Blue Origin, the aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight company founded by entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, reached another significant milestone today with the completion of its 25th mission to space. The mission, designated as the seventh human spaceflight for Blue Origin, carried a crew of six astronauts aboard its renowned New Shepard spacecraft.

The crew for this historic flight included a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique background and expertise. Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and Gopi Thotakura joined former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, who holds a special place in history as the first Black astronaut candidate selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

For Dwight, this flight provided a long-awaited opportunity to finally fulfill his dream of going to space. Despite being selected over half a century ago, circumstances at the time prevented him from realizing his journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. However, today’s successful mission aboard New Shepard allowed Dwight to experience the wonders of space that he had long yearned for.

In addition to the invaluable experience for its crew, today’s achievement marks a significant milestone for the New Shepard program. With this latest flight, the reusable New Shepard rocket has carried a total of 37 individuals into space, showcasing the capability and reliability of Blue Origin’s technology.

The New Shepard spacecraft, named after celebrated astronaut Alan Shepard, is specifically designed for suborbital space tourism and research missions. It consists of a crew capsule and a booster rocket that work together to propel the crew to the edge of space. The capsule then detaches from the booster, allowing the astronauts to experience weightlessness and enjoy the breathtaking views before descending back to Earth under parachutes.

Blue Origin’s commitment to making space more accessible to all has been a driving force behind its achievements. By focusing on reusability and technological advancements, the company is pioneering new possibilities for suborbital spaceflight. Through missions like today’s, Blue Origin is not only pushing the boundaries of space exploration but also opening doors for future space travelers.

As Blue Origin continues its journey, the company remains dedicated to its founding principles of safety, reliability, and affordability. With each successful mission, it brings us closer to a future where space tourism becomes a reality for people from all walks of life.

The completion of the 25th mission to space with a crew of six onboard is a remarkable feat for Blue Origin. It represents a major step forward in the company’s quest to make space more accessible and underscores the importance of continued innovation in the realm of commercial space travel.

Congratulations to Blue Origin and the entire crew for their successful mission and for inspiring a new generation of explorers to reach for the stars.

If you’re interested in flying on New Shepard as an astronaut or flying a payload on a future mission, visit BlueOrigin.com. You can also purchase commemorative merchandise from today’s mission at the Blue Origin Shop. 

Source: Blue Origin

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Orleans, Massachusetts – Get ready for a day of community celebration, gardening, and cannabis cultivation as Seaside Cannabis and Agway of Cape Cod join forces for the 1st Annual Clone Fest. Taking place on Sunday, May 19th, this event offers attendees the chance to explore the world of cannabis cultivation, stock up on supplies, and learn from industry experts in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Clone Fest marks a significant milestone for the Orleans community, as it embraces its identity as the Orleans Flower District. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to kickstart your growing season and celebrate a shared passion with like-minded individuals!

A Celebration of Cultivation and Community:

Clone Fest is the culmination of a collaborative effort between Seaside Cannabis and Agway of Cape Cod. Attendees can pre-order premium clones from Seaside Cannabis, ensuring access to high-quality genetics for their growing endeavors. Agway of Cape Cod will provide an array of essential gardening supplies, including soil, nutrients, tools, and equipment, making it a one-stop shop for all your cultivation needs.

Not Just Clones and Supplies:

Beyond the exciting offerings of clones and gardening supplies, Clone Fest boasts an array of additional highlights. Live music will fill the air, while food trucks will tantalize taste buds, ensuring a festive ambiance. Attendees will also have the chance to learn more about cannabis cultivation techniques and responsible consumption from industry experts, fostering a learning environment for both experienced growers and beginners.

A Special Milestone: The Orleans Flower District:

Clone Fest also coincides with the unveiling of the Orleans Flower District, a name reflecting the neighborhood’s vibrant spirit and dedication to horticulture. This designation emphasizes the rich tradition of gardening and cannabis cultivation within the community. In celebration, Patriots Helping Vets (PHV) will join the event to share the joy of gardening and foster a sense of community amongst veterans and civilians.

Excitement from Collaborating Partners:

Spencer Knowles, a partner at Seaside Cannabis, is thrilled about this partnership: “Our goal is to provide cannabis enthusiasts with access to the highest quality genetics, while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Clone Fest is the perfect opportunity to do just that, and we can’t wait to see everyone there.”

