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nasa · 1 year

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What Makes the Artemis Moon Mission NASA's Next Leap Forward?

When NASA astronauts return to the Moon through Artemis, they will benefit from decades of innovation, research, and technological advancements. We’ll establish long-term lunar science and exploration capabilities at the Moon and inspire a new generation of explorers—the Artemis Generation.

Meet the Space Launch System rocket, or SLS. This next-generation super heavy-lift rocket was designed to send astronauts and their cargo farther into deep space than any rocket we’ve ever built. During liftoff, SLS will produce 8.8 million pounds (4 million kg) of maximum thrust, 15 percent more than the Saturn V rocket.

SLS will launch the Orion spacecraft into deep space. Orion is the only spacecraft capable of human deep space flight and high-speed return to Earth from the vicinity of the Moon. More than just a crew module, Orion has a launch abort system to keep astronauts safe if an emergency happens during launch, and a European-built service module, which is the powerhouse that fuels and propels Orion and keeps astronauts alive with water, oxygen, power, and temperature control.

Orion and SLS will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with help from Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) teams. EGS operates the systems and facilities necessary to process and launch rockets and spacecraft during assembly, transport, launch, and recovery.

The knowledge we've gained while operating the International Space Station has opened new opportunities for long-term exploration of the Moon's surface. Gateway, a vital component of our Artemis plans, is a Moon-orbiting space station that will serve as a staging post for human expeditions to the lunar surface. Crewed and uncrewed landers that dock to Gateway will be able to transport crew, cargo, and scientific equipment to the surface.

Our astronauts will need a place to live and work on the lunar surface. Artemis Base Camp, our first-ever lunar science base, will include a habitat that can house multiple astronauts and a camper van-style vehicle to support long-distance missions across the Moon’s surface. Apollo astronauts could only stay on the lunar surface for a short while. But as the Artemis base camp evolves, the goal is to allow crew to stay at the lunar surface for up to two months at a time.

The Apollo Program gave humanity its first experience traveling to a foreign world. Now, America and the world are ready for the next era of space exploration. NASA plans to send the first woman and first person of color to the lunar surface and inspire the next generation of explorers.

Our next adventure starts when SLS and Orion roar off the launch pad with Artemis I. Together with commercial and international partners, NASA will establish a long-term presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Everything we’ve learned, and everything we will discover, will prepare us to take the next giant leap: sending the first astronauts to Mars.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

#NASA #Artemis #Space Launch System #Moon #Orion #spaceblr #space #space exploration #tech #technology

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accord-vn · 7 months

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RSEC 3rd Gen "Janissary" AIU

The Janissary is the primary combat unit of the Republic of Stauros ExoCorps, the military force associated with Stauros's Department of the Exterior.

Pilots are selected through the prestigious Janissary program, wherein adolescents who fit the necessary criteria are chosen to become career soldiers. The crux of the program relies on teaching pilots to effectively utilize ext-SYN/TRA, a crude yet minimally invasive application of Stauros's synaptic transfer protocol. While more advanced applications of SYN/TRA are afforded to elites within the program, because of the inherent risks involved in its use and the fact that only an estimated 3% of humans have sufficient bio-compatibility, it does not see widespread use.

As the military arm of the Department of the Exterior, the ExoCorps's primary aim is to secure national interests regarding extraplanetary resources, transport, and exploration, which extends to maintaining Stauros's monopoly on space travel. Because of this, Janissaries are designed to be capable of combat both in and out of atmosphere.

Their propulsion is fueled by a single Tokamak reactor, which heats air for a jet engine within atmosphere and vents plasma outside of atmosphere. Because of this, leaving atmosphere unaided significantly reduces the life of the combat units, reinforcing their role as being primarily planetary forces.

Art is a WIP sketch by @himecommunism

#mecha #mecha art #scifi #accord #visual novel

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cursedcola · 2 years

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Synopsis: After attending NRC, our beloved characters suddenly find themselves transported to your world! The thing is, they have no idea where you are and have to make a life for themselves in the meantime. How would they adapt to life on earth? Characters: Everyone! Mix of Sentient AU! and Modern AU! Warnings: None lol. This is for my own enjoyment. Part(s): Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, Octavinelle, Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde, and Diasmonia You are here!: Ignihyde

Note: Spoilers for Idia’s background.

Nothing could have prepared the students of NRC for what lied beyond the mirror. A world unlike any of them ever known with magic being virtually non-existent ( or so it appears to the general public). With nothing but the clothes on their backs, falsified basic identification, personal items, and the small bits of knowledge gathered from your vessel Yuu; these young adults have one mission-find the player and stay out of prison. It was time to split up, cover as much ground as possible, and make a life in this unknown world.

Let us see how these fresh minds conform to life on earth, yes?

Ignihyde Residence: Greece!

(I have an obvious bias for this as it is my heritage. No, I don't feel bad about it)

Idia Shroud

Residence: Lipsi, Greece

Owns multiple small properties across the Greek islands. He has a preference for the locations with less tourism and more agricultural life.

Hence why his favorite place to stay is in Lipsi. A small island where at most he has the comfort of seeing the same faces every week when grabbing groceries. His diet has also improved immensely from all the locally produced goods. Well, disregarding all the junk food he sources on his own.

On the island, Idia owns a small "farmhouse" that he built himself. To the average person, it blends in perfectly with the rest of the local homes. He's buried himself deep into the island as well, so his home cannot be found by tourists. No, you physically have to go looking for it.

The outside has the traditional blue and white exterior, but inside? Decked out with the most advanced technological gear. Do NOT underestimate this man's ability to get what he needs. He has his own WIFI service up and running. Everything from the Heating/Cooling system to the stairs that automatically fold inward (to save space) were built and programmed by him. Even his trashcan!

Secluded Island? Check. Best tech? Check. Ortho is happy? Checkaroo. Idia has everything he needs to survive happily.

His house is not the tidiest though. It's not like anyone ever visits him, but still. What if you appear at his door one day? Sucks to suck, because you will be walking over so much sand that he has dragged in yet not cleaned. Also energy drinks, clothes, etc. It's horrible. One time one of the local Yiayia's came to deliver him some baked bread and spanokopita. He nearly had a heart attack when she saw the hovel known as his home and started to lecture him as if he was her own grandson

Something he learned to deal with over time. Ortho was not kidding when he said that Greece values community

Idia wasn't on board with going to Greece in the beginning. Heat? Beaches? Community? Pah. Why couldn't he be placed somewhere more westernized, where he could hide away in a high-rise building somewhere and never come out. If anyone should be surrounded by saltwater it should be the Octavinelle trio - not him!

Which...is exactly why Idia was sent to Greece. Ortho thought this would be the perfect opportunity for his big brother to get out of his shell, and the internet shows that countries in the Mediterranean are highly community oriented! Idia wouldn't be caught dead dancing zorba at a festival or having wine with the local theos and theas as they gossip. But? Perhaps seeing him do his work on the terrace while sipping frappe isn't far out of reach?

Occupation: Software Developer

There is another reason Idia agreed to go to Greece. Out of everyone, he is the best suited to do remote work. The nitty gritty of trying to use technology to locate you. Things that could get him put in jail if caught for privacy violations and data theft. To do this he needs absolute privacy.

He tries to make things quick and track the phone you used to play Twisted Wonderland with. Sadly, life is not that easy and your data is unreachable. Almost like some unspoken force (me. the one writing this) is keeping him from reaching his goal for the sake of their entertainment

There is also the matter of his and Ortho's...'special' features. Crowded places likely will not accept someone with flames for hair. Even if he passes it off as cosplay, what if something is set on fire? Or an idiot tries to touch his hair thinking it is fake? He could be denied access to facilities in highly populated places from the risk. It simply isn't worth it. Not when he can go somewhere tucked away and still be helpful.

