SpaceX launch scrub for a second time

SpaceX made their second attempt today, Feb 25, to launch the SES-9 satellite into orbit. The launch was scheduled for 6:46 pm EST (3:46 pm PST) on launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. At T – 1:41 the countdown was halted a few seconds before the mission was scrubbed. This was the second time in two days that the mission had to be postponed due to propellant reasons. There is no date set to make a third attempt to carryout the mission.

The commercial space company said Wednesday's scrub was "out of an abundance of caution," but that the Falcon 9 rocket "remains healthy."

"Out of an abundance of caution, the team opted to hold launch for today to ensure liquid oxygen temperatures are as cold as possible in an effort to maximize performance of the vehicle."

When SpaceX is finally able to carryout the deployment of the SES-9 communication satellite it will be placed in a geostationary orbit approximately 36.000 kilometers over the Indian Ocean. Once in position the satellite will provide satellite-enabled communications to broadcasters, Internet service providers, marine traffic, and fixed networks. The SES-9 will join some 50 other geostationary satellites that provide similar communications worldwide.

A secondary part of the mission will again see SpaceX attempt to land the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket on a drone barge. SpaceX has already made one successful attempt at landing their rocket back in December. Since that successful land they have also had an unsuccessful attempt in a January when of legs on the rocket buckled.

"One of the limiting factors to a more-robust space program is the cost of getting payloads into orbit," said Rob Salonen of Florida Institute of Technology. "If SpaceX can make it less expensive to do that, it lowers the cost of that orbit."

Gregory Porter's 10 best songs

For almost 2 decades Gregory Porter has been a singer, songwriter, and actor. His career started in 1998 when flutist Hurbert Laws as Mr. Porter to be a guest vocalist on his tribue album “Remembering the unforgetable Nat King Cole”. His work on the album caught the attention of Mr. Laws' sisterEloise. At the time she was casting a new play and thought that Mr. Porter would be a good fit So, in 1999 he became an origal cast member for the play “Ain't nothin' but the Blues”. After the play ended Mr. Porter's career stalled for a few years. It took back off in 2010 when he recorded his first album “Water”. Since that time he has recorded a couple more albums and won a Grammy Award.

His velvet voice along with his unique mixture of Blues, Jazz, and Gospel make his music a fan favorite over several genres. The following list has 10 of his best songs:

• Liquid Spirit: Get ready to clap your hands and dance to the pulse of the energy as it flows through your body. The upbeat of the music, Mr. Porter's strong vocals, and message of letting the spirit flow make this a must have for any Jazz or Gospel collection.
• Be Good: In an interveiw Mr. Porter once called this his personel lullabye. It has a mellon-collie melody and tells the story of a man that breaks-up with a woman that keeps won't allow him out of what he refers to as the “friendship cage”.
• Water under Bridges: Mr. Porter sends a good message that most of us could benefit from when we tend to dwell on our past. It is one of those songs you want to have around for those times you need that little push when you feel down.
• Lonesome Lover: Too many of us can relate to this song about being unfaithful only to realize that you have given away the one that truly makes you happy. The style of this song conjure up images of a 1960's smoke filled Jazz hall with the likes of Scatman Crothers or Sammy Davis Jr.
• Wolfcry: The influence of Nat King Cole are evident in this song as Mr. Porter croons in the xtyle of his childhood idol. A good song that delivers the message of how having faith can heal your broken heart.
• Brown Grass: Mr. Porter reminds us that the grass is not always greener on the other side. This sons fits well into any Jazz or Blues collection.
• The “In” crowd: Mr. Porter does a wonderful job at making this Jazz standard his own. This is probably one of the most defining songs of the 1960s Jazz scene when it was first recorded.
• When love was King: A great song of faith that mixes Mr. Porter's gospel up-bring with his love for Jazz. In this song he reminds us that even though we may not feel there is a love that is always there for us.
• Real good hands: A song about something most men want to say when he first meets the parents of the woman he wants to marry. This song mixes Jazz and Soul music together and would a great addition to any collection.
• Feeling good: Written by Anthony Newley in the 1960's it has been record by several artist. This song should be in every collection of Gregory Porter fan.

10 of the hottest single female musicians

No matter what our relationship status most of us at one time or another had thoughts of getting together with some hot single celebrity. In fact it is so common that when playing party games one of the most common questions asked is “who is you celebrity crush?”. Our answers to that question may range from models, actors, reality show stars, and musicians.

