These are easy to make but not so quick, they take about 2 hours with rising and everything, but they are worth it in my opinion. I'm a big fan of chocolate like I am of cinnamon and so there they both are in the doughnuts. This dough isn't going to be like your typical bread dough which is thick. This dough was soft to work with so it needs to be handled gently. It may seem to thin but don't add more flour unless you really to because it will work for you after it rises and doesn't take much flour on the surface to be able to roll out lightly.
I made up the chocolate sauce because I thought it would be delicious to dip the doughnuts in and it takes less than two minutes to make. Just be careful not to let it overflow in the microwave and heat it just until hot then stir well and it will come out nice and smooth. I was thinking it may be a lovely accompaniment to pound cake or to dip cookies in also! Happy Baking!
In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium low heat until warm to the touch, then take off heat. Whisk in ½ teaspoon sugar, and yeast and let stand 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Pour yeast mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add flour mixture, remaining sugar, and butter to mixer. Mix until ingredients are combined and form a ball, then continue to let the mixer kneed for 5 minutes. Cover bowl with a dish towel and let sit in a warm place for 40 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out into a half-inch thick rectangle. Cut dough into 12 rectangles measuring approximately 1 by 2 inches.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place doughnuts on baking sheet, cover with a dish towel, and let rest 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake doughnuts until puffed and golden brown, about 12 minutes.
Fill a shallow dish with confectioners' sugar. While still hot, roll doughnuts in sugar to coat. When ready to serve doughnuts, roll or dust them with extra sugar.
Sauce: Stir together the cocoa, sugar, milk, and vanilla in a microwave safe bowl until well blended. Heat in microwave 20-35 seconds (watch carefully to make sure it doesn't overflow). Stir, serve with doughnuts.


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Q: Webservice is not accessible publicly when using URL rewrite in IIS I hosted webservice in private server. I then created URL rewrite rule in IIS which is there in public server(internet server).
Everytime I access the URL, It explicitly shows the private server's ip/ computer name in URL on browser rather than public url/IP. When I click on the URL for viewing script, it shows "Example.svc does not exist" error.
It also doesn't work when i try to add it as service reference in Visual studio by passing the URL in it. It throws the below error.
The request failed with HTTP status 400: Bad request
Metadata contains a reference that cannot be resolved: <SERVER URL>
The remote server turned an unexpected response: (405) Method not allowed.

What should I do for accessing the URL publicly and also able to add it as reference in Visual studio.?

A: It seems that you are deploying a WCF service in IIS. Is that correct? If the error "example.svc does not exists" occurred, please ensure that you have enabled certain Windows features in order to host WCF service in IIS.

The reason why we cannot add it as Service Reference in order to call the service is that we have not published the Metadata service endpoint. This depends on your WCF service type. Generally, we either add a Mex service endpoint or publish the service WSDL by adding Metadata service behavior.
  <services>
    <service name="WcfService1.Service1">
      <endpoint address="" binding="basicHttpBinding" bindingConfiguration="mybinding" contract="WcfService1.IService1">
      </endpoint>
      <endpoint address="mex" binding="mexHttpBinding" contract="IMetadataExchange"></endpoint>
    </service>
  </services>

  <behaviors>
        <serviceBehaviors>
          <behavior>
            <serviceMetadata httpGetEnabled="true" httpsGetEnabled="true" />

Everytime I access the URL, It explicitly shows the private server's ip/ computer name in URL on browser rather than public url/IP.

In order to access the service by using the hostname/domain name URL, we should ensure that the domain name points to the public IP of the server. It is a network-related issue.

Feel free to let me know if the problem still exists.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Q: Autostart SSH tunnels on load (Ubuntu) Every time I login into my computer I start a SSH connection to a remote computer for database work. How can I automate this in Ubuntu so that I don't have to type this in each time I login to my computer?
ssh -L 3333:dbserver:3306 user@othersite.com

A: You can alias it in you ~/.bashrc.
Add that line alias db_connect="ssh -L 3333:dbserver:3306 user@othersite.com"
And reload the bashrc file with source ~/.bashrc
And now you only have to type db_connect to ssh to your database server.

A: You can modify your shell configuration to execute commands on startup. For a bash shell, simply edit ~/.bashrc and add your connection line.


text:
The last of motion capture etc
Hi Neil,Allow me to be one of the many who will doubtless recommend the (*outstanding*) bonus features DVD of "The Two Towers" Extended Edition, in case you haven't seen it. It has a fascinating and astonishing feature on the process of bringing Gollum to life, including the motion/performance capture, as well as a wonderful sequence showing Andy Serkis' performance alongside Gollum. It also highlights some interesting ways in which Gollum's "performance" is actually subtly *more* than Serkis' every expression and motion and tic and hiss - where the animators "refined" what he had already done. (Which is not to take away from his performance in any way whatever.)If you've already seen it, then sorry for the bandwidth! Ian
I hadn't seen it, although I've got the DVD on the shelves. Although the shelves are several thousand miles away. Thanks for the tip.
Hi Neil. I just wanted to respond to this particular statement. I was fortunate enough to have been a part of the crew at Weta to work on Lord of the Rings. My fiancee was one of the animators on Gollum and I can guarantee you that Gollum's facial movement was *not* performance captured. The animators used video reference of Andy's acting, but it was all key framed by hand. I'm not sure where the contrary information is coming from but it seems disrespectful to the team of tallented animators who were able to bring Gollum to life.--Terrance
Thanks for the correction. That was what I got from Jim Rygiel's presentation at Sundance, and all the little dots on Andy's face on the footage Jim showed, which probably just means I wasn't paying close enough attention. I didn't mean to imply that the animators didn't do anything, or didn't do a lot, but to stress that the performance was Andy's.
Neil I really think you should go back and read Jess's question again. She didn't have anything to say about the technical limitations of performance capture, just that performance capture gives the animators less input into the character (using your example, the animators didn't get to do even the slightest expression of Gollum's.) It seems to me like her concern would *grow* the more the technology advances. Personally I don't really share her concern, but I just wanted to point out that you'd misread her question.
You could be right. I thought I was answering the first question of "Was there an artistic reason for this choice or does Zemeckis just want to play more with his new toy?" although I rather took the long way around. I blame jet-lag.
So yes, I think there are valid artistic reasons for not doing it live-action (mostly the freedom of casting, and the huge time lapse between the Grendel and his mother sequence and the Dragon battle -- not insoluble problems: Roger Avary had various options open to him when he was going to do it live action; but they stopped being problems to be solved as soon as it became performance capture). And I think that, yes, Bob Zemeckis definitely wants to explore the technology further.
To repeat, it's very obvious that the world of performance capture is in its early days. (Someone wrote, for example, to ask if the problems with eye expressions in Polar Express are still going to be a problem in Beowulf, and from what Bob's told me and Roger, the answer is no, they have a solution for that one.)
From everything Bob's showed me and Roger of the visual ideas for Beowulf (and Bob Z keeps things close to his chest, so I know we've seen very little of what there is) it looks stunning, and, er, nothing at all like Polar Express (no reason why it should look like it).
And don't expect any more posts on motion capture until, at the earliest, October, when with any luck I'll be on the Beowulf set and will report back.
Tomorrow I'll be watching a much more traditional form of performance, in the form of real actors on a stage workshopping some early ideas for how to get wolves into the walls...
And here's a link to Poppy Z Brite's public service announcement for the 2006 BFS calendar.
& so (sleepy andjetlagged) to bed...
PS: people also kept writing to ask what "off site" meant on the list of places I'd be signing. It means that the bookshop decided they couldn't handle the number of people who'll show up in store, so they are going to find a better location for the event.
And a few people with good memories (all of them having been part of the 400 people at B&N Union Square sent away at the 2002 Coraline signing) wondered why I was signing there again, after what happened with the Coraline signing. And it's because they apologised very nicely and promised to get it right this time. We'll start a little earlier, and I think they're now prepared for it to go a lot later.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Frozen Food Distributor Shines Again In BRC Accreditation
England Midlands and Central News UK
by Paul Andrews 11 January 2023 026
Frozen food distributor Central Foods has been awarded the BRC Agents and Brokers certificate for the sixth time – once again achieving the highest possible classification level. The company received Double AA accreditation, passing the audit first time.
The good news follows hot on the heels of Central Foods once again being awarded a position in the top 100 businesses in Northamptonshire.
MD Gordon Lauder said: "We are thrilled to have once again received the highest possible BRC classification. Confidence in supply chain procedures and processes is so very important, and we are proud that Central Foods is operating at the very highest levels in this area."
"As one of the UK's leading frozen food operators, Central Foods prides itself on a strong commitment to quality assurance. Achieving the Double AA accreditation once again is testament to the skill and expertise of our brilliant technical team."
"By holding the gold standard in quality assurance, we can provide our customers with the best possible confidence in our processes and procedures, which ties in with our Making Your Life Easier company pledge."
BRC Global Standards operates global standards for Food Safety, Packaging and Packaging Materials, Storage and Distribution, Consumer Products, Agents and Brokers, Retail, Gluten Free, Plant-Based and Ethical Trading which set the benchmark for good manufacturing practice and help provide assurance to customers that products are safe, legal and of high quality.
Central Foods supplies a range of products to the food service sector. The company was founded more than 25 years ago and is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more.
Northamptonshire-based Central Foods currently sells to over 180 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers.
For more information, visit their website here
Scottish Family Business Day 2023
Family Firm Celebrates Decade Of Success With Fundraising Challenge
Scottish Rugby Signs Peter Vardy As Principal Partner & Scotland Shirt Sponsor
Paul Andrews 10 May 2021
The Journey Has Come To An End…
Paul Andrews 7 June 2022 10 June 2022
Paul Andrews 25 January 2023


