NASA to Investigate Climate Impacts of Arctic Sea Ice Loss

Image Credit: 

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/J. Beck

Download this video in HD formats from NASA Goddard's Scientific Visualization Studio

A new NASA field campaign will begin flights over the Arctic this summer to study the effect of sea ice retreat on Arctic climate. The Arctic Radiation IceBridge Sea and Ice Experiment (ARISE) will conduct research flights Aug. 28 through Oct. 1, covering the peak of summer sea ice melt.

ARISE is NASA's first Arctic airborne campaign designed to take simultaneous measurements of ice, clouds and the levels of incoming and outgoing radiation, the balance of which determines the degree of climate warming. The campaign team will fly aboard NASA's C-130 aircraft from Thule Air Base in northern Greenland the first week and from Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, through the remainder of the campaign.

In recent years the Arctic has experienced increased summer sea ice loss. Scientists expect the exposure of more open water to sunlight could enhance warming in the region and cause the release of more moisture to the atmosphere. Additional moisture could affect cloud formation and the exchange of heat from Earth's surface to space. Researchers are grappling with how these changes in the Arctic affect global climate.

NASA's C-130 aircraft will carry scientists over the Arctic starting this month from northern Greenland and Fairbanks, Alaska.

Image Credit: 

NASA

"A wild card in what's happening in the Arctic is clouds and how changes in clouds, due to changing sea-ice conditions, enhance or offset warming," said Bill Smith, ARISE principal investigator at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

ARISE was planned over the last year to take advantage of NASA's existing capabilities for gathering data about ongoing changes in the Arctic. Satellites provided some information about clouds and the energy balance in the Arctic, but the multiple instruments flown during ARISE should provide further insight.

"The clouds and surface conditions over the Arctic as we observe them from satellites are very complex," Smith said. "We need more information to understand how to better interpret the satellite measurements, and an aircraft can help with that."

The array of instruments on ARISE should help scientists better observe how sea ice loss is affecting Arctic cloud formation and therefore the balance of incoming and outgoing radiation. Low-level clouds typically reflect more sunlight and offset warming, while higher clouds are typically less reflective and act to trap more heat in the atmosphere.

"It's a complex business, but it depends on a lot of things we can, in fact, measure," said Hal Maring, program manager for radiation sciences in the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

ARISE researchers will fly survey missions that target different cloud types and surface conditions, such as open water, land ice and sea ice. The missions will be timed to fly under the orbit paths of key satellite instruments, such as the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy Systems (CERES) instruments on multiple NASA satellites. Each morning, mission planners will look at satellite timings and weather forecasts to design flight plans that meet the most objectives of the campaign.

The NASA C-130, based at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, will carry instruments that measure solar (incoming) and infrared (outgoing) radiation, ice surface elevation and cloud properties such as cloud particle size. This will be the first time that many of these instruments, including the mission's laser altimeter, have flown together.

The ARISE campaign is a joint effort of the Radiation Sciences, Cryospheric Sciences and Airborne Sciences programs of the Earth Science Division in NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

NASA monitors Earth's vital signs from land, air and space with a fleet of satellites and ambitious airborne and ground-based observation campaigns. NASA develops new ways to observe and study Earth's interconnected natural systems with long-term data records and computer analysis tools to better see how our planet is changing. The agency shares this unique knowledge with the global community and works with institutions in the United States and around the world that contribute to understanding and protecting our home planet.

To learn more about NASA's Earth science activities in 2014, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/earthrightnow

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© 2014 Michael Douglas Carlin. All Rights Reserved.

GREEN LIGHT TO PEACE

by Michael Douglas Carlin

A SINGLE MOMENT OF CLARITY IN A GREEN LIGHT TO PEACE

 A single moment of clarity in a room full of people, and I know that every one of them had the same moment with me. The question that has eluded mankind since the beginning of time was answered that moment in that room for the entire group attending. We understood how it would happen. I can't speak for everyone in that room, but I know for me, that as I drove away down Hollywood Blvd., I felt that moment slipping away from my memory on a trip that seemed to last an eternity. Horns honking, tourists crowding the streets and the traffic backed up on the boulevard. The lights would turn green with nowhere to go as each frustrated driver was stuck in traffic, and every sound was a distraction that pulled me farther from that one beautiful moment. I have studied peace. I wrote a book about it. But, in that one moment, I came to understand so much more about peace than in all my years of study.

