Mark Stone FMN, Author at FMN News

Floridas Diverse Event Scene: Festivals, Exhibitions, and Cultural Celebrations

By Mark Stone FMN November 6, 2023Entertainment / Recreation

Florida, with its warm weather and abundant sunshine, is a hub for cultural festivals and exhibitions. The state’s event scene reflects the rich cultural diversity and vibrancy of its communities. Throughout the year, Florida hosts a wide range of festivals and exhibitions that cater to various interests and celebrate different cultures. This dynamic event scene has made Florida a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Bezos Moving To Florida – Cites Concentration On Blue Origin

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin — Jeff Bezos built Blue Origin’s factory near the Kennedy Space Center. Photo: Stock

Jeff Bezos, the founder of the global e-commerce giant Amazon, space tech firm Blue Origin, and one of the planet’s richest individuals, is leaving Seattle.

SpaceX’s Second Starship Test Appears Imminent

By Mark Stone FMN October 27, 2023Space 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.

The Florida Man Games: Where Madness Meets Mayhem!

By Mark Stone FMN October 26, 2023Entertainment / 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

By Mark Stone FMN October 26, 2023National 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.

Florida Jewish Community Responds to Pro-Palestinian Protests

By Mark Stone FMN October 21, 2023Florida News

The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, part of the Palestinian government, has sparked protests and rallies across the United States, including in the state of Florida. The Jewish community in Florida, particularly in South Florida, has been deeply affected by the ongoing tensions.

The Smell of Space?

By Mark Stone FMN October 20, 2023General, Space News

In a fascinating revelation, astronauts have confirmed that space, despite being known for its emptiness, carries a distinct smell. While most space is devoid of tangible matter, those who have ventured into its depths have reported encountering an unexpected olfactory experience.

Astronaut Bruce McCandless II, mission specialist, participates in a extra-vehicular activity (EVA), a few meters away from the cabin of Space Shuttle Challenger. Photo: NASA

Some astronauts have described space as having a metallic, sweet, and slightly burnt aroma.

Visiting Florida This Winter? Take The Family Snowtubing!

By Mark Stone FMN October 20, 2023Entertainment / Recreation

Imagine my surprise. While driving through central Florida recently, I did a “double-take” when I looked out the window and thought I saw a snow-covered hill! I HAD to take a better look. It turns out that I had stumbled on Snow Cat Ridge, which bills itself as Florida’s only Alpine Snow Park.

Psyche launches to explore a Metal World

By Mark Stone FMN October 14, 2023KSC, NASA, Space News, SpaceX

Psyche launches on October 13th aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy booster. Photo: Mark Stone/FMN

In a significant milestone for space exploration, NASA’s Psyche mission has successfully launched, marking a crucial step in our quest to explore a mysterious asteroid. The mission, which was originally scheduled to take place on October 5th, finally lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A on October 13th at 10:16 AM.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper Takes Flight

By Mark Stone FMN October 6, 2023Atlas V, Space News, United Launch Alliance

‍A ULA Atlas V sends two test satellites to orbit for Amazon on Friday, October6. 2023. Photo by Mark Stone for FMN

In the quest to bridge the digital divide and provide new global internet connectivity to underserved communities, Amazon has embarked on an ambitious venture known as Project Kuiper. This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize satellite internet connectivity through the deployment of a vast constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Project Kuiper, spearheaded by Amazon, seeks to address the challenges of delivering broadband access to remote and underserved areas around the world. With the ultimate goal of providing fast, reliable, and affordable internet, Amazon plans to launch a total of 3,236 satellites into LEO. These satellites will form a constellation capable of delivering broadband connectivity to even the most remote corners of our planet.

Hernando Beach Community Bands Together in the Aftermath of Hurricane Idalia

By Mark Stone FMN September 16, 2023Florida News

By Mark Stone

From the first mention of a potential storm in the Gulf of Mexico last week, Hernando County residents began preparing for the worst. With the early forecasts bringing a major hurricane named Idalia ashore near Hernando County, residents began preparing their homes for what the National Hurricane Center termed “catastrophic damage.”

VICTUS NOX Mission: A Groundbreaking Achievement in Tactically Responsive Space

By Mark Stone FMN September 16, 2023Space News, Vandenburg Space Force Base

The VICTUS NOX mission, a pioneering TacRS initiative, successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2 West (SLC-2W) at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 14, 2023. This mission aimed to showcase the ability to encapsulate the Millennium Space Systems-built space vehicle, mate it to Firefly’s Alpha launch vehicle, and complete all final launch preparations within a remarkable 24-hour timeframe. The launch window was scheduled just 27 hours after receiving the launch orders, setting a new record for responsive space launch.