The MSL (Mars Science Laboratory) onboard the Mars Rover Curiosity landed on the red planet, on August 6, 2012 at 05:17:57.3 UTC.
(Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). For most common purposes, UTC is synonymous with GMT, but GMT is no longer precisely defined by the scientific community.)

So many steps had to go right in this endeavour that it was an amazing day, not only for JPL scientists, but also for the entire human race. We were watching the landing live on NASA TV, and when the spacecraft entered the Martian atmosphere and touched down perfectly on the surface of Mars, we couldn't help but shed a tear or two. So, why is Martin an official Martian now, you ask? Because his name is embedded on a microchip onboard the science lab. Should Aliens ever decide to dissect the Mars Rover, Martin's name is among 18,000 names that took part in the program.

Goals and objectives of the MSL mission:

The MSL mission has four scientific goals: Determine the landing site's habitability including the role of water, the study of the climate and the geology of Mars. It is also useful preparation for a future manned mission to Mars.
To contribute to these goals, MSL has six main scientific objectives:
1. Determine the mineralogical composition of the Martian surface and near-surface geological materials.
2. Attempt to detect chemical building blocks of life (biosignatures).
3. Interpret the processes that have formed and modified rocks and soils.
4. Assess long-timescale (i.e., 4-billion-year) Martian atmospheric evolution processes.
5. Determine present state, distribution, and cycling of water and carbon dioxide.
6. Characterize the broad spectrum of surface radiation, including galactic radiation, cosmic radiation, solar proton events and secondary neutrons.
As part of its exploration, it also measured the radiation exposure in the interior of the spacecraft as it traveled to Mars, and it is continuing radiation measurements as it explores the surface of Mars. This data would be important for a future manned mission.

ConnectCode Media is hiring!
Looking for energetic sales reps that understand the smart-phone world, social media & who would like to earn extra $$$.
We offer a dynamic product, an aggressive commission and bonus program, fast payment, possible exclusive territory, and we're hiring nationwide.

The sad passing of Ms. Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917 – August 20, 2012) was an American actress and comedienne. She was 95. And she died with a smile on her face!

As the FIRST female stand-up, she not only broke down barriers but she created a stage persona of a wild-haired, eccentrically dressed housewife who made self-deprecating jokes about her age and appearance, her terrible cooking, and a husband named "Fang", while pretending to smoke from a long cigarette holder. Diller's signature was her unusual laugh.

This fantastic film by Gregg Barson follows Ms. Diller behind the scenes and to her farewell performance in Las Vegas (where else!).

Click the graphic for more details. Look out Munich folks - he's headed your way!