Aoun Sahi from Pakistan was speaking pure truth. He was giving us a glimpse of the Pakistani people. "Revenge is very important in my culture," he tells the audience. He is speaking about the horrific murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. We are all gathered here tonight in his honor, in his memory, in his unwavering quest for truth. We have come to hear what two journalists, who happen to be Muslim, have learned from their fellowship in two different U.S. newsrooms over the past six months. This turns into what insight they have for the American people about how their citizens view the world. This turns into them setting us straight about stereotypes and misconceptions. Both of these men's hearts are speaking and the spirit of Danny Pearl must be here connecting our souls, uniting our humanity. We become aware that what we are hearing is a game changing philosophy to guide us in our steps a world away from the Middle East.

Judea Pearl tells us that Aoun, upon coming to America, was most surprised about being able to proceed in safety when the light turned green. That gives us some insight into the traffic laws on the streets of Pakistan. Nasry Ahmed Esmat from Egypt tells us that this fellowship for him created a deeper understanding that can't be had through tourism. The knowledge that was gained was endless, and the effects profound. Both men have bridged the gap left by tolerance, and their participation in this fellowship has lead them to acceptance and understanding.

We learn of the incredible popularity of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the Muslim world because of his bold speech against Israel and America. Each encounter emboldens all of Islam in their struggle against the West, against the attack we are making on their culture. They both agree that the words are much more powerful than the actions of actually attacking Israel or America.

They fear neither. Each time Ahmadinejad speaks, he gains increased stature within the entire world of Islam.

Aoun tells us that he sees Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad playing the game of politics very well. He states that, as matter of fact, nuclear weapons are not weapons of attack, and the fear that nukes will be used in an attack is baseless. They would know. They are journalists from Pakistan and Egypt from the back room, where the copy is written. They are ratcheting down the rhetoric that we have come to believe as gospel, that Israel is going to be wiped off of the face of the Earth by Iran.

The truth is that fear exists on all sides in the Middle East. Jews and Arabs are especially afraid. Peace will come from being pragmatic. We hear the Golda Meir comment paraphrased, that peace will come, not because they have grown to love their neighbors, but because they love the future of their own children.

Nasry tells us that conversation in Egypt often touches on conspiracy theories. Not that there is any truth to it, but people love to talk about these conspiracies, and the region is filled with many, many theories. When Aoun is asked about Afghanistan, he tells us that Pakistan doesn't view Afghanistan as their problem. They view it as our problem. There will be no solution in Afghanistan that doesn't also solve Kashmir. Without a solution to Kashmir, Afghanistan will become an even bigger mess.

Part of what fuels the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is anger that leads to extremists getting into office, which becomes counterproductive to the peace process. "Generalizations are evil," Nasry says, and clear distinctions must be made between a Jew, an Israeli, and a Zionist.

Aoun chimes in with a familiar line of dialogue. "No person in Pakistan has ever done anything wrong against Jews, so why take the anger from mistreatment at the hands of Europeans and inflict it on the Muslims?"

Nasry tells us that deep within the hearts of Egyptians is a remorse that they signed a treaty with Israel, because they feel that they left their brothers fighting on their own—abandoned. "Any treaty with a Muslim Nation will be a cold treaty, because the people are not behind it."

The Islamic view of America is so influenced by Hollywood. We have created stereotypes. A Jordanian filmmaker rises and tells us that, when he watched The Hurt Locker, he was laughing at a scene. Yet, when he turned to see the woman next to him in the American audience, he was astounded to see tears flowing down her face as a reaction to the same scene. For him as a Jordanian, he can never see an American soldier as a sympathetic character, because, in the Muslim World, American soldiers are seen as foreign invaders.

