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Showing newest 22 of 69 posts from June 2008. Show older posts
Showing newest 22 of 69 posts from June 2008. Show older posts

Monday, June 30, 2008

City College is Unsafe - FBI Director


The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, ruling that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting, will make college campuses more dangerous places. At least that's what Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI believes.

In the photo: City College of San Francisco, Main Campus.

Mueller said communities will have to determine their own license programs. As a former Marine who served in Vietnam, he said "I tend to believe weapons harm people and more often than not they harm the people carrying them."

Mueller said college campuses could be "potential incubators of terrorism" and warned this is a major concern of the FBI.

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is one of the nation's largest community colleges with more than 100,000 students on it campuses scattered throughout the City.

The CCSF Police carry no weapons. In event of a serious crime, the most they can do is throw rocks and call the SFPD. This is the current insane policy at City College.

Anyone who thinks none of the 100,000-plus CCSF students carry guns to school is mistaken. There are more guns at CCSF than there are at an NRA convention. Like it or not - it's fact!

Students at City College go about their day with literally zero protection against violence. It is a disastrous policy. I can only hope the Board of Trustees come to their senses before someone is killed.

By the way ... Carl Koehler, who resigned as CCSF Chief of Police over the policy, is an ideal choice for the CCSF Board of Trustees. We could use some good people on that board.

If you would like to voice your opinion to the Board of Trustees, you will find the necessary information at this CCSF website.

Also see: FBI Chief: Gun Ruling Makes Campuses Less Secure (NewsDay)
on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

Shoot Fireworks in SF - Go to Jail


San Francisco is liberal about a lot of things, but fireworks isn't one of them.

SFPD Chief Heather Fong and SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White got together today to warn that fireworks are illegal in San Francisco and that shooting them off could cost a fine, a jail term or a body part.

"We take the use and sale of fireworks very seriously," said Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. "It's dangerous and it's illegal."

Police Chief Heather Fong said possession, sale or use of fireworks, including so-called "safe and sane" fireworks sold legally in neighboring counties, is illegal and could lead to arrest. And shooting a gun into the air in celebration is illegal, too.

"Whenever a bullet is shot out, that bullet has to come down somewhere," Fong said.

The two chiefs urged Fourth of July revelers to watch professional fireworks displays at Fisherman's Wharf, the Giants ballpark, Jack London Square in Oakland, the Berkeley Marina, the Sausalito waterfront, the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael or the Foster City lagoon.

Each year, Fourth of July fireworks start 2,500 fires nationwide and injure 9,000 people, one-third of them under the age of 15, the chiefs said. Children are especially vulnerable, Hayes-White said.

"Even my son this morning said, 'Mom, can we get fireworks?' " Hayes-White said. "It can be pretty difficult being the fire chief."

The San Francisco Police Department will have extra officers on patrol including plain-clothes officers - all looking for people shooting fireworks.

Original story from the San Francisco Chronicle.

on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

Bullit: Steve McQueen's 68 Ford Mustang 390 on Google Map of San Francisco

Seero.com allows users to mash and sync videos with a Google map. One user mapped a car chase scene from the movie Bullitt with Steve McQueen. To the left you’ll see the video, and to the right the related San Francisco locations.

It's an interesting project because the director of Bullit created the famous chase scene from bits and pieces of scenes shot all over town. For people who have been in San Francisco long enough to remember this will be an interesting diversion. The movie Bullit was filmed in 1968.

Steve McQueen drove a 1968 Ford Mustang 390 CID fastback in dark Highland Green.

I found the story at Google Blogoscoped where Philipp Lenssen found it at Boing Boing.

on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

Fillmore Jazz Festival 2008 in San Francisco


More than 90,000 people come to San Francisco's FIllmore District every summer for the renowned Fillmore Jazz Festival. This year the festival will take place July 5th and 6th from 10 AM to 6 PM both days on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy.


 

More information from: Fillmore Street Jazz Festival







on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

Fourth of July in San Francisco - Golden Gate Park Band Concert
Join San Francisco's Golden Gate Band for a Patriotic Spectacular celebrating Independence Day, July 4th at 1 PM.

