Friday Snippets and Soundbites

• There's a traffic jam all the way to the International Space Station these days. Lately, the number of launches of shuttles and unmanned space crafts set to dock with the station have caused NASA employees and the station manager to joke that an air-traffic controller might be necessary to handle the onslaught of visitors. The space shuttle Endeavour returned to earth this week after a nearly 16-day flight. On April 3, the Jules Verne, an unmanned European cargo ship is expected to arrive at the station. A Russian cargo carrier, the Progress, will leave the space station on April 7, and two new crew members will start their journey to the station the very next day. NASA will launch its next shuttle on May 25. During that mission, the astronauts will deliver a Japanese laboratory to the International Space Station.

•The Jonas Brothers, a band (of brothers!) from New Jersey seem to be pretty popular these days. They were featured in USA Today this week, made an appearance at the White House Easter Egg Roll, and performed on ABC's “Dancing with the Stars.” What you may not know is that the boys got their start in Christian music and are the sons of a pastor. While they're current work may not be explicitly Christian, they do strive to make sure their music, lyrics, and performances are not offensive to their beliefs. In a January 2007 interview with ec, the guys said, “We believe our attitude is our ministry. We try to walk into a room and have people know we're different. And we are different, because of Christ.” What do you think about that? Sound off on our discussion boards on Facebook!

• Ready for some warmer weather? (No comment from you warm weather readers!) So is Joel N. Myers of State College, Pa. He has acquired what is considered the world's largest collection on thermometers—a collection of more than 4,000 items!

• Six Flags recently announced they were looking for a few good . . . cheerleaders! The theme park conglomerate is holding auditions for its first-ever professional cheerleading team, the Six Flags Thrilleaders. Those who make the cut will perform high-energy routines in the parks and act as ambassadors to theme park guests. Auditions will be held on April 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Doubletree Times Square in New York City. Interested? Pre-register for try-outs here of get more info at www.sixflags.com/thrilleaders.

Photo Credit: The International Space Station, seen from Space Shuttle Endeavour on March 24, 2008. Image courtesy of NASA.