Again, talk of world peace is predicated upon a solution to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Solve this one region, and the rest of the world lines up right behind. Houses bulldozed, suicide bombers, it is such a mess. The solution was there in that moment. The conflict was solved for everyone in that room for just a moment. What was that solution? It has faded from my memory. I am searching for it.

Oh, yeah, Aoun said it. "Revenge is important in my country." Revenge. That is it. The Pearl family vowed to take revenge by fighting hatred with every living breath. They vowed to take revenge by inviting Muslim journalists to visit and work in American newsrooms. They are avenging their son's death by practicing their version of another philosophy preached in that region a couple of thousand years ago; turning the other cheek. Their anger wasn't channeled into extremism. They took what seemed so incredibly senseless and brought sense to it by creating cultural exchanges. They are bringing honor and meaning to the tragic death of their son. Danny Pearl's quest for the truth has new partners.

Nasry said, "This isn't a fellowship. This is a movement."

Peace is a choice, and it is won a single person at a time by dispelling myths, eliminating stereotypes, replacing hatred with love, chasing away fear, and choosing education instead of retribution. These fellowships are the path to that deeper understanding, to keeping extremists out of office, to shattering generalizations, to allowing all people to keep their cultures and their religions. These fellowships are becoming the movement that leads to a more peaceful world. This movement also leads to being able to proceed safely when the light turns green as long as green means "go" in your country, and you aren't stuck in Los Angeles traffic.

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© 2014 Michael Douglas Carlin. All Rights Reserved.

OATHS OF KNIGHTS

      Ridley Scott’s movie Kingdom of Heaven captured the spirit of Knights. We see armies headed to lay siege on Jerusalem, and the fortifications are being made to the best of the abilities of the people who are living there. Something happens when the priest complains that there are no Knights, and, therefore, the city is deemed defenseless. Balian asks a young man about his condition. The young man is a servant. Balian commands this young man and all men capable of bearing arms to kneel and take the oath of Knighthood. This young man kneels a servant. All of the others are ordinary men. They kneel as Balian commanded. When they rise, there is something different about them. They are Knights. They are able to transform this newfound power into a razor-sharp repelling force that inflicts losses on the attackers that brings them to the table to negotiate safe passage to friendly lands. Where there was previously no hope, the bestowal of Knighthood invoked forces beyond comprehension.

Something happens when men and women take the oath of Knighthood.The oath in Kingdom of Heaven was simple: Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. This is your oath. Rise a Knight.

MY OWN PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

In 1996, I participated in a mission to Nicaragua that forever changed my life. I remember the moment that the change occurred. I handed antibiotics to a woman that likely saved the lives of her children. There was that silent communication between us, as we spoke different languages. That look of gratitude will forever be seared in my brain. Sir Edward calls this rendering, "hand to hand, eye to eye, and heart to heart." What also gives it power is that we never expect anything in return.

Less than a year later, I experienced another life changing moment. I was asked to kneel an ordinary man and to take the oath of Knighthood. When I rose a Knight, my life changed forever. Since that day, I have participated in relief missions throughout the world. For many of those missions, I simply packaged and shipped relief items, raised money, or handled logistics. But, on several of those missions, I traveled to deliver the relief personally, "hand to hand, eye to eye, and heart to heart." When I became a Knight, I made an oath to live my life as a Knight.

THE OATH A KNIGHT TAKES HAS TRANSFORMED OVER TIME

The following oath was translated from Medieval Latin and is found on the tomb of a Knight of Malta in northwestern France. It dates from 1560 A.D.

"I do solemnly swear by Almighty God and His Name, and in free and voluntary desire, to serve as a Knight of Malta of the most holy Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. I do swear by the Eternal Power of the Trinity, to be both a true and chivalric Knight, to obey my Commanders and to aid my brethren. I also swear by all that is holy and dear unto me, to aid those less fortunate than I, to relieve the distress of the world and to fulfill my knightly obligations. This oath do I give of my own free and independent will, so help me God! Amen!"