In our search for quality educational STEM materials to serve our bilingual families, we found very little so we took matters into our own hands and created unique STEM content for both English and Spanish speakers. We are on the forefront of the bilingual STEM effort and have presented our materials at an educational conference at CalTech University in Pasadena, California.
Please take a moment to look at our STEM videos and share them with your friends and family! Click over to our STEM page and see all of the videos, along with the lesson plans and material lists. You can also find our video content on You Tube, click on Centro de Niños channel to visit our channel!
We accept toddlers and pre-school age children low-income working families in Los Angeles. The children in our program develop a sense of independence and self-esteem while they are learning in a safe and secure environment.
Desired Results are documented. They are defined as conditions of well-being for children and families.
The Desired Results system (DR system) implemented by the California Department of Education (CDE) is a comprehensive approach that facilitates the achievement of Desired Results for Children and Families.
DR 1: Children are personally and socially competent.
l Our State of California credentialed staff of teacher aides, teacher assistants and pre-school teachers is highly trained and is professionally prepared to work with children.
The children in our center are fully prepared for success when they enter kindergarten classes and we can assure parents their child is ready for school.


Like in the original game, players will have an open-world setting, this time a city called Fairhaven. There, the players can take part in races, cop chases, stunts, or simply roam around. The Blacklist is also back but this time there are only 10 blacklist members, as opposed to the 15 in Most Wanted 2005. The driving model of the game has been described as "deep, physical and fun", not as arcade-styled as the Burnout series and Hot Pursuit, but far from a simulator. Most Wanted has a range of real-world vehicles, a mix of muscle cars, street racers and exotics, described as "the wildest selection of cars yet". The cars can be altered with performance upgrades, such as paint colours, wheels, suspensions, engine, nitrous, and bodywork. Contrary to other Need For Speed games, most of the cars are be available from the start, with the exception of the Most Wanted cars. To drive them, all the player has to do is find them. It is possible to switch to another car at anytime, including during pursuits. If the player finds a new car, he/she just needs to park next to it to automatically switch from the current car to the new one. The game focus much more on multiplayer than on singleplayer, according to the developer: "So with this game, like I said, we've tried to shake that up. We've built multiplayer first; we have to do it very online." Autolog is also back.
The game ultimately received a very good reception, scoring an average of 82% on Metacritic, and 83% in GameRankings. The PSVita version was especially praised for how close it is to the console versions in terms of content.
This page has been accessed 180,642 times.


Grow your own baking pumpkins with the Burpee Pumpkin Small Sugar Organic Seed. The seeds produce plants that are ready to harvest in approximately 98 days.
Vines start well in the heat and are good for hot, dry areas. Tender annual 4 ft. This semi-determinate variety yields an impressive red slicing tomato with an exquisite blend of sweet, acid and earthy flavors.
At that time, this meant little, however, the scientists managed to prove that this element possesses strong cancer-inhibiting properties. For the first time, the sprouts were used in 1970s.
Bred for the market grower but ideal in the home garden. Open plants with smooth, spineless stalks and long harvest period reflecting its exceptional vigor. New open-pollinated zucchini co-developed with California grower Bill Reynold.
Grow your own organic salsa garden. Contains 1-pack each of organic Jalapeno Pepper, Slow Bolt Cilantro, San Marzano Tomato, Verde Tomatillo, Marketmore Cucumber and Dakota Tears onion.
Very attractive. Leaves are dark green, somewhat smaller than standard sweet varieties. Excellent for pot production or for field production. A commercial Italian variety bred for compactness and uniformity.
Ht 40in (100cm). Roots are known to benefit chest ailments. Perfect for pollinators and will bloom from Summer to early Fall! As a member of the mint family, leaves contain pleasantly scented mint-anise aromatic oils.
This scallion has beautiful dark green foliage and long, straight, white shanks with a mild, pleasing onion flavor perfect for salads and garnishes. A very uniform variety, it grows vigorously, with little to no bulbing, and can be grown anywhere.
Mature fruits are attractive, smooth skinned, medium green in colour 18cm/6-7" long, 5cm/2" diameter. Harvest young fruits at 8cm/2-3" for making pickles. Bitter free cucumber at all slicing stages.
The variety is described as rugged and a heavy producer perhaps befitting of its Amish heritage. Like the red deer tongue variety, this is a very nice leaf lettuce with tongue-shaped leaves.
This variety does well in all parts of the country in spring and fall. Can tolerate moderate summer heat. These upright heads of romaine lettuce are dark grey-green and dense with nice crunch and full bodied flavor.
With deep salmon coloured flesh that is thick, firm with a sweet, intense flavour Good for short season gardeners. Produces firm, round fruit weighing 1-2kg/3-4 lbs.
Can handle creamy salad dressings, making this variety popular for growing as full size heads or for baby salad mixes. It has good heat resistance for summer growing and holds up well in cool fall conditions.
Sow in early spring. Can even be grown in containers. (Chinese mustard; Indian mustard) A splash in the salad bowl and in the garden! Brilliant maroon leaves with light green midribs are both delicious and strikingly ornamental.
Has become popular wherever regular chives are used. Irresistable combination of garlic and chives. Showy white flowers. Flat leaved variety from Japan.
These plants flower profusely from mid-summer until frost. The more you cut, the more they bloom. An attractive blend of double and single blooms including the following colors- bright orange, orange-red, deep lavender, light pink, coral, and creamy yellow.
Use plant tops to dye wool in shades of yellow, orange, brown and grey. Adds special flavour to sausages and meatloaf. Leaves add strong, spicy flavour to soups, sauces, stuffings, stews.
This heirloom variety is a favorite for seasoning and drying. Large, dark, glossy green leaves offer a stronger, more concentrated flavor than standard varieties. Hardy biennial 12-18 in.
Can be grown indoors in a pot with in muddy soil. The rhizomes are diuretic and antibacterial and are commonly used for urinary tract infections, cystitis, painful urination, and kidney stones.
A very nice white radish with strong vigour and good resistance to cracking. A nice change from ordinary red radishes!
Noticeably bigger than other beans, and very flavourful. Big Italian type green bean with a flat pod, a cross between the Romano and Kentucky Wonder.
70 days from transplant, 90 days from direct seeding. Bicolor blooms in shades of burgundy, pink and purple are highly scented.
With a thin rind and small seed cavity. Easy to tell when the 2-3 lb fruit is ripe as its shell starts to turn golden. French variety that has outstanding sweet flavor.


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Q: INSERT... SELECT isolation? I'm not sure isolation is the right term, but I think it is. Let me know if not.
I'm doing an insert...select statement, from a table with keys into a lock table. I have some WHERE conditions by which I select the row I want.
From what I understand, first a select happens, then the result is used for an insert. The question is, is there a chance that while the insert is happening, my WHERE conditions no longer apply to the row I insert? ie, can another query change the rows I SELECT...INSERTed, or are they locked between the two queries?

A: No, MySQL builds a temporary result set from your query before performing the insert.

When selecting from and inserting into a table at the same time, MySQL creates a temporary table to hold the rows from the SELECT and then inserts those rows into the target table.

Source: MySQL Documentation
Edit based on Comments
The insert is an atomic operation and so the data used to build the temporary result set will match the committed data in the source table at the precise moment that the query was executed (i.e. it is a snapshot of that point in time).
After the temporary result set has been built any modifications to the source table will not be reflected in the results being inserted into the target table - unless you run the query again.

A: Depending on the tx_isolation (REPEATABLE-READ, READ_COMMITTED, etc), you get some slice of the data when SELECTing.
Of course, if you are doing INSERT...SELECT on two tables that have FOREIGN KEY relationships between them, changes could mess up the relationships.  This can be overcome with BEGIN...COMMIT.
(Caveat:  What I have said here is meant to be clues of what to study, not a definitive answer to the question.)


text:
During Spain's New World Empire, its mainland coastal possessions surrounding the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico were referred to collectively as the Spanish Main. The southern portion of these coastal possessions were known as the Province of Tierra Firme (), or the "Mainland Province" (as contrasted with Spain's nearby insular colonies). The Province of Tierra Firme, or simply Tierra Firme, was also called Costa Firme.

History

In 1498, Cristopher Columbus entered the Gulf of Paria in Venezuela and explored the Orinoco River. In his fourth and last voyage, he also explored the Honduras. In 1509, authority was granted to Alonso de Ojeda and Diego de Nicuesa to colonize the territories between the west side of the Gulf of Urabá and Cabo de la Vela, and Urabá westward to Cabo Gracias a Dios in present-day Honduras. The westernmost portion was given the name Tierra Firme. Other provinces of this region during this era were Nueva Andalucia and Veragua or Castilla del Oro; the main city in Tierra Firme was Santa Maria La Antigua del Darién, now Darién, Panama, near the mouth of the Tarena river.
The idea was to create a unitary administrative organization similar to Nueva España (now Mexico), near the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

Tierra Firme later received control over other territories: the Isla de Santiago (now Jamaica) the Cayman Islands; Roncador, Quitasueño, and Providencia and other islands now under Colombian control; and the territories of present-day Costa Rica and Nicaragua as far as Cabo Gracias a Dios. The eastern frontier of Tierra Firme also included the east side of the Gulf of Darién or Urabá, the east side of the Atrato and Truando rivers, ending in Cabo Marzo on the Pacific side. Between these limits lie Santa Maria La Antigua Del Darien on the Gulf of Urabá and Jurado on the Pacific side.

When the Central American states gained independence, the precise frontiers were unclear. For example, some ancient maps and historical references suggest that the entire Caribbean coast as far as Cabo Gracias a Dios was part Tierra Firme or Castilla Del Oro. On the other hand, this would embrace populated regions of the Mosquito Coast that were never under the effective rule of Tierra Firme.  Disputes over both of Panama's frontiers were finally solved by agreements with Costa Rica and Colombia, respectively.

Governorates in Hispanic America

After the territorial division of South America between Spain and Portugal, the Peruvian Hispanic administration was divided into six entities:
Province of Tierra Firme, included the Caribbean Coast, Central America, the Pacific Coast of Colombia and Mexico.
Governorate of New Castile, consisting of the territories from roughly the Ecuadorian-Colombian border in the north to Cuzco in the south.
Governorate of New Toledo, forming the previous southern half of the Inca empire, stretching towards central Chile.
Governorate of New Andalusia, which was not formally conquered by Spain until decades later.
Governorate of New León, the southernmost part of the continent until the Strait of Magellan.
Governorate of Terra Australis, territories from the south of the Strait of Magellan to the South Pole.

This territorial division set the basis for the Hispanic administration of South America for several decades. It was formally dissolved in 1544, when King Charles I sent his personal envoy, Blasco Núñez Vela, to govern the newly founded Viceroyalty of Peru that replaced the governorates.

See also
 Pedro Arias Dávila

References

Sources
M.M. Alba C.,  ("Descriptive Geography of the Republic of Panama"). Sixth Edition, text approved by Ministry of Education.  (In Spanish.)
Lucien N.B. Wise,  (Tr Spanish:", Published by , 1956.
Ernesto J.Castillero R.,  ("History of Panama"), Ninth Edition. . 1968. (In Spanish.)
Noris Correa de Sanjur,  ("History of Panama"), a school text approved by Ministry of Education. Editorial A.I.P.S.A. 1984. (In Spanish.)
, section: - "" (In Spanish.) Portal for "typical" music (characteristic of Panama): "Remembering the Coto War on the Centenary of Panama".

External links
 Tierra Firma item Nuevo Reyno de Granada atque Popayan, map showing this usage (and giving both spellings).  The map is from L'Histoire du Nouveau Monde ou description des Indes Occidentales, contenant dix-huict livres... enrichi de nouvelles tables geographiqiues & figures des animaux, plantes & fruicts by Joannes de Laet (1593–1649), published 1640 by Bonaventure & Abraham Elseviers, Leiden.

Spanish colonization of the Americas
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.
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History of Honduras
1510s in North America
1520s in North America
1530s in North America
1510s in South America
1520s in South America
1530s in South America
Former colonies in North America
Former colonies in South America
Former countries in Central America
States and territories established in 1510
States and territories disestablished in 1537
1510 establishments in North America
1537 disestablishments in North America
1510 establishments in South America
1530s disestablishments in South America
1510 establishments in the Spanish Empire
1530s disestablishments in the Spanish Empire
16th century in North America
16th century in Central America
16th century in South America
16th century in the Spanish Empire

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Hudson Fish and Game Club Inc.
Hudson Fish and Game Club Inc.'s Home
NRL Week 2
2020 New Hampshire 3P Junior Olympic Qualifier
New Hampshire Air Rifle Junior Olympic Qualifier W
Location: Derry, NH
The Hudson Fish and Game Club Junior Rifle Team is active all year round in competitive smallbore and precision air rifle. With a wide range of ages between 9 – 20 years old, they compete in NRA Indoor Sectionals, NRA Outdoor Regionals and travel to the Outdoor National Matches at Camp Perry every year. Additionally the Team competes in USA Shooting Junior Olympics and other USAS matches.
The Team is well traveled visiting as many as eight states each year for match competition. Hudson Junior's roster includes both past and current State and National Champions as well as four consecutive Junior Team National Championships at Camp Perry. The indoor range wall holds more than 50 NRA National Record plaques earned by Team members both individually and as a Team since 2008.
Several Team members have gone on to compete in NCAA Rifle in college, some with athletic scholarships in Rifle. Some have also earned invitations to compete in the Junior Olympic National Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
External Website: www.hudsonfishandgame.com/node/91
Head Coach: William Dutton
Range Information
Indoor:
8 Position dual purpose air/smallbore rifle range.
18 Position 50 yard rifle range
10 position 100 yard rifle range
Smallbore Rifle
40 Prone
3x20 (KPS)


Many police stations across Maryland have implemented a new procedure when responding to domestic violence complaints to discover which victims have the highest risk of getting murdered by their partner.
A Washington Post article describes the program, saying that it consists of an 11 questions quiz that probes whether victims have ever been threatened with a weapon, been choked or received death threats. Police also ask if the abuser has access to a handgun.
When the answers show a high risk of lethality, the police immediately call a counselor and urge the victim to talk.
It seems like a great program to me, but I wonder why it took this long to come up with one. I hope to see this program implemented even further, and to see even more programs like it.
Domestic violence poses a unique problem, because victims tend to not report it, for various reasons. Especially for that reason, our society needs to take major action to reduce and hopefully eliminate domestic violence. We need to protect victims, and we need to restrain and treat perpetrators.


Last week the SenateJudiciary Committee approved the nomination of Nina Pillard to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. That party-line vote followed the committee's hearing earlier this month on District Judge Robert Wilkins' nomination to the D.C. Circuit, the committee's party-line vote in favor of Patty Millett's nomination in August, and theSenate's confirmation of the D.C. Circuit's newest judge, Sri Srinivasan, in May. If this sounds like an unusual flurry of activity for one tiny court, that's because President Obama has made tilting the court's political balance a high priority for his second term.
It's an unfortunate strategy for several reasons.
First, the D.C. Circuit doesn't need more judges. According to one judge on the court, "[I]f any more judges were added now, there wouldn't be enough work to go around." That sentiment is confirmed by statistics provided by Chief Judge Merrick Garland, a Clinton appointee to thecourt. Over the past decade, the number of argued cases per active judge has fallen, and the court's six senior judges do more work than their counterparts on other courts, who tend to be older. . . .
George H.W. Bush- 3 DC Circuit appointment is 4 years.
Bill Clinton- 3 DC Circuit appointments in 8 years.
George W Bush- 4 DC circuit appointments in 8 years.
Obama- 1 DC circuit appointment in 5 years.
To suggest Obama is "packing" the court with the three new nominees is laughable. He is doing what every president before him has done. Bush filled the court completely, why can't Obama?


