During my last vacation, Pluto lost its status as a planet. Now that I have returned from my relaxing vacation in Hawai’i, I would like to share some of the important events which happened while I was away.

• Apple upgraded its popular iMac line with Intel Core 2 Duo processors on September 6th, 2006. The resulting speed increase is up to 50% faster than previous modes. Apple also introduced a 24″ model with the upgraded line.
• The space shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts left Earth’s atmosphere early this morning. After two weeks of delays, the Atlantis and her crew are on their way to resume construction of the International Space Station for the first time since the loss of the Columbia and her crew over three years ago.
• Steve Irwin, the famed “Crocodile Hunter”, died at the age of 44 on September 4th, 2006. While filming a new documentary at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Irwin’s heart was punctured by the poisonous spine of a stingray. Steve Irwin was a passionate wildlife protector, owner of the Australia Zoo, and star of The Crocodile Hunter, a popular wildlife documentary series. He is survived by his wife Terri, son Robert, and daughter Bindi. The world has lost a great conservationist.