We'll See Where This Goes

 News reports state there is a tiff between Trump and the Pope. It's about immigration, and from what I've read, the Pope thinks the time someone lives illegally in the United States should determine whether they stay, or not. This makes me wonder. There seems to be some irony with someone that lives in a fortress, surrounded by armed guards, and with complete autonomy about who lives there, to make statements about immigration. We'll see where this goes, but I doubt it will go anywhere good.

I Think There Will Be More Of This

Some people don't want any donated blood from those that received certain injections.  I understand the concern, and the supposed research only makes me more suspicious of some researchers and doctors. Too many jumped on board with sometimes incomplete testing by pharmaceutical companies, and injected (and still inject) patients even with other research pointing to dangerous, permanent contraindications with the process. With Covid, there was no reason for many to receive any inoculation, but regardless of what research showed, the results were hidden, and there were billions of dollars made on a product that had the potential to kill more people than the illness it was supposed to prevent. 

There are millions of healthy older adults that probably only had DPT boosters when they were young. Not so today. Dozens of injections are given to the young, and some research shows there may be a correlation between the injections and health problems. Of course, there's a huge market for the medications, and it's advantageous in the near term to promote the product. Time, honest research, and education may show the foolishness of this process. The past is full of peddlers that have "miraculous" results from their products, and I have no doubt many of the companies selling their products are more concerned about their bottom dollar instead of the ultimate consequences of their actions. 

Artemis 2 Reentry Velocity

I was wondering why the Artemis 2 reentry velocity was so high. A little googling informed me of the reasons. One is the fact using the Moon to slingshot it back to Earth leads to a higher speed. Another is it saved fuel, and the most concerning: To test the heat shield....which generally doesn't yield good results when it fails. 

The reentry is forecast to beat Apollo 10's record of reentry speed. That speed is right at escape velocity, which (if my ignorance is correct) will mean only one shot at reentry. Otherwise, a miss will mean a gravity assist from Earth, and the capsule will be flung out into space. 

The astronauts are in for the ride, and I have to admire their bravery/recklessness. Their are no mistakes with this mission, and all have terrible consequences. May God be with them.

Getting Up To Speed

 I've been reading some of my posts, with some back in 2011. As far as I can tell, things haven't really changed that much, but according to news reports, we're supposed to think they are. To summarize:

- The national debt is still rising

- The Middle East is in turmoil

- Congress is still feckless and filled with fleshy headed mutants.

- Judges are still legislating from the bench with impunity.

- The worth of the dollar shrinks daily

- People on a fixed income are still behind due to the ridiculous way the cost of living is calculated.

- Terrorist are still out there, and there may be more than ever

- Illegals are still gaming the system, and doing so with impunity

- The media is mostly on the wrong side of right.

- Corruption in the public sector is rampant. 

- The education system is only turning out functional idiots.

I could go on, but the main point is 2011 is fifteen years ago, and regardless of who is President, the moral foundation of the United States has eroded to the point dishonesty is considered "business as usual". If there is any punishment, it's basically a slap on the wrist. 

So, you're up to speed, and it appears the road is bumpy. 

2026 - A Space Oddity

Of all the things on a spacecraft, one of the most important things is a functional toilet. News reports state the toilet on the Artemis capsule is malfunctioning. Nine more days to go, no way to shorten the voyage, and no port-a-potties available. It's like riding in a van with four people for ten days without a commode. I wouldn't want to be downwind when they open that hatch after they land. Hopefully, someone saved some Walmart bags, hid them onboard, and there's some place to store the packages....I wonder if they have a jettison hatch for such occasions?