text:
Military Clothing & Hats
Warthog: Flying the A-10 in the Gulf War (NEW!)
64 feet 2 inches open, 38 feet 2 inches swept
62 feet, 8 inches
74,349 lbs (Max)
780 knots, Mach 1.88
Ceiling:
56,000 feet
500 Nautical miles (combat)/2,000 Nautical mile (transit)
Two Pratt and Witney TF30-P414 Turbofan engines w/ afterburners and 20,900 pounds static thrust.
Power (F-14D):
Two F110-GE-400 augmented turbofan engines w/afterburners and 23,600 pounds.
Power (F-14A)
Two PW TF30-P-414As rated at 17,077 pounds
One M61A1 Vulcan 20mm Cannon
(A mix depending on mission)
AIM 54 Phoenix
AIM 7 Sparrow
AIM9 Sidewinder
*Selected in the late 1960's to replace the F-4, the Tomcat has become the standard carrier-based combat aircraft in the Navy. Considered one of the best fighters in the world, F-14's were involved in the downing of Libyan planes in the Gulf of Sidra and the apprehension of the Achille Lauro kidnappers in the Mediterranean. It is also known for its role in the movie "Top Gun."
Iraqi Counterpart--
Iraq has no carrier-based aircraft, but it is likely that F-14's will face a similar threat as that posed to the F-15 from the MiG-21, MiG-25, MiG-29, and the French built Mirage F-1.
Action in Desert Storm--
As an air-to-air fighter, the F-14 did not get to see much of the Iraqi Air Force given their destruction and their desire not to fly. F-14's were used to provide combat air patrols over attacking carrier based aircraft and their ships, and one plane was downed by enemy ground fire. However, no F-14's were taken out in air-to-air combat.
99 F-14's flew 4.182 sorties for a total of 14,248 flight hours. The 16 F-14's configued to carry a tactical air reconnaissance pod system flew a total of 2,552 flight hours. Five of the six carriers in the KTO carried F-14's.
Learn more about the F-14 Tomcat:
How to Fly and Fight in the F-14 Tomcat
David Rockwell
Gruman F-14 Tomcat: Leading the Fleet
Dennis Jenkins
Vipers in the Storm : Diary of a Gulf War Fighter Pilot
by Keith Rosenkranz
Top Guns: Fighters in Color
Multiple Photographers
The plot was silly, the acting so-so, but the F-14 Tomcat managed to carry this film to box office success.
Shop for F-14 Hornet and other Aviation Products


The GOLD wedding package includes 4 hours of wedding day coverage with 2 photographers. Prior to your big day, this package includes a 2 hour engagement session at the location of your choice. Online proofing and ordering available on our website. After all images are edited, you will receive a 12x12 wedding proof book and a 5x7 wedding proof book with our top favorites of your special day. Each book is between 30-40 pages and printing with hard cover. Be read more below about the upgrades available for this packages! We highly recommend purchasing the digital printing rights!
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Fliegner ist der Familienname folgender Personen:

 Albert Fliegner (1842–1928), schweizerisch-polnischer Ingenieur
 Christian Fliegner (* 1976), deutscher Sänger und Musikpädagoge
 Erich Fliegner (1891–1971), deutscher Lehrer, Chorleiter und Gesangvereinsfunktionär
 Nils Fliegner (* 1966), deutscher Illustrator und Dezent


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O Museu Nacional de Colômbia é o museu mais antigo da Colômbia. Seu acervo divide-se em quatro coleções: arte, história, arqueologia e etnografía. Sua coleção de arte colombiana, latino-americano e europeu inclui pinturas, desenhos, gravados, esculturas, instalações e artes decorativas desde o período colonial até a atualidade. Seu edifício foi originalmente uma penitenciária, sendo seu arquitecto o dinamarquês Thomas Reed. Em frente ao museu encontra-se a estação subterrânea de TransMilenio que leva sua mesmo nomeie "Museu Nacional".

História
Fundado por Lei do primeiro Congresso da República em 28 de julho de 1823, o Museu Nacional de Colômbia é o mais antigo dos museus do país e um dos mais antigos de América. Durante quase dois séculos consagrou-se à conservação e divulgação de depoimentos representativos dos valores culturais da Nação.

Abriu suas portas ao público em 4 de julho de 1824, data em que o vice-presidente, general Francisco de Paula Santander o declarou oficialmente criado, sendo seu primeiro director o cientista Mariano Eduardo de Rivero e Ustariz. O Museu Nacional instalou-se inicialmente na Casa Botânica, a qual albergava a coleção de história natural reunida por José Celestino Mutis e cuidavam seus discípulos; com o transcurso do tempo a estas peças somaram-se outras de carácter arqueológico, histórico e artístico.

Ao longo de sua história, o Museu Nacional de Colômbia tem ocupado diversas sedes. Desde sua fundação e até 1842 ocupou a antiga Casa Botânica -hoje desaparecida-; de 1845 a 1913, o edifício das Salas -actual Museu de Arte Colonial-; de 1913 a 1922, o Bilhete Rufino Corvo -hoje desaparecido-; de 1922 a 1944, o edifício Banco Pedro A. López -hoje Ministério de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural-; e de 1948 até a data, as instalações da antiga Penitenciária Central de Cundinamarca, conhecida como "Panóptico".

A penitenciária, desenhada por Thomas Reed nos anos 1850 e construída a partir de 1 de outubro de 1874, foi a prisão mais importante do país durante quase 72 anos. No entanto, em 1946 os presos foram transladados ao novo cárcere A Picota e o Governo destinou o edifício para albergar o Museu Nacional.

Restaurado e adequado sob a direcção dos arquitectos Manuel de Vengoechea e Hernando Vargas Rubiano, foi inaugurado como sede do Museu Nacional a 2 de maio de 1948. Dado que o edifício reúne valores arquitectónicos, o governo declarou-o Monumento Nacional o 11 de agosto de 1975.

Coleção
Possui óleos e esculturas de Fernando Botero, Gregorio Vásquez de Arce e Ceballos, Andrés de Santa María, Fídolo González Camargo, Roberto Páramo, Rómulo Rozo, Marco Tobón Mejía, Francisco Antonio Cano, Gustavo Arcila Uribe, José Domingo Rodríguez, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau,
Edgar Negret, Eduardo Ramírez Villamizar, Santiago Martínez Delgado, Ricardo Gómez Campuzano, Roberto Pizano, Guillermo Wiedemann e Álvaro Bairros, entre outros. Conserva a maior coleção iconográfica de Simón Bolívar na América Latina com numerosos óleos, desenhos e gravados elaborados por José María Espinosa e Pedro José Figueroa, entre outros.

Também alberga as esculturas em mármore O silêncio e A poesia, homenagem ao poeta José Assunção Silva de Marco Tobón Mejía, O sermão do monte de Arcila Uribe, premiada no Instituto de Arte de Chicago em 1922, o Golpeador do Paraíso de Rómulo Rozo, premiada em Paris em 1925 e as esculturas Eva e Angústia de José Domingo Rodríguez.

Dentro de sua coleção de arte internacional destacam-se peças como uma ânfora grega, relevos funerários egípcios, alguns quadros flamencos e holandeses, mais de uma centena de peças de arte africana e óleos de artistas latinoamericanos como os venezuelanos Arturo Michelena e Armando Reverón.

Sua colecção etnográfica inclui perto de quatro mil peças procedentes de toda Colômbia e a colecção arqueológica, com perto de dez mil peças de todas as culturas pre-hispánicas do país.

A colecção histórica, inclui numerosas peças procedentes não só de Colômbia, mas de toda América Latina, como o estandarte usado por Francisco Pizarro ao conquistar Peru no começo do século XVI; o manto de uma das esposas do inca Atahualpa; a coroa em ouro, diamantes e pérolas obsequiada a Simón Bolívar em Cuzco e sua testamento manuscrito, entre outros milhares de objetos.

Referências

 Alberto Escovar, Guia Bogotá Centro, Guias Elarca de Arquitectura, Gama, Bogotá, 2010.
 Guia Turística de Bogotá: Os 22 Lugares para ir em Bogotá - MUSEU NACIONAL (em espanhol)

Museus de Bogotá
Santa Fe (Bogotá)


