during traffic stops, Daytona police are effectively using one of the most common ways in which criminals get caught. Known to be one of the most dangerous things a police officer does, traffic stops routinely yield felons, those fleeing warrants, drug users, and other wanted persons. The DNA will be compared to samples from the killer's prior murders.
Police also are going cyber in their manhunt. They're checking blogs and discussion boards, and recently subpoenaed The Daytona Beach News-Journal to gain information on a person who'd posted several comments of interest.
Four women have been killed execution-style since 2005. They range in age from 30 to 45, and include one black and three white victims.
A special task force hit the streets in January. Police Chief Mike Chitwood and profilers have warned that "no woman" is safe even though those killed so far have been connected to prostitution, drug use, or a borderline existence.
Authorities say that the killer, who may also be linked to a murder in nearby Sanford, FL, will appear normal, seem trustworthy, and probably is married or in a relationship. They caution that his ability to blend in, like that of Ted Bundy, is a mask for a monster.
Bundy, whose killings began in 1974 in Washington State, was executed in Florida in 1989. After escaping from prison in the Northwest, Bundy killed two students and battered tow more during a bloody rampage at a Florida State University sorority house in 1978.
A few weeks later, he kidnapped and killed 12-year-old Kimberly Leach in rural Lake City, FL. Bundy confessed to more than two dozen killings, and police across several states believe that there were more victims, possibly up to a hundred. Experts say that Bundy's first kill may have occurred when he was 15 years old..
Ironically, Bundy's last arrest was during a traffic stop--as was his first arrest. In gathering DNA samples gathered during traffic stops, Daytona police are effectively using one of the most common ways in which criminals get caught. Known to be one of the most dangerous things a police officer does, traffic stops routinely yield felons, those fleeing warrants, drug users, and other wanted persons. The DNA will be compared to samples from the killer's prior murders.
Police also are going cyber in their manhunt. They're checking blogs and discussion boards, and recently subpoenaed The Daytona Beach News-Journal to gain information on a person who'd posted several comments of interest.
Four women have been killed execution-style since 2005. They range in age from 30 to 45, and include one black and three white victims.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Mob Burns U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Attack British Embassy
As police deliberately hung back, hooligans attacked the U.S. embassy, burning part of it. They also attacked the British embassy, and -- McDonald's. In the way of thugs masquerading as political activists, the mobs immediately set to looting the stores of their own countrymen.
The Serbian hate for Kosovo, and the agitation supplied by government leaders, signals another conflict in that region. And everything old is new again: World War I was triggered by the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand in that region.
The Marines are standing guard at the U.S. embassy, which is not currently staffed in the current dangerous crisis. The days of violence have escalated, with masked riot leaders, presumed to be professional mob leaders, spotted in the crowds.
The violence in Belgrade and other areas has been ongoing since Kosovo declared independence and the U.S. recognized that statement. The Serbs have a long history of violence against Kosovo.
Two days ago, Serbs set fire to two border crossings and attacked journalists.
The Serbian hate for Kosovo, and the agitation supplied by government leaders, signals another conflict in that region. And everything old is new again: World War I was triggered by the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand in that region.
The Marines are standing guard at the U.S. embassy, which is not currently staffed in the current dangerous crisis. The days of violence have escalated, with masked riot leaders, presumed to be professional mob leaders, spotted in the crowds.
The violence in Belgrade and other areas has been ongoing since Kosovo declared independence and the U.S. recognized that statement. The Serbs have a long history of violence against Kosovo.
Two days ago, Serbs set fire to two border crossings and attacked journalists.
Video: How The New York Times Set Up John McCain, McCain Replies
Did the New York Times knowingly and willfully set John McCain up for a kick to the groin when they endorsed him as their choice for the Republican nomination for president?When the New York Times backed John McCain, they knew about the rumors of McCain's involvement with a lobbyist, and had discussed it with the McCain campaign.
Shortly thereafter, the Times went below the belt with allegations about McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman. So far, the Times has no real evidence--just gossip, and unnamed sources purported to be some angry staffers who were either fired or laid off.
McCain, scrappy and angry, took on the Times.
John Gibson said that he believes the Times endorsed McCain only to later knock him down with rumors of an affair. Iago in newsprint? You decide.
Although former McCain staffer John Weaver denies having a finger in the rumor pie, where apparently four and twenty unidentified blackbirds were singing to the Times, some are now pointing at him. Weaver's issued his own denial to John Cillizza at the Washington Post:
"The New York Times asked for a formal interview and I said no and asked for written questions. The Times knew of my meeting with Ms. Iseman, from sources they didn't identify to me, and asked me about that meeting. I did not inform Senator McCain that I asked for a meeting with Ms. Iseman.
Her comments, which had gotten back to some of us, that she had strong ties to the Commerce Committee and his staff were wrong and harmful and I so informed her and asked her to stop with these comments and to not be involved in the campaign. Nothing more and nothing less.
I responded to the Times on the record about a meeting they already knew about. The campaign received a copy of my response to the Times the same day, which was in late December.
From the day I first approached John about running for President in 1997 and through today, I have always wanted John to be president. The country needs him at this perilous time. From the moment I left the campaign until today, not one day -- not one --has gone by that I haven't reactively or pro-actively talked with the campaign leadership, with state leadership about how the campaign and how to win. To suggest anything else is wrong, a lie and meant to do nothing but harm."
