In his weekly radio address President Bush said, “This week, we gather with our loved ones to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Each family has its own traditions, yet we are united as a nation in setting aside a day of gratitude. We are thankful for our family and friends, who fill our lives with joy and love. We are thankful for the abundance of this prosperous land. We are thankful for the freedom that makes possible the enjoyment of all these gifts. And we acknowledge with humility that all these blessings and life itself come from Almighty God.”

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, “One important issue for American workers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and farmers is to access foreign markets for our goods, services, and farm products. At the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in South Korea, we have advanced America’s case for free and fair trade.”

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, “With this new prescription drug benefit, Medicare will now help pay for the prescription drugs that can prevent serious illness. Seniors will get more choices and better treatment, and America will get a Medicare system to fit the needs of the 21st century.”

At 04:33 CET this morning, Venus Express was launched on a Soyuz-Fregat launcher from Baikonur, Kazakhstan; mission control operated from ESOC, ESA’s Space Operations Centre, in Darmstadt, Germany. Today’s ESApod includes audio clips from the communications loop used by flight controllers and includes the Flight Operations Director’s pre-launch GO-NOGO “Roll-Call” (held at 03:38 CET) as well as an interview with Ground Segment Manager Manfred Warhaut from the Main Control Room.
ESApod audio programme

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, “This week I was proud to nominate Judge Sam Alito to be an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Alito is one of America’s most accomplished and respected judges. During his long career in public service, he has demonstrated all the qualities that the American people expect in a Supreme Court Justice: mastery of the law, a deep commitment to justice, and great personal character. He is scholarly, fair-minded, and principled, and these traits will serve our nation well on our highest court.”