USS Doyle, Coast Guard Law Enforcement Team Seize Cocaine Shipment

<b>USS Doyle</b>, Coast Guard Law Enforcement Team Seize Cocaine Shipment: "USS DOYLE, At Sea (NNS) -- A U.S. Coast Guard boarding team and Navy crew members operating from the USS Doyle (FFG 39) discovered more than 600 kilos of cocaine during counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet ..."

Blitzer in N. Korea: Life in a tinderbox

Blitzer in N. Korea: Life in a tinderbox: "We certainly packed a lot into six days here.

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APNewsBreak: Nearly 1 in 4 fails military exam

APNewsBreak: Nearly 1 in 4 fails military exam: "MIAMI (AP) -- Nearly one-fourth of the students who try to join the U.S. Army fail its entrance exam, painting a grim picture of an education system that produces graduates who can't answer basic math, science and reading questions, according to a new study released Tuesday...."

Costa Rica newspaper: A.M. Costa Rica: Your English language daily ...

Costa Rica newspaper: A.M. Costa Rica: Your English language daily <b>...</b>: "U.S. Ambassador Anne Andrew hosted 18 Costa Rican legislators aboard the USS Doyle last week to outline the Joint Maritime Agreement Against Illicit Trafficking between the two countries, the U.S. Embassy reported. ..."

S. Korea to Stage Firing Drills Despite Warning

S. Korea to Stage Firing Drills Despite Warning: "South Korean troops gear up for artillery drills on a border island shelled by North Korea last month despite Pyongyang's vow to strike even harder than before | VIDEO

China: Korean Situation 'Extremely Precarious'

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U.S. ship arrivals continue to feed political debate

U.S. ship arrivals continue to feed political debate: "U.S. Ambassador Anne Andrew hosted 18 Costa Rican legislators aboard the USS Doyle last week to outline the Joint Maritime Agreement Against Illicit Trafficking between the two countries, the U.S. Embassy reported. ..."

Costa Rica Real Estate News and Information: Costa Rica lawmakers to tour U.S. naval ship in Go...

Costa Rica Real Estate News and Information: Costa Rica lawmakers to tour U.S. naval ship in Go...: "C.R. lawmakers to tour U.S. naval ship / News Briefs / News / Costa Rica Newspaper, The Tico Times At least 12 Costa Rica legislators will..."

US Navy Ship Takes On Costa Rican Lawmakers For Tour - Inside Costa Rica

US Navy Ship Takes On Costa Rican Lawmakers For Tour - Inside Costa Rica: "

Inside Costa Rica

US Navy Ship Takes On Costa Rican Lawmakers For Tour Inside Costa Rica In a refueling and supply stop in Golfito, the USS Doyle, and its 211 crew took the opportunity to show their wares off to a group Costa Rica's legislators, ... CR lawmakers tour US Naval shipTico Times all 47 news articles »

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CR lawmakers to tour US naval ship - Tico Times

CR lawmakers to tour US naval ship - Tico Times: "

CR lawmakers to tour US naval ship Tico Times Ambassador Andrew and Costa Rican drug czar Mauricio Boraschi will also make the trip to tour the USS Doyle in Golfito. “The goal of the visit is to ... and more »

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My daughter Cindy knows me so well

I heard a bang at the front door and there was a big box on the porch. When I opened the box it was a Christmas gift from my daughter Cindy to me.  She really knows what I like. :) It all looks so good. Thank you Cindy, and God bless.  Now to start destroying the evidence ( I mean let the eating commence. ) 

(5th LD) S. Korea, U.S. vow stronger military actions against N. Korean provocation

(5th LD) S. Korea, U.S. vow stronger military actions against N. Korean provocation: "By Kim Deok-hyun and Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Yonhap) -- Seoul and Washington agreed Wednesday to hold more joint drills to deter North Korean provocations, warning that North Korea should not mistake restraint shown by the allies as a 'lack of re..."

Got a call from my daughter Cindy

I just got a call from my daughter Cindy. Her ship USS Abraham Lincoln is on the other side of the world. It's been a good past couple of days. I talked to my son Mike from South Korea and John from his ship. :) It always makes me smile to hear from my kids when they are so far away. :)

S.Korea starts live-fire drills amid tensions with North

S.Korea starts live-fire drills amid tensions with North: "Seoul (AFP) Dec 6, 2010



South Korea's military began a major live-fire exercise Monday amid high tensions on the divided peninsula following North Korea's deadly bombardment of a border island last month.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the five-day series of drills would take place in 29 locations off South Korea, despite the North's claims that it could trigger war.