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REVIEW: 'Run Hide Fight' Packs Gritty Action Without Woke Theatrics
Posted by Christian Toto | Jan 13, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 |
https://www.dailywire.com/news/review-run-hide-fight-packs-gritty-action-without-woke-theatrics
The gritty actioner follows a teen who, caught in the middle of a school shooting, does the unthinkable.
She fights back.
The very premise sent film scribes into full pearl-clutching mode. In a way, that's understandable. School shootings are part of our nightmarish "new normal." Should they be exploited for entertainment? Here's a better question? Two, actually.
Why should select topics be off the table for artists? Is there only one way to tackle sensitive material?
"Run Hide Fight" isn't making any grand statements, and it walks a very thin exploitative tightrope. It's also rigorously engaging, with a strong lead performance and a script which teases out bigger questions without getting on a soapbox.
Isabel May shines as Zoe Hull, a sullen teen processing the recent loss of her mother (Radha Mitchell, "Rogue"). Her father (Thomas Jane) has taught her to be self-sufficient, witness the the film's opening scene where she takes down a deer with one shot and finishes the job on her own terms.
She's her father's daughter, but he can't help her process the pain of losing a parent.
That back story matters when Zoe arrives at school on Prank Day, alongside her bestie, Lewis (Olly Sholotan, great in a small but pivotal role). A small group of students have other, more deadly, plans for the day.
Writer/director Kyle Rankin ("The Battle of Shaker Heights") builds the tension up early, using our knowledge of existing tragedies and film tropes. The quick, bold strokes of teen life land with authority, giving the eventual violence the necessary grounding.
And oh, is "Run Hide Fight" violent. Several of the killings are as blunt as possible, but not in a garish horror movie manner. We're meant to feel like we're in that building, desperate for escape or at least an explanation for the unfolding evil.
Life, and the film, don't offer easy answers.
Zoe's transformation from sullen to soldier is slow and believable by genre standards. All the while we get to know the killers holding the school hostage. Tristan (Eli Brown) is the brains behind the attack, and he looks and sounds like Heath Ledger's Joker.
Brown brings villainous charisma to the role, which makes his social media obsession pop. If there's one recurring theme behind "Run Hide Fight" it's the teenage desire for clicks and "likes."
Some of Rankin's creative choices don't pay off. The recurring presence of Zoe's mom, for example, doesn't mesh with the film's tone. Nor does a brief explainer behind one of the killer's motivations. That sequence is the film's weakest link, stopping the narrative momentum.
Most of the cast members aren't well known to film fans, but the presence of pros like Jane, Barbara Crampton and Treat Williams gives the film a respectable gloss above and beyond the precise storytelling.
The urge to turn "Run Hide Fight" into a message movie must have been considerable. Rankin resists that temptation, even refusing to cheap shot the media types covering the melee.
If there is a message here it's an honest, unblinking one. Some children are broken as they near adulthood, a tragic lesson we've learned from real-life headlines.
The thriller ends with a blast of surprising restraint followed by a limp action movie cliche. Yet for most of its running time "Run Hide Fight" eschews the easy label applied prior to its release date — it's "Die Hard" but at a school shooting.
The gravity of the situation we're forced to endure steers the film clear of '80s action movie bromides. Zoe isn't a wisecracking heroine in the John McLane mold. She's broken, but with the strength a loving family can offer, even one which suffered a grave loss.
"Run Hide Fight" isn't for everyone given the incendiary subject matter. Those willing to watch a sly tweak to the vigilante genre are in for a treat.
Editor's Note: This review reflects the film's final edit.
A version of this article appears on HollywoodInToto.com
The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
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Inheriting Halliburton's Army: What Will Obama Do With KBR? /
Inheriting Halliburton's Army: What Will Obama Do With KBR?
President Obama will almost certainly touch down in Baghdad and Kabul in Air Force One sometime in the coming year to meet his counterparts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he will just as certainly pay a visit to a U.S. military base or two. Should he stay for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or midnight chow with the troops, he will no less certainly choose from a menu prepared by migrant Asian workers under contract to Houston-based KBR, the former subsidiary of Halliburton.
If Barack Obama takes the Rhino Runner armor-plated bus from Baghdad Airport to the Green Zone, or travels by Catfish Air's Blackhawk helicopters (the way mere mortals like diplomats and journalists do), instead of by presidential chopper, he will be assigned a seat by U.S. civilian workers easily identified by the red KBR lanyards they wear around their necks.
Even if Obama gets the ultra-red carpet treatment, he will still tread on walkways and enter buildings that have been constructed over the last six years by an army of some 50,000 workers in the employ of KBR. And should Obama chose to order the troops in Iraq home tomorrow, he will effectively sign a blank check for billions of dollars in withdrawal logistics contracts that will largely be carried out by a company once overseen by Dick Cheney.
Questions for the Pentagon
If Obama wants to find out why KBR civilian workers can be found in every nook and cranny of U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, he might be better off visiting the Rock Island Arsenal in western Illinois. It's located on the biggest island in the Mississippi River, the place where Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk nation was once born. The arsenal's modern stone buildings house the offices of the U.S. Army Materiel Command from which KBR's multibillion dollar Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program contract (LOGCAP) have been managed for the last seven years. This is the mega-contract that has, since September 11, 2001, generated more than $25 billion for KBR to set up and manage military bases overseas (and resulted, of course, in thousands of pages of controversial news stories about the company's war profiteering).
Even more conveniently, Obama could pop over to KBR's Crystal City government operations headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, just a mile south of the Pentagon and five miles from the White House. On Crystal City Drive just before Ronald Reagan National airport, it's hard to miss the KBR corporate logo, those gigantic red letters on the 11-story building at the far corner of Crystal Park.
Many people who know something about KBR's role in Iraq and Afghanistan might want Obama to question the military commanders at Rock Island and the corporate executives in Arlington about the shoddy electrical work, unchlorinated shower water, overcharges for trucks sitting idle in the desert, deaths of KBR employees and affiliated soldiers in Iraq, million-dollar alleged bribes accepted by KBR managers, and billions of dollars in missing receipts, among a slew of other complaints that have received wide publicity over the last five years.
But those would be the wrong questions.
Obama needs to ask his Pentagon commanders this: Can the U.S. military he has now inherited do anything without KBR?
And the answer will certainly be a resounding no.
Keeping a Volunteer Army Happy
Tim Horton is the head of public relations for Logistical Supply Area Anaconda in Balad, Iraq, the biggest U.S. base in that country. He was a transportation officer for 20 years and has a simple explanation for why the army relies so heavily on contractors to operate facilities today.
What we have today is an all-volunteer army, unlike in a conscription army when they had to be here. In the old army, the standard of living was low, the pay scale was dismal; it wasn't fun; it wasn't intended to be fun. But today we have to appeal, we have to recruit, just like any corporation, we have to recruit off the street. And after we get them to come in, it behooves us to give them a reason to stay in.
Even in 2003, the U.S. military was incredibly overstretched. For the Bush administration to go to war then, it needed an army of cheap labor to feed and clean up after the combat troops it sent into battle. Those troops, of course, were young U.S. citizens raised in a world of creature comforts. Unlike American soldiers from their parents' or grandparents' generations who were drafted into the military in the Korean or Vietnam eras and ordered to peel potatoes or clean latrines, the modern teenager can choose not to sign up at all.
As Horton points out, the average soldier gets an average of $100,000 worth of military training in four years; if he or she then doesn't reenlist, the military has to spend another $100,000 to train a replacement. "What if we spend an extra $6,000 to get them to stay and save the loss of talent and experience?" Horton asks. "What does it take to keep the people? There are some creature comforts in this Wal-Mart and McDonald's society that we live in that soldiers have come to expect. They expect to play an Xbox, to keep in touch by e-mail. They expect to eat a variety of foods."
A quarter-century ago, when Horton joined the Army, all they got was a fourteen-day rotational menu. "We had chili-mac every two weeks, for crying out loud. What is that? Unstrained, low-grade hamburger mixed with macaroni. Lot of calories, lots of fat, lots of starch, that's what a soldier needs to do his job. When you were done, you had a heart attack."
Today, says Horton, expectations are different. "Our soldiers need to feel and believe that we care about them, or they will leave. The Army cannot afford to allow the soldier to be disenfranchised."
When I visited with him in April 2008, Horton took me to meet Michael St. John of the Pennsylvania National Guard, the chief warrant officer at one of Anaconda's dining facilities. St. John led me on a tour of the facility, pointing out little details of which he was justly proud -- like the fresh romaine lettuce brought up from Kuwait by Public Warehousing Corporation (PWC) truck drivers who make the dangerous 12-hour journey across the desert, so that KBR cooks have fresh and familiar food for the troops. Stopping at the dessert bar St. John explained, "We added blenders to make milkshakes, microwaves to heat up apple pie, and waffle bars with ice cream." The "healthy bar" was the next stop. "Here," he pointed out, "we offer baked fish or chicken breast, crab legs, or lobster claws or tails."
"Contractors here do all the work," St. John added. He explained that he had about 25 soldiers and six to eight KBR supervisors to oversee 175 workers from a Saudi company named Tamimi, feeding 10,000 people a day and providing take-away food for another thousand.
"They do everything from unloading the food deliveries to taking out the trash. We are hands off. Our responsibility is military oversight: overseeing the headcount, ensuring that the contractors are providing nutritional meals and making sure there are no food-borne illnesses. It's the only sustainable way to get things done, given the number of soldiers we have to feed."
Horton chimes in: "I treat myself to an ice-cream cone once a week. You know what that is? It's a touch of home, a touch of sanity, a touch of civilization. The soldiers here do not have bars; all that is gone. You've taken the candy away from the baby. What do you have to give him? What's wrong with giving him a little bit of pizza or ice cream?"
Between a chili-mac military and a pizza-and-ice-cream military, the difference shows -- around the waistline. Sarah Stillman, a freelance journalist with the website TruthDig, tells a story she heard about a PowerPoint slide that's becoming popular in Army briefings: "Back in 2003, the average soldier lost fifteen pounds during his tour of Iraq. Now, he gains ten."
Stillman says that the first warning many U.S. troops receive here in Baghdad isn't about IEDs (improvised explosive devices), RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), or even EFPs (explosively formed projectiles). It's about PCPs: "pervasive combat paunches."
Privatizing the U.S. Army
KBR has grossed more than $25 billion since it won a 10-year contract in late 2001 to supply U.S. troops in combat situations around the world. As of April 2008, the company estimated that it had served more than 720 million meals, driven more than 400 million miles on various convoy missions, treated 12 billion gallons of potable water, and produced more than 267 million tons of ice for those troops. These staggering figures are testimony to the role KBR has played in supporting the U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries targeted in President Bush's Global War on Terror.
And in the first days of the new Obama administration, the company continues to win contracts. On January 28, 2009, KBR announced that it had been awarded a $35.4 million contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the design and construction of a convoy support center at Camp Adder in Iraq. The center will include a power plant, an electrical distribution center, a water purification and distribution system, a waste-water collection system, and associated information systems, along with paved roads, all to be built by KBR.
How did the U.S. military become this dependent on one giant company? Well, this change has been a long time coming. During the Vietnam War in the 1960s, a consortium of four companies led by the Texas construction company Brown & Root (the B and R in KBR) built almost every military base in South Vietnam. That, of course, was when Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan with close ties to the Brown brothers, was president. In 1982, two years into Ronald Reagan's presidency, Brown & Root struck gold again. It won lucrative contracts to build a giant U.S. base on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, a former British colony.
In 1985, General John A. Wickham drew up plans to streamline logistics work on military bases under what he dubbed the Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program (LOGCAP), but his ideas would remain in a back drawer for several years. In the meantime, Dick Cheney, as Secretary of Defense in the administration of the elder George Bush, loosed the American military on Iraq in the First Gulf War in 1991, and hired hundreds of separate contractors to provide logistics support. The uneven results of this early privatizing effort left military planners frustrated. By the time Cheney left office, he had asked Brown & Root to dust off the Wickham LOGCAP plan and figure out how to consolidate and expand the contracting system.
President Bill Clinton's commanders took a harder look at the new plan that Brown & Root had drawn up and liked what they saw. In 1994, that company was hired to build bases in Bosnia and later in Kosovo, as well as to take over the day-to-day running of those bases in the middle of a war zone.
By the time Donald Rumsfeld took over as Secretary of Defense under the younger George Bush, he had embraced the revolution that Wickham had begun, and Clinton and Cheney had implemented. At a Pentagon event on the morning of September 10, 2001, one day before three aircraft struck the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, Rumsfeld identified the crucial enemy force his assembled senior staff would take on in the coming years:
The topic today is an adversary that poses a threat, a serious threat, to the security of the United States of America. This adversary is one of the world's last bastions of central planning. It governs by dictating five-year plans. From a single capital, it attempts to impose its demands across time zones, continents, oceans, and beyond. With brutal consistency, it stifles free thought and crushes new ideas. It disrupts the defense of the United States and places the lives of men and women in uniform at risk. You may think I'm describing one of the last decrepit dictators of the world. The adversary's closer to home. It's the Pentagon bureaucracy.
We must ask tough questions. Why is DOD [Department of Defense] one of the last organizations around that still cuts its own checks? When an entire industry exists to run warehouses efficiently, why do we own and operate so many of our own? At bases around the world, why do we pick up our own garbage and mop our own floors, rather than contracting services out, as many businesses do?
He outlined a series of steps to slash headquarter staffs by 15% in the two years to come and promised even more dramatic changes to follow. While the invasion of Afghanistan the following month was conducted by military personnel, Rumsfeld's ideas started to be implemented in the spring of 2002. Indeed, the building of bases in Kuwait in the fall of 2002 for the coming invasion of Iraq was handled almost entirely by KBR.
Today, there is one KBR worker for every three U.S. soldiers in Iraq -- and the main function of these workers, under LOGCAP, is to build base infrastructure and maintain them by doing all those duties that once were considered part of military life -- making sure that soldiers are fed, their clothes washed, and their showers and toilets kept clean. While many stories have been written about the $80,000 annual salaries earned by KBR truck drivers, most of the company's workers make far less, mainly because they are hired from countries like India and the Philippines where starting salaries of $300 a month are considered a fortune.
Outsourcing the Kitchen Patrol
The majority of KBR's labor force, some 40,000 workers (the equivalent of about 80 military battalions), are "third country nationals" drawn largely from the poorer parts of Asia. In April 2008, I flew to Kuwait city where I spent time with a group of Fijian truck drivers who worked for a local company, PWC, doing subcontracting work for KBR.
My host was Titoko Savuwati from Totoya Lau, one of the Moala Islands in Fiji. He picked me up one evening in a small white Toyota Corolla rental car. The cranked-up sound system was playing American country favorites and oldies. Six feet tall with broad, rangy shoulders, short-cropped hair, and a goatee, Savuwati had been a police officer in Fiji. He was 50 years old and had left at home six children he hadn't seen in four years. When he got out of his car, I noticed that he had a pronounced limp and dragged one foot ever so slightly behind him.
We joined his friends at his apartment for a simple Anglican prayer service. Deep baritone voices filled the tiny living room with Fijian hymns before they sat down to a meal of cassava and curried chicken parts and began to tell me their stories. Each had made at least 100 dangerous trips, driving large 18-wheeler refrigeration trucks that carry all manner of goodies destined for U.S. soldiers from Kuwaiti ports to bases like LSA Anaconda. They sleep in their trucks, not being allowed to sleep in military tents or trailers along the way.
Savuwati had arrived in Kuwait on January 14, 2005, as one of 400 drivers, hoping to earn $3,000 a month. Instead, his real pay, he discovered, was 175 Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) a month (US$640), out of which he had to pay for all his food and sundries, even on the road, as well as rent. Drivers were given an extra 50 dinar ($183) allowance on each trip to Iraq.
"I came to Iraq because of the large amount of money they promised me," he said, sighing. "But they give us very little money. We've been crying for more money for many months. Do you think my family can survive on fifty KWD?" He sends at least 100 dinars ($365) home a month and has no savings that would pay for a ticket home at a round-trip price of roughly $2,500.
I did a quick calculation. For every trip, if they worked the 12-hour shifts expected of them, the Fijians earned about $30 a day, or $2.50 an hour. I asked Savuwati about his limp. On a trip to Nasariyah in 2005, he told me, his truck flipped over, injuring his leg. Did he get paid sick leave? Savuwati looked incredulous. "The company didn't give me any money. When we are injured, the company gives us nothing." But, he assured me, he had been lucky -- a number of fellow drivers had been killed on the job.
The next day, I stopped by to see the Fijians again, and Savuwati gave me a ride home. I offered to pay for gasoline and, after first waving me away, he quickly acquiesced. As he dropped me off, he looked at me sheepishly and said, "I've run out of money. Do you think you could give me one KWD [$3.65] for lunch?" I dug into my pocket and handed the money over. As I walked away, I thought about how ironic it was that the men who drove across a battle zone, dodging stones, bullets, and IEDs to bring ice cream, steak, lobster tails, and ammunition to U.S. soldiers, had to beg for food themselves.
This, of course, is the real face of the American military today, though it's never seen by Americans.
Obama's Army
Pentagon commanders often speak of a "revolution in military affairs" when summing up the technological advances that allow them to stalk enemies by satellite, fire missiles from unmanned aerial vehicles, and protect U.S. soldiers with night-vision goggles, but they rarely explain the social and logistical changes that have accompanied this revolution.
Today, U.S. soldiers are drawn from a video-game culture that embraces computers on the battlefield, even as the U.S. Army bears ever less relation to the draft armies that did the island-hopping in the Pacific in World War II or fought jungle battles in Vietnam. Indeed, the personnel that Obama will soon visit in Iraq and Afghanistan is generally supplied with hot food and showers around the clock in combat zones in the same way they might be on a Stateside base -- by workers like Savuwati.
Undoubtedly, an Obama administration could begin to cut some of the notorious fat out of the contracts that make that possible, including multi-million dollar overcharges. Obama's potential budget trimmers could, for example, take whistleblowers inside KBR and the Pentagon seriously when they report malfeasance and waste.
But could Obama dismiss KBR's army, even if he wanted to? Will Obama really be willing to ask American volunteer soldiers to give up the bacon, romaine lettuce, and roast turkey that they have come to expect in a war zone? And even if he could do so, those are only the luxuries. Keep in mind that, on U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, every single item, from beans to bullets, is shipped using contractors like PWC of Kuwait and Maersk of Denmark. In the last two decades, the U.S. military has even divested itself of the hardware and people that would allow it to move tanks around the world, relying instead on contractors to do such work.
The White House website states that "Obama and Biden support plans to increase the size of the Army by 65,000 soldiers and the Marine Corps by 27,000 Marines. Increasing our end strength will help units retrain and re-equip properly between deployments and decrease the strain on military families." As part of the same policy statement, the site claims the new administration will reform contracting by creating "transparency for military contractors," as well as restoring "honesty, openness, and commonsense to contracting and procurement" by "rebuilding our contract officer corps."
Nowhere, however, does that website suggest that the new administration will work toward ending, or even radically cutting back, the use of contractors on the battlefield, or that those 92,000 new soldiers and Marines are going to fill logistics battalions that have been decimated in the last two decades. What we already know of the military policies of the new administration suggests instead that President Obama wants to expand U.S. military might. So don't be surprised if the new LOGCAP contract, a $150 billion 10-year program that began on September 20, 2008, remains in place, with some minor tinkering around the edges to provide value for taxpayer money. KBR's army, it seems, will remain on the march.
Josh Hawley planned a Florida fundraiser to fatten his PAC. It's definitely not going well