Shortly thereafter, the Times went below the belt with allegations about McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman. So far, the Times has no real evidence--just gossip, and unnamed sources purported to be some angry staffers who were either fired or laid off.
McCain, scrappy and angry, took on the Times.
John Gibson said that he believes the Times endorsed McCain only to later knock him down with rumors of an affair. Iago in newsprint? You decide.
Although former McCain staffer John Weaver denies having a finger in the rumor pie, where apparently four and twenty unidentified blackbirds were singing to the Times, some are now pointing at him. Weaver's issued his own denial to John Cillizza at the Washington Post:
"The New York Times asked for a formal interview and I said no and asked for written questions. The Times knew of my meeting with Ms. Iseman, from sources they didn't identify to me, and asked me about that meeting. I did not inform Senator McCain that I asked for a meeting with Ms. Iseman.
Her comments, which had gotten back to some of us, that she had strong ties to the Commerce Committee and his staff were wrong and harmful and I so informed her and asked her to stop with these comments and to not be involved in the campaign. Nothing more and nothing less.
I responded to the Times on the record about a meeting they already knew about. The campaign received a copy of my response to the Times the same day, which was in late December.
From the day I first approached John about running for President in 1997 and through today, I have always wanted John to be president. The country needs him at this perilous time. From the moment I left the campaign until today, not one day -- not one --has gone by that I haven't reactively or pro-actively talked with the campaign leadership, with state leadership about how the campaign and how to win. To suggest anything else is wrong, a lie and meant to do nothing but harm."
Video: How The New York Times Set Up John McCain, McCain Replies
Did the New York Times knowingly and willfully set John McCain up for a kick to the groin when they endorsed him as their choice for the Republican nomination for president?When the New York Times backed John McCain, they knew about the rumors of McCain's involvement with a lobbyist, and had discussed it with the McCain campaign.
Shortly thereafter, the Times went below the belt with allegations about McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman. So far, the Times has no real evidence--just gossip, and unnamed sources purported to be some angry staffers who were either fired or laid off.
Although former McCain staffer John Weaver denies having a finger in the rumor pie, where apparently four and twenty un-identified blackbirds were singing to the Times, some are now pointing at him. Weaver's issued his own denial to John Cillizza at the Washington Post:
"The New York Times asked for a formal interview and I said no and asked for written questions. The Times knew of my meeting with Ms. Iseman, from sources they didn't identify to me, and asked me about that meeting. I did not inform Senator McCain that I asked for a meeting with Ms. Iseman.
Her comments, which had gotten back to some of us, that she had strong ties to the Commerce Committee and his staff were wrong and harmful and I so informed her and asked her to stop with these comments and to not be involved in the campaign. Nothing more and nothing less.
I responded to the Times on the record about a meeting they already knew about. The campaign received a copy of my response to the Times the same day, which was in late December.
From the day I first approached John about running for President in 1997 and through today, I have always wanted John to be president. The country needs him at this perilous time. From the moment I left the campaign until today, not one day -- not one --has gone by that I haven't reactively or pro-actively talked with the campaign leadership, with state leadership about how the campaign and how to win. To suggest anything else is wrong, a lie and meant to do nothing but harm."
The New York Times asked for a formal interview and I said no and asked for written questions. The Times knew of my meeting with Ms. Iseman, from sources they didn't identify to me, and asked me about that meeting. I did not inform Senator McCain that I asked for a meeting with Ms. Iseman.
Her comments, which had gotten back to some of us, that she had strong ties to the Commerce Committee and his staff were wrong and harmful and I so informed her and asked her to stop with these comments and to not be involved in the campaign. Nothing more and nothing less.
I responded to the Times on the record about a meeting they already knew about. The campaign received a copy of my response to the Times the same day, which was in late December.
From the day I first approached John about running for President in 1997 and through today, I have always wanted John to be president. The country needs him at this perilous time. From the moment I left the campaign until today, not one day -- not one --has gone by that I haven't reactively or pro-actively talked with the campaign leadership, with state leadership about how the campaign and how to win. To suggest anything else is wrong, a lie and meant to do nothing but harm."
Shortly thereafter, the Times went below the belt with allegations about McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman. So far, the Times has no real evidence--just gossip, and unnamed sources purported to be some angry staffers who were either fired or laid off.
Although former McCain staffer John Weaver denies having a finger in the rumor pie, where apparently four and twenty un-identified blackbirds were singing to the Times, some are now pointing at him. Weaver's issued his own denial to John Cillizza at the Washington Post:
Her comments, which had gotten back to some of us, that she had strong ties to the Commerce Committee and his staff were wrong and harmful and I so informed her and asked her to stop with these comments and to not be involved in the campaign. Nothing more and nothing less.
I responded to the Times on the record about a meeting they already knew about. The campaign received a copy of my response to the Times the same day, which was in late December.
From the day I first approached John about running for President in 1997 and through today, I have always wanted John to be president. The country needs him at this perilous time. From the moment I left the campaign until today, not one day -- not one --has gone by that I haven't reactively or pro-actively talked with the campaign leadership, with state leadership about how the campaign and how to win. To suggest anything else is wrong, a lie and meant to do nothing but harm."
The New York Times asked for a formal interview and I said no and asked for written questions. The Times knew of my meeting with Ms. Iseman, from sources they didn't identify to me, and asked me about that meeting. I did not inform Senator McCain that I asked for a meeting with Ms. Iseman.
Her comments, which had gotten back to some of us, that she had strong ties to the Commerce Committee and his staff were wrong and harmful and I so informed her and asked her to stop with these comments and to not be involved in the campaign. Nothing more and nothing less.
I responded to the Times on the record about a meeting they already knew about. The campaign received a copy of my response to the Times the same day, which was in late December.
From the day I first approached John about running for President in 1997 and through today, I have always wanted John to be president. The country needs him at this perilous time. From the moment I left the campaign until today, not one day -- not one --has gone by that I haven't reactively or pro-actively talked with the campaign leadership, with state leadership about how the campaign and how to win. To suggest anything else is wrong, a lie and meant to do nothing but harm."
Video: Miami Shootout Kills One, Injures Several, Locks Down Schools, Sends Baby to Hospital
Terror stalked a Miami neighborhood today as several people opened fire in a street shootout. One person was killed, and several more were injured, including a baby.
Police now are staging a manhunt in the Allapattah district for what they call "several" young men. So far, it's not known why the shootings took place. Local schools were locked down.
Police now are staging a manhunt in the Allapattah district for what they call "several" young men. So far, it's not known why the shootings took place. Local schools were locked down.
Video: Navy Shoots Down Falling Spy Satellite
So far, there are no pieces reported larger than a football.
New York Times Launches McCain Smear Attack; Staff Denies Allegations of Lobbyist Affair
The rumors alleging that Republican presidential front-runner John McCain had an affair with a Washington lobbyist eight years ago are old, old news. Really old news.
But the New York Times, the former pre-eminent "Gray Lady" of journalism now turned liberal apologist, simply couldn't stomach the idea that McCain is winning in his bid for the Republican nomination. Their current mashup never actually confirms that McCain acted improperly with lobbyist Vicki Iseman.
In a puffed-up display of sexism and windy words scrawled on smoke and mirrors, the Times comes up with these startling revelations: Iseman, a professional lobbyist, went to McCain's office frequently. Amazing. A lobbyist visiting a U.S. senator's office? Who ever heard of such outlandish behavior?
But wait! There's more! She turned up at fund raisers with McCain. Now, there's evidence: lobbyists for major corporations that fund candidates going to fundraisers for candidates or Congresspersons they favor. Apparently the Times plumbers (ah, Nixon days!) don't get out often enough to circulate at political and business events.
And, to top off this sewage sundae, the Times, gamboling in the fields of Jerry Springer-dom, notes that Iseman flew on private jets with McCain now and then. Does the Times have any clue how many people flow into and out of Congressperson's offices, fundraisers, transportation (plane, train, or automobile) within just one year?
Based on the Times' logic, one of the Peanut crew has had affairs with numerous governmental luminaries. But really, if we did, we missed all the fun and weren't even aware of the torrid tumbles that we must have had, at least according to the new, enhanced, yellow tabloid Times.
The Times, which hasn't proven a darned thing, obviously doesn't care that it's potentially ruining Iseman's personal and public reputation, and thus may affect her earning capability. There is, however, one important fact on which the Times is correct: Iseman is a woman, and an attractive woman at that.
Would the Times be passing on gossip were Iseman a man? We doubt it. The Times, frightened by a strong Republican, who's also a successful (no damaged veteran stories here) former Vietam POW and a war hero, is simply flushing the gossip pipes to see if anything bubbles up. How those atop the throne of liberal hand-wringing managed to swish past such blatant sexism is something obscured in turgid waters.
It's said that McCain's staff restricted Iseman's access to McCain after rumors began. The Times, working the plunger desperately, declares that as proof positive of an affair. We'd call that smart image handling. Anyone who lives in a small town knows: if people are talking trash about something you're doing, be careful doing it even if you're doing nothing wrong.
On the other hand, the Times still hasn't gotten over its careful tidy bowl work when President Bill Clinton, accompanied by a good cigar (hello, Dr. Freud!) was caught playing around with an intern in the Oval Office. We need to be really careful here in defining the Times' standards. Sex with a young intern by a married U.S. president on company time and property is regrettable but an understandable flaw and error for a liberal Democrat; being seen conducting normal business with a female adult professional lobbyist is a breach of ethics for a conservative Republican.
Frankly, there's no paper strong enough to wipe that bit of Times effluvia clean. But if you mail us some copies of the Times, we'll be glad to put it to work in daily operations and try.
Disclosure: the Peanut crew's most recent contact with a Washington lobbyist was at a family dinner with a date in Oklahoma City. The lobbyist, with whom part of the Peanut crew disagreed politely on some issues, did not pay for a darned thing. However, we did attend the same historic function, we did travel in a vehicle convoy of sorts, and we did sit at the same table. We also had wine with our most excellent meal However, neither the tabletop nor the carpet were not used for any functions other than dining and walking, and no cigars were involved,.
