Water on the Moon

Lunar colonization would be easier with ample water.

While it has been known that trace amounts of H2O is on our satellite, not enough is present to sustain a human colony (as far as we know). But one can imagine how the world would be different if enough water had been discovered. The day to day lives we live would most definitely be greatly affected by such a circumstance. Our infinitesimally small existence in the universe, or even our own solar system for that matter, would be vastly different had that simple compound been present when man first stepped foot on the moon over 40 years ago.
On 20 July, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the subject of one of the most important events in human history. By stepping foot on the moon, he established that humanity was no longer bound to the confines of our home planet. At that moment, fiction became reality, and anything was possible for millions around the world. After spending 21 hours on the moon, the crew of Apollo 11 brought back with them 47lbs of moon rocks, which were analyzed and determined to have only trace evidence of water. Read more »

A book review of Decision Points by George W. Bush

Finding ourselves several years beyond the tenure of a two-term president, we continue to feel the effects of the decisions made by that president, for better or worse.  Now left to history, what many a historian seeks when bio graphing a president is documents and relevant information that helps shape an understanding of his presidency.  In the case of 43, that hunt has been made easier, for the former president has released a memoir covering the most important decisions of his presidency.

Decision Points is written in an easy-to-read format that causes the reader to almost hear Mr. Bush’s voice narrating as one reads.  To that effect, Mr. Bush adds personal information and insights that help one understand why he made certain decisions.  Additionally, he discusses the facts that came to his desk that led him to make those decisions.  Overall, the book leaves one feeling conclusively decided about certain decisions, whether in the pro or con to what Bush says.

Emotions run deep with many of the issues that are tackled in the book, but this is a must-read for the amateur historian interested in establishing a well-rounded knowledge of the first decade of the new millennium.  On a downside, the book does not include citations for much of the information presented, so readers must relegate themselves to accepting sometimes debatable facts.  As a result, citing the book in academic writing should be restricted to quotations and personal opinions, rather than presenting facts.

In conclusion, I enjoyed reading the book.  There were heartwarming moments shared by the former president that add a level of humanism to the executive office.  In some cases, it highlighted the need for a president to rise above the emotionally charged commentary of the media.  As time rolls on, emotions will die down and facts will become clear.  As this occurs, I am convinced that this book will be an important source for any Bush biography and will help shape the long-term opinion of his presidency.

Team USA Gearing Up for the World Cup

Well, the World Cup is finally here! The final 23-man roster has been named, and Team USA is headed to South Africa. Following their friendly against Turkey on May 29th, which they won 2-1, their next match, also a warm-up, will be in South Africa against Australia before their first official match against England. Though the hype about the US squad is less than it was four years ago, there are high expectations to do better than the previous Cup.

In 2006, Team USA didn’t win a single game, only scoring two goals in a disappointing outing that saw the US sent off in the first round of play. The US was ranked No. 4 in the world at the time, but their opponents in the first round were also highly ranked, Italy eventually winning the Cup.

Now, the USA is ranked 14th in the world, a far cry from their previous ranking, but this time is different. Their opponents in Group C aren’t as highly ranked either, with the exception of England, who is ranked in the top ten at No. 8. Their other opponents, Algeria and Slovenia, are ranked 30 and 25 respectively. Read more »