I had not heard that the ISS module being delivered on the Atlantis mission was the one of the heaviest shuttle payloads yet. Nor that this mission team has been training for four and a half years due to the Columbia tragedy. The delivery of the new module will allow for the completion of the ISS over the next four years.
" Atlantis Commander Brent Jett says more is at stake in finishing the international space lab than just building a place for science experiments. "It's preparing us as an agency to take the next step back to the moon for a permanent outpost or onto Mars," said Jett, who will be making his fourth space trip. Jett said his crew will set the tone for the next four years of construction since each mission to the station builds off the next. The other crew members are pilot Chris Ferguson and mission specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve MacLean of the Canadian Space Agency."
The mission will launch between Aug 27 and Sep 13 with hopes for an launch before Sep 7 so as not to interfere with a Russian Soyuz mission later in September. The Atlantis crew is facing a challenging and difficult series of tasks.
"After docking with the space station, the 45-foot-long addition will be lifted by robotic arm from the shuttle's payload bay and handed off to the space station's robotic arm. The next day, Tanner and Piper will go out on the first spacewalk, followed a day later by a second spacewalk by Burbank and MacLean. The next day, the solar wings will be opened, and the following day, Tanner and Piper will go on a final spacewalk."
That's a lot of space walking, folks.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Husker FB
On a slightly less serious note -- pretty good analysis at Foxsports on the Big Red. I'll talk about the Blackshirts today, and review the offense tomorrow.
here's the article's take on the D:
"it's the defense that'll carry the Huskers to a big season. The front seven is loaded with talent, depth, and NFL prospects led by ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. Nebraska led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, and should be among the best in the nation"
I heartily agree, the press has been talking a lot about the West Coast offense, Zac Taylor and who gets to tote the rock, but the key this season is stopping the other guys. Coach Coz has some real talent on this side of the ball, and we should be among the leading D's in the nation.
The line should be tremendous, with Carriker being touted already for All-American honors. Talented pass-rusher Barry Turner and Zach Potter backup the starting ends, with Ola Dagunduro, Ndamukong Suh, Barry Cryer and Ty Steinkuhler rotating at tackle, all of whom may have NFL potential. Fox gives us a 10 rating here.
Linebacking corps is talented and probably deeper than the front four. Five players return with starting experience, including leading tackler Corey McKeon, who totally filled in for graduated Husker legend (and school tackle record holder) Barret Ruud, who now plays on Sundays at Tampa. Barrett's younger brother Bo (All-Big 12, third in tackles last year) and last year's opening game injury victim Steve Octavian both return & duel for the spot at weakside, while Stew Bradley and Lance Bradenburgh return at SAM. Soph Phil Dillard backs up McKeon at Mike. Fox says 9, I say 10 here too. Any team in the nation would like to have our top six.
The secondary is the only real weakness on the D; fortunately, all the pressure the front seven exert should ovecome any deficiency in this area. The season-ending ACL injury to CB Zac Bowman was devastating; juco transfer Andre Jones has good size and is tremendously fast, but really has to step it up right away. Vertically challenged but tough, Courtney Grixby returns at the other CB while last year's starting CB Tierre Green (Ahman's cousin) moves to SS and Andrew Shanle takes over at FS. Titus Brothers plays nickel when 3 CBs are needed on the field. These guys are all uber-fast, but the jury's not yet out on the group, and depth has to be a huge concern. Another injury would be catastrophic. Fox says 6.5, I'll say 6 with the potential to be an 8 if the young guys develop quickly.
Special teams: Grixby and WR Terrence Nunn made big strides last year on punt returns, and Tierre Green and possible starting RB Marlon Lucky, both high octane blazers, returned kick-offs last year, so all should be in place for a great return game. Highly accurate Jordan Congdon handles the place-kicking duties and worked hard in the off season to extend his range, and has succeeded to the extent that he likely will kick-off, unlike last year, when uber-legged P Sam Koch handled those. The burning issue is how to replace Koch, the first punter taken in the NFL draft, and his 46 yard average. Dan Titchner and Tyler Kester duel for the duties, with the former having a slight edge for the job. Fox says 8 for special teams, I'll agree here too.
here's the article's take on the D:
"it's the defense that'll carry the Huskers to a big season. The front seven is loaded with talent, depth, and NFL prospects led by ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. Nebraska led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, and should be among the best in the nation"
I heartily agree, the press has been talking a lot about the West Coast offense, Zac Taylor and who gets to tote the rock, but the key this season is stopping the other guys. Coach Coz has some real talent on this side of the ball, and we should be among the leading D's in the nation.
The line should be tremendous, with Carriker being touted already for All-American honors. Talented pass-rusher Barry Turner and Zach Potter backup the starting ends, with Ola Dagunduro, Ndamukong Suh, Barry Cryer and Ty Steinkuhler rotating at tackle, all of whom may have NFL potential. Fox gives us a 10 rating here.