But the New York Times, the former pre-eminent "Gray Lady" of journalism now turned liberal apologist, simply couldn't stomach the idea that McCain is winning in his bid for the Republican nomination. Their current mashup never actually confirms that McCain acted improperly with lobbyist Vicki Iseman.
In a puffed-up display of sexism and windy words scrawled on smoke and mirrors, the Times comes up with these startling revelations: Iseman, a professional lobbyist, went to McCain's office frequently. Amazing. A lobbyist visiting a U.S. senator's office? Who ever heard of such outlandish behavior?
But wait! There's more! She turned up at fund raisers with McCain. Now, there's evidence: lobbyists for major corporations that fund candidates going to fundraisers for candidates or Congresspersons they favor. Apparently the Times plumbers (ah, Nixon days!) don't get out often enough to circulate at political and business events.
And, to top off this sewage sundae, the Times, gamboling in the fields of Jerry Springer-dom, notes that Iseman flew on private jets with McCain now and then. Does the Times have any clue how many people flow into and out of Congressperson's offices, fundraisers, transportation (plane, train, or automobile) within just one year?
Based on the Times' logic, one of the Peanut crew has had affairs with numerous governmental luminaries. But really, if we did, we missed all the fun and weren't even aware of the torrid tumbles that we must have had, at least according to the new, enhanced, yellow tabloid Times.
The Times, which hasn't proven a darned thing, obviously doesn't care that it's potentially ruining Iseman's personal and public reputation, and thus may affect her earning capability. There is, however, one important fact on which the Times is correct: Iseman is a woman, and an attractive woman at that.
Would the Times be passing on gossip were Iseman a man? We doubt it. The Times, frightened by a strong Republican, who's also a successful (no damaged veteran stories here) former Vietam POW and a war hero, is simply flushing the gossip pipes to see if anything bubbles up. How those atop the throne of liberal hand-wringing managed to swish past such blatant sexism is something obscured in turgid waters.
It's said that McCain's staff restricted Iseman's access to McCain after rumors began. The Times, working the plunger desperately, declares that as proof positive of an affair. We'd call that smart image handling. Anyone who lives in a small town knows: if people are talking trash about something you're doing, be careful doing it even if you're doing nothing wrong.
On the other hand, the Times still hasn't gotten over its careful tidy bowl work when President Bill Clinton, accompanied by a good cigar (hello, Dr. Freud!) was caught playing around with an intern in the Oval Office. We need to be really careful here in defining the Times' standards. Sex with a young intern by a married U.S. president on company time and property is regrettable but an understandable flaw and error for a liberal Democrat; being seen conducting normal business with a female adult professional lobbyist is a breach of ethics for a conservative Republican.
Frankly, there's no paper strong enough to wipe that bit of Times effluvia clean. But if you mail us some copies of the Times, we'll be glad to put it to work in daily operations and try.
Disclosure: the Peanut crew's most recent contact with a Washington lobbyist was at a family dinner with a date in Oklahoma City. The lobbyist, with whom part of the Peanut crew disagreed politely on some issues, did not pay for a darned thing. However, we did attend the same historic function, we did travel in a vehicle convoy of sorts, and we did sit at the same table. We also had wine with our most excellent meal However, neither the tabletop nor the carpet were not used for any functions other than dining and walking, and no cigars were involved,.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Satellite Shootdown: Navy Scores Hit With Aegis Class Missile
Despite predicted bad weather and high seas, the U.S. Navy last night scored a direct hit on a rogue spy satellite. Using a modified SM-3 missile like the one pictured above, Navy rocketeers, directed by Defense Department head Robert Gates, targeted USA-193 in the first-of-its kind missile shootdown of an orbiting spacecraft.
The USS Lake Erie was tapped as the first in a fleet of three to fire a missile. The first shot from the Erie was successful.
The SM-3, modified from Aegis ballistic missile defense weaponry, achieved the task of breaking up the doomed satellite. Officials had feared that an anticipated March crash somewhere on Earth would dump some amount of dangerous hydrazine.
Speculation is that the shootdown also had two other purposes, One reported goal was to prevent advanced American technology from being captured by China, whose long-term spy network recently took a hit from US investigators.
The hit also conclusively demonstrated U.S. capability to intercept and shoot down various types of potentially-threatening spacecraft and/or missiles, The Navy also recently successfully tested a new electromagnetic railgun.
NASA hustled Space Shuttle Atlantis and its crew home early this morning to clear space for the satellite shootdown.
Note: we were about 40 minutes ahead of CNN and other MSM in reporting this success.Thanks to those who wrote with congratulations.
Photos courtesy DOD/U.S. Navy
Countdown to Landing: Atlantis Crew Headed Home
The distinctive twin sonic booms as Space Shuttle Atlantis streaked across the Florida sky told residents that the STS-122 crew was close to home. The textbook landing ended a 5.3 million mile expedition, the ferrying of a replacement astronaut, and the delivery of the Columbus module to the International Space Station.
With a successful mission completed, the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is checking off the timelines and tasks before a scheduled 9:07 a.m. EST landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The team, including NASA astronaut Dan Tani, returning after an extended stay at the International Space Station, is scooting home before the U.S. attempts to shoot down a failing satellite. The first attempt could occur tonight off Hawaii, where a designated "no-fly" zone has already been declared. NASA officials wanted to clear space before that attempt and signalled the shuttle home today.
