year in review

Let's see, in the year of 2006 I've managed to get a few things done.

Got that wanting to live alone forever out of the system.
Filled my head with an overdose of knowledge rush.
Finally in a committing relationship.
Nearing the money-saving target.
Watched over 100 movies.
Entirely on Linux.
Set a couple of goals.

I guess I'll call this a good year. And for that I'm really thankful.

Wishing all

a Merry Merry Christmas!!

Massive Stars in Open Cluster Pismis 24

Explanation:
How massive can a normal star be?

Estimates made from distance, brightness and standard solar models had given one star in the open cluster Pismis 24 over 200 times the mass of our Sun, making it a record holder. This star is the brightest object located just to the right of the gas front in the above image. Close inspection of images taken recently with the Hubble Space Telescope, however, have shown that Pismis 24-1 derives its brilliant luminosity not from a single star but from three at least. Component stars would still remain near 100 solar masses, making them among the more massive stars currently on record. Toward the image left, stars are still forming in the associated emission nebula NGC 6357, including several that appear to be breaking out and illuminating a spectacular cocoon.

NASA apod

Teen finds, returns $24K in movie theater

...and refuses to accept any cash rewards. Let's just call this the feel-good holiday-season story. With so much negativity in the air we can all use a little positive energy. Let's do the right thing once in a while my fellow humans.

Imagine stumbling upon $24,000 cash. What would you do with the money?

The untraceable wad of $100 bills, rubber-banded together inside a zippered bank pouch, tumbled unnoticed from the purse of RoseMarie Limoncelli, 39, as she sat Friday inside the AMC Fantasy theater in Rockville Centre.

Christopher Montgomery, 19, found the money as he was cleaning between seats.

The Lynbrook student returned it. Every dollar. (read on...)

Pandora Stations

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years you probably know of a website that provides great music for free - Pandora. (a personalized radio station, you be the DJ kind)

Here is a place where folks like us go to share said created stations. Highly recommended.
pandorastations.crispynews.com

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