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Friday, April 14, 2017

Watch NASA"s latest discovery about �ocean worlds� � and their capacity to sustain life

NASA Live - Earth From Space LIVE Feed | Incredible ISS live stream of Earth from space

this week, nasa announced some exciting new findings about oceans beyond Earth.

The gist: The space agency has found the most compelling evidence yet that the ocean underneath the icy crust of Enceladus, Saturns sixth-largest moon, could contain life. In the past, the Cassini spacecraft has observed jets of water containing organic chemicals streaming from Enceladus. This latest finding adds a key ingredient for life to the mix: hydrogen. The presence of hydrogen in the jets makes NASA scientists suspect there are geothermal geysers on Enceladuss ocean floor. Like the geothermal vents deep within Earths oceans, these could be home to microbes that use the chemical energy of hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane and energy for life. (Also today, NASA announced it has collected more (not-yet-conclusive) evidence that there are also water vapor plumes emanating from Europa, Jupiters icy moon. )

The announcement streamed live on NASA TV on April 13, but you can watch the replay right here.

In the last leg of its life, Cassini keeps generating fascinating insights

The Cassini mission is at the end of an impressive 20-year run. In its final days, the spacecraft has been churning out intriguing discoveries. Todays announcement adds one more to the list.

In 2004, Cassini became the first spacecraft to orbit Saturn. In its explorations of the planets magnetosphere and various moons, it has found evidence of an underground ocean on Enceladus. On the moon Titan, it revealed surprisingly Earthlike geographic features and great lakes of liquid natural gas on its surface that outweigh all the oil and gas reserves on Earth. It learned how new moons could form out of Saturns rings. And it has taken detailed, beautiful photographic surveys of the planets rings and surface features.

Now its beginning a series of harrowing orbits that bring it into the space between the planet and its rings a region no spacecraft has been before. When Cassini is in the inner rings, it will finally be able to take the measurements that will aid in calculations to determine the mass of the rings.

Come September, the 20-year-old spacecraft will crash into Saturn, having spent all of its fuel. But the death dive isnt just for fireworks. If Cassini doesnt plunge into Saturns atmosphere, it runs the risk of potentially contaminating one of the planets moons with debris and microbes from Earth.

Cassinis dramatic finale is also a last chance to squeeze some more insights out of the 20-year-old spacecraft. As the craft descends into Saturns atmosphere, several of the instruments will be on, including the mass spectrometer, Preston Dyches, a NASA spokesperson says. This instrument essentially can sniff the atmosphere and determine the chemical compounds its composed of.

When Cassini finally goes offline in September, it will die doing what its been doing all along: exploring.

Source: http://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/4/13/15288648/nasa-announcement-ocean-worlds-live-stream

Chicago Cubs score early, but fall to Giants, 8-6 in Scottsdale

Cubs Vs Indians Game 7 Live Score
The Chicago Cubs got off to a quick start, but the San Francisco Giants rallied and took the lead for good in the sixth for the 8-6 victory. But its okay because Cubs baseball is back.

San FranciscoGiants

ChicagoCubs

The Chicago Cubs got their Spring Training schedule opened up on Saturday with a set of split squad games. While they opened up the home schedule at Sloan Park against the Oakland Athletics, the other squad headed to Scottsdale to face the San Francisco Giants. In typical Spring Training fashion, there were plenty of pitching changes and runs scored.

The cubs (1-1) struck first off giants (2-0) starter Matt Cain (0-0, 4.50) as Jeimer Candelario hit an RBI triple to score Javier Baez, giving the Cubs the early 1-0 lead. They would add one more in the second as they scored an unearned run on a Mark Zagunis flyout. Cain tossed just two innings, allowing one earned run on three hits.