It was unclear whether one of the firi"

Military ordered to exercise right to self-defense if attacked by North: defense minister

Military ordered to exercise right to self-defense if attacked by North: defense minister: "SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new defense minister said Monday his military has been ordered to exercise its right of self-defense should the country come under North Korean attack again, toughening up his pledge of retaliation following t..."

N. Korea warns against further military drills in tense waters

N. Korea warns against further military drills in tense waters: "SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Sunday warned against South Korea's plan to resume fire drills and hold more joint exercises with the United States in waters near their tense western border, saying nobody can predict the consequences of the..."

My daughter Cindy

My daughter Cindy just emailed me this picture. "Frocking pic w/ capt Alexander and Rear Admiral and CMC" Cindy is second from left. 

Frocking is a United States military term for a commisioned or non-commissioned officer selected for promotion wearing the insignia of the higher grade before the official date of promotion (the "date of rank"). An officer or NCO who has been selected for promotion may be authorized to "frock" to the next grade.

Cindys Frocking Ceremony

My daughter Cindy on the USS Abraham Lincoln sent me this picture from her Frocking Ceremony. She is now a Second Class Petty Officer. Congratulations FC2. 

Senate condemns N. Korea for shelling S. Korean island

Senate condemns N. Korea for shelling S. Korean island: "By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution condemning North Korea for shelling a South Korean island and calling on China to step up efforts to make its communist neighbor behave.
The resolution, a..."

S. Korea considers reinstating 'main enemy' tag for N. Korea

S. Korea considers reinstating 'main enemy' tag for N. Korea: "SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense ministry said Friday it is considering redefining North Korea as its 'main enemy' in its defense paper amid heightened tensions and public outrage following the North's deadly artillery attack on a sou..."

Storm sign!

Storm sign!: "

This is why I don’t live in Montana:

I don’t want to live in a place where transdimensional spaceworms can appear in the sky and blast superheated steam straight down onto innocent earthlings.

Supercell photo be Sean Heavey for National Geographic; click to convectenate. Tip o’ the kevlar umbrella to Astropixie.

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Modified radar gun identifies suicide bombers up to ten meters away

Modified radar gun identifies suicide bombers up to ten meters away: "

William Fox of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey and John Vesecky, his colleague at UC Santa Cruz, are working on a modified radar gun that can identify suicide bombs worn under the clothing. To do this, they cataloged the most common arrangements of looped wires used to construct 'suicide vests,' and developed software that can identify the radar cross-section of each. So far, results have been pretty good: according to New Scientist, 'telltale factors in the polarisation of the reflected signals' allowed them to correctly identify volunteers dressed as bombers up to ten meters away, roughly eighty-five percent of the time. Of course, even with a success rate this high, such a system would be prone to kicking up false positives. In order to minimize this, the devices would have to combined with other technologies, such as smart surveillance camera systems and infrared imaging.

Modified radar gun identifies suicide bombers up to ten meters away originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 07:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | New Scientist | Email this | Comments"

Operation Record a Story

Operation Record a Story: "

A program called Operation Record-A-Story lets kids hear their deployed military parent read them a bedtime story. Starting today on Veteran's Day, military Moms and Dads separated from their children can share story time as a family through this new program. Publications International's, Ltd. (PIL) Record a Story books are now being recorded by servicemen and servicewomen at USO locations in the United States, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. PIL donated 5,000 Record a Story books to the United Through Reading Military Program for military service members to record for their children. After the book captures the service member's voice reading the story out loud, it will be sent, together with a video of the parent recording the story, to their kids in time for the holidays.

Operation Record a Story originally appeared on About.com US Military on Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 13:23:14.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

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Experts give tips to college grads seeking first job

Experts give tips to college grads seeking first job: "A college degree is no longer the ticket to the American Dream. Graduates must learn how to promote themselves in the competitive job market. ...

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NKorea warns of "brink of war"

NKorea warns of "brink of war": "YEONPYEONG ISLAND, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea warned Friday that planned U.S.-South Korean military drills are pushing the peninsula to the brink of war as a U.S. military commander headed to an island devastated this week by a North Korean artillery barrage...."

After 50 days adrift, 3 teens rescued in S Pacific

After 50 days adrift, 3 teens rescued in S Pacific: "WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- Three teens who have been missing in the South Pacific for 50 days - and were already eulogized in a memorial service - have been found alive by a New Zealand fishing boat...."

