31.10.10
Murphy's Law: Russia Invades Afghanistan Again
"Recently, four Russian intelligence agents accompanied over 80 Americans (in nine helicopters) in a major raid on a heroin production facilities in Afghanistan, near the Pakistani border. There, they seized nearly a ton of heroin, and destroyed four labs that were responsible for 5-10 percent of the heroin Afghan gangs produced each year. This was the culmination of increasingly close cooperation between American and Russian anti-drug organizations. The president of Afghanistan, whose family is on the drug gang payroll, protested the presence of Russians on these raids."
Movies - News - Chris Pine may play lead in 'The Flash' - Digital Spy
"Screen Rant claims that Pine is currently the studio's first choice to take on the iconic role of speedster The Flash, although it is still uncertain which incarnation of the character he could play.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Green Lantern scribe Marc Guggenheim would co-write the script alongside Michael Green and Greg Berlanti."
Earlier this year, it was announced that Green Lantern scribe Marc Guggenheim would co-write the script alongside Michael Green and Greg Berlanti."
SteynOnline - CAMPAIGN COUNTDOWN: IT STARTS WITH THE MONEY
"A Republican victory is not the end but merely the means. The Tea Party and other members of America’s beleaguered productive class decided that this time round it suited them to work within the diseased husk of the GOP. This is really the last chance for the unloved Republicans. If the party establishment is sufficiently dimwitted to see November 2nd as the restoration of the 2004-2006 GOP, they will be setting up the conditions (as Rush has already argued) for a serious third-force challenge in 2012. That would be less convulsive than a remoter though still possible scenario: If the Democrats manage to hold onto power by openly funding spoiler candidates, they would be discrediting the entire electoral process, and setting up pre-revolutionary conditions. In other words, it would be very easy for both parties to confirm the suspicion of a very disenchanted electorate – that the system no longer allows for serious course correction."
30.10.10
David Limbaugh: Americans are outraged about violations of their liberty | Washington Examiner
"Obama and his henchmen are in the process of undermining the social compact in a number of ways. They are acting outside their constitutional authority, in defiance of the rule of law, to achieve political ends they -- not the public -- desire.
They are ignoring the express will of the people and treating them like ill-informed rubes whose opinions aren't worthy of serious consideration, only phony placation. They are implementing a policy agenda that is substantively depriving us of our liberties across the board."
H\T: Protein Wisdom
They are ignoring the express will of the people and treating them like ill-informed rubes whose opinions aren't worthy of serious consideration, only phony placation. They are implementing a policy agenda that is substantively depriving us of our liberties across the board."
H\T: Protein Wisdom
29.10.10
5 Reasons Americans Are So Wrong About Major Economic Facts - Yahoo! Finance
Really? More like: So what? Who cares? And big deal."According to a new Bloomberg poll, six in ten Americans think most of the money spent to rescue banks will be lost forever. Six in ten think the economy shrunk
over the past year. One in two think federal income taxes have gone up in the past two years.
Wrong. Wrong. And wrong."
"In fact, most of the $245 billion TARP money spent on banks will be recovered, and the program expects to turn a small profit, according to the latest report (Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner: 'The direct budget cost of the program and our full investment in the insurer AIG is likely to come in well under $50 billion.')"The truth is, that it doesn't matter whether TARP money is lost or will come back with 100% return on investment. Bailouts by the federal government are unconstitutional. So...so what?
"The economy has been growing, steadily if slowly, since the summer of 2009."And yet there are no jobs. The fact is, no jobs, no recovery. Jobless recovery is a myth. So...who cares?
"The Obama administration has cut taxes by more than $240 billion in the last two years, including rebate checks worth up to $800 for almost all families."Completely false. Making Work Pay is a shell game. It's not a cut. Tacitly, the administration agrees as the IRS only calls it a "tax credit" and that's being exceptionally generous. They lowered withholding. They did not change tax liability. That means that all those folks that feel good about making no-interest loans to the government each year (overpaying on withholding) aren't going to get as large a refund ("refund" right--it's already your money) in the Spring. So...big deal.
DOD unveils smart phone mental health application
Android only--iPhone early next year: "A free smart phone mobile application that will help servicemembers, veterans and family members track their emotional health is now available, Defense Department officials announced this week.
The application was developed at the National Center for TeleHealth and Technology at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
'Our mission here ... is to leverage technology to support the behavioral health needs of servicemembers and families,' Perry Bosmajian, a psychologist with the center, told American Forces Press Service."
The application was developed at the National Center for TeleHealth and Technology at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
'Our mission here ... is to leverage technology to support the behavioral health needs of servicemembers and families,' Perry Bosmajian, a psychologist with the center, told American Forces Press Service."
TEA for two, and two for TEA [dicentra]
"What about the towering national debt, the threat of hyperinflation, the misbehavior of the Federal Reserve, a congressional class who believes that the electorate need to “be stood up to” when they object to Obamacare and Cap and Trade? What about the insolvency of the entitlement programs, the takeover of GM, the explosion of the federal bureaucracy, the impossible-to-sustain benefits packages for public employees, the unread bills that they jam through?
What about politicians who openly reject the notion that they need to operate within the bounds of the Constitution? Who use the “good and welfare” or commerce clauses to justify any legislation at all? What about a CIC who believes that his own country is so arrogant and harmful to the rest of the world that it needs to be defanged, taken down a notch, brought down to size?
Not to mention the disdain and snobbery from costal aristocrats who think that we’re too stupid to know what’s good for us, so we can be safely ignored.
Is that so hard to understand?
This is what I want to know: Does this staggering omission owe to a deliberate decision to obscure What We’re About in an article that proports to elucidate same?"
What about politicians who openly reject the notion that they need to operate within the bounds of the Constitution? Who use the “good and welfare” or commerce clauses to justify any legislation at all? What about a CIC who believes that his own country is so arrogant and harmful to the rest of the world that it needs to be defanged, taken down a notch, brought down to size?
Not to mention the disdain and snobbery from costal aristocrats who think that we’re too stupid to know what’s good for us, so we can be safely ignored.
Is that so hard to understand?
This is what I want to know: Does this staggering omission owe to a deliberate decision to obscure What We’re About in an article that proports to elucidate same?"
Bill of . . . whatever you want - The Denver Post
"The Constitution is living and breathing, but only until we get the kind of decisions we like. After that time, and on those issues, the Constitution will immediately be transformed into a rigid document not to be trifled with.
I'll never forget an interview with then-golden boy John Edwards — a lawyer and senator who swore to defend the Constitution — in which questions about rights and privileges were posed.
So by 'Constitution' we don't always mean the actual Constitution. As many of you know, those things are for waving around at rallies. Our Constitution can be anything we want it to be."
I'll never forget an interview with then-golden boy John Edwards — a lawyer and senator who swore to defend the Constitution — in which questions about rights and privileges were posed.
Question: A college education? Edwards: A right. Q: Health care? E: Right. Q: A livable wage? E: Right. Q: Owning a handgun? E: Privilege.
So by 'Constitution' we don't always mean the actual Constitution. As many of you know, those things are for waving around at rallies. Our Constitution can be anything we want it to be."
“A Referendum on the Redeemer”
"He and his enablers / fellow-travelers are attempting to create a new text from the Constitution, then sell it back to us as the same text filtered through a new, progressive interpretive filter — a living document they will tell you is being correctly re-imagined to keep up with the changing context in which it exists.
To do this, the Constitution need be envisioned as having a textual ontology separate from the intentions that produced and ratified it — a maneuver that is not difficult to rationalize, our ideas of interpretation having been systemically altered over the years to provide readers and interpretive communities with the power to determine meaning.
The death of the author Barthes wrote about foretold the demise of meaning as anything other than a contest of will and a bald assertion of power. The New Critics before him had cast this will to power as democratic. But your intent — what you meant — shouldn’t be decided upon by the whims of some interpretive consensus if said interpretive consensus, as a matter of ascendant hermeneutic theory, is no longer required even to appeal to original intent as in any way dispositive.
Intent — the autonomy of the individual, the desire to mean and to have meant — we have allowed to be (structurally) usurped by the receivers of our texts.
And frankly, that was never going to end well."
To do this, the Constitution need be envisioned as having a textual ontology separate from the intentions that produced and ratified it — a maneuver that is not difficult to rationalize, our ideas of interpretation having been systemically altered over the years to provide readers and interpretive communities with the power to determine meaning.
The death of the author Barthes wrote about foretold the demise of meaning as anything other than a contest of will and a bald assertion of power. The New Critics before him had cast this will to power as democratic. But your intent — what you meant — shouldn’t be decided upon by the whims of some interpretive consensus if said interpretive consensus, as a matter of ascendant hermeneutic theory, is no longer required even to appeal to original intent as in any way dispositive.
Intent — the autonomy of the individual, the desire to mean and to have meant — we have allowed to be (structurally) usurped by the receivers of our texts.
And frankly, that was never going to end well."
"The Afghan Insurgent Group That Will Not Negotiate" (The Atlantic) | Institute for the Study of War
"Unlike the Taliban, the Haqqanis are neither interested in nor capable of governing the country as a whole. This disinterest in national governance, combined with the network's close association with al-Qaeda, makes a grand bargain with senior Haqqani leadership an unacceptable proposition. Any deal that met the Haqqanis' demands would likely require recognizing a Haqqani-dominated mini-state within Afghan borders, which could, once again, become a safe harbor for al-Qaeda and many other international terrorists. In other words, it could roll an entire region of Afghanistan right back to Sept. 10, 2001. Clearly, that is something the U.S. simply cannot tolerate."
DoD Study: Most Troops, Families OK With Gays
SHOCK: The military isn't staffed with troglodytes after all!: "President Obama has said 'don't ask, don't tell' unfairly discriminates against gays. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, the military's top uniformed officer, agree but want to move slowly to ensure that military effectiveness doesn't suffer."
Amos Plans Lighter, More Mobile Corps
"Amos’ priorities begin with preparing Marines for Afghanistan, followed by reorganizing, resizing and equipping the Corps, providing better education and training for Marines fighting in complex geopolitical environments, and keeping the promise to care for Marines and their families.
The commandant set several deadlines early next year for the Marines to complete tasks or studies that change its structures and missions, all of which would make the Corps more flexible and mobile. His targets include consolidating and boosting training elements such as special operations, foreign advisory units and irregular warfare training organizations, as well as decreasing the size of deployed expeditionary units."
The commandant set several deadlines early next year for the Marines to complete tasks or studies that change its structures and missions, all of which would make the Corps more flexible and mobile. His targets include consolidating and boosting training elements such as special operations, foreign advisory units and irregular warfare training organizations, as well as decreasing the size of deployed expeditionary units."
Army Announces Suicide Prevention Study
"None of the current training programs is evidence-based, said Army Col. Carl Castro, director of the Military Operational Medicine Research Program at Fort Detrick, Md.
'It's good ideas - experts think that this is what we need to do - but we do not have any evidence that that training actually in fact prevents suicide,' he said.
The new three-year project, funded by the Army, will develop a network of researchers to study multiple aspects of suicide, look at the work of other studies and then compile a database so other researchers and people running suicide-prevention programs can see what is effective."
'It's good ideas - experts think that this is what we need to do - but we do not have any evidence that that training actually in fact prevents suicide,' he said.
