Commercial space flight ushered in with the Space X Falcon 9 rocket Launch

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket defied the odds and went into orbit Friday. The Falcon 9 represents a new direction in low-orbit cargo resupply missions, away from government-sponsored programs toward commercial spaceflight. Friday’s launch was the first flight test of the Falcon 9, a two-stage, 180-foot-high rocket carrying a mock-up of the Space X Dragon capsule. NASA moved closer to commercial spaceflight for the International Space Station with the successful test.

Billions at stake for commercial spaceflight

The Space X Falcon 9 is in line to replace NASA's space shuttles, which could be retired at the end of the year. Space X has prepared up to 3 Falcon 9/Dragon test flights for NASA, according to Universe Today. The Falcon 9's fourth flight early next year might be its first cargo delivery to the space station. NASA has awarded Space X a $ 1.6 billion contract to continue space station resupply duties once the space shuttle fleet is retired.

Falcon 9 rocket is a bargain

The Space X Falcon 9 rocket is powered by the first new U.S.-made rocket engines in nearly a decade. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Space X has hired hundreds of previous NASA employees and aerospace contractors since it was founded in 2002. Space X was founded by Elon Musk, who invested $ 100 million of the fortune he made selling PayPal to achieve the goal of a lot more affordable spaceflight. One more $ 300 million came from investors supporting Musk's vision. NASA is nevertheless spending $ 300 million a month on the Constellation moon rocket program President Obama will cancel at the end of the year.

Falcon 9 beats the odds

A successful Falcon 9 rocket test was doubtful. Spaceflight experts give the typical launch test a 50-50 chance. Earlier within the week Musk told reporters he figured the Falcon 9 had a 70 to 80 percent chance of succeeding. In contrast the gun just clicks in Russian roulette 83 percent of the time . “So if anybody remembers that scene from ‘The Deer Hunter', that’s tomorrow,” Musk said. On its first test flight, the Space X Falcon 9 surprised the odds makers in a large way.

More tests later for Space X Falcon 9

It took four launches for Space X to get its earlier Falcon 1 rocket to orbit. MSNBC reports that some in Congress and the space community have severe doubts about the ability of Space X and other commercial companies to meet NASA’s requirements for future spaceflight. But besides the successful Falcon 9 launch, Musk said the survival of his company, or the future of private spaceflight, didn't rest on the outcome.

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Mariners say goodbye as Ken Griffey Jr retires

Ken Griffey Jr suddenly retired on June 2, 2010, which was announced shortly before a game between the Mariners and also the Minnesota Twins. Griffey caught just about everybody off guard with the announcement. The decision seems to have been on his mind for a while, and he would rather call it a day early than remain on the team for the sake of nostalgia. Griffey's achievements are substantial to say the least. As the fifth all time home run hitter, he is in rarefied air as a player.

Article Source: Ken Griffey Jr retires from Mariners, baseball By Personal Money Store

21 year career brought to a close as Ken Griffey Jr retires

For sports individuals of the Pacific Northwest, you will find few who loom as large as Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners and Ken Griffey Jr are about as inseparable within the minds of fans as Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees are. He made his professional debut in 1989, and he and his father are the only father and son to have played on the exact same team. He could field or hit with excellence. The first ten years he was Seattle, he won the Golden Glove award from the American League 10 times over and hit nearly 400 home runs.

The Emerald City and also the Kid part ways

Family was always the biggest priority for Griffey, and by 1999, wanted to move closer to them. The Cincinnati Reds traded for him, and ironically, it was the Reds who his father played for and won two World Series with. He was plagued by injuries, despite the fact that he was incredibly productive when fit. Ken Griffey Jr was eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox for half the 2008 season. When he entered free agency, there was a public outcry for the Mariners to get him back on the roster.

Return of the prodigal son

After he returned to the Mariners in 2009, he nevertheless had the magic as he powered in almost 20 home runs. By May of 2010, he had seen little time at the plate and no home runs. He had been listed as a reserve for a game against the Minnesota Twins, as outlined by the Seattle Times. An emergency press conference was called just before the game, where it was disclosed he had pulled the plug. He had said that his retirement would be swift and that he would "never allow myself to become a distraction." Griffey knew it was time to call the game.

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May jobs report fails to meet expectations

Fingers have been crossed, prayers offered and hands are wrung waiting for an increase within the number of jobs. The May jobs report did not live up to those expectations. That isn’t really to say it was bad, but it was not as good as many were hoping, which caused a disturbance in the stock markets. Fewer than 50,000 non-farming private sector jobs were added, and the biggest job growth over the last couple of months seems to be for the US Census.

Slower growth according to the jobs report

The Department of Labor didn’t disclose doom and gloom entirely in the May jobs report. That said, it also would seem that the currently high unemployment rate will have to be addressed via attrition. According to Forbes, the May jobs report showed a gain of 431,000 total jobs. Most were seasonal employment. The US Census accounted for 411,000 of those jobs, so unemployment is going to go back up in June.

