Countdown for final space shuttle missions

space shuttle EndeavorPhoto by NASA/Kim Shiflett / Space shuttle Endeavor awaits its final launch scheduled for Monday at Cape Canaveral.

Grade: A

The countdown is on for Monday’s 8:56 a.m. EDT liftoff of the space shuttle Endeavor. In one of the most expensive, but rewarding undertakings our government has ever directed, the space shuttle program is first class as it winds down to its final missions.

After Endeavor, space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to lift off for the final time on June 28.

Of all the shuttle launches, though the two that stand out are the tragic ones. Challenger blew up just 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven astronauts on board, and on Feb. 3, 2003, Columbia disintegrated during re-entry, killing its crew of seven. 

Kansas Legislature Chooses Life

Grade: A+

In a culture where the media plays word games with a child’s life, the Kansas Legislature listened to its citizens and passed laws restricting private insurance coverage for abortions, and stripped funding for Planned Parenthood from the state budget. Get real and tell it like it is: abortion is death to a baby, not a “choice.”

Relaxed dress code for Volusia County students

Grade: D

First they said they would; now they won’t. The Volusia County School Board decided they will just punt on the issue of school uniforms. School is a place for education, not a venue for pants on the ground or extremely short skirts. Parents can expound at a public meeting before June 4.

No special honors for smart kids

Grade: F

And speaking of our local schools, just as a top sports star yearns to be named "player of the year," students who study hard want to earn the title of valedictorian or salutatorian. Volusia County School board members will meet to discuss yet another way to protect self-esteem of the masses by deleting those honors from high school scholars.

 

President Obama denies inflation

Grade: F

So what do you call these stats? Crude oil is 35% more expensive than it was a year ago. Silver is still up 93%. Wheat 84%. Cotton 100%. Coffee 55%. Cattle 10%, etc. In the last decade our dollar lost 40% of its value measured against other currencies. Filled up your gas tank lately? 

Editor's Note: The writer's opinions are not necessarily shared by NSBNews.net.

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