Right back to work for Javy

Last years co-NLCS MVP Baez drove the Cubs third run of the game in the fifth inning with a double to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead, thanks to an error on the throw home. The merry-go-round of pitchers for the Cubs was effective for the first four innings, as Rob Zastryzny, Pierce Johnson, Dallas Beeler and Jhondaniel Medina shut the Giants down. Things fell apart in the fifth inning.

Cubs relievers Tommy Nance and Jim Henderson (0-1, 36.00) had no answers for the Giants hitters, allowing seven runs in the fifth and sixth inning, including a three-run homer by Jae-gyun Hwang to put them up to a 7-3 lead that they would never relinquish.

George Kontos (1-0, 0.00) would be the winner of the winning pitcher lottery as he was on in the sixth inning when the Giants took the lead for good. The Cubs did battle back, scoringtwo in the eighth and one in the ninth, but fell short, 8-6.

The Cubs will take on the Cleveland Indians in a rematch of last years World Series. The Indians Danny Salazar will face Jake Buchanan in tomorrowsmatch-up.

Source: http://cubbiescrib.com/2017/02/25/chicago-cubs-score-early-fall-giants-8-6-scottsdale/

Afghanistan: Maryland Green Beret killed in ISIS fight remembered ...

Green Beret Profiles // Aaron Barruga"s Story

The Green Beret killed in eastern Afghanistan over the weekend -- days before the U.S. announced it dropped the"Mother of All Bombs"there -- strove to be "the best of the best," his family said.

Staff Sgt. Mark De Alencar of Edgewood, Md., died Saturday of wounds sustained when his unit encountered enemy small arms fire in Afghanistan"s Nangarhar Province, U.S. military officials said. He was 37, and had a wife and five children.

ISIS ACTIVITY HAS INCREASED IN REGION WHERE BOMB DROPPED

In order to join U.S. Special Forces, military officials "told him he had to lose some weight. So Mark would put on a backpack, put bricks and books in it, and you"d see him running up and down the road there getting in shape to re-enlist," hisuncle, Jansen Robinson,told WMAR.

De Alencar was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Among a slew of honors he received over the course of his military service: A Purple Heart,five Army Commendation Medals and six Army Achievement Medals,the Army Times reported.

"Mark died doing what he wanted to do," his uncle added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/13/afghanistan-maryland-green-beret-killed-in-isis-fight-remembered-as-hero.html

d**n. [Album Stream]

Kendrick Lamar"s "DAMN." Album Leaks Hours Before Official Release
Kendrick Lamar"s "d**n." album has arrived, featuring guest appearances from Rihanna, U2, & Zacari.

Well d**n. Its finally here. Kendrick Lamars highly anticipated third studio LP has arrived!

Laced with 14 tracks in total, the follow up to 2015s To Pimp A Butterfly features guest appearances from Rihanna, U2, & Zacari. Meanwhile, K.Dot hops on production from the likes of Mike Will Made It (twice), Sounwave, James Blake, 9th Wonder, Cardo, DJ Dahi, BadBadNotGood, Kaytranada, and more.Lead by the well-received, yet semi-controversial single Humble, fans can now stream the body of workin its entirety via Apple Music. You already know this gonna be mad dope.

Take a listen and let us what record youre feeling the most? (album available now on itunes)

source: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kendrick-lamar-d**n-upcoming-album-new-mixtape.117048.html

Good Friday 2017: It"s Good Friday, but not a happy one! | The ...

EL SHADDAI April 14, 2017 Good Friday
Written by Anuradha Varma | New Delhi | Updated: April 14, 2017 1:57 pm Good Friday is usually spent in quiet contemplation and prayer, with the main ceremonies of Way of the Cross and Passion of Lord Jesus Christ held at 4 pm, the time of the original crucifixion. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Its Good Friday and the important thing to remember is that good doesnt necessarily mean happy. Whether its Muharram or Good Friday, both traditionally days of mourning, Muslims and Christians are often at the receiving end of the wrong kind of wishes.

