You are not going to believe this one.  Satellite Sister Lian Dolan went to Washington and got locked down in the Capitol Building.   On today's show, Lian tells Julie and Liz all about her long-awaited, momentous trip to Washington with her son Colin.  The reason for her visit was the ceremony to honor the International Women of Courage at the State Department.  Lian was invited to the event as part of her work for NGO American Women for International Understanding.   Much advance planning took place.  Who knew that spring break/cherry blossom season is a very popular time in town?  Not Lian!   Planes. Hotels. Reservations for tours of the Capitol and the White House.  She got it all locked in.  But then who would have guessed that Lian and Colin would be in the Capitol Building during the incident with the shooter on Tuesday.  They got hustled into a lockdown, held by the Capitol Police and finally released, along with thousands of others.  One problem:  their phones has be taken by the police and they had just one flimsy claim check to get them back.  That took days.  But meanwhile, she and Colin had an amazing day at Foggy Bottom.  The personal stories of the Women of Courage were very moving. Secretary of State John Kerry and Vice President Joe Biden spoke.  Check of the photo. After Lian's report, Julie has a neighbor issue that she needs some advice on.  Is this request appropriate or too much? Liz has an update on her Aqua Zumba experiment.  She's also got a review of her night at the theatre with Sheila.  They went to see Women Laughing Alone With Salad at the Kirk Douglas. Described as a "gender-bending comedy vinaigrette, inviting everyone to savor this complex recipe of desire and shame." Sheila laughed so loudly that the women next to her asked her to be quiet!! Coming up this week, don't miss our Satellite Sisters Meet-Up at Slipstream in Washington DC on Friday night 6 - 8 pm or Lian and Liz's book signing at the LA Times Festival of Books Sunday April 10 at 11 am.  You will find us at booth #103 Prospect Park Books.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Satellite Sisters, Liz Dolan and Julie Dolan tackle a wide range of subjects from the serious to the silly. First, the awful news from Brussels this week.  Liz was in London when the news broke across the world.  The victims represent many ages, cultures, regions and ethnicities.  Here are some profiles from today's New York Times.  Julie uses the latest presidential candidate twitter wars about their wives to speak up for the importance of her regular First Ladies Desk features.  As she has always said, leave the ladies alone. On a lighter note, Julie is just back from a fabulous wedding in New Orleans and she has advice for everyone:  HAVE A WEDDING IN NEW ORLEANS!  She breaks all the reasons why NOLA is more entertaining than, well, than almost anywhere else in the world.  If you know anyone who is about to get married, spread the word people. Liz wants to talk about three new fitness movements.  First a story from the Wall Street Journal entitled The Gym Class Where You Do Nothing. This class is called Antigravity Cocooning.  We are not too sure that climbing in and out of those hanging cocoons sounds too safe..  Next up, the first 420 Games in Santa Monica.  We can't even explain. Finally, Liz's new deep water aqua aerobics class.  It's all good except for the soundtrack.  But next week's she's going to try Aqua Zumba! Of course, we have to discuss Boaty McBoatface. How can we not?  Plus, Liz reviews Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and is off to see the new play Women Laughing Alone With Salad.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julei Dolan of the satellite Sister re-cap this week's episode of the CBS Drama Madam Secretary. Season 2, Episode 17 Higher Learning   and we ask the questions, What's Worse? tracking the world's most wanted terrorist or going on a college tour with your mother, the Secretary of State!  Road trip for the McCord women-- and Blake!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  Todays show is dedicated to long-time listener Laurie and her family. Laurie lost her college-aged son this weekend. We are thinking of Laurie and her family at this difficult time, coping with the loss of a young man who was obviously a bright star in their lives and in the lives of others. Laurie wrote that her son died after taking the part drug Molly at a concert.  For more information about the dangers of Molly or MDMA, please visit this website.  We dedicate this show to Laurie and her family.      Also on the show: #StayNoisy  The Idiot who runs the tournament at Indian Wells resigns after disparaging remarks about women. Best Response ever: Serena Williams' facial expressions!  In Defense of Bridal Showers: Julie says stop your whining about the length, the cost and the cupcakes and get on the Bridal Shower bandwagon Power Dressing: the author os the 70's classic, Dress for Success, is back with new rules for Power Dressing. And they include Culottes!  Niceties for the Modern Age: From Real Simple, a list of ways to be kinder and more generous in every day actions.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Satellite Sisters, we bring you a favorite interview we did about personal finance with Mellody Hobson of Ariel Capital and Good Morning America.  It's tax time, people, so we figured you could use the financial inspiration.   Mellody helps us think about all the issues about friendships and money.  Her first piece of advice is "Get straight with who you are." You have made life choices and career choices along the way.  Those choices have implications.  Accept them.     Next piece of advice is "Stop trying to keep up with the Jones'". If you can't afford it, you have to say so. A friend wants a fabulous destination wedding in Italy and there's no way you have the money to go?  You have to fess up early. You'll stay friends as long as you don't flake out late.  Picking a restaurant for dinner? Be sure it's something everyone can afford. Don't get into the habit of always treating if you are the one with more resources.  Your friends do not want to be your charity case.  A caller has a questions about money secrets.  Should you loan friends money without telling your spouse?  Even with the best of intentions, Mellody says everything needs to be on the up and up.  No subterfuge. No surprises.  And finally, how about loaning money to friends or family? Mellody says yes, as long as it's above board and documented.  After all, if you can't count on your friends to help once in a blue moon, who can you count on?  But never loan more than you can afford to lose.  For more "You're the Best" Encore Interviews from the Satellite Sisters, go to iTunes or www.satellitesisters.com.  You can listen to Bill Clinton, Peggy Fleming, J J Abrams, and Nora Ephron among other solid gold Satellite Sisters conversations.  To order copies of "You're the Best", try amazon, vromans or bookstores near you.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the mid-week Satellite Sisters podcast. It's a St. Paddy's Day Special. No green beer and bow ties, but Julie comes with lots of ideas for saving St. Patrick's day from Debauchery and making it a great holiday again. Think craft cocktails and tacos, people. Plus, our own March Madness Cinderella pick: Holy Cross!    Also on the show: The news from North Korea: A 21 Year old college senior gets 15 years of hard labor for criminal mischief Body Language Mistakes NOT to make: No Eye-rolling & Watch Checking, please Don't Tell me to Smile: Why Women DON"T want to hear it  House work = Work Out! Not really. the depressing numbers about mopping the floor Dorms for Adults: you've graduated from college but you haven;t graduated from communal living International Women of Courage Awards: Lian gets ready for her trip to DC See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To celebrate the publication of our Satellite Sisters book "You're the Best", we are releasing a series of our favorite Satellite Sisters interviews over the years.Today we bring you novelist and Academy Award nominee Nick Hornby.  Hornby's been nominated for adapting the screenplays for An Education (2009) and this year's acclaimed Brooklyn from the novel by Colm Toibin (2015). He also adapted Cheryl Strayed's novel Wild for Reese Witherspoon.  His new novel at the time Lian and Sheila interviewed him was A Long Way Down. Lian discusses Nick's autistic son Danny and how that impacts his feelings about fatherhood.  They also talk about the movies made from his books including High Fidelity About A Boy and Fever Pitch.Sheila jumps and asks Nick if he has any single friends in Los Angeles that she could date.  Sadly, he says his pals are undateable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're gonna read you in... on this week's Madam Secretary episode on CBS. Madam Secretrary is on the trail of the world's most wanted terrorist and now Henry is in on all the action. The clock is ticking on US efforts to interrogate a Libyan refugees who claims to have inside knowledge.    Plus, we get a panoply of Washington catch-phrases:  Tip of the Spear! Code Names! Hunter-Killer Teams! This is the US not the UN. Joint Navel Exercise I’m going to read you in!    And we don’t just get Can Do phrase. We get TIMELY AND TOPICAL ISSUES!   Refugees seeking asylum! Post traumatic Stress disorder! Junior Senators seeking glory Son of an immigrant bashing immigrants First Day of work jitters Dinner with the ‘rents     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Satellite Sisters Tuesday podcast. Today on the show, we re-cap the feel-good finale of Downton Abbey. That's right, our last Downton Gabby, Satellite Sisterhood. We cover upstairs, we cover downstairs, we cover that blow dryer! We say goodbye to the Crawley family and their loyal household servants with a super-sized re-cap.    Plus:   Sports Round-up Erin Andrews judgement Maria Sharapova's drug revelation Peyton Mannning   Tuesday Trends: Millennials are Ruining Hotels Tiny Houses Productivity Secrets   Downton Abbey Re-cap.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the varsity on the show today with Liz Dolan, Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan. Today, we cover everything from First Ladies to Nobel Laureates to Downton Abbey.   Up first...   