text:
Buran programme
Buran (Russian: Бура́н, IPA: [bʊˈran], Snowstorm or Blizzard) was a Soviet and later Russian reusable spacecraft project that began in 1974 at TsAGI and was formally suspended in 1993.[1] It was a response to the United States Space Shuttle program.[2] The project was the largest and the most expensive in the history of Soviet space exploration.[1] Development work included sending the BOR-5 on multiple sub-orbital test flights, and atmospheric flights of the OK-GLI. Buran completed one unmanned orbital spaceflight in 1988 before its cancellation in 1993.[1]
Although the Buran spacecraft was similar in appearance to the NASA Space Shuttle, and could similarly operate as a re-entry spaceplane, its internal and functional design was distinct. For example, the main engines during launch were on the Energia rocket and not taken into orbit on the spacecraft. Smaller rocket engines on the craft's body provided propulsion in orbit and de-orbital burns. Thus the Buran program matched an expendable rocket to a reusable spaceplane.
The Buran orbiter which flew the test flight was crushed in the Buran hangar collapse on 12 May 2002 in Kazakhstan. The OK-GLI resides in Technikmuseum Speyer.
- 1 Background
- 2 Development
- 3 Buran cosmonaut preparation
- 4 Missions
- 5 Cancellation (1993)
- 6 Status
- 7 Revival possibilities
- 8 Technical data
- 9 Comparison to NASA Space Shuttle
- 10 See also
- 11 References
- 12 External links
The Soviet reusable space-craft program has its roots in the very beginning of the space age, the late 1950s. The idea of Soviet reusable space flight is very old, though it was neither continuous, nor consistently organized. Before Buran, no project of the program reached production.
The idea saw its first iteration in the Burya high-altitude jet aircraft, which reached the prototype stage. Several test flights are known, before it was cancelled by order of the Central Committee. The Burya had the goal of delivering a nuclear payload, presumably to the United States, and then returning to base. The cancellation was based on a final decision to develop ICBMs. The next iteration of the idea was Zvezda from the early 1960s, which also reached a prototype stage. Decades later, another project with the same name was used as a service module for the International Space Station. After Zvezda, there was a hiatus in reusable projects until Buran.
The development of the Buran began in the early 1970s as a response to the U.S. Space Shuttle program. Soviet officials were concerned about a perceived military threat posed by the US Space Shuttle. In their opinion, the Shuttle's 30-ton payload-to-orbit capacity and, more significantly, its 15-ton payload return capacity, were a clear indication that one of its main objectives would be to place massive experimental laser weapons into orbit that could destroy enemy missiles from a distance of several thousands of kilometers. Their reasoning was that such weapons could only be effectively tested in actual space conditions and that to cut their development time and save costs it would be necessary to regularly bring them back to Earth for modifications and fine-tuning.[3] Soviet officials were also concerned that the US Space Shuttle could make a sudden dive into the atmosphere to drop bombs on Moscow.[4]
Soviet engineers were initially reluctant to design a spacecraft that looked superficially identical to the Shuttle, but subsequent wind tunnel testing showed that NASA's design was already ideal.[5] Even though the Molniya Scientific Production Association proposed its Spiral program design (halted 13 years earlier), it was rejected as being altogether dissimilar from the American shuttle design. While NPO Molniya conducted development under the lead of Gleb Lozino-Lozinskiy, the Soviet Union's Military-Industrial Commission, or VPK, was tasked with collecting all data it could on the U.S. Space Shuttle. Under the auspices of the KGB, the VPK was able to amass documentation on the American shuttle's airframe designs, design analysis software, materials, flight computer systems and propulsion systems. The KGB targeted many university research project documents and databases, including Caltech, MIT, Princeton, Stanford and others. The thoroughness of the acquisition of data was made much easier as the U.S. shuttle development was unclassified.[6]
The construction of the shuttles began in 1980, and by 1984 the first full-scale Buran was rolled out. The first suborbital test flight of a scale-model (BOR-5) took place as early as July 1983. As the project progressed, five additional scale-model flights were performed. A test vehicle was constructed with four jet engines mounted at the rear; this vehicle is usually referred to as OK-GLI, or as the "Buran aerodynamic analogue". The jets were used to take off from a normal landing strip, and once it reached a designated point, the engines were cut and OK-GLI glided back to land. This provided invaluable information about the handling characteristics of the Buran design, and significantly differed from the carrier plane/air drop method used by the USA and the Enterprise test craft. Twenty-four test flights of OK-GLI were performed after which the shuttle was "worn out". The developers considered using a couple of Mil Mi-26 helicopters to "bundle" lift the Buran, but test flights with a mock-up showed how risky and impractical that was.[7] The VM-T ferried components[8] and the Antonov An-225 Mriya (the heaviest airplane ever) was designed and used to ferry the shuttle.[9][10]
According to a declassified May 1990 CIA report citing open-source intelligence material, the software for the Buran spacecraft was written in the Prolog programming language.[11]
Buran cosmonaut preparation[edit]
A rule, set in place because of the failed Soyuz 25 of 1977, insisted that all Soviet space missions contain at least one crew member who has been to space before. In 1982, it was decided that all Buran commanders and their back-ups would occupy the third seat on a Soyuz mission, prior to their Buran spaceflight.[3] Several people had been selected to potentially be in the first Buran crew. By 1985, it was decided that at least one of the two crew members would be a test pilot trained at the Gromov Flight Research Institute (known as "LII"), and potential crew lists were drawn up.[3] Only two potential Buran crew members reached space: Igor Volk, who flew in Soyuz T-12 to the space station Salyut 7, and Anatoli Levchenko who visited Mir, launching with Soyuz TM-4 and landing with Soyuz TM-3.[3] Both Soyuz spaceflights lasted about a week.
Spaceflight of Igor Volk[edit]
Volk was planned to be the commander of the first Buran flight. There were two purposes of the Soyuz T-12 mission, one of which was to give Volk spaceflight experience. The other purpose, seen as the more important factor, was to beat the United States and have the first spacewalk conducted by a woman.[3]
Spaceflight of Anatoli Levchenko[edit]
Levchenko was planned to be the back-up commander of the first Buran flight, and in March 1987 he began extensive training for his Soyuz spaceflight.[3] In December 1987, he occupied the third seat aboard Soyuz TM-4 to Mir, and returned to Earth about a week later on Soyuz TM-3. His mission is sometimes called Mir LII-1, after the Gromov Flight Research Institute shorthand.[12] Levchenko died of a brain tumour the following year, leaving the back-up crew again without spaceflight experience. A Soyuz spaceflight for another potential back-up commander was pursued by the Gromov Flight Research Institute, but such a spaceflight never occurred.[3]
Following a series of atmospheric test flights using a jet-powered prototype, the first operational spacecraft flew one test mission, designated 1K1, on 15 November 1988 at 03:00:02 UTC.[13] The spacecraft was launched unmanned from and landed at Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh S.S.R. and flew two orbits, travelling 83,707 kilometres (52,013 mi) in 3 hours and 25 minutes (0.14 flight days).[14] Buran never flew again; the programme was cancelled shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.[15] In 2002, the collapse of the hangar in which it was stored destroyed the Buran orbiter.[16][17]
Atmospheric test flights[edit]
An aerodynamic testbed, OK-GLI, was constructed in 1984 to test the in-flight properties of the Buran design. Unlike the American prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise, OK-GLI had four AL-31 turbofan engines fitted, meaning it was able to fly under its own power.
|Flight date
|Landing Site
|10 November 1985
|00d 00h 12m
|3 January 1986
|00d 00h 36m
|27 May 1986
|00d 00h 23m
|11 June 1986
|00d 00h 22m
|20 June 1986
|00d 00h 25m
|28 June 1986
|00d 00h 23m
|10 December 1986
|00d 00h 24m
|First automatic landing
|23 December 1986
|00d 00h 17m
|29 December 1986
|00d 00h 17m
|16 February 1987
|00d 00h 28m
|21 May 1987
|00d 00h 20m
|25 June 1987
|00d 00h 19m
|5 October 1987
|00d 00h 21m
|15 October 1987
|00d 00h 19m
|16 January 1988
|24 January 1987
|23 February 1988
|00d 00h 22m
|4 March 1988
|00d 00h 32m
|12 March 1988
|23 March 1988
|28 March 1988
|2 April 1988
|00d 00h 20m
|8 April 1988
|15 April 1988
|00d 00h 19m
Orbital flight[edit]
|Launch Date
|Landing Site
|15 November 1988
|00d 03h 0025m
|Only flight of Buran
The only orbital launch of the (unmanned) Buran shuttle 1.01 was at 3:00 UTC on 15 November 1988. It was lifted into orbit by the specially designed Energia booster rocket. The life support system was not installed and no software was installed on the CRT displays.[20] The shuttle orbited the Earth twice in 206 minutes of flight. On its return, it performed an automated landing on the shuttle runway at Baikonur Cosmodrome.[21]
Planned flights[edit]
The planned flights for the shuttles in 1989, before the downsizing of the project and eventual cancellation, were:[22]
- 1991 — Shuttle 1.02 Ptichka unmanned first flight, duration 1–2 days.
- 1992 — Shuttle 1.02 Ptichka unmanned second flight, duration 7–8 days. Orbital maneuvers and space station approach test.
- 1993 — Shuttle 1.01 Buran unmanned second flight, duration 15–20 days.
- 1994 — Shuttle 2.01 Baikal first manned space test flight, duration of 24 hours. Craft equipped with life-support system and with two ejection seats. Crew would consist of only two cosmonauts with Igor Volk as commander, and Aleksandr Ivanchenko as flight engineer.
- Second manned space test flight, crew would consist of only two cosmonauts.
- Third manned space test flight, crew would consist of only two cosmonauts.
- Fourth manned space test flight, crew would consist of only two cosmonauts.
The planned unmanned second flight of Ptichka was changed in 1991 to the following:
- December 1991 — Shuttle 1.02 Ptichka unmanned second flight, with a duration of 7–8 days. Orbital maneuvers and space station approach test:
- automatic docking with Mir's Kristall module
- crew transfer from Mir to the shuttle, with testing of some of its systems in the course of twenty-four hours, including the remote manipulator
- undocking and autonomous flight in orbit
- docking of the manned Soyuz-TM 101 with the shuttle
- crew transfer from the Soyuz to the shuttle and onboard work in the course of twenty-four hours
- automatic undocking and landing
Cancellation (1993)[edit]
After the first flight, the project was suspended due to lack of funds and the political situation in the Soviet Union. The two subsequent orbiters, which were due in 1990 (informally Shuttle 1.02 Ptichka) and 1992 (informally Shuttle 2.01 Baikal) were never completed. The project was officially terminated on 30 June 1993, by President Boris Yeltsin. At the time of its cancellation, 20 billion rubles (roughly 71,534,000 USD)[citation needed] had been spent on the Buran program.[23]
The program was designed to boost national pride, carry out research, and meet technological objectives similar to those of the U.S. shuttle program, including resupply of the Mir space station, which was launched in 1986 and remained in service until 2001. When Mir was finally visited by a space shuttle, the visitor was a U.S. shuttle, not Buran.
The Buran SO, a docking module that was to be used for rendezvous with the Mir space station, was refitted for use with the U.S. Space Shuttles during the Shuttle-Mir missions.[24]
Buran hangar collapse[edit]
On 12 May 2002, a hangar in Kazakhstan collapsed because of a structural failure due to poor maintenance. The collapse killed 7 workers and destroyed one of the Buran craft, as well as a mock-up of an Energia booster rocket. It is unclear which Buran programme craft was destroyed, and the BBC reported that it was just "a model" of the orbiter.[17] It occurred at building 112 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, 14 years after the first and only Buran flight. Work on the roof had begun for a maintenance project, whose equipment is thought to have contributed to the collapse. Also, preceding 12 May there had been several days of heavy rain.[3]
As well as the five production Burans, there were eight test vehicles. These were used for static testing or atmospheric trials, and some were merely mock-ups for testing of electrical fittings, crew procedures, etc.
|Serial number
|Construction Date
|Current status[25]
|Production vehicles
|Shuttle OK-1K1 — "Buran" (11F35 K1)
|Unmanned flight (1988)
|Destroyed in the Buran hangar collapse in 2002.
|Shuttle OK-1K2 — informally "Ptichka" (11F35 K2)
|95-97% completed, unused
|Property of Kazakhstan, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, in the MIK Building.
|Shuttle OK-2K1 — informally "Baikal" (11F35 K3)
|Moved from the side of Khimki Reservoir in Moscow to Ramenskoye Airport for refurbishment ahead of the MAKS-2011 air show.[26] Now exhibited at Ramenskoye.
|Shuttle 2.02 (OK-TK ?) (11F35 K4)
|Partially dismantled, remains outside Tushino Machine Building Plant, near Moscow.
|Shuttle 2.03 (11F35 K5)
|Test vehicles and mock-ups
|OK-M (later OK-ML-1)
|Static test
|Static test model: parts, normal temperature static loads, moment of inertia, payload mass, interface tests (horizontal and vertical) with the launch vehicle. Located at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
|Static electrical/integration test
|Static test model: electronic and electric. Located at the Energia factory in Korolev
|OK-MT (later OK-ML-2)
|Engineering mock-up
|Static test model: documentation, loading methods for liquids and gases, hermetic system integrity, crew entry and exit, manuals. Located at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
|OK-GLI (Buran Analog BTS-002)
|Aero test
|Analogue aero test model. Completed 25 aero test flights and 9 taxi tests. Bought by the Technikmuseum Speyer, transported to Germany in 2008.
|OK-??? (Model 005 ?)
|Static test
|Vibration and vacuum test vehicle. Location unknown.
|Static heat/vacuum testbed
|Static test model: Environmental chamber heat/vacuum, thermal regimes. Location: NIIKhimMash, Moscow.
|OK-??? (Model 008 ?)
|Static test
|Vibration and vacuum test vehicle. Location unknown.
|Static test
|Structural test vehicle: loads and stresses, heating and vibration. Located in VDNKh, Moscow.
|Related test vehicles and models
|Sub-scale model of the Spiral space plane
|1:2 scale model of Spiral space plane. 5 launches. NPO Molniya, Moscow.
|BOR-5 ("Kosmos")
|Suborbital test of 1/8 scale model of Buran
|5 launches, none were reflown but at least 4 were recovered. NPO Molniya, Moscow.
|Full-scale crew section
|Medical-biological tests
|GLI Horizontal Flight Simulator
|Flight control software fine tuning
|Wind tunnel models
|Scales from 1:3 to 1:550
|85 models built
|Gas dynamics models
|Scales from 1:15 to 1:2700
Revival possibilities[edit]
The 2003 grounding of the U.S. Space Shuttles caused many to wonder whether the Russian Energia launcher or Buran shuttle could be brought back into service.[27] By then, however, all of the equipment for both (including the vehicles themselves) had fallen into disrepair or been repurposed after falling into disuse with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Due to the 2011 retirement of the American space shuttle and the need for STS-type craft in the meantime to complete the International Space Station, some American and Russian scientists had been mulling over plans to possibly revive the already-existing Buran shuttles in the Buran program rather than spend money on an entirely new craft and wait for it to be fully developed[28][27] but the plans did not come to fruition.
Recently[when?] there have been new interests in renewing the program temporarily while Russia struggles with the CSTS and Kliper design stages.[29]
Technical data[edit]
|This section needs additional citations for verification. (August 2011)
- Mass breakdown
- Mass of Total Structure / Landing Systems: 42,000 kg (93,000 lb)
- Mass of Functional Systems and Propulsion: 33,000 kg (73,000 lb)
- Maximum Payload: 30,000 kg (66,000 lb)
- Maximum liftoff weight: 105,000 kg (231,000 lb)
- Dimensions
- Length: 36.37 m (119.3 ft)
- Wingspan: 23.92 m (78.5 ft)
- Height on Gear: 16.35 m (53.6 ft)
- Payload bay length: 18.55 m (60.9 ft)
- Payload bay diameter: 4.65 m (15.3 ft)
- Wing glove sweep: 78 degrees
- Wing sweep: 45 degrees
- Propulsion
- Total orbital maneuvering engine thrust: 17,600 kgf (173,000 N; 39,000 lbf)
- Orbital Maneuvering Engine Specific Impulse: 362 seconds (3.55 km/s)
- Total Maneuvering Impulse: 5 kgf-sec (11 lbf-sec)
- Total Reaction Control System Thrust: 14,866 kgf (145,790 N; 32,770 lbf)
- Average RCS Specific Impulse: 275–295 seconds (2.70–2.89 km/s)
- Normal Maximum Propellant Load: 14,500 kg (32,000 lb)
Comparison to NASA Space Shuttle[edit]
|This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2010)
Because Buran's debut followed that of Space Shuttle Columbia's, and because there were striking visual similarities between the two shuttle systems—a state of affairs which recalled the similarity between the Tupolev Tu-144 and Concorde supersonic airliners—many speculated that Cold War espionage played a role in the development of the Soviet shuttle. Despite remarkable external similarities, many key differences existed, which suggests that, had espionage been a factor in Buran's development, it would likely have been in the form of external photography or early airframe designs. One CIA commenter states that Buran was based on a rejected NASA design.[30]
Key differences from the NASA Space Shuttle[edit]
- Buran was not an integral part of the system, but rather a payload for the Energia launcher. The orbiter had no main rocket engines, freeing space and weight for additional payload; the largest cylindrical structure is the Energia carrier-rocket, not just a fuel tank. In contrast, in the American Space Shuttle system, the three main engines on the rear of the orbiter comprised the second stage launch propulsion system, and the External Tank and twin boosters were not used to launch anything except an orbiter.