These words come down to us from an ancient knightly order, in which knights were instructed in their duties.

THE ANCIENT OATH

Be loyal of hands and mouth and serve every man as best you may. Seek the fellowship of good men; hearken to their words and remember them. Be humble and courteous wherever thou go, boasting not nor talking overmuch, neither be dumb altogether. Look to it that no lady or damsel be in reproach through your default, nor any woman of whatsoever quality. And, if you fall into company where men speak with disrespect of any woman, show by gracious words that it pleaseth you not, and depart.

The office of knight is to promote faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of Lords, King of Kings and the only Savior and to protect those who seek to worship in His name anywhere upon the face of this earth that He has made.

THE OATH OF A KNIGHT (Also known as A Knight’s Prayer)

Almighty God, Eternal Father, Lord of Lords, have mercy upon me, a humble knight in Thy Divine Service. O Lord, I pray for Thy indulgence and blessings.

Forget not Thine servant in his trials, nor his Order of Knighthood. I pray that Thy Will be done in all things, both great and small. Let me always be worthy of Thee, let me not forget Thee in good times or bad.

Armor me with the armor of Thy Righteousness, give me the sword of Truth that I shall confound Thine enemies and be unto Thee a true knight.

O Lord, in my hour of need, be with me. Let me never forget my sacred and holy vows unto Thee, that I should not be prey unto demons and devils nor the dark things of this world.

Let me always be a beacon unto those in distress, never allow me to forget my obligation unto the homeless nor the poor: let me serve Thee and Thine Eternal Throne all the days of my life. Let me always remember the obligations that I have taken upon me.

Lord, if it is Thy Will, let me serve Thee forever!

If ever, oh Lord, I turn from Thee in this Order, let my name forever be cursed, may my spurs be broken and my body given unto demons to dwell with them forever in that Lake of Fire which Thou hast prepared for the ungodly.
Power beyond Power, Pillar of Strength, Refuge of the Homeless, let me serve
Thee for all the days of my life! Amen.

These words were part of an oral history of the Crusades compiled in 1200 A.D. and were spoken by a Knight Hospitaller moments before a battle against Moslem forces.

YET ANOTHER OATH

This is the oath of a Knight of King Arthur’s Round Table and should be for all of us to take to heart.
I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, and refute sexism in all its guises, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip—neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.


 



© 2013 Michael Douglas Carlin. All Rights Reserved.

New Film Finance Model Tied to Social Media & Charities

Presales Using Social Networking Is Next Financing Model For Movies

(This article appeared in the August 8, 2011 edition of the Century City News)

By Michael Douglas Carlin

In the film arena preselling seats or content has become a trusted financing mechanism. In the ‘80s we had presales of video, television or foreign rights as a staple of independent film finance. There were many business models introduced that mitigated much of the risk bringing the Studio’s total exposure on any particular film down to less than 15% of the total budget. There were ample rights that brought in attractive revenues if the picture performed at the box office. Many smart producers were able to retain sufficient rights and lay off nearly all of the risk through the pre-sales financing mechanism.

Today many of the sources of this revenue have dissipated. Taking a chance on a film that doesn’t have a track record is a big risk and the number of films that are pushing the creative envelope are few and far between. But the opportunity to leverage social networks to presell a film is virtually untapped. The first to create a successful business model tapping into these social networks are Spero Stamboulis and Brian Ide. Their pre-sales model is taking the risk out of their upcoming feature film, “Mike Mulligan’s Midnight Ride.” They call their business model “ReDistribute” and you can see more at www.weReDistribute.org.

At a time when the Prime Interest Rate is around 3%, and the stock market looks more like a casino; Spero and Brian may have hit the mother lode. Where would you put $25 million today? Where would you put $100 million? These two men can show you how they plan to rewrite the film-financing manual by leveraging existing social networks to bring a film into profit before one single frame of film has ever been exposed. In modern day terms… before a single high-definition video clip has ever been recorded. They do this by aligning the film with hundreds of charities that have a vested interest in the success of the film. They tap into those social networks and spread the word at a fraction of the cost of expensive advertising and reward charities that deliver with a lion’s share of the box office receipts. This is a new concept for breaking an unknown film concept into the stratosphere.