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The Hero Dog Of Verdun
A courageous World War I war dog was widely hailed a hero, after battling bravely through no man's land to deliver a life-saving message to French troops during the Battle of Verdun in WWI.
The Hero Dog Of Verdun Service
The wonder dog – named, oddly enough, Satan – was assigned the dangerous task of delivering the message from French commanders that contained the words that would bring vital relief to the besieged soldiers under heavy attack by the Germans.
The life-saving message read: " For God's sake hold on. We will relieve you tomorrow."
With the gas mask in place, two baskets containing carrier pigeons on his back, and a brass tube attached to his collar with the communication securely stored inside, Satan dashed determinedly towards the desperate men.
Employing the skills he had been trained to use, Satan zigzagged his way through a hail of bullets fired by German soldiers, whose single-minded aim was to bring him down before he could complete his mission. Despite his best efforts Satan was struck twice in his legs; the second bullet's impact broke his right foreleg, causing him to fall heavily to the ground. The French soldiers, who were following Satan's plight and mentally willing him on, peered helplessly from their trenches in horror at the sight of the fallen dog. Satan's master, Duvalle, was one of those soldiers. He recognized the dog as Satan, immediately understanding that this was no apparition that these weary men were seeing before them. He knew from his experience as a war dog trainer, having previously trained another messenger dog just like Satan, the importance of Satan's safe arrival.
In an act of selfless bravery, Duvalle sprang from his trench and shouted beseechingly to the dog: " Satan, have courage, my friend. For France!"
His voice was all that Satan needed; he miraculously got up and continued his run towards the men. Duvalle was not so fortunate; he was killed by sniper fire the instant that brief and rousing speech left his mouth.
Of Satan's moment of truth, war reporter Albert Payson Terhune Terhune would write: " No longer could he travel so fast or use the bullet-dodging gait his trainer had taught him, [But he] refused to die while his errand was still uncompleted and, he was too loyal to quit."
Satan eventually reached the troops and delivered the all-important message. The grateful and relieved captain wrote the coordinates for the location of the German gun battery. He wrote that he would hold on but pleaded for them to take out the guns. He made a second copy of this note, placed each one in the tubes attached to the pigeon's legs, then released the birds. The Germans were expecting the pigeons and instantly shot one down. The second bird made it back to the commanders at HQ.
The Hero Dog of Verdun Is Gone But Not Forgotten
Within a couple of hours, the French army had defeated the Germans, bringing the bloody, atrocious battle to an end. The Battle of Verdun was one of many battles during World War I that used trained war dogs. Upwards of 50,000 canines bravely performed duties such as carrying messages, hauling ammunition carts, and standing guard at the top of the trenches. Sadly, we do not really know what happened to Satan. It's rumored that Satan either died as a result of his injuries just after his mission was complete or that he made a full recovery and retired from the army a war hero.
The one certainty, however, is that the dog's bravery will not be forgotten.
Tags: German soldiers, Satan zigzagged, The Battle of Verdun, trained war dogs, World War I, WWI