Linebacking corps is talented and probably deeper than the front four. Five players return with starting experience, including leading tackler Corey McKeon, who totally filled in for graduated Husker legend (and school tackle record holder) Barret Ruud, who now plays on Sundays at Tampa. Barrett's younger brother Bo (All-Big 12, third in tackles last year) and last year's opening game injury victim Steve Octavian both return & duel for the spot at weakside, while Stew Bradley and Lance Bradenburgh return at SAM. Soph Phil Dillard backs up McKeon at Mike. Fox says 9, I say 10 here too. Any team in the nation would like to have our top six.
The secondary is the only real weakness on the D; fortunately, all the pressure the front seven exert should ovecome any deficiency in this area. The season-ending ACL injury to CB Zac Bowman was devastating; juco transfer Andre Jones has good size and is tremendously fast, but really has to step it up right away. Vertically challenged but tough, Courtney Grixby returns at the other CB while last year's starting CB Tierre Green (Ahman's cousin) moves to SS and Andrew Shanle takes over at FS. Titus Brothers plays nickel when 3 CBs are needed on the field. These guys are all uber-fast, but the jury's not yet out on the group, and depth has to be a huge concern. Another injury would be catastrophic. Fox says 6.5, I'll say 6 with the potential to be an 8 if the young guys develop quickly.
Special teams: Grixby and WR Terrence Nunn made big strides last year on punt returns, and Tierre Green and possible starting RB Marlon Lucky, both high octane blazers, returned kick-offs last year, so all should be in place for a great return game. Highly accurate Jordan Congdon handles the place-kicking duties and worked hard in the off season to extend his range, and has succeeded to the extent that he likely will kick-off, unlike last year, when uber-legged P Sam Koch handled those. The burning issue is how to replace Koch, the first punter taken in the NFL draft, and his 46 yard average. Dan Titchner and Tyler Kester duel for the duties, with the former having a slight edge for the job. Fox says 8 for special teams, I'll agree here too.
Cuban journalists
Michelle Malkin voices support for jailed Cuban journalists, some of whom have been imprisoned in Fidel's worker paradise for three years.
"The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today called on the Cuban government to give unrestricted access to the country to foreign reporters and repeated its request for the release of 25 independent journalists imprisoned there since 2003." More here.
While I've never heard of this organization before, anyone supporting press freedoms in Cuba certainly has to be counted among the good guys. Too bad Western journalists don't say much on subjects like this.
"The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today called on the Cuban government to give unrestricted access to the country to foreign reporters and repeated its request for the release of 25 independent journalists imprisoned there since 2003." More here.
While I've never heard of this organization before, anyone supporting press freedoms in Cuba certainly has to be counted among the good guys. Too bad Western journalists don't say much on subjects like this.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Pluto, a Planet
via Space.com
Well, the definition of planet has been announced and of course, there is some controversy. The definition laid out somewhat like what I envisioned, where something with enough mass that gravity causes a spheroid shape (hydrostatic equilibrium) and is in orbit around a star without being a star or a satellite, is a planet. The definition only addresses the delineation between planets and what are now referred to as "small Solar System bodies", the old term "minor planets" used to describe objects not a part of the old nine planets, is now being declared a defunct term.
"Our goal was to find a scientific basis for a new definition of planet and we chose gravity as the determining factor," said Richard Binzel, an MIT planetary scientist who was part of a seven-member IAU committee that hashed out the proposal. "Nature decides whether or not an object is a planet."
The big issue for some is in the details, for example, Charon, formerly Pluto's moon, is round and defined as a planet because the two objects orbit a point in space (i.e., the two objects center of gravity) outside the surface of the larger object, Pluto -- so Pluto and Charon are actually a binary planet, both orbiting the Sun. Interestingly enough, if Plutos two other moons (Hydra and Nyx) were large enough to be spheroid (they just might be, depending on their composition, see more below), they would also be planets.
The asteroid Ceres regains its 19th century planetary status as the fifth planet because it meets the criteria, although the adjective "dwarf" is also suggested to use in reference to it. Pluto and Charon are also dwarfs, and also "Plutons", meaning a planet outside the orbit of Neptune. UB313 ("Xena"), bigger than Pluto, also qualifies, although discover Mike Brown of Caltech (homepage here) doesn't like the idea too much, particularly since worlds made of ice rather than rock wouldn't necessarily need to be much bigger than 400 km (being less dense) to become spherical, making possibly as many as 80 objects qualify.
"It's flattering to be considered discoverer of the 12th planet," Brown said in a telephone interview. He applauded the committee's efforts but said the overall proposal is "a complete mess." By his count, the definition means there are already 53 known planets in our solar system with countless more to be discovered."
Brown would also be the discover of several other planets as well, having found a number (five if I count correctly, but maybe as many as fifteen if any small icy KBO dwarf plutinos wind up qualifying) of the largest Kuiper Belt objects outside the orbit of Neptune. In addition, Ceres might not be the only asteroid that makes the "dwarf" planet cut. Currently there are a dozen other planets being considered in the asteroid belt and Kuiper Belt.
"And if astronomers determine that asteroids Pallas, Vesta, and Hygeia are also round, "they will also have to be considered planets," said Owen Gingerich, an historian and astronomer emeritus at Harvard who led the committee. The IAU proposal suggests (but does not require) that these be called dwarf planets. "
In addition to the three asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, you have the larger KBO objects Ixion, Varuna, Quaoar, Orcus, Sedna, and the officially unnamed objects 2002 AW197, 2002 TX 300, 2005 FY9, and 2003 EL61 being considered by the IAU as "candidate planets" as a part of the current proposal. Several other objects would appear to have been at least neglected so far, Brown has a list here of other possibles after some discussion at the top about the new definition and some new solar maps (new one is very busy, heh). Looks like the IAU was looking at object thought to be over 750 km, but missed 2002 UX25. Another four come in at just under that, from around 700-740 km.
Well, the definition of planet has been announced and of course, there is some controversy. The definition laid out somewhat like what I envisioned, where something with enough mass that gravity causes a spheroid shape (hydrostatic equilibrium) and is in orbit around a star without being a star or a satellite, is a planet. The definition only addresses the delineation between planets and what are now referred to as "small Solar System bodies", the old term "minor planets" used to describe objects not a part of the old nine planets, is now being declared a defunct term.
"Our goal was to find a scientific basis for a new definition of planet and we chose gravity as the determining factor," said Richard Binzel, an MIT planetary scientist who was part of a seven-member IAU committee that hashed out the proposal. "Nature decides whether or not an object is a planet."
The big issue for some is in the details, for example, Charon, formerly Pluto's moon, is round and defined as a planet because the two objects orbit a point in space (i.e., the two objects center of gravity) outside the surface of the larger object, Pluto -- so Pluto and Charon are actually a binary planet, both orbiting the Sun. Interestingly enough, if Plutos two other moons (Hydra and Nyx) were large enough to be spheroid (they just might be, depending on their composition, see more below), they would also be planets.
The asteroid Ceres regains its 19th century planetary status as the fifth planet because it meets the criteria, although the adjective "dwarf" is also suggested to use in reference to it. Pluto and Charon are also dwarfs, and also "Plutons", meaning a planet outside the orbit of Neptune. UB313 ("Xena"), bigger than Pluto, also qualifies, although discover Mike Brown of Caltech (homepage here) doesn't like the idea too much, particularly since worlds made of ice rather than rock wouldn't necessarily need to be much bigger than 400 km (being less dense) to become spherical, making possibly as many as 80 objects qualify.
"It's flattering to be considered discoverer of the 12th planet," Brown said in a telephone interview. He applauded the committee's efforts but said the overall proposal is "a complete mess." By his count, the definition means there are already 53 known planets in our solar system with countless more to be discovered."
Brown would also be the discover of several other planets as well, having found a number (five if I count correctly, but maybe as many as fifteen if any small icy KBO dwarf plutinos wind up qualifying) of the largest Kuiper Belt objects outside the orbit of Neptune. In addition, Ceres might not be the only asteroid that makes the "dwarf" planet cut. Currently there are a dozen other planets being considered in the asteroid belt and Kuiper Belt.
"And if astronomers determine that asteroids Pallas, Vesta, and Hygeia are also round, "they will also have to be considered planets," said Owen Gingerich, an historian and astronomer emeritus at Harvard who led the committee. The IAU proposal suggests (but does not require) that these be called dwarf planets. "
In addition to the three asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, you have the larger KBO objects Ixion, Varuna, Quaoar, Orcus, Sedna, and the officially unnamed objects 2002 AW197, 2002 TX 300, 2005 FY9, and 2003 EL61 being considered by the IAU as "candidate planets" as a part of the current proposal. Several other objects would appear to have been at least neglected so far, Brown has a list here of other possibles after some discussion at the top about the new definition and some new solar maps (new one is very busy, heh). Looks like the IAU was looking at object thought to be over 750 km, but missed 2002 UX25. Another four come in at just under that, from around 700-740 km.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Husker BB
Coach Doc Sadler scores big -- Maric is returning to Lincoln for his junior year.
"A face to face meeting with new NU basketball coach Doc Sadler has caused Aleks Maric to have a change of heart. Maric said late Monday evening from Sydney, Australia, that he will return to the Nebraska men’s basketball program for his junior season."
Maric was Honorable-Mention All-Big 12, and is the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder, as well as being the only man on the roster taller than 6'9. Maric withdrew from the NBA draft and was contemplating either transferring or playing in Europe professionally.
UPDATE: Sadler also convinces guard Jamel White to stay at the U. Story via OWH here.
"A face to face meeting with new NU basketball coach Doc Sadler has caused Aleks Maric to have a change of heart. Maric said late Monday evening from Sydney, Australia, that he will return to the Nebraska men’s basketball program for his junior season."
Maric was Honorable-Mention All-Big 12, and is the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder, as well as being the only man on the roster taller than 6'9. Maric withdrew from the NBA draft and was contemplating either transferring or playing in Europe professionally.
UPDATE: Sadler also convinces guard Jamel White to stay at the U. Story via OWH here.
Congressman Lee Terry and Earmarking
I was tipped onto this by CQ, I also see Glenn Reynolds, Club for Growth, and several others have jumped on the bandwagon, asking for a little daylight from the House on earmarking in appropriations bills.