Last year, a host of ministers (not that we expect anything better from politicians currently!) wished the Christian community Happy Good Friday and the saving grace came with an appropriately worded tweet from the Prime Minister. Of course, this year, the community has bigger issues to deal with, as the governments collective amnesia led to designating the date as Digital India Day.

ALSO READ:Good Friday 2017: Why is Good Friday observed around the world?

To get back to the topic at hand, as one Catholic puts it, Its probably the Good part that leaves people confused. In most other languages, the prefix used is sacred or holy and in Hindi, its pavitra (pure), explains Reverend Dr Donald H R De Souza, Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Lucknow. But, its a good Friday, since its the day Jesus Christ died on the cross for the salvation of humankind. The day is usually spent in quiet contemplation and prayer, with the main ceremonies of Way of the Cross and Passion of Lord Jesus Christ held at 4 pm, the time of the original crucifixion. So, how does one wish or show support to a friend from the community? Says Rev Donald DSouza, You can acknowledge the significance of the crucifixion or share good wishes for their prayers. Good Friday is followed by Holy Saturday, a day of silence, hope and expectation, leading to the Solemn Easter Vigil at night as one awaits Jesus Resurrection on Easter Sunday, a day of joy and celebration.

ALSO SEE PICS:Good Friday 2017: heres how christians around the world are observing the holy day

Good Friday is followed by Holy Saturday, a day of silence, hope and expectation. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

The situation is similar during Muharram, when people from the Islamic community are hard pressed to explain to people that its not a celebration. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan tells us that the word Muharram literally means forbidden. He explains, Muharram is one of the sacred months of the Islamic calendar. The month is sacred in the sense that during this violence and fighting are forbidden. On the ritual of self-flagellation associated with it, he explains, Only some, and not all, Muslims used to mark the day by self-flagellation. The meaning of this self-flagellation is to give a symbolic representation of the tragedy that happened with Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet, in 680 AD at Karbala in Iraq. The flagellation is not an Islamic injunction, and now it has been minimised to a great extent and is gradually coming to an end with people only lightly stroking themselves. In present times, this flagellation is performed in the symbolic sense, and not in the literal manner in which it used to happen earlier.

How can friends of Muslims wish them and help them commemorate the occasion? Maulana suggests, The greeting that Muslims friends can use is: Good Muharram! This is because Muharram is not only a tragedy, but also was martyrdom. Muslims and their friends can commemorate the event by reminding one another that Husayn made a great sacrifice in the seventh century, but now we are living in a different age and there is no need for making such sacrifice. The age of oppression is over. From this perspective, people can wish each other: Happy Muharram!

A young Muslim recalls marking the month of Muharram at his family home with acts of charity, hosting an open house that offers food to people of all faiths. We put up sharbat stalls, contribute to madarsas and people in the area know that anybody can walk in for a meal during this period, he says.

So, remember to hold your horses on Good Friday, since the joys of Easter will come around soon enough! And whatever our faiths, a little introspection never hurt anybody.

(The writer is an editorial consultant and co-founder of The Goodwill Project. She tweets @anuvee). Views expressed are personal.

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Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/its-good-friday-but-not-a-happy-one-4612802/

Michal Kempny in talks with Blackhawks on new contract, per report

Kane"s hat trick powers Blackhawks past Penguins, 4-1

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Kempny wants to stay in the NHL next season and has already began negotiations on a new deal before he hits restricted free agency, according to The Athletics Scott Powers.

There was some possibility that Kempny might not want to stay in the NHL after an up and down season with the Blackhawks, but he shot that idea down in an interview with Powers. Not only did Kempny say that hes enjoyed his time with the Blackhawks, he also said hes not interested in returning to the KHL.

Thats good news for the Blackhawks, who will retain Kempnys rights as an RFA this summer. Theyll presumably try to re-sign him to an affordable deal that gives him a slight raise on his current $700,000 base salary while still making him one of the cheaper defensemen on the roster.

