Space Shuttle 'Enterprise,' and Replica 'Explorer' Move In NYC/Houston Sunday, June 3

Jason C.

Posting #2

Tech/Science
Space Shuttle 'Enterprise,' Shuttle Replica 'Explorer' Move In NYC And Houston Sunday, by Tariq Malik

Huffington Post, 2 June 2012

727 words

Two NASA shuttles are being moved to musuems on Sunday, June 3 – the “Enterprise” and “Explorer”; the former is the actual shuttle while Explorer is a replica of Space Shuttles in general. The Enterprise will be transported via barge from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan. The shuttle will be replaced by the veteran orbiter “Discovery.” This last Friday, Explorer was transported via barge from the JFK Space Center in Florida to Clear Lake, Houston. From there, it will be sent to the Space Center Houston, and will be replaced by the Atlantis at the JFK Space Center. NASA's youngest shuttle, Endeavour, will be brought to the California Science Center for public display

In conclusion, three NASA shuttles, Enterprise, Explorer and Endeavour are being transported to three different musuems for display this year: the Intrepid, SCH, and CSC. Two of them, Enterprise and Endeavour, are retired shuttles that had been in service for decades while Explorer is just a replica of all of the orbiters. The Enterprise and Explorer will be replaced by the Discovery, at the Smithsonian; and the Atlantis, at the JFK Center.

I can't wait to be able to see them because I'm interested in astronomy. My chances of seeing any of them as soon as they're open for display are unlikely, but Endeavour would be the easiest (as it will be located in California while the others are across the country). The shuttles are definitely feats for humanity that will inspire lots of people, including me.

Mitt Romney's big green flop

Jason C.

Posting #1

Politics

“Mitt Romney's big green flop,” by Greg Turner
Boston Herald, 2 June 12

436 words

Konkarka, a solar-panel production company located in Massachusetts, has filed bankruptcy, ceased production and laid off all of its workers. At the time of bankruptcy, the company had $113,541 left; they gave more than $700,000 to their former employees. The company was supported by Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, during his term as Massachusetts governor. Romney loaned the company $1.5 million, but he criticized Obama's $500,000 investment in Solyndra, another solar-panel company – an action he described as “crony capitalism.” MA Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) described the affair as “fair” and that Romney should have been prepared for criticisms of his own actions.

In conclusion, Konkarka filed bankruptcy because they didn't have enough funds to continue operations, and had to pay severance to its laid off employees. The company had been supported by Mitt Romney during his time as MA governer with a $1.5 loan. The candidate had castigated Obama for his $500,000 investment in Solyndra, while, ironically, he was also guilty of the same action.

In my opinion, it was stupid of Romney to criticize Obama for a thing he had also done. It's sad that the company had become bankrupt, especially because they advocated the use of green-energy that really benefits the planet. I hope Obama's investment won't be a waste as well.