I just sent an email to Congressman Terry asking if he had anything to do with the earmarks in the Labor-HHS bill pending in the House. The following list below are the projects listed within Nebraska's 2nd District. The only one I could possibly support without more info is the Bioterror Response Center -- but I had no idea Creighton even had one, and I'd really like to know more details about the project and what the money would be used for before I agreed it would be a valid use. UMC earmark might be justified, but again, ALOT more info would have to be forthcoming. The one I really have an issue with is the Dental Science building. Why in God's green earth should the Feds have to chip in for the Creighton Dental building?
$300,000.00 Omaha NE
Gallup International Research and Education Center, for curriculum development of entrepreneurship centers in Lincoln and Norfolk
$250,000.00 Omaha NE
University of Nebraska Medical Center for equipment and facilities
$250,000.00 Omaha NE
Creighton University, for facilities and equipment for the Boyne School of Dental Science building
$250,000.00 Omaha NE
Creighton University, for facilities and equipment for the Center for Bioterrorism Response
There is a lot more listed for our fair state as well -- but as this is the House, and I'm not in those districts it might be difficult to get a response. Anyway, here they are:
1st District (Fortenberry): Not sure about where the 1st and 3rd border is, I think I have things right below--
$400,000.00 Lincoln NE
Nebraska Hospital Association for the Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network
$400,000.00 Lincoln NE
Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association for data collection and evaluation
$150,000.00 Lincoln NE
Nebraska Wesleyan University for forensic science programs, including equipment
$400,000.00 Peru NE
Peru State College for the Adopt A High School Program
$250,000.00 South Sioux City NE
Boys and Girls Home of Nebraska Inc., for facilities and equipment for the Children's Residential Treatment Center
3rd District (Osbourne):
$125,000.00 O'Neill NE
Avera St. Anthony Hospital for electronic health record interoperability
$225,000.00 Scottsbluff NE
Western Nebraska Community College for the Entrepreneurship Center to serve Scottsbluff and Gering schools
$70,000.00 Chadron NE
Chadron State College, NE for student recruitment and retention
Coach comes off looking a little better than your average NE congressman -- or worse, depending on your point of view I guess.
I just sent an email to Congressman Terry asking if he had anything to do with the earmarks in the Labor-HHS bill pending in the House. The following list below are the projects listed within Nebraska's 2nd District. The only one I could possibly support without more info is the Bioterror Response Center -- but I had no idea Creighton even had one, and I'd really like to know more details about the project and what the money would be used for before I agreed it would be a valid use. UMC earmark might be justified, but again, ALOT more info would have to be forthcoming. The one I really have an issue with is the Dental Science building. Why in God's green earth should the Feds have to chip in for the Creighton Dental building?
$300,000.00 Omaha NE
Gallup International Research and Education Center, for curriculum development of entrepreneurship centers in Lincoln and Norfolk
$250,000.00 Omaha NE
University of Nebraska Medical Center for equipment and facilities
$250,000.00 Omaha NE
Creighton University, for facilities and equipment for the Boyne School of Dental Science building
$250,000.00 Omaha NE
Creighton University, for facilities and equipment for the Center for Bioterrorism Response
There is a lot more listed for our fair state as well -- but as this is the House, and I'm not in those districts it might be difficult to get a response. Anyway, here they are:
1st District (Fortenberry): Not sure about where the 1st and 3rd border is, I think I have things right below--
$400,000.00 Lincoln NE
Nebraska Hospital Association for the Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network
$400,000.00 Lincoln NE
Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association for data collection and evaluation
$150,000.00 Lincoln NE
Nebraska Wesleyan University for forensic science programs, including equipment
$400,000.00 Peru NE
Peru State College for the Adopt A High School Program
$250,000.00 South Sioux City NE
Boys and Girls Home of Nebraska Inc., for facilities and equipment for the Children's Residential Treatment Center
3rd District (Osbourne):
$125,000.00 O'Neill NE
Avera St. Anthony Hospital for electronic health record interoperability
$225,000.00 Scottsbluff NE
Western Nebraska Community College for the Entrepreneurship Center to serve Scottsbluff and Gering schools
$70,000.00 Chadron NE
Chadron State College, NE for student recruitment and retention
Coach comes off looking a little better than your average NE congressman -- or worse, depending on your point of view I guess.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Pluto -- Planet or not?
The IAU, or International Astronomical Union, is about to release its long awaited planet definition on Wednesday, with voting by member astronomers the next day. At stake primarily is the status of the current planet Pluto, as well as other Kuiper Belt Objects like 2003 UB313. After a year's debate, a seven member committee was formed to create the definition.
"Yes, it is very clear within what will be released … [Pluto] is very specifically in or out," said Richard Binzel, an MIT planetary scientist on a seven-person committee that developed the definition.
"I think we have come up with a very reasonable definition that in the end will be widely adopted," Binzel said by telephone from Prague today. "And we will move forward. I think all will agree that it's time to move forward."
It has been suggested that the definiton actually defines planets into three subtypes -- terrestrial/rocky (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars), gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) and icy dwarfs (Pluto, UB313/Xena, and perhaps as many as a dozen or more others).