The shuttle has four landing opportunities in Florida and at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Here's the schedule for all four.
06:34:54 AM...Commander/pilot don entry suits
06:51:54 AM...Inertial measurement unit alignment
06:59:54 AM...Commander/pilot strap in; others don suits
07:16:54 AM...Shuttle steering check
07:19:54 AM...Hydraulic power system prestart
07:26:54 AM...Toilet deactivation
07:34:54 AM...Payload bay vent doors closed for entry
07:39:54 AM...MIssion control 'go' for deorbit burn
07:45:54 AM...Mission specialists seat ingress
07:54:54 AM...Single hydraulic power unit start
07:59:54 AM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 197.7 mph; dT: 02:39)
08:02:33 AM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 211.6 sm)
08:35:59 AM...Atmospheric entry (altitude: 75.6 sm)
08:40:59 AM...1st roll command to left
08:52:05 AM...1st left-to-right roll reversal
08:54:00 AM...C-band radar acquisition
09:01:06 AM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 84,200 feet)
09:03:18 AM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 50,700 feet)
09:03:42 AM...Shuttle banks 301 degrees to line up on runway 33
09:07:39 AM...Landing
SECOND FLORIDA OPPORTUNITY: Rev. 203 Deorbit to Kennedy
09:15:20 AM...Mission control 'go' for deorbit burn
09:21:20 AM...MS seat ingress
09:30:20 AM...Single APU start
09:35:20 AM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 195.7 mph; dT: 02:38)
09:37:58 AM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 214.5 sm)
10:11:00 AM...Entry interface (altitude: 75.6 sm)
10:15:57 AM...1st roll command to right
10:27:46 AM...1st right-to-left roll reversal
10:36:05 AM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 84,700 feet)
10:38:18 AM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 50,200 feet)
10:38:55 AM...Shuttle banks 269 degrees to line up on runway 33
10:42:35 AM...Landing
FIRST CALIFORNIA OPPORTUNITY: Rev. 204 Deorbit to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
10:45:15 AM...MCC 'go' for deorbit burn
10:51:15 AM...MS seat ingress
11:00:15 AM...Single APU start
11:05:15 AM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 195.7 mph; dT: 2:38
11:07:53 AM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 213.4 sm)
11:41:01 AM...Entry interface (altitude: 75.6 sm)
11:46:00 AM...1st roll command to left
11:55:55 AM...1st left-to-right roll reversal
12:06:06 PM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 81,800 feet)
12:08:19 PM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 49,400 feet)
12:09:24 PM...Shuttle banks 205 degrees to line up on runway 22
12:12:31 PM...Landing
SECOND CALIFORNIA OPPORTUNITY: Rev. 205 Deorbit to Edwards
12:21:25 PM...MCC 'go' for deorbit burn
12:27:25 PM...MS seat ingress
12:36:25 PM...Single APU start
12:41:25 PM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 195.7 mph; dT: 02:38)
12:44:03 PM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 216.9 sm)
01:16:09 PM...Entry interface (altitude: 75.6 sm)
01:21:06 PM...1st roll command to right
01:32:39 PM...1st right-to-left roll reversal
01:41:10 PM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 82,700 feet)
01:43:25 PM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 48,800 feet)
01:44:34 PM...Shuttle banks 189 degrees to line up on runway 22
01:47:34 PM...Landing
With a successful mission completed, the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is checking off the timelines and tasks before a scheduled 9:07 a.m. EST landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The team, including NASA astronaut Dan Tani, returning after an extended stay at the International Space Station, is scooting home before the U.S. attempts to shoot down a failing satellite. The first attempt could occur tonight off Hawaii, where a designated "no-fly" zone has already been declared. NASA officials wanted to clear space before that attempt and signalled the shuttle home today.
The shuttle has four landing opportunities in Florida and at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Here's the schedule for all four.