- The main engines were mounted on the core Energia stage and thus destroyed when it burns up in the atmosphere, unlike the U.S. Space Shuttle which had reusable main engines in the orbiter. Both designs featured reusable boosters (although reusability was not demonstrated on Energia). There were some plans for constructing a fully reusable Energia carrier, called Uragan (Russian: Ураган, Hurricane).
- The boosters used liquid propellant (kerosene/oxygen). The Space Shuttle's boosters used solid propellant.[31]
- Buran's equivalent of the shuttle's Orbital Maneuvering System used GOX/LOX/Kerosene propellant, with lower toxicity and higher performance (a specific impulse of 362 seconds (3.55 km/s) using a turbopump system)[32] than the Shuttle's pressure-fed monomethyl hydrazine/nitrogen tetroxide OMS engines.
- Energia was designed from the start to be configured for a variety of uses, rather than just a shuttle launcher. Other payloads than Buran, with mass as high as 80 metric tons, could be lifted to space by Energia, as was the case on its first launch. The heaviest configuration (never built) would have been able to launch 200 tons into orbit. (The Shuttle-C concept was a similar proposal to the Energia system, envisaged to complement the space shuttle by adapting its boosters and external tank for use with other vehicles, but it never moved beyond the experimental mock-up stage. The NASA Ares V rocket, since canceled, was a similarly "shuttle-derived" idea.)[citation needed]
- The Energia launch rocket was also capable of delivering a payload to the Moon. However, this configuration was never tested. The Space Shuttle was never intended to go beyond Low Earth orbit.[citation needed]
- As Buran was designed to be capable of both manned and robotic flight, it had automated landing capability; the manned version was never operational. The Space Shuttle was later retrofitted with an automated landing capability; the equipment to make this possible was first flown on STS-121, but is intended only as a contingency, and was never used on any flight.[33]
- The orbiters were designed to carry two jet engines for increased return capability. Although they were not installed in the first orbiter for reason of weight limits on the first Energia launcher, provisions exist in the structure for later retrofit.[34] Although early designs of the NASA Space Shuttle also incorporated jet engines, the operation version landed as an unpowered glider, relying entirely on management of descent energy for landing.
- The nose landing gear was located much farther down the fuselage rather than just under the mid-deck as with the NASA Space Shuttle.
- Buran could lift 30 metric tons into orbit in its standard configuration, comparable to the early Space Shuttle's original 27.8 metric tons[35][36]
- Buran was designed to return 20 metric tons of payload from orbit, compared to 15 metric tons for the Space Shuttle orbiter.[citation needed]
- The drag chute was installed on Buran right from the start of the program as opposed to the NASA Space Shuttle where the drag chute was added much later in the program.
- The lift-to-drag ratio of Buran is cited as 6.5,[37] compared to a subsonic L/D of 4.5 for the Space Shuttle.[38]
- The thermal protection tiles on the Buran and U.S. Space Shuttles are laid out differently. Soviet engineers believed their design to be thermodynamically superior.[36]
- The complete launch vehicle (shuttle, Energia and side rockets) was designed to be moved to the launch pad horizontally on a massive rail transporter, and then erected at the launch site.[39][40][41] This enabled a much faster rollout than the US Space Shuttle,[citation needed] which was moved vertically, and as such had to be moved very slowly (less than one mile per hour, typically taking about 6 hours to move the Mobile Launch Platform supporting the Shuttle stack from the VAB to the launch pad on the Crawler-Transporter left over from Project Apollo.)[42]
- The booster rockets were not constructed in segments vulnerable to leakage through O-rings, which caused the destruction of Challenger. (Their liquid-fueled nature would make this design inapplicable.) However, the liquid fuel for the booster rockets (see above) would have made them less easy to prepare — and hold ready — for flight than solid rocket fuel in the NASA Shuttle boosters and in addition represented a potential explosive hazard on the ground.[citation needed]
- The manned version was intended to have a crew of ten as opposed to seven.[36]
See also[edit]
- MAKS (spacecraft)
- Manned space missions
- Unmanned space missions
- Space exploration
- Space accidents and incidents
- ^ a b c Harvey, Brian (2007). The Rebirth of the Russian Space Program: 50 Years After Sputnik, New Frontiers. Springer. p. 8. ISBN 0387713565.
- ^ "Russian shuttle dream dashed by Soviet crash". YouTube.com (Russia Today). 15 November 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hendrickx & Vis 2007.
- ^ Zak, Anatoly (20 November 2008). "Buran - the Soviet 'space shuttle'". BBC News. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
- ^ Sparrow, Giles (2009). Spaceflight: The Complete Story From Sputnik to Shuttle—and Beyond. DK Publishers. p. 215. ISBN 9780756656416.
- ^ Windrem, Robert (4 November 1997). "How the Soviets stole a space shuttle". NBC News.
- ^ Fedotov, V. A. "BURAN Orbital Spaceship Airframe Creation". Buran-Energia.com. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
- ^ Petrovitch, Vassili. "VM-T Atlant: Description". Buran-Energia.com. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
- ^ Goebel, Greg. Antonov An-225 Mriya ("Cossack"). "The Antonov Giants: An-22, An-124, & An-225". Airvectors.net. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ Goebel, Greg. The Soviet Buran shuttle program. "Postscript: The Other Shuttles". Vectorsite.net. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ "Soviet Software Productivity: Isolated Gains in an Uphill Battle". Central Intelligence Agency. May 1990. p. 7. SW 90-10029X. Archived from the original on 11 June 2012.
- ^ Wade, Mark. "Mir LII-1". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
- ^ Hendrickx & Vis 2007, p. 349.
- ^ Hendrickx & Vis 2007, p. 356.
- ^ The New Book of Popular Science 1. Scholastic. 2008. p. 257. ISBN 9780717212262.
- ^ Hendrickx & Vis 2007, p. 388.
- ^ a b Whitehouse, David (13 May 2002). "Russia's space dreams abandoned". BBC News. Retrieved 14 November 2007.
- ^ "Soviet shuttle". The Christian Science Monitor. 17 November 1988. p. 15. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ^ Barringer, Felicity (16 November 1988). "Soviet Space Shuttle Orbits and Returns In Unmanned Debut". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ^ "Shuttle Buran". NASA.gov. 12 November 1997. Archived from the original on 4 August 2006.
- ^ Chertok, Boris E. (2005). Siddiqi, Asif A., ed. Rockets and People (PDF). NASA History Series 1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. p. 179. SP-2005-4110.
- ^ (Russian) Lukashevich, Vadim. "Экипажи "Бурана": Несбывшиеся планы" [The Crews of "Buran": Unfulfilled Plans]. Buran.ru. Retrieved 5 August 2006.
- ^ Wade, Mark. "Yeltsin cancels Buran project". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 2 July 2006.
- ^ Wade, Mark. "Mir-Shuttle Docking Module". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
- ^ "Energia-Buran: Where are they now". K26.com. Retrieved 5 August 2006.
- ^ "Archives for 'Buran OK-2.01'". Buran-Energia.com. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ^ a b Oberg, James (10 June 2005). "Russia ready to take lead on space station". NBC News. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
- ^ Birch, Douglas (5 February 2003). "Russian space program is handed new responsibility". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
- ^ "Soviet space shuttle could bail out NASA". Russia Today. 15 November 2008. Archived from the original on 30 November 2010.
- ^ Weiss, Gus W. (1996). A Deception Operation. "The Farewell Dossier: Duping the Soviets". Studies in Intelligence (Central Intelligence Agency) 39 (5). Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ^ "Space Shuttle: Solid Rocket Boosters". NASA.gov. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
- ^ Lukashevich, Vadim. "Объединенная двигательная установка (ОДУ)" [Joint Propulsion System (JPS)]. Buran.ru. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
- ^ Malik, Tariq (29 June 2006). "Shuttle to Carry Tools for Repair and Remote-Control Landing". Space.com.
- ^ Petrovitch, Vassili. "Buran Composition Turbojets". Buran-Energia.com. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
- ^ Wade, Mark. "Shuttle". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- ^ a b c Scott, Jeff (5 February 2007). "Soviet Buran Space Shuttle". Aerospaceweb.org.
- ^ ""Molniya" Research & Industrial Corporation". Buran.ru. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- ^ Chaffee, Norman, ed. (1985). Space Shuttle Technical Conference, Part 1. NASA. p. 258. N85-16889.
- ^ "Buran, the First Russian Shuttle". EnglishRussia.com. 14 September 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ "Russian rockets". The Mars Society. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ "6 Abandoned Mega-Machines: Jumbo Jets, Space Shuttle Transporters & More". Urban Ghosts. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ Sands, Jason (May 2007). "NASA Diesel-Powered Shuttle Hauler - The Crawler". Diesel Power.
- Hendrickx, Bart; Vis, Bert (2007). Energiya-Buran: The Soviet Space Shuttle. Springer-Praxis. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-73984-7. ISBN 0-387-69848-5.
External links[edit]
- Buran.ru, official website by NPO Molniya
- Buran at Encyclopedia Astronautica
- Buran and Energia at Buran-Energia.com
- Buran at RussianSpaceWeb.com


text:
Rigor Mortis
Band Photo: Rigor Mortis (?)
Formed: 1982
From: Dallas, TX, United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Rigor Mortis News
Below is our complete Rigor Mortis news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 41 1 2 3 Last
Satyricon Drops Off Housecore Horror Film Festival
We regret to inform everyone that Norwegian black metal legends Satryicon will no longer be able to perform at this year's Housecore™ Horror Film Festival. The band explained via its official Facebook page:
"Dear U.S fans. We regret to inform that Satyricon will not perform at Knotfest in San Bernardino, CA and Horror Fest in Austin, TX in October 2014. The reasons for not being able to perform at these two festivals are both pragmatic ones and entirely different from each other.
"Satyricon will now shift its attention towards the writing of a new album, re-editing the footage from the 'Live at the Opera' live album/DVD and another project that will be announced at a later stage. It is important for the band that the U.S fans understand that you are far from forgotten and that the band look forward to come over for a full scale U.S tour as soon as it is possible. You deserve it." More...
Rigor Mortis Streaming "Poltergeist"
Nineteen months after the tragic loss of guitarist Mike Scaccia, Rigor Mortis will release the band's fourth and final studio album "Slaves to the Grave" on October 7th.
This marks the bands first studio album in 23 years, and the first with the classic original line up (Mike Scaccia - guitar, Casey Orr - bass, Bruce Corbitt - vocals, Harden Harrison - drums).
Today you can hear the new song "Poltergeist" in the player below, courtesy of Decibel Magazine. The previously released track "Flesh for Flies" can also be heard at this location.
With help from the fans via an IndieGoGo fundraising campaign, the band is releasing "Slaves To The Grave" on its own Rigor Mortis Records. Everyone who contributes to the fundraiser will have their name included in a special "thank you" list on the CD.
The campaign ends on August 28th, so there's only a few days left to help out, get your name on the CD, and pick up some killer swag. More...
Rigor Mortis Streaming "Flesh For Flies"
Today the first taste of music from the final Rigor Mortis album "Slaves to the Grave" has been unleashed. The first single, "Flesh For Flies," can be heard below thanks to MetalSucks.net.
Bassist Casey Orr comments on the "Flesh For Flies" song: "Being huge horror fans, and being from Texas, we've always had a special love for the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre. There's a song on our first record called Slow Death that was a tribute to the original TCM. The song Flesh For Flies is sort of an homage to the second movie, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. This time as told from the killer's point of view. Nothing beats a good old fashioned, chainsaw wielding, inbred cannibal serial killer!"
Vocalist Bruce Corbitt added: "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre of Metal has cooked up our tastiest batches of carcass stew and chainsaw chili for this final meal. Once again.... the original lineup and recipe of Rigor Mortis don't skimp on the meat when it comes to furiously paced metal and excessive amounts of gore. The saw is family, but so is Rigor Mortis... Drayton Sawyer and Leatherface would be proud... RIP Marilyn Burns!" More...
Rigor Mortis Reveals "Slaves To The Grave" Details
Twenty-Three years after the band's last record, and nineteen months after the tragic loss of guitarist Mike Scaccia, Rigor Mortis will release fourth and final studio album "Slaves to the Grave" on October 7th.
"Slaves To The Grave" features the classic original lineup (Mike Scaccia - guitar, Casey Orr - Bass, Bruce Corbitt - Vocals, and Harden Harrison on drums). Recorded less than a year before Mike's passing, the album was to going to herald the bands long overdue comeback. In February 2012, Rigor Mortis entered Ministry's 13th Planet Studios in El Paso, and recorded the 10 tracks that would become "Slaves to the Grave."
Today the track listing and cover artwork created by Michael Broom have been revealed and can bee seen below.
When no labels were willing to release the record (after all there would be no touring to support it, or a follow-up record) Rigor Mortis started a fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo and called in favors from friends to get the record mixed and mastered just right. A "making-of" DVD has also been added to the initial pressing.
1. Poltergeist 6:05
2. Rain of Ruin 4:21
3. Flesh for Flies 3:39
4. The Infected 3:51
5. Blood Bath 6:36
6. Ancient Horro 3:27
7. Fragrance of Corpse 3:13
8. Curse of the Draugr 3:34
9. Sacramentum Gladiatorum
10. Lududs Magnus 13:56 More...
Rigor Mortis Announces Final Album Release
The fourth and final CD from Rigor Mortis - "Slaves To The Grave" - will be landing on October 7th and the first 5,000 will include a making-of DVD. The album will also be available on iTunes, Amazon, and limited edition vinyl LP. Rigor Mortis comments:
"Ok, folks! The new Rigor Mortis record is a reality. But we are releasing the record ourselves, and as I'm sure you can imagine, this takes funding. So we're reaching out to our friends and fans to help us give 'Slaves To The Grave' the launch it deserves.
"Please click on our IndieGoGo campaign link here, and give til it feels good! We're offering tons of perks as thanks for your support, and if you can't afford to pledge, then we ask you to help spread the word! Let's do this!"
This new album will be the band's swan song after the passing of Mike Scaccia back in 2012. More...
Rigor Mortis Readying Final Release
Finally, the "Slaves to the Grave" release from Rigor Mortis is shaping up for release in early 2014. The band has revealed the tracklisting of the release over on Death Metal Underground. Al Jourgensen will also appear on the final track.
Recorded with its 1988 lineup including now-deceased guitarist Mike Scaccia, "Slaves to the Grave" was recorded during February 2012 at 13th Planet Studios in El Paso, Texas. According to the band, this will be the final Rigor Mortis release and a swan song to Scaccia, who died on December 23rd, 2012 while performing at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
2.Rain Of Ruin
3.Flesh For Flies
4.The Infected
5.Blood Bath
6.Ancient Horror
7.Fragrance Of Corpse
8.Curse Of The Draugr
9.Sacramentum Gladiatorum (Scaccia Instrumental)
10.Ludus Magnus (Guest Vocal appearance by Al Jourgensen)
Rigor Mortis Cancels Tribute Show Due To Injury
Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia passed away late last year, and the band had been scheduled to play a tribute show in June. However the group has now checked in with the following announcement about canceling the appearance due to drummer Harden Harrison being injured:
"We've got some really bad and sad news to announce. The Scaccianators will be unable to perform at the Mike Scaccia/Birthday Tribute Show on June 14 at Trees.
"Rigor Mortis drummer Harden Harrison had a freak accident the other day when he motorcycle fell over and he grabbed at a weird angle it to prevent it from falling. The weight from the motorcycle did severe damage to his shoulder. He just got the results from the MRI and it was bad news. He has a torn rotator cup and has to have surgery on June 6. He will be in a sling for at least two months.
"Of course Harden is really bummed as are all of us. But we will do this Scaccianator thing in the future… probably at the Rigor Mortis CD Release Show, or maybe even next year if we do the Scaccia Tribute Show again. The good news is we still have a killer lineup and I've already got some good ideas in what to do to make up for us not being able to play. We will post the info once we have decided on what exactly we will do.
"We are sorry… but this was just an accident and it's just one of those things. Please wish Harden luck on his upcoming surgery and recovery. THANKS!!!"
New Rigor Mortis Album Mixing Completed
Dallas, Texas based producer/engineer/mixer Kerry Crafton has finished mixing the long awaited fourth and final release from the legendary Texas thrash metal band Rigor Mortis. The CD was recorded at 13th Planet Studio in El Paso Texas in February 2012. Mike Scaccia and Rigor Mortis produced the sessions and Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen and Angie Jourgensen are the executive producers. Completion of the CD was delayed while guitarist Mike Scaccia was on a European tour with the band Ministry and then by Scaccia's sudden passing.
Scaccia brought the tracks back to Dallas to be mixed by longtime friend Kerry Crafton. Crafton engineered the first Rigor Mortis album "Rigor Mortis" for Capitol Records in 1988. Crafton was the producer/engineer/mixer on the 3rd Rigor Mortis Release for Triple X Records "Rigor Mortis vs The Earth." He now closes out the Rigor Mortis legacy by mixing the final Rigor Mortis CD "Slaves To The Grave."
Mixing began in December and Crafton and Scaccia had only one day together to begin the mixing process before the tragic onstage passing of Scaccia at the Rail Club in Ft Worth while playing with Rigor Mortis.
Kerry Crafton commented: "After Mikey died, it was very hard to open up the session and get back to mixing. I expected to have my buddy Mike with me as I did all the mixes. Instead, we had just one day together to set up basic tones and for him to explain what was what. It was a couple of weeks before I was able to begin again. When I got back to it, I found it both heartbreaking and cathartic. Though Mike was gone physically, I still was blessed with his musical presence every day as I mixed on through the tears. Mixing sessions with the band were good group therapy. This record is amazing. Mike, Bruce Corbitt, Harden Harrison and Casey Orr all performed brilliantly in the recording of this album and I believe they all did the best work of their lives. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to mix this project for such a great group of musicians and friends. The depth and breadth of the material is really awesome. This will, obviously, be the last project from Rigor Mortis, but it is a great final musical statement."
The CD is currently being shopped to several interested labels and a release is expected this Summer.
Sunday Old School: Rigor Mortis
Many times a band becomes well known and its musicians end up starting new musical collaborations that live off of the name of that pioneering act. The reverse was true of Texas quartet Rigor Mortis. Although fairly influential and cult in the thrash metal underground, its members went on to bigger success in other, more well-known metal acts. In the beginning, though, it was just the four of them - or better stated, three.
Rigor Mortis was the brain child of New York guitarist Mike Scaccia, drummer Harden Harrison and bassist Casey Orr. Basing themselves out of Dallas in 1983, the band had no official singer and usually had Casey on the mic. Years later, that was why Rigor Mortis normally had several instrumental tracks and started off its debut album with "Welcome to Your Funeral." Vocalist Bruce Corbitt didn't come into the picture until late 1987. He'd only been in a Black Sabbath covers band and wasn't sure of himself on the helm, but determined to prove himself. He said he wanted it badly, wanted to be a really bad mofo. Thus began the official line-up of Rigor Mortis. More...
Bands React To Mike Scaccia's Passing
It was recently announced that Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia passed away on December 23rd on stage during a performance.
Since then Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen has issued a statement about Mike's passing, and various other metal bands have also shared their thoughts about Mike online.
The Electric Hellfire Club:
We in The Electric Hellfire Club are saddened to learn of the untimely death of one of industrial/metal's greatest, most-underrated players, Ministry/RevCo/Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia. Our condolences to his family. However, we should all be so lucky to shuffle off this mortal coil as he did: doing what we love, which, in his case was playing onstage with a guitar in his hands. We'll miss you, Mike.
Turbid North: More...
Ministry Frontman Speaks On Guitarist's Passing
Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen has posted a message online paying tribute to his bandmate Mike Scaccia, who passed away in the early hours of December 23rd whilst performing on stage with Rigor Mortis. Jourgensen's message reads as follows:
"I just lost my lil' brother and my best friend. The 13th Planet compound is devastated, completely in shock and shattered. Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was a close, close, close part of our family — and I just lost a huge chunk of my heart today. Our lives are forever changed. Life without Mikey is like orange juice without pulp — kind of bland. I have no words to express what this guy meant to me, my family, my career... everything!
"Get to know his lead parts, for they are in the pantheon of music! Unfortunately, most of you didn't get to know Mikey's soul, which is in the pantheon of humanity. He is my hero, my friend and my idol. Mikey was always beside me - my right-hand man - through thick and thin, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful.
"Rest in peace my brother, my friend, my heart.
"Please pray for Mike Scaccia and Jenny, his wife and their children, and his family."
Headline News
Rigor Mortis Guitarist Passes Away On Stage
Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia died in the very early hours of December 23, 2012 at the band's gig in Fort Worth celebrating the 50th birthday of singer Bruce Corbitt. Apparently, Scaccia passed out on stage during the performance and was found to have no pulse. No official cause of death has yet to be announced, but it appears to have been an apparent heart attack. Scaccia was 47.
In addition to co-founding Rigor Mortis, Scaccia also played with Ministry (including the latest LP "Relapse") and the Revolting Cocks.
In a post on his official Facebook page, singer Bruce Corbitt commented: "My brother is gone! The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't even be in a band. RIP Mike Scaccia! The greatest guitar player I ever knew!"
Donald Tardy Helps Feral Cats
Besides drumming for Obituary, Donald Tardy has other interests of a more altruistic nature. He and his wife Heather established the "Metal Meowlisha" as a way of aiding over 130 feral cats a day. Metal Meowlisha has the following mission statement, and you may go to it's website to learn more.
"Donald and Heather are committed to caring for feral cats in more than 20 spots or 'colonies' each day, 365 days a year. This also involves continually practicing Trap-Neuter-Return and using spay/neuter to control the population of free roaming cats in our area. The ASPCA endorses Trap-Neuter-Return as the ONLY Humane and Effective manner of managing free roaming cat populations, and so do we! In caring for so many cats on the streets, we find many abandoned cats, especially in the current economy and college area that we are working in. Often they are in need of health care, some need extensive treatment. The MM works with our vet and local clinics to the sick and injured cats we find, and networks with the wonderful rescues and shelters in our city to help find homes for friendly, adoptable cats and kittens. We strive to provide medical care as needed to sick or injured feral cats so they can be returned to their outdoor homes to live happily and comfortably. The MM embraces a no-kill ideology and strives to treat sick and injured cats without euthanizing cats based on financial considerations or testing positive for infectious diseases. We also believe that any cat or kitten whose life will be impacted by the results of a "positive" test deserves to be retested as these results are not always correct the first time, and sometimes with time a cat will clear the antibodies or virus. They don't euthanize MLB players for testing positive! We believe all cats deserve a second chance as much as it is possible, keeping the cats quality of life & prognosis of course in primary consideration."
Currently, Obituary is planning it's next big live gig at the Chas Metal Attack VI in the Circo Volador in Mexico City, supported by Pathology and Rigor Mortis. The date for the Festival is February 4th, 2012. Check out Obituary's Facebook page for more information. More...
Reunited Exhorder Slaughters Austin
Exhorder and Rigor Mortis reunited to drive a metal stake into the heart of Texas. Both bands haven't released a proper album in two decades, split up in the '90s and reunited (Exhorder in 2008, Rigor Mortis in 2005) to play select live shows. Rigor Mortis occasionally makes the three-plus-hour drive south to play Austin, but this performance was the first in 19 years for Exhorder. If not for promoters Motorbreath Entertainment, most in attendance would still be virgins to Exhorder's "Anal Lust."
Before Exhorder made its glorious return, local acts The Blood Royale, Hod and Dead Earth Politics took the stage. The Blood Royale opened the show with a crusty mix of old hardcore, grind, thrash and punk. Featuring JT of stoner rockers Dixie Witch, the band bombed the crowd with a furious attack of D-beats. During the group's sound check, Exhorder vocalist Kyle Thomas told me they sounded good. I nodded and said they remind me of Motorhead. Guitarist/vocalist Timmo had a definite, Lemmy-type scruff in his voice.
Since forming in 2006, Hod has overcome band changes and come together as a cohesive unit. Decked out in black jeans and black leather vests, the group held their instruments like swords and shields, eagerly awaited front man Beer Reeb's battle charge: "We are Hod and we play fucking metal." Once he gave the signal, much metal playing ensued. The members' hair swirled in unison to the death/black/thrash/speed witches brew that one can only categorize as metal. I formerly described their music as a mix of Marduk and Morbid Angel. While those influences are still apparent, newer songs "Beware the Death Horse," "In the Den of Wolves" and "Beneath the Mountain of the Scorpions" offer a greater range of sounds. Check these guys out on their tour supporting Marduk.
Dead Earth Politics played loud and aggressive. Their take on the groove metal sound proved a good choice to open for Exhorder. I can't provide many details about their set because I was socializing at the time. Rigor Mortis and Exhorder gave them a big thumb up, though, and Rigor Mortis said they were friends with the band.
The crowd greeted Texas thrash legends, Rigor Mortis with banging heads, pumping fists and the occasional flaying knee and elbow. Singer Bruce Corbitt stalked the stage like one of the many serial killers described in his gore-strewn lyrics. His yelled vocals possessed a crossover flare reminiscent of Kurt Brecht of D.R.I. The group's use of only one guitarist outlined Corey Orr's punky bass lines and Mike Scaccia's wild guitar solos.