Personally, I like the idea, if it comes to pass. If it has enough gravity to form into a round shape, and it is orbiting a star, then I think it should be a planet. Mercury and Jupiter really don't have that much in common, no more so than Pluto and Jupiter do. One strike against Pluto is an eccentric orbit, but it doesn't appear that unusual if you also take into account extra-solar planetary systems.
Historically, the asteroid Ceres was considered a planet for a number of years, so if the new definition fits it (at under 1000 km, it's about as small as you can get and still be round) or some other objects, I don't have a problem with it. From what I can gather there are about 9 or 10 KBOs that are around 900 km in diameter or larger, not including Pluto (2300 km) and its satellite Charon (1200 km). Call them icy dwarfs and end the controversy, I say.
"Yes, it is very clear within what will be released … [Pluto] is very specifically in or out," said Richard Binzel, an MIT planetary scientist on a seven-person committee that developed the definition.
"I think we have come up with a very reasonable definition that in the end will be widely adopted," Binzel said by telephone from Prague today. "And we will move forward. I think all will agree that it's time to move forward."
It has been suggested that the definiton actually defines planets into three subtypes -- terrestrial/rocky (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars), gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) and icy dwarfs (Pluto, UB313/Xena, and perhaps as many as a dozen or more others).
Personally, I like the idea, if it comes to pass. If it has enough gravity to form into a round shape, and it is orbiting a star, then I think it should be a planet. Mercury and Jupiter really don't have that much in common, no more so than Pluto and Jupiter do. One strike against Pluto is an eccentric orbit, but it doesn't appear that unusual if you also take into account extra-solar planetary systems.
Historically, the asteroid Ceres was considered a planet for a number of years, so if the new definition fits it (at under 1000 km, it's about as small as you can get and still be round) or some other objects, I don't have a problem with it. From what I can gather there are about 9 or 10 KBOs that are around 900 km in diameter or larger, not including Pluto (2300 km) and its satellite Charon (1200 km). Call them icy dwarfs and end the controversy, I say.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Husker FB
Since I mentioned Husker basketball, I probably should go to football. While I am excited by this year's prospects, I'll note that it is only due to the last couple of season's mediocrity.
In truth, I have not been the biggest Bill Callahan fan to date -- probably less to do with him than how the firing of Frank Solich was handled, or rather mishandled, by AD Steve Pederson, although I could blame Coach C for the rather stiff way he dismissed some of the assistant coaches. That Turner Gill stuck around the first year is probably more a testiment to him, and his loyalty to the school, than to Callahan. Enough history.
We have nine starters returning from an 8-4 team on both sides of the ball, are favored to win the Big 12 North, and the pre-season ratings I have seen are predicting a 9-3 season. I'm going out on a limb here, but I don't think that is good enough -- I want 11-1 or 10-2, minimum. I know we are playing USC and Texas this year, but we have to be able to beat those kind of teams with regularity if we are going to return to the glory days. I think we could ambush USC on Sep. 16, and will be very disappointed if we don't at least make it a tight game.
Moreover, we have to beat the teams we should, and not lose to perennial lightweights like Missouri or Kansas except the once in a generation when they have an exceptional year. The program likens itself to USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio State, etc. and has to have those kind of expectations. Beating a underachieving Michigan squad in a second (third?) tier bowl game was nice (going to a bowl game was nice, too) but we have a group that I think should contend for a top ten national ranking this year.
I hope they make the cut to contend with the teams of the past, but in my mind, the jury is still out on this coaching staff. Much will ride on the defense, they had better be as good as advertised, and I don't want to see the kind of breakdowns that happened last year. Zac Taylor has got to stay healthy and set a new school passing record for TDs, and the running game had better find a way to repeat the success they had in the bowl game, consistently throughout the season, and particularly in the red zone. I'll say a lot more when I see a depth chart and the season approaches.
In truth, I have not been the biggest Bill Callahan fan to date -- probably less to do with him than how the firing of Frank Solich was handled, or rather mishandled, by AD Steve Pederson, although I could blame Coach C for the rather stiff way he dismissed some of the assistant coaches. That Turner Gill stuck around the first year is probably more a testiment to him, and his loyalty to the school, than to Callahan. Enough history.
We have nine starters returning from an 8-4 team on both sides of the ball, are favored to win the Big 12 North, and the pre-season ratings I have seen are predicting a 9-3 season. I'm going out on a limb here, but I don't think that is good enough -- I want 11-1 or 10-2, minimum. I know we are playing USC and Texas this year, but we have to be able to beat those kind of teams with regularity if we are going to return to the glory days. I think we could ambush USC on Sep. 16, and will be very disappointed if we don't at least make it a tight game.
Moreover, we have to beat the teams we should, and not lose to perennial lightweights like Missouri or Kansas except the once in a generation when they have an exceptional year. The program likens itself to USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio State, etc. and has to have those kind of expectations. Beating a underachieving Michigan squad in a second (third?) tier bowl game was nice (going to a bowl game was nice, too) but we have a group that I think should contend for a top ten national ranking this year.