The concert will be presented free of all charge at the Speckles Temple of Music at the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park. The Music Concourse is located between the M.H. deYoung Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.

The Golden Gate Park Band is full-size brass band comprised of professional local musicians. Michael Wirgler has been conductor and music director since 1999. He is a native San Francisco and holds a B.A. and M.A. in music from SFSU. Before becoming conductor and music director, Wirgler was lead clarinetist for the band. Wirgler has been a band member for more than 30 years.

For more information send an email to or call or .

Website: Golden Gate Park Band
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on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

USNS Mercy on Pacific Humanitarian Mission

The hospital ship the USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is currently deployed on a four- month humanitarian mission to the western Pacific and Southeast Asia. Mercy is wrapping up a 10-day visit here in Vietnam. Thus far, the team has seen over 8,000 patients at the medical civic action program site, conducting more than 200 surgeries on board.
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The first phase was conducted in the Republic of the Philippines earlier this month, where Mercy teams saw more than 26,000 patients and performed more than 300 surgeries.They will also visit three more countries after Vietnam: Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
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Missions like Mercy Pacific Partnership are cornerstones to the U.S. maritime humanitarian strategy. Building cross-cultural relationships and developing trust are the underpinnings to ensuring security and stability in Asia-Pacific. That's why this mission is so very important.
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Captain Bill Kearns, USN, is Mission Commander for the Mercy Pacific Partnership aboard USNS Mercy gave this report:
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Since Mercy's arrival, medical personnel have treated over 8,000 Vietnamese citizens, 6,000 at medical sites and 2,000 at dental sites throughout the Kai Gwa (ph) province. Mercy conducted over 200 surgeries onboard the ship and these surgeries include 90 Operation Smile cases, which are generally cleft palate and cleft lip repair surgeries, other plastic surgeries that typically included burn, scar therapy and replacement, ophthalmology surgeries and endoscopy procedures.
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Mercy's work in Vietnam is nearly complete and the crew is looking forward to visits in Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Federated States of Micronesia in the coming months.
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Resources:
USNS Mercy (T-AH-19)
on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

USS America (LHA-6) - U.S. Navy's Newest Amphibious Assault Ship


The name "America" will once again grace one of this nation's premier warships. The Navy's newest class of large-deck amphibious assault ship, LHA 6, will bear the name USS America, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced while speaking at the USS America Carrier Veterans Association reunion in Jacksonville, Florida. .
In the photo: marine architect's drawing of the design for the LHA-6 America.
This ship will inherit a proud tradition, explained Winter. From the American Revolution through the first Gulf War, three warships have sailed with the name America.
"To serve in a ship named after our country adds to the pride one feels in being part of the Navy, and adds to the feeling that when America pulls into port, there is no more powerful symbol of the power, the ideals, and the greatness of the United States of America," said Winter.
LHA 6 will be the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name America. The first America, a 74-gun ship-of-the-line, was the first built for use by the Continental Navy. However, before having a chance to serve the fledgling U.S. Navy, the ship was presented as a gift to the king of France to show appreciation for his country's service to the new nation. .
The second USS America (ID-3006) was later the name given to a troop transport used during World War I. The third was a Kitty-Hawk class aircraft carrier (CV 66) in commission from 1965 to 1996. Among other notable accomplishments, the carrier America made three deployments to Vietnam and launched air strikes on Iraq during the opening days of Operation Desert Storm.
The newest America will provide presence and power projection as an integral part of joint and multinational maritime expeditionary forces. The ship will support Marine Corps aviation requirements across a wide spectrum of operations, from small-scale contingency operations as the centerpiece of a forward-deployed expeditionary strike group, to forcible entry missions in a major theater war. .
LHA 6 will replace the aging Tarawa-class and represents a conscious decision to increase the aviation capacity of future big deck amphibious ships in order to maximize the Navy's investment in future aircraft.
LHA 6 will have an extended hangar deck with two higher hangar bay areas, each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance. LHA 6 will also provide increased aviation fuel capacity, stowage for aviation parts and support equipment. LHA 6 will be able to embark and launch the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, cargo and attack helicopters, the AV-8B Harrier and the short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant F-35B Lightning II Strike Fighter. .
Winter explained the importance of the new America-class amphibious assault ship and the tremendous capability she will bring to the fleet. .
"USS America is a wise investment in our nation's security," Winter said, "It will be a ship worthy of her illustrious namesake, and it will continue America's long tradition of peace through strength." .

