NJ Flags at Half Mast for Houston?

Let me be succinct:  WTF?

Gov. Christie's order thoroughly disgusts me. This clearly illustrates one more way in which the misdirected worship of entertainment and sports standouts is turning the minds of this nation into mush. Flying U.S. flags at half staff is an honor for fallen military heroes and important statesmen—deceased U.S. Presidents and the like. To bestow this honor upon a famous entertainer waters down and degrades the purpose of this show of respect.

Poor decision, Governor.

Earth from Mars

While looking through the many images sent back to us from one of our space probes, I came across this image that really struck me. I believe it clearly illustrates our true proportion in relation to the universe out there.

This must be the epitome of the "You are Here" locators:

Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell/Texas A&M

This is the first image ever taken of Earth from the surface of a planet beyond the Moon. It was taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit one hour before sunrise on the 63rd Martian day, or sol, of its mission. (March 8, 2004)
The image is a mosaic of images taken by the rover's navigation camera showing a broad view of the sky, and an image taken by the rover's panoramic camera of Earth. The contrast in the panoramic camera image was increased two times to make Earth easier to see.The inset shows a combination of four panoramic camera images zoomed in on Earth. The arrow points to Earth. Earth was too faint to be detected in images taken with the panoramic camera's color filters.

Pretty incredible, don't you agree? The surface of Mars shown at the bottom foreground is just amazing. Recall this image the next time you think we are the king of the universe.