06:34:54 AM...Commander/pilot don entry suits
06:51:54 AM...Inertial measurement unit alignment
06:59:54 AM...Commander/pilot strap in; others don suits
07:16:54 AM...Shuttle steering check
07:19:54 AM...Hydraulic power system prestart
07:26:54 AM...Toilet deactivation
07:34:54 AM...Payload bay vent doors closed for entry
07:39:54 AM...MIssion control 'go' for deorbit burn
07:45:54 AM...Mission specialists seat ingress
07:54:54 AM...Single hydraulic power unit start
07:59:54 AM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 197.7 mph; dT: 02:39)
08:02:33 AM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 211.6 sm)
08:35:59 AM...Atmospheric entry (altitude: 75.6 sm)
08:40:59 AM...1st roll command to left
08:52:05 AM...1st left-to-right roll reversal
08:54:00 AM...C-band radar acquisition
09:01:06 AM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 84,200 feet)
09:03:18 AM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 50,700 feet)
09:03:42 AM...Shuttle banks 301 degrees to line up on runway 33
09:07:39 AM...Landing
SECOND FLORIDA OPPORTUNITY: Rev. 203 Deorbit to Kennedy
09:15:20 AM...Mission control 'go' for deorbit burn
09:21:20 AM...MS seat ingress
09:30:20 AM...Single APU start
09:35:20 AM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 195.7 mph; dT: 02:38)
09:37:58 AM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 214.5 sm)
10:11:00 AM...Entry interface (altitude: 75.6 sm)
10:15:57 AM...1st roll command to right
10:27:46 AM...1st right-to-left roll reversal
10:36:05 AM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 84,700 feet)
10:38:18 AM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 50,200 feet)
10:38:55 AM...Shuttle banks 269 degrees to line up on runway 33
10:42:35 AM...Landing
FIRST CALIFORNIA OPPORTUNITY: Rev. 204 Deorbit to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
10:45:15 AM...MCC 'go' for deorbit burn
10:51:15 AM...MS seat ingress
11:00:15 AM...Single APU start
11:05:15 AM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 195.7 mph; dT: 2:38
11:07:53 AM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 213.4 sm)
11:41:01 AM...Entry interface (altitude: 75.6 sm)
11:46:00 AM...1st roll command to left
11:55:55 AM...1st left-to-right roll reversal
12:06:06 PM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 81,800 feet)
12:08:19 PM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 49,400 feet)
12:09:24 PM...Shuttle banks 205 degrees to line up on runway 22
12:12:31 PM...Landing
SECOND CALIFORNIA OPPORTUNITY: Rev. 205 Deorbit to Edwards
12:21:25 PM...MCC 'go' for deorbit burn
12:27:25 PM...MS seat ingress
12:36:25 PM...Single APU start
12:41:25 PM...Deorbit ignition (dV: 195.7 mph; dT: 02:38)
12:44:03 PM...Deorbit burn complete (altitude: 216.9 sm)
01:16:09 PM...Entry interface (altitude: 75.6 sm)
01:21:06 PM...1st roll command to right
01:32:39 PM...1st right-to-left roll reversal
01:41:10 PM...Velocity less than mach 2.5 (altitude: 82,700 feet)
01:43:25 PM...Velocity less than mach 1 (altitude: 48,800 feet)
01:44:34 PM...Shuttle banks 189 degrees to line up on runway 22
01:47:34 PM...Landing
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Space Shuttle Atlantis Homeward Bound to KSC, Landing Ahead of Falling Satellite Shootdown
After a highly successful mission to the International Space station, the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is heading home to Kennedy Space Center. NASA is staffing both the KSC Shuttle Landing Strip and Mojave Desert facilities at Edwards Air Force Base in California in a bid to get Atlantis home before the U.S. Navy attempts to shoot down a crippled spy satellite.
Engineers are monitoring, but are not concerned about, a circuit failure that dropped heat to four after venier thrusters. Those thrusters power the Reaction Control System (RCS), which maneuvers the orbiter during small in-flight corrections.
The temperature on one of the thrusters dropped to 40 degrees, causing concern about possible freezing of lines or systems in that area. Even if one or two of the thrusters should totally fail--highly unlikely--the system has built-in redundancy because the crew can employ the thrusters in a variety of combinations.
Actual rocket firing to drop Atlantis into its come-home orbital path is done by the larger Orbital Maneuvering Systems ((OMS) pods. The thruster problem on the smaller rocket system does not impact the operation of the larger OMS engines.
Early this morning, mission controllers in Houston asked Mission Commander Steve Frick to swing the orbiter around so that its tail faced the sun. This common maneuver in effect put the RCS thrusters out for warming by the sun.
The primary Shuttle landing trajectory for 9:07 a.m. landing Wednesday at KSC's Runway 33 takes the Shuttle over Central America and the Gulf of Mexico before flying across Florida to Kennedy Space Center. That course will treat area residents to the double sonic boom that for decades has signalled the space shuttle coming home to the nation's spaceport.
STS-122 long-range landing track
STS-122 mid-range landing track
There are four landing opportunities Wednesday at KSC and Edwards, as follows with timelines including orbit numbers and de-orbit OMS engine firings (burns):
202...1st KSC OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN........12/17:16...08:01 AM...13:01
203...1st KSC OPPORTUNITY LANDING.............12/18:22...09:07 AM...14:07
203...2nd KSC OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN........12/18:52...09:37 AM...14:37
204...2nd KSC OPPORTUNITY LANDING.............12/19:57...10:42 AM...15:42
204...1st EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN....12/20:22...11:07 AM...16:07
205...1st EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY LANDING.........12/21:27...12:12 PM...17:12
205...2ND EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN....12/21:58...12:43 PM...17:43
206...2ND EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY LANDING.........12/23:02...01:47 PM...18:47
The Atlantis crew delivered the European Space Agency module to the ISS. Commander Steve Frick, pilot Alan Poindexter, Leland Melvin, Stan Love, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel also ferried European Space Agency astronaut Léopold Eyharts to the space station.
On the homeward bound trip they'll taxi NASA astronaut Dan Tani, who joined Space Station Commander Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko last October.
Tani, who flew to the ISS aboard Discovery, was due back on Earth in December. However, Atlantis' mission was delayed by by problems with fuel sensors. During his extended stay, Tani got the bad news that his 90-year-old mother had been tragically killed in a car wreck Dec. 19. It's the first time that an astronaut in space has had to be notified of a family member's death.