Julie on Nancy Reagan and her legacy/  Liz Dolan on her appearance at the Muse Coneference in bend Oregon. Bringing women & girls together. Plus, meeting Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi. Her Op-Ed from today's New York Times:  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/06/opinion/sunday/tricked-into-cheating-and-sentenced-to-death.html?emc=eta1&_r=0   Lian on the Austin Meet-up, Food Music and Fin in Austin, TX and how not to curry favor with airline personnel.  Liz Announces DC Meet-up We mourn Downton Abbey     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Tuesday Podcast. This week on the show, News, Talk, Laughs! It's a Super Tuesday at satellite Sisters as Julie attempts to vote in Texas and Lian attempts to get to Austin, Texas for the Satellite Sisters meet-up on Thursday. Plus, we cover:   North Korea: Still Not Funny Lian talks Parenthood Julie has issues with Disney movies and dying parents DVR Alert: Tine into The Family on Thursday on ABC to see Joan Allen and Andrew Mccarthy on this new drama   Noisy Neighbors: what would Dr. Forni do? We go back to the Civility Solution to answer a dilemma about noisy neighbors Travel: Meet Lian in Austin Texas on Thursday, March 3 from 5 to 7 at Bangers! Look for the poodle! Beat the Business Hotel Gloom: From the New York Times  l See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Satellite Sisters Grab Bag, we bring you a classic Satellite Sisters from March 26, 2005.  On this show, Julie is still living in Moscow, Russia and Sheila is still a movie reviewer. Also on the this show, Liz and Lian.  Hear Lian's conversation with the amazing Annie Lamott upon the publication of her work Anne Lamott's Plan B.   Sheila reviews the Bruce Willis movie Hostage.   For the complete Satellite Sisters archive, find everything at iTunes or at www.satellitesisters.com.  This Grab Bag choice came from the box of CD's under the bed in Liz's guest bedroom.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

TV Re-cap from the Satellite Sisters. Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan re-cap the latest episode  of the CBS drama Madam Secretary . This week, the aftermath of the the Dirty Bomb attack: henry battles radiation poisoning, Elizabeth tracks down terrorists and nadine fends off accusation of being a Crazy Cat Lady.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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On today's Satellite Sisters, Monica, Liz and Julie establish the whereabouts of the missing sisters: news on Sheila Dolan and birthday girl Lian Dolan. Monica made a quick work trip to Los Angeles for a conference and provides her updates on using Uber for the first time, renting from VRBO and finding the right Yelp spot for dinner.   You may be alarmed about what's happening in the election, but Julie is psyched about all the action at the First Ladies Desk.  Big Dog Bill Clinton. Slovenian Supermodel Melania Trump. It's heating up, people.  Julie is on the case.   Julie also has a report of the movie 45 Years and a list of who should see that movie and, more importantly, who should NOT.  Bravo to Charlotte Rampling for her performance but she's not so keen on the rest of it.  The Styles section of the New York Times has a fascinating story by Laura Holson about music mogul David Geffen in today's paper, full of lots of great quotes including his own instructions to the reporter:  "Write whatever you want." Hahaha.  He renamed a building at Lincoln Center after himself. So long, Avery Fisher.  Thanks for the early 70's effort.  It's Geffen's music hall on your building now.   Monica wants to know if you are interested at all in the new food trend: savory oatmeal.  Yes?  No?  Sounds delish under the right circumstance.  Follow us on Twitter @SatSisters.  Join us on Facebook at our Satellite Sisters Facebook Group. Email us at info@satellitesisters.com.  And subscribe to our show Satellite Sisters  on iTunes.  Write a review.  Thanks! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan of the Satellite Sisters do their weekly re-cap of Madam Secretary, the CBs drama starring Tea Leoni and Tim Dally. Created by Barbara Hall. On this week's episode, Teen Girls are a metaphor for Global Diplomacy.... until the Dirty Bomb goes off!   We discuss:   How awesome did Tim Daly look as an Unlikely First Responder?  Julie's favorite topic of global concern that no one is concerned about: Loose Nukes Why dies the middle sister have to be a fashion blogger?  Saudie Arabia-- our Best Frenemy Madam Secretary's Breck Girl hair     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Satellite Sisters Tuesday Podcast. This week on the show, we break down our favorite moments from the Grammys-- from Taylor Swift to Bonnie Raitt. And our head scratching moments-- like the David Bowie tribute and Justin Bieber's leopard print jacket. Don't worry, Adele. We know it wasn't your fault!    Plus:    Travel Trends from the New York Times New Slang you can use every day! A fashion trend to solve your fashion trends issues Julie is Confused and Cranky and she'll explain Austin Meet-up announced on March 3 Lian's all in for Rumor, the German shepherd favored to win Top Dog at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Satellite Sisters: Liz shares two personal messages she got around Valentine's Day plus provides a eyewitness report of the Los Angeles Marathon as it runs through her neighborhood in Santa Monica. Julie comments on the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and how his jurisprudence was affected by being the father of nine.  