Making movies is so much more about the management of risk than it is about making great movies. We complain about lack of creativity at the box office but nobody can argue with the mitigated risk from remakes or sequels. Complain all you want about “Hangover II” but the numbers speak pretty loudly that this business model is a winner.

Spero and Brian have a movie to finance that may break all of the rules and become the next reinvention of the film finance model. If their financing mechanism works it may bring in a completely different type of investor that has traditionally seen film as too risky a proposition for their core portfolios. In their model they combine social networking, philanthropy, and movie making to bring a family values – historical project to the screen. By preselling tickets through a number of charities they are taking the risk out of their venture and creating a historic based piece that will entertain, educate and give back.

But why not make a donation directly to the charity of your choice? This model counts on people doing what they would already do and making a choice to have a portion of their ticket go to charity. Consider the choice between “Cars XV” and “Mike Mulligan’s Midnight Ride.” Families going to the movies have the opportunity to teach their children that by choosing the Midnight Ride they can give to education and help those less fortunate.

Many “A” list actors are already kicking the tires to see what this might mean to their careers as they attempt to stay on the most prestigious list by also tapping into these important networks. If you operate a medium or large size charity you might want to get on board with their concept because their mechanism might mean millions of dollars to your organization. If you own a distribution company you might want to get on board as this mechanism might become a reliable supplier of “High Concept” content that has ready made profits for investors, distributors and charity partners. If you are on the talent side you might find that their movies are a financial and social opportunity as well as a way to give back. Hilton HHonors has already agreed to support ReDistribute for 2011 and currently American Airlines is taking a closer look. ReDestribute has been selected as one of 50 finalists. They will further narrow their selection by internet vote. You help ReDistribute become one of five charities to win backing of the airline by voting at: https://secure.fly.aa.com/flig htscameraaction/Vote.aspx?vidI D=49 and this can be done once a day from every email account that you have. The contest ends on August 26th.

This concept and the social media revolution are both still in their infancy. We have only seen the beginning of innovations that will come from leveraging our social media networks to drive revenue and mitigate risk. One area that will certainly benefit from tapping into social networking structures is the Motion Picture Industry. These two young and very smart guys might continue to lead the way.

And the concept couldn’t have come at a better time when the resources of governments are stretched to the breaking point and charities are being counted on to fill in the gaps. Movies that make us feel good combined with causes give us that warm and fuzzy feel.

Ten years from now people will be running around Hollywood talking about the big fish that got away. They will all be attempting to book an appointment with Spero and Brian who will be running a studio or two by then…

Here is how you can reach them now: Brian 310.795.4423 or Spero 818-795-9099 or see more at www.weReDistribute.org


Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.

Turning The Other Cheek

(Written in 2012)

I want to thank each and every one of you that have reached out to me with your love and sympathy from the attack I am receiving from one of our brothers. We have all walked down many battlefields together and I invite each of you to draw your own conclusions from the time we have spent together.

Some of you have traveled with me to impoverished countries to deliver relief. Some of you have helped me load containers or duffle bags to deliver relief. I have gone to film festivals and funerals and have worked to help those less fortunate. I have been honored to walk amongst you all as we do our part to leave humanity better off.

I see no reason to address each accusation line item by line item but wish to categorically deny any and all allegations. When we should all be celebrating we find ourselves embroiled in controversy and infighting. When we should all be uniting to help those less fortunate we find ourselves distracted from what is really important.

In a month and a half I will be celebrating my tenth year publishing my local newspaper. Those of you that know me well know that I have lived a Spartan existence and that is the only reason I am still in business today. I ride my motorcycle to save money. I live in my studio apartment and I spend my time and resources enriching my local community through the newspaper as well as participating in various charitable activities at home and abroad.

My brother throws daggers at me. For what reason I do not know. The brain is an amazing thing. When it is damaged the rewiring that occurs is not easy to explain. It is the only conclusion I can draw.