Idia blows all tech gurus on earth away. He becomes one of the most sought after hackers, and no one is able to trace his location. To make a living, he only does short-term contract work. He only communicates through warped audio and no one knows of his identity. In all honesty, he becomes filthy rich from the amount of employers throwing contracts at him despite his strict terms. The hush-hush market is strong with this one.

When he first moved into his "farmhouse," he planned on doing his job and never socializing. Food can be ordered in bulk online, and he could pay off one of the locals to leave the packages at his doorstep. He wanted Ortho to stay home with him as well, since the chances of villagers running away and screaming in terror were high. Then the island church would likely get involved and y'know...evil demons yada yada yada because they have pointy teeth and can use their hair to roast a lamb. He watched The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Froyo man convinced him that everyone is close minded.

This does not work out. At all. Unfortunately, people become curious about the new residents that never seem to leave their secluded house to greet their neighbors. It's unheard of! Then they begin to talk, the local children grow curious, and Ortho gets spotted while he's tending to the goat he insisted on keeping as a pet

Surprisingly, they aren't outcasted. The people just view their hair as a weird costume, and label the brothers as interesting foreigners. It's the 21st century, and it takes more than that to frighten someone here. Not the worst outcome? And now they can go walk around the outdoor shops (I.E Ortho drags Idia)

Idia doesn't know when it exactly happened, but he became the island's handy man. It might have been when he installed security cameras for one of the local shops? Anyways, he is always getting requests and accepting them since Ortho insists on being a good neighbor. Yadayada ‘they welcomed us with open arms’ yadayada ‘we have to play nice’ yadayada

Deep down, Idia has begun to like this way of life. He gets is peace, and the people aren't too bad. He becomes a favorite of the elders and is always being sent home with baskets of food whenever he steps into town. It's nice...in moderation

He still dresses very conservatively despite the hot weather, which normally earns him a resounding "what's the matter with you? are you crazy?". He has a large collection of turtle necks, gaming t-shirts, blue jeans, and a singular pair of worn out sneakers. On rare occasions he'll swap the sneakers for sandals (like Birkenstocks) , but that's only if Ortho drags him to walk the coast at night. One of the blacksmiths in the area welds him a metal hairband; which is concerning because don't they think his hair is a costume? He uses it regardless and occasionally ties his hair back.

While living in your world, he takes the opportunity to play all the games you might have experienced growing up. He sources all of the retro systems in attempt to try things that aren't similar to what he sees back in Twisted Wonderland. At one point he notices Ortho start to invite his new friends over. He actually doesn't mind since his brother is beginning to adjust to this new way of living, and he has an entire collection of consoles, board games, etc for them to choose from when hanging out in his home.

It’s easy being in your world. Magicless. It’s boring, but with no magical energy to eat at then his curse is essentially null. Believe it, he has spent so many nights trying to use his magestone with out any luck. Everyone here is equal (at least in being human y’know. No one can fly on a broom) - a normie. He is a normie.

And it’s not as bad as he thought it would be. It’s dull but no one has expectations of him. He can do whatever he wants whenever he wants.

He wonders if things could have different if he was born here. If Ortho…yeah. It’s better that he doesn’t let the thoughts linger or else jealousy might overcome his need to see you. What matters is that his brother has never looked happier than on earth. It’s almost like the boy has found his own family and place (sparking another tinge of jealousy in his older brother)

Over time he becomes less desperate to get off the “forsaken saltwater hell,” and instead hopes that you might be open to letting himself and Ortho stay on earth. With you. As a family.

But not like one of those sickeningly cringeworthy families he’s been forced to see in those telenovas all the yiayia’s watch. Seriously. He is tired of fixing their TVs and getting yelled at if he isn’t on time for their show’s slot on cable

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst x reader #twst imagines #twst scenarios #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland imagines #twisted wonderland scenarios #ignihyde #idia shroud x reader #twisted wonderland idia shroud #twst idia shroud #idia shroud #ortho shroud #life on earth au

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drelldreams · 5 months

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Mass Effect Lore: Common technologies in the 2180‘s (Part 2)

This post is both a collection of canon technologies in the Mass Effect universe, and personal headcanon which may be borrowing common concepts from sci fi.

Infrastructure:

Autonomous public transportation vessels of all sorts. As seen with the tram on Noveria. Trains, buses and cabs are also autonomous. Rude bus drivers, trains and buses being cancelled or too late are problems of the past.

Some of those buses and cabs drive on land; others are flying vessels that travel through the sky.

Trains travel at immense speed, with most trains being able to travel at least 1000km/h. Low pressure tunnels allow for this level of speed.

Suspension railways are a common means of public transportation and are widely featured all across the galaxy on various space station, colonies and in most Earth countries. This also includes maglevs (magnetic levitation trains).

Cities commonly not only feature terminals providing rentable e-bikes, e-scooters or even e-rollerblade, but also rent flying hoverboards.

Medicine & Health:

Needles have become obsolete. Technologies akin to Star Trek's hypospray have replaced them. (This contradicts with Mordin's line in ME3: „Fear of needles. Common phobia." I know.)

Genetic therapy has advanced so far as to being able to cure almost any genetic disease. (Book canon).

Cybernetics can fix deafness and blindness. (Canon implied, I believe?)

Advancement in technology and medicine have slowed down human aging significantly. Women can have healthy children in their sixties. (Book canon). Anti aging therapies and cybernetics can allow humans to reach ages of up to 250 years.

Education:

Paper and pens being used in schools is a thing of the past. Students use tablets (which are made of ultra-light also foldable) with either keyboards or tablet pens for handwritten notes. (Book canon implied - Gillian uses a computer to work on her assignments in Mass Effect: Ascension).

Some teachers and students would prefer to have their textbooks in form of super light datapads (like e books) rather than have them all digitally stored on their computer.

Learning programs are highly advanced and VI‘s provide students with custom tailored, individualized exercises and study plans and games.

Food:

Liquid food drinks, nutrient pastes and bars that replace entire meals are available just about everywhere. With biotics burning huge amount of calories, the asari have perfected such products. Being cheaper than freshly cooked take out meals and coming in all sorts of flavors and textures, such nutrient pastes proved to be a saving grace for poorer individuals. Some poor people nearly only eat 3D printed nutrient paste, which does not have the same feeling as eating real meals, but nutrient paste in Mass Effect is of such high quality that it provides the body with all nutrients it needs while being free of unhealthy ingredients.

People-prepared foods (by humans/aliens) are still appreciated, but many foods available in grocery stores are 3D printed. Cafés tend to feature feature people-prepared foods. A café selling 3D printed cakes for instance would be looked down upon.

Synthetic flavors have been perfected. While technology has been advanced to the point where you could grow strawberries on Omega without issues (using environmental control systems in a hydroponic bay), the ultimate cheapest way to replicate the flavor is using synthetic ingredients. This way, you can find foods of any flavor, no matter what exotic fruit from Palaven or Khar'Shan it might be, anywhere.

Sugar free snacks and candy are as common as the sugar variants. Ice cream cates feature sugar free ice cream options. Sugar free chocolate or cookies are available at any grocery store. Various synthetic ingredients are used to replace sugar.

Lab grown meat is incredibly common (canon) and meat from Earth animals found on space stations is grown from animal stem cells.

Home:

Significantly less time is spent on chores due to robots doing most of the work. With floor wiping and vacuum robots being affordable for middle class people in the 21st century, in the 22nd, the majority of cleaning is done by robots in a middle class household. Advanced kitchen aid machines are found in most households and make cooking less time consuming and complicated for most people.

Blinds, curtains, light, air filtration systems, thermal regulation systems (air conditioning or heating systems) and television are typically navigated via a voice command (for example, „Light on“ or „Television off).

Holographic home ambiences like in Cyberpunk 2077 are common. Windows can be made to look like they‘re displaying a galaxy full of stars via holographic projections. Some people use those home ambience holographs to create the appearance of a luxurious club lounge, or to project beautiful landscapes into a corner of their room.

Personal Care:

Like in Star Trek, sonic showers can be used to clean the body effectively. Ultrasonic vibrations remove dirt, bacteria, excess oil and dead skin cells without requiring soap or water. While more expensive than typical showers, the use of sonic showers saves water. This sort of technology is found within quarian environmental suits. Drell with Kepral's Syndrome generally use sonic showers rather than water showers.

In addition to having an inbuild shower function, quarian environmental suits are equipped with a dental hygiene program that cleans the teeth and mouth of the wearer effectively using ultrasonic vibrations.

Certain suit upgrades can even use nanobots to moisturize the body.

Toothbrushes are also generally sonic toothbrushes that use the same technology as showers do; ultrasonic vibrations.

Clothes are typically self-cleaning with nanoparticles that kill bacteria and prevent the build up of odor.

#mass effect fanlore #mass effect headcanon #mass effect meta #headcanon #technology #food

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fatehbaz · 9 months

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[A]s [...] Nelson explains: The creation of transportation infrastructure such as canals and railroads, the deployment of armies, and the clearing of ground to plant tropical products all had to confront [...] microbial resistance. The French, British, and US raced to find a cure for malaria [...]. One French colonial official complained in 1908: “fever and dysentery are the ‘generals’ that defend hot countries against our incursions and prevent us from replacing the aborigines that we have to make use of.” [...] [T]ropical medicine was assigned the role of a “counterinsurgent field.” [...] In 1897 in [British-administered] Calcutta, this transimperial medical-military network [...] finally succeeded in scientifically proving the “mosquito theory”: mosquitoes were identified as carriers of the malaria pathogen [...]. Once [...] [the] theory was recognized, the idea of ‘environment’ became internalized and miniaturized in the form of invading entities [...].

[T]he discovery of mosquitoes as malaria and yellow fever carriers reawakened long-cherished plans such as the construction of the Panama Canal (1904–1914) [...]. In 1916, the director of the US Bureau of Entomology and longtime general secretary of the American Association for the Advancement of Science rejoiced at this success as “an object lesson for the sanitarians of the world” -- it demonstrated “that it is possible for the white race to live healthfully in the tropics.”

As Timothy Mitchell writes: “In 1915, the year after the canal’s completion, the newly established Rockefeller Foundation took over the mosquito campaign from the U.S. Army and launched a worldwide program [...]. Thus the global movements of the mosquito gave shape to a transnational corporate philanthropy.” [...] The urgency and severity of measures to combat dangerous diseases always had the collateral benefit of social pacification. In 1918, George Vincent, president of the Rockefeller Foundation, candidly declared:

“For purposes of placating primitive and suspicious peoples, medicine has some decided advantages over machine guns.”

The construction of the Panama Canal [...] advanced the military expansion of the United States in the Caribbean. The US occupation of the Canal Zone had already brought racist Jim Crow laws, [...] [and racial segregation from] the US, to the spatial structure [neighborhoods and work camps] around the canal. Yet, when the increasing presence of US troops and the flow of migrant laborers in the Canal Zone during the two world wars heightened fears of sexually transmitted diseases, “a medicalized state of war ... attacked environmental space [...]. The spatial imaginary established through control of malarial mosquitoes deeply influenced cartographies” of sexually transmitted diseases [...]. Besides the [...] establishment and expansion of [...] [policing] squads and prophylaxis stations, during the night women were picked up all over the city and forcibly tested for sexually transmitted diseases -- if the results were positive, they were detained in something between a prison and hospital for up to six months. [...] [W]omen in Panama were becoming objects of police surveillance by way of combatting malaria [...].

---

All text above by: Fahim Amir. “Cloudy Swords.” e-flux Journal Issue #115. February 2021. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

#abolition #ecology #imperial #colonial #caribbean

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ultimate-worldbuilding · 10 months

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Creating a Space Station

Name and Location:

Name of the space station

Orbital location (e.g., around a planet, moon, or in deep space)

Any unique features or characteristics of the location

Background and Purpose:

Brief history and reasons for the station's construction

Primary purpose or mission of the station (e.g., research, colonization, defense, trade, mining, etc.)

Key organizations or entities involved in its establishment

Design and Structure:

Overview of the station's architectural design and layout

Different modules or sections of the station (e.g., living quarters, research labs, docking bays, etc.)

Key engineering feats or technological advancements used in its construction

Size and Population:

Dimensions of the space station (length, width, height)

Estimated population and demographics (humans, aliens, robots, etc.)

Capacity for expansion and accommodating future growth

Systems and Resources:

Life support and Resource systems: Air generation and filtration, Water purification and recycling, Waste management, Artificial gravity, Temperature and air pressure control, Radiation protection, Fire suppression systems, Medical supplies and tools, Food production, Maintenance and Repair tools and facilities

Energy source and storage: Solar power, Nuclear fusion, Advanced batteries, Fusion reactors, Harvesting solar flares

Living Quarters and Facilities

Description of residential areas (individual quarters, communal spaces, recreational facilities)

Water block

Medical facilities and healthcare services available

Education and training facilities for residents and their families

Scientific Research and Laboratories

Different types of laboratories and equipment available depending on the stations’s mission

Astronomical observatories, Biological Laboratory, Climate and Environmental Studies, Planet observation and Research, Rock Analysis Facility

Transportation and Docking:

Docking bays for spacecraft and shuttle services

Transportation systems within the station (elevators, maglev trains, etc.)

Maintenance and repair facilities for visiting spacecraft

Security and Defense:

Security measures and protocols

Defense systems against potential threats: Shielding technology, Defensive satellites & space drones, Cloaking Technology, Countermeasures (flares, countershots, etc), Intruder Detection Systems, Surveillance and AI protection, Protection by AI or Hacker from outside hacks, Self-Repair System

Security personnel and their roles and ranks

Communication and Information Systems:

Communication technology used for inter-station and interstellar communication

Data storage and retrieval systems

Access to networks anddatabases

Trade and Economy:

Types of goods and resources traded on the station

Cargo of the space station

Economic systems

Currency used

Marketplaces within the station

Social and Cultural Aspects:

Societal norms and cultural diversity among the station's residents

Recreational and entertainment facilities (cinemas, sports arenas, etc.)

Events or celebrations unique to the station's culture

Governance and Administration:

Station hierarchy and governing bodies (administrators, council, etc.)

Laws and regulations specific to the station

Interactions with external governing entities (planetary governments, interstellar alliances, etc.)

Exploration and Discovery:

Expeditions or missions launched from the station

Discoveries made during exploration and sample gathering efforts

Spacecrafts and vehicles associated with the station's exploration activities

Environmental Considerations:

Measures taken to mitigate the effects of microgravity or radiation on residents' health

Environmental controls and simulations for recreating gravity and natural environments

Preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity on the station (if applicable)

Emergency Response and Crisis Management:

Protocols for handling emergencies (fires, system failures, medical emergencies, etc.)

Emergency evacuation plans and escape pods

Training programs for emergency response teams

Relations with Other Space Stations or Entities:

Collaborative projects or joint initiatives with other space stations

Trade agreements or diplomatic relations with neighboring stations or colonies

Conflict resolution mechanisms for inter-station disputes

Notable Individuals or Figures:

Prominent leaders from the station

Accomplishments and contributions of notable residents

Astronauts, scientists, or pioneers who have called the station home

Challenges and Risks:

Environmental and technological risks faced by the station

Political and social tensions within the station's community

External threats and conflicts affecting the station's stability

Future Expansion and Development:

Plans for future expansion and upgrades (where are they gonna get the resources for this?)

Integration of new technologies, scientific advancements into the station's infrastructure

Long-term goals for the station

#scifi worldbuilding #scifi #worldbuilding tips #worldbuilding

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r-capa · 1 year

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Sunshine (2007): Character Backstories

found on reddit.