Private sector slips

There wasn’t a great gain in the private sector. Only 41,000 jobs were added overall in non-farming private sector jobs, which is down from 218,000 from the April jobs report. It looks like a slow climb, as those are the lowest numbers of jobs created given that January. The unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent, in contrast to 9.9 percent in April.

Stock markets slide

This spring has been a turbulent time for the stock markets. On the heels of the news that job growth had been slower than anticipated, combined with the European debt crisis, the Dow Jones and NASDAQ indexes both slid 1.9 percent and a 2 percent slide for the S&P 500, as outlined by CNN Money. It may be longer than previously believed before true recovery has occurred.

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CNN Money

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How to get cigarette smoke smell out of a car

If you’ve ever purchased a privately owned used car, you probably left wondering how to get the smell of cigarette smoke out of a car. Some individuals go the additional mile to clean up their vehicles before sale, but if you are scoping a spur-of-the-moment deal on Craigslist, you may be purchasing an AS-IS vehicle that doubled as a mobile smoking lounge. Not only are the upholstery and instrument panel stained or discolored from cigarette smoke, but the unmistakable odor has been left behind. It is a really good idea to learn how to get the cigarette smell out of a car in case you are a non-smoker who prefers a low-tar automobile interior.

Article Source: How to get cigarette smoke smell out of a car

How to get cigarette smell out of a car? It takes effort

Whatever method you use when you’re following these directions for how to get cigarette smell out of a car, it is going to require elbow grease. Cigarette smell is pervasive. {Assuming that you would like to do the job as cheaply and safely as possible – you aren’t a professional auto detailer, but an auto loans-bearing consumer – what follows are some DIY tips that do not require scary chemicals|Assuming that you need to do the job as cheaply as it is possible – you aren’t a professional auto detailer, but an car loans-bearing consumer – what follows are some DIY tips that don’t require scary chemicals|Assuming you would like to do the job as safely as possible – you aren’t a professional auto detailer, but a! n auto loans-bearing consumer – what follows are some DIY tips that do not require scary chemicals. Yes, hydrogen peroxide will do the job well, but why not use a way less expensive home method that is much less likely to bleach your skin and cause blisters or irritation? Here are ideas from How to Do Things:

1. Vacuum the car. The cigarette smell is attached to the car. Use hose attachments that are intended for cleaning upholstery.
2. Use white vinegar. A bowl left in the car overnight can help the smell a great deal.
3. Use some citrus peels. In the car you are able to place some peels. It will definitely work although it might take a couple of days.
4. Get some baking soda. Put it within the car and leave it a couple of hours. See how your car smells after vacuuming that up. First you have to spot test it to make certain it will react well with your upholstery.
5. You can use coffee grounds. Put the grounds in filters and secure them so they won’t dump the grounds directly onto the upholstery. Put the filters in different areas of the car.
6. Make sure to air it out. Sounds clear, right? Leave the doors open for a few hours. For minor lingering cigarette odors, this may help.
7. Use some charcoal. Just like vinegar, leave the charcoal in a bowl overnight in the car.
8. You need to pay attention to the lights. Interior lights attract smoke, which means they’ll be centers for cigarette smell. With the strongest cleaner you’ve, scrub these areas. Even bring in a hydrogen peroxide mix here if necessary.

Don’t drive an ash mobile

It is severe business getting cigarette smell out of a car. You will find numerous people who are sickened by continual exposure to the smell, which is something nobody wants to experience when they purchase a new car. Why not try these simple home remedies?

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How to Do Things

Google bans Windows over security concerns

Google's corporate offices have officially given Windows operating system machines the boot. Google's Chrome OS is a part of this lead-up, though the security problems with Windows are a major part of this decision. Google employees will only be allowed to use Windows with special permission.

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The official Windows Google stance

Flexibility has been the name of the game in Google operating systems. When a new employee starts at Google, they’re given an option of which operating system they want to use. To use Windows, though, Google employees now must get approval from the CIO. Google's Chrome OS is being offered as an option. Google decided to make this change following the hacking of Google’s China channels.

Windows security concerns cited by Google

About 8 of each 10 computers use Windows – it can be found everywhere from office management to credit counseling. The fact Windows is so popular makes it a very popular target for viruses, worms, and more. At Google, the security concerns surrounding Windows have been the reason for a general move to Mac and Linux computer systems. Those that develop Google programs – the dedicated developers that design the products – work on a cloud computing system rather than hardware-based system.

Is this Google Windows move a publicity stunt?

A few observers have suggested that Google kicking Windows out of its offices is more about publicity than security. Google has been creating a Chrome OS, a competitor to the Windows operating system. Chrome OS could be based on the Google Chrome web browser. The Google Chrome OS is an open-source operating system — an operating system that could be edited and improved by any user. Some may think an open-source programmed operating system may be less secure, but that has not proven true. Google offices won't be using Windows anymore, but this is not just because Google is developing a competitor.