We get it.  It's all about the tv.  Liz provides the report from the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the return of the birds.  We are happy to have those cranes and swans were coming back to where they belong.  Julie is concerned that the trends coming out of Fashion Week in NY will not be suitable for Satellite Sisters.  Slip dresses, prairie dresses, bear pelts.  Come on. In an installment of the Bitter Business Bureau, hear about the $100 million dollar spec house in Beverly Hills and your rent-a-jet possibilities from the previously secret Wealth section of the New York Times.  Are you watching the Grammy's tomorrow night?  We are.  And we also recommend you take in the movie Mustang, France's nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in the Oscars.   If you want to see Liz and our niece Fiona Dolan appear together, check out the Muse Conference in Bend Oregon on March 5.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Satellite Sisters Tuesday Podcast. News, Talk, Laughs and our Downton Abbey Re-Cap. It's a Showcase House! The Crawleys open up Downton Abbey to the Masses and it reminds us of every volunteer organization we've every worked on! Ousted President! Backstabbing Newcomer! Mr. Helpful! and Mr. So Not Helpful! Plus, the One With All The Money. Get your tickets, pig famers, because we're going on a house tour!!    Plus: Urban Nana hits the Brooklyn Children's Museum Lian suffers Peak Internet Outrage Syndrome.  Crime-stopping Myths and Truths!  A Really Bad Geological Forecast for the West Coast The Hollywood Diet No One can Sustain!  Who is Liam Neeson dating? Where does Tim Daly Live?  Hallmark Movie Alert! Would you do Anything for Love?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Satellite Sisters: Monica's got skin in the Super Bowl.  What's her bet? Lian's serving wienies and tortellinis.  And bellinis? Liz may be Patient Zero for the flu in California.  How does that work anyway? All the sisters have movie reviews.  Lian on Pride + Prejudice + Zombies.  Liz on Room starting Brie Larson. Monica on her experience watching the Oscar nominated shorts. Come see Liz at The World Muse Conference in early March in Bend.  She'll be appearing with our niece Fiona Dolan and sharing a bill with Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi.  www.worldmuse.org And we close with a salute to our formative radio favorites Bob + Ray.  We close with classic House of Toast and Slow Talkers of America.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Satellite Sisters re-cap of Madam Secretary Season 2, Episode 13 Madam Secretary   Invasive species! ( I think that's what happened to Lord Granthem on Downtown Abbey!)    Putting the FUN back in Funeral   Very touching, self-contained episode where we get some good background information on henry and we get a superb performance by Kate Burton who NEVER ONCE in her career has played a light-hearted. carefree woman. She is the Queen of Embittered and her role as Henry's oldest sister Maureen is no different.    MSec gets the news that Henry's dad has died and the whole family heads to Pittsburgh -- remember Tom Skerritt in Season 1, union hero and agitator   And things go South right away. there is tension:   The teenagers in the family have no desire to be around the adults.  The siblings all have issues with each other The brother in law doesn't get to speak and noone cares Everyone resents Queen Elizabeth!   The truth comes out and there are consequences. I loved that the teens dug around and discovered the truth-- including PASSWORD.    we learn about the courtship, elizabeths sad and lonely childhood with Eric Stolz, the reason for the tension between academic son and union organizer father. and we learn that elizabeth can put a casket on a credit card and everyone hates her for it...   wrap up grieving in a few scenes.    back at the DOS--  Chief of staff send Nadine on wild goose chase that I'm sure will come back to bite them. All I could think about was that I hope Aaron Tveit who played Danny Zuco in grease would join the MSEC cast and get a bug duet with Patina miller at the karaoke bar!    Bonus!    Eric Stolz on facetime!  Madam Secretary wears casual clothes!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Satellite Sisters Tuesday Podcast. News, Talk, Laughs and Downton Abbey Re-Cap. But today we take on Barbie in the Bitter Business Bureau. Love the new options, Barbie but honestly, what took you so long? Lian has issues with Mattel so hold your applause until you hear her two cents.    Plus: Democracy Rules! Yes, we're sick of Iowa but it's still the best system in the world.  Birthday Bash: If you have the chance to give an 80th Birthday, then do it. Crown, beads and Celebrations.  Who gives more money to charity-- Men or Women. Julie has the answers so tune in Olympic Preview: Thanks to Title 9 the US is set to clean up in Rio.  #NWGSD : That's the hashtag to use when you post your photos of girls and Women celebration the power of sports. Go ahead and tag your Satellite Sisters in your posts. We want to cheer on all our Satellite Sisters, young & old. @satsisters Cauliflower Crises: The Price of Popularity Grease Live: We loved it! Shout outs to all   Plus: Downton Abbey Re-Cap : Bloody HELL! Lord Grantham gives birth to an alien through his ulcer-- right there at the dinner table!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Satellite Sisters, Liz, Julie and Monica bring us: Mid-Air Mayhem: Liz has a bad flight that devolved into a terrible flight. How my dogwalker saved my life:  Ferris' caregiver arrives just in the nick of time to save Liz from herself. Julies loves Ikea.  She really does.  And she can explain it all to you. Monica's loving her Netflix trial.  Is she really going to give it up in 8 days? Monica visits the Portland Auto Show and has a report on her favorite cars. Sad news about kitchens from Julie.  She's not feeling good about the trends. Plus Julie's got an unusual medical question for you.  Can you help? Liz gets the worst gift ever.  From her airline.  Ugh. And join the movement to celebrate Galentine's Day with your own Satellite Sisters.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Satellite Sisters Tuesday show with our weekly Downton Abbey Re-Cap. We set your straight on the Winners & Losers at Downton Abbey, including the return of Matthew Goode and tears for Lady Sybil. Lots happened in  season 6, episode 4.    Plus:   Julie's Moving Tips.  Open Plan Living, pluses and minuses Assisted Living Positives Tuesday trends The New College Admissions Paradigm: Kindness over GPA Presence: Amy Cuddy's new book includes great advice on how women can improve their presence and increase confidence. One simple tip can make a big difference. Find information, interviews and articles here. http://amycuddy.com/presence/ War & Peace is too Pride & Prejudice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A You're The Best Encore Interview from the satellite Sisters Archives. This week, we talk to Commander Eileen Collins.  When the space shuttle Columbia blasted off on July 23, 1999, pilot Eileen Collins became NASA's first female shuttle commander. Synopsis In 1990, Eileen Collins was only the second woman to graduate as a test pilot and be selected as a NASA astronaut. She became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle mission during the Discovery's rendezvous with the Mir space station in 1995. By 1999, she had logged 419 hours in space and was given command of the space shuttle Columbia, another first for a woman. Early Life and Education Like Amelia Earhart, Valentina Tereshkova (a Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman in space, in 1963), and Sally Ride (the first American woman in space, in 1983), Collins has become a pioneer in the world of aviation, as the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. From the time she was very young, Eileen Marie Collins wanted to be a pilot. She earned an associate's degree in science from Corning Community College in New York and a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Syracuse University in 1978. After college, Collins enrolled in the pilot training course at Oklahoma's Vance Air Force Base; her class was one of the first at the base to include women. She completed the course in 1979 and then stayed on at Vance for three years as an instructor. In 1983, Collins was transferred to Travis Air Force Base in California, where she flew C-141 cargo planes as part of various military and humanitarian missions all over the world. She received an M.S. degree in operations research from Stanford University in 1986 and an M.A. in space systems management from Webster University in 1989. That same year, she was accepted at the competitive Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, also in California. In 1990, she became only the second woman to graduate as a test pilot and was selected to be an astronaut by NASA. First Female Astronaut In February 1995, after several years of training with NASA, Collins became the first female astronaut to pilot a space shuttle mission, she served as second-in-command of the shuttle Discovery during its unprecedented rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir. In 1996, she took time off to give birth to a daughter, with her husband Pat Youngs, a former Air Force pilot who works for Delta Airlines. A year later, in May 1997, Collins piloted her second mission, on the shuttle Atlantis, during its delivery of 7,000 pounds of equipment to Mir. Collins had logged 419 hours in space by the time she was chosen by NASA to become its first female shuttle commander. The shuttle Columbia, under Collins' command, made history on July 23, 1999, when it blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on its way to the deployment of a $1.5 billion telescope into earth's orbit. In 2005, Collins retired from the Air Force and in 2006 from NASA. Since her retirement, Collins has received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and inclusion on the Encyclopedia Britannica's list of 300 Women Who Changed the World.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.