Corbitt held his custom chain-link microphone stand out to the crowd to help sing infectious chorus lines from cuts like "Re-Animator" and "Die in Pain." The group showcased more material from the self-title debut such as "Demons" and "Slow Death." During "Slow Death," Corbitt looked at the crowd with hateful lust during the lyric "I have this knife/It's a good knife." The group played "Cattle Mutilation" from their "Freaks" EP and launched into two new tracks "Bloodbath" and "The Infected." These tracks will not disappoint the Rigor Mortis fans who have waited 20 years for a new album. The new material could have blended in with any of the horror thrash Rigor Mortis played in the late '80s that made a large impact on death metal.
Earlier in the evening, Kyle Thomas complained of an ache in his knee while we ascended the hard metal staircase to the green room for an interview. He said his knee hurt because he thought he could do things on stage that he did 20-years ago. Exhorder looks much older than they did on You Tube videos from their "The Law" tour, but the group was still full of energy and they played to perfection.
Kyle Thomas' regular, tough voice was in perfect condition. The only time he seemed to falter was during a long scream, which he briefly lost but regained. Jorge Caicedo silently counted each beat and hit every note. Even though this was only his second show, he knew the material well. Earlier in the show, he had expressed his desire to be a permanent member of Exhorder. Caicedo replaced Frankie Sparcello who unexpectedly died before the tour. His performance, hard work and cool demeanor should play in his favor.
A large photo of Sparcello held in easel provided a way, as Kyle Thomas put it, for the band to take Sparcello on the road and as a memento for his fans and band members. Bands throughout the night gave their condolences, but the grief of his passing faded when Exhorder launched into their material. The group opened their set with "Death in Vain" and "Homicide," two fast numbers from the "Slaughter in the Vatican" album. Vinnie LaBella and Jay Ceravolo picked their guitars with the wrist-tearing speed displayed by Dark Angel and Slayer. Then, Thomas and bunch launched into material from "The Law."
The chugging groove found on this album has led to a million conversations and arguments about Pantera plagiarizing Exhorder's style. Whether they did or not, I'm not going to rehash these ideas, one listen to the album will bring to light similarities. "I am the Cross" and the title track enthralled the crowd to a slow-but-bruising swagger. My personal favorite "(Cadence of) The Dirge" was the musical embodiment of all that is Exhorder. This track tempered groove with speed and even epic doom metal movements.
Having once played in Trouble and with Floodgate, tattooed with the Trouble logo on his arm and wearing a St. Vitus wristband, it is safe to say Thomas likes doom metal. Exhorder did the gods of gloom and doom, Black Sabbath, proud with their rendition of "Into the Void." The crowd received this cover with added energy. Immediately after jamming the Sab, Exhorder played another cover. This time, they brought out Austin local (transplant) Billy Milano to sing his S.O.D. song "United Force." By the now, the crowd had gone complete ape shit. Billy, Kyle, Vinnie and the bunch embraced as friends while shouting the song's title.
Before the crowd did the "Milano Mosh," Seth Davis displayed his drumming genius in a five-minute solo. Davis regularly teaches drum clinics, releases instructional videos and was once dubbed "The World's Fastest Drummer." Starting with a short kick-drum beat, Davis built momentum until all of his appendages were firing rapid, multiple beats. He switched his sticks from side to side while the crowd stood in agog. This solo was not only entertaining, but also it allowed the guitarists time to switch instruments. Both guitarists took over the bass for a couple of tracks Caicedo was still learning, but before the solo, these changes ate up some of Exhorder's set time.
About midway through their set, Kyle Thomas brought out a football. He asked the crowd if they had ever played "skankball." This sport was a bit like rugby. He threw the ball into the crowd and whoever could hang onto it and bring it to him would get a free prize from the merch table. Nobody was hurt in the mad scramble and one dude even retained the ball. I wonder what award they gave him.
Exhorder closed their set in the same fashion as they opened it—with swift, neck-wrecking numbers from "Slaughter in the Vatican." Thomas introduced "Slaughter in the Vatican" by stating that track really got him into trouble back in high school. The level of blasphemy did not hit home until one of his friends from the crowd told me he went to a Catholic school. The title of set closer "Anal Lust" was somehow even more insulting than the Pope murdering scenario of the previous song.
Those who attended this show have used many expressions to describe this special concert. Billy Milano's guest spot, a rare Exhorder performance, Exhorder coming to town not frayed by the passing of their good friend and band member, a set list of classic thrash tunes by two under recognized forces in the thrash community and killer local acts are all ammo to fire at your Central Texas metal friends who stayed home that evening.
Go here to view photos of the show.
Billy Milano Joins Exhorder on Stage for SOD Song
Metal/hardcore legend Billy Milano joined Exhorder for a performance of the classic S.O.D. song "United Forces" in Austin, Texas on April 16th. "United Forces" appeared on S.O.D.'s 1985 crossover classic "Speak English or Die." Short for Stormtroopers of Death, the now defunct S.O.D. was a a thrash/crossover super group featuring Scott Ian and Charlie Benante of Anthrax, Danny Lilker of Nuclear Assault, and Billy Milano of M.O.D.
The April 16th show was one of three dates scheduled on Exorder's mini-tour. The recently reunited Exhorder played Fort Worth, Texas, at The Rail Club the night before and left Austin for their New Orleans, Louisiana performance at The Hangar scheduled for the following night. Texas thrashers Rigor Mortis joined Exhorder on the two Texas dates.
The Austin show was Jorge Caicedo's second show as bassist for Exhorder. Caicedo filled the vacancy left by recently deceased Frankie Sparcello. Sparcello's cause of death has yet to be determined.
Check back in with Metal Underground for an upcoming show report on Exhorder's Austin performance and interview with Exhorder front man, Kyle Thomas.
Rigor Mortis To Enter The Studio
Rigor Mortis is set to go in the studio and to record the band's first new tracks in 20 years. The group will be in the studio from March 6th through the 8th with long time friend and producer Kerry Crafton (Vs. The Earth), recording two new songs. Talks with labels will follow and a new full length Rirgor Mortis record will be released before the end of the year.
Rigor Mortis also has the following upcoming tour dates:
3/5 - San Antonio, TX - Night Riders
4/15 - Ft. Worth, TX - The Rail - W/ Exhorder
4/16 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's - W/ Exhorder
4/17 - NOLA - The Hangar
Unearthing The Texas Metal Underground, Part 2
When it comes to American metal strongholds, New York, California, and Florida never escape mention, but Texas remains the wild card. Not only has the state produced a number of influential bands, but the fan base is famously strong. It's true that no scene is what it used to be, but Texas continues to turn out new and varied acts whose names reach far beyond its borders. San Antonio Metal Examiner Jacob Holmes did the first round up for Metal Underground, but it's a big state and there's still a lot of ground to cover.
Guitarist Wes Weaver has become something of a Texas metal folk hero in the last twenty years. Operating out of Houston, he co-founded Dark Reign in the early '90s, which soon morphed into the much-loved death metal juggernaut known as Imprecation. The band made a name for itself as a cult phenomenon, but they never broke out into the larger arena and finally disbanded. In the meantime, Weaver continued to boost the Texas scene with his venerable radio show, and he also appeared in the short-lived Infernal Dominion, which was regarded as a departure from his classic brand of crepitus death metal.
In 2004, the Texas metal community was surprised to hear that Weaver was spearheading a new band called Blaspherian. Their approach was a pummeling return to the Imprecation model, and the debut EP, "Allegiance to the Will of Damnation," was the antidote to an increasingly stagnant Houston scene.
Like most veteran metal musicians, Blaspherian eschewed the current standard of soulless digital production in favor of a traditional analog soundscape. There are no typewriter drums or varnished guitar tones here; Blaspherian specializes in the booming, fuzzed-out death marches that reveal the blackened heart of true death metal. The riffs are efficient and linear even at the fastest moments, and nothing about the writing is rushed or overplayed. Chords hang, drums rumble, and evil all but drips from the speakers.
Blaspherian is important not only as a revival band, but because it points back directly to the groups that sired it. If younger fans are inspired to dig into the vaults of Texas' metal history, then "Allegiance to the Will of Damnation" has succeeded in its mission. The band makes semi-regular live appearances around the the state in the name of converting newcomers and flying the flag for the best days of death metal.
Rigor Mortis Guitarist To Undergo Back Surgery
Texas metallers Rigor Mortis have issued the following update about their guitarist undergoing another surgery:
"Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia is recovering nicely from the major neck surgery he had a few months back. But now it appears Mike is going to require another major surgery on his back. Mike has 5 shattered disks and his vertebrate is split in 3 places in his lower back. We will update you more on this and his progress."
Rigort Mortis Issues Guitarist Surgery Update
As was previously reported, Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia underwent neck surgery earlier this month. The band has issued the following update about his condition:
"I have spoken with Mike every few days to get updates on his recovery. As I mentioned a while back... the surgery is a success. Mike says he no longer has the pains in his arms that have bothered him in recent years. However, he has really been in some serious pain from the actual surgery itself. He has had to go back to the hospital 3 different times because of swelling in his neck and the severe pain he is going through. So he still has a long road ahead of him before he is 100% again.
