The Rockwell International Integrated Space Plan
October 1st, 2012Via: Grist:
Sean Ragan of MAKE magazine just posted this amazing graphic, which he tracked down after being mildly obsessed with it for more than a decade. It’s an “Integrated Space Plan” drawn up by Rockwell International, a conglomerate of manufacturing companies in the aerospace, electronics, and truck component industries. The plan was created in the ’80s, and is supposed to be a detailed flow chart for establishing a permanent human presence in space. And it. Is. Amazing.
More: The Rockwell International Integrated Space Plan
Research Credit: RP
Cryptogon Readers Sign Up for Hosting with BlueHost
October 1st, 2012Thanks to the owners of incathedra.com and F* Systems (not the real company name) for signing up for hosting with BlueHost. F* Systems guys: Considering your company’s line of work, I seriously doubt that you want to be mentioned here, but if you do, please email me from your domain and I’ll post it.
Cryptogon received $180.
Cryptogon Readers Send Contributions
October 1st, 2012Thank you.
Furry Wombat AU$25
Leaked Wisdom £25
U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan Hit 2,000
September 30th, 2012Via: AP:
The killing of an American serviceman in an exchange of fire with allied Afghan soldiers pushed U.S. military deaths in the war to 2,000, a cold reminder of the perils that remain after an 11-year conflict that now garners little public interest at home.
The toll has climbed steadily in recent months with a spate of attacks by Afghan army and police — supposed allies — against American and NATO troops.
Air Force Might Move X-37B Operations to Florida
September 30th, 2012Via: Florida Today:
The military’s mysterious mini-shuttle operations might be consolidated on Florida’s Space Coast, and the upcoming third flight of the Air Force vehicle might land at Kennedy Space Center’s three-mile shuttle runway.
In what could be an economic boon for an area still reeling from the 2011 retirement of the U.S. shuttle fleet, the Air Force said Thursday it was considering moving X-37B operations to KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
China: 50ft Tsunami of Foam Sweeps Through Village After Chemical Spill
September 30th, 2012Harmless. Nothing to see here. Carry on.
Via: Daily Mail:
This wall of foam sparked widespread panic among locals as it rushed along a river in southern China.
The mass of soapy suds blanketed the water in Xintang, in China’s Guangdong province, leading to evacuations along the banks of the river.
But officials have now said the only threat posed by the foam – thought to have been caused by chemicals washed into the river – was the possibility of ‘one or two dead fish’ lurking in the bubbles.
Robert McKeon
September 29th, 2012Via: Bloomberg:
Robert McKeon, the founder of private-equity firm Veritas Capital and a former chairman of Wasserstein Perella Management Partners, died Sept. 10 at his home in Darien, Connecticut. The cause of death was suicide, according to the office of Connecticut’s chief medical examiner.
Darien police in an e-mail confirmed McKeon’s death and said the incident isn’t considered suspicious. He was 58.
…
McKeon, a founding partner of Wasserstein Perella & Co., started Veritas in 1992, building it into a $2.2 billion firm. He was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, and was appointed in 1993 to chairman of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority.
Related: ‘Asphyxia Due to Neck Compression’
Research Credit: almaverdad2
‘It’s Like the Gardener’s Version of Graffiti’
September 29th, 2012Via: Los Angeles Times:
Today, Hui is the force behind Guerrilla Grafters, a renegade band of idealistic produce lovers who attach fruit-growing branches to public trees in Bay Area cities (they are loath to specify exactly where for fear of reprisal).
Their handiwork currently is getting recognition in the 13th International Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy, as part of the U.S. exhibit called “Spontaneous Interventions: Design Actions for the Common Good.” Closer to home, however, municipal officials have denounced the group’s efforts.
Even the urban agriculture movement is torn when it comes to the secretive splicers, outliers in a nascent push to bring orchards to America’s inner cities. While many applaud their civil disobedience, others fear a backlash against community farming efforts. And few believe their work will ever fill a fruit bowl.
Not that that really matters.
“It’s like the gardener’s version of graffiti,” said Claire Napawan, assistant professor of landscape architecture at UC Davis and a grafters sympathizer. “Even if there’s some question about its ability to produce enough food to make a difference … as an awareness piece, it’s a good idea.”
Research Credit: almaverdad2
Big Sis Doesn’t Use Email
September 29th, 2012Via: National Journal:
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who is a key player in national cybersecurity efforts, said on Friday she doesn’t use e-mail.
“Don’t laugh, but I just don’t use e-mail at all,” she said during a discussion at a Cybersecurity Summit hosted by National Journal and Government Executive. She didn’t explain what communications tools she does use.
President Obama, who appointed Napolitano, broke precedent by carrying his own BlackBerry device. But in response to a question about her personal cybersecurity practices, Napolitano said she avoids many online services. “I don’t have any of my own accounts. Some would call me a Luddite,” she said.
Comedy Gold: Force Protection Vehicle 60 MPH Brake Test
September 29th, 2012Via: YouTube:
