Apollo 10: The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Mission, May 1969

 

The July 20, 1969, moon landing gets so much attention that I thought I would give a moment of recognition to the Apollo 10 mission which originally had been chosen for the landing, but, out of a sense of extra safety, did a “dress rehearsal” for Apollo 11.

   The Apollo 10 Mission rounded the moon in orbit and performed some procedures and techniques which would be needed for the mission to actually land on the moon.

This mission took place May 18-26, 1969.

The personnel involved were :

Thomas Stafford

John Young

Eugene Cernan

Recognition also goes to Charles M Schulz for his artwork created for the mission.

The Command and Service Module was code-named Charlie Brown

The Lunar Module was code-named Snoopy.

The Lunar Module, Snoopy, just above the lunar surface. The craft descended down to 47,400 feet (about 9 miles) above the moon before returning to the command and service module during Apollo 10.  (Image credit: John Young/NASA)

As the world continues to explore and investigate space and it assets, I offer the official position of the United Methodist Church regarding stewardship of space…

E. Protecting Space

“God’s creation encompasses not only the earth but the entire cosmos, including space. Our charge to be responsible stewards thus extends well beyond humankind’s immediate environs and encompasses not only our own solar system but also other galaxies. Hence, we reject the exploitation, commodification and militarization of space. We express our hope that the exploration and settlement of space, including the moon and other planetary bodies, take place peacefully and cooperatively, and in such fashion that the benefits and resources of any further exploration and development accrue to all humanity.”

You can see a brief discussion about the Apollo 1o mission at this Youtube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq8cyvmJMNQ

Don't Have Unrealistic Expectations about the New Tax Relief

 

I don’

photo from america250.org

I don't intend to throw cold water on a warm campfire, but also, I don’t want folk to have unrealistic expectations.

The Tax and Spending Bill, passed by Congress and soon to be signed by the President, provides for tax relief for many people.

But please don’t expect thousands of dollars.

I provide a “copy and paste” of explanation from a fact sheet published by the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Delivers on President Trump’s Commitment to American Workers

• No Tax on Tips:
• Eliminates income taxes on up to $25,000 of tips for the 4 million tipped workers, boosting incomes of tipped workers by $1,300.
• No Tax on Overtime:
• Eliminates income taxes on up to $12,500 of overtime pay premium for the over 80 million hourly workers, boosting incomes by $1,400.
• Tax Relief for Seniors:
• Middle- and low-income seniors will be able to deduct an additional $6,000.
• No Tax on Auto Loan Interest:
• The average American family will be able to fully deduct auto loan interest for new American-made cars.

*end of “copy and paste”*

Please pay attention to phrasing such as

*Eliminates income taxes on up to $25,000: Regarding tips, tipped workers will see an increase of $1300. This is an increase of $25 per week.

*Eliminates income taxes on up to $12,500: Regarding overtime, This increase of $1400 results in an extra $27 per week.

*deduct an additional $6,000: Regarding tax relief for seniors, this deduction of $6000 will result in an extra $12 per week for someone with a 10% tax rate.

For realistic and accurate expectations and planning, I suggest you consult your tax preparer to know how these policies will benefit you personally.

For more information you can visit the official Ways and Means website:

https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/07/03/passed-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-the-largest-tax-cut-in-american-history/