One area of interest for Kempny as he looks to sign a new contract is playing time. He appeared 50 times for the Blackhawks in the regular season, but saw his role dwindle in the second half after the acquisition of Johnny Oduya. The defense could look much different next year with Oduya and Brian Campbells contracts expiring, plus the possibility of Trevor van Riemsdyk getting picked by Vegas in the expansion draft.

While Gustav Forsling presumably will be one of the top candidates to fill a spot, Kempny should also be in the mix after a solid debut season. He didnt gain the complete confidence of Joel Quenneville with the ocassional unforced error, but he also finished with a 56.3 percent 5-on-5 Corsi. Thats 6.9 percent better than when hes off the ice, and gives an idea of how he can be useful in driving possession. That kind of talent is a nice luxury to have from a depth player.

So rather than return to the KHL, where Kempny was one of the top defensemen in the league, h**l look to keep carving out his place in the NHL. assuming he figures things out with the blackhawks, expect him to be one of the key competitors for a spot in the top six to open next season.

Source: http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2017/4/14/15302876/michal-kempny-free-agency-blackhawks-contract-talks-2017

Here"s why Nintendo is canceling the NES Classic

Nintendo Discontinues NES Classic - I Might Know Why! | RGT 85

In a somewhat puzzling move, Nintendo said it would stop selling the Nintendo Classic in North America this month, despite unprecedented demand for the mini console.

The news was first reported byIGN, which received a statement from a Nintendo spokesman:

Throughout April, NOA territories will receive the last shipments of Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition systems for this year. We encourage anyone interested in obtaining this system to check with retail outlets regarding availability. We understand that it has been difficult for many consumers to find a system, and for that we apologize. We have paid close attention to consumer feedback, and we greatly appreciate the incredible level of consumer interest and support for this product.

Demand for the device has been extraordinarily high since Nintendo announced the $60 console in November. Retailers such as Walmart and Amazon had problems keeping the console in stock.

NINTENDO IS OFFERING $20K TO HACK A SWITCH

The device can still be bought from third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay, but for a considerable markup.

In March, Nintendosaidit had sold 1.5 million units of the console, which contained 30 old games such as "Super Mario Bros.," "Super Mario Bros. 3," "Donkey Kong" and a host of others.

Reaction on social media to the news was one of dismay:

Booming Switch

One reason for nintendo potentially discontinuing the nes classic Edition is to not draw away attention from its exceedingly popular Switch console, which launched in early March to exceedingly high fanfare, despite the untraditional launch date.

On Friday, research firm NPD Group and Nintendoannouncedthat more than 906,000 Switch consoles had been sold in North America alone, making it Nintendo"s best launch in North America ever.

Shares of Nintendo jumped 2.1 percent in Japan following the news, outpacing the Nikkei 225 which fell 0.49 percent on back of geopolitical fears and a stronger yen.

Nintendo always strives to offer consumers something fun, new and different, said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of Americas President and COO in a statement. With its various play modes and the innovative features of the Joy-Con controllers, Nintendo Switch provides unique experiences that people can take with them anywhere and share with anyone.

DIGITAL GAME REFUNDS COULD HIT XBOX ONE, WINDOWS 10

Nintendo also said that more than 1.3 million copies of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," were sold, including 925,000 copies for the Switch, indicating an attach rate of over 100% for thehighly ratedgame.

The popularity of the current Switch notwithstanding, some on Wall Street expect Nintendo to release a smaller, more portable version of the hybrid-console to make it more kid friendly.

Although the Nintendo Switch can be used as a handheld device, we think smaller children could struggle to use it comfortably in that format due to its size and weight,Citigroup analysts wrote in an investor note seen byBloomberg. Accordingly, we think Nintendo will launch a lighter, dedicated handheld version of the Switch, possibly to be called the Switch Mini.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/04/14/heres-why-nintendo-is-canceling-nes-classic.html