While in orbit, astronauts Love, Walheim and Schlegel, in varying teams, completed three arduous space walks. Schlegel had to miss his first space walk due to an unspecified illness, most likely a form of the dreaded space sickness--a former of super nausea much like car sickness, many times multiplied. In the space version, the inner ear loses the ability to stabilize the astronaut during adjustment to living in micro-gravity.
The crippled NROL-21 satellite will pass over an area west of Hawaii at about 10:30 p.m. EST Wednesday. Pilots have been notified to stay clear of that area, declared restricted. It's not yet known if the Navy will attempt the first-ever rocket shootdown of a decaying satellite, which will otherwise impact Earth sometime in March.
The satellite's location can be checked at Heavens Above.Its orbital designation is USA 193.
"
Engineers are monitoring, but are not concerned about, a circuit failure that dropped heat to four after venier thrusters. Those thrusters power the Reaction Control System (RCS), which maneuvers the orbiter during small in-flight corrections.
The temperature on one of the thrusters dropped to 40 degrees, causing concern about possible freezing of lines or systems in that area. Even if one or two of the thrusters should totally fail--highly unlikely--the system has built-in redundancy because the crew can employ the thrusters in a variety of combinations.
Actual rocket firing to drop Atlantis into its come-home orbital path is done by the larger Orbital Maneuvering Systems ((OMS) pods. The thruster problem on the smaller rocket system does not impact the operation of the larger OMS engines.
Early this morning, mission controllers in Houston asked Mission Commander Steve Frick to swing the orbiter around so that its tail faced the sun. This common maneuver in effect put the RCS thrusters out for warming by the sun.
The primary Shuttle landing trajectory for 9:07 a.m. landing Wednesday at KSC's Runway 33 takes the Shuttle over Central America and the Gulf of Mexico before flying across Florida to Kennedy Space Center. That course will treat area residents to the double sonic boom that for decades has signalled the space shuttle coming home to the nation's spaceport.
STS-122 long-range landing track
STS-122 mid-range landing track
There are four landing opportunities Wednesday at KSC and Edwards, as follows with timelines including orbit numbers and de-orbit OMS engine firings (burns):
202...1st KSC OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN........12/17:16...08:01 AM...13:01
203...1st KSC OPPORTUNITY LANDING.............12/18:22...09:07 AM...14:07
203...2nd KSC OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN........12/18:52...09:37 AM...14:37
204...2nd KSC OPPORTUNITY LANDING.............12/19:57...10:42 AM...15:42
204...1st EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN....12/20:22...11:07 AM...16:07
205...1st EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY LANDING.........12/21:27...12:12 PM...17:12
205...2ND EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY DEORBIT BURN....12/21:58...12:43 PM...17:43
206...2ND EDW AFB OPPORTUNITY LANDING.........12/23:02...01:47 PM...18:47
The Atlantis crew delivered the European Space Agency module to the ISS. Commander Steve Frick, pilot Alan Poindexter, Leland Melvin, Stan Love, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel also ferried European Space Agency astronaut Léopold Eyharts to the space station.
On the homeward bound trip they'll taxi NASA astronaut Dan Tani, who joined Space Station Commander Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko last October.
Tani, who flew to the ISS aboard Discovery, was due back on Earth in December. However, Atlantis' mission was delayed by by problems with fuel sensors. During his extended stay, Tani got the bad news that his 90-year-old mother had been tragically killed in a car wreck Dec. 19. It's the first time that an astronaut in space has had to be notified of a family member's death.
While in orbit, astronauts Love, Walheim and Schlegel, in varying teams, completed three arduous space walks. Schlegel had to miss his first space walk due to an unspecified illness, most likely a form of the dreaded space sickness--a former of super nausea much like car sickness, many times multiplied. In the space version, the inner ear loses the ability to stabilize the astronaut during adjustment to living in micro-gravity.
The crippled NROL-21 satellite will pass over an area west of Hawaii at about 10:30 p.m. EST Wednesday. Pilots have been notified to stay clear of that area, declared restricted. It's not yet known if the Navy will attempt the first-ever rocket shootdown of a decaying satellite, which will otherwise impact Earth sometime in March.
The satellite's location can be checked at Heavens Above.Its orbital designation is USA 193.
"
Cuba: Castro Quits, But Not Out of Philanthropy
Age, illness, disagreements with his brother Raul Castro, and a changing world finally did what no one else before could do: get rid of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The communist strongman and Russian toady during the Cold War leaves a trail of executions, starvation, and tyranny.
Fidel's reign brought the Cuban missile crisis, when President John F. Kennedy faced down Russian leaders and Castro and stopped the planting of missiles on Cuba just 90 miles from Miami, Fl. It also brought tens of thousands of refuges, some dying enroute, to Florida's shore, huddled on anything that would float-or tragically, almost float.
Fidel's reign brought the Cuban missile crisis, when President John F. Kennedy faced down Russian leaders and Castro and stopped the planting of missiles on Cuba just 90 miles from Miami, Fl. It also brought tens of thousands of refuges, some dying enroute, to Florida's shore, huddled on anything that would float-or tragically, almost float.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Space Shuttle Endeavour on the Launch Pad, Ready for March Launch
A space shuttle rollout at Kennedy Space Center is incredible technology on the move. The crawler transporters that ferry the vehicle to the launch pad have been in service since the Apollo moon landing era. They carried the massive Apollo/Saturn rockets.
