'Pillars of Creation' evaporating

First photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope and observed in 1995, the so-called "Pillars of Creation" now appear to be ablating or evaporating away.

The spectacular three giant columns of cold gas bathed in ultraviolet light generated by a cluster of young stars have been determined to be shrinking.

In celebration of its upcoming 25th anniversary in April, Hubble has revisited the famous pillars, providing astronomers with a sharper and wider view.

Why is this important?

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According to NASA, "Our sun probably formed in a similar turbulent star-forming region. There is evidence that the forming solar system was seasoned with radioactive shrapnel from a nearby supernova. That means that our sun was formed as part of a cluster that included stars massive enough to produce powerful ionizing radiation, such as is seen in the Eagle Nebula."

Astronomer Paul Scowen of Arizona State University in Tempe says, “What that means is when you look at the environment of the Eagle Nebula or other star-forming regions, you're looking at exactly the kind of nascent environment that our sun formed in.”

The Hubble image "is so popular that it has appeared in movies and television shows, on T-shirts and pillows, and even on a postage stamp," NASA reports.

And by the way, did you know about the historic lunar Christian sacrament of Holy Communion that was kept a secret because of a suing atheist?

According to the Guardian, upon stepping out onto the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin radioed back to NASA, asking for a few moments of silence and inviting listeners to reflect on what had just been accomplished during Apollo 11, and give thanks with him. In a 1970 interview with Guideposts, a Catholic magazine, Aldrin said:

"I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon the wine curled slowly and gracefully up the side of the cup. It was interesting to think that the first liquid ever poured on the moon and the first food eaten there were the Christian communion."

Actor Tom Hanks, who portrayed lunar astronaut Jim Lovell in the nail biting film account of Apollo 13, unknowingly played a significant role in this woman's life and that of her mom's. You'll
never guess what it was.

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Definitely NOT your average snowman!

Three Minnesota brothers love to take advantage of cold and snow. Witness the gigantic 12-foot tall turtle they sculpted in their front yard. Here's a time lapse video showing how it all came together.

Last year's winter fun resulted in a huge shark. And in a previous year, Austin, Trevor and Connor Bartz sculpted a five-foot tall puffer fish that got local TV news attention and visitors from all over who drove by to see the boys' creative sculpting for themselves! They've been featured on national TV, including the TODAY Show.

The boys say they look forward to each snowfall to exercise their creative muscles! Visit them on their Facebook page, Bartz Snow Sculptures.

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They're Grrreat!

"If you're a Republican eating Frosted Flakes, go ahead and say "They're Grrrreat!"

So begins an article that touts an app that you use to scan barcodes that tells you to which political party the product's company donates. The app is called "BuyPartisan."

Learn more about it at BuyPartisan.com.

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The American Dream

Meet Igor, an immigrant from Kazakhstan who came to America with $50 in his pocket. He got a job working nights as a delivery driver for 7/11 convenience stores. One night, the 7/11 CEO meets and rides with Igor, only Igor doesn't know that and instead thinks he's training a new hire.

What unfolds next will warm your heart and inspire you to fight even harder to keep our country free and exceptional.

During the training drive, the undercover boss asks how Igor stays so motivated.

He responds: "I'm living the American dream. America is the best country in the world! You guys just do not really know how blessed you are."

I watched Igor's story on this video and wanted to yell "Yay America!!!" You will too.

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Tinnitus, anyone?

A million firecrackers going off. Cover your ears!

And here's what happens when you mix a compound bow and an artillery shell.
Ka-bam!

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Led me to this.

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Many of us were enthralled with the Pixar movie "UP", a delightful tale about a retired balloon salesman who ties thousands of balloons to his house and floats off to find his childhood dreams.

I think I've found the real balloon dreamer in Erik Roner, a skydiver who realized his dream of floating on air using helium-filled balloons to carry him up up and away. Watch what happens when he attaches himself and a lawnchair to 90 colorful balloons!