In a stunning shift in U.S. space priorities, the 2026 presidential budget proposal calls for a 50 percent cut to NASA’s science programs. Among the casualties is one of the most ambitious robotic missions ever conceived: the Mars Sample Return (MSR). This mission, a decades-long international collaboration, was set to bring back Martian soil and […]
Cancelling Mars Sample Return Is a Risk to Future Astronauts Read More »
Among the Wild Vines: A Journey Through Letea Forest Tucked away in the remote northern corner of Romania’s Danube Delta, Letea Forest (Pădurea Letea) is one of Europe’s most unique and enchanting landscapes. Often described as a natural wonder, it is the oldest natural reserve in Romania, declared protected in 1938. The forest is famous
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Saint George’s Day in Sfântu Gheorghe: A Celebration of Spirit, Tradition, and Community In Sfântu Gheorghe, time flows with the river’s rhythm, and so does tradition. While the rest of Romania honors Saint George on April 23, this village in the Danube Delta holds to the Old Calendar, celebrating their patron saint on May 6.
Saint George’s Day in Sfântu Gheorghe: A Celebration of Spirit, Tradition, and Community Read More »
In a move that has sent ripples through the scientific community, the Trump administration’s proposed 2026 budget seeks to slash NASA’s funding by approximately 24%, reducing it from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion. This significant reduction threatens to derail several key programs, most notably the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, while paradoxically aiming to accelerate
The Cost of Retreat: How NASA’s Budget Cuts Jeopardize America’s Space Leadership Read More »
Earlier today, I came across a social media discussion in which someone asked, “What is American culture?” What followed was a wave of sarcastic replies, many simply answering, “What culture?” The implication was clear: that the United States lacks a cultural identity of its own. The tone ranged from dismissive to amused, as if American
“What Culture?”: A Reflection on American Identity Through Jazz, Diners, and Dreams Read More »
Last week, I had the opportunity to present at the Blended Intensive Programme on Cybersecurity Strategies in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, hosted by Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The programme brought together researchers and students from across Europe to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. My contribution, titled “The New
The New Frontier: Reflections on Space Security and AI at Babeș-Bolyai University Read More »
Ronald Reagan, in one of his final speeches as president, reflected on the unique character of the United States and its relationship to the rest of the world. He shared, “A man wrote me and said: ‘You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in
Each spring, Romania awakens to the scent of blossoming trees, the hum of bees, and the echoes of ancient traditions that mark the season’s arrival. Among the most cherished is the celebration of Sfântul Mare Mucenic Gheorghe (Saint George the Great Martyr) honored on April 23 by those who follow the New Calendar. Known for
Celebrating Sfântul Gheorghe: The Hero Saint of Springtime and Renewal in Romania Read More »
Following the Squirrels: A Peaceful Escape in Făgetul Clujului Tucked away in the peaceful Făget Forest of Cluj-Napoca lies a hidden gem for nature lovers and curious wanderers alike: the Squirrel Trail (Traseul Veveriței), a 4-kilometer thematic route designed to immerse visitors in the vibrant world of forest animals, especially the ever-charming squirrel. Officially opened
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In Romania, the week before Easter, known as Săptămâna Mare (Holy Week) is a time of deep reflection, quiet rituals, and hopeful anticipation. It begins on Palm Sunday (Duminica Floriilor), commemorating Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and culminates in the most crucial celebration in the Orthodox Christian calendar: Paștele, the Resurrection of Christ. This week
The Light Before the Resurrection: Reflecting on Holy Week in Romania Read More »