__________

Capa: Physicist

Nationality: American

When Capa was seventeen, he wrote a paper which he submitted to America’s foremost scientific journals. It contributed to the understanding of dark matter, and in particular a theory for a controlled method releasing its energy. Although dark matter theory was already well advanced, Capa’s theory assisted in the formation of the principle on which the Stellar Bomb was constructed for the Icarus I mission. Capa was too young to have accompanied this first Icarus mission. But in the intervening years, Capa continued his research. By the time it was realised that the first mission had failed, and preparations for a second mission began, Capa was the world’s foremost expert on the dark matter bomb. Because Capa is the only member of the crew who is not, by history and training, an astronaut, he is an outsider. In this respect, much of the crew see him as effectively a piece of valuable equipment, which must be transported intact to the delivery point. Kaneda, however, feels differently towards Capa. He feels protective in a way which is partly paternal. He knows that it is hard for Capa being an outsider, a passenger, and goes out of his way to make Capa feel included. What Kaneda doesn’t fully realise is that Capa is by nature a loner. He is perfectly content with his own company, working in the dark interior of the Stellar Bomb. Searle does realise this—in fact, it is Capa’s self-contained quality that Searle likes. And Capa likes Searle equally. The two of them get on: they talk the same language, and have a similar sense of humour. Although they are both fundamentally loners, the relationship between them is actually the strongest bond in the crew. Capa is better than Kaneda at chess, and so he always lets Kaneda play white. Capa sometimes lets Kaneda win. Intellectually and internally, Capa is an atheist.

__________

Cassie: Pilot

Nationality: American

Cassie’s background is military—she entered the space program through her experience as a pilot in the US air-force. But she does not fit the stereotype of military personnel. She is non-competitive. She has no particular interest in, or attraction to, machismo. She doesn’t have an automatic deferential response to rank or duty. Cassie has a personal interest in the arts. She was the only crew member who packed books in her kit-bag as personal possessions. Both instinctively and academically, Cassie is a humanist. She likes people, she cares about people. Her sense of mankind is non-cynical and forgiving: she would believe that, in general and as a default position, people are good. Cassie is an atheist. She doesn’t believe in God because she sees no reason for God to exist. She is confident in herself. She is comfortable within her own skin. On the psychological profiles about who would cope best with the long-term deep-space mission, Cassie’s score was the highest. There were pilots in the space program who matched and exceeded her skill, but none that were seen as more suitable for the stresses and pressures of the mission. She has no primary partner, and, as with all the crew, she has no children. However, four months before the mission left Earth Orbit, Cassie became pregnant. The identity of the father was known only to her: he was never aware that Cassie was briefly carrying his child. She terminated the pregnancy after six weeks. The only member of the crew who knows this is Searle, who assisted her in hiding her blood test results from the other doctors in the space program. The termination of her pregnancy had a subtle effect on her outlook—a discreet emotional accent in her perception of life, and death. This nuance might have skewed her psychological profiling, had the most crucial psych-tests not already been carried out. She dreams continuously about the surface of the sun.

__________

Corazon: Biologist

Nationality: Chinese

Corazon was born in Manila, but her Chinese/Filipino parents moved to the Chinese mainland when she was a young girl. She worked in the Pan-Asian Space program, but, like Trey and Kaneda, was drafted into the U.S. program to work on the Icarus project. Corazon is a career astronaut from the Chinese space program. Her area of specialised knowledge is the cultivation of high-yield oxygen-producing plants. For the last fifteen years, Corazon has been based on the international Moon stations, where she supervised the oxygen production and recycling program. Whereas everyone else on the crew see their mission as to secure the future of mankind, Corazon sees the protection of life in broader terms. Her wish would be to protect Earth as a single biosphere, of which mankind is just one part. Corazon’s feelings for her plants and the Oxygen Garden are more intense than her feelings for any of the crew. In emotional terms, she feels the loss of more deeply. Out of all the crew, her natural ally is Mace. Although she is calmer and less hot-blooded than Mace, they are both pragmatists. They both work with their hands. And most importantly, they are not sentimental. Corazon is the only crew member who has never used the calming properties of the Earth Room. For her, the Earth Room is simply artificial, and she prefers instead to spend solitary time in her beloved Oxygen Garden. Corazon is married, but like all the crew of Icarus II, she has no children. In her final recorded message to her husband, she spoke no words. Instead she gazed at the screen for exactly one minute, then smiled, and sent the message home. When Corazon sleeps, she dreams of rice-field terraces cut into hillsides.

__________

Harvey: Comms Officer, Second in Command

Nationality: American

Harvey is a veteran of the U.S. space program, and is one of the few members of the Icarus II crew to have had any involvement in the Icarus I mission. As a young graduate into the Icarus project, he worked as a junior engineer on the Icarus I comms system. Harvey is a Protestant. He is married to his childhood sweetheart. They are without children. He earned his place on the Icarus II mission partly as a result of his invention of the LIGHT BOX COMMS SYSTEM. Built into his console, when he immerses himself in this oddly thick beam of light, he can cancel out the noise of background interference from radiation storms and solar flares. It is this space he retreats to, of purity of sound, to escape from the stresses and pressures of the deep-space mission. Harvey earned his rank on the Icarus II mission partly by hard work and all-round abilities. He is a fine engineer, and would be able to perform most of Mace, Trey, and Cassie’s duties at an equal level. His physical fitness and general health is extremely good. He consistently scored highest in crew fitness tests. He also scored extremely highly on psych tests, as a dependable and stable member of the crew. However, in the psych tests, he managed to disguise (and they failed to detect) his Achilles heel: which is his attachment to his wife. Simply, he misses her. He dreams of her every night. He is terrified by the idea that he will not survive the mission, and never see her again. It is this weakness that eats away inside him.

__________

Kaneda: Captain

Nationality: Japanese

Kaneda was born in Kyoto. He worked for many years in the Pan-Asian Space Program, with both Corazon and Trey. He was then transferred to the Icarus Project, based first in America, and then on the orbiting international space station. In both age and time spent in space flight, he is the most experienced astronaut of the crew. He was a natural choice to lead the second mission. The entire crew of Icarus II are deferential to him. No one questions his authority or judgement. Kaneda has no wife and no children. He is Buddhist. He has an unforced and pragmatic spiritualism. In his sleeping quarters, he has a small shrine. Outwardly, Kaneda is a model of calm, and he leads by example. But privately, he obsesses about fate of Icarus I. He questions and re-questions the failure of the previous mission. Kaneda feels paternalistic towards all his crew, but in particular, Capa. This is partly because Capa is the youngest, but also because Capa is the only crew member who is not a career astronaut. He knows that it is hard for Capa being an outsider, a passenger, and goes out of his way to make Capa feel included. Kaneda’s closest intellectual equal is Searle. Searle is the only member of the crew with whom he would maintain a friendship outside the context of the mission.

__________

Mace: Engineer

Nationality: American

Mace is in some senses a blue-collar scientist: his specialist area is Engineering. He doesn’t understand the code programming that creates the Icarus Flight Computer—because no one does. The coding behind Icarus is so immensely complex that it required other computers to generate it. But what Mace does understand is the circuitry mapping and the mechanics that run it. His family background is military. He grew up on air-bases; both parents were pilots. He has an innate belief in the chain of command, and an innate distrust of those—such as Capa—who sit outside the chain of command. His mind is practical and three-dimensional, not abstract. He has never read a book for pleasure. He would rather spend spare time doing push-ups than listening to music. He cuts his hair short because life is easier that way. He is honest. He has no vanity, but he does have pride. Mace is disgusted with himself when he finds that, over the long journey to Mercury, he has lost his focus on the mission. He is the only crew member whose vision remains unclouded in respect of this goal. He is unsentimental. He doesn’t like Capa. He has a dry sense of humour which is for his own benefit rather than anyone else’s. That is to say, he doesn’t crack a joke in order to make other people laugh. He is not a firebrand. If anything, he is the opposite. His mind is clear, and is not cluttered by the confusions of adrenaline or passion. Losing his temper with Capa is the exception; not the rule. He never remembers his own dreams. If he did, he’d find, to his surprise, that he often dreams of Cassie.