Jess Thomas, co-owner of Agway of Cape Cod, shares the excitement: “This event brings together the best of both worlds – premium clones and top-notch gardening supplies – in one convenient location. Plus, with the unveiling of the Orleans Flower District, we’re celebrating the rich tradition of gardening and cannabis cultivation in our community.”

Join the Celebration:

Clone Fest is open to the public, and admission is free. It’s highly recommended to pre-order clones from Seaside Cannabis in advance to ensure availability. Stay updated on Clone Fest by visiting the event’s website or following Agway of Cape Cod and Seaside Cannabis on social media. https://seasidecannabis.com/clonefest/

Seaside Cannabis Company:

Seaside Cannabis Company is a full-service adult-use cannabis retail dispensary that provides a unique destination experience to its customers. They are dedicated to normalizing cannabis and offering a first-class customer experience through consumer education and engagement.

https://seasidecannabis.com

@seasidecannabisco

Agway of Cape Cod:

Agway of Cape Cod is a premier destination for gardening supplies, pet products, outdoor living essentials, and more. With a commitment to quality and customer service, Agway of Cape Cod has been serving the community for over 35 years. https://agwaycapecod.com | @agwaycapecod

Patriots Helping Vets:

Patriots Helping Vets is a registered Massachusetts nonprofit organization that helps veterans heal through horticultural therapy. They advocate for veterans’ right to grow their own medicine and gift it to others. https://www.patriotshelpingvets.org/ | @patriotshelpingvets

Don’t miss out on the 1st Annual Clone Fest – a day of celebration, learning, and community bonding in the heart of the Orleans Flower District. Embrace your passion for cannabis cultivation, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and join others who share your love for gardening and responsible consumption. Let the spirit of the Orleans Flower District flourish as Seaside Cannabis and Agway of Cape Cod collaborate to make this event a blooming success!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/festivals

Policing Surge?
Recent safety concerns surrounding L.A. County’s transit system have prompted city leaders to announce a surge in law enforcement personnel to tackle the increasing violence on buses and trains. While some view this move as a necessary step to address growing public safety fears, others argue that relying solely on armed officers might not be the most effective solution. This blog post will explore both perspectives and examine the wider debate surrounding transit safety in Los Angeles.

https://www.facebook.com/losangelesmetro/videos/7248836475225719

1. Understanding the Numbers:
   Data indicates that violent crime rates on the transit system have decreased by almost 35% from March 2023 to March 2024. However, crimes categorized as “Crimes against Society” such as trespassing, drug use, and possession of illegal weapons, have increased by over 160%. These figures shed light on the ongoing tension between media coverage of transit violence and the overall safety trends.
2. Read the LA Metro report here: https://boardagendas.metro.net/board-report/2024-0221
3. The Perspective of Policing Supporters:
   Proponents of the policing surge argue that more armed officers will enhance public safety and deter potential criminals. They contend that the visible presence of law enforcement personnel will create a sense of security among passengers and drivers. Additionally, some emphasize the necessity of law enforcement involvement to maintain order in an increasingly violent environment.
4. Critics from Transit Advocates:
   Opponents of excessive reliance on armed policing for transit safety argue that the approach is a flawed one. A coalition called the Alliance for Community Transit-Los Angeles (ACT-LA) advocates for investment in alternatives, such as affordable housing and improved access to public transit. They highlight that violence on the transit system has been decreasing and emphasize the importance of addressing root causes of crime, such as homelessness and mental health, through community-based solutions.
5. Exploring Alternatives:
   Transit advocates suggest that Metro should make greater use of their unarmed transit ambassadors, who have been positively received by passengers and contribute to a sense of safety. These ambassadors, dressed in distinctive green shirts, provide assistance and support to riders, helping to prevent incidents and maintain a welcoming environment. Additionally, increasing outreach programs focusing on homelessness and mental health could also make a significant impact on safety within the transit system.

Balancing public perception of crime with actual crime statistics is a complex challenge in addressing transit safety concerns. While a policing surge may provide short-term relief and may be reassuring for some passengers, exploring alternative strategies that address the root issues underlying crime will likely result in more long-lasting improvements. By investing in community-driven solutions, such as affordable housing and support for vulnerable populations, L.A.’s transit system can take a holistic approach to safety, ensuring that all passengers feel secure and comfortable while using public transportation.

Source: LA Metro

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism