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Race Matters: USA Today Under Heavy Fire For Calling "The Best Man Holiday" A "Race-Themed" Film- By Bossip Staff Categories: Multi, New Movie, News
2013 has been racist as HELL...SMH
USA Today Slammed For "Race Themed" Headline About "The Best Man HolidayVia ChicagoTribune
USA Today set off a social media storm Sunday with a headline on its box-office story that many found racially insensitive. "'Holiday' Nearly Beat 'Thor' as Race-Themed Films Soar" was the original headline that the publication put up online and sent out on Twitter. Universal's romantic comedy sequel from writer-director Malcolm D. Lee did surprisingly well with $30.5 million this weekend, as it debuted against the Marvel superhero sequel, which took in $38.4 million. When that headline drew a blast of complaints, it was soon changed to "'Holiday' Nearly Beats 'Thor' as Ethnically Diverse Films Soar." The original tweet was deleted, too. Most of the complaints struck a similar chord.USA Today tried to pour water on the fire by changing the title, but the damage was already done.
The story also made mention of the box-office success of "Fruitvale Station" and "The Butler," two films that also had predominantly African American casts. Even after the headline was switched, it was still catching heat. "Changing it from 'race-themed' to 'diverse' doesn't make it any less stupid," tweeted Michelle Tran. A call to a USA Today seeking comment wasn't immediately returned, but the messages seemed to be hitting home. The headline was changed a second time. Ultimately, it read: "Best Man Holiday' Nearly Beats Mighty 'Thor.'"Tsk, tsk, tsk, USA Today. Aside from the title, the most incendiary part of the article was the tone of shocked that a film with a majority black cast could actually be profitable. Via USAToday
But the story of the weekend was Holiday, a sequel that arrived 14 years after the original, sported a budget of just $17 million and was marketed specifically to African-American women. Holiday collected $30.6 million, more than twice what many analysts projected. Other films with predominantly black casts have been hot sellers at the turnstiles this year. Fruitvale Station, the $900,000 real-life drama about a black Bay Area man shot to death by transit officers, has done $16 million. And Lee Daniels' The Butler, the $30 million true story of a black White House butler, was the box-office surprise of summer at $115 million.Per usual, race-themed Twitter went HAM upon reading the headline. Flip it to read some of the best.


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PressOK, Movaya Team Up for Mobile Games
Gregory T. Huang12/16/08
Follow @gthuang
Seattle-based Movaya and PressOK Entertainment announced today they are joining forces to develop mobile games. Financial terms and impact of the deal were not disclosed. PressOK was formed by the merger of mobile-gaming companies Reaxion and Mobliss in September. Reaxion's development teams are in Russia and Belarus, while Movaya's team is in China.

subset: commoncrawl


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We're gonna take this and run with it, and do what we do best: make some incredibly bad jokes on this incredibly bad blog. Enjoy.
Randy's Dream Car: The Classic 1998 Ford Taurus
Randy's Dream Meal: All You Can Eat Soup, Salad and Breadsticks at The Olive Garden
Randy's Dream Vacation Getaway: Beautiful Altoona, Pennsylvania
Randy's Dream House: Attention College Park, MD Realtors


text: Everyone who is personally acquainted with the Slovak artist Rudolf Sikora (1946) knows that he cannot imagine his life without creative art and - the mobile telephone. The new cycle of works which he is exhibiting at the ZAHORIAN&co GALLERY in Bratislava is connected quite fundamentally with that gadget. As evidenced in the exhibition title, which he himself devised, these works came into being while measuring blood pressure and phoning. In this instance Sikora, when creating the new series of works, used personal notes, memoranda and drawings which had resulted from other activity, or indeed non-activity. While one hand was occupied with the blood pressure monitor, telephone receiver or mobile, the second hand (for years on end), apart from recording necessary and useful things (blood pressure values, telephone numbers, names, dates, deadlines, meetings…), often worked automatically and subconsciously, drawing, scribbling, jotting down something extra. And here and there revealing more than the author may have intended… His basic material was ordinary waste paper, in every household condemned to be discarded after initial use: faxes, e-mails, invitations, and the square leaves of memoranda pads. Hence the communicative Sikora, who is capable of spending long minutes and hours of his life on the telephone, did not let this time go by, so to speak, uselessly (with the progress of mobile technology he was ultimately able to disencumber both hands, so that he could even paint freely while telephoning).


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My warmest greetings to my fellow Councilors, the Philippine Councilors' League (PCL), its Officers and Staff.
As local legislators, it is our right and bounden duty to enact local legislative measures that uplift the living conditions of our respective constituents. Toward this primary end, we have conducted various conferences, symposia, seminars and lectures that enhanced our knowledge and understanding of the task at hand, enabling us to better serve the people who trusted and voted us into the public offices we now occupy.
We have partnered with other government agencies, various non-government organizations and the civil society which aid us in our public functions, not to mention the small favors and privileges that translate into better services that we cater.
We now join the information age with the establishment of the upgraded PCL website where we can reach out to our constituents and to one another. Through the PCL website, we can share projects, policies and ideas thereof, even draft ordinances and resolutions, which may be applicable in our respective jurisdictions. It contains the schedule of activities lined up during our term, a database of information on our Members-Councilors, their professions, contact details, current projects and proposed local legislations. Also, through the website, the PCL Chapters may report updates on their activities, share information and events with regard to their territories, upload photos and videos of important chapter milestones, thereby contributing to a stronger, more pro-active League.
Finally, may I sway my dear fellow Councilors to be most pro-active in the fight for the environment. This must take precedence among our undertakings as our present terms come to a dawn. We should be at the forefront in the shaping of policies which affect not only our generation but those of our children, their children, and the next generations to come after them. At this day and age, we feel the chilling effect of global warming and climate change and the accompanying calamities and disasters. As local legislators, it is within our united power to create local policies that address the environmental concern. Let us therefore be pro-active, let us join the movement that espouses environmental protection and be part of the solution to global warming and climate change.
Mabuhay and mga Konsehal. Mabuhay ang PCL!
Home | About PCL | National Executive Officers | National Board | Members Directory | National Secretariat
PCL's News Corner | Events | Benefits & Claims | Photo Gallery | Contact Us
© Copyrights 2009 Philippine Councilors League.
All rights reserved.


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What Will Upcoming Contract Negotiations Mean for Taylor Swift, Usher and Justin Timberlake?
Megamillion-dollar label deals are a thing of the past. But with Usher, Timberlake and Swift nearing the end of their contracts, this is how majors will have to fight to keep them.
Taylor Swift, Usher and Justin Timberlake are about to enter an all-too-familiar crossroads for pop superstars: Their next albums will also be the last ones due to their respective major labels (Big Machine/Universal for Swift, RCA for Timberlake and Usher).
But unlike the mega-stars of yore, today's top acts face a different marketplace in which they're required to work much harder for their hefty advances — with lower sales to show for it. In fact, you would have to go all the way back to 2001 to a find a nine-figure commitment, when Whitney Houston re-upped with Arista for a multi-album deal worth $100 million. Britney Spears recently renewed her deal with RCA for an undisclosed sum, sources tell Billboard. But when Timberlake, Swift and Usher head to the table, what can they expect?
"The trend is definitely toward shorter [term] deals on both sides," says Donald Passman, an entertainment lawyer at Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown who negotiated Janet Jackson's $80 million EMI contract in the 1990s and authored the book series All You Need to Know About the Music Business. "The industry is in distress and digital is not picking up the slack, so the big companies are worried about long-term commitments, and the artists tend to take longer between product. Unless you're Taylor Swift, very few can command a top-of-the-market deal." Sony Music chief creative officer Clive Davis concurs: "There will be a fair and hard negotiation to re-sign her," he says.
Today, the high end of a recording contract is a $7 million-plus advance per album, but it's rare that an artist secures that large a payout without giving up a piece of his or her ancillary income. Indeed, 360 deals are now the norm among newer acts — One Direction, Ed Sheeran and 5 Seconds of Summer all have revenue-sharing agreements with their labels on touring, merch and other back-end fees. So are such hefty upfront payments a thing of the past?
"Each case is different," offers Kenny Meiselas, a senior partner at Grubman Shire & Meiselas, who represents Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. "When you have an artist at the peak of their career, I've never seen a record company not be open to renegotiating and treating their artist fairly." Meiselas would know: He just renegotiated Mary J. Blige's contract with Universal Music Group, moving her from Interscope to Capitol for her anticipated London Sessions album (see story, page 40) in what one source describes as a "very lucrative" deal. Says Meiselas with a smirk: "We figured it out."
One thing certain about the new contracts is that "marquee artists will own their own masters," says manager Jim Guerinot, who represented Nine Inch Nails for decades. "When Nine Inch Nails did their deal, they signed for a high royalty with a low advance and they own the master. Artists make most of their money on the road anyway."
Indeed, adds Joel Katz, chairman of global entertainment and media practice for Greenberg Traurig, who reps Timberlake among other music clients: "Artists will not only want to reserve as many rights as they can, they will also want to retain ownership of their new albums."
That's if they choose to stick with a label, rather than taking the DIY route, as acts like Wilco and Prince have done with varying degrees of success. A major facing a defection can offer one more carrot, however: an imprint. Pharrell Williams has one (I Am Other with Columbia) as does Maroon 5's Adam Levine (222 Records through Interscope). Such deals not only give acts signing power, but allow them to license new releases for "pressing and distribution" (or P&D) deals, which can net as much as an 80 percent to 85 percent profit split, compared with the more standard 50/50 share. However, Timberlake (with Tennman for Interscope) and Usher (with US Records for Sony's J) have already tried that approach, with little to show for it. Still, labels may look to revive the concept come re-up time.
top five tv moments
and all happened on NBC lol.
4 – d*** in a box
5 – 5. Justin took over the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards with a greatest-hits medley and an all-too-brief reunion with those 'N Sync guys he used to sing with.
Nsync Essentials
on Tuesday, Nsync will be releasing a greatest hits if you will compilation album!
Disc 1:
1. Here We Go (Radio Cut)
2. I Want You Back (Radio Edit)
3. Tearin' Up My Heart (Original Radio Edit)
4. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You (Remix)
5. Thinking Of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)
6. For The Girl Who Has Everything (Radio Mix)
7. Are You Gonna Be There
8. Music Of My Heart – Featuring Gloria Estefan
9. Bye Bye Bye
10. It's Gonna Be Me
11. This I Promise You (Radio Edit)
12. I Thought She Knew
13. I Believe In You – Featuring Joe
14. If I'm Not The One
15. Pop (Radio Version)
16. Girlfriend (The Neptunes Remix) – Featuring Nelly
17. Gone
Disc 2:
1. More Than A Feeling
2. Best Of My Life
3. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
4. Sailing
5. Everything I Own
6. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You – Featuring Alabama
7. Somewhere Someday
8. Trashin' The Camp – Featuring Phil Collins
9. If Only In Heaven's Eyes
10. You Don't Have To Be Alone
11. On The Line – Featuring The On The Line All-Stars / Lance Bass / Joey Fatone / Mandy Moore / Christian Burns & True Vibe
12. That Girl (Will Never Be Mine)
13. Falling
14. Feel The Love
15. Selfish
16. See Right Through You
17. Believe In Yourself (TV Version – Sesame Street)
Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake – Love Never Felt So Good
"brand new" stream
as you all know Pharrell's new album girl features a ton of hot collaborations, one being Justin. so below I have a stream of the song "brand new" they have together.
New pharrell album to feature justi
Following Pharrell's massive 2013 of collaborating with Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, and Robin Thicke, he recently announced plans for his own next full-length. G I R L is out March 3 on Columbia. Now Popjustice has revealed a tracklist (check it out below) including collaborations with Daft Punk, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, and Alicia Keys.
In other Pharrel news, the world may never know what was underneath his enormous, Vivienne Westwood-designed hat at the Grammys… But, now, someone can own it. As Line of Best Fit points out, the "Mountain Hat" is up for auction on eBay, with proceeds benefiting the non-profitFrom One Hand to Another. The piece of music-meme history has already reached 64 bids at a price of $10,500.
According to the eBay listing, From One Hand to Another aims to "help change the world one kid at a time by giving them the tools and resources to meet their unique potential and empower them to nurture curiosity by learning through new technologies, arts, media and motivation!" The auction runs through March 2.
01 Marilyn Monroe
02 Brand New [ft. Justin Timberlake]
03 Hunter
04 Gush
05 Happy
06 Come Get It [ft. Miley Cyrus]
07 Gust of Wind [ft. Daft Punk]
08 Lost Queen
09 Freq
10 I Know Who You Are [ft. Alicia Keys]
NEWS/ new Justin track on Juicy J's 2014 release
Juicy J says "Stay Trippy's" follow-up is slated to be released this year.
Juicy J has announced that he is slated to release a new album this year.
Juicy announced this project through Twitter, an announcement that follows last year's Stay Trippy.
Stay Trippy was released in August 2013. The album features Project Pat, Justin Timberlake and Wiz Khalifa.
The album received a 3 out of 5 rating by HipHopDX.
"Some Rap is tailor made for headphone listening and careful analysis of every word," HipHopDX wrote at the time. "Then there are songs that are meant to be played loud in public settings, and the lyrics don't matter so much. If you haven't already figured it out, Stay Trippy is the latter. And for as much flack as it receives, there is entertainment value there and it serves its purpose as a soundtrack to the 'trippy' lifestyle. Still, existing within that world that overlooks lyrical competence or any moral deficiencies, there are enough instances where the veteran's effortless style starts veering too close to effort-less. But it doesn't seem like the veteran will be going away anytime soon."
VIDEO/ Beyonce Gets Candid In 'Self-Titled' Part 5 With Justin Timberlake
Beyonce drops Part 5 of her Self-Titled mini-documentary series that gives a glimpse into her fifth self-titled LP, Beyonce. In this five-and-a-half minute (we're seeing a pattern here)episode titled "Honesty," the "XO" singer gets personal and talks about having to carry the same torch now of her previous inspirations. "I feel like I'm having to tap into a lot of my life experiences to pull inspiration, and I feel like I'm opening a lot in these videos and showing a lot of sides to me that only a few people have seen."
This episode also takes fans inside the studio as Yonce puts together the ballad "Rocket," which she co-wrote with Justin Timberlake and Miguel. "It was a moment in the studio where I didn't want to stop singing it, and I just kinda zoned out," she explains of finding the melody. "I don't think I would have done it back then. I don't think I would have been confident enough. I would have been too afraid of what other people thought, but I kinda dropped that fourth wall and I did it."
NEWS/ Justin Timberlake's '20/20 Experience' Tops Billboard 200 Year-End Albums Chart
Justin Timberlake's 'The 20/20 Experience' leads the year-end Top Billboard 200 Albums chart, the first time a solo male artist has crowned the tally since 2005. That year, 50 Cent's "The Massacre" (on Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records) claimed the prize.
Year-End Charts: Billboard 200 Albums | Artists
'The 20/20 Experience' (RCA) debuted at No. 1 on the weekly Billboard 200, selling 968,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. At press time, it remains the largest single sales week of the year for an album, and reigns as the year's best-selling title. It spent three weeks at No. 1 and was followed by sequel 'The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2),' which debuted at No. 1 on the Oct. 19 chart.
'The 20/20 Experience' spent 18 non-consecutive weeks in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart (all during the chart year). The album spun-off the singles "Suit & Tie," featuring Jay Z (a No. 3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100), "Mirrors" (No. 2) and "Pusher Love Girl" (No. 64).
Timberlake's No. 1 placing follows two years where Adele's '21' ruled the roost. The English singer's XL/Columbia set marked the first release to go back to back as the year's top album since 1983 and 1984, when Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' (Epic) was No. 1. While she may not be No. 1, Adele is still present on the year-end tally. "21" is, coincidentally, No. 21 on Top Billboard 200 Albums.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars Lead 2013 Hot 100 Chart
As for Timberlake, this is his first turn at No. 1 on the year-end Top Billboard 200 Albums as a solo artist. As a member of 'N Sync, he was No. 1 in 2000 with "No Strings Attached" (Jive).
At No. 2 on the year-end Top Billboard 200 Albums is Taylor Swift's 2012 release 'Red' (Big Machine/BMLG), followed by One Direction's 'Take Me Home' (No. 3, Syco/Columbia), Mars' 'Unorthodox Jukebox' and Mumford & Sons' 'Babel' (No. 5, Gentleman of the Road/Glassnote).
Billboard's year-end Billboard 200 is based on chart performance during the chart year that began with last year's Dec. 1 chart and ended with the Nov. 30, 2013, tally.
T.I. Confirms Justin Timberlake Feature On New Album
T.I. and Justin Timberlake came together on a huge hit back in back in 2006 with "My Love," and it looks like they may have another big collaboration in the works. Tip randomly showed up at the red carpet for the new Hunger Games film, and spoke to Clevver News about The JT feature, his acting career, and a party he may or may not have attended at Bieber's house.
The ATL rapper began by listing the acting projects he's got in the pipeline. "Right now, I'm currently filming the third season of 'House of Lies' with Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell, and I'm co-starring along with Mekhi Phifer, and we're just having a phenomenal time," he said. "It premiers in January."
When asked about his work with Justin Timberlake, Tip made sure to confirm that there was a record coming, but didn't go into any more detail than that. "Well, you know, I just happen to have some," said T.I. of new music with JT. "I just happen to have some, thank you for asking."
As far as a recent party at the Biebz, T.I. was strangely tight-lipped about the festivities. "Well you know I will not have any mention of any of that," he joked. "If I was there, I'm sure it was a good time, but I will not confirm or deny any allegations."


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Mobility and Walking Issues
Ampyra® (dalfampridine)
The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ampyra® (dalfampridine) in 2010 to improve walking speed in individuals with MS. This is the first drug to be approved for individuals with MS whose ability to walk has been impacted by the disease. Ampyra is an oral, timed-release medication developed to improve the conduction of impulses between damaged nerves of the central nervous system (CNS). Phase III clinical trials showed that a greater number of individuals with MS experienced improvement in walking speed when taking Ampyra, compared to when taking a placebo.
Ampyra (pronounced "am-PEER-ah") was developed by Acorda Therapeutics and is manufactured by Elan Corporation. Formerly known as Fampridine-SR, Ampyra is a sustained-release version of 4-aminopyridine (4AP). In earlier studies, larger doses of the drug were given and the risk of seizures became a concern. Given in extended-release tablets, the risk of seizures did not differ from the placebo group.
MSAA Chief Medical Officer Jack Burks, MD explains, "Following the instructions for correct dosing is absolutely essential. Taking more than one tablet within 12 hours, or crushing or splitting a tablet, will increase the risk for seizures. Some patients tend to think that taking more of a symptom-management drug will result in greater effectiveness, but this is definitely not the case with this type of medication."
To read more about this drug and its study results, please see MSAA's article, "Ampyra Approved to Improve Walking for Individuals with MS."
Side effects included dizziness, falls, back pain, insomnia, fatigue, nausea, and balance problems.
Mobility Independence and Safety
MSAA has published a series of three informative articles on Mobility Independence and Safety, all written by Patricia G. Provance, PT, MSCS – a physical therapist who specializes in rehabilitation for individuals with MS. To follow is a brief introduction to each of these topics in the series, along with links to the full articles.
Part I: Ambulation
When we hear the word "mobility," most thoughts turn to walking. However, being mobile amounts to much, much more. If we think back to how we developed, we first learned to roll over, sit up, crawl, pull up and stand steadily before we started to walk. As many people challenged with the rainbow of symptoms associated with MS have discovered, maintaining safe and independent mobility can sometimes be difficult.
Unfortunately, the result is often a marked decrease in overall activity – which leads to preventable disuse weakness and de-conditioning. If the downward spiral from inactivity continues, other problems can develop. These include: muscle tightness and/or weakness; increased spasticity; bowel problems (usually constipation); decreased heart and lung function; pressure sores; depression; and social isolation.
Everyone should have the goal of achieving, and then maintaining, the highest possible level of independent function. This includes safe mobility – both at home and in the community. Since the primary goal of most individuals with MS is "to keep walking" or "to walk better," this first of three articles will focus on issues related to gait (ambulation).
My recommendation is for everyone with MS to receive a baseline evaluation from a physical therapist (PT) experienced in MS care. Ideally, this should be done soon after diagnosis - but at the very least, at the first sign of problems with balance, walking, or endurance.
Part II: Improving Functional Mobility with Exercise
In the past, many physicians recommended rest instead of activity because of fatigue issues and the fact that MS was a "progressive" neurological disease. However, research in the past 10 years has shown that well-paced exercise and activity can, indeed, result in positive outcomes relating to improved functional strength, endurance and quality of life.
As a PT, I have many times heard the refrain, "Why exercise? I have MS!" Burdened by sometimes overwhelming fatigue and frustration, many individuals with MS feel that exercise will just make their situation worse. In fact, that could be true - especially if the exercise or activity is not appropriate or is "overdone." Unfortunately, some therapists and trainers who are not familiar with MS (especially the symptom fluctuations, fatigue issues, and heat sensitivity) will unknowingly push you to failure and more frustration.
My desire in writing this article is to help you become an informed advocate in developing your own, customized, exercise and activity program. The guidance of a PT with experience in MS care can be helpful – but there are many things you can do on your own. However, before starting, some planning is necessary. Here are some questions to ask:
Part III: Wheeled Mobility
With today's long-term treatments and valuable rehabilitation methods, including physical and occupational therapies, far fewer individuals require the assistance of a wheelchair or scooter. However, for individuals whose mobility has been affected, using "wheeled mobility" can greatly help to save energy as well as increase safety – and information about specific equipment can be extremely useful.
The author notes that it is not possible to include all of the wheeled-mobility options in a short article, so the emphasis has been placed on outlining the many factors to be considered. This includes the pros and cons of each type of equipment, as well as resources to further your education.
Individuals with MS who require wheeled mobility most or all of the time should be evaluated by a seating specialist, usually a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) with extensive training in this area. Preferably, this should be done in a "seating clinic," also attended by a family member and/or care partner, along with a rehabilitation technology supplier (RTS) representing a durable medical equipment company. This will help ensure that the most appropriate device is prescribed for each individual situation.
|Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 October 2013 12:43


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The CBO and Partisan Hypocrisy – A Response
As long as there has been a Congressional Budget Office, there has been a lot of crying from one side or the other of the partisan divide about their latest estimates. So when a conservative such as myself says I don't believe this health care boondoggle will reduce the deficit, the immediate accusation is one of hypocrisy: you trumpet the CBO's numbers when they support your argument, and condemn them when they don't.
Well, sorry, for this blogger at least, that doesn't wash. I have no problem with the CBO – I believe that it is nonpartisan, as it claims to be, and I believe it has scored this bill properly. The problem is the CBO can only score the bill it is presented, and if the bill as presented doesn't tell the whole story, then neither can the CBO's score.
Here's Robert Samuelson in the WaPo today:
…[T]he CBO estimate is misleading, because it must embody the law's many unrealistic assumptions and gimmicks. Benefits are phased in "so that the first 10 years of [higher] revenue would be used to pay for only six years of spending" increases, a former CBO director, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, wrote in the New York Times on March 20. Holtz-Eakin also noted the $70 billion of premiums for a new program of long-term care that reduce present deficits but will be paid out in benefits later. Then there's the "doc fix" — higher Medicare reimbursements under separate legislation that would cost about $200 billion over a decade.
Proposals to control health spending face restrictions that virtually ensure failure. Consider the "Independent Payment Advisory Board" aimed at Medicare. "The Board is prohibited from submitting proposals that would ration care, increase revenues or change benefits, eligibility or Medicare beneficiary cost sharing," says a summary by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. What's left? Similarly, findings from "comparative effectiveness research" — intended to identify ineffective care — "may not be construed as mandates, guidelines or recommendations for payment, coverage or treatment." What's the point then?
I don't want anyone to miss the import of Samuelson's argument, so let's put a finer point on it: the legislation is front-loaded. Benefits are phased in, but revenues are collected from the beginning. The result is that six years of benefits are paid for by ten years of revenue enhancements (i.e., money from your wallet).
So what? Well, think about it – you can only front load once. Every further year is going to roughly 40% more expensive (1-1 benefits/revenue ratio compared to .6/1). In other words, after the inital ten years (and the expiration of the CBO estimate, I might add), you're going to need to come up with 40% more revenue for each year, or add even further to the out-of-control deficit.
Only it's more than 40%, because Democrats are already promising to pass seperate legislation, at a cost of $200 billion, to reimburse doctors for Medicare treatment at a higher rate than called for in the bill. The CBO can't score that, because it's in a seperate bill, you see…but, if passed, it raises the cost of the package by a whopping 20% over the first decade.
Here's the real kicker, though – we raise all this new revenue, and we don't pay down the deficit, we spend it. Imagine if you, in debt up to your eyeballs, suddenly conceive a plan to raise enough money over a decade to pay down a substantial fraction of your debt (and that's how big the debt is now – the trillion dollars would only pay down about 7% of our debt) - and then blow virtually every penny of it on new spending. Samuelson again:
Suppose the CBO estimate is correct. So? The $143 billion saving is about 1 percent of the projected $12.7 trillion deficit from 2009 to 2020. If the administration has $1 trillion or so of spending cuts and tax increases over a decade, all these monies should first cover existing deficits — not finance new spending. Obama's behavior resembles a highly indebted family's taking an expensive round-the-world trip because it claims to have found ways to pay for it. It's self-indulgent and reckless.
Let's get this straight, folks – spilled milk is spilled milk. You can argue until the cows come home that it was George W. Bush who caused the deficit and not Barack Obama. It doesn't even matter if you are right. How petty and how beside the point! The point is this: Barack Obama passed this legislation – he even said his presidency depended on it. He (and congressional Democrats) bear 100% of the responsibility for spending this money instead of reducing the deficit, and he bears 100% of the responsibility if the legislation proves to actually increase the deficit, as it almost certainly will.
The point is not what happened in the past – that only matters for throwing partisan bricks. The point is what we do today, given the set of circumstances that faces us. President Obama staked his presidency on a policy that is going to bankrupt this nation…so much for sacrifice and hard choices…


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Micheal Kadam,


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True, some of the programs you see in the above screenshot are more useful than useless, but by and large that is mostly bloatware courtesy Toshiba… especially if you consider how many of these programs performs their functions subpar compared to rival software.
[via DaNReDaN]
Leave a Reply
7 comments
[@davidroper] Not necessarily, bloatware can leave remnants and modify your system settings. It's like asking if uninstalling is the same as restoring a disk image. Example: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=316447
Seamus McSeamus
[@davidroper] I've done it both ways, and they seem about equal to me.


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Hate wasting money on paint that just falls in the dirt?
For $50 a Paintball GENX Caddy can be yours or you can reuse empty bottles and create your own Kaddy.
Look for a large container that has a wide opening to hold the paint. For the handle use anything that is comfortable and strong enough to hold about ~1000 paint balls. The spout should have a smaller opening than the container and have an quick pop off lid.
Utility knife
Hot glue gun
Spray Paint
Sand Paper
Step 1: Cut Out Handle
Step 1:
Make a rough cut out of the handle
Step 2:
Place the handle on the container.
Press the sides of the handle around the container.
Look for the gaps between the handle and the container.
Mark the areas if needed
Step 3:
Trim the areas where the two pieces don't touch
except at the bottom it won't touch down there keep a little material to add strength
Step 2: Cut the Spout
The plastic bottles have center lines that I used as a reference point. It helps to use them to get the handle and the spout aligned.
Step 1:
Line up the container and the spout to help visualize the desired angle.
Draw the angle from the center line to help make it symmetrical
Cut out the spout
Step 2:
Line up the center line from the container and the spout
Draw around the spout to create a circle
Cut out the circle
Step 3:
I used 150 grit sandpaper to sand the inside edges of the spout and container to prevent balls from breaking.
150 grit is just what I had I probally wouldn't use anything higher (finer grit) or something less than 80 grit


text: Howard Cheng, 34, was champion apprentice in 1999/2000, and again in 2000/2001. He rode with great panache in 2009/10 in which he ran up a personal best score of 46 winners, and followed up with another 40 in 2010/11, a score that took him to sixth place in the championship table. He looked set to reach the 40 mark again in 2012/13 until his season was curtailed by injury with six meetings remaining - his final tally was 38. He did not return to action until March 2014, but injury sidelined him again only a month later. His one win in 2013/14 took his career tally of 408 Hong Kong wins. Cheng has won 11 Group races in all, and his most recent big-race victory was in October 2012 on Vital Flyer in the HKG3 Sha Tin Sprint Trophy.


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Home > Home Office > Home Office Electronics > Computer Accessories > KinderBoard Children's Learning Keyboard
KinderBoard Children's Learning Keyboard
The KinderBoard is a color-coded keyboard for young children.
KinderBoard is an excellent first keyboard with oversized keys and large, easy-to-read numbers and letters.
Consonants, vowels, numbers and punctuation marks are color-coded to help pre-school children, and children with motor-skill impairment, learn their character sets while learning the layout of the keys on a keyboard. Built tough for hard-handed use, The KinderBoard is exactly what your child or grandchild asked for!
USB, Windows and Mac compatible. FCC CE, RoHS and CPSIA compliant for lead and other harmful metals. Warranty: 6 years.
Dimensions: 20" L x 10" W x 2.25" H
KinderBoard Children's Learning Keyboard
KinderBoard Children's Learning Keyboard
Our innovative products will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. And with the Brookstone Protection Plus service and replacement plans, you'll have the added peace of mind knowing that if the unexpected does happen, we will simply repair or replace your covered product. Our enhanced coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty, saving you time and money.
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text: Healthy Recipes Roasted Pear-Butternut Soup With Crumbled Stilton Recipe E-mail recipe Print recipe To save this recipe, register now! Quick Info: Servings Contains Dairy Vegetarian Nutritional Info (Per serving): Calories: 236, Saturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 721mg, Dietary Fiber: 6g, Total Fat: 10g, Carbs: 34g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Protein: 6g Carb Choices: 2 Recipe Source: Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 h 5 mins Total Time: 1 h 20 mins Ingredients 2 medium pear(s), ripe, peeled, quartered and cored 2 pounds squash, butternut, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch chunks 2 medium tomato(es), cored and quartered 1 large leek(s), pale green and white parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced and washed thoroughly 2 clove(s) garlic, crushed 2 tablespoon oil, olive, extra-virgin 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided pepper, black ground, to taste 4 cup(s) broth, vegetable, or reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided 2/3 cup(s) cheese, stilton, or other blue-veined cheese, crumbled 1 tablespoon chives, fresh, or scallion greens, thinly sliced Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Combine pears, squash, tomatoes, leek, garlic, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 40 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly. 3. Place half the vegetables and 2 cups broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. Puree the remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth. Add to the pan and stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. 4. Cook the soup over medium-low heat, stirring, until hot, about 10 minutes. Divide among 6 bowls and garnish with cheese and chives (or scallion greens). E-mail recipe Print recipe To save this recipe, register now!


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What Does It Mean When Your Dog Rolls in His Food Before Eating It?by Simon Foden
Your dog has a broad repertoire of weird and unusual behaviors -- it's why you love him. It's a common complaint for many dog owners that their pet is attracted to anything that carries a bit of a stink, and in some cases, dogs just can't help smothering themselves with that pongy material. But when it comes to food, the reasons why your pets need to wear it before they eat it vary somewhat.
Scent Spreading
Dr. Stanley Coren, noted animal psychologist, believes that one reason your dog rolls around in his food may be to tell other dogs about the presence of a food source. Coren contends that, while an unlikely adaptive behavior, it is plausible that dogs in the wild may use this technique to alert other members of their pack to the fact that there is a food source available. Another theory is that dogs do this simply as a means of basic communication. Rather than saying, "Hey guys, get it while it stinks," the dog is simply saying "Smell where I've been."
Scent Masking
Dogs are as naturally inclined to cover their tracks as they are to mark their territory. It depends on their environment. That's why they kick dirt over their poop. Rolling around in their food before they eat it is just an alternative to rolling around in other pungent smelling stuff. A dog who doesn't smell of dog has a better chance of sneaking up on prey undetected. Scent is a dog's strongest sense, so when a dog comes across something with an appealing or strong smell, he sometimes just can't resist using it to cover up his own scent to mask his presence.
Resource Guarding
Rolling in food before eating it can also serve the same purpose as hiding toys or barking at the mailman. Dogs are naturally protective over their resources, and by leaving their scent over their food, they are saying to any would-be food thieves "Back off, this is mine." It's not particularly important that the dog then goes on to eat the food he is attempting to mark as his own; it is the fulfillment of a natural urge to mark anything valuable as theirs that drives this behavior.
Personal Fulfillment
It's often easy to overanalyze canine behavior and look for an evolutionary theory behind it. Sometimes your dog just does things because it's fun or rewarding. Dr. Coren compares dogs rolling in strong-smelling organic matter to humans wearing loud and colorful Hawaiian shirts. We do it because it stimulates our senses. The only difference is that in the case of humans, the sense we're stimulating is visual.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images


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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - U.S. and other international troops in Afghanistan recently provided training in critical patient care and blood processing to Afghan doctors that they hope will spread throughout the country.
WASHINGTON - Military competitors showed off their speed, agility and dedication to physical fitness in the Pentagon Athletic Center's Ultimate Fitness Challenge.
CAMP BUNDELA, India - U.S. soldiers deployed to India to train with the army there, and ended up learning some valuable lessons off the battlefield.
WASHINGTON - The Bold Quest 2009 exercise seeks to identify emerging technologies that can be used to save military and civilian lives during combat operations.
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq - The Iraqi air force has significantly enhanced its air defense capabilities with the arrival of a digital air surveillance radar system.
WASHINGTON - Afghan and international security forces detained several suspected militants in Afghanistan's Paktia and Helmland provinces, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. forces advisors, detained several terrorism suspects in Iraq in recent days, including one believed responsible for the Oct. 11 bombing in Ramadi.
WASHINGTON - Search efforts continue after two military aircraft collided off the California coast, but a Defense Department official said it's unlikely there are survivors among the nine people aboard.
WASHINGTON - As shipments of some 3.7 million doses of H1N1 vaccine ordered by the Defense Department continue to arrive from the manufacturer, more than enough will be available for all military personnel and their beneficiaries, military medical experts say.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Army Sgt. Nicholas Raia said it was a sense of duty that made him leave the good life as a Penn State student and weekend National Guard musician to serve in Iraq.
HOLYOKE, Mass. - The United States has the values, wealth, and support of its leadership to end homelessness among veterans, the top military officer said as he accepted an award for his efforts to stop what he said is a nationwide problem.
WASHINGTON - By promoting "total fitness" Defense Department officials hope to build on what many say already is the most resilient force in U.S. military history.
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is sending additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as the most advanced drones and new platforms such as the MC-12, to counter deadly assaults in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department expects U.S. forces in Afghanistan to continue to be targeted by improvised explosive devices while it seeks ways to counter the threat.
WASHINGTON - The annual joint Empire Challenge demonstration explores how to improve dissemination of vital intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to battlefield commanders.
WASHINGTON - The office of the Pentagon's director of defense research and engineering must balance the needs of today's warfighters and the needs of servicemembers a generation from now.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Defense Department has acquired enough doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine to immunize all 460,000 members of the National Guard.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, with U.S. advisors, arrested several terrorism suspects in Iraq, military officials reported.
GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police officers are developing their engagement skillls so they can build trust and relationships with the people they serve.
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi airmen moved parts of a wrecked C-130 Hercules transport from Sather Air Base to New Al Muthana Air Base, Iraq, where they will be used as training aids for Iraqi aircraft maintainers.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A simulations analyst at Camp Lejeune, N.C., has turned his passion for martial arts and magic into a crowd-pleasing show.
WASHINGTON - Since 2002, Program Executive Office Soldier, better known simply as PEO Soldier, has been the Army's dedicated organization in developing, enhancing and fielding soldier capabilities.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signed the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act during a ceremony at the White House.
WASHINGTON - The wives of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden praised servicemembers, veterans and their families during a visit to a Veterans Affairs hospital in New York City.
WASHINGTON - If not for the logistical capability and other unique assets the U.S. military has at its disposal during times of crises, the American population would suffer significantly, federal health officials said.
WASHINGTON - With President Barack Obama's signature on the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, a controversial pay-for-performance personnel system was abolished.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - U.S. Postal Service officials have announced recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and other overseas locations.
WASHINGTON - Former Army Staff Sgt. Joe Beimfohr credits innate stubborness and the examples of other wounded warriors with helping him after losing his legs.
KABUL - U.S. military authorities have determined that the cause of an MH-47 helicopter crash in Afghanistan's Badghis province Oct. 26 was a combination of factors caused by very low visibility.
WASHINGTON - Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard first enjoyed worldwide visibility when he played a Soviet pilot who challenged actor Tom Cruise to a dogfight in the 1986 movie, "Top Gun." Today, Willard's job entails keeping the peace in half the world.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Army Spc. Meirong Wang, who was not in the United States long before she decided to serve, says she's inspired by the dedication of her fellow soldiers.
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - U.S. Army medics in Iraq are taking a major step forward in normalizing the training of Iraqi army medics by matching curriculum to clinics' real-time needs, which for now, is treating colds and flu.
CAMP BUNDELA, India - About 250 U.S. soldiers completed a training exercise with their Indian counterparts in which the two armies swapped soldiers and traded war stories.
WASHINGTON - The security situation in southern Iraq is stable with Iraqi forces continuing to show courage and improvement, and American and Iraqi commanders said they expect security gains in the region to continue.
WASHINGTON - Breaking the cycle of "on-again, off-again" U.S.-China military-to-military relations is of primary importance to the two nations, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told his Chinese counterpart.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is building a cadre of officers who each will serve a multi-year assignment dedicated to a narrow piece of the U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
WASHINGTON - International Security Assistance Force members recovered the remains of three civilian crewmembers and the wreckage of an aircraft missing for two weeks in the rugged mountains of northeastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested seven suspected terrorists while searching for terrorist network leaders, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Eight U.S. troops and an Afghan civilian working with NATO forces were killed in multiple "complex" bomb attacks in southern Afghanistan.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Members of Afghan legal rights departments and police came together with U.S. personnel Oct. 11 to discuss the strategy for improving the legal system in three northeast provinces.
HAIDARI, Iraq - A project that began last year came to fruition when the village of Haidari celebrated the official opening of a newly renovated school.
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gary Mishoe went from a lucrative job on a Ford assembly line to keeping vehicles rolling downrange in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - Strengthening the collaboration on mental healthcare is imperative because "there is urgency in addressing the mental baggage of war," the Veterans Affairs secretary said during a speech at a mental health summit in Washington.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama thanked U.S. military members for their service and sacrifice during his visit to a Florida Navy base. "You are the best-trained, the best-prepared, the best-led force in history," he said.
WASHINGTON - Defense and Veterans Affairs Department health care professionals began a three-day workshop aimed at improving psychological health care for troops and veterans.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, with U.S. advisors, conducted a series of operations resulting in the arrest of 11 suspects in vehicle-bomb networks operating between Baghdad and Mosul.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The American Academy of Ophthalmology presented military ophthalmologists with its Distinguished Service Award for their ongoing service and contributions to vision care.
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Warfighters from the United States and 10 allied nations will assess coalition combat identification systems during a U.S. Joint Forces Command exercise Oct. 27 to Nov. 5 at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point.
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The 11.25-mile road to economic success and increased security in Kunar province is paved, and a new bridge will link both sides of the Kunar River.
BAGHDAD - The Army Corps of Engineers has completed more than $1 billion in projects in Iraq this year, with none more critical than a new water treatment plant in Baghdad.
WASHINGTON - Afghan and NATO forces have removed dozens of insurgents from fighting in Afghanistan, including a long-sought-after Taliban commander.
WASHINGTON - Terrorist bombings that struck Baghdad demonstrate the security challenges that exist there, a senior Defense Department official said.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signed a national emergency declaration on H1N1 influenza over the weekend to accommodate American health care facilities' ability to address the pandemic.
BAUMHOLDER, Germany - Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Edwards can't perform all the physical duties of other NCOs, but he makes up for it with other key attributes for leading troops.
KABUL - Separate helicopter incidents have claimed the lives of servicemembers in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - U.S. basing in Japan, Japanese help in Afghanistan and regional and global challenges were among the issues the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed in Tokyo.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.,implements requests for forces and will play a key role if more U.S. troops get sent to Afghanistan -- or anywhere else.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The first mine–resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles designated for southern Afghanistan arrived by air transport, giving servicemembers safer and easier travel .
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama issued a statement commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Oct. 23, 1983, terrorist bombing of a Marine barracks that killed 241 U.S. Marines, soldiers and sailors in Beirut, Lebanon.
KABUL - A combined Afghan and international security force killed enemy fighters and wounded another yesterday after forcefully entering and searching a series of compounds in Afghanistan's Wardak province.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi police and soldiers, working with U.S. advisors, arrested seven terrorism suspects in Iraq over the last two days, military officials reported.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - Aided by U.S. forces, Iraqi soldiers gained skills ranging from first aid to Humvee maintenance during a course on Camp Mirra, Iraq.
WASHINGTON - As Iraq's lawmakers craft new election rules prior to January polling there, U.S. officials are confident that both the U.S. troop drawdown and the elections will be accomplished on schedule.
WASHINGTON - As South Korea's military transitions to full operational control, it's important to remember the past 60 years of U.S. commitment to the country and to not waver in that support, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
WASHINGTON - "Drug Free is the Key" for the Defense Department's Red Ribbon Week as it works to raise public awareness to combat tobacco, alcohol and drug use among military personnel, civilians and families.
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Artillerymen are serving a critical role using illumination rounds to keep forward maneuvering units from getting ambushed at night and to provide fire support when patrols come into heavy contact.
WASHINGTON - Scientists at the Army Research Lab are working to reduce soldiers' loads where a battery pack can weigh as much as 35 pounds and basic body armor 45 pounds.
WASHINGTON - One military member was killed and eight were injured last night after an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into a Navy ship off the coast of Fort Story, Va., just north of Virginia Beach.
WASHINGTON - In the aftermath of last month's devastating earthquakes in Indonesia, rapid response and cooperation led to a successful humanitarian relief effort there, a Navy commander said.
WASHINGTON - The American Red Cross again will sponsor a national "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to servicemembers, veterans and their families in the United States and abroad.
WASHINGTON - The Army Reserve's top enlisted soldier, Sgt. Maj. Leon E. Caffie, retires this month from an Army vastly different from the one he was drafted into almost 40 years ago.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - NATO defense ministers are expressing broad support for the new U.S. approach to missile defense in Europe and the opportunity it may offer to make Russia a partner in the effort, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he's encouraged by unofficial endorsements NATO defense ministers are expressing for Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal's strategy proposals for Afghanistan, along with indications they're considering additional resources to support the mission there.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and his fellow NATO defense ministers meeting in Slovakia will hear from the commander of the alliance's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden speaking in Bucharest, Romania, said the United States relies on its Central European allies to help confront 21st century challenges and praised the region for its post-Cold War progress.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has signed new legislation that creates predictable funding for veterans' health care.
WASHINGTON - Violence in Iraq has dropped to the lowest levels seen since 2003 as the Iraqi people prepare to vote in new legislative and general elections slated for January, a senior U.S. military officer said.
WASHINGTON - A combined Afghan and international security force detained almost a dozen suspected militants in Afghanistan, including a Haqqani terrorist organization commander.
LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Emond aids soldiers by providing Internet access in Afghanistan. "I'm supporting the warfighters at ground zero," he said.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION GARRYOWEN, Iraq - Fourteen soldiers deployed to Iraq from Fort Polk, La., take care of one of the smallest comforts of life: clean clothes. They wash and fold an average of 2,200 pounds of clothes per day.
SEOUL, South Korea - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he's headed to a NATO defense ministers meeting in Slovakia confident there's enough to discuss about Afghanistan even without a U.S. decision on the strategy there.
ARLINGTON, Va. - A California Army National Guard noncommissioned officer diagnosed with breast cancer is cancer-free today -- a fact she credits to early detection.
SEOUL, South Korea - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reaffirmed the United States' "unwavering commitment" to its alliance with South Korea, assuring it will continue to provide extended deterrence against North Korea and other threats.
WASHINGTON - Senior Defense Department officials recognized contributions made by disabled contract employees like Alvin Ramlu, a retired Army specialist, during a Pentagon ceremony.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department is well on schedule to meet President Barack Obama's withdrawal timeline from Iraq, despite much work that remains, Pentagon officials told Congress.
NORFOLK, Va. - At the U.S. military nerve center responsible for coordinating the deployment of troops and equipment downrange, the neurons are likely to fire faster with the addition of a new, state-of-the-art command center.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department will implement a new program this week to compensate former and current servicemembers for each month they involuntarily served from Sept. 11, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2009, a defense official said.
WASHINGTON - A military institution designed to provide emergency communications has moved to new quarters in the Pentagon.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. forces advisors, arrested two terrorism suspects and a murder suspect in Iraq in recent days, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Seven families, one from each of the uniformed services, have been selected as National Military Family Association's 2009 Military Families of the Year for the roles they play in their communities and the way they embrace the military lifestyle.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - U.S. and Afghan officials joined local residents in Afghanistan's Panjshir province to officially open a spur connecting the historic Daraband pass to the main road in the Panjshir River valley.
RICHMOND, Va. - Twenty-two years in the Army wasn't enough to stop Darren Costine's urge to be in the fight. He volunteered for more -- this time as a civilian in the Middle East.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - Soldiers of the U.S. Army's 17th Fires Brigade and the 14th Iraqi Army Division conducted their first joint medical military-civic operations clinic at Basra Operations Center, drawing about 150 people.
SEOUL, South Korea - It's in the United States' long-term interest to engage more closely with China, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said, and his new top officer in the Pacific said he's looking forward to the role he hopes to play in the dialogue.
SEOUL, South Korea - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called on South Korea to assume a larger security role on the Korean peninsula and beyond.
TOKYO - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates praised a close collaboration between the military and the White House in examining the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, dismissing news reports of a rift.
TOKYO - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates re-emphasized in meetings with Japanese leaders the need to move forward with a previously agreed-to realignment plan for U.S. forces.
WASHINGTON - Getting the Army's personnel aspects right is the most important job for its leaders, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said less than a month into the job.
WASHINGTON - First Lady Michelle Obama expressed gratitude for Veterans Affairs employees and their dedication during a visit to the department .
WASHINGTON - More than 11,000 soldiers from three units – two from the active duty Army and one from the Army National Guard -- will rotate into Afghanistan in the spring, summer and fall of 2010.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama applauded Afghan President Hamid Karzai's consent for a second round of elections next month, calling the decision "an important step forward" for the country.
WASHINGTON - The importance of holding the Iraqi elections on time in January and furthering Iraqi-U.S. economic ties were at the center of discussions between President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at the White House.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama paid a long-overdue tribute to the Vietnam War-era soldiers of Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden.
WASHINGTON - The security situation in northern Iraq has improved greatly in recent years, the deputy commanding general of U.S. forces there says.
WASHINGTON - Even as leaders in Washington struggle with the next steps in Afghanistan, troops there are moving to better protect the Afghan people and secure the border that country shares with Pakistan, NATO and Pentagon officials said.
BAGHDAD - Iraqi police, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested seven suspected terrorists today in northern Iraq, military officials reported.
KABUL - Afghan and international security forces killed militants, detained several suspects and seized weapons today in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Officials at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, are working to improve the quality of life for more than 20 tenant commands there, including Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.
HERAT, Afghanistan - Afghan soldiers and medical personnel, with the help of Italian, Spanish and U.S. forces, treated some 900 people during a three-day medical outreach in western Afghanistan last week.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, are working with the provincial reconstruction team and local government in Muthanna, Iraq, to bring clean water to residents who struggle with basic needs.
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Sgt. Jonathan Taylor, an Army reservist, has had much to be proud of in his career, especially his recent work in Afghanistan's Zabul province.
TOKYO - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates plans to urge Japan's new government during meetings in Tokyo to leave intact security arrangements that have been years in the making.
EN ROUTE TO TOKYO - Questions about the legitimacy of Afghanistan's national elections are a complicating factor, but President Barack Obama's strategic review doesn't hinge on the outcome, and ongoing military operations aren't being affected, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.
CAMP SMITH, Hawaii - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presided over a change-of-command ceremony as Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating passed the U.S. Pacific Command helm to Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard.
EN ROUTE TO TOKYO - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is on his way to Japan, where he will discuss a broad range of defense issues as the first Cabinet-level U.S. official to visit the new Japanese Democratic Party government since it took office last month.
WASHINGTON - Authorities are still looking for the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 fighter jet that crashed with its pilot into the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina's coast.
WASHINGTON - Military commanders of the future should be proficient at managing high-tech communications networks and also should know how to wage conventional, irregular and hybrid warfare, a senior U.S. Navy officer said.
NEW YORK - Alison Buckholtz has turned her experiences as a Navy wife into a book aimed at offering civilian America a glimpse into the inner workings of a military family, and military families a chance to realize they're not alone.
WASHINGTON - An Army brigade slated to deploy to Iraq in January was relieved of its deployment orders without current plans for a new mission, Pentagon and Army officials said.
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Twelve special tactics airmen walked more than 800 miles through five states in a memorial march to honor their fallen comrades.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - An Illinois Army National Guard unit uses a "push crew" to make sure every mission takes off on time and each aircraft gets back to mission-ready status as soon as possible.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, with U.S. advisors, arrested suspected terrorist cell leaders, detained other suspected terrorists and seized weapons in Iraq.
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Soldiers are using the Raven, an unmanned aerial vehicle, as their "eyes in the sky" in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - Afghan and international security forces killed multiple militants and detained several suspects in operations in Afghanistan.
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - Though she's personally paid a high price, Air Force Master Sgt. Lisa Peele plans to become a first sergeant so she can continue to "pay it forward."
WASHINGTON - Today's reserve forces have made tremendous progress transforming from a strategic to an operational reserve, even as they continue to support two wars and hundreds of other missions around the world, a senior Defense Department official said.
HONOLULU - As Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates travels to Japan and South Korea before heading to a NATO defense ministers conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, he's expected to ensure the issue of support for Afghanistan remains solidly on front burner.
WASHINGTON - Despite testing anomalies cited in a Government Accountability Office report on body armor, the program executive officer for the organization that fields new equipment to soldiers said the armor plates in question are safe.
BAGHDAD - The commander of Multinational Corps Iraq has approved the findings of an internal investigation into the security of behavioral health facilitiesafter a May 11 shooting at the Camp Liberty combat stress clinic here in which five soldiers were killed.
OSHKOSH, Wis. - With the first shipment of the newly designed all-terrain mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles fielded in Afghanistan, several government agencies are now working with the manufacturer to ensure proper maintenance of the critical vehicle.
WASHINGTON - Scientists at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency are working to turn science fiction into science fact to support warfighters on the battlefield.
WASHINGTON - Coast Guard searchers found crash debris believed to belong to a missing Air Force pilot's F-16 jet that collided with another F-16 near the South Carolina coast, an Air Force spokesman said.
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates accepted the prestigious Marshall Foundation Award, calling George C. Marshall his hero and inspiration as defense secretary.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - In a world full of choices, Army Spc. Timothy Markle took a few wrong turns before finding his focus, first in football, then in the military.
WASHINGTON - The services could more effectively power unmanned vehicles, underwater monitoring sensors, ships and aircraft if Naval Research Laboratory scientists achieve their goals of harnessing solar and sea power to fuel the military.
WASHINGTON - American and United Nations officials are urging the Iraqi parliament to move quickly on legislation to allow Iraq to hold national elections in January.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan, following a series of terrorist attacks there that have killed or injured scores of innocent people, a senior Pentagon spokesman said.
KABUL - Afghan and international forces killed militants in a clash in which a woman and child died in the crossfire, killed several more enemy fighters in a separate operation, and arrested more than a dozen militants who had set up an illegal checkpoint in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces, working with U.S. advisors, arrested six terrorism suspects in four operations in Iraq, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - The Joint Enabling Capabilities Command is going a long way to provide command and control capabilities to joint headquarters commanders worldwide.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Colorado Army National Guard joined rescue efforts for a 6-year-old boy believed adrift in a homemade hot air balloon.
NEW YORK - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen drew quite the laughs at the expense of political elites at the annual Alfred E. Smith Foundation dinner, but still managed acclaim for the 2.2 million military members in his charge.
WASHINGTON - First Lady Michelle Obama vowed to make the voices of U.S. military families heard in the nation's capital, and called on Americans to recognize the sacrifices made by those in uniform and their loved ones.
WASHINGTON - Dr. Jill Biden, the vice president's wife, knows what it feels like to say goodbye to a son heading off to war. She joined Marine families at Camp Lejeune, N.C., as they bid farewell to their loved ones headed to Afghanistan.
NEW YORK - Deborah Mullen, wife of the nation's most senior military officer, had a message for military families while on the Sesame Street TV set in New York: servicemembers and their families have a wealth of support behind them.
WASHINGTON - Pentagon officials stress that no matter what computer you use, you need to take cybersecurity into account.
WASHINGTON - Two Air Force bomb technicians discussed IEDs and other threats in Afghanistan during a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Pakistan, vowing continued U.S. support to help Pakistan combat violence.
NEW YORK - As filming for Sesame Workshop's latest "Talk, Listen, Connect," video got under way, it became clear that while it's not always sunny on Sesame Street, ultimately the clouds can be swept away.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - In a country where fewer than 30 percent of people are considered literate, U.S. forces are working to help in rebuilding Afghanistan's education system.
WASHINGTON - With more than 1.1 million active and reserve-component soldiers in the U.S. Army, some may wonder how the service could be stressed, as is commonly discussed and reported.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces arrested 15 suspects in a variety of operations in recent days.
KITGUM, Uganda - When Staff Sgt. John Okumu joined the Army five years ago, he never dreamed he would one day deploy to Africa, the continent he once called home.
WASHINGTON - Afghan and international forces killed and detained multiple suspected militants in operations to interdict Taliban activity in Afghanistan's Zabul and Wardak provinces in recent days.
WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard cutter Legare has returned from a 120-day mission in support of the Navy's 6th Fleet along Africa's west coast.
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will welcome China's second-ranking military officer to Washington in late October as part of an effort to foster a strategic bi-lateral dialogue.
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will kick off a whirlwind around-the-world trip this weekend that will begin with a change of command ceremony at U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.
SAQLAWIYA, Iraq - The 82nd Airborne's 504th was the first infantry regiment in the Army to be designated airborne; now it is part of the newest tool in the Army's arsenal developed for an advise-and-assist brigade.
WASHINGTON - Defense Department officials have been straightforward about the number of U.S. troops flowing into Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said.
WASHINGTON - The Veterans Affairs Department continues its efforts to provide the best support possible to the nation's military veterans, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told a House committee.
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - U.S. Marines and sailors were part of a four-nation coalition that stormed the beaches near Alexandria, Egypt, during a major amphibious assault demonstration as part of Exercise Bright Star.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - U.S. troops and reconstruction team members in Iraq's Basra province distributed 20 wheelchairs to children with special needs.
WASHINGTON - Congress has reached agreement on a $680.2 billion National Defense Authorization Bill for fiscal 2010.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces, working with U.S. advisors, apprehended a bribery suspect and an associate of an alleged extortionist in Mosul, Iraq.
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines in Afghanistan's Helmand province helped local farmers with free veterinary care for their goats, sheep and cows.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ - Farmers in Iraq's Ninevah province are turning to "Farmer Fred," an American helping them extend the growing season with greenhouses.
ARLINGTON, Va. - Both components of the National Guard reached the dual goals of recruiting new troops while reducing the overall force to meet a congressional mandate for fiscal year 2009.
WASHINGTON - The military services' active and reserve components notched record recruiting numbers and signed up the highest-quality recruits ever in fiscal 2009, senior defense officials said.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces, with U.S. advisors, have made numerous arrests of suspected terrorists.
WASHINGTON - Afghan and international security forces have disrupted several terrorist networks in Afghanistan, including a major drug operation.
WASHINGTON - In an executive order issued Oct. 1, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business.
WASHINGTON - A new Department of Veterans Affairs ruling will soon relieve Vietnam veterans suffering from three specific illnesses from the burden of proving their ailments are linked to Agent Orange exposure to receive VA health care and disability payments.
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon's top civilian official for Guard and Reserve matters and uniformed reserve-component leaders pledged to support employers of the nation's Guard and Reserve members at a Pentagon ceremony.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Army's top military officer and civilian leader underscored the service's commitment to Army families at last week's annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army.
QUANTICO, Va. - Paul Mann, credited with the quick delivery of the mine-resistant, armor-protected vehicle to Afghanistan, is the inaugural recipient of an award named for a man known as the father of the Navy's Aegis weapons system.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - The 17th Fires Brigade and the provincial reconstruction team in Iraq's Basra province are dispersing $97,500 in small-business grants to entrepreneurs.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Officials at Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan are reaching out to the community as they establish the second humanitarian assistance yard.
WASHINGTON - Army Brig. Gen. Ed Cardon, deputy commandant of the Army Command and General Staff College, says military and interagency cooperation in training and education will become more vital as future deployments involve stability operations.
WASHINGTON - A solar-energy array at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., is saving money for the Air Force and decreasing the service's reliance on fossil fuels.
PHILADELPHIA - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the man for whom the USS Wayne E. Meyer guided-missile destroyer was named during the ship's commissioning into the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
WASHINGTON - The Department of Defense Education Activity has reason to be proud of 12 students this year -- the students are national scholarship semifinalists, able to compete for millions of dollars in scholarship funds. The Activity's director said the students "also distinguished themselves in the ways they give back to their communities."
WASHINGTON - NATO's International Security Assistance Forces have completed their repositioning from two combat outposts in Nuristan province to other areas in eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Scientists are working to create energy self-sufficiency for the Defense Department, the nation's largest single consumer of energy, a defense expert said.
WASHINGTON - Cooperation is growing between navies and commercial shipping interests, Navy Rear Adm. M. Stewart O'Bryan, director of Navy's maritime domain awareness, told bloggers in Rhode Island during the 19th annual Seapower Symposium.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said he'll accept the Nobel Peace Prize as a "call to action" for the international community to work together to confront common challenges, while also recognizing his responsibility for U.S. security.
WASHINGTON - The USS Ingraham was among the first responders providing humanitarian relief in American Samoa following a tsunami.
KADENA AIRBASE, Japan - Airmen with the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Airbase are supporting humanitarian relief operations in the aftermath of earthquakes near Padang in western Indonesia.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - Army Chaplain (Maj.) Michael J. King is determined to provide spiritual and emotional support to all soldiers under his care in Iraq.
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - As he focuses on a new approach to supporting the fight in Afghanistan, the new 10th Mountain Division commander said he also intends to volunteer his soldiers to serve as an operational test-bed for the Army's long-term modernization efforts.
WASHINGTON - As the Defense Department reforms its buying process, the Pentagon's top acquisition official seeks to strike a balance between improving the system and keeping it efficient, he told an international audience.
WASHINGTON - The proposed U.S. missile defense system for Europe will provide better defense against existing and longer-range threats, the assistant secretary of defense for international security said during an interview with defense writers.
WASHINGTON - Army leaders say they are making progress in their efforts to prevent soldier suicides, despite a growing number of reports.
WASHINGTON - More than 800 celebrities turned out for the annual USO Gala, but it was the servicemembers who stole the show.
WASHINGTON - An Army armored cavalry unit and three brigade combat teams will deploy to Iraq next summer as part of annual troop rotations there, Pentagon officials announced.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department is developing an advanced "bunker-buster" bomb that should be ready for deployment this summer, senior Pentagon officials said.
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - With five of the 10th Mountain Division's six brigade-size elements deployed, returning from deployments or en route to new deployments, their new commander said he's focused on ensuring their wellness and resiliency and that of their families.
WASHINGTON - Attacks committed by al-Qaida and other insurgents in Baghdad and its environs continue to drop three months after U.S. combat troops moved out of Iraqi cities, a U.S. brigade commander posted in Iraq says.
WASHINGTON - Several military operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan resulted in insurgents killed and captured, military officials reported.
ARLINGTON, Va. - Providing better care for survivors of fallen servicemembers is a concern near and dear to the hearts of lawmakers and military leaders, but maybe to none more so than the Army chief of staff.
WASHINGTON - The price was right for former game show host and naval aviator Bob Barker, who donated $3 million to help warriors suffering traumatic brain injuries.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq - U.S. soldiers recently provided humanitarian aid to Iraqis in an area locals refer to as the "Lost City."
BUTLERVILLE, Ind. - Civilians from a U.S. State Department provincial reconstruction team readied for an assignment in Afghanistan with help from a Marine unit at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Indiana.
FORT GORDON, Ga. - A sudden accident may have cost Army Staff Sgt. Luis Elias his hand, but it hasn't stripped him of his positive attitude or impacted his service career plans for the future.
WASHINGTON - NATO and Afghan troops detained several militants and destroyed weapons and drug caches in separate operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
WASHINGTON - Future U.S. military weapons are going to have to be relevant, adaptable and affordable, the nation's second highest-ranking military officer told defense contractors.
WASHINGTON - As President Barack Obama and senior defense and national security leaders reconvened meetings on the way forward in Afghanistan, they did so with the addition of Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal's list of requested resources.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for military families, the director of the department's Family Advocacy Program said in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department needs to balance the needs of today's wars with tomorrow's requirements, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics said.
LIBREVILLE, Gabon - Nearly 200 people from 26 countries and three international organizations came together in Gabon to participate in Exercise Africa Endeavor.
WASHINGTON - Portable satellite-communications sets, water purifiers, electricity generators, solar-cooking devices and more are on display until Oct. 9 at Fort Lesley J. McNair as part of an international program co-coordinated by National Defense University.
WASHINGTON - International cooperation is the currency of naval power today, the chief of naval operations said.
ARLINGTON, Va. - As the president continues to review his Afghanistan strategy, the commander of U.S. Central Command said the decision is likely to hinge on one of three approaches to reversing the insurgency's gains.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama praised Iraqi President Jalal Talabani at a White House meeting for his work toward promoting national unity in Iraq and conveyed continued U.S. support for the country's progress.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - U.S. troops joined residents of Basra, Iraq, for the opening of a new school for advanced learners that the school's principal called "an educational beacon" for the city.
WASHINGTON - Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, appearing on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," told his TV host that women soon will serve on submarines, suggesting a reversal of the service's long-standing ban on female submariners.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - As a noncommissioned officer with a combat aviation brigade, Army Sgt. William Altman ensures excellence at his operations center in Iraq, even during the slow times.
WASHINGTON - The Army must structure itself to face a future of persistent conflict as it takes on a long-term struggle against terrorism and militant extremists, the service's top officer said.
WASHINGTON - The Army plans to deploy 17 of its Stryker combat vehicles to India for the first exercise of its kind in the country.
WASHINGTON - David Dominguez has set up a nonprofit organization called "Freedom is Not Free" to remind people of the sacrifices being made on their behalf.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama praised members of the U.S. intelligence community, pointing out that the terrorist attacks they've foiled have saved countless American lives. "For that, America is in your debt," he said.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, with U.S. advisors, arrested a terrorist leader and other suspected terrorists in operations in Iraq.
RAMADI, Iraq - Iraqi forces disrupted a kidnapping organization and saved a young kidnapping victim.
WASHINGTON - American and Korean veterans of the Korean War gathered with U.S. Army and South Korean leaders to pay tribute at the National Korean War Memorial.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Two football fans are using a deep-seated rivalry as a way to spur people back home to send donations for the people of Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - American Forces Press Service, the Defense Department's vehicle for news and feature content on the Defense.gov Web site, has unveiled a "widget" for photographs.
BAGHDAD - Senior Iraqi leaders and members of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq gathered for Iraq's second human rights conference.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Army aviator Maj. Anthony Meador made a tough decision while evacuating a patient in bad weather in Iraq.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Carolyn Louise Herring Moore, a playwright and military spouse, has created a drama about her experiences with an abusive husband to help others address domestic violence.
WASHINGTON - Withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan before accomplishing the mission there would greatly embolden Islamic radicals worldwide, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid a personal tribute to noncommissioned officers while speaking at the Association of the U.S. Army conference.
ZURBATIYAH, Iraq - Work to improve commerce and security in Iraq continued as a cargo transload area opened along the Iraq-Iran border.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's decisions on the next phase of the Afghan war will be among the most important of his presidency, said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who vowed to faithfully execute his orders. Gates spoke to the Association of the U.S. Army.
WASHINGTON - As the U.S. military continues to provide assistance to victims of storms and earthquakes in the Philippines and Indonesia, tsunami relief operations in American Samoa are tapering off.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Hawaii National Guard's medical mission in American Samoa wrapped up over the weekend, but 14 Guardsmen with the state's civil support team will remain there to conduct joint hazardous-material and damage assessment operations.
WASHINGTON - National Security Advisor Retired Marine Gen. James L. Jones said current discussions about Afghanistan revolve around an overall strategy that includes economic development, strengthening the government, and building up Afghan security forces.
WASHINGTON - Afghan and NATO troops killed or detained numerous militant fighters throughout eastern and southern Afghanistan.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan - Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Fosheim is a history buff who uses common sense and the Army's legacy for insight and inspiration in his duties as a platoon sergeant.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces arrested several suspected terrorist leaders in Iraq in recent days, military officials reported.
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Children in Kunar province are watching their future being built as U.S. Army engineers and Afghan contractors build a school outside their classroom tent.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Pacific Command continues to help in coordinating humanitarian relief operations in American Samoa, Indonesia and the Philippines, the command's top officer said.
WASHINGTON - The National Cyber Security Alliance – sponsors of Cyber Security Awareness Month – has some tips to help protect you and your family from information meltdown.
WASHINGTON - The Defense Safety Oversight Council is working to reduce preventable accidents in the military, which affect operational readiness and cost the department more than $3 billion annually.
ARLINGTON, Va. - A physician assistant with the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing described the damage he witnessed in American Samoa: "A very beautiful spot...absolutely devastated."
WASHINGTON - The Navy is merging its information technology, intelligence and communications operations into one organization to remain dominant in the "Cyber Age," the Navy's top officer said.
WASHINGTON - the Homeowners Assistance Program is expanding to help more servicemembers and federal employees forced to take a loss on their homes due to required relocations.
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. - Personnel with the 779th Aeromedical Staging Facility at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., provide wounded warriors -- 5,230 so far this year -- with better care than some say they ever could imagine.
WASHINGTON - The Army's new Comprehensive Fitness Program aims to improve all aspects of soldier fitness, for physical and mental toughness.
WASHINGTON - The medical support situation in American Samoa has stabilized amid ongoing U.S. relief efforts after a massive tsunami devastated the area this week.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Japan - The U.S. military is providing critically needed disaster-relief supplies to mitigate suffering and prevent further loss of life in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana, which struck the Philippines on Sept. 25.
BAGHDAD - Some people turn to the Internet for a lesson in military history, but Army engineers in Baghdad need only to turn to their co-worker, Pat Riley.
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - A Kansas National Guard agribusiness team is working with farmers in Afghanistan's Laghman province to introduce the ancient saffron plant as an alternative to growing poppies.
BETHESDA, Md. - Bonnie Carroll, co-chair of the congressionally mandated Suicide Prevention Task Force, is working to remove the stigma in seeking mental health care.
WASHINGTON - The deployments of about 1,600 U.S. troops in Iraq could be extended in the weeks following the national election slated to occur in January.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is getting the ground-level perspective on Afghanistan, and soon will address the strategy and resources needed in the country, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said.
WASHINGTON - Sometime around Thanksgiving, some troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will receive boxes filled with gifts from a women's group in Alexandria, Va.
WASHINGTON - The war in Afghanistan can be won if forces there change the way they fight, said U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top military commander on the ground there.
WASHINGTON - Defense Department schools are stressing studies in science, technology, engineering and math in keeping with 21st century needs, the head of the Department of Defense Education Activity's science program said.
WASHINGTON - Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn said the department's culture regarding cyber security issues must change, and become more robust to ensure safety of information networks.
WASHINGTON - Members of NATO's International Security Assistance Force met with Helmand province village elders after reports civilians were killed in an engagement between ISAF forces and insurgents.
WASHINGTON - Iraqi forces, with U.S. advisors, have arrested an alleged terrorist financier and recruiter, as well as five suspects in a roadside bomb network.
WASHINGTON - The adoption of a new U.S. missile defense approach does not represent a departure from earlier objectives nor was it influenced by U.S.-Russian relations, top Defense Department officials said.
WASHINGTON - In response to Federal Emergency Management Agency requests, National Guard assets from Hawaii continue to provide air-cargo operations and other support to tsunami victims on American Samoa.
WASHINGTON - A soldier stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., who died Sept. 10, possibly is the first H1N1-related death suffered by the U.S. armed forces, Army officials said.
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel in northeast Afghanistan were satisfied with a recent flyover assessment of ongoing construction projects.
BAGHDAD - When Spc. Ikram Mansori enlisted in the Army, she signed up to be a truck driver. Now the native Moroccan who speaks five languages has found her niche as a linguist.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - The Iraqi air force is a step closer to using their own pilots and resources to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions across southern Iraq.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - When an Army training team delivered children's medicine and candy to the people in Iraq's Maysan province, the kids were elated – at least for the candy.
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text:
As part of a NIST-wide effort to develop a metrological infrastructure for quantitative medical imaging, the Radioactivity Group has recently established a dedicated facility to support its efforts to develop the necessary standards and measurement techniques for quantitative PET-CT.
The cornerstone of the new facility is a new Philips Gemini-TF clinical PET-CT scanner that was acquired under the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) during FY10. The scanner is intended to be used for characterizing new phantoms that the Group is developing for both PET and CT to act as a testbed for the development of data acquisition and analysis methods, as well as to act as a reference for interlaboratory phantom comparisons.
After final acceptance is complete, the first project that will be carried out will be calibration of the scanner for 18F activity measurement on an absolute basis with traceability to National standards for that radionuclide. Additional studies are planned to cross-calibrate the scanner for other positron emitters, such as 68Ge, and investigate its potential use as a transfer standard for calibrating various phantoms for contained activity. A much larger, long-term project will be carried out to identify and quantify the principal components of uncertainty in the imaging process and how they affect the activity determination. Basic imaging physics studies, such as partial volume correction methods and translation of absolute image quantification to the clinic will also be an important part of the program over the next few years.
In addition to the work on PET imaging standards, an similar program will be carried out in the area of CT to provide measurement infrastructure for that modality as well. Some of the near-term tasks that will be carried out include:
· Provide reference standards for CT image qualities that are related to length and contrast impacted by spectral characteristics and noise levels. Our in-house CT machine will greatly aid the current effort with Division 685 on the lung CT phantom development in which various scanning protocols in different clinical centers are compared to assess the Hounsfield Unit (HU) variation. NIST has taken up the role for certifying the appropriate foams for CT characteristics. Transmission measurements have been performed using polychromatic beams (laboratory x-ray machines including the NIST mammography standard beam) and at a monochromatic synchrotron x-ray source to obtain a more definitive HU value for these foams of various densities at various energies.
· Contribute toward addressing the current concern for the lack of uniform standards for patient dose in clinical CT diagnostics. The air kerma is the current diagnostics x-ray standard maintained by the NIST Dosimetry Group. The implementation of this standard is through the AAPM TG-111 that is in the process of improving the protocols to reflect the modern day helical scanning and the deficiency of CTDI (dose index) in representing actual patient dose. A suite of image quality and dose phantoms will be calibrated to assess the optimal image quality and noise level with the goal of minimizing dose.
Lead Organizational Unit:pml