__________

Searle: Doctor and Psych Officer

Nationality: American

Searle is not married. Searle is the only crew member who did not have a counter-part on Icarus I. Icarus I had a doctor, but no psychiatrist. Endless theories were developed and explored for the failure of Icarus I. Searle was the primary advocate for the theory that the failure of the mission might have been for psychological reasons—the psychiatric collapse of one or all of the crew. He spent years researching the effects of deep-space travel and its effects on the mind—during which time he developed and created the Earth Room. As a consequence of his research, he argued strongly that the Med Officer on Icarus II should also be a qualified psychiatrist. It was an argument he won. Its unintended consequence was that Searle himself was chosen as the Psych Officer for the mission. His own psychological profile is of a man who is extremely emotionally stable. He is even-tempered. He has a good sense of humour. He is not given to panic or hasty decisions. However, he is also a man who is eternally separate from other people. He is detached. A watcher. Unjudgemental. Oddly unconcerned. This can make him appear (particularly to Mace) unprofessional. Searle is the only member of the crew to know that Cassie became pregnant, and aborted her child, during the final stages of the Icarus II preparation. He helped her hide this from continuous medical examinations, by using earlier samples of blood and urine tests. Searle’s motivations and his agendas are his own, and could best be described as philosophical. Ultimately, he believes only this: the larger the searchlight, the larger the circumference of the unknown. Searle does not believe in God. But he thinks that sometimes he glimpses God, hidden in the sunshine. Whether this tells himself something about God, or something about himself, is unclear to him.

__________

Trey: Navigator

Nationality: Chinese

Trey was born in Hong Kong. Trey has a prodigious ability with mathematics. He has can perform extremely complicated calculations in his head, and can perform the classic mathematician’s party-trick: to tell you what day of the week any given date fell on. When he was only twelve, he achieved a brief world-wide notoriety as the writer of the Hong-Kong-King-Kong computer virus, which wiped out the operational abilities of twelve percent of the planet’s computers in a single day, freezing up the systems and replacing them with a picture of a gorilla beating its chest, swiped from the 1980s Nintendo Donkey Kong game. Although he was just old enough for criminal prosecution, he was spared any kind of juvenile prison sentence because he was talent-spotted by the Pan-Asian space program. He worked in China until he was nineteen. Then, like Corazon and Kaneda, he relocated to the US to work on the Icarus project. His extreme talent for mathematics is also the cause of his mistake on the mission. He is unwilling to give the role of recalculating the changed flight trajectory to Icarus, because he is afraid to delegate such an important task to anyone, or anything, else. This decision is not born from arrogance. It is simply the safest option from his point of view—he knows the limits of his own parameters, and feels more comfortable if all variables are known to him, and under his direct control. His closest friend out of the crew is Mace. Trey is not married, has no partner, and no children. When he sleeps, he dreams of number sequences.

__________

#sunshine #sunshine 2007 #danny boyle #capa #cassie #trey #searle #mace #kaneda #harvey #corazon

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noyzinerd · 2 years

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The Reason Why Americans Spell "Colour" As "Color" (And Other Weird Spellings)

For American and British fanfic writers/readers alike (or any curious souls from anywhere else) who are wondering why Americans spell certain words without an extra "U", unlike everyone else, you can thank the printing press and the classic, American tradition of "cutting corners" for that.

The printing press was the first machine to mass produce documents, entire books, and newspapers, when the only other alternative was writing everything out by hand, and was crucial in developing a nation that was just starting out. However, buying/transporting the machines and metal letters could be pricey and would take far too long to get to America (since all supplies had to be shipped overseas from Europe). News outlets of the time didn't want to potentially miss out on printing vital, current events during this wait and newspapers also only had so much room to get their point across on the front page. So, it became common practice to get rid of letters that didn't affect words phonetically to save on space, money, and time, drastically changing how Americans spell certain words to this day.

Words like "favourite", "flavour", "colour", "armour", and "honour" became "favorite", "flavor", "color", "armor", and "honor". We also have:

Mould➡️Mold

Encyclopaedia➡️Encyclopedia

Speciality➡️Specialty

Jewellery➡️Jewelry

Cheque➡️Check

Plough➡️Plow

Draught➡️Draft

Programme➡️Program

Spelling things phonetically also advanced the country's education, as most of the illiterate lower-class could now pick up reading a lot faster, thus, essentially, creating a middle class, where there hadn't been one before, as the written word became more accessible. This history of choosing spellings based on phonetics eventually made America into a culture that spells many words by how they sound when spoken, instead of by their root-word origins (such as Latin, Roman, Greek, etc.) even if the letter count is the same or longer.

Examples include "realise" becoming "realize", "cosy" becoming "cozy", and "offence" and "defence" becoming "offense" and "defense".

And thus concludes the deep and rich history behind why Americans spell certain things the way that they do.

So, just a tip for you British fanfic writers out there planning to write in an American fandom:

Make sure to check your spelling.

(Oh, quick side note: some Google results will say that Americans use "dialog", "monolog", and "practise" instead of "dialogue", "monologue", and "practice", but I have never once come across anyone in my life who has ever used those spellings, nor have I used an American computer/phone that will let me do that without autocorrecting me. Maybe there are some places in the US that use those, but if there are, I haven't seen them.)

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usafphantom2 · 8 months

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DARPA starts wireless electricity air transfer project

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 09/08/2023 - 08:08am Military

DARPA is embarking on the initial phase of the POWER program, which seeks to transform the distribution of energy through wireless energy transfer carried out in the air.

Three teams - led by Raytheon Corporation, Draper Laboratory and BEAM Co. - will design and develop wireless optical power relays. The objectives of the program include the demonstration of the main components necessary for a resilient and light-speed energy network.

“This project has the potential to advance energy transmission in orders of magnitude, which could radically reshape society's relationship with energy,” said Dr. Paul Jaffe, who leads the POWER program at DARPA. "A wireless power network could release power from new and diverse sources, including space, and connect them quickly and reliably to energy-hungry consumers."

To support rapid development, the optical power relays designed in the first phase of POWER will be demonstrated in capsules transported by existing aircraft in the second phase of the project.

In addition, power transmission will allow future smaller and cheaper aircraft, since fuel storage and engine volume can be drastically reduced. This will be explored through conceptual projects in phase one. Eventually, these new small and distributed platforms could provide economic aircraft with unlimited range and endurance to support military missions. Each relay design will be evaluated based on accurate and efficient energy redirection, wavefront correction for high beam quality and adjustable energy collection. In the third and final phase of the program, the relays will be demonstrated through an aerial optical path that aims to provide 10 kilowatts of optical energy to a terrestrial receiver that is 200 kilometers away from the terrestrial laser source.

Effective relays are a critical component that is missing, necessary for a practical, flexible and adaptable wireless power network. These relays will overcome the unacceptable conversion losses that occur when repeatedly switching from wave propagation to electricity in a multi-jumps network. Relays also allow transmission at high altitudes, which is much more efficient than transmitting energy through the low, thick and turbulent atmosphere. This high-altitude optical layer will provide the long-range and high-performance backbone for the wireless power grid.

"Each of the selected teams proposed unique technical approaches to the power transmission relay problem, ranging from new combinations of existing technologies to high-risk and high-reward technological innovations," said Dr. Paul Jaffe, who leads the POWER program at DARPA. "The range of proposed solutions covers a balance between guaranteed performance and possible advances in size, weight and power to allow small distributed systems for the future wireless power grid."