Winter also announced that the sponsor of the ship will be Lynne Pace, wife of former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace. .
Resources:
LHA-6 Class Amphibious Assault Ships - from GlobalSecurity.org
LHA-6 Plans and Schematics - From GolbalSecurity.org
U.S. Navy - main website .

Other similar posts from Sam Spade's San Francisco:
U.S. Coast Guard's Bertholf at Sea Commissioning Aug 4 in Alameda
Fire Aboard USS George Washington Delays USS Kitty Hawk
U.S. Navy May Model New Submarines After Reef Fish
USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) Launches June 21st
Army's New Canon: M109A6 Paladin 155-mm Howitzer
Military Tax Breaks from the IRS - Get Help Now!
Memorial Day 2008 at the Presidio of San Francisco
Army National Guard Gets New Lakota Helicopters
USS Essex on Station to Help Cyclone Victims in Burma
USS Michael Murphy - U.S. Navy's Newest Destroyer
Wounded Iraq-Afghanistan Vets Learn to Scuba Dive .
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on Monday, June 30, 2008 0 comments

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Michelle Obama Declares Fight for Full LGBT Equality



Here's a great report on Michelle Obama's position on gay and lesbian civil rights from Steve Ralls at the San Francisco Sentinal:

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Last night, in a passionate address to the Democratic National Committee’s Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council, Mrs. Obama delivered a rousing call-to-equality and put her husband on record as a fighter for the full equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. 

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“Barack believes,” she said, “that we must fight for the world as it should be, a world where we work together to reverse discriminatory laws.”

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Resources:

Barack Obama speaks about gay and lesbian issues


Californians for Obama



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“While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It’s about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect.”

— Senator Barack Obama
on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Navy Deep Sonar off California Goes Ahead Despite Whales



From time to time we read about whales that strangely beach themselves or travel up the Delta for some unknown reason. We've read about porpoises who literally go insane and begin doing bizarre things before their death. They are collections of isolated anomalies that are difficult, but not impossible, to explain.

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It seems that on a number of those occasions the Navy is known to have had nuclear attack submarines and surface warships operating in the area. On many other occasions there is no evidence the Navy had anything to do with the anomalies, a fact that should not at all be surprising. The Navy's movement of warships (and particularly submarines) is almost always classified information.

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Well, get ready for more news reports of beached whales and other bizarre marine mammal behavior. The Navy is going to accelerate some warship training exercises and - conduct them more frequently in the Pacific training area. In fact, they have been and are conducting training and drills off the California Coast and they plan more.

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The Associated Press published a clear and concise explanation in a .

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The Navy will continue to hold a series of undersea warfare exercises that train sailors to use sonar, or bounced sound waves, to find submarines. Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) international maritime drills, which the Navy hosts off Hawaii every two years, will also be allowed to continue.


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The Navy said it would shield marine mammal from harm by adhering to a list of 29 protection measures it adopted last year. Those include posting specially trained lookouts on ships and shutting down active sonar when a marine mammal comes within 200 yards of the sonar source.

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The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco has said those measures are insufficient. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed this month to hear the Navy's appeal of a Ninth Circuit ruling on the matter. This is going to be a story to watch!

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Resources:


Chinese Sub Sneaks Under USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)


USS New Hamphire (SSN 778) Launches June 21st






on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Bush Legacy Bus Tours Country - sad story for a sad president





Biodiesel for Bush


On Tuesday, June 24, Americans United for Change unveiled the Bush Legacy Bus, which opened for tour on Capitol Hill at the corner of 1st and D Streets Southeast. 


