Lost in Space?
June 26, 2014
Hosted by Mark B. Toubin
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Since the Space Shuttle flew its final mission on July 8, 2011, NASA's been challenged with the chore of transporting US astronauts, payloads, and satellites into outer space without the vehicle that provided such service for almost 30 years. While rockets can launch satellites into orbit, the US pays Russia $70.7 million for each one-way rocket ticket to shuttle astronauts to and from the International Space Station. However,reacting to recent US sanctions levied in response to Russia's invasion of Crimea, Putin announced that these flights will cease in 2020. Is private space entrepreneurship prepared to pick up where the Space Shuttle left off? Is our government providing sufficient leadership and funding? And what's the next chapter? Join special guest, former NASA Astronaut Col. John Blaha, USAF (Ret.), who will share his experiences as well as thoughts on these complicated issues. Also on the show will be noted aerospace commentator Jeff Faust.
Between the Synapse
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Based on the blog of the same name, Between the Synapse explores topics that fall in-between the obvious and typical with insight, clarity and humor in the realm of politics, pop culture, foreign affairs, and sports. The shows will entertain, inform and provoke by asking questions such as whether Europe or the U.S. can better forecast the weather or how health myths are marketing to the public and presenting topics that include the last Mad Men, Congressional chaos, and the quest for Mid-East peace.
Mark B. Toubin
A veteran of radio, law, public affairs, and politics, Mark Toubin founded his blog, Between the Synapse, in 2008 as an avenue for exploring his ideas and insights with humor and an occasional dose of sarcasm. In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell. The Neuron Doctrine explains that though neurons are not continuous, cells may nonetheless communicate. BtS captures the linkage of that which falls in-between the obvious, conventional and typical. Its niche is a voice, not a topic.
Mark’s distinctive voice developed after practicing civil litigation for 11 years, running the Southwest region of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for 8 more, and operating his own consultancy, ConneXion, LLC, since 2008. ConneXion works with non-profits, political campaigns, and businesses as a fundraiser, strategic communications advisor, and writer. Back in the late 90’s, he hosted a once a week hour-long radio program on Houston’s 97.1 FM.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Mark attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia before returning for law school at the University of Texas. Mark enjoys creative writing, tennis, travel, sports, and long, quiet walks on the beach with flightless waterfowl.