More often that not the biggest group for celebrity chushes seems to fall into the musician category. There is just something about people sing and play instraments that attract us to that person. In the following list contains some of the hottest single musician that many out there today:

• Katy Perry: If there is one female celebrity that many of us think of when we hear the phrase “raven hair beauty” it would be Katy Perry. Her long brunett hair, lovely eyes, stunning smile, and rich singing voice are enough that make a young mans heart melt.
• Jennifer Lopez: For serval years she has topped the fantasy list of men. When Ms. Lopez married Marc Anthony in 2004 there were several broken hearts. Since the couple divorced over a year ago she has once again shot up to the top of many list.
• Rihanna: When you first see Rihanna she will capture your heart delicate features. She often wears stunning outfits that show off her legs that were once called “celebrity legs of a goddess”.
• Christina Aguilera: Ever since she first hit the spotlight as a teenager on the “Mickey Mouse Club” in the early 1990's she has been capturing hearts. Those boys that fell for her then have watched her grow-up on screen and become one of the hottest single musicians around today.
• Britney Spears: Britney Spears first captured the hearts of teenage boys when she appeared on the “Mickey Mouse Club”. For the next 2+ decades we have watched her grow and blossom with a curvatious figure that puts her at or close to the top of any list.
• Demi Lovato: Ms. Lovato is an actress, model, and singer that started her career on the kids show “Barney and friends” in 2002. With her stunning looks and siprano voice she is certainly one of the hottest entertainers around today.
• Tulisa Contostavolos: Ms. Contostavolos is an actress and singer that wowwing us for almot a decade. One look at Ms. Contostavolos and you can see why she is on the list.
• Maite Perroni: For the past decade Ms. Perroni has enjoyed a career as an actress, model, and singer/songwriter Her career has mainly been in her native land of Mexico but she is quickkly becoming a favorite among latin artist in the United States.
• Nicole Scherzinger: For a decade and a half entertained us with her talent and great looks. Even though Ms Scherzinger has gone on to sell over 15 million records, was a judge on the “X Factor”, and play a role in “Men in Black 3”; the image most men recall is when she was the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls.
• Pixie Lott: Ms. Lott started her career in 2007 as guest dancer on British sitcom “Genie in the House”. She has been named one of sexiest women 4 times in the men's life style magizine FHM.

Best Valentine's Day events in Seattle

Whether you are single, in a relationship, or married with children Valentine's Day is a special day of the year. If your single it is going out on romantic singles cruises, dances, or other event where you might meet up with a special someone that will be part of your life. If you are in a relationship it is the day for romantic dinners, flowers, or a couples cruise to let them know how much they mean to you. If you already have a family it is a day of togetherness to show how much you care. In the greater Seattle area there are several events in each of those categories.

The following is just a few of the events:

Tango

Located at 1100 Pike street in the heart of Seattle is the Tango restaurant where you will be able to treat that special person to a magnificent 4 course dinner. Each course has a choice that will suit just aout any appetite. The cost is $65+tax per person for this delectable feast. This special Valentine's Day menu is offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday but you will need reservations.

Lost distance Valentine

If you are looking for something for the whole family then head on down to the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. There you will learn about the early days of airmail, create personalized Valentines at their family oriented workshop, or just look round. The workshop is included in the price of admission or your museum membership. Price of admission is $20 for adults and $12 for children aged 5-17.

Be my Valentine

If you are single then head on down to 900 Bellevue way in Bellevue on Saturday. When you go there you can join in on a romantic mixer full of romance games and dancing. The price is only $20 per person. Be sure to wear either red or black and the evening will also include a red carnation, chocolates, and Valentine's Day card at the door. The event starts at 7:30 pm.

Best cajun food in Seattle-Tacoma

On Tuesday, Feb 9, is Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday. It is the day that in Christian tradition we eat rich foods and party before the season of Lent. There are several theories to what the origins of the celebration. The actual meaning of Mardi Gras and Lent have become lost over the years. Today, here in United States we mostly associate Mardi Gras with the celebration in New Orleans where people feast on rich & spicy Cajun food and have grand festivals in the streets.

Here in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area we might not party quite the way they do in New Orleans but we have many fine restaurants where you can get the rich & spicy foods associated with that area. The following are just a few of the restaurants that carry Cajun food that will give us the feeling of being in New Orleans:

Toulouse Petit

Located at 601 Queen Anne avenue is the Toulouse Petit. There you can start off your Mardi Gras feast at 8 in the morning with such Cajun breakfast fare as Spicy Creole andouille hash, Big Easy andouille sausage, or Crawfish and Tasso scrabble. You can continue your feast until 2 the next morning as you work your way through their lunch and diner menus. To wash all your rich food down you can try one of their Hurricanes.

Marcela's Cookery

In downtown Seattle you can find authentic Cajun & Creole food at Mercela's Cookery located at 106 James street. At Marcela's cookery chef Anthony McDonald bring 25 years of experience with him from New Orleans. There you dine on such favorites as Alligator Po' boys, Muffalattes, or one of their amazing gumbos. The hours are Monday 11:30 – 2 pm, Tue- Thursday 11:30-2:30 & 5-8:30, Friday 11:30-9:30, Saturday 11:30-9, and Sunday 4-9 pm.

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill

If you are in the Puyallup region come on down to the 401 S Meridian to the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill. There you will be able to experience a Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday with live music, a special menu, special cocktails, and beads. Hours there are Monday-Thursday 11 am- 10pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – midnight, and Sunday 11 am- 10 pm.