Being under a blanket of snow with more to come makes the idea of sustainable farming through a Maine winter daunting. I have grand ideas of greenhouse, cold boxes and milking goats.
All of these things can no doubt work, but I certainly have lots to learn. I fear this will be a trial and error process more than anything. I know a guy (i've always wanted to say that) who has a plot up in Lubec. He does lots of farming and even teaches some classes- he will no doubt be a valuable resource.
I have some fear, surrounding the choice to abandon the machine of life we are all so accustomed to – but my excitement and thirst for freedom is overwhelming.
I am doing lots of research on winter growing. I found a couple different types of plans for greenhouses and alternate ways of heating. One person says that having raised beds in your greenhouse with cages underneath to hold animals (she raised bunnies!) can raise the temp by at least 25 degrees. It all makes sense when you think about it. I am eternally grateful that I am taking the time to get these ideas now, do my research and have a small chance to prepare as much as one can.
Please do not think I want to remove myself completely from society, I do not. I love my family and friends, buying a latte once in a while and mostly not being like a weird hermit who's kids can't be exposed to all the new fangled flu viruses. . I just want to live a life where I am not only respectful of the people around me – but the land that sustains me. I want to learn and teach my children how to survive on what the earth gives them, and how to let the earth survive them as well.
Next Next post: Why Sustainable Eve?


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Army Major Nidal Hasan booking photo
Review of Fort Hood shooting calls for FBI changes
By Carol Cratty
A review of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage will recommend the FBI make 18 changes in policies and operations, according to a letter by the former FBI director leading the independent review.
The Fort Hood shootings outraged members of Congress when it was learned that the accused shooter, Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, had been communicating with Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, an Islamic radical.
In a July 3 letter to a member of Congress, Judge William Webster said he would be handing over his report to FBI Director Robert Mueller within 10 days.
Webster said his report will have 18 "formal recommendations for corrective and enhancing measures on matters ranging from FBI policies and operations to information systems infrastructure, review protocols, and training." But he did not provide any specifics in his letter to Rep. Frank Wolf, a Virginian Republican.
Webster said his report will run more than 150 single-spaced pages, and it resulted from more than 50 formal interviews, meetings and briefings; 10,000 pages of documents; and direct access to FBI computer systems.
Hasan has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder in the shootings. The military psychiatrist allegedly shot at fellow soldiers preparing to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. His court martial is scheduled to begin August 20; he faces a maximum penalty of death if convicted.
An FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force learned that Hasan was communicating via e-mail with al-Awlaki but decided Hasan was not dangerous.
There were also problems with information-sharing with the military about Hasan's activities, and the Army drew much criticism for continuing to promote Hasan even though his records showed concerns were raised about his adherence to radical views.
Mueller asked Webster to review the Fort Hood shootings. In his letter to Wolf, Webster described the task as "a complex and lengthy assignment."
Webster said he and his team interviewed all members of the FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Forces involved in the matter, and sought outside perspective from experts on Islamic radicalism and counterterrrorism, as well as staff from congressional committees involved with FBI oversight.
Webster told Wolf he expected a public version of his report would be made available once redactions of classified material take place.
Post by: CNN's Carol Cratty
Filed under: FBI • Nidal Hasan • Security Brief • Terrorism
Raul Mcmarlin
You are my breathing in, I have few web logs and often run out from post :). "The soul that is within me no man can degrade." by Frederick Douglas.
Garland Ketterl
I just added this weblog to my google reader, great stuff. Cannot get enough!
Charlsie Carrousal
You could definitely see your skills within the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
SFC (Ret) Paul B. Davis
Maj. Nidal Hasan should been charged with terrorism as well. He was a conspiritor working with Anwar al-Awlaki and Al Queda in Yemen. The soldiers who were wounded and dead deserve to have their injuries and deaths acknowledged as coming from a terrorist combatant. Thes individuals should be awarded a Purple Heart for their wounds and deaths at his hands.
It is only because of the Politically Correct administration that we do not cal the the incident a Terrorist Attack much like Army personnel are no longer allowed to talk about a Global War on Terrorism.
This policy is totally abhorrent to thinking individuals.
Aaron Chaney
Romney vs. Frankenstein (Obama)
Put simply, better the devil you don't know. Vote Romney.
infidel84
No, you think?
What people fail to realise is that we gather so much information its almost impossible to sort and distribute it in any kind of meaningful manner. What we ned is a more efficient way to deal with the info we have gathered and a better way to get that info to the people who need to know it.
Leave a Reply to infidel83


Summer vacation has finally began! It was a long time coming, with many days of hard work, but it's such a relief to have some time off! What does one do with time off? Well, this girl gets in her car and drives, drives, drives.


The differences in the Gold version of European Roulette is that the games take maximum advantage of the latest in online gaming technology to present bold 3D graphics and a smooth running environment. At The Palace Group, Euro Roulette Gold is available in an online version so Australian online roulette players can enjoy it with no software download. That allows you to play wherever you like using any mobile device that has an Internet connection.
The European Roulette Gold table and wheel are shown in 3D so that they feel like the real thing and give players a more pleasant atmosphere. Rather than the old-fashioned screen styled flat board, this game pulls Australian players into the game.
Any Australian roulette players will instantly feel familiar with the traditional wheel style in European Roulette Gold. New players may need a few minutes to familiarise themselves with the game, and taking advantage of the free game version offered here is a great way to get started without risking your money.
Once a player joins the game, they choose the number of chips and the value of each chip to place their bet. A single bet can be placed on an individual number, on either black or red, even or odd, or a number grouping. Each of the different types of bet, individual number, colour or group has a different payout value according to the difficulty level, with individual numbers offering the biggest payouts - just like in regular online roulette.
Several bets can be placed at one time using additional chips to increase the chances of winning on each spin. Depending on the outcome, more than one bet can win in a single game. For instance, if the player chose the number 2 individually for one bet, placed a second bet on black, and placed a third bet on even, and the ball landed on the 2 slot, they would win all three betting amounts. If the above bet were placed, but the ball landed on 4, they would win two of the three bets placed--4 being an even number and a black number, but not the number 2. If the ball landed on 16, the player would win one of the bets placed on the above spin--16 being an even number, but not black, and not 2.
When the ball lands in its eventual spot, the game automatically shows the winning amount and adds it to the player's account. If the ball does not land on any of the possible combinations bet, all betting amounts placed are subtracted from the player's account automatically.
Numbers for the European Roulette Gold online casino game are produced by a random number generator so the game is completely unbiased and fair to all parties. The Palace Group operate of the reliable Maltese jurisdiction, so you should have no problems playing this game.
Australian players who are familiar with regular online roulette will love European Roulette Gold. Get started today and make that wheel spin!
Things have come a long way since the invention of the Internet and the introduction of online roulette back in the 1990s. It used to be that all wheels were displayed as 2D and the gameplay was all about the basic functions and nothing beyond. Graphics were not really a consideration.
These days, however, it's possible to combine both great functionality and amazing visuals, to deliver online gamblers an experience as close to that they might experience in a real casino as possible. Some sites even have cameras linking to live dealers, and others – like Spin Palace – use incredible graphics to heighten the online roulette experience.
What is Euro Roulette Gold?
Euro roulette gold is a 3D, immersive casino experience that gets as close to the real thing as possible. The stunning graphics show a 3D wheel, project the ball spinning in front of you and the chips you bet placed on the roulette board. You'll also hear the voice of the croupier calling in bets and delivering the result of each spin.
Each spin culminates with the croupier announcing the pocket that the ball has landed in, and chips awarded or taken to the house as a result. The player has a great view of proceedings, with the wheel to the left of the screen and the roulette board to the right. Another great element of European roulette group is you can access instant play at Spin Palace, and also play via mobile devices wherever you have an Internet connection.
How is it different to European Roulette?
Euro roulette gold is essentially an identical format to online European roulette, but with a 3D experience added to the equation. You're stilling playing on a 37-pocket wheel with one zero, and with all the same bets available that you can make playing European roulette. The difference is in the gaming experience and the visual presentation of your gambling.
Euro roulette gold is popular with players all over the world, as it delivers the European format in a compelling visual way and stands as the gold standard for online roulette play. Players love how closely it compares to the land-based casino experience, and there's also the pull of that wheel with just one zero on it – giving the house less edge than it has in American roulette. It's great to play it for the fun of it (i.e. free), or trying to win big with real money play.
If you're thinking of getting into online roulette, playing European gold is an absolute must as you seek out your preferred format. You can play for fun, or for real money after you've tried the free version. You're going to love the graphics and the gameplay is so intuitive it makes roulette flow at a great pace throughout. You'll be hearing all those familiar casino sounds and you'll find yourself immersed instantly in the online world.
Don't go thinking betting systems are the way to guarantee success at the wheel. There's no evidence to suggest any of the betting systems invented have cracked roulette, and it's unlikely to happen anytime soon. But that doesn't mean systems can't be good thing.
We'd advise using betting systems to regulate your spending, manage your budget and set out a strategy for the kind of bets you're going to place. None of these tactics will help you beat the wheel, but they can avoid you getting carried away and running up a big loss as the adrenalin flows.
Yes you can. Spin Palace has a free version of Euro roulette gold you can access on your desktop or mobile device. Playing for free, just for the fun of it, is a great way to get a feel for the game and learn the betting format, without risking your hard-earned money as a novice player. The really great thing is it's very simple to switch from free to real money play when you're ready.
Don't expect the same buzz from free play roulette however. Every gambler will tell you the thrills can only truly arrive when there's real money at stake.


I think Hog's Back may be my favourite spot in Ottawa. It's certainly up near the top of the list. I love that it's right in the city, but as soon as you walk down the river a little ways, you can't hear anything but the water. You can still see buildings, and sometimes buses going by, but they're not everywhere, and you can't hear the traffic or anything else. It's like a tiny bit of the woods dropped into the city. Spending a few minutes there goes a long way to recharging my batteries.


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Patty Butler
14U Babe Ruth Softball team wins state championship title.
EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE…
June 23, 2019 - The day that Interboro and Ridley Softball came together to compete as a team for the first time! Our 14u Babe Ruth Softball team played as a combined Interboro/Ridley team in a State Tournament series against Havertown. They played two games, both of which were hard fought victories - back-and-forth but Ridley/Interboro came out on top giving them the State Championship Title!
The first game was pitched by Prospect Park's Erin O'Shea and the catcher was Prospect Park's Angelina Castro. The second game was pitched by Swarthmorewood's Megan Noon and the catcher was Swarthmorewood's Caitlin Jordan.
Great defensive plays were made by Ridley Park's Gabby Deluca at shortstop as well as Prospect Park's Maddie Brown at third base. Emma Nagle was solid at first base all day long filling the position perfectly, with tremendous outfield support from Ridley Park's Nicole Rossano, and Swarthmorewood's Sofia Fiore. There were also some fantastic plays at second base fielded by Briana Benedetto. Offensively every player contributed including some key base running by Amaya Copes whose speed allowed the team to find themselves in scoring position multiple times.
What a great day for our girls' softball program. Congrats to all of the players, coaches and parents!
At this time both Havertown and Interboro/Ridley will move on to compete in a regional tournament next weekend. We wish them all the best of luck at Regionals!


Val's Quilting Studio : A Springtime Walk??
Noooottttt exactly. I spent the weekend visiting our daughter and her family. We awoke to a skiff of snow yet had already had signed up for a Saint Patty's Day 7k along the Snake River Rim Trail.
So we bundled up and conquered the cold below 32 degree weather.
I wasn't so bad once we got going and the sun peaked out every now and then from behind the clouds. We gradually got to the 2 1/4 mile turn around spot: Evel Knievel's Ramp.
My grand-guy and I even conquered the "mountain" that was built as the base for his ramp.
With a four mile walk behind us, Dad took the boys home and my daughter and I took advantage of no kids to get our Easter shopping done...and well, enjoy a green beer just for the fun of it!
Oh Guess who is already four months old!? THIS little guy!
It was a relaxing weekend just spending time together.
I have a quick four day work week ahead then can look forward to Spring Break! I'll be spending more time with these two grand-guys and of course, enjoy some R and R as I catch up on my sewing.
Wishing you a great start to your week and look forward to sharing some projects with you soon.
You all were very brave, I probably would have opted for a latte and just watching the rest of the crowd!
What a fun family weekend!! Your little guys are so adorable. I always think babies look somewhat like little old men (whether they are boys or girls) and that always makes me smile. Have a nice week and a wonderful spring break. I am heading to Vermont for family time over the break and CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!
How lovely spending a weekend with your grand guys! Your little guy looks like a happy chappy. Enjoy your Spring break, lovely Val.
Good for you (and everyone!) for doing the walk! Looks like you had a really special time.
I LOVE seeing the grand babies! Looks like a wonderful visit.


Dan has been a nature lover from the first moment he ran barefoot through the grass in his parent's backyard in Victoria BC. At a young age he was encouraged to love nature and enjoy gardening, and camping, surfing and being in the great outdoors are second nature to him. At first, helping his parent's tend to their vegetable and fruit trees kept him occupied and this soon turned into Dan assisting his neighbours with their yard work as well. What he didn't know at the time was that he would actually fall in love in playing with soil, plants, rocks and trees and creating aesthetically pleasing outdoor living spaces!
After attending Oak Bay High School and a year or two travelling abroad, Dan now a semi-starving UVic student, decided that the only thing that made sense in order to earn his tuition and make more than minimum wage while attending University, was for him to combine his love of gardening with his strong back and start landscaping again.
After a few summers learning from some of Victoria's best landscapers, gardeners and builders, he decided to start his own company and Costa Verde was born.
Dan is a proud supporter of local area businesses and firmly believes in giving back to the community that has allowed his business to thrive throughout these past years. Whether it is through volunteer work, supporting local causes, or with his continued concern and care for the environment, Dan's passion is firmly entrenched in the land and the place he calls home.
Dan is still in love with the great outdoors and a huge nature buff, but now he's also married to the love of his life and a proud dad of two beautiful little girls Olivia and Amaya! He and his young family have set down roots (literally!) in Fernwood which is also the home of Costa Verde which you can check out here. A passionate 'week-end' chef, Dan loves learning new techniques and gathering recipes featuring local food and sharing them with others. A frequent visitor to local markets, and restaurants he also can often be found out foraging for local seafood, mushrooms and other wild edibles. Dan also volunteers some of his time working in professional kitchens and helping them out with cooking classes alongside of some of Victoria's best chefs.