The two tracked Crawler-Transporters previously used to move the assembled Apollo/Saturn from the VAB to the launch pad are now used for transporting Shuttle vehicles.
Transporter Statistics
* Weight: 2,721 metric tons (6 million pounds)
* Length: 40 meters (131 ft) wide, 35 meters (114ft) long
* Miles: 2,526 miles (1,243 miles since 1977)
KSC has 2 crawler-transporters. Each vehicle consists of four double-tracked crawlers, each 3 meters (10 ft) high and 12 meters (41 ft) long. Each of the 8 tracks on a vehicle contains 57 shoes per track and each tread shoe weighs about .9 metric tons (one ton). Click here to see the crawler moving a shuttle .
The Crawler/Transporter is powered by 16 traction motors powered by four 1,000 kw generators, driven by two 2,750hp diesel engines. Two 750 kw generators, drived by two 1,065 hp diesel engines are used for jacking, steering, lighting, and ventilating. Two 150 kw generators are also used for MLP power.
When they were built, the KSC crawlers were the largest tracked vehicles ever made. (Surpassed by the Bagger 288 German excavator). They move the Mobile Launcher Platform into the Vehicle Assembly Building and then to the Launch Pad with an assembled space vehicle. Maximum speed is 1.6km (one mile) per hour loaded, about 3.2 km (2 miles) per hour unloaded. Launch Pad to VAB trip time with the Mobile Launch Platform is about 5 hours. The crawler burns 568 liters (150 gallons) of diesel oil per mile.
The top of the orbiter is kept vertical within plus or minus 10 minutes of arc, about the diameter of a basketball during the journey. Leveling systems within the crawler keeps the platform level while negotiating the 5% ramp leading up to the pad surface.
The height of the crawler is 6 meters (20ft) to 8 meters (26 feet) adjustable. The top deck is flat and square, about the size of a baseball infield, 27 meters (90 feet) on a side. Two operator control cabs, one at each end of the chassis, are used to control all crawler systems.
The two tracked Crawler-Transporters previously used to move the assembled Apollo/Saturn from the VAB to the launch pad are now used for transporting Shuttle vehicles.
Transporter Statistics
* Weight: 2,721 metric tons (6 million pounds)
* Length: 40 meters (131 ft) wide, 35 meters (114ft) long
* Miles: 2,526 miles (1,243 miles since 1977)
KSC has 2 crawler-transporters. Each vehicle consists of four double-tracked crawlers, each 3 meters (10 ft) high and 12 meters (41 ft) long. Each of the 8 tracks on a vehicle contains 57 shoes per track and each tread shoe weighs about .9 metric tons (one ton). Click here to see the crawler moving a shuttle .
The Crawler/Transporter is powered by 16 traction motors powered by four 1,000 kw generators, driven by two 2,750hp diesel engines. Two 750 kw generators, drived by two 1,065 hp diesel engines are used for jacking, steering, lighting, and ventilating. Two 150 kw generators are also used for MLP power.
When they were built, the KSC crawlers were the largest tracked vehicles ever made. (Surpassed by the Bagger 288 German excavator). They move the Mobile Launcher Platform into the Vehicle Assembly Building and then to the Launch Pad with an assembled space vehicle. Maximum speed is 1.6km (one mile) per hour loaded, about 3.2 km (2 miles) per hour unloaded. Launch Pad to VAB trip time with the Mobile Launch Platform is about 5 hours. The crawler burns 568 liters (150 gallons) of diesel oil per mile.
The top of the orbiter is kept vertical within plus or minus 10 minutes of arc, about the diameter of a basketball during the journey. Leveling systems within the crawler keeps the platform level while negotiating the 5% ramp leading up to the pad surface.
The height of the crawler is 6 meters (20ft) to 8 meters (26 feet) adjustable. The top deck is flat and square, about the size of a baseball infield, 27 meters (90 feet) on a side. Two operator control cabs, one at each end of the chassis, are used to control all crawler systems.
Texas Schools Evacuated, Closed After Oil Refinery Explosion
Photo courtesy of local resident Claudine Cooper
Over the past few years, Texas has seen a number of oil refinery explosions and accidents. It's a dangerous business.
Cybercrime: Cyberpunks Using Fake 911 Calls to Send SWAT Teams to Homes at Random
Earlier this week, we reported on the murder of Los Angeles SWAT team officer Randal Simmons. Falsely calling out SWAT teams to innocent prank victims puts everyone at increased risk.
Eyewitness Video: Southeast Slashed by Tornadoes Again, Alabama & Georgia Hard Hit
This on-the-scene video from Georgia activist and author Gary Booker shows what a storm system carrying super cells looks like. Note especially the footage at approximately 1:22 and 1:23. Look closely at the tree line, in the center and to the right, and you will see flashes of "bottle green." When you see that color in a storm like this--it's a very dangerous situation.
Where's the Beef? Recalled Due To Sick Cows Found in Slaughterhouse Abuse Videos
Two supervisors charged with criminal acts in this slaughterhouse of horror failed to show up for court appearances last week. Now the undercover video has led to the largest beef recall in U.S. history as officials fear sick cows were used for meat, especially in school lunch programs.
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