The Merchant 7

NASA's 7 new space pioneers are companies, AP via Forbes

"A half century ago the Mercury Seven embodied America's space future. Now it's the merchant seven - space companies for hire. Mimicking a scene 51 years ago when the Mercury astronauts were revealed, NASA's boss beamed Tuesday as he introduced the "faces of a new frontier:" representatives of the seven companies that NASA is funding to develop future private spacecraft."

Commercial Spaceflight Federation Welcomes New NASA Human Spaceflight Plan, Congratulates Commercial Crew Development Winner

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LPIN Calls on TSA to End Use of Full Body Image Scanners at Indianapolis International Airport

Dear Fellow Hoosiers,

In light of recent events, the Indianapolis International Airport, by order of Transportation Security Administration, has implemented the use of full body scanners. Many are unaware of the nature of this machine. We need all Hoosiers that care about their privacy to contact their Congressmen, Senators, the Indianapolis Airport Authority, and the TSA.

We have written two form letters that you can use to attach your name and send off.  You can download them here and here.

read more

We Still Need To Go Back To The Moon

Defending the moon, Homer Hickam

"Here is a list of six reasons why the United States should make it a national goal to establish a laboratory on the moon, similar to our Antarctic South Pole Station:

1. National prestige. Many decisions are made in other countries based on how they perceive us . Are we young and dynamic and growing or are we old, lethargic, and dying? If we are considered the latter, we will be attacked in both overt and subtle ways.

2. Growing our economy based on technological and scientific leadership. If we accomplish great engineering and scientific tasks, such as going to the moon and staying there, we will attract the best and brightest minds in the world to not only help us on the moon but to keep us advancing in all technologies. This equals a dynamic, nimble, robust, long-term economy. ...."

Obama Administration Energy News

The cooling towers of Three Mile Island's Unit 1 Nuclear Power Plant pour steam into the sky in Middletown, Pa., March 17, 2009.

Obama’s Nuclear Loan Guarantee Plan Draws  Opposition. USA Today, February 1, 2010. “A campaign is already underway to oppose the tripling of loan guarantees for new nuclear power plants, included in President Obama’s 2011 budget (and Energy Fact Sheet) unveiled on Monday. A bevy of environmental, taxpayer and scientific groups . . . .  are criticizing Obama’s proposal to increase loan guarantees for new nuclear plants from $18.5 billion to $54.5 billion. The guarantees could bolster GOP support for his bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which passed the House of Representatives but is pending in the Senate. In a letter to Obama, four groups – the National Taxpayers Union, Taxpayers for Common Sense, the George Marshall Institute and the Non-Proliferation Education Center — oppose an expansion of loan guarantees for new nuclear plants. . . “

Instead of focusing on opposing nuclear plants, these groups should brainstorm ways to shut down all U.S. coal plants, which kill more people and harm the environment more than any nuclear plants in the U.S. ever have.  The French have an excellent record of safety, so the U.S. could too, if it put more money and effort into it.  A disturbing story about tritium leaks from CBS news came out yesterday, and these problems have to be addressed as soon as possible.  Radioactive tritium, a carcinogen, now taints at least 27 of the nation’s 104 nuclear reactors

But new nuclear designs and replaced parts in old plants will help solve this problem, if they can be funded and built very soon.  The “pebble bed” design, the 4th generation nuclear plant designs offer a lot of promise for safety and keeps the radioactive material  in the reactor vessel. Nuclear energy is nearly CO2-free and has an obvious place in our energy future.  I wish “environmentalists” who are worried about climate change (as I am) would understand that conservation is not adequate to solve our massive emissions problems quickly enough.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu Announces Commission on Nuclear Waste. — U.S. DOE, January 29, 2010. “As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to restarting America’s nuclear industry, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu on January 29 announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future to provide recommendations for developing a safe, long-term solution to managing the Nation’s used nuclear fuel and nuclear waste. The Commission is being co-chaired by former Congressman Lee Hamilton and former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft. In light of the Administration’s decision not to proceed with the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, President Obama has directed Secretary Chu to establish the Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of policies for managing the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle. The Commission will provide advice and make recommendations on issues including alternatives for the storage, processing, and disposal of civilian and defense spent nuclear fuel and [...]