These past ten years have been a struggle. I have been in the newspaper business during one of the low points of journalism and publishing. In July I plan to have a quiet celebration to recognize the achievement of publishing for ten years without missing a deadline. I plan to reminisce over the decade I have spent serving a local community with news and an advertising platform.

None of us is perfect and I certainly have my flaws but the struggle has made me a better person. The struggle has shaped my life. When the wolves were at the door I did my best work. The wolves are at the door again growling and threatening. I vow to you all that I will keep working and attempt to do my very best.

My brother strikes me. I forgive him. I know that he has shaped so much about who I am now and has done so much for humanity that if his anger toward me is what gives him the will to survive and get healthy. If his anger toward me is his struggle to reconnect those synapses then I gladly accept my lot in life because the world is better with him in it. Humanity is better off when he works to deliver relief to the needy and helps heal the sick.

I recently completed a documentary feature film called “American Federale.” I spent time in border Mexico during the height of the danger. Prior to my brother having his stroke he was concerned for my safety as I entered both Juarez and Ojinaga. He had me text him upon entering and leaving so that he would know I was safe. I owe so much of what I have accomplished to his love and giving hands. I see no need to meet anger with anger. I also completed a book that is really a companion piece to the documentary called “Rise a Knight.” The book looks forward to a better world that we can all help bring to fruition. My brother also was the guiding hand behind this work too. I invite you all to read the book as it is available on iTunes for free. You can then judge for yourselves if the vision I have understood is the correct vision for the future of humanity.

I ride a motorcycle on the streets of Los Angeles. I know the danger that is lurking around every corner. I get on the bike every day and ask myself if today is the day I will meet my Maker. I know that even if I get another forty years on the planet that it will go by in a blink. I hope we all are in touch with our mortality and agree to work hard to leave this planet better than we found it.

I salute you all for all of the good that you do and hope we can all function together soon as brothers and sisters in the cause of elevating humanity.

A Prescription For Peace - The iBook

A Prescription For Peace documents the philosophy of a group of the Knights of Malta who have brought relief into warzones for over 35 years. This philosophy of giving provides a path for like-minded people to give effectively with an emphasis on people resuming the path of self-sufficiency. A Prescription for Peace is available for $.99 on the iTunes iBook Store and is also an iPad exclusive download.

ISBN# 9780983810827 – A Prescription For Peace - $.99 at the iTunes Store


Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.

Would You Support an Independent Candidate For President?

Twenty million of us need to march on Washington. Either in person or on Facebook and Twitter. We need to elect people that are not aligned to special interests or big corporations. Each time they create a piece of legislation they need to ask, "is this good for the American People?" We have two parties that have missed their market and we can move the country in a positive direction.

William Winokur creator of "The Slice" says "You know the difference between Republicans and Democrats? One steals your money and gives it to their friends; the other steals your money and gives it to strangers. The only thing they got in common is that they wanna keep us fighting over the stupid shit."

So here is a radical idea: why not get 20 million of us together to march on Washington and demand that this government support the actual people.

Two of my close friends have come to me this past couple of weeks to share with me that their career is over. Technology has made them obsolete and they are now in need of reinventing themselves.

We all sat on our hands and watched as the auto workers jobs, telemarketing jobs, and many other healthy segments of our economy were shipped overseas. We all did nothing. Now we can see the writing on the walls. Accounting jobs are being shipped overseas. Next it will be lawyer jobs.

Are we really this apathetic that we are going to sit on our bark loungers and let the cable TV wash over us and do nothing?

We are 300 million Americans being held hostage by 535 people in Washington. They come out and give speeches that make us feel good and then act in opposition to their own very words. We buy into it and keep re-electing the same people.

2012 is the opportunity for us to take back what is left of this country and move in a positive direction. We can restore America to the greatness we once held in the world. 

Why not try...

We need independent candidates to run for political office against every incumbent and we need to rally the people to vote new people that represent us into office.