The first phase will include bench demonstrations of critical technologies and is expected to last 20 months, with the potential for a three-month option of additional risk reduction efforts. The second phase will involve an open request in early 2025 and will focus on integrating relay technologies into an existing platform for a low-power aerial demonstration.

Tags: DARPAelectric motorsTechnology

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Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

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visit-new-york · 1 year

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The Williamsburg Bridge remains a dynamic and integral part of the fabric of New York City, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of its residents and visitors while preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge has been an ongoing concern. Improvements to walkways, bike lanes, and signage have been implemented to enhance safety and accessibility for these users.

Public Transportation Integration: The bridge plays a crucial role in New York City's public transportation system, with several bus routes connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn via the Williamsburg Bridge. This integration helps reduce traffic congestion and provides options for commuters.

Cultural Events: The Williamsburg Bridge has served as a backdrop for cultural events and festivals. Its location and grandeur make it an ideal setting for outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and community gatherings.

Historical Tours: Guided tours and educational programs centered around the Williamsburg Bridge are offered to the public, allowing people to learn about its history, engineering, and cultural significance.

Sponsorships and Partnerships: Private companies and organizations have sometimes sponsored events or initiatives related to the bridge, further highlighting its role as a civic and cultural landmark.

Community Gardens: Near the Williamsburg Bridge, there are community gardens and green spaces that contribute to the neighborhood's quality of life and provide residents with opportunities for urban gardening and relaxation.

Traffic Management: To alleviate congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow, transportation authorities have implemented various traffic management strategies, such as reversible lanes and real-time traffic monitoring.

Maintenance Downtime: Periodic maintenance and repair work require temporary closures or lane restrictions on the bridge. These closures are typically scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to commuters.

Historical Documentation: The history of the Williamsburg Bridge has been documented in books, documentaries, and academic research, making it an essential subject for those interested in the history of urban development and infrastructure.

Adaptive Reuse: The Williamsburg Bridge's strong structure has led to discussions about potential adaptive reuse projects. Ideas have been proposed to repurpose some of its spaces for public use, cultural exhibitions, or commercial ventures.

Community Engagement and Advocacy: Local community boards and organizations have played an active role in advocating for the needs and interests of the neighborhoods connected by the bridge, including issues related to transportation, infrastructure, and safety.

Bridge Artifacts and Memorabilia: Various artifacts, memorabilia, and historical documents related to the Williamsburg Bridge are often on display in museums, historical societies, and archives. These items help tell the story of the bridge's construction and significance.

Special Events and Festivals: The Williamsburg Bridge has been a focal point for special events and festivals celebrating the diverse cultures and communities it connects. These events often feature music, food, and cultural activities.

Architectural Awards: The bridge's distinctive architectural features and historical importance have earned it recognition from architectural and engineering organizations. It has received awards and accolades for its design and historical preservation efforts.

Lighting Innovations: Technological advancements have allowed for innovative lighting schemes on the bridge, creating stunning visual effects and contributing to the bridge's iconic nighttime appearance.

Educational Outreach: Educational programs and initiatives related to the Williamsburg Bridge often target local schools and educational institutions, fostering an understanding of its significance and inspiring future generations of engineers and architects.

Community Art Projects: Local artists and community members have collaborated on art projects that involve the bridge and its surroundings, contributing to neighborhood beautification and artistic expression.

Urban Development: The Williamsburg Bridge's influence extends beyond transportation; it has also played a role in shaping urban development in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, influencing the placement of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Emergency Preparedness: The Williamsburg Bridge serves as a critical component of New York City's emergency preparedness plans, with protocols in place for its use in the event of a disaster or large-scale emergency.

Public Safety Measures: Regular safety inspections, security measures, and maintenance work are essential for ensuring the bridge's structural integrity and the safety of all who use it.

Global Symbol: The Williamsburg Bridge is not only a symbol of New York City but also of urban engineering excellence and the enduring human spirit to overcome challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Community Resilience: The bridge's role as a vital lifeline has been evident during times of crisis, highlighting its importance as a symbol of community resilience and unity.

The Williamsburg Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring impact of infrastructure on communities, culture, and the urban landscape. It continues to bridge the gap between past and present, history and innovation, and the diverse communities of New York City.

#New York City #new york #newyork #New-York #nyc #NY #manhattan #urban #city #usa #buildings #visit-new-york.tumblr.com #bridge #Williamsburg Bridge

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lonestarflight · 2 months

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"The X-34 demonstrator is shown being taken out of its hangar and placed on the tarmac. The X-34 was classified as part of the Pathfinder class demonstrators which include small experimental vehicles or less expensive flight experiments. These demonstrators were driven by technology and were executed every one to two years. They were done quickly, for low cost, and for a wide range of technologies and applications. The X-34 program was cancelled in 2001."

Date: April 15, 2004

NASA ID: 9906384

#Orbital Sciences X-34 #X-34 #Spaceplane #Reusable Launch Vehicle #NASA #cancelled #suborbital reusable-rocket technology demonstrator #Advanced Space Transportation Program #ASTP #April #2004 #my post

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newstfionline · 1 month

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Monday, March 18, 2024

Trump Says Some Migrants Are ‘Not People’ and Predicts a ‘Blood Bath’ if He Loses (NYT) Former President Donald J. Trump, at an event on Saturday ostensibly meant to boost his preferred candidate in Ohio’s Republican Senate primary race, gave a freewheeling speech in which he used dehumanizing language to describe immigrants, maintained a steady stream of insults and vulgarities and predicted that the United States would never have another election if he did not win in November. While discussing the U.S. economy and its auto industry, Mr. Trump promised to place tariffs on cars manufactured abroad if he won in November. He added: “Now, if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a blood bath for the whole—that’s going to be the least of it. It’s going to be a blood bath for the country.”

A Shooter’s Parents Were Convicted of Manslaughter. What Happens Next? (NYT) When the prosecutor Karen McDonald decided to press criminal charges against the parents of the teenager who carried out the deadliest school shooting in Michigan’s history, even some members of her own staff expressed doubts, fearing the case was too ambitious to win. “It seemed a huge reach to try to hold the parents responsible,” said Linda C. Fentiman, a professor emerita at Pace University who is an expert in health law and criminal law. “This was new legal territory.” But in the end, prosecutors were able to convince two separate juries that they had met their burden of proof. Now the question is whether the cases will affect the legal terrain around criminal law, parental responsibility and gun legislation.

Musk’s SpaceX is building spy satellite network for US intelligence agency, sources say (Reuters) SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the program said, demonstrating deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s space company and national security agencies. The network is being built by SpaceX’s Starshield business unit under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency that manages spy satellites, the sources said. The plans show the extent of SpaceX’s involvement in U.S. intelligence and military projects and illustrate a deeper Pentagon investment into vast, low-Earth orbiting satellite systems aimed at supporting ground forces. If successful, the sources said the program would significantly advance the ability of the U.S. government and military to quickly spot potential targets almost anywhere on the globe.

Driving With Mr. Gil: A Retiree Teaches Afghan Women the Rules of the Road (NYT) Bibifatima Akhundzada wove a white Chevy Spark through downtown Modesto, Calif., on a recent morning, practicing turns, braking and navigating intersections. “Go, go, go” said her driving instructor, as she slowed down through an open intersection. “Don’t stop. Don’t stop.” Her teacher was Gil Howard, an 82-year-old retired professor who happened upon a second career as a driving instructor. And no ordinary instructor. In Modesto, Calif., he is the go-to teacher for women from Afghanistan, where driving is off limits for virtually all of them. In recent years, Mr. Howard has taught some 400 women in the 5,000-strong Afghan community in this part of California’s Central Valley. According to local lore, thanks to “Mr. Gil,” as he is known in Modesto, more Afghan women likely drive in and around the city of about 220,000 than in all Afghanistan. For many Americans, learning to drive is a rite of passage, a skill associated with freedom. For Afghan immigrants it can be a lifeline, especially in cities where distances are vast and public transportation limited. So when Mr. Howard realized the difference driving made to the Afghan women, teaching them became a calling, the instruction provided free of charge.

