Free Republic

Lockheed Martin has been given the green light to build its radical hybrid airship that will launch in 2018. The US Federal Aviation Administration has this week approved a certification plan developed by the company, taking it one step closer to starting commercial deliveries. Lockheed says the airships can transport heavy cargo to remote locations, burn significantly less fuel than conventional aircraft and land on any flat surface, including sand, snow and water.

Dear Lord, There's a young man far from home, called to serve his nation in time of war; sent to defend our freedom on some distant foreign shore. We pray You keep him safe, we pray You keep him strong, we pray You send him safely home ... for he's been away so long. There's a young woman far from home, serving her nation with pride. Her step is strong, her step is sure, there is courage in every stride. We pray You keep her safe, we pray You keep her strong, we pray You send her safely home...

Tycoon Rests Before Balloon Launch By ROB GRIFFITH Associated Press Writer June 18, 2002, 10:06 AM EDT NORTHAM, Australia -- American adventurer Steve Fossett took a nap Tuesday afternoon -- probably the last decent shuteye he would get for more than two weeks as he attempts to circle the globe in a balloon. Fossett was planning to take off around dawn Wednesday (4 p.m. EDT Tuesday) in his sixth attempt to fly solo around the world in a balloon. Weather permitting, he hoped to begin inflating his hot air- and helium-filled balloon, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom, in...