So here’s another example of Photoshopping hitting big media. Notice how the two middle missiles are almost completely identical, save a single black dot on the middle right one. Even more noticeable is the exact pattern in the smoke in the middle and right.

Some of the comments after the article and photos suggests it may have been done for composition purposes. I think the unaltered picture shows it was to paint a better/more successful launch than reality where it was visible that one rocket failed to launch from the mobile launch vehicle.

Propaganda comes in many shapes, forms and versions of subtly.

In an Iranian Image, a Missile Too Many

One of my dad’s favorite comedians of all time, George Carlin. I liked a lot of his stuff too, especially the earlier and middle part of his career, especially his sports-related stuff, though most know him for “Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV” and his battle with censorship.

Carling died of heart failure at 71 in Los Angeles.

Award-winning comedian George Carlin dies

This drought is rough. Now, Easley is wanting people to look indoors for solutions on ways to cut back. The lack of precipitation is obviously the big culprit, and we need to look into shorter showers and few toilet flushes, but I have said it before, and I will say it again. How about when they start talking about thinking further into the future, we scale back new construction too? Granted, we are living in a one-year old house, but I’m just saying infrastructure needs to be rolled into the cost of new construction – residential, commercial and industrial. Part of the reason the lack of rain is such a strain is that our natural resources aren’t sufficient for the rate of growth.

The lack of a water “savings account” draws parallels to why so many Americans are in debt (myself included). We spend too much, and don’t sock enough away for the tough times. Maybe the next time a big plot of farm land is being considered for sale to a developer, local or state government should intercede and demand some land be put aside for a reservoir and land conservation.

Easley: Cut Water Use by Half

It’s unfortunate decision today if Landis was on the level. Doping is rampant across sports, but if the guy’s tests were wrong and his appeals fail, it’s messed up that Floyd would be the first man in the 105-year history of the race to lose the title because of a doping offense.

Landis Loses - Decision Means Forfeiture of Tour de France Title

Awesome. Sounds like pilots and passengers are becoming more proactive about their safety and well-being:

How Pilot Scuttled Hijack Attempt

Wow, Silicon Graphics is a penny stock now? That’s just plain crazy!

SGI Delisted, Becomes Penny Stock

Can you tell I’m reading the N&O’s site? hehe This is the third post in a row here from the News & Observer’s Web site. Anyway, I’ll be interested to see these changes and upgrades to RDU. It’s always been weird to me that there’s such a disproportionate amount of traffice in Terminal A. Nothing I see in this article explains why there hasn’t been more airlines moved to C prior to the pending building upgrades and changes.

RDU ready to grow up

This is wonderful, if it holds up. It would mean exact genetic matches for organ transplants, meaning no rejections. I hope this pans out.

Skin Cells Converted to Stem Cells

Does this really surprise anyone that they couldn’t find a link between your little cell phone handset and cancer?

No Cell Phone, Brain Cancer Link

Sweet! This is great news for the local bike trails:

Congress OKs $16M For Triangle Roads, Trails