How much money is spent on cancer research


Cancer research is typically invested in by a number of different individuals, groups or organizations worldwide in the hopes of developing both treatment and cure for the disease. The state of California, for instance, has reportedly invested $10-12 million in direct cancer research annually, while the National Cancer Institute (NCI) within the United States has reportedly spend $4.8 to $5.2 billion per annum on cancer research and treatment development.

Using the NCI as an example for cancer research and how money is allocated, according to their fact sheet breast cancer is the primary investment target for most funds and received $572.6 million in 2008 alone. The runner up following this was prostate cancer, receiving $285.4 million, with colorectal cancer coming in third at $273.7 million. The cancer receiving the least allocated funds is actually uterine cancer, being granted only $17.1 million in 2008. While current figures may vary slightly this general allocation of funds has remained the same for some years and is expected to continue as such in the future.

While a large number of funds are gathered through support groups and fund raising drives throughout the world the primary source of most research comes from major organizations and governments that allocate funds specifically to the cancer research and cure drive. This has led many government based organization such as the NCI being established around the world in order to support private research developments and coordinate ongoing efforts between research professionals on a regular basis.

Since most major organizations spearheading research are government based the fund allocation is determined by regular budget proposals submitted for review on a monthly and yearly basis in order to be considered and have funds attributed accordingly. This is generally done withing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is adjusted accordingly depending upon both individual and group research needs. The OMB, while working to support all cancer research, also strives to ensure that money is allocated where funds are needed most in order to ensure proper support and prevent unnecessary expenditures that may actually harm the overall cancer research process.

The amount of funds spent yearly on cancer research is something of a point of contention in the political world, for while billions are allocated yearly to the research and fighting of cancer far more money is spent elsewhere that many people feel is unnecessary in comparison. The arguments over foreign policy and the billions spent abroad aside California’s contribution of $10-$12 million, for instance, is seen as a drop in the pot when compared to the fact that many sports players within the state refuse to even play a game for a team unless paid at least twice that amount.

Regardless the funds being generated each year are carefully calculated and increasing funds are being generated yearly as cancer awareness increases and both private and public organizations work closely together to help fight against the ever growing cancer trend. Though projections for 2010 are still difficult to determine it is likely that the amount of funds for cancer research will continue to grow to help the over 1.2 million people that are diagnosed with cancer each year and help save the nearly 600,000 people that die annually in the US alone from cancer afflictions.

A Diamond in the Rough

diamondcbhd-1Islands are like gems, all are beautiful, but all are not alike. One of the most beautiful islands to emerge on the market is Diamond Cay.  A pristine 1.43 acres, the island is sure to get a lot of attention from prospective island buyers.  The island is surrounded by reef. This stunning tropical setting is as good as it gets. The island sits 20 minutes from East Harbour and water and power are available nearby making the island ideal for personal or resort development. For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Another room

Started work on Bedroom 4 yesterday front facing room quite big with a mock fireplace it was cream and green with a border to start with. Got in there and moved the furniture into the middle then got our tools ready preprepped the room then started to get the border off was fine apart from a few bits that needed steaming with the kettle and scraped harderAfter that I started the plastering

Back to School and My PCPP

2110 Hey everybody howrsquos life Life in Ghana is busy but wonderful. Most importantly we have started the second term of the school year. I am proud to say that during the first week of school I actually held classes. That might not sound like a big deal to you but at Asare Bediako SHS in Ghana that is something to be commended. Last year I was lucky if I was able to hold clas

