Another example of what happens in a changing climate

A pyramid in Mexico collapsed after heavy, constant rain caused it to crumble at the foot. 

This was reportedly the best preserved site in the area, which suggests that we're losing history as a result of climate change. 

https://www.sciencealert.com/bad-omen-ancient-pyramid-in-mexico-collapses-into-pile-of-rubble

ULA has a budget issue

The attached is about how the United launch alliance is over budget and behind schedule. 

And that newer private companies are eating their lunch. 

What I find interesting is how the old guard NASA contractors are still relying on how business used to run, with bloated government contracts and lots of forgiveness given that they helped put a man on the moon. 

The 21st century requires profitability and new ways of thinking about technology. 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-15/boeing-lockeed-space-venture-faces-staff-shortage-budget-crunch/

A look at whether bling and hair slows down runners

This is a bit of fun. And the author does the math and shows his work. 

Yes, bling and hair do slow a runner down. But these things also make the runner more confident. So why not just be your own self!

https://www.wired.com/story/does-jewelry-slow-down-olympic-runners/

Hydrogen cars are safe?!

Sure they had to do a little work on the car to turn it into a bomb. But the point is that they could fairly easily turn do so. 

What a great idea to have these vehicles in the hands of everyone!

https://autos.yahoo.com/toyota-mirai-turned-hydrogen-bomb-171500247.html

Wow, the view from the space station is spectacular!

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/drop-everything-and-watch-this-stunning-video-of-northern-lights/

A fun little trip down memory lane

Here's some info about Disneys relationship with Jim Henson. 

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/disney-tips-shuttering-muppet-vision-131710901.html

Boeings latest headache

They're calling it "Stuckliner"

Boeing has a contract with NASA to create a spacecraft that can get humans back to the moon.

After spending billions in development, using a lot of technology applications from previous rockets, and after many delays, Boeing finally was able to get a space worthy rocket ready for launch: Starliner

Then it came time to ride test it with humans. Again, issues plagued the craft and it got delayed several times. 

But then they fixed (or in some cases) patched their issues and decided it was within acceptable safety parameters and were able to get the astronauts into space.  But mechanical and computer issues were concerning and it took some time to sort those out and dock with the ISS.

The mission was supposed to last 8 days, and … well … the craft has a host of issues and pretty much no one at NASA or Boeing has confidence that it's safe to return the astronauts in the vehicle.

NASA would like to return it empty and see how it does, and bring back the two crew members another way, like on a future spacex dragon capsule. 

This being the 21st century, and being all about corporate interests, Boeing thinks this is a bad idea. They know it will affect their bottom line and their contract with NASA.  So they want to continue to fix the spacecraft and return the crew in it.

In any case, NASA has already had upcoming milestones for the return to the moon slip because of it, and is getting antsy.  It seems likely that they will open up bidding for the moon missions yet again… but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Right now, the concern is for the astronauts. They're being told to "hang tight" in space and they'll make it back home next year sometime.

But I doubt they brought enough clean underwear for a trip that will last >8 months.