The new three-year project, funded by the Army, will develop a network of researchers to study multiple aspects of suicide, look at the work of other studies and then compile a database so other researchers and people running suicide-prevention programs can see what is effective."
CamelBak Intros Glove Line | Kit Up!
"Podesta says what makes CamelBak’s gloves unique is that each model is engineered around the mold of a hand holding a tool or weapon or flight control. The gloves fit tight and are designed to have very good dexterity, he said.
“We want you to be able to remove a magazine, unclip a buckle or tap a keyboard without having to remove the gloves,” he told me."
“We want you to be able to remove a magazine, unclip a buckle or tap a keyboard without having to remove the gloves,” he told me."
28.10.10
Mark Levin interviews Christine O’Donnell (Oct 27)#comment-1022683
Jeff Goldstein: "For my part, I try never to find myself on the side of Meghan McCain. But then, I lack that conservative “pragmatism” that constantly reminds us that the biggest problem with conservatism / classical liberalism, from an electoral standpoint, is that it insists on casting itself as, you know — conservative or classically liberal.
And who wants that? After all, people might laugh.
– Which, that’s terribly, terribly unhelpful."
And who wants that? After all, people might laugh.
– Which, that’s terribly, terribly unhelpful."
'Political Fury: The Knowledge Battle' – A Free Online Trivia Brawl | Touch Arcade
iPhone App! Need more opponents--they can't keep up with me. But the Dems are winning Nationally, so my Republican friends need to download too: "With election day quickly approaching in the USA, iPhone developer Super Boise has released a surprisingly fun free trivia game that pits the two major American political parties against each other in real-time online trivia battles. Political Fury: The Knowledge Battle [Free] begins by forcing you to pick sides between Democrats or Republicans. From there, it displays a bar that shows each party's score, with a scale that tips from side to side depending on who is winning more games of trivia"
German Unemployment Dips to 18-Year Low in October - CNBC
And yet, the Germans rejected "stimulus": "The number of jobless fell by 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 3.153 million, figures from the Labor Office showed on Thursday, while the headline level dipped to 2.945 million, confirming figures announced a day earlier.
The headline reading fell below the 3 million mark — a key political threshold — for the first time since November 2008, to its lowest point since October 1992."
The headline reading fell below the 3 million mark — a key political threshold — for the first time since November 2008, to its lowest point since October 1992."
65% Favor Getting Rid of Entire Congress and Starting Over - Rasmussen Reports™
"A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of Likely U.S. Voters say if they had the option next week, they would vote to get rid of the entire Congress and start all over again. Only 20% would opt to keep the entire Congress instead. Fifteen percent (15%) aren’t sure.
Of course, the Political Class strongly disagrees. While 84% of Mainstream voters would opt to get rid of the entire Congress, 64% of the Political Class would vote instead to keep them all.
Not surprisingly, 82% of Republicans and 78% of unaffiliateds say dump them all. Despite their party’s control of both the House and Senate, Democratic voters are fairly evenly divided: 44% say it’s better to keep the entire Congress, but 38% would prefer to give all the national legislators the heave-ho."
Of course, the Political Class strongly disagrees. While 84% of Mainstream voters would opt to get rid of the entire Congress, 64% of the Political Class would vote instead to keep them all.
Not surprisingly, 82% of Republicans and 78% of unaffiliateds say dump them all. Despite their party’s control of both the House and Senate, Democratic voters are fairly evenly divided: 44% say it’s better to keep the entire Congress, but 38% would prefer to give all the national legislators the heave-ho."
Warplanes: Sikorsky Does It Again
"Sikorsky Aircraft, which produced the first service-ready American helicopter in 1942, and more recently the UH-60, has sought to assert its design dominance once more by developing a new helicopter design that produces record breaking speed (417 kph/288 mph). The new design is actually evolutionary, using coaxial rotors (that is two sets of rotors, one above the other with the props going in opposite directions and eliminating the need of a rear propeller to keep the aircraft from spinning) and a pusher prop in the rear. But there is also extensive use of new rotor design and software operated controls. The new design not only produces high speeds, but, more importantly, enables operation with heavy loads at high altitudes (think Afghanistan)."
Armor: Designed In Israel, Built In America
"Israel is having a U.S. firm (General Dynamics) manufacture 600 of the new Nemer IFV (infantry fighting vehicle) over the next eight years. The first hundred or so were built in Israel, but the rest can be built more cheaply in the United States. One infantry battalion is already equipped with Israeli built Namers, and the other three battalions of the Golani Brigade will get Namers over the next three years."
Chris Evans as Captain America on the Cover of EW | Superhero Hype
"'At the time, I remember telling a buddy of mine, 'If the movie bombs, I'm f—-ed. If the movie hits, I'm f—-ed!'' After declining the part three times, Evans took a meeting with Marvel execs and Johnston and was dazzled by their plans for the movie. He still felt wary about suiting up for Captain America — but then he had an epiphany. 'I was just scared,' he says. 'I realized my whole decision making process was fear based, and you never want to make a decision out of fear.'' Evans signed a six-picture deal with Marvel to play the character, and he has no regrets: 'I can't believe was almost too chicken to play Captain America.'
'The interesting thing about this character is that he's an everyman who in the course of a few minutes become a perfect human specimen. That has to create some interesting personal issues,' says Johnston. 'I saw it as an opportunity to make a superhero movie that felt real, that didn't have to rely on an overabundance of fantasy elements.'"
'The interesting thing about this character is that he's an everyman who in the course of a few minutes become a perfect human specimen. That has to create some interesting personal issues,' says Johnston. 'I saw it as an opportunity to make a superhero movie that felt real, that didn't have to rely on an overabundance of fantasy elements.'"
Army Service Rifles Getting Big Upgrades
"Upgrades to the M4 include a more resilient barrel, ambidextrous controls and a full-automatic setting. Add better ammunition, and Soldiers will have a more lethal weapon to fight insurgents, according to Program Executive Office Soldier, which introduced the improvements.
The new carbines are expected to be integrated into the force starting next year."
The new carbines are expected to be integrated into the force starting next year."
Webb Calls for Future Troop Cuts
"'We eventually should and will reduce the size of the Army and Marine Corps as we wind down in Iraq and Afghanistan,' Webb told a group of defense reporters at an Oct. 27 breakfast meeting. 'We go through these cycles when we have long-term land commitments where we ignore our strategic forces and our larger national strategy.'"
Here's what this is really about.
If they cut troop levels, they think it'll be less likely that troops will be used in a big way in the future. Or, if a large land force is needed, then all teh issues about dwell time, deployment length, Stop Loss and PTSD can be recycled.
So, you know, win-win!
Can’t Keep a Bad Idea Down - NYTimes.com
Thomas Friedman has a problem. I think it comes down to a faulty view of the conditions that exist and is compounded by a flawed conception of history.
First and foremost, we aren't fighting two wars. It's one war with multiple campaigns, and there are, and have been, a heck of a lot more than two. The tax cuts lead to greater Federal revenues and unless government keeps it's boot on the neck of business, especially small business, it can do so again. As for the analog Friedman would like to draw to the Bush years, we'll never know as the Congress, whethrr controlled by either party, completely filed to cut spending anywhere.
That was never tried in the Great Depression. Our current economic problems are a better analog to the Long Depression, and it was exaclty this kind of cutting under the Coolidge administration that brought us out of it. But even more importantly, I think, bailing out Wall Street was a choice. On that did not have to be made. Had we chosen not to we'd be far better off now. Though, again, government would have to move it's foot for it to really matter.
I guess, Thomas will be releasing evidence to connect these two. Or maybe he'll just challenge Bob Schieffer to produce evidence that it's not happening.
This is pure slander. Gays and Lesbians are not prevented from joining the military. There is no discrimination.
No one has suggested restricting immigration. The position of people Thomas doesn't like, properly understood, is that immigration should be controlled. The "best brains" stuff is pure strawman.
Its unconstitutional. There are constitutional ways to accomplish similar ends, and if that's what anyone would like to try, fine. But this has to go.
Finally a statement I can agree with, but is he somehow implying that the enactment of Obamacare, raising taxes, and stranging business, all of which he seems to favor above, are in some way enhnacing of free-trade? This is the double standard inherent in the so-called moderate conservative position.
"Let’s have more tax cuts, unlinked to any specific spending cuts and while we’re still fighting two wars — because that worked so well during the Bush years to make our economy strong and our deficit small."
First and foremost, we aren't fighting two wars. It's one war with multiple campaigns, and there are, and have been, a heck of a lot more than two. The tax cuts lead to greater Federal revenues and unless government keeps it's boot on the neck of business, especially small business, it can do so again. As for the analog Friedman would like to draw to the Bush years, we'll never know as the Congress, whethrr controlled by either party, completely filed to cut spending anywhere.
"Let’s immediately cut government spending, instead of phasing cuts in gradually, while we’re still mired in a recession — because that worked so well in the Great Depression. Let’s roll back financial regulation — because we’ve learned from experience that Wall Street can police itself and average Americans will never have to bail it out."
That was never tried in the Great Depression. Our current economic problems are a better analog to the Long Depression, and it was exaclty this kind of cutting under the Coolidge administration that brought us out of it. But even more importantly, I think, bailing out Wall Street was a choice. On that did not have to be made. Had we chosen not to we'd be far better off now. Though, again, government would have to move it's foot for it to really matter.
"Let’s have no limits on corporate campaign spending so oil and coal companies can more easily and anonymously strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its powers to limit pollution in the air our kids breathe."
I guess, Thomas will be releasing evidence to connect these two. Or maybe he'll just challenge Bob Schieffer to produce evidence that it's not happening.
"Let’s discriminate against gays and lesbians who want to join the military and fight for their country."
This is pure slander. Gays and Lesbians are not prevented from joining the military. There is no discrimination.
"Let’s restrict immigration, because, after all, we don’t live in a world where America’s most important competitive advantage is its ability to attract the world’s best brains."
No one has suggested restricting immigration. The position of people Thomas doesn't like, properly understood, is that immigration should be controlled. The "best brains" stuff is pure strawman.
"Let’s repeal our limited health care reform rather than see what works and then fix it."
Its unconstitutional. There are constitutional ways to accomplish similar ends, and if that's what anyone would like to try, fine. But this has to go.
"Let’s oppose the free-trade system that made us rich."
Finally a statement I can agree with, but is he somehow implying that the enactment of Obamacare, raising taxes, and stranging business, all of which he seems to favor above, are in some way enhnacing of free-trade? This is the double standard inherent in the so-called moderate conservative position.
27.10.10
“Public employee unions funnel public money to Dems”
"The Tea Party won’t go away after this election cycle. It is a visceral response to attempts to turn the US into a soft-socialist nanny state — and it looks to me like many Americans who are fond of American exceptionalism, the primacy of the individual, equality under the law, free enterprise, and the individual freedom born of self-governance, are quite willing to fight to take their country back from petty tyrants and the kinds of self-styled elites who despise representative government."
Justice Elena Kagan: Kagan's first vote is against an execution - latimes.com
"Justice Elena Kagan cast her first vote on the Supreme Court late Tuesday, joining the liberals in dissent when the high court cleared the way for the execution of an Arizona murderer.
The 5-4 ruling overturned orders by a federal judge in Phoenix and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that had stopped the execution by lethal injection of Jeffrey Landrigan.
His lawyers, in a last-ditch appeal, had raised questions about one of the drugs used in the execution. Since the only U.S. manufacturer of sodium thiopental had suspended production, Arizona officials said they had obtained a supply of the drug from a British company."
The 5-4 ruling overturned orders by a federal judge in Phoenix and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that had stopped the execution by lethal injection of Jeffrey Landrigan.
His lawyers, in a last-ditch appeal, had raised questions about one of the drugs used in the execution. Since the only U.S. manufacturer of sodium thiopental had suspended production, Arizona officials said they had obtained a supply of the drug from a British company."
Nasa plan Hundred Year Starship - the mission that will take astronauts to Mars and leave them there forever | Mail Online
I can think of some candidates for that trip: "‘You heard it here,” Worden said at ‘Long Conversation,’ an event in San Francisco. ‘We also hope to inveigle some billionaires to form a Hundred Year Starship fund.’He added: ‘The human space program is now really aimed at settling other worlds. Twenty years ago you had to whisper that in dark bars and get fired.’
Worden said he has discussed the potential price tag for one-way trips to Mars with Google co-founder Larry Page, telling him such a mission could be done for $10 billion. He said said: ‘His response was, “Can you get it down to $1 [billion] or $2billion?” So now we're starting to get a little argument over the price.’"
Worden said he has discussed the potential price tag for one-way trips to Mars with Google co-founder Larry Page, telling him such a mission could be done for $10 billion. He said said: ‘His response was, “Can you get it down to $1 [billion] or $2billion?” So now we're starting to get a little argument over the price.’"
Employers in U.S. Start Bracing for Higher Tax Withholding - Bloomberg
"Employers in the U.S. are starting to warn their workers to prepare for slimmer paychecks if Congress fails to vote on an extension of Bush-era tax cuts.
“I’ve been doing payroll for probably close to 30 years now, and never have we seen something like this where it gets that down to the wire,” said Dennis Danilewicz, who manages payroll services for about 14,000 employees at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. “That’s what’s got a lot of people nervous. All we can do is start preparing communications with a couple of different scenarios.”"
“I’ve been doing payroll for probably close to 30 years now, and never have we seen something like this where it gets that down to the wire,” said Dennis Danilewicz, who manages payroll services for about 14,000 employees at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. “That’s what’s got a lot of people nervous. All we can do is start preparing communications with a couple of different scenarios.”"
Electronic Weapons: Helping You Think In 3-D
"These capabilities are what the troops have long been asking for. The troops also want mission planning software that is easy to use, does what needs to be done, and fits on a laptop computer. The latest ones combine digital maps and 3-D gaming technology with military procedures and equipment specifications to produce programs that enable commanders, and troops, to quickly put together a simulation of a mission. This is what mission planning is all about. Lt.Gen Computer is one of the latest mission planning systems, something that takes a lot of the risk out of combat by enabling the troops to get a better look at the battlefield, and try out moves before their do it under enemy fire."
Attrition: A Suitcase Full Of Heart
"A soldier in World War II or Vietnam was three times more likely to get killed in combat than those in the last decade. This is a trend that continues. For example, the United States has been providing its troops and combat medics with a constant flow of new first aid equipment and training. That's because more such stuff has become available, largely for the civilian emergency medicine market. But sometimes this civilian technology results in something that is mainly useful to the military. For example, a suitcase sized heart-lung machine was recently developed. Heart-lung machines were originally invented half a century ago to take over heart and lung functions for patients have heart surgery. Over the decades, the size of the device has gotten smaller and smaller. Now, it can fit into a suitcase. This makes it suitable for medical evacuation flights, that take troops with shot-up lungs back to Germany or the United States for more advanced treatment. The device can also be used in field hospitals, for troops shot through both lungs."
Third Batman to be Titled The Dark Knight Rises | Superhero Hype
"And The Riddler will not be the villain
In an interview with Hero Complex, Christopher Nolan revealed that the title for his third Batman movie will be The Dark Knight Rises. He added that the villain 'won't be the Riddler.'
'We'll use many of the same characters as we have all along, and we'll be introducing some new ones,' Nolan said cryptically. He also said that the studio has agreed with him not to shoot the film in 3D."
In an interview with Hero Complex, Christopher Nolan revealed that the title for his third Batman movie will be The Dark Knight Rises. He added that the villain 'won't be the Riddler.'
'We'll use many of the same characters as we have all along, and we'll be introducing some new ones,' Nolan said cryptically. He also said that the studio has agreed with him not to shoot the film in 3D."
Champions Online Goes Free to Play | Superhero Hype
"Atari Inc., one of the world's most recognized videogame publishers, and renowned MMO developer Cryptic Studios have announced today that their superhero MMORPG, Champions Online™, will be free to play beginning Q1 2011. Players will be able to download and enjoy the game at absolutely no cost.
Champions Online free-to-play also features additional premium content for purchase. Adventure Packs, items, powers and costume pieces can be selected a la carte inside Cryptic's innovative C-Store. Additionally, current players may continue subscribing as Gold members, while new players may also optionally upgrade to Gold status, which unlocks most of the game's content and includes extra features for a set price of $14.99 per month."
Champions Online free-to-play also features additional premium content for purchase. Adventure Packs, items, powers and costume pieces can be selected a la carte inside Cryptic's innovative C-Store. Additionally, current players may continue subscribing as Gold members, while new players may also optionally upgrade to Gold status, which unlocks most of the game's content and includes extra features for a set price of $14.99 per month."
26.10.10
Re: "Unwashed" -- an Etymology
"Earlier still, though, was Edward George Earl Bulwer-Lytton who used the term in his 1830 novel 'Paul Clifford.' Interestingly, according to a web page at the Department of English at San Jose State University, Bulwer-Lytton not only coined 'great unwashed,' but also came up with 'The pen is mightier than the sword' and the classic opening line, 'It was a dark and stormy night.'
The Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition 1989, confirms that Lytton's use as the first, with Thackeray and Wright following.
' UNWASHED
b. absol. Those who are not usually in a clean state; the ?lower orders?. Freq. with great."
The Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition 1989, confirms that Lytton's use as the first, with Thackeray and Wright following.
' UNWASHED
b. absol. Those who are not usually in a clean state; the ?lower orders?. Freq. with great."
The American Spectator : Osama bin Elvis
"All the evidence suggests Elvis Presley is more alive today than Osama bin Laden. But tell that to the CIA and all the other misconceptualizers of the War on Terror.
Seven years after Osama bin Laden's last verifiable appearance among the living, there is more evidence for Elvis's presence among us than for his. Hence there is reason to ask whether the paradigm of Osama bin Laden as terrorism's deus ex machina and of al Qaeda as the prototype of terrorism may be an artifact of our Best and Brightest's imagination, and whether investment in this paradigm has kept our national security establishment from thinking seriously about our troubles' sources. So let us take a fresh look at the fundamentals."
Seven years after Osama bin Laden's last verifiable appearance among the living, there is more evidence for Elvis's presence among us than for his. Hence there is reason to ask whether the paradigm of Osama bin Laden as terrorism's deus ex machina and of al Qaeda as the prototype of terrorism may be an artifact of our Best and Brightest's imagination, and whether investment in this paradigm has kept our national security establishment from thinking seriously about our troubles' sources. So let us take a fresh look at the fundamentals."
Gas prices rise, breaking pre-election pattern - Washington Times
"The cost of a gallon of gas has eclipsed the $3 mark in several parts of the country and clocks in nationally at $2.82, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). That's up from $2.68 on Sept. 6, and overall about $1 higher than the week of Jan. 26, 2009, when President Obama took office and the per-gallon price was $1.81."
Rubio's Closing Argument: 'A Generational Choice' | The Weekly Standard
"“It’s very clear. If we stay on this road Washington has us on right now, we will risk the essence of what makes us exceptional. We will lose what makes us unique.
“I know this because this idea about America being exceptional is not something I read in a book. As the son of exiles, my parents were born into a society pretty much like every other in the world where if you’re not from the right family or with enough money you can only go so far.
“And that is a very different place from our America – a place where the son of bartender doesn’t have to become a bartender and where the son of a maid can achieve any dream.
“So now we’re being asked whether we want to keep all that or whether we want to become more like the place my parents came from."
“I know this because this idea about America being exceptional is not something I read in a book. As the son of exiles, my parents were born into a society pretty much like every other in the world where if you’re not from the right family or with enough money you can only go so far.
“And that is a very different place from our America – a place where the son of bartender doesn’t have to become a bartender and where the son of a maid can achieve any dream.
“So now we’re being asked whether we want to keep all that or whether we want to become more like the place my parents came from."
CORRECTED - Puerto Rico unveils tax cuts to reignite economy | Reuters
"Governor Luis Fortuno laid out the plan in a special address to the Puerto Rican legislature after a weekend vote by lawmakers to slap a six-year tax hike on offshore manufacturing firms operating on the island.
Fortuno called the plan the biggest tax relief package in Puerto Rico's history and said ordinary taxpayers would see a 50 percent reduction in their taxes when the reform is fully implemented.
Businesses would receive an average 30 percent cut, he said.
'This will give the final push our economy needs to be reborn, to grow and to create jobs,' Fortuno said to loud applause from lawmakers.
The cuts will be applied to the current tax year, he added.
The tax increase on offshore companies will target around 40 to 50 multinational firms that earn $75 million or more a year, bringing $5.8 billion over six years to state coffers, according to administration officials."
Fortuno called the plan the biggest tax relief package in Puerto Rico's history and said ordinary taxpayers would see a 50 percent reduction in their taxes when the reform is fully implemented.
Businesses would receive an average 30 percent cut, he said.
'This will give the final push our economy needs to be reborn, to grow and to create jobs,' Fortuno said to loud applause from lawmakers.
The cuts will be applied to the current tax year, he added.
The tax increase on offshore companies will target around 40 to 50 multinational firms that earn $75 million or more a year, bringing $5.8 billion over six years to state coffers, according to administration officials."
Bernanke Asset Purchases Risk Unleashing 1970s Inflation Genie - Bloomberg
"“By reducing real interest rates and trying to break the psychology of ‘Why spend today when I can buy goods cheaper tomorrow,’ they are hoping to drive growth that would be more commensurate with a pickup in employment,” said Dan Greenhaus, chief economic strategist at Miller Tabak & Co. in New York. “The risk is a late 1970s type of scenario where the inflation genie gets out of the bottle.”
The U.S. Treasury Department yesterday sold $10 billion of five-year Treasury Inflation Protected Securities at a negative yield for the first time at a U.S. debt auction as investors bet the Fed will be successful in sparking inflation. The securities drew a yield of negative 0.55 percent."
The U.S. Treasury Department yesterday sold $10 billion of five-year Treasury Inflation Protected Securities at a negative yield for the first time at a U.S. debt auction as investors bet the Fed will be successful in sparking inflation. The securities drew a yield of negative 0.55 percent."
Chavez Orders Expropriation of Owens-Illinois - CBS News
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Monday ordered the expropriation of U.S.-based glass maker Owens-Illinois Inc.'s unit in the South American country.
Chavez announced plans to expropriate the company in a televised speech, saying it operates in western Trujillo state.
The leftist leader criticized the company's practices in the country, saying it had been 'taking away the money of Venezuelans' and exploiting local people. Chavez did not detail his complaints about the company."
Chavez announced plans to expropriate the company in a televised speech, saying it operates in western Trujillo state.
The leftist leader criticized the company's practices in the country, saying it had been 'taking away the money of Venezuelans' and exploiting local people. Chavez did not detail his complaints about the company."
Global food crisis forecast as prices reach record highs | Environment | The Guardian
"Although food stocks are generally good despite much of this year's harvests being wiped out in Pakistan and Russia, sugar and rice remain at a record price.
Global wheat and maize prices recently jumped nearly 30% in a few weeks while meat prices are at 20-year highs, according to the key Reuters-Jefferies commodity price indicator. Last week, the US predicted that global wheat harvests would be 30m tonnes lower than last year, a 5.5% fall. Meanwhile, the price of tomatoes in Egypt, garlic in China and bread in Pakistan are at near-record levels."
Global wheat and maize prices recently jumped nearly 30% in a few weeks while meat prices are at 20-year highs, according to the key Reuters-Jefferies commodity price indicator. Last week, the US predicted that global wheat harvests would be 30m tonnes lower than last year, a 5.5% fall. Meanwhile, the price of tomatoes in Egypt, garlic in China and bread in Pakistan are at near-record levels."
Morale: Aquaflage Is A Big Joke
"U.S. Navy think their new work uniform is silly. It consists of shirt and pants in a gray, blue and black camouflage pattern [PHOTO]. Most sailors will be wearing the work uniform while on a ship. What's the point of camouflage there? This has at least led to some entertaining humor. For example, sailors call the new camouflage 'Aquaflage' and try to find some purpose in it. Some believe it's a cost saving measure, since if you fall overboard while wearing it there's little chance you'll ever be seen in the water, so there's no need to turn the ship around to try and find you. Along those lines, some believe that if you fall overboard, the aquaflage will make it more difficult for any sharks to spot you (actually, sharks detect prey via smell, not sight, but no matter.)"
So, The Air Force Wants A C-130 Replacement By 2024 | Defense Tech
"The launch of an all-new airlifter development for the US Air Force could start in 2014. The new aircraft could become operational 10 years later. The aircraft would replace the 450-aircraft C-130 fleet, but the USAF may buy no more than 250. Even after at least five years of discussion, the USAF still does not know whether it wants a fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotorcraft or airship.
These are possible implications inside a capabilities request for informationdocument posted earlier today by the USAF’s Aeronautical Systems Center about the Joint Future Theater Lift (JFTL) program ."
These are possible implications inside a capabilities request for informationdocument posted earlier today by the USAF’s Aeronautical Systems Center about the Joint Future Theater Lift (JFTL) program ."
25.10.10
Information Warfare: Staging Atrocities Works
"Staging atrocities has become a Palestinian specialty. For example, a striking photo recently appeared worldwide, showing a Palestinian boy being hit by an automobile. The accompanying story described the two boys as having thrown stones at the car (driven by an Israeli), which then ran them down. The boys were injured, and four other photos were made available showing concerned adults tending to the injured boys. What was not reported was that the incident was staged.
Some twenty rock throwers had stationed themselves along a road near Jerusalem, known to be used by Israelis, along with a news photographer ready to make a few bucks if something really interesting took place. An Israeli car did come along, and the Palestinian men and teenagers surrounded the vehicle, throwing rocks. Glass in the vehicle was shattered and the driver tried to drive away, but the Palestinians wouldn't make way. The driver hit the gas and drove down the least crowded part of the road, hitting the two kids. In a way, everybody won. The driver got away alive, the two kids became heroes, the photographer made some money, and the media had a great photo. The only victim here was the truth."
Some twenty rock throwers had stationed themselves along a road near Jerusalem, known to be used by Israelis, along with a news photographer ready to make a few bucks if something really interesting took place. An Israeli car did come along, and the Palestinian men and teenagers surrounded the vehicle, throwing rocks. Glass in the vehicle was shattered and the driver tried to drive away, but the Palestinians wouldn't make way. The driver hit the gas and drove down the least crowded part of the road, hitting the two kids. In a way, everybody won. The driver got away alive, the two kids became heroes, the photographer made some money, and the media had a great photo. The only victim here was the truth."
India-Pakistan: America Demands Play For Pay
"The U.S. has told Pakistan that continued foreign aid will be dependent on successful Pakistani efforts against Islamic terrorist groups, particularly the Taliban. Pakistan has received $3.5 billion in American military and economic aid in the last year. The U.S. just agreed to another $2 billion in military aid for the next year. But there are conditions. If the Taliban and al Qaeda are not attacked, the military aid will not be delivered. This has upset many Pakistanis, because it was believed that there was an unspoken arrangement that Pakistan would get lots of military aid that could mainly be used to defend the country from India, while pretending to use it against the Taliban. As part of this deal, Pakistan would concentrate on Islamic terrorists that were attacking the Pakistani government, and generally leave those attacking India or Afghanistan alone."
24.10.10
Bees' tiny brains beat computers, study finds | World news | The Guardian
"Bees can solve complex mathematical problems which keep computers busy for days, research has shown.
The insects learn to fly the shortest route between flowers discovered in random order, effectively solving the 'travelling salesman problem' , said scientists at Royal Holloway, University of London.
The conundrum involves finding the shortest route that allows a travelling salesman to call at all the locations he has to visit. Computers solve the problem by comparing the length of all possible routes and choosing the one that is shortest.
Bees manage to reach the same solution using a brain the size of a grass seed."
The insects learn to fly the shortest route between flowers discovered in random order, effectively solving the 'travelling salesman problem' , said scientists at Royal Holloway, University of London.
The conundrum involves finding the shortest route that allows a travelling salesman to call at all the locations he has to visit. Computers solve the problem by comparing the length of all possible routes and choosing the one that is shortest.
Bees manage to reach the same solution using a brain the size of a grass seed."
Currency War - Germany Accuses US of Indirectly Manipulating Dollar - CNBC
And Germany is correct: "'I tried to make clear in my contribution to the discussion that I regard that as the wrong way to go,' he said.
'An excessive, permanent increase in money is, in my view, an indirect manipulation of the (foreign exchange) rate.'
Foreign exchange rates should be determined by markets, said Bruederle, who was attending the G20 meeting in place of Germany's hospitalised finance minister.
Bruederle said he was positively surprised by the results of the meeting, which he said surpassed expectations.
There were intensive discussions at the meeting about a letter from the U.S. Treasury Secretary calling for action in tackling foreign exchange and trade imbalances, Bruederle said.
Geithner's focus was on China, but Germany, Japan and Korea were also in focus, Bruederle said, adding that he regarded the U.S. plans as having 'planned economy elements.'"
'An excessive, permanent increase in money is, in my view, an indirect manipulation of the (foreign exchange) rate.'
Foreign exchange rates should be determined by markets, said Bruederle, who was attending the G20 meeting in place of Germany's hospitalised finance minister.
Bruederle said he was positively surprised by the results of the meeting, which he said surpassed expectations.
There were intensive discussions at the meeting about a letter from the U.S. Treasury Secretary calling for action in tackling foreign exchange and trade imbalances, Bruederle said.
Geithner's focus was on China, but Germany, Japan and Korea were also in focus, Bruederle said, adding that he regarded the U.S. plans as having 'planned economy elements.'"
Exceptions to Liberty?
The exceptions that have been litigated to our rights are almost universally unfortunate. Clear and Present Danger is one that I have the least problem with, however, that we countenance an exception to liberty cannot become itself an invitation or justification to seek or create further exceptions. C&PD is necessarilly and deliberately narrow in scope. Banning political speech because of one's zip code is capricious at best and massively intrusive.
The very idea of hate crimes (in "1984" Orwell referred to them ad "Thought Crimes") is itself hateful. As a matter of first cases someone has to set themselves up as arbiter of what is good and what is bad speech, imposing a set of principles on society. To chose something deliberately that is contentions, what happes to our society when one majority or the other in Congress determines that either pro-life, or pro-choice speech is "hateful?" Even assuming 100% agreemetn on what is hateful, how is able to determine what though was in the mind at the time a crime was committed? You may reply that intent is an often litigated part of jurisprudence, but these are determinatiuons that must be borne up by some evidence--that has not been in evidence in hate crime allegations to date. Finally, assuming that the requisite thought is indeed in the mind of our cuplrit and that all can agree with that, does the presence of that thought make the crime more severe in degree or impact? Is a family more bereft? Is a victim more injured or more dead? Any affirmative response, much like the initial allegation seems ot me to be the product of emotion and even prejudice on the part of the utterer and not supportable by facts.
The very idea of hate crimes (in "1984" Orwell referred to them ad "Thought Crimes") is itself hateful. As a matter of first cases someone has to set themselves up as arbiter of what is good and what is bad speech, imposing a set of principles on society. To chose something deliberately that is contentions, what happes to our society when one majority or the other in Congress determines that either pro-life, or pro-choice speech is "hateful?" Even assuming 100% agreemetn on what is hateful, how is able to determine what though was in the mind at the time a crime was committed? You may reply that intent is an often litigated part of jurisprudence, but these are determinatiuons that must be borne up by some evidence--that has not been in evidence in hate crime allegations to date. Finally, assuming that the requisite thought is indeed in the mind of our cuplrit and that all can agree with that, does the presence of that thought make the crime more severe in degree or impact? Is a family more bereft? Is a victim more injured or more dead? Any affirmative response, much like the initial allegation seems ot me to be the product of emotion and even prejudice on the part of the utterer and not supportable by facts.
Israel: The Path To Nowhere
"The current round of peace talks, sponsored by the United States, continues to produce nothing. Palestinian officials, when speaking in Arabic, openly describe the talks as just a propaganda opportunity to make Israel look bad. These same Palestinian officials repeat the same goals they have been pushing for decades, that of destroying Israel, not making peace deals. Officially, most Western nations refuse to recognize this reality, although, off-the-record, they are scrambling to figure out how to deal with the Arab intransigence. The fixation on destroying Israel is another manifestation of the 'Arab disease' that the Arabs are not eager to deal with at the moment. But so many Arab nations have, for so long, backed the 'Israel must be destroyed' line, that it is seen as too difficult to change now. So the Arab world continues down the path to nowhere, and the rest of world generally stumbles along behind them."
23.10.10
Texas sends $269 million bill to Amazon.com for uncollected sales taxes | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Business News
"Texas has sent Amazon .com Inc. a $269 million bill for uncollected sales taxes on purchases made by state residents from the Seattle-based Internet superstore over a four-year period.
Now that Texas has gotten tough with the No. 1 online retailer, other states could be tempted to pile on with their own assessments as local governments face huge shortfalls, analysts said. Recent estimates put Texas' two-year budget shortfall at as much as $21 billion."
Now that Texas has gotten tough with the No. 1 online retailer, other states could be tempted to pile on with their own assessments as local governments face huge shortfalls, analysts said. Recent estimates put Texas' two-year budget shortfall at as much as $21 billion."
APNewsBreak: EPA grants permits for Texas refinery | Business news | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it has approved new operating permits for a Texas refinery, the first to get such papers after a battle erupted between the federal agency and state environmental regulators.
The EPA announced Friday that Flint Hills Resources had received four new permits.
The ongoing battle between the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality peaked over the summer when the federal agency disapproved the state's flexible permitting program, essentially overturning the operating papers for some of the nation's largest refineries.
The debate rapidly evolved into a pitched battle over state rights. Gov. Rick Perry uses the EPA's move as an example of the Obama administration meddling in state affairs."
The EPA announced Friday that Flint Hills Resources had received four new permits.
The ongoing battle between the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality peaked over the summer when the federal agency disapproved the state's flexible permitting program, essentially overturning the operating papers for some of the nation's largest refineries.
The debate rapidly evolved into a pitched battle over state rights. Gov. Rick Perry uses the EPA's move as an example of the Obama administration meddling in state affairs."
via email
"Change the institutional thinking, and the institutions will follow. This works in both directions — but for years, only the left seems to force the issue.
Fight back.
OUTLAW!"
Fight back.
OUTLAW!"
Attrition: Repairing The Guard
"Less publicized, and more important, have been army efforts to repair damage to its National Guard (NG, a reserve force), after heavy use in Iraq and Afghanistan, has succeeded. NG enlistments have been far exceeding goals for the last two years In the few years, recruiting has been so good that some states have reached numbers they haven't seen in decades. The New York National Guard, for example, has reached full strength for the first time since the 1970s. The Guard represents 35 percent of the million active duty and reserve troops in the army, and are essential in war, and peace (for natural disasters). Since September 11, 2001, two-thirds of the 358,000 NG troops have gone overseas (compared to 94 percent of the active duty troops). That includes many who have gone more than once."
Leadership: Beating The Good Guys
"To add insult to injury, the last ship in the class is being named after politician John P. Murtha, who is generally hated by soldiers and marines for the way he politically exploited and defamed the troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is particularly painful because the LPD 17s carry marines into combat.
Many consider the San Antonio class as a poster child for all that's wrong with American warship construction. The ships are being delivered late, and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget. The list of problems with the ships is long, embarrassing and seemingly without end. Although the San Antonio did get into service, it was then brought in for more inspections and sea trials, and failed miserably. The current repairs are supposed to catch all the shipyard errors."
Many consider the San Antonio class as a poster child for all that's wrong with American warship construction. The ships are being delivered late, and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget. The list of problems with the ships is long, embarrassing and seemingly without end. Although the San Antonio did get into service, it was then brought in for more inspections and sea trials, and failed miserably. The current repairs are supposed to catch all the shipyard errors."
22.10.10
7 banks closed in Fla., Ga., Ill., Kan., Ariz. - Yahoo! Singapore Finance
"Regulators have shut down a total of seven banks in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas and Arizona, lifting to 139 the number of U.S. banks that have fallen this year as soured loans have mounted and the economy has sputtered.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday took over the banks. The largest of which by far was Hillcrest Bank, based in Overland Park, Kan., with $1.6 billion in assets.
Also shuttered were First Bank of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla., with $81 million in assets; Progress Bank of Florida, based in Tampa, with $110.7 million in assets; First National Bank of Barnesville in Barnesville, Ga., with $131.4 million in assets; Gordon Bank of Gordon, Ga., with $29.4 million in assets; First Suburban National Bank in Maywood, Ill., with $148.7 million in assets; and First Arizona Savings, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., with assets of $272.2 million."
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday took over the banks. The largest of which by far was Hillcrest Bank, based in Overland Park, Kan., with $1.6 billion in assets.
Also shuttered were First Bank of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla., with $81 million in assets; Progress Bank of Florida, based in Tampa, with $110.7 million in assets; First National Bank of Barnesville in Barnesville, Ga., with $131.4 million in assets; Gordon Bank of Gordon, Ga., with $29.4 million in assets; First Suburban National Bank in Maywood, Ill., with $148.7 million in assets; and First Arizona Savings, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., with assets of $272.2 million."
Virgin spaceship to pass new milestone - Yahoo! News
"The world's first private passenger spaceship will pass another milestone toward its commercial lift-off Friday, at a remote spaceport in the New Mexico desert.
Flamboyant British multi-millionaire Richard Branson will commemorate the completion of the main runway at Spaceport America, near the town of Las Cruces where the Virgin Galactic project is based.
SpaceShipTwo, which could carry paying customers into suborbital space by early 2012, had its maiden flight in the California desert in March."
Flamboyant British multi-millionaire Richard Branson will commemorate the completion of the main runway at Spaceport America, near the town of Las Cruces where the Virgin Galactic project is based.
SpaceShipTwo, which could carry paying customers into suborbital space by early 2012, had its maiden flight in the California desert in March."
FoxNews.com - RAW DATA: NPR Internal Memo on Juan Williams
An apology is owed, but this isn't it:
"We’re profoundly sorry that this happened during fundraising week. Juan’s comments were made Monday night and we did not feel it would be responsible to delay this action.
This was a tough decision and we appreciate your support."
"We’re profoundly sorry that this happened during fundraising week. Juan’s comments were made Monday night and we did not feel it would be responsible to delay this action.
This was a tough decision and we appreciate your support."
Israel vanquishes Iran... on the chess board
"An Israeli chess grandmaster took the Guinness record for simultaneous chess games from the Jewish state's arch-foe Iran on Friday after a marathon 19-hour match against 523 players.
A Guinness representative confirmed the new record on Israeli army radio.
Alik Gershon, 30, won 86 percent of the games he played against amateurs in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square. He won 454, lost 11 and drew the other 58.
He needed to win at least 80 percent to seal the record, which previously stood at 500 simultaneous games."
A Guinness representative confirmed the new record on Israeli army radio.
Alik Gershon, 30, won 86 percent of the games he played against amateurs in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square. He won 454, lost 11 and drew the other 58.
He needed to win at least 80 percent to seal the record, which previously stood at 500 simultaneous games."
Houston woman's Obama T-shirt serves as voting 'dress code' reminder | khou.com | Khou.com - News, Houston news, Texas News, Headlines
Interesting that this gets coverage, but that a number of people in the Dallas area have been turned away for wearing Gasden Flag buttons and T-shirts.
"'This is ridiculous,” Tamika Francis told 11 News as she stood outside the Fiesta grocery store at Main and Kirby, where she had just been denied the right to vote.
“That’s not going to roll with me. Is it going to roll with you?” she asked her mom, who had traveled to the polling location with her.
The problem is that Francis was wearing a 2008 Obama election shirt. It has photos of the first family during the campaign accompanied by the phrase “Our President Obama.” The presiding elections judge told her she could not vote, nor could she help her disabled mother vote, until she either turned the shirt inside out or covered it up to hide the message and photos."
"'This is ridiculous,” Tamika Francis told 11 News as she stood outside the Fiesta grocery store at Main and Kirby, where she had just been denied the right to vote.
“That’s not going to roll with me. Is it going to roll with you?” she asked her mom, who had traveled to the polling location with her.
The problem is that Francis was wearing a 2008 Obama election shirt. It has photos of the first family during the campaign accompanied by the phrase “Our President Obama.” The presiding elections judge told her she could not vote, nor could she help her disabled mother vote, until she either turned the shirt inside out or covered it up to hide the message and photos."
Morale: Bat Cave Discovered On An Air Force Base
"This morale building symbology has had a hard time in the last few decades, as commanders ordered them removed because they were often not politically correct. For example, three years ago, the British Ministry of Defense found out that Harrier pilots and ground crews in Afghanistan had painted racy images ('nose art') on their aircraft. The brass ordered the troops to cease and desist. In addition to the possibility of women in the Royal Air Force complaining (none have, so far), there was the risk that some Afghans would be offended. No Afghans have complained yet, and Afghan men who had seen the nose art, usually studied it intently."
National Debt Up $3 Trillion on Obama's Watch - Political Hotsheet - CBS News
And that's the good news.: "Just last Friday, the Treasury Department portrayed it as good news when it reported that the federal deficit in the fiscal year that ended September 30th was $1.294 trillion. That's less than the $1.416 trillion deficit accrued in 2009 - the largest federal deficit ever recorded. It was also less than the $1.556 trillion that had been initially projected for 2010."
18.10.10
Italy to Send More Troops to Afghanistan
"'We have decided to increase our contingent in Afghanistan to 4,000 troops by the end of the year,' he said.
Italy currently has some 2,800 soldiers participating in the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had repeatedly promised to deploy more soldiers this year for a limited time to the war-torn country."
Italy currently has some 2,800 soldiers participating in the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had repeatedly promised to deploy more soldiers this year for a limited time to the war-torn country."
Petraeus: NATO Helped Taliban Movement
"Commanding Gen. David Petraeus confirmed Friday that coalition forces have allowed Taliban representatives to travel to Kabul for peace discussions with the Afghan government, but a Taliban spokesman said all such talk is only propaganda, designed to lower the morale of the movement's fighters.
U.S., Afghan and Taliban sources all declined to give details of the contacts, if they are taking place at all.
'There have been several very senior Taliban leaders who have reached out to the Afghan government at the highest levels, and also in some cases have reached out to other countries involved in Afghanistan,' Petraeus told reporters at the Royal United Services Institute in London."
U.S., Afghan and Taliban sources all declined to give details of the contacts, if they are taking place at all.
'There have been several very senior Taliban leaders who have reached out to the Afghan government at the highest levels, and also in some cases have reached out to other countries involved in Afghanistan,' Petraeus told reporters at the Royal United Services Institute in London."
Army Looking at “Hot Rails” for Personal Weapons | Kit Up!
"But the head of Army weapons programs hinted yesterday that his office at Picatinny is working on a project to incorporate a “hot rail” system onto its rifles. PEO Soldier Weapons Col. Doug Tamilio told us:
“It hooks into the 1913 rail system. And what that allows you to do is put a system on [the weapon] and do away with the battery pack. And what you can do is on the buttstock of the weapon or the hand grip you can put batteries in there. So everything you put on this system is already hot wired and can run off that. And you get a lot more battery life out of that too.”
Another plus is that the weapon’s weight and center of gravity shifts to a more shooter-friendly spot: in the grip and stock, instead of along the rail or forward. This could translate into increased accuracy and less fatigue."
“It hooks into the 1913 rail system. And what that allows you to do is put a system on [the weapon] and do away with the battery pack. And what you can do is on the buttstock of the weapon or the hand grip you can put batteries in there. So everything you put on this system is already hot wired and can run off that. And you get a lot more battery life out of that too.”
Another plus is that the weapon’s weight and center of gravity shifts to a more shooter-friendly spot: in the grip and stock, instead of along the rail or forward. This could translate into increased accuracy and less fatigue."
CG Admiral Wants More Arctic Resources
"This year, a Russian ship carrying up to 90,000 metric tons of gas condensate sailed across the Arctic and through the Bering Strait to the Far East. Last year, a Russian ship went the other way, leaving from South Korea with industrial parts. Russia plans up to eight such trips next year, using oil-type tankers with reinforced hulls to break through the ice.
All of which calls for more U.S. Coast Guard facilities and equipment in the far north to secure U.S. claims and prepare for increased human activity, according to Rear Adm. Christopher C. Colvin, who is in charge of all Coast Guard operations in Alaska and surrounding waters."
All of which calls for more U.S. Coast Guard facilities and equipment in the far north to secure U.S. claims and prepare for increased human activity, according to Rear Adm. Christopher C. Colvin, who is in charge of all Coast Guard operations in Alaska and surrounding waters."
Grail Questions
"Perceval: What is this strange grail at the end of the drawbridge? Somehow it reminds me of a story.
Hedgehog: That is the Grail.
Perceval: Could it be that this grail appears somewhat fantastic? Something is not right about that Grail.
Hedgehog: It is the Grail. The vessel that provides food of whatever sort is desired to whoever shall desire it.
Perceval: But the grail hasn’t been invented yet. It will only be invented by Chretien de Troyes some five hundred years from now. And thus I have proved that your grail is impossible.
Hedgehog: A persuasive argument Perceval. But is it not beautiful anyway?
Perceval: Yes. It is that. Do you think a lot about Beauty, Hedgehog?
Hedgehog: Oh no. I never seem to have time to think about Essences or Archetypes.
Perceval: Not even the Meaning of Life?
Hedgehog: No. Never.[3]"
Hedgehog: That is the Grail.
Perceval: Could it be that this grail appears somewhat fantastic? Something is not right about that Grail.
Hedgehog: It is the Grail. The vessel that provides food of whatever sort is desired to whoever shall desire it.
Perceval: But the grail hasn’t been invented yet. It will only be invented by Chretien de Troyes some five hundred years from now. And thus I have proved that your grail is impossible.
Hedgehog: A persuasive argument Perceval. But is it not beautiful anyway?
Perceval: Yes. It is that. Do you think a lot about Beauty, Hedgehog?
Hedgehog: Oh no. I never seem to have time to think about Essences or Archetypes.
Perceval: Not even the Meaning of Life?
Hedgehog: No. Never.[3]"
95-Year-Old Gets Medal for WWII Rescue
"George Vujnovich, a 95-year-old New Yorker, is credited with leading the so-called Halyard Mission in what was then Yugoslavia.
On Sunday, he was awarded the U.S. Bronze Star Medal, presented by Rep. Joseph Crowley, at Manhattan's St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Vujnovich received a standing ovation from a crowd of several hundred church members, supporters, friends and officials.
'Better now than never,' says Vujnovich, a retired salesman who lives in Queens.
He was an officer of the OSS, the precursor of today's CIA, when about 500 pilots and other airmen were downed over Serbia in the summer of 1944 while on bombing runs targeting Hitler's oil fields in Romania, according to U.S. government field station files, stored in the National Archives."
On Sunday, he was awarded the U.S. Bronze Star Medal, presented by Rep. Joseph Crowley, at Manhattan's St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Vujnovich received a standing ovation from a crowd of several hundred church members, supporters, friends and officials.
'Better now than never,' says Vujnovich, a retired salesman who lives in Queens.
He was an officer of the OSS, the precursor of today's CIA, when about 500 pilots and other airmen were downed over Serbia in the summer of 1944 while on bombing runs targeting Hitler's oil fields in Romania, according to U.S. government field station files, stored in the National Archives."
Dollar Declines for Fifth Week on Prospects of More Monetary Easing by Fed - Bloomberg
Easing the dollar into its grave: "The dollar fell 0.3 percent to $1.3977 per euro, from $1.3939 on Oct. 8 It slid to $1.4159 yesterday, the weakest level since Jan. 26. The greenback slid 0.6 percent to 81.45 yen, from 81.93 last week. It touched 80.88 yesterday, the weakest level since April 1995, when it reached the post-World War II low of 79.75 yen. The euro dropped 0.3 percent to 113.88 yen, from 114.19.
The U.S. currency’s five weeks of decline against the euro tied a stretch of losses during a period that ended Dec. 26, 2008. The central bank cut its fed funds target that month to a range of zero to 0.25 percent."
The U.S. currency’s five weeks of decline against the euro tied a stretch of losses during a period that ended Dec. 26, 2008. The central bank cut its fed funds target that month to a range of zero to 0.25 percent."
Leadership: The Greater East Asian Anti-Chinese Alliance
"Vietnam is acquiring an impressive list of nuclear armed allies. Russia is now a major supplier of weapons to Vietnam, and is discussing returning to Cam Rahn Bay. France has been approached to supply high tech equipment and training for Vietnamese ground forces.
China considers Vietnam part of southern China. But despite centuries of military efforts, the Chinese could never keep Vietnam under control. Now Russia, India and France are arming, training and otherwise helping this wayward part of the motherland. China has not made open claims on Vietnam for over a century, but the animosity, and memories, are still there. And China was not happy about these other nuclear powers stepping into this family feud. But the fact of the matter is that an anti-Chinese coalition is forming in the region."
China considers Vietnam part of southern China. But despite centuries of military efforts, the Chinese could never keep Vietnam under control. Now Russia, India and France are arming, training and otherwise helping this wayward part of the motherland. China has not made open claims on Vietnam for over a century, but the animosity, and memories, are still there. And China was not happy about these other nuclear powers stepping into this family feud. But the fact of the matter is that an anti-Chinese coalition is forming in the region."
Seduced by statistics
"The headline CPI rose a little faster, 1.1 per cent over 12 months, but is still running considerably lower than the roughly 4 per cent increase in producer and import prices in the same period. The difference may be due to declining labor costs, which make up a larger slice of CPI. With productivity up 3.7 per cent in the year to June 2010, the most recent data available, unit labor costs were down 2.8 per cent. High domestic unemployment, and perhaps competition from cheaper overseas labor markets, appear to be forcing down US labor costs, thereby suppressing inflation. Ben Bernanke, the Fed chairman, suggested in a Boston speech on Friday that inflation is 'too low' and that there is a case for further action to help the economy grow, probably in the form of more quantitative easing - the buying of long-term securities by the Fed.
But with wholesale inflation running at 4 percent and global commodity prices rising rapidly, inflation under the surface isn't so benign. Moreover, there seems little chance that job creation - the Fed's other official goal alongside keeping inflation in check - would be helped much by yet more money-printing. More likely, that would reduce the US savings rate and worsen the balance of payments deficit, with easy credit sucking in additional imports and further stoking global commodity markets.
Rather, making America more competitive requires a bigger differential between the costs of credit in the United States and elsewhere, re-establishing the advantage of comparatively cheap capital to offset the nation's relatively high labor costs. That means higher interest rates and smaller budget deficits, neither of which would be produced by more QE. This is the rub. Bernanke seems inclined to ease, but the realities should give him pause."
But with wholesale inflation running at 4 percent and global commodity prices rising rapidly, inflation under the surface isn't so benign. Moreover, there seems little chance that job creation - the Fed's other official goal alongside keeping inflation in check - would be helped much by yet more money-printing. More likely, that would reduce the US savings rate and worsen the balance of payments deficit, with easy credit sucking in additional imports and further stoking global commodity markets.
Rather, making America more competitive requires a bigger differential between the costs of credit in the United States and elsewhere, re-establishing the advantage of comparatively cheap capital to offset the nation's relatively high labor costs. That means higher interest rates and smaller budget deficits, neither of which would be produced by more QE. This is the rub. Bernanke seems inclined to ease, but the realities should give him pause."
17.10.10
Mean Maureen - By Dana Perino - The Corner - National Review Online
One difference between me and Dana Perino; I have never enjoyed reading Maureen Dowd.: "I used to enjoy reading Maureen Dowd. I think she has a way with words and at times she even promotes thinking outside of conventional wisdom. Unfortunately, those columns are few and far between. Reading her column in the Sunday New York Times irritated me. I guess that’s her specialty — irritation.
I remember once after I’d left the White House I mentioned one of her columns to a friend and the friend said, “You know, you don’t have to read that stuff any more . . . you graduated.” But I’m a news junkie; I can’t help myself. Kind of like some women and chocolate. Whoops! Sorry — did I say something stereotypical and uncalled for?
That’s exactly what her column about mean Republican and conservative women is — stereotypical and uncalled for. She lists the usual suspects — as in, those expected to win. Yet reading her piece I keep thinking, has she met any of those women? Does she still feel that way after walking away? I’m fortunate to meet a lot of women from both sides of the aisle — and with few exceptions I like them all. I certainly don’t think any of them are mean. Can women have moments they aren’t proud of? Sure. But to write all conservative and Republican women off as mean is . . . mean."
I remember once after I’d left the White House I mentioned one of her columns to a friend and the friend said, “You know, you don’t have to read that stuff any more . . . you graduated.” But I’m a news junkie; I can’t help myself. Kind of like some women and chocolate. Whoops! Sorry — did I say something stereotypical and uncalled for?
That’s exactly what her column about mean Republican and conservative women is — stereotypical and uncalled for. She lists the usual suspects — as in, those expected to win. Yet reading her piece I keep thinking, has she met any of those women? Does she still feel that way after walking away? I’m fortunate to meet a lot of women from both sides of the aisle — and with few exceptions I like them all. I certainly don’t think any of them are mean. Can women have moments they aren’t proud of? Sure. But to write all conservative and Republican women off as mean is . . . mean."
Father-Son Team Launch Balloon With HD Camera, iPhone Into Space - TIME NewsFeed
"In one of the coolest amateur science experiments NewsFeed has come across, a father-and-son team, and others from the “Brooklyn Space Program,” launched a weather balloon into the stratosphere along with an HD video camera that captured virtually the entire flight. The team placed some hand-warmers inside a specially built insulated capsule that held the camera and an iPhone, which, through its GPS capabilities, allowed the team to track it down once it landed."
What the numbers say about progress in Afghanistan – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs
I'd have to say that "52%" dont' havea concept of what Vietnam was.: "American support for the war in Afghanistan has never been lower, according to the latest CNN polling. The low numbers just the latest figure in the complex math being calculated to determine how the US should proceed in the ten year war.
The latest poll from CNN and Opinion Research Corporation found only 37% of all Americans favor the war, 52% say the war in Afghanistan has turned into a Vietnam."
The latest poll from CNN and Opinion Research Corporation found only 37% of all Americans favor the war, 52% say the war in Afghanistan has turned into a Vietnam."
Teacher, teacher at Protein Wisdom
Jeff Goldstein: "Over the years here longtime visitors have read me refer to the “institutionalization” of leftist epistemology as the social catalyst in an attack on the foundational tenets of classical liberalism (and so on our country itself) — beginning with certain kernel assumptions about how language functions to determine meaning in an interpretative exchange, and moving on to critiques of the lynchpins of leftist academic thought, from Said’s Orientalism (whose foundational assertions lead inexorably to the idea of truth as a function of power, identity, and authenticity), to Benjamin’s historiocity (as a tool in deconstructing Enlightenment epistemology), to the “diversity” movement (whose Orwellian upshot is to demonize true diversity and true tolerance, and replace them with an entirely superficial idea of diversity, and an idea of tolerance that promotes only that speech approved by the leftists who set the parameters for what comes to count as a socially allowable utterance).
But no amount of theoretical investigation can illuminate the insidious nature of the problem quite so well as a concrete instance of such leftist insinuation into the mechanisms of our epistemological transference.
So, then. Go."
But no amount of theoretical investigation can illuminate the insidious nature of the problem quite so well as a concrete instance of such leftist insinuation into the mechanisms of our epistemological transference.
So, then. Go."
Cotton Climbs to 140-Year High - WSJ.com
"Cotton prices touched their highest level since Reconstruction on Friday, as a string of bad harvests and demand from China spark worries of a global shortfall.
The sudden surge in prices—cotton has risen as much as 56% in three months—has alarmed manufacturers and retailers, who worry they may be forced to pass on higher costs to recession-weary consumers.
The December cotton contract hit $1.1980 a pound minutes after the opening of trading on the IntercontinentalExchange on Friday. It is officially the highest price since records began back in 1870 with the creation of the New York Cotton Exchange."
The sudden surge in prices—cotton has risen as much as 56% in three months—has alarmed manufacturers and retailers, who worry they may be forced to pass on higher costs to recession-weary consumers.
The December cotton contract hit $1.1980 a pound minutes after the opening of trading on the IntercontinentalExchange on Friday. It is officially the highest price since records began back in 1870 with the creation of the New York Cotton Exchange."
15.10.10
Health Care Reform Blamed for Huge Hike in Premiums | NBC Connecticut
"'There is not one person in the state of Connecticut who will see an increase in their current premiums based on what the department approved for Anthem and Aetna,' Sullivan said in a release. 'The rates that were filed and approved reflect the current cost to deliver care and the impact of more comprehensive benefit designs required under the federal healthcare reform law. If the attorney general wants to complain to someone, he should complain to Congress.'"
The Buzz: It may soon be time to worry about the weak dollar - Oct. 14, 2010
"In Gary Shteyngart's brilliant new novel 'Super Sad Love Story,' he envisions a not-so distant nightmarish future for the United States where the dollar has essentially no value and China gets tired of backing our worthless debt.
Fortunately, it's just a satire. Or is it?
The dollar has sunk like a stone in recent weeks. With the euro now at $1.41, nobody's seriously talking about parity any more. There are growing concerns about the trade deficit in the United States and the possibility of trade and currency wars -- particularly with China.
And with the Federal Reserve strongly hinting that a new round of bond buying -- the so-called quantitative easing policy -- is likely to be announced at its next meeting in early November, long-term bond yields could continue to sink."
Fortunately, it's just a satire. Or is it?
The dollar has sunk like a stone in recent weeks. With the euro now at $1.41, nobody's seriously talking about parity any more. There are growing concerns about the trade deficit in the United States and the possibility of trade and currency wars -- particularly with China.
And with the Federal Reserve strongly hinting that a new round of bond buying -- the so-called quantitative easing policy -- is likely to be announced at its next meeting in early November, long-term bond yields could continue to sink."
Obama, Rice huddle on arms treaty, other issues - Yahoo! News
"President Barack Obama is meeting with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to talk about a pending arms treaty with Russia and other issues .
A White House official said Rice and Obama have a 'cordial relationship,' and the president looks forward to Friday's meeting covering 'a range of foreign policy topics.' The official isn't authorized to speak publicly and insisted on anonymity."
A White House official said Rice and Obama have a 'cordial relationship,' and the president looks forward to Friday's meeting covering 'a range of foreign policy topics.' The official isn't authorized to speak publicly and insisted on anonymity."
Baby returned to NH couple - Boston.com
"A baby girl has been returned to a New Hampshire couple who said she was taken by the state because of the father's involvement in a national group that's against unrestrained federal authority.
The state said Johnathon Irish was accused of hitting the mother, Stephanie Taylor, and abusing her other children. The 8-day-old baby was returned to the Epsom couple Thursday following a Rochester court hearing. The couple was unable to comment because the judge issued a gag order.
Irish denied any abuse and said court paperwork cited his involvement with the Oath Keepers."
The state said Johnathon Irish was accused of hitting the mother, Stephanie Taylor, and abusing her other children. The 8-day-old baby was returned to the Epsom couple Thursday following a Rochester court hearing. The couple was unable to comment because the judge issued a gag order.
Irish denied any abuse and said court paperwork cited his involvement with the Oath Keepers."
Gov't: No increase for Social Security next year - Yahoo! Finance
"The Social Security Administration said Friday inflation has been too low since the last increase in 2009 to warrant an increase for 2011. The announcement marks only the second year without an increase since automatic adjustments for inflation were adopted in 1975. The first year was this year.
The cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, are automatically set each year by an inflation measure that was adopted by Congress back in the 1970s."
The cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, are automatically set each year by an inflation measure that was adopted by Congress back in the 1970s."
Judge disses Dems' 'Alice in Wonderland' health defense - Jennifer Haberkorn - POLITICO.com
"In his ruling, Vinson criticized Democrats for seeking to have it both ways when it comes to defending the mandate to buy insurance. During the legislative debate, Republicans chastised the proposal as a new tax on the middle class. Obama defended the payment as a penalty and not a tax, but the Justice Department has argued that legally, it’s a tax.
“Congress should not be permitted to secure and cast politically difficult votes on controversial legislation by deliberately calling something one thing, after which the defenders of that legislation take an “Alice-in-Wonderland” tack and argue in court that Congress really meant something else entirely, thereby circumventing the safeguard that exists to keep their broad power in check,” he wrote.
Vinson ruled that it’s a penalty, not a tax, and must be defended under the Commerce Clause and not Congress’s taxing authority."
“Congress should not be permitted to secure and cast politically difficult votes on controversial legislation by deliberately calling something one thing, after which the defenders of that legislation take an “Alice-in-Wonderland” tack and argue in court that Congress really meant something else entirely, thereby circumventing the safeguard that exists to keep their broad power in check,” he wrote.
Vinson ruled that it’s a penalty, not a tax, and must be defended under the Commerce Clause and not Congress’s taxing authority."
Judge lets states' healthcare suit go forward | Reuters
"'In this order, I have not attempted to determine whether the line between constitutional and extraconstitutional government has been crossed,' Vinson, of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, wrote in his ruling.
'I am only saying that ... the plaintiffs have at least stated a plausible claim that the line has been crossed,' Vinson said.
Opponents of Obama's overhaul of the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare system have said it violates the Constitution by imposing what they consider unlawful taxes and requiring citizens to obtain healthcare coverage, among other issues."
'I am only saying that ... the plaintiffs have at least stated a plausible claim that the line has been crossed,' Vinson said.
Opponents of Obama's overhaul of the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare system have said it violates the Constitution by imposing what they consider unlawful taxes and requiring citizens to obtain healthcare coverage, among other issues."
Bernanke Makes Case for Further Fed Moves to Boost Economy - WSJ.com
"The linchpin of his argument for new Fed action is the inflation picture. During the first eight months of the year, inflation as measured by the central bank's preferred measure is running at an annual rate of 1.1%, less than the 2% level that many Fed officials see as their long-run objective. Mr. Bernanke said it is of 'utmost importance' that the Fed retain the public's faith in its ability to prevent inflation from shooting higher, but in the short run, 'inflation is running at rates that are too low.' He added that there is a risk of deflation, or falling consumer prices."
Leadership: The Sergeants Shall Not Pass
"It's not that the air force can't make this happen, it's just that there's a lot of resistance in the air force to replacing pilots with a lot of UAVs. For example, five years ago, the air force successfully tested software that allowed one pilot to control up to four MQ-1 Predator UAVs. This made Predator operations more efficient, and cheaper. It also helped deal with a problem the air force created for itself; a UAV pilot shortage. The air force long insisted that all ground controllers for UAVs be officers, as well as conventional pilots (of manned aircraft). All the other services use non-pilot NCOs to fly the UAVs. Most air force pilots would rather fly a manned aircraft, instead of sitting on the ground sending commands to a UAV.
Actually, there's not much at stake in this dispute, other than possibly settling the decades old controversy over whether all pilots (most of whom are highly trained warriors, not leaders, which is what officers are supposed to be) must be officers. At the start of World War II, the army air force (there was no separate air force yet) and navy both had enlisted pilots. These men were NCOs ('flying sergeants') selected for their flying potential and trained to be pilots. Not leaders of pilots, but professional pilots of fighters, bombers and whatnot. Officers trained as pilots would also fly, but in addition they would provide the leadership for the sergeant pilots in the air and on the ground."
Actually, there's not much at stake in this dispute, other than possibly settling the decades old controversy over whether all pilots (most of whom are highly trained warriors, not leaders, which is what officers are supposed to be) must be officers. At the start of World War II, the army air force (there was no separate air force yet) and navy both had enlisted pilots. These men were NCOs ('flying sergeants') selected for their flying potential and trained to be pilots. Not leaders of pilots, but professional pilots of fighters, bombers and whatnot. Officers trained as pilots would also fly, but in addition they would provide the leadership for the sergeant pilots in the air and on the ground."
Space: The Elusive X-37B
"These objects were always visible at night, sometimes to the naked eye, but unless you knew something about orbits and such, they could be difficult to keep track of. These days, a lot of the activity is posted and discussed at http://www.satobs.org/. But the X-37B has proved elusive, and has become a frustrating challenge to the amateur sky watchers. This is pleasing to American air force officials, who designed the X-37B to be elusive to terrestrial observation.
The X-37B is a remotely controlled mini-Space Shuttle. The space vehicle, according to amateur astronomers (who like to watch spy satellites as well), appears to be going through some tests. The X-37B is believed to have a payload of about 227-300 kg (500-660 pounds), and capable of staying in orbit for 9 months. The payload bay is 2.1x1.4 meters (7x4 feet). When returned to earth, it will land by itself (after being ordered to use a specific landing area.) The X-37B weighs five tons, is nine meters (29 feet) long and has a wingspan of 4 meters (14 feet). The Space Shuttle is 56 meters long, weighs 120 tons and has a payload of 24 tons."
The X-37B is a remotely controlled mini-Space Shuttle. The space vehicle, according to amateur astronomers (who like to watch spy satellites as well), appears to be going through some tests. The X-37B is believed to have a payload of about 227-300 kg (500-660 pounds), and capable of staying in orbit for 9 months. The payload bay is 2.1x1.4 meters (7x4 feet). When returned to earth, it will land by itself (after being ordered to use a specific landing area.) The X-37B weighs five tons, is nine meters (29 feet) long and has a wingspan of 4 meters (14 feet). The Space Shuttle is 56 meters long, weighs 120 tons and has a payload of 24 tons."
Attrition: Only Quality Will Get The Job Done
"It's getting harder to join, or stay in, the U.S. Army. For example, the army has just finished increasing strength to 547,000, and as a result will be recruiting 15,000 fewer people in the next year. Bonuses for keeping key personnel are also being cut, and the army expects even sharper cuts in this program in the next year. Only 65,000 men and women will be able to join the army in the next year. Competition is fierce, even with a war going on. The recession has made it easier to get experienced troops to stay in. Thus only $177 million is available for retention bonuses this year, a third of what it was last year, and less than a fifth of what was available a few years ago."
Korea: All Power To Piglet
"The latest UN estimates are that the Fall harvest in North Korea (which should be 7 million tons of grain), will come in 22 percent short. Imports have only covered 300,000 tons of the 1.9 million ton shortfall. North Korea is making nice to the south at the moment, apparently in the hope of getting a large food gift. That is not a sure thing, as North Korea is still gloating over their sinking of a South Korean corvette earlier this year, and seem likely to divert any major food aid to the military, or Chinese markets for cash. North Korea is believed to have about a million tons of grain in reserve, most of it earmarked for the military and security agencies.
To make matters worse North Korea declared special food bonuses for their secret police and special operations troops. The latter force has been increased from 120,000 to 200,000 in the past four years, and these guys have to be well fed, and kept loyal, to be effective."
To make matters worse North Korea declared special food bonuses for their secret police and special operations troops. The latter force has been increased from 120,000 to 200,000 in the past four years, and these guys have to be well fed, and kept loyal, to be effective."
DoD: DADT Injunction Would Hurt Gays
"'During [an] appeal, the military should not be required to suddenly and immediately restructure a major personnel policy that has been in place for years, particularly during a time when the nation is involved in combat operations overseas,' wrote Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. 'If the Court's decision were later reversed, the military would be faced with the question of whether to discharge any servicemembers who have revealed their sexual orientation in reliance of the Court's decision and injunction.'"
US Reverses, Backs Afghan Peace Process
"The Obama administration endorsed fragile Afghan efforts to negotiate peace with the Taliban, backing off its prior stance that talks with the Taliban were premature until the war is all but won.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who only last month had said it was too soon for high-level reconciliation talks, struck a different chord on Thursday at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
'Whenever opportunities arise that are worth exploring, I think we ought to take advantage of that,' Gates said."
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who only last month had said it was too soon for high-level reconciliation talks, struck a different chord on Thursday at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
'Whenever opportunities arise that are worth exploring, I think we ought to take advantage of that,' Gates said."
GCV May Decide Fate of Army Tracked Vehicles
"Two trends, though, have Army and Pentagon strategists rethinking their reliance on tracked vehicles -- the failure of the vehicles to survive improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the success of wheeled Strykers in different combat situations.
The Army beefed up Bradleys and other tracked vehicles to withstand IED blasts, changes that took away some speed and mobility. With development of the GCV, the Army hoped to regain some of the lost traits for its main tracked troop carrier.
BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman were proposing a hybrid-electric-drive model. Teams led by General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin and SAIC/Boeing offered more traditional designs. But the Army and Pentagon believe the GCV offerings were still risky, wishing instead 'to rely on mature technologies to reduce significant developmental risk over a seven-year schedule following the initial contract award,' the service said."
The Army beefed up Bradleys and other tracked vehicles to withstand IED blasts, changes that took away some speed and mobility. With development of the GCV, the Army hoped to regain some of the lost traits for its main tracked troop carrier.
BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman were proposing a hybrid-electric-drive model. Teams led by General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin and SAIC/Boeing offered more traditional designs. But the Army and Pentagon believe the GCV offerings were still risky, wishing instead 'to rely on mature technologies to reduce significant developmental risk over a seven-year schedule following the initial contract award,' the service said."
Army Sending New Airburst Gun to 101st
"The XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System is a new shoulder-fired gun that shoots a fist-sized round packed with an explosive warhead that detonates over the heads of enemy forces at pre-determined ranges.
Call it a cross between an M203 grenade launcher and a 60mm mortar.
Though the weapon was originally set to go to an Army Special Forces detachment in Afghanistan this summer, senior Army officials received an urgent request from a battalion with the 101st Airborne in Afghanistan for a more effective weapon to beat back their wily Taliban foe. As a result, the Army's top gear buyer, Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller, orchestrated the moves to get the Screaming Eagles the XM-25 first."
Call it a cross between an M203 grenade launcher and a 60mm mortar.
Though the weapon was originally set to go to an Army Special Forces detachment in Afghanistan this summer, senior Army officials received an urgent request from a battalion with the 101st Airborne in Afghanistan for a more effective weapon to beat back their wily Taliban foe. As a result, the Army's top gear buyer, Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller, orchestrated the moves to get the Screaming Eagles the XM-25 first."
14.10.10
CLAYMORE HITCH COVER | Miscellaneous | Gifts & Novelty | Top Brass Military
"We know it will get a second look from the tailgaters in your community, but what the heck, you only go around one time."
UN Extends Afghan Force Authorization
"The Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to extend U.N. authorization for the NATO-led force in Afghanistan for a year, expressing 'strong concern' at the increase in terrorist activities by the Taliban, al-Qaida and other armed groups.
A resolution adopted by the U.N.'s most powerful body stressed the need for sustained efforts by the 143,000-strong International Security Assistance Force, known as ISAF, to assist the Afghan government in improving security and addressing extremist threats."
A resolution adopted by the U.N.'s most powerful body stressed the need for sustained efforts by the 143,000-strong International Security Assistance Force, known as ISAF, to assist the Afghan government in improving security and addressing extremist threats."
Gates Says Courts Shouldn’t Decide DADT
"A day after a judge in California ordered the Pentagon to cease enforcement of its policy barring gays from openly serving in the military, Gates told reporters that the question of whether to repeal the law should be decided by Congress, and done only after the Pentagon completes its study on the issue.
'I feel strongly this is an action that needs to be taken by the Congress and that it is an action that requires careful preparation, and a lot of training,' said Gates. 'It has enormous consequences for our troops.'"
'I feel strongly this is an action that needs to be taken by the Congress and that it is an action that requires careful preparation, and a lot of training,' said Gates. 'It has enormous consequences for our troops.'"
Headstone Content An Issue At Arlington
"Some families also find the name New Dawn hard to take.
'It's not a new dawn; we lost a son,' said Oscar Aviles, father of Andrew Aviles, a Marine lance corporal killed in Iraq in 2003. 'It's just a lot of pain and anguish.'"
'It's not a new dawn; we lost a son,' said Oscar Aviles, father of Andrew Aviles, a Marine lance corporal killed in Iraq in 2003. 'It's just a lot of pain and anguish.'"
Navy Turns 235; Birthplace in Dispute
"The old sign near its border that proclaims the upstate New York town of Whitehall to be the birthplace of the U.S. Navy is a bit worn out, town clerk Elaine Jones admits. Residents of several other Northeast towns might describe it another way: Not true.
Five communities claim to be the Navy's birthplace, from a wealthy former fishing hub north of Boston to Whitehall, a town about 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the nearest ocean.
On the Navy's official birthday Wednesday -- its 235th -- the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, may try to settle the question at a meeting in Boston at the museum of the USS Constitution, the country's oldest commissioned Naval warship."
Five communities claim to be the Navy's birthplace, from a wealthy former fishing hub north of Boston to Whitehall, a town about 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the nearest ocean.
On the Navy's official birthday Wednesday -- its 235th -- the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, may try to settle the question at a meeting in Boston at the museum of the USS Constitution, the country's oldest commissioned Naval warship."
Electronic Weapons: North Korean GPS Jammer Spotted
"For the last five years, South Korean intelligence has been trying to get their hands on North Korea's new GPS jammer. The South Korean recently revealed that they had evidence that these jammers were now mounted on North Korean electronic warfare vehicles. These jammers are used to spoil the aim of GPS guided bombs and missiles, and are believed to have a range of 50-100 kilometers. South Korea believes the jammer technology was obtained from Russia."
Paramilitary: Diplomatic Muscle
"But Iraqi is something of a special case. A treaty was negotiated with Iraq to allow the U.S. to organize a mercenary army to protect American interests in Iraq after U.S. troops have left (per treaty) at the end of next year. That agreement allows the U.S. State Department to maintain a few bases, and a security force of unspecified size. The State Department currently has a force of 2,700 security personnel in Iraq, most of them contractors (and most of them former U.S. military). But with the departure of all American troops by 2012, and the likelihood that Iraq will still be experiencing some violence, the State Department wants to expand its security force to 7,000, in order to deal with any emergencies. The expanded force would have MRAPs and helicopters, and personnel trained and experienced as 'rapid reaction force' troops. The expanded force would be commanded by the State Department's existing security professionals.
All this is nothing new. For nearly a century now, the Department of State has been building a security organization, to provide guards for embassies, bodyguards for key personnel and, more recently, quick reaction and commando units for emergencies. This operation is currently called the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (BDS)."
All this is nothing new. For nearly a century now, the Department of State has been building a security organization, to provide guards for embassies, bodyguards for key personnel and, more recently, quick reaction and commando units for emergencies. This operation is currently called the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (BDS)."
Mexico: Not Worth Dying For
"Mexican drug gangs continue to increase operations in the Mexico- Guatemala border region and into Guatemala itself. The Mexican government believes that Los Zetas cartel has either made deals with several local smuggling gangs in the Mexico-Guatemala border area in order to assure control of the Central American cocaine corridor, or is just muscling its way in. A Los Zetas deal usually includes threats of murder. There have been reports of narco-gang violence in the border region and Los Zetas may have be demonstrating what it will do to local criminals who fail to cooperate. Guatemala faces the same political and developmental Mexico faces: weak governmental institutions and corruption (in government and in the private sector)."
September home foreclosures top 100,000 for first time | Reuters
"Banks foreclosed on 102,134 properties in September, the first single month above the century mark, RealtyTrac said. There were 347,420 total foreclosure filings in September, 3 percent higher than August and 1 percent higher than a year earlier.
'We expect to see a dip in those bank repossessions -- and possibly earlier stages of the foreclosure process -- in the fourth quarter as several major lenders have halted foreclosure sales in some states while they review irregularities in foreclosure-processing documentation that has been called into question in recent weeks,' said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac."
'We expect to see a dip in those bank repossessions -- and possibly earlier stages of the foreclosure process -- in the fourth quarter as several major lenders have halted foreclosure sales in some states while they review irregularities in foreclosure-processing documentation that has been called into question in recent weeks,' said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac."
Jobless Claims, Inflation, Trade Deficit Surge Higher - CNBC
"The number of people filing new claims for unemployment insurance rose to a higher-than-expected 462,000 in the latest week, the Labor Department said on Thursday, while the number of people still collecting jobless benefits fell to an almost two-year low.
First-time jobless claims rose 13,000 in the week ended Oct. 9 from the prior week's upwardly revised 449,000 seasonally adjusted claims. The four-week average of first-time jobless benefits, which economists prefer because it smoothes out weekly fluctuations, rose 2,250 to 459,000."
First-time jobless claims rose 13,000 in the week ended Oct. 9 from the prior week's upwardly revised 449,000 seasonally adjusted claims. The four-week average of first-time jobless benefits, which economists prefer because it smoothes out weekly fluctuations, rose 2,250 to 459,000."
U.S. to Let Insurers Raise Fees for Policies on Sick Children - NYTimes.com
"The Obama administration, aiming to encourage health insurance companies to offer child-only policies, said Wednesday that they could charge higher premiums for coverage of children with serious medical problems, if state law allowed it.
Jay Angoff, a health and human services official, said the new policy was aimed at making child-only policies more available. Earlier this year, major insurers, faced with an unprofitable business, stopped issuing new child-only policies. They said that the Obama administration’s interpretation of the new health care law would allow families to buy such coverage at the last minute, when children became ill and were headed to the hospital."
Jay Angoff, a health and human services official, said the new policy was aimed at making child-only policies more available. Earlier this year, major insurers, faced with an unprofitable business, stopped issuing new child-only policies. They said that the Obama administration’s interpretation of the new health care law would allow families to buy such coverage at the last minute, when children became ill and were headed to the hospital."