Ghd Give You Health Hair

Hair straighteners GHD are not more expensive we offer many types of low cost but high quality ghd styler. when most modern people search for discount ghd sure they would like choose pink ghd not only for its high quality but also for its attractive style.Directed to all that nearly every girl wants a set of GHD straighteners simply known is the best hair iron on the market. Unfortunately thi

Farewll to Langkawi

Sadly we had to leave after a lovely if somewhat hot 4 days. Last night we had a farewell cruise in the Andaman Sea on a yacht captained by a dubious bunch of seamen looked more like pirates to Mary. But we had great fun and an excellent meal. And saw a beautiful sunset. During the cruise the crew lowered a rope net into the water and the more adventurous guests jumped into the water and wer

PPS

Sorry about the misspelling on the previous entry. We only get 15 mins per session here. We didn't tell you about the Monitor Lizard that we met in Kuah. Nor about the Jeweller's shop at the airport. Mary will have to tell you about that At any rate we're here in plenty of time to catch our next flight.

Mae Sot is ……

Mae Sot is an interesting boarder town. More Burmese than Thai and more international then some of the larger towns around. Honestly there is not alot to see in town the Wats and market are fun to visit but will take you about a day. The reason I and most other people end up here is for volunteer and NGO work. Mae Sot is home to many NGO's working with Burmese rights groups and range from p

Internationale Afghanistan Konferenz und ich seh aus wie eine Mazedonierin

vorige woche war in london die internationale afghanistan konferenz. und im green park wo ich morgens immer durchgeh war das medienzentrum. da war ein zelt aufgebaut und berall rundherum absperrungen und an diesen absperrungen sind alle 3 meter polizisten gestanden. und zur krnung ist den ganzen tag ein hubschrauber darber gekreist...und das war nur das medienzentrum...whrender der konferenz

What am I doing here

Dear consumers we are here. Why Are you a nihilist Do you believe that the reason you are here is just some kind of accident of physics That to dust you shall return and that all you'll ultimately be good for is worm food Personally this evolutionary neodarwinistic reductionist materialistic universe viewpoint was mine for a very long time. Then in pursuit of my intellectual rationalisatio

mein erstes englisches bier

ich mag ja unser bier in sterreich net unbedingt gern da hatte ich schon die hoffnung dass das englische besser ist. also sag ich in der bar zur kellnerin ich htte gern ein original englisches bier. da hat sie mir dann zwei vorgeschlagen oxford und noch eins. da ich mich net entscheiden konnte und auch sie mir keine wirkliche hilfe war hat sie mich netterweise von beiden kosten lassen

and in other news…

This small white cat that belongs to Jean and Corne has taken a liking to me. she follows me everywhere and is constantly clawing at my legs... she is actually quite adorable but I cannot figure out why she likes me so much... there are some Canadians staying here right now and it is kinda nice to hear a similar accent. they were surprised as well to find a southern neighbor working here... Sunda

Swimming with Sharks

Well we have finally arrived for our holiday.... yep we have realised that travelling the world is tough work so when our friends Richard and Di suggested a holiday in Western Australia bonza idea we thought to use the colloquialism. We took the quick hop from Adelaide to its neighbour Perth well when I say quick the journey takes about the same time as the UK to Eqypt that gives you some i

Custommade dresses for different roles in wedding

With the development fashiontide of wedding dress brides are not limited to purchase dress in shopping mall. For they knows the wedding dress in stores are always out of fashion or measurements are not regular. They feel not so suitable for themselves when wears on. Well donrsquot be worries about it. Beautiful ladies could choose custommade wedding dress in online sales.As we know the wedd

Tour operator Concord Travel Georgia Caucasus

I am Georgian from Tbilisi. Tbilisi. This word means a lot Hospitality first of all Sunny Warm Nice Old Beautiful Tolerant Warm people Devoted Friends Good restaurants delicious food good wine free soul hot temperament distinguished theatres opera house beautiful houses many muse...Tour operator Concord Travel Georgia Caucasus offers you different kind of tours including cultural