Looting is on the rise in Haiti (AP) As Haiti once again spirals into chaos with another wave of gang violence, a number of government and aid agencies reported Saturday that their facilities and aid supplies have been looted. Gangs have raged through Haiti in recent weeks, attacking key institutions and shutting down the main international airport. The chaos has pushed many Haitians to the brink of famine and left many more in increasingly desperate conditions. On Saturday, UNICEF said one of its containers containing “essential items for maternal, neonatal, and child survival, including resuscitators and related equipment” were looted in the capital of Port-au-Prince’s main port, which was breached by gangs last week. That same day, the Guatemala’s Foreign Ministry said that the offices of its honorary consul in Haiti was ransacked.

Russian exiles bring banyas and blinis to Buenos Aires (Reuters) When Ilia Gafarov and Nadia Gafarova host the grand opening of their “banya”, a traditional Russian sauna, in April, they hope it will help make a permanent home of their adopted city of Buenos Aires. The couple, a former banker and recruiter from Russia’s eastern port city of Vladivostok, moved to Argentina with their two daughters nine months ago, part of a wave of migration from Russia to Latin America since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its third year, a growing number of Russian families are putting down roots around Latin America, according to previously unreported residency visa approval data from five countries and interviews with a dozen exiles and experts. Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, granted temporary or permanent residence last year to a total of almost 9,000 Russians, the data show, up from just over 1,000 in 2020.

A volcano in Iceland is erupting for the fourth time in 3 months, sending plumes of lava skywards (AP) A volcano in Iceland erupted Saturday evening for the fourth time in three months, sending orange jets of lava into the night sky. Iceland’s Meteorological Office said the eruption opened a fissure in the earth about 3 kilometers (almost 2 miles) long between Stóra-Skógfell and Hagafell mountains on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Met Office had warned for weeks that magma—semi-molten rock—was accumulating under the ground, making an eruption likely. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa, one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions, when the eruption began, national broadcaster RUV said.

Millions Battle Long Covid Aftermath (Spiegel) International Long Covid Awareness Day marks the focus on the plight of individuals with Long Covid and the lack of effective treatments. An estimated 2.5 million patients in Germany suffer from Long Covid, experiencing symptoms that last over four weeks post-infection, including breathing difficulties, fatigue, and neurological issues. The German government has earmarked up to 81 million euros for Long Covid research and patient care services between 2024 and 2028, but no treatments for Long Covid have been approved, highlighting an urgent need for more specialized care and support for those affected.

Putin is poised to rule Russia for 6 more years (AP/WSJ) Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to extend nearly a quarter century of rule for six more years on Sunday. The three-day election that began Friday has taken place in a tightly controlled environment where no public criticism of Putin or his war in Ukraine is allowed. The 71-year-old Russian leader faces three token rivals from Kremlin-friendly parties who have refrained from any criticism of his 24-year rule or his full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Analysts who follow the country’s politics say Putin needs to win big if he wants a free hand in reviving what he says are Russia’s conservative Orthodox traditions and, ultimately, prevailing in Ukraine and in his broader confrontation with the West.

U.N. Documents More Than Two Dozen Attacks on Gazans Waiting for Aid Since January (NYT) The United Nations human rights office has documented more than two dozen attacks on Gazans waiting for desperately needed aid since January, with hunger spreading as a result of Israel’s near complete siege, preventing most food and water from entering the tiny enclave. In a number of U.N. reports and statements, the office has documented at least 26 such attacks since mid-January. They include Thursday night’s attack on hundreds of Palestinians who were waiting at the Kuwait traffic circle in Gaza City for an expected convoy of aid trucks. Gazan health officials accused Israeli forces of carrying out a “targeted” attack on the crowd that killed 20, and three witnesses described shelling at the scene. The Israeli military blamed Palestinian gunmen for the bloodshed and said that it was continuing to review the episode.

As Gaza war rages, U.S. military footprint expands across Middle East (Washington Post) Lt. Col. Jeremy Anderson tilted up the nose of his U.S. Air Force C-130 and tipped 16 pallets of emergency food aid out of the cargo bay and into the sky above northern Gaza. Thousands of miles away, off the coast of Yemen, U.S. fighter jets and attack helicopters roared off the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, often just minutes apart, to combat Houthi fighters attacking ships in and around the Red Sea. In both places, U.S. service members said their missions were unexpected, changing as the White House has moved rapidly to contain wider fallout from the Israel-Gaza war. But now, along with a U.S. Army crew on its way to Gaza to build a floating pier, they are firmly part of the U.S. military’s expanding footprint in the Middle East. It’s a region President Biden had hoped to de-emphasize—and one where American involvement has often been devastating and costly. The war in Gaza and worsening humanitarian crisis there have taught Biden a lesson many presidents have learned before: It’s not so easy to quit the Middle East.

Niger junta announces end to military relationship with United States (Washington Post) The military junta ruling Niger—which until last year was seen as a major ally of the United States in West Africa—announced Saturday on state television that it was ending its military relationship with the United States. The announcement by a spokesman for the junta government, which overthrew Niger’s democratically elected president last year, came directly on the heels of a visit to the capital Niamey by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee, the State Department’s top official for African affairs, and Gen. Michael E. Langley, who heads U.S. military operations in Africa. That mission was among diplomatic efforts by the United States to find ways to work with military governments in the region. But in the statement read on television, Amadou Abdramane, the junta’s spokesman, said the Nigerien government “denounced with force the condescending attitude” of the head of the recent U.S. delegation, which he said had undermined the long relationship between the two countries.

South Sudan shutters all schools as it prepares for an extreme heat wave (AP) South Sudan’s government is closing down all schools starting Monday as the country prepares for a wave of extreme heat expected to last two weeks. The health and education ministries advised parents to keep all children indoors as temperatures are expected to soar to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit), in a statement late Saturday, They warned that any school found open during that time would have its registration withdrawn, but didn’t specify how long the schools would remain shuttered. Civil conflict has plagued the east African country which also suffered from drought and flooding, making living conditions difficult for residents.

#headlines #news

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 2 months

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Discovery tests theory on cooling of white dwarf stars

Open any astronomy textbook to the section on white dwarf stars and you’ll likely learn that they are “dead stars” that continuously cool down over time. New research published in Nature is challenging this theory, with the University of Victoria (UVic) and its partners using data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite to reveal why a population of white dwarf stars stopped cooling for more than eight billion years.

“We discovered the classical picture of all white dwarfs being dead stars is incomplete,” says Simon Blouin, co-principal investigator and Canadian Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics National Fellow at UVic. “For these white dwarfs to stop cooling, they must have some way of generating extra energy. We weren’t sure how this was happening, but now we have an explanation for the phenomenon.”

Understanding the age and other aspects of white dwarf stars helps scientists reconstruct the formation of the Milky Way Galaxy. Using 2019 Gaia data, Blouin collaborated with Antoine Bédard of the University of Warwick and Institute for Advanced Study researcher Sihao Cheng to make the discovery.

Over 97 per cent of stars in the Milky Way will eventually become white dwarfs. Scientists have long considered these stars to be at the end of their lives. Having depleted their nuclear energy source, they stop producing heat and cool down until the dense plasma in their interiors freezes into a solid state, and the star solidifies from the inside out. This cooling process can take billions of years.

According to the new paper, in some white dwarfs, the dense plasma in the interior does not simply freeze from the inside out. Instead, the solid crystals that are formed upon freezing are less dense than the liquid, and therefore want to float. As the crystals float upwards, they displace the heavier liquid downward. The transport of heavier material toward the centre of the star releases gravitational energy, and this energy is enough to interrupt the star’s cooling process for billions of years.