Hurricane season 2010 starts in gulf as oil spill top kill fails

Day one of the 2010 Hurricane season was officially Tuesday, day 42 of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010. As the BP oil spill live feed continues to show crude gushing from the depths, the 2010 hurricane season forecast predicts one of the strongest hurricane seasons on record. The oil spill top kill attempted over the holiday weekend failed, along with BPs hopes to stop the leak. The next option BP will try for stemming the flow of oil, cutting the broken pipe from the wellhead and placing a cap with a hose over it, may slow down but not stop completely stop the leak. The leak may not be fully contained until relief wells are completed in August. The BP oil spill has dumped up to 100 million gallons into the gulf, where the first storms of hurricane season 2010 are expected to appear.

Source for this article: Hurricane season 2010 starts in gulf as oil spill top kill fails By Personal Money Store

Forecast – 2010 hurricane season

Hurricane season 2010 officially begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. Typically major hurricanes form in the deep Atlantic and unlike cash now same day, can be followed for days by forecasters and sensationalized by the media before arriving. But AOL reports the first storms of the 2010 hurricane season forecast could form along the Southeast coast or within the northeastern Caribbean, and they’re probably to happen in the Gulf of Mexico. Sea temperatures within the Atlantic aren’t expected to brew storms early in hurricane season. Early season storms form closer to land and instead of tracking a storm for a week or a lot more, there may be a warning of just a couple of hours or days.

Leak foils oil spill top kill

When hurricane season 2010 arrives in the gulf with a storm, the oil spill response effort will suffer. In addition to the oil spill being spread across a wider area of shoreline, efforts to stop the leak might be delayed for weeks. The New York Times reports that following the oil spill top kill failure, BP will try to shear off the collapsed pipe leading from the wellhead, place a cap over the opening and funnel leaking oil through a hose to the surface. The New York Times reports that BP's next option after the oil spill top kill bust is to cut off the broken pipe from the wellhead, put a containment dome over the opening and siphon oil to the surface. When the pipe is cut, viewers of the BP oil spill live feed can expect to see even more oil gushing until a cap is installed. when a hurricane arrives, the pipe cutting option fails when the crew disconnects the hose and goes ashore to wait out the storm.

Toxic storm surge predicted

Hurricane season 2010 creates the danger of a storm surge laden with oil and toxic oil dispersant that could make parts of the coastline in the Gulf of Mexico uninhabitable. To predict where the oil slick could possibly be driven by gulf hurricanes, the Gerson Lehman Group analyzed tracking data from recent storms. A hurricane like Gustav in 2008, which tracked into the west-central gulf, would drive a toxic storm surge west to the Texas coast with its counter-clockwise spin. A hurricane with a track like Ida in 2009, which tracked into the east-central gulf, would move the toxic storm surge into Florida’s west coast. Areas miles from the coast could possibly be coated in an aerosol of oil and toxic dispersants carried by hurricane-force winds.

Hurricane forecast 2010 details

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association hurricane season 2010 forecast predicts up to 23 named storms, with three to seven major hurricanes. Storms with winds reaching 39 mph or more are named. Hurricane status could be reached by up to 14 when winds go past 74 mph. Three to seven might be Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph. The strongest tropical system recorded in June was Hurricane Audrey, which made landfall in southern Louisiana on June 27, 1957, as a Category 4 storm, with a sustained wind of 145 mph.

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New York Times

Gerson Lehman Group

Was A Student Failed By Keenon Aampay Hall For Impregnating Her?

Keenon Aampay Hall, a teacher of the year in Georgia, has been accused of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student in her class. The student has alleged that Keenon Aampay Hall failed him in her class when he refused to father a child with her. Though she claims she resigned from her position because of medical concerns, Hall has admitted to the relationship.

The allegations against Keenon Aampay Hall

In paperwork filed with Gwinnett County school offices, Keenon Aampay Hall is accused of a sexual relationship with a 17-year old senior. After Keenon Aampay Hall gave the student a failing grade in her class, the student went to school officials about the six-month relationship. According to the student, he got this failing grade only after he refused to father a child with her. There was also supposedly pornographic material found on Keenon Aampay Hall’s school-issued computer.

Teaching position resigned by Keenon Aampay Hall

Last fall, Keenon Aampay Hall was awarded the Gwinnett County “Teacher of the Year” award. Keenon Aampay Hall resigned her position as a teacher, though she claims it was for medical reasons. The paperwork the school has on file includes an admission from Keenon Aampay Hall that the relationship existed and claims that it was consensual. Allegedly, the teacher spent quick payday loans on the student, giving him a cell phone, cash, paying for hotel rooms and cabs, and more.

What punishment Keenon Aampay Hall may be facing

Several separate investigations have been launched in Gwinnett County. A complaint against Keenon Aampay Hall will be investigated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The commission can, if they so choose, revoke Keenon Aampay Hall’s teaching license. A new Georgia law that makes it illegal for teachers to have sex with students is being invoked for the first time ever as well. Should Keenon Aampay Hall be found guilty, she will be required to register as a Georgia Sex Offender, as well as pay a fine that could easily exceed the $ 35,600 a year salary she made as a teacher.