I hope they make the cut to contend with the teams of the past, but in my mind, the jury is still out on this coaching staff. Much will ride on the defense, they had better be as good as advertised, and I don't want to see the kind of breakdowns that happened last year. Zac Taylor has got to stay healthy and set a new school passing record for TDs, and the running game had better find a way to repeat the success they had in the bowl game, consistently throughout the season, and particularly in the red zone. I'll say a lot more when I see a depth chart and the season approaches.
Huskers new BB Coach
I probably should have menmtioned this earlier, but Nebraska just signed a new basketball coach, Doc Sadler, formerly of UTEP, where he had a 48-18 record over 2 years. Sadler met with fans in Lincoln and Omaha this week, and has achieved something former coach Barry Collier may never had: a discernable buzz about Husker hoops. Sadler indicated that he intends to run and gun and play defense "baseline to baseline" which certainly makes him a different breed than Collier's "go it slow" approach.
Unfortunately, it appears that center Aleks Maric is not returning to the U, a huge loss as he was the only center on the squad. Maric intends to either transfer or play pro in Europe. Maric had originally intended to stay despite the departure of Scott Spinelli, the man who recruited him, to Wichita State, but with Collier's return to his alma mater Butler as athletic director, Maric changed his mind. No word yet on whether or not Sadler intends on bringing in new assistants, but one would think so.
Unfortunately, it appears that center Aleks Maric is not returning to the U, a huge loss as he was the only center on the squad. Maric intends to either transfer or play pro in Europe. Maric had originally intended to stay despite the departure of Scott Spinelli, the man who recruited him, to Wichita State, but with Collier's return to his alma mater Butler as athletic director, Maric changed his mind. No word yet on whether or not Sadler intends on bringing in new assistants, but one would think so.
NE Senate Race
First debate between the Senate candidates is being held today in Lincoln's Cornhusker Hotel. While not open to the public, there are opportunities to listen in, as follows:
"people will have opportunities to hear the debate on TV, radio or the Internet, including a link to a live broadcast via The World-Herald's Web site Omaha.com.
The debate also will air live on NET radio and TV station NET2. Both stations broadcast statewide. A taped broadcast will air at 7:30 p.m. Saturday on NET1."
I would be greatly interested in reading a transcipt if it becomes available.
"people will have opportunities to hear the debate on TV, radio or the Internet, including a link to a live broadcast via The World-Herald's Web site Omaha.com.
The debate also will air live on NET radio and TV station NET2. Both stations broadcast statewide. A taped broadcast will air at 7:30 p.m. Saturday on NET1."
I would be greatly interested in reading a transcipt if it becomes available.
Iraq Mission
via OWH.
My old unit, the 1/167 CAV, is in the news today. 360 Nebraskans are serving at Camp Anaconda ,the largest logistical base in Iraq, serving as both base and convoy security.
"Although the base is known to soldiers for its amenities, it's also known by an ominous nickname, "Mortaritaville."
Lt. Col. Martin Apprich, commander of the Nebraska Guard's 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry, reported on his troops and the mission they face during a conference call today from his headquarters at the base 30 miles north of Baghdad.
"We operate in a hazardous environment," Apprich said. "But we honestly believe in what we are doing over here"
The CO says that they are mortared about twice a day, but have only suffered minor injuries in the 5 months they have been in operations there. He also noted that the temp was 117 degrees that day. They are scheduled to be relieved in another 7 months, but are "buoyed" by the support from the home front.
Good luck, fellas, and thanks so much for your duty and sacrifice.
My old unit, the 1/167 CAV, is in the news today. 360 Nebraskans are serving at Camp Anaconda ,the largest logistical base in Iraq, serving as both base and convoy security.
"Although the base is known to soldiers for its amenities, it's also known by an ominous nickname, "Mortaritaville."
Lt. Col. Martin Apprich, commander of the Nebraska Guard's 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry, reported on his troops and the mission they face during a conference call today from his headquarters at the base 30 miles north of Baghdad.
"We operate in a hazardous environment," Apprich said. "But we honestly believe in what we are doing over here"
The CO says that they are mortared about twice a day, but have only suffered minor injuries in the 5 months they have been in operations there. He also noted that the temp was 117 degrees that day. They are scheduled to be relieved in another 7 months, but are "buoyed" by the support from the home front.
Good luck, fellas, and thanks so much for your duty and sacrifice.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Shuttle Mission
Atlantis continues to prep, with a practice countdown today. STS-115 promises to be among the most challenging shuttle missions to date, particluarly with regard to a tight timeline.
"With three planned spacewalks - two of them back-to-back - alongside shuttle heat shield inspections and the deployment of new solar panels outside the ISS, Atlantis' 11-day mission promises to be a challenging one for its astronaut crew. ...NASA managers have called the STS-115 mission the most challenging to date for the shuttle program, though subsequent flights are expected to only increase in complexity."
Atlantis will deliver a 17 ton segment to the space station, along with a new set of solar arrays to provide power to the ISS. Liftoff is scheduled for Aug. 27.
"With three planned spacewalks - two of them back-to-back - alongside shuttle heat shield inspections and the deployment of new solar panels outside the ISS, Atlantis' 11-day mission promises to be a challenging one for its astronaut crew. ...NASA managers have called the STS-115 mission the most challenging to date for the shuttle program, though subsequent flights are expected to only increase in complexity."