"But Mike again mentioned how much that all of your support has meant to him to help him get through this scary time in his life and career. It has really motivated him to look forward to writing some of the best music of his career as soon as he is able. He says his arms feel like they did 20 years ago and he thinks he will be able to play even better and faster than he ever has. He can't wait to start writing some new Rigor Mortis songs. So again thanks from Mr. Scaccia and the rest of us in Rigor Mortis for all of your support!"
Rigor Mortis Posts Live Footage Online
Texas metallers Rigor Mortis have posted a video of their performance at the Keep It True Festival on April 25th, 2009. The video can be viewed below. More...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Get rid of the fence dividing yours and your neighbors' yards. Instead create a beautiful garden you both can enjoy.
These neighbors did exactly that. This attractive garden spans two yards. Both homeowners decided to join forces and create a shared garden for their mutual enjoyment.
The large bed spanning two properties makes both yards appear larger. They created a sense of unity by repeating textures and colors. Though they blended their styles and preferences, they let their personalities shine with their plant selection, arrangements and design.
And both went green by sharing a compost bin. This simple wire bin is tucked amongst the garden, out of sight yet easy to access.
They took this idea one step further by positioning their vegetable gardens next to each other. They kept the functional parts of their landscape convenient.
Create friendly borders if you prefer not to share your gardening space or need a fence for privacy and security. Plant vines, ornamental shrubs and perennials on both sides of the fence or hedge. They soften and beautify these structures for all to enjoy.
Visit www.melindamyers.com for more gardening tips, videos, audio tips and more.
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Waldo County Extension Association - member handbook
Explore UMaine Extension's County Executive Committee Toolkit!
1. Understanding UMaine Extension
What is UMaine Cooperative Extension?
UMaine's Organizational Chart (Word)
A History of Cooperative Extension
2. Understanding the County Executive Committee
Functions-County Executive Committee
Ten Basic Responsibilities of County Executive Committees
3. Understanding the County and Federal Partnerships
4. Budget
Maine County Extension Associations' Best Practices – securing County Funds
5. Members
Contact list request from office: SHARE/Databases/WCEA – reports – Current WCEA
Who we are: members' biographies
6. Staff
7. County Plan of Work
Plan of Work: Issue Area Papers
8. Other Useful Information
UMaine Extension's Alphabet Soup


text:
Lake Guest House in Winter Haven
- bedrooms 1
- baths 1
- sleeps 2
- pool no
- hot tub no
- pets allowed no
- type House
- community
rates (USD)
/ week
$ 900 - $ 1,200 / month
vacation rental description
Newly renovated.
Very clean and quiet.
New cabinets, countertops and appliances.
Newly refinished hardwood floor.
Open living room and kitchen with nice view of Lake.
Air conditioning and ceiling fans.
vacation rental location
property availability
- dates with deals
- unavailable dates
Last modified on 07-14-2014 at 5:05 PM.
email owner view full calendar
Phillip Davis 407-607-4747
house rental amenities
Full size range, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.
Linens and cookware provided.
Cable TV & DVD
activities and attractions in Winter Haven Central Florida
Next to park and boat launch, with access to chain of lakes.
35 minutes to Disney attractions.
1.5 hours to east or west coast.
1 hour to Orlando International Airport.
1+ hour to Tampa/Clearwater Airport.
Easy access to several golf courses.
vacation rental rates
$350 to $500 per week, based on season and length of stay.
Monthly discounted rates available.
No smoking indoors and no pets.
Phillip Davis 407-607-4747
accepted payment methods
Prior to paying a reservation deposit, always verify payment instructions by calling the phone number displayed on this listing page. By contacting the owner directly and paying by an approved method - credit card, paypal, check or bank transfer - your reservation payment will be protected up to $1,000.Learn more in our Security Center
Top things to do in Winter Haven
- Legoland
- Walt Disney World
- Beach
- Universal Studios
- Fishing
Phillip Davis , owner


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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Taste of Soul: Crenshaw's Family Festival
Written by Sentinel Staff Report
17 October 2013
Captions: Taste of Soul is one of the largest family festivals in Los Angeles and it's right here on Crenshaw! Once again, it's that time of year when everybody comes out to have a good time. The ...
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Glory Foods… Doing it Again at the Taste of Soul
Written by Jennifer Bihm, Sentinel Staff Writer
17 October 2013
Cashimier Smith on Glory Foods, "My job, I enjoy it, I enjoy talking to people, I love hearing the stories..." "I do a lot of events and I'll tell you, there is nothing like this," said ...
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TOS Vendor: Get Your 'Grubon'
Written by Brian W. Carter (Staff Writer)
17 October 2013
People will have a chance to get their grub on with this vendor for the first time at Taste of Soul. Taste of Soul (TOS) is never short on good food and has something for everybody. If you're ...
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Paulara Hawkins, Uniting the Community and Living Her Dream
Written by Ed Rice III, Sentinel Contributing Writer
17 October 2013
Paulara Hawkins shares her aspirations: "I just want one of my creations to be the launching pad for another one of my creations, then another. I want to build my own empire. I want to become the ...
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The Stars Come To Crenshaw
Written by Brian W. Carter (Staff Writer)
10 October 2013
One of many hopeful groups performed at the StarQuest Singing Competition Friday, Oct. 4 and 5. Photo By Brian W. Carter Talent takes to the stage at StarQuest 2013 If you were in the Baldwin Hills ...
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Metro Urges Public to Pledge Sharing the Ride for a Chance to Win Prizes during California Rideshare Week
Written by Sentinel News Service
10 October 2013
"Ridesharing can help save money on gas and lessen the stress of the daily commute. And there's no better time to share the ride than during California Rideshare Week, ending on October 11," says ...
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Barbara Clark is Latest Performer in 'Storytelling' Series at IMA
Written by Jennifer Bihm, Sentinel Staff Writer
10 October 2013
Institute of Musical Arts "We think of what we do as 'edutainment,'" explained Dawn Clark-Johnson, executive director Institute of Musical Arts in Los Angeles. The Institute, said Clark-Johnson, ...
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Eastern Ridgeline Trail
Written by Sentinel News Service
10 October 2013
Eastern Ridgeline trail is a welcomed addition to the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation area and gives visitors more opportunities to get fit, spend time with family and enjoy a scenic view. The new ...
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Medicare Made Clear
Written by Jennifer Bihm
08 October 2013
"We opened the store because we saw a need here for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers," explained Southern California United Health Care Regional Sales Director Sandy D'Elia on why United ...
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New Dodgers Dreamfields at Rancho Cienega Recreation Center
Written by Sentinel News Service
03 October 2013
The two new Dodgers Dreamfields at Rancho Cienega Recreation Center in Los Angeles make 30 completed Dodgers Dreamfields. "The Los Angeles Dodgers and our local communities are very important teammates," ...
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Kina's Burgers: Their Philosophy is Fresh
Written by Jennifer Bihm, Sentinel Staff Writer
03 October 2013
The Chandler Burger "As you know in fast food, everything is prefab and here, everything is from scratch, so it's a healthier alternative to fast food restaurants," said Peter Pryor owner of Melachia's ...
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Back-To-School With Historymakers' T'Keyah Crystal Keymah & Sylvester Monroe
Written by Brian W. Carter, Sentinel Staff Writer
02 October 2013
(from Left-To-Right): Historymakers' ambassadors: director, writer, producer and performer T'Keyah Crystal Keymah & print journalist and author, Sylvester Monroe, visit Dorsey High School ...
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CA Ticket Masters offering Discounts at TOS
Written by Jennifer Bihm, Sentinel Staff Writer
26 September 2013
Jasir Franklin, owner of California Ticket Masters a ticket clinic on Crenshaw, said his philosophy is this: "Educating yourself (when it comes to fighting tickets is the best self defense)" Franklin ...
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Yoga in the Hood
Written by Eva Allen, Sentinel Contributing Writer
26 September 2013
Green Tree Yoga Meditation Foundation is located on Western Ave. and hoping to make a change in the community Yoga has been found to be an excellent source for body toning, weight loss and overall ...
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New Eastern Ridgeline Trail
Written by Sentinel News Service
26 September 2013
Back in 2011, positive changes began in Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area when community members, representatives from the Baldwin Hills Conservancy and County Department of Parks and Recreation had ...
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Crenshaw United Methodist Church
Written by Sentinel News Wire
26 September 2013
Hosts Sacred Jazz Concert Rev. Dr. Derrick-Lewis Noble, senior pastor of Crenshaw United Methodist Church (CUMC) is inviting the public to join CUMC at a Sacred Jazz Concert featuring celebrated jazz ...