What happened to government of by and for the people? What happened to our Constitution? What happened to being able to look into a child's eyes and promise him or her that if they work hard and study and become educated that there will be a job waiting for them at the end of that road? Can you honestly promise children of today that they have a future with an income to look forward to?

I want to be able to make those promises and mean it. I want to be able to give all of the people of America access to opportunity and the American Dream. If we don't act the jobs we will be outsourcing might be yours...

NASA Mission Finds Widespread Evidence of Young Lunar Volcanism

The feature called Maskelyne is one of many newly discovered young volcanic deposits on the Moon. Called irregular mare patches, these areas are thought to be remnants of small basaltic eruptions that occurred 

much later than the commonly accepted end of lunar volcanism, 1 to 1.5 billion years ago.

Image Credit: 

NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has provided researchers strong evidence the moon’s volcanic activity slowed gradually instead of stopping abruptly a billion years ago.

Scores of distinctive rock deposits observed by LRO are estimated to be less than 100 million years old. This time period corresponds to Earth’s Cretaceous period, the heyday of dinosaurs. Some areas may be less than 50 million years old. Details of the study are published online in Sunday’s edition of Nature Geoscience.

“This finding is the kind of science that is literally going to make geologists rewrite the textbooks about the moon,” said John Keller, LRO project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The deposits are scattered across the moon’s dark volcanic plains and are characterized by a mixture of smooth, rounded, shallow mounds next to patches of rough, blocky terrain. Because of this combination of textures, the researchers refer to these unusual areas as irregular mare patches.

The features are too small to be seen from Earth, averaging less than a third of a mile (500 meters) across in their largest dimension. One of the largest, a well-studied area called Ina, was imaged from lunar orbit by Apollo 15 astronauts.

Ina appeared to be a one-of-a-kind feature until researchers from Arizona State University in Tempe and Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster in Germany spotted many similar regions in high-resolution images taken by the two Narrow Angle Cameras that are part of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, or LROC. The team identified a total of 70 irregular mare patches on the near side of the moon.

The large number of these features and their wide distribution strongly suggest that late-stage volcanic activity was not an anomaly but an important part of the moon's geologic history.

The numbers and sizes of the craters within these areas indicate the deposits are relatively recent. Based on a technique that links such crater measurements to the ages of Apollo and Luna samples, three of the irregular mare patches are thought to be less than 100 million years old, and perhaps less than 50 million years old in the case of Ina. The steep slopes leading down from the smooth rock layers to the rough terrain are consistent with the young age estimates.

In contrast, the volcanic plains surrounding these distinctive regions are attributed to volcanic activity that started about 3 1/2 billion years ago and ended roughly 1 billion years ago. At that point, all volcanic activity on the moon was thought to cease.

Several earlier studies suggested that Ina was quite young and might have formed due to localized volcanic activity. However, in the absence of other similar features, Ina was not considered an indication of widespread volcanism.

The findings have major implications for how warm the moon’s interior is thought to be.

“The existence and age of the irregular mare patches tell us that the lunar mantle had to remain hot enough to provide magma for the small-volume eruptions that created these unusual young features,” said Sarah Braden, a recent Arizona State University graduate and the lead author of the study.

The new information is hard to reconcile with what currently is thought about the temperature of the interior of the moon.

“These young volcanic features are prime targets for future exploration, both robotic and human,” said Mark Robinson, LROC principal investigator at Arizona State University.

LRO is managed by Goddard for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. LROC, a system of three cameras, was designed and built by Malin Space Science Systems and is operated by Arizona State University.

FOOD, WATER MISSION

10/12/2014 05:38 PM CDT

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew prepares to conduct a resupply airdrop near Bayji, Iraq, Oct. 11, 2014. The C-130 dropped 14 containers of bundles, including seven bundles of fresh drinking water and seven bundles of meals ready to eat.

ARMY'S 30TH

10/12/2014 05:50 PM CDT

More than 35,000 participants from all over the world ran the 30th Army Ten-Miler, which started and ended at the Pentagon, Oct. 12, 2014.