Atlantis will deliver a 17 ton segment to the space station, along with a new set of solar arrays to provide power to the ISS. Liftoff is scheduled for Aug. 27.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Greg Gutfeld
Greg has a hilarious post on what the left fears. To sum it up, everything.
among my favorites:
"Fear of all forms of energy except for the ones that don't work"
"Fear of all country singers except for the ones that hate Bush"
"Fear of free speech when it mocks your beliefs.
Fear of free speech when it speaks back to you.
Fear of free speech when it comes from Christians.
Fear of free speech when it comes from me.
Fear that your definition of free speech - that only you get to be heard-- won't fly with us Wal-mart shoppers."
"Fear of school vouchers. Fear that school vouchers will enable poor minority children to attend your children's private schools"
and...
"Fear that you hate the right for the same reason you hate your dad because you know that he is right and that you are a loser and you will always be a loser and that you are sabotaging your life and those of everyone around you because that makes you that angry."
the man is 'effin talented, to be sure. He just nails it.
among my favorites:
"Fear of all forms of energy except for the ones that don't work"
"Fear of all country singers except for the ones that hate Bush"
"Fear of free speech when it mocks your beliefs.
Fear of free speech when it speaks back to you.
Fear of free speech when it comes from Christians.
Fear of free speech when it comes from me.
Fear that your definition of free speech - that only you get to be heard-- won't fly with us Wal-mart shoppers."
"Fear of school vouchers. Fear that school vouchers will enable poor minority children to attend your children's private schools"
and...
"Fear that you hate the right for the same reason you hate your dad because you know that he is right and that you are a loser and you will always be a loser and that you are sabotaging your life and those of everyone around you because that makes you that angry."
the man is 'effin talented, to be sure. He just nails it.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Space News
ISS crew made a spacewalk today to replace broken equipment in preparation for the next two shuttle missions dedicated to adding on to the station. Atlantis heads to the ISS sometime between Aug 27 and Sept 7 to delver solar arrays, and Discovery will head there in December as well. NASA plans at least 16 missions to the ISS before the shuttle fleet retires in 2010.
Club for Growth Ratings
CFG has released its 2005 Congressional Scorecard, rating the members of Congress on their support of pro-growth economic policies.
" a comprehensive examination of each lawmaker's record on pro-growth policies and computed an Economic Growth Score on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 100 indicates the highest support for pro-growth policies."
The Nebraska and Iowa delegations don't score all that well. For the Senators, Chuck Hagel, despite the crazy foreign-policy rhetoric, scores an impressive 99 and was ranked #4 among US Senators (3 Senators tied with a perfect 100, so he is effectively 2nd). Ben Nelson scored a 35, while Iowa had Chuck Grassley score an 84 and Tom Harkin scored a perfectly dismal 0, tied for last place.
Among the Congressmen, Lee Terry (NE-2) scored a not so bad 78 and ranked #62, with Fortenberry and Osbourne both at an uninspiring 53. Not terribly impressive, but Iowa's was even worse, Boswell had an 11, Leach a 21, Latham was at 48, and Nussle a 55. Only Steve King had a good score, with a 93, putting him in the top 25 of all members.
" a comprehensive examination of each lawmaker's record on pro-growth policies and computed an Economic Growth Score on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 100 indicates the highest support for pro-growth policies."
The Nebraska and Iowa delegations don't score all that well. For the Senators, Chuck Hagel, despite the crazy foreign-policy rhetoric, scores an impressive 99 and was ranked #4 among US Senators (3 Senators tied with a perfect 100, so he is effectively 2nd). Ben Nelson scored a 35, while Iowa had Chuck Grassley score an 84 and Tom Harkin scored a perfectly dismal 0, tied for last place.
Among the Congressmen, Lee Terry (NE-2) scored a not so bad 78 and ranked #62, with Fortenberry and Osbourne both at an uninspiring 53. Not terribly impressive, but Iowa's was even worse, Boswell had an 11, Leach a 21, Latham was at 48, and Nussle a 55. Only Steve King had a good score, with a 93, putting him in the top 25 of all members.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Castro ill
From the AP via OWH.
Castro apparently will undergo surgery and has "temporarily" handed over the Presidency of Cuba to Defense Minister and brother Raul, age 75.
"Castro said he would also temporarily delegate his duties as first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba to Raul, who turned 75 in June and who has been taking on a more public profile in recent weeks."
Of course, there is celebration in Miami, where Cuban expatriates hope for the dictator's death.
"The announcement drew cheering crowds in the streets in Miami. People waved Cuban flags on Little Havana's Calle Ocho, shouting "Cuba, Cuba, Cuba," hoping that the end is near for the man most of them consider to be a ruthless dictator. Many of them fled the communist island or have parents and grandparents who did."
One can only hope this thug finally expires. The fact that he is the longest ruling dictator on the planet only underscores this.
Castro apparently will undergo surgery and has "temporarily" handed over the Presidency of Cuba to Defense Minister and brother Raul, age 75.
"Castro said he would also temporarily delegate his duties as first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba to Raul, who turned 75 in June and who has been taking on a more public profile in recent weeks."