“This is the first time this transport mechanism has been observed in any type of star, which is exciting, as it is not every day we uncover a whole new astrophysical phenomenon,” says Bédard, Research Fellow at the University of Warwick.

Why this happens in some stars and not others is uncertain, but Blouin thinks it is likely due to the composition of the star.

“Some white dwarf stars are formed by the merger of two different stars. When these stars collide to form the white dwarf, it changes the composition of the star in a way that can allow the formation of floating crystals,” says Blouin.

White dwarfs are routinely used as age indicators: the cooler a white dwarf is, the older it is assumed to be. However, due to the extra delay in cooling found in some white dwarfs, some stars of a given temperature may be billions of years older than previously thought.

“This new discovery will not only require that astronomy textbooks be revised but will also require that astronomers revisit the process they use to determine the age of stellar populations,” adds Blouin.

The research is supported by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program, the European Research Council, and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA).

#science #space #astronomy #physics #news #astrophysics

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the-badger-mole · 1 year

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AU Bot Plots: Aliens Part 2

I am fairly certain I've mentioned this idea before, but I can't find it (because Tumblr's archiving feature is trash). Also, I don't think it was a very fleshed out overview, so I'll do that here. Enjoy!

This fic is one of my more self-indulgent ideas (not quite at the level of self-indulgence as my CaptainMe OUAT fic, but almost). This story takes place in an alternate universe where we have figured out space travel already. The aliens are humans from our planet who are on an exploratory mission. They have a similar rule to Star Trek's Prime Directive, and just as in Star Trek, that rule is often broken. This time it's broken by a young boy on board.

The mission that this ship is on is years long because of the distances they have to cover, so the scientists and crew on board are also travelling with their families (like military families stationed abroad). This kid (let's call him Jamie, age 11) is the middle sibling of 5. He has two older sisters (Allora 23 and Daysia 16) and two younger siblings (Makayla and Brian both 2). They have been on the ship with their parents for years, (the youngest two were born on the ship). Their mother, Octavia, is an astronomer and their father, Jamal, is an engineer. Jamie is eager to follow in his parents' footsteps and work for the space program. His eagerness often gets him in trouble.

Jamie knew he wasn't supposed to mess with the transporter, but he couldn't help himself this time. Planets with life were exceedingly rare, and to find a planet that not only had life, but had sentient, technologically advanced (relatively) life was unheard of. Finding this planet had caused a stir throughout the ship and back on Earth (they can communicate with Earth, but messages take a few days to get there). There were talks of sending a small team of explorers covertly to the surface, after confirming that the air was, in fact, compatible with their lungs. Jamie would never have been allowed to go, but he thought this might be his only chance to ever get up close to a planet like this. So one day, while his parents are busy, and his older sisters are occupied, Jamie sneaks into the transporter room, with the intent of sneaking down to the surface for five minutes and coming right back. But something goes wrong. Instead of being transported to the surface of the planet, Jamie brings back a group of the planets inhabitants. To Jamie's shock, they look like Earth inhabitants. That's all he gets the chance to register before Something Terrible happens and the transporter breaks, trapping Katara, Sokka, Aang, Zuko, Toph and Suki on board the ship. And that is how Jamie got himself grounded for an entire summer.

That's the basic premise of the story. I'm toying around with the space family having super powers of their own (a holdover from my Marvel/ATLA crossover idea). Allora might be preparing to get married (the Gaang would be invited to the bachelor/bachelorette parties). Octavia and Jamal would become the parents the Gaang deserved. I think they'd be aged up a bit, though. Especially if there's wedding festivities for them to be pulled into.

Mostly, though, this story would be an excuse to have the Gaang interact with some of my favorite pop culture artifacts (which is also the main reason why this fic will stay with my CaptainMe fic...on a high shelf in a dark corner of my mind). I love the idea of Iroh encountering the Isley Brothers music, while Zuko and Toph fall in love with heavy metal and rap. Sokka would impress Octavia and/or Jamal and he'd be offered a spot in the training academy (not quite in keeping with the programs rules about not interfering with a planet's societies, but exceptions can be made). He probably won't accept it, ultimately, but it would be a tough call for him. If the family has super powers, there would absolutely be a showdown with Ozai and Azula.

Read the first version of this prompt here

#atla #zutara #au bot plots #alien superstar part 2 #THE YEAR OF CONTENT!!!!

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realtorjamier · 4 months

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D.C’s Best Picnic Spots!

Where to go, what to bring

Dining al fresco in D.C. doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, if you want to avoid making reservations, waiting in line and eating elbow-to-elbow with strangers, planning a picnic is a great alternative. There are so many scenic (Instagram-worthy) spots to throw down a blanket and enjoy this simple and charming tradition. Here we’re sharing some of the best places in D.C. for a picnic – as well as some tips to make your picnic pleasant for all involved.

Hauling your provisions

Although traditional picnic baskets are cute, your best bet is to purchase a modern, sensible picnic backpack since activities in D.C. typically involve walking some distance from your car or taking the metro and hauling a heavy hand-held basket will be cumbersome. Check Amazon for some great options. You can find backpacks with comfortable padded straps and efficiently organized compartments for cutlery, plates, napkins, a cooler, a blanket and more. You might want to invest in two backpacks and share the load with a friend.

Picnic food ideas

Reimagine the ordinary sandwich, chips, and soda. Take it up a notch and serve baguettes; or take it up two notches with quiche, charcuterie boards, fancy salads, and refreshing cocktails. Make sure most of your meal consists of finger foods (easy to eat) so you don’t have to worry about multiple plates/cutlery. And don’t forget dessert!

Another culinary option: order food-to-go from your favorite D.C. restaurant. You’ll still need a method to transport it to your picnic destination, but letting someone else prepare and pack the meal will involve less work on your end.

Don’t forget to pack

Sunscreen

Anti-bacterial wipes

Wet naps

Garbage bags

Bug spray

Places to picnic

We’re providing some tried-and-true venues here, but there are so many more possibilities. Wherever your destination, make sure you learn about parking options (or Metro stops) in advance. Also, do a little research to make sure your spot is picnic friendly and open for visitors.

Between Constitution and Independence Ave., SW

Known as “America’s Front Yard,” this iconic spot is punctuated by the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and flanked by Smithsonian museums. The long, grassy swath is often crowded, but people-watching can be just as fun as gazing at the patriotic landmarks.

1100 Ohio Drive SW

Located at the southern tip of East Potomac Park between the main branch of the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, Hains Point offers beautiful views of the Potomac River, the Anacostia River and the Washington Channel. It’s an ideal spot for bird watching and also has a playground and restrooms. A four-mile loop allows you to take in the many different species of cherry trees while hiking or biking.

Located on the Potomac River and accessible by George Washington Memorial Parkway

This 90-acre island is a memorial to America’s 26th president and features miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands. Ranger-led programs are available.

16th Street and W Street NW

A spectacular cascading fountain, reflecting pool, statues, and more will be your backdrop at Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park). If you’re there on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll most likely be able to watch a full-blown weekly drum circle party starting at 3 p.m., a tradition that began in the 1960s.

The Yards Park (and Dancing Fountains)

355 Water Street SE

This public space along the Anacostia River has gardens, water features, a dog run, a boardwalk and a shaded overlook.

Wisconsin and K St., NW

This 10-acre park curves along the Potomac River shoreline and includes a large fountain, benches, overlooks and large open lawn areas. A labyrinth with geometric turns encourages quiet contemplation as you wind your way from the outer edge to the center. Stadium-like steps leading to the river edge are a favorite place for picnickers.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Independence Ave. SW and 7th St. SW

The sculpture garden is free to enter, offering more than 30 works of contemporary and modern art displayed year-round — and picnics are permitted.

#jamierichards #realtorjamier #realestate #realestateagent #realestatetips #picnic #picnics #picnic spots #dmv #dmv picnic spots #picnic in dmv #how to picnic #where to picnic

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