The bus weighs 28 tons, is 45 feet long and is powered with biodiesel fuel. It features the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq, economic policies and more. The bus' next stop is Dayton, Ohio, with plans to visit a total of 150 cities. 


photo by:Jay Premack/Politico. Click to enlarge in a separate window.



See the original and others at www.politico.com


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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Sgt. Edward O'Brien Comes Home After 58 Years MIA in Korea


The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Sgt. Edward J. O'Brien, U.S. Army, of Omaha, Neb. He will be buried July 2 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Representatives from the Army met with O'Brien's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

In late November 1950, O'Brien was assigned to E Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, then deployed north of the Chongchon River, along the main road running south out of Unsan, North Korea. On Nov. 26, the Chinese army struck the U.S. and Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) forces during the Battle of the Chongchon River. As a result, U.S. and R.O.K. forces, including the 35th Regiment, were forced to withdraw to the south. O'Brien was last seen when opposing forces overran his company's position about 10 miles southwest of Unsan.

In 1998, a joint U.S./Democratic People's Republic of Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a site containing the remains of a U.S. soldier who died south of Unsan in the general vicinity where O'Brien was last seen. The team found human remains and two military identification tags with O'Brien's name on them. A North Korean national told the team that he first uncovered the remains while constructing his house, and that he buried them at the nearby site which was excavated.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of O'Brien's remains.

Resources:
25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
25th Infantry Division Association
Map of the Chongchon River
Map of Unsan
The Korean War Memorial, Washington, DC

"Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic"

 - General Order No. 11
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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Grilling & Barbecue in San Francisco


The Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture is dedicated to promoting a sustainable food system through the operation of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and its educational programs.

Grilling tips from CUESA Culinary Intern Christina Alvarado

  • Make sure you achieve the right temperature for what you’re cooking. Red meat goes on when your grill is the hottest. Let your grill cool down to medium before throwing on seafood or poultry, and put your vegetables and fruit on the coolest part of the grill.
  • Never abandon your post! Always make sure that your fire stays an even temperature, especially when cooking chicken. Have somebody else make that salad.
  • Don’t forget to oil your grill. You can use a piece of fat from the meat you’re grilling to really melt in that flavor.
  • Number one rule: do not forget to season or marinade before grilling!
  • If grilling kebabs, don’t mix your product. As tempting as it is, meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetables all have different cook times. If you mix them up, somebody is going to get overcooked.
  • Grilling fruit is simple. Cut your fruit and place the exposed flesh onto an oiled grill. Cook until the fruit is caramelized and slightly softened. Serve over ice cream, crepes, in a salad or on its own.
  • When grilling vegetables, always use low heat. Grilling time is a matter of taste; some people prefer more crunch, while others prefer them well done.
  • The best way to grill corn is in the husk. Fold back the husk, remove the silk, brush the corn with butter or olive oil and salt, and close the husks. Grill until tender, turning the ear several times.

Grillable groceries from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

  • Marin Sun Farms has 100% grass-fed beef, lamb, and goat, as well as pastured chicken and free-range pork. All animals are humanely raised in Marin, Sonoma, Solano and Humboldt counties. Popular barbecue items include steaks, hot dogs, ground beef and ribs.
  • The Fatted Calf has a rotating menu of fresh sausages and other charcuterie. This week’s specials include Uncle Chuck’s Rubbed Spare Ribs and Pork Country Rib Roast with Salsa Verde. The Fatted Calf is picky about meat sources, and staff will happily answer questions about how and where animals were raised.
  • Hodo Soy Beanery offers fresh tofu made with filtered water and organic soybeans from Missouri.
  • Aidells Sausage Company carries a variety of sausages.
  • Seafood is very perishable, so don’t buy seafood on Saturday for a July 4 barbecue. For future reference, Hog Island Oyster Company sells fresh oysters raised in Tomales Bay. Shogun Fish Company carries fresh seafood approved by Seafood Watch, such as Alaskan salmon, Northern California halibut and wild Louisiana jumbo prawns.
  • Don’t forget fresh fruits and vegetables for the grill