Of course, there is celebration in Miami, where Cuban expatriates hope for the dictator's death.
"The announcement drew cheering crowds in the streets in Miami. People waved Cuban flags on Little Havana's Calle Ocho, shouting "Cuba, Cuba, Cuba," hoping that the end is near for the man most of them consider to be a ruthless dictator. Many of them fled the communist island or have parents and grandparents who did."
One can only hope this thug finally expires. The fact that he is the longest ruling dictator on the planet only underscores this.
Space
Via Space.com
There may be an extra-solar planet in the habitable zone of the star 55 Cancri, 41 light-years from Earth. Computer modeling suggests it may be quite likely.
From the article:
"Our models show a habitable planet, a planet with mass, temperature and water content similar to Earth's, could have formed," said Rory Barnes, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona.
Barnes and colleagues ran several simulations of varying scenarios around four stars, each known to have at least two giant planets. They put moon-sized planetary embryos into the systems during their youth and allowed them to evolve for 100 million years."
I really should have considered U of Az when looking at colleges back in the day. Not only do thye have a lot of attractive women down there, they have extra-geeky space science labs. I'd be a perfect fit. Too bad we don't have a near-FTL capability are we could go find out whether or not it's the Klingon homeworld or the Vulcan one. Still really interesting news -- if even 5 % of stars with giant planets have a terrestial size planet, the galaxy could be chock-full of interesting living stuff, even critters and possibly Andorians. May have to go plug in some new Drake Equation numbers if I get a chance today.
There may be an extra-solar planet in the habitable zone of the star 55 Cancri, 41 light-years from Earth. Computer modeling suggests it may be quite likely.
From the article:
"Our models show a habitable planet, a planet with mass, temperature and water content similar to Earth's, could have formed," said Rory Barnes, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona.
Barnes and colleagues ran several simulations of varying scenarios around four stars, each known to have at least two giant planets. They put moon-sized planetary embryos into the systems during their youth and allowed them to evolve for 100 million years."
I really should have considered U of Az when looking at colleges back in the day. Not only do thye have a lot of attractive women down there, they have extra-geeky space science labs. I'd be a perfect fit. Too bad we don't have a near-FTL capability are we could go find out whether or not it's the Klingon homeworld or the Vulcan one. Still really interesting news -- if even 5 % of stars with giant planets have a terrestial size planet, the galaxy could be chock-full of interesting living stuff, even critters and possibly Andorians. May have to go plug in some new Drake Equation numbers if I get a chance today.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Baseball Standings
Well, the evil ones from Beantown continue to hold a slim 1 1/2 game lead over the Bonx nine, but we lead the wild-card by a razor thin 1/2 game over the current World Champ Chisox and the Twinkies, who both trail the crazy good Motor City guys by 8 1/2. Ouch! Oakland, Anaheim and Texas are neck & neck & neck in the West with Oakland 1/2 game up and Texas 2 back.
Over in the Senior circuit, the stupid Metropolitans continue to enjoy a HUGE 12 game lead over barely-breathing Atlanta, and the Cards have expanded their lead over Cincy to 4 1/2. The West is a dogpile, but the Dodgers 8 game skid may have left them out. SD, AZ (2 1/2), and SF (3) are all .500 or better, CO also appears to be fading a bit.
In fantasy land, my Yahoo squad continues to bash but with no pitching, I have little hope of getting up much further than my current 3rd. In the OH league, I have recovered a bit and lead the wild-card by a couple and trail the division leader by 2 as well. Pujols health is of prime concern, along with the mysterious group hot and cold starting pitching -- either they all get W's and quality starts or none of them do.
Over in the Senior circuit, the stupid Metropolitans continue to enjoy a HUGE 12 game lead over barely-breathing Atlanta, and the Cards have expanded their lead over Cincy to 4 1/2. The West is a dogpile, but the Dodgers 8 game skid may have left them out. SD, AZ (2 1/2), and SF (3) are all .500 or better, CO also appears to be fading a bit.
In fantasy land, my Yahoo squad continues to bash but with no pitching, I have little hope of getting up much further than my current 3rd. In the OH league, I have recovered a bit and lead the wild-card by a couple and trail the division leader by 2 as well. Pujols health is of prime concern, along with the mysterious group hot and cold starting pitching -- either they all get W's and quality starts or none of them do.
Porkbusting
Anti-tax and spending group Club for Growth has started a sign-up sheet asking for bloggers to monitor their congresscritters. They also included a handy-dandy ranking sheet showing how the congress voted on 19 pieces of legislative bacon. My Congressman, Lee Terry (NE-2, R) voted against ten, and for nine. Not very good, but not horrible. Imagine my surprise, then, that he was ranked the best out of NE's three districts. Fortenberry (NE-1, R) was an 0-fer, as was coach Tom (NE-3, R). Unbelievable that neither gentleman would vote against even one of these budget-busters. And I wonder why federal spending is thorugh the roof -- with R's like these, who needs D's. And Coach, it's quite hypocritical of you to criticize the governor in the primary for the state budget increasing 7 % with a record like this.
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