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65 Youth Join In The New Musical Set To The Music Of Kirk Franklin
Written by Sentinel News Service
13 September 2013
CBG Arts & SWESH Entertainment in association with Kirk Franklin & 102.3 Radio Free KJLH is proud to announce their new original musical stage play, "Why We Sing." The production will ...
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Written by Sentinel News Wire
12 September 2013
The community is invited to drop off their old and non‐functional cell phones, televisions, computers, calculators, digital clocks, and other electronic devices at the e‐waste recycling truck ...
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'Happy Hair' rules at Gina's of Beverly Hills
Written by Troy Tieuel, Sentinel Crenshaw & Around Editor
12 September 2013
Regina Wilson smiles her 'greeting smile' that customers would see, upon entering Gina's of Beverly Hills Local salon still styling after seven years in the Crenshaw Square Plaza Gina's of ...
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Mothers in Action provide needed Services to Students
Written by Troy Tieuel Sentinel Crenshaw & Around Editor firstname.lastname@example.com
29 August 2013
Back to School Event Grants Supplies, Medical Services A bright sun surrounded by a blue sky rested above the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as parents and their school aged children filled the exterior ...
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Postcards Blends Flavor
Written by Troy Tieuel, Sentinel Crenshaw & Around Editor
15 August 2013
Postcards Food Truck sits on Crenshaw selling healthy blends of soul food and South American cuisine. Photo By Troy Tieuel Food trucks come and go, but great taste resonates in oneís memory forever. ...
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Ramsey Lewis Rocks BHCP Live!
Written by Troy Tieuel, Sentinel Crenshaw & Around Editor
15 August 2013
Shawn Amose performs in front of the Rave Theaters Ramsey Lewis jams with his band on the piano during the BHCP Live! Photos by Troy Tieuel High quality stage and top notch talent turn the ...
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Centre of Renewal
Written by Brian W. Carter (Staff Writer)
15 August 2013
Reverend Lelia M. Harris is founder of the Centre of Renewal and wants the community to know she's here to share her spiritual knowledge with it. Photo By Brian W. Carter Helping To Enlighten & ...
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DJ JiJi Sweet at Taste of Soul
Written by Jennifer Bihm, Sentinel Staff Writer
15 August 2013
DJ JiJi Sweet For a third year DJ JiJi Sweet is looking forward to showing off her skills on Crenshaw Blvd. at this year's Taste of Soul. "We're going to be highlighting independent and local ...
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Campus Beautification at ICEF
Written by Staff & Wire Report
03 August 2013
"It was a great day," said Inner City Education Foundation CEO Parker Hudnut, who took part in a campus beautification day at View Park middle and high school on Crenshaw Thursday July 25. About ...
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Page 4 of 11
LASTV and More!
Karen Bass Speaks at Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Home Going
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Family of Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gives Remarks
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Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III Sings at Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Home Going
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Brandy Norwood Sings at Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Home Going
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Floyd "Money" Mayweather Talks Upcoming Fight Against Maidana
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Local »
Family Cries for Justice for Ezell Ford
County of Los Angeles Public Library to Restore Its Service Hours
L.A. County 'Safety Net ' Hospitals in Danger
Water Bond to Bring Millions for South L.A. Conservation Efforts
National »
Music Mogul Suge Knight Shot at Night Club
Obama steps into another racially charged incident
Blacks Suffer Because Shortage of Organ Donors
Black Unemployment Rate Increases
International »
Sudanese woman sentenced to death for apostasy
Islamic extremist threatens to sell 200 kidnapped girls
Africa University names Furusa as new vice chancellor
Black Staffers Battle Racism and Discrimination at World Bank
Business »
Mental Health Issues on Skid Row and Beyond
188 Youth Defy The Odds and Ends
In Memory of Dr. Maya Angelou; An American Great
Apple buys headphone maker, music streamer Beats for billion
Entertainment »
3D Na'Tee Readies for the number one spot in Hip Hop
It's a Rap! 8.21.14
Reel Talk 8.21.14
It's a Rap! 8.14.14
Sports »
Light It Up! Locke High School to play its first night game Aug. 28
Ed O'Bannon was the Name Lawyers Needed for NCAA Suit
Beyond A Shadow of Lebron
The Dubious Sterling Era is Officially Over
Religion »
Evans turns personal tragedy into online blessing
TLC Celebrates Family & Friends Day
Pacific Mt. Olive COGIC Welcomes New Bishop & Pastor
First AME Honors Legacy of Edwynar Reasby
Family »
We are all healers!
Black Children Have Highest Abuse Rates
World-Renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Keith L. Black Warns of Alzheimer's "Tsunami"
Simmons College of Kentucky Wins Accreditation
Crenshaw & Around »
8th Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair
Tasha Biltmore exposes Domestic Violence via Stage Plays
Snips and a Cut with the Leopard Lady
Team HEAL Aims to Make a Difference
Opinion »
Garvey's Letters from Atlanta:
The Liberation Psychology of Frantz Fanon: Struggle as Normative and Necessary
Editorials »
This Has to Stop!
SB 405 & AB 158: Bills that kill jobs and harm the environment
"I've Been Looking for Senator Obama All My Life"
COMMENTARY - Jan Perry, L.A. Councilmember
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text:
America's most charitable states
Published On: Jun 12 2013 10:36:08 AM CDT Updated On: Nov 15 2013 01:00:00 AM CST
It's National Philanthropy Day. A new report shows residents in some states are a lot more generous than others.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Due to a technical change, all comments posted before February 26, 2014 no longer appear on News8000.com. Comments posted after February 26 are not impacted.


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Executive Education Portfolio
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Thank you for your interest in Columbia Business School Executive Education. To learn more about our programs please complete the form below on the right, then click the icons on the left to access the program information.
As you review this information, please feel free to contact our Learning Solutions Specialists with any questions via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or telephone via 800-692-3932 (within the US), +1-212-854-3395 (outside the US).
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text:
Breathtaking Oceanfront Beachhouse in Fire Island
- bedrooms 5
- baths 2½
- sleeps 12
- pool no
- hot tub no
- pets allowed no
- type House
- community Ocean Bay Park
rates (USD)
/ week
vacation rental description
Have your coffee with the sunrise and your wine with the sunset from the deck of this oceanfront house with an incredible on-the-beach location and the best deck in town in sunny Fire Island! Listen to the surf from your bed!
2.5 modern bathrooms, 40 inch LCD flat screen HDTV, wireless internet. Open
living room/kitchen layout with 2 sliding glass doors to deck
overlooking the ocean with teak table, chairs and umbrella.
Stainless steel BBQ. House is recently renovated, including kitchen with granite
countertops and stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, a/c, as well as contemporary furniture!
Clean clean clean! Outdoor shower is a Fire Island necessity so you can listen to the waves while you shower. Bikes and wagon provided for your use!
Fire Island has no cars in the summer, so the kids can walk and bike
House is on the beach, so it is only a few steps to drinks
and snacks and your own restroom! There are several bikes at the
house for your convenience. Market, liquor store and several restaurants are a five minute walk from the house as well. Steps from the ferry on paved walkways. Nearby tennis, restaurants, shops. 5 minute bike ride from Ocean Beach which offers more restaurants, a movie theater, and shopping.
We also provide movies, CD's and games for your enjoyment!
House is perfect for two families to share. No group renters, no prom, please.
vacation rental location
property availability
- dates with deals
- unavailable dates
Last modified on 07-22-2014 at 7:27 AM.
email owner view full calendar
Dru Finley 845-282-6363
house rental amenities
- Flat Screen TV/HD Satellite TV
- Wireless Internet Access
- DVD Player
- Stereo
- Stainless Steel BBQ
- Washer/Dryer
- Linens/Towels
- Kitchenware (pots, pans, dishes, utensils)
- Microwave Oven
- Gas Stove
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Blender
- Waffle Iron
activities and attractions in Fire Island Long Island
Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, Shelling, Tennis - relaxing!!
vacation rental rates
July/August US$8800/week
holiday rates apply
May/June and September/October US$6500/week
Non-Refundable Deposit Required
mimimum one week rentals during July and August
Dru Finley 845-282-6363
accepted payment methods
Prior to paying a reservation deposit, always verify payment instructions by calling the phone number displayed on this listing page. By contacting the owner directly and paying by an approved method - credit card, paypal, check or bank transfer - your reservation payment will be protected up to $1,000.Learn more in our Security Center
Top things to do in Fire Island
- Swim/Sunbathe
- Listen to the Waves
- Long walks on the beach
- Gather with friends and family
- Margaritas on the Deck!
Top things to do on a budget
- Shell Collecting
- Long beach walks
- visit the lighthouse
Top things to do with a family
- Beach Volleyball!
- Fishing
- Rent a paddleboard
- Rent a kayak
Dru Finley , owner