Starship Clears FAA Safety Hurdles, Environmental Review Still Pending

October 31, 2023Posted inSpace News, SpaceX
Starship

SpaceX’s Starship sits on the pad in Boca Chica, Texas awaiting regulatory hurdles for it’s second orbital test flight. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN www.rpgphotography.com

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given its nod of approval regarding the safety of SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy rocket. This decision comes months after the initial orbital launch attempt in April resulted in an explosion over the Gulf of Mexico.

Lake Eola: Orlando’s Tranquil Oasis

October 31, 2023Posted inEntertainment / Recreation
Starry Starry Night Over Orlando
Starry Starry Night Over Orlando

I am not a city boy. In fact, I try to avoid cities as much as possible. But recently I discovered a bit of calm among the chaos. Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is a tranquil oasis that has become an iconic symbol of the city’s beauty and vitality. This picturesque lake, which spans 23 acres, serves as a hub for both tourists and locals, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Lake Eola is not just a body of water; it’s a community gathering place, a recreational destination, and a cultural hotspot that reflects the essence of Orlando.

Tampa Shooting Claims Two Lives and Injures Sixteen

October 30, 2023Posted inFlorida News

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Tampa, Florida – A 22-year-old suspect has been apprehended and charged with second-degree murder in connection with a shooting that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning on a bustling street in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood. The incident has led to the tragic deaths of two individuals and left 16 others wounded.

Elon Musk Announces Ambitious Plan to Transform X into a Financial Hub to Rival Banks

October 30, 2023Posted inUncategorized
Elon Musk

Elon Musk Photo: Getty Images

Elon Musk Announces Ambitious Plan to Transform X into a Financial Hub to Rival Banks

In a recent all-hands call with employees, Elon Musk revealed his ambitious vision to turn X, formerly known as Twitter, into a comprehensive financial platform that aims to replace the need for traditional banks within a year. The Verge was the first to report on Musk’s groundbreaking plan after obtaining an audio recording of the call.

Florida Orders Shut Down of Pro-Palestinian Student Group for Alleged Support of Hamas

October 29, 2023Posted inFlorida News

The Florida state university system, in collaboration with Governor Ron DeSantis, has issued an order to shut down chapters of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a pro-Palestinian student organization. This makes Florida the first U.S. state to outlaw the group, citing its national leadership’s alleged backing of Hamas’ attack on Israel.

SpaceX’s Second Starship Test Appears Imminent

October 27, 2023Posted inSpace News, SpaceX

SpaceX’s Starship stands on the pad in Boca Chica, TX looking ready to fly. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

After a successful rehearsal that put nearly all of SpaceX’s pre-flight systems for the Starship rocket to the test, the long-awaited Starship flight might be just around the corner. Recent developments have stirred excitement and speculation as the pace quickens for the Starship’s apparent upcoming launch.

ULA Announces Date for Vulcan Rocket Test

October 27, 2023Posted inSpace News, United Launch Alliance, Vulcan

A Vulcan booster’s engines are test fired in this undated photo. Photo: ULA

In a Tweet ( or should we say “X”) posted on Thursday, United Launch Alliance announced that they are targeting December 24th for the first launch of their new Vulcan booster. The announcement comes after months of delays due to technical issues. The Vulcan booster will replace ULA’s retiring Atlas V and Delta IV boosters.

Manhunt Continues: 18 Dead, 13 Injured in Shooting Rampage – UPDATE

October 26, 2023Posted inNational News

The manhunt continues for 40 year old Robert Card, a US Army reservist suspected of killing 18 people during a shooting spree in Lewiston Maine Wednesday night. Photo: Lewiston Police Department

UPDATE : Robert Card has been found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In a shocking incident that has left the community of Lewiston, Maine, in deep mourning, a shooting rampage unfolded on Thursday, claiming the lives of 18 people and leaving 13 others injured. The attack took place at a restaurant and a bowling alley, prompting a swift and furious manhunt for the suspected perpetrator, now wanted on murder charges.

The Florida Man Games: Where Madness Meets Mayhem!

October 26, 2023Posted inEntertainment / Recreation, Florida Sports

“Running from the Cops” is just one of the events scheduled for the Florida Man Games in February 2024. Image courtesy of Pete Melfi/Florida Man Games

In a quirky twist on the traditional world of athletic competitions, a group of Floridians has set their sights on hosting a unique event known as the “Florida Man Games.” Inspired by the bizarre exploits of the infamous “Florida Man,” whose antics have become a social media sensation, this event promises to be unlike any other.

Rep. Mike Johnson Elected as 56th Speaker of the House, Promises Aggressive Schedule

October 26, 2023Posted inNational News, Politics

Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04) is elected Speaker of the House Photo: US House of Representatives

In a rapid turn of events in the quest to name a new speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been elected as the 56th speaker of the House on Wednesday, following three unsuccessful attempts by the GOP. Unlike previous ballots, Johnson received unanimous support from the Republican party, securing a total of 220 votes.

How To Take A “Streak Shot” Of A Night Launch in Florida

October 24, 2023Posted inEntertainment / Recreation, General

If you are visiting Florida and want to create a great launch photograph but the launch is at night, take a look at this relatively simple technique that will yield some great results: a launch streak shot.

Launch streaks are not difficult for nearly any photographer to create, and it doesn’t take any specialized equipment other than a wide-angle lens and a relatively inexpensive shutter release cable used to keep the shutter of your camera open for several minutes during the flight of the rocket. Just follow a basic procedure and you too can create a memorable photo that will be one that you keep for years.