Congratulations to my daughter Cindy for getting 2nd Class

My daughter Cindy on the USS Abraham Lincoln ( second from right ) holding the US Navy Flag when they were in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Congratulations to my daughter Cindy for getting 2nd Class. We're proud of you FC2 Cindy.  :)

S. Korea considers redeploying U.S. nukes

S. Korea considers redeploying U.S. nukes: "SEOUL — South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young said Monday that his government would seek the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in the country amid the lingering threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear program."

Nearly One Million Consumers Getting Refunds From LifeLock

Nearly One Million Consumers Getting Refunds From LifeLock: "

LifeLock, an identity theft security firm, has begun mailing checks to customers nationwide, part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 34 states.

The settlement was reached in March of this year, following an investigation into the company's allegedly misleading advertising practices.

LifeLock sells identity theft services that past advertisements allegedly claimed were "guaranteed" to protect consumers' personal information and prevent criminals from using it to open accounts in consumers' names. Some ads even included LifeLock CEO Todd Davis' social security number in an effort to demonstrate Davis' confidence in the services offered.

The FTC and various state attorneys general charged that the fraud alerts that LifeLock placed on customers' credit files protected only against certain forms of identity theft and gave them no protection against the misuse of existing accounts, the most common type of identity theft. It also allegedly provided no protection against medical identity theft or employment identity theft, in which thieves use personal information to get medical care or apply for jobs.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/11/nearly-one-million-consumers-getting-refunds-from-lifelock.html

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The Food Lab Thanksgiving Special: Why You Should Make Your Own Gravy

The Food Lab Thanksgiving Special: Why You Should Make Your Own Gravy: "

[Photograph: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

Well the short and simple answer to the titular question can be found right here. Store-bought gravies just don't taste right. Sure, some of them have that nostalgic cafeteria appeal, but unless you're seriously trying to relive middle school, you're much better off making your own. With a few store-bought staples, it's surprisingly easy, and worlds better than anything you'd get out of a jar.

The gravy recipe attached to this article is dead simple and will get you results that are a marked improvement over store-bought. If you want to up the ante even more, just follow these tips. They apply to any and all gravy:

You Don't Need to Make Your Own Stock

Sure, in an ideal world, if you had the time and inclination, making your own stock by browning the chopped carcass and neck of your turkey and simmering it with lots of vegetables is really the best way to make your gravy. But a good quality low-sodium store-bought chicken stock makes a flavorful base that's far better than jarred gravy (see our tasting results). Even if you are planning on using your turkey neck and scraps (highly recommended!), use stock to simmer them instead of water for an instant flavor-boost.

Make Your Gravy in Advance!

Gravy can be made at least a few days before thanksgiving. Get your turkey ahead of time, and you'll even have a neck and giblets to work with. Make your gravy on Monday or Tuesday, refrigerate it, then don't even think about it until turkey day. It'll reheat well in a small saucepan, or just in the microwave (stir it every 30 seconds while microwaving to make sure it doesn't explode).

Reach for the Umami-Bombs

Marmite and soy sauce might seem like odd ingredients for gravy, but when used judiciously, they can seriously increase flavor, adding depth and savoriness. A quarter teaspoon of Marmite and a teaspoon of soy sauce for every quart of gravy is about the right amount.

Add Aromatics

If going the store-bought stock route, try simmering it down with a couple of bay leaves, peppercorns, and some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley stems. You'll be amazed at the depth of flavor it picks up with just a quick 30 minute simmer.

Deglaze Your Roasting Pan

Your turkey gives off plenty of flavorful liquids and solids while its roasting. Look at the bottom of the pan when the turkey is done—see the browned bits in there? That's called fond, and is an instant gravy-booster. While your turkey is resting, place your roasting pan over a burner and pour in some stock. Scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon, strain, and use this enhanced stock as the base for your gravy. Even if you make your gravy in advance, you can always give it a boost last minute by deglazing the pan with a little stock and whisking it into your gravy just before serving.

Thicken the Right Way

To thicken a quart of gravy, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of flour and cook it down, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. You're going for a nice golden-blond color, which will add some nuttiness. Slowly add your stock, whisking constantly. The harder you whisk and slower you add the stock, the smoother your gravy will be. Once you've added all the liquid, bring it up to a boil, reduce it to a simmer, and let it cook down until it gets to the right consistency. Season it at the end with salt and pepper (seasoning too early can lead to the salt concentrating and becoming too strong).

More tests, more results! Follow The Food Lab on Facebook or Twitter.

Get the Recipe!

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InputDirector: Use the same keyboard and mouse on all your computers [Freeware]

InputDirector: Use the same keyboard and mouse on all your computers [Freeware]: "

So the other day I was working on my desktop computer while having my laptop next to it. Whenever I wanted to use something that was on the laptop I found myself use my desktops mouse and keyboard. Naturally this didn’t work very well. I then remembered reading something (in the forums here) about a tool that would allow me to control any computer connected to my LAN using the same keyboard and mouse. Doing some research I discovered two freeware solutions: Synergy and InputDirector.

Input Director vs Synergy

At first glance the two systems are equal, giving you much the same. OS support is the most apparent difference between the two. Synergy is a Multi-Platform-System which enables you to control Windows, MAC and Linux using the same Keyboard and mouse. InputDirector only support Windows (in its various versions – all the way back to Windows 2000)

Common Features

• Control Mouse and keyboard
• Copy and Paste text between the computers
• Move the mouse between computers as if they were a multiple monitor setup
• Automatic detection when available to the system
• Multi-Monitor Support
• Synchronise System LockDown and ShutDown
• Synchronise Screensavers

After trying out both systems I found that though Synergy does support more OS’s (Mac, Linux etc) it is much harder to get it working. Every setting is text-based and moving between the monitors isn’t all that versatile. With Synergy I kept experiencing that the mouse would not return to the monitor from which it came. It was an easy fix, but an annoying one nevertheless. Setting up Synergy the way I wanted took so much time that once it did work – I had given up on it all together. The thought of setting it up on more computers later on – was not appealing. So my program of choice became InputDirector. And this is why:

InputDirector (the windows solution)

Windows Guides’ Rating	User Rating	Compatible with	System
4 out of 5	Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Moving the mouse between the screens will control which computer receives input from you. Ripples surround the cursor for a few seconds after transitioning to help the eye follow the cursor from one computer to another. The keyboard lights for NumLock, CapsLock etc. will show the settings for each system.To lock or shutdown all systems, right-click the System tray icon and choose from the context menu.

But that is not all

InputDirector has many features I like, and best of all is the total control it gives you. You can choose when and where it should run, when should the mouse move between monitors, assigning hotkeys and create macros. In short it is a feature packed small application that you will grow to love – and really wonder, how you ever managed without it.

Features

• Easy to follow installation and usage guides – setup only takes a few minutes
• Tell Input Director how your monitors are positioned simply by dragging them to the correct spot on the monitor grid:
• Multi-monitor support
• Shared Clipboard – copy and paste between computers (including files!)
• Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008 and Windows 7
• Transitioning control to another computer is a simple as moving your cursor off the screen on one computer for it to jump to the other
• Able to control a computer without needing to login to it first
• Supports Windows fast user switching
• Compatible with Vista User Account Control pop-ups
• Manage all your computers at once
• Simultaneously lock all computers
• Synchronise the screen savers across your computers
• Synchronise shutdown of your system (or individually configure whether a computer goes to standby, hibernate or shuts down)
• Encrypt network data between Input Director controlled computers using AES with a 128, 192 or 256bit key
• Lock down the Input Director configuration so that only Administrators may make changes
• Systems can limit which master systems can control them by host name or network subnet
• Ripples surround the cursor for a few seconds after transitioning to help the eye follow the cursor from one computer to another:
• Hotkeys can be setup to switch control to a specific computer or move to the next computer to the left or right
• Choose to use your mouse (speed, button order) preferences when directing another system
• Supports different keyboard layouts
• The keyboard LEDs (Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock) show the status of the computer being controlled
• Mirror input – Broadcast mouse gestures and keyboard input to all computers simultaneously
• On startup slave systems will tell the master system that they are available
• Slave systems tell the master system when they’re about to be shutdown or rebooted and the master will automatically skip them when navigating between computer

Wish-list for InputDirector

So far InputDirector can only share the clipboard (Copy/Paste) between the computers – which of course is a great feature. However, since InputDirector is a “Windows Only” solution I would expect it to be able to share more things between the different computers. Allowing me to drag and drop documents (and possibly programs) between the different monitors would really do it for me. Oh well, maybe it will be available in a later version.

According to the documentation you are supposed to be able to copy files between computers, but so far I have not been able to do so.

Download InputDirector

Download InputDirector

Get FREE books (Password: mintywhiteBooks)

© Windows Guides, 2010. Rich Robinson | InputDirector: Use the same keyboard and mouse on all your computers [Freeware]

Further Reading

• Actual Multiple Monitors – 10 Licenses worth $29,95 [Competition]
• Actual Multiple Monitors, The way Windows Should Work
• Sandboxie Protects Your Computer from Everyone [Free for personal use]
• Aerofoil: Extends your notebook’s “on-time” while on battery [FREE]
• Samurize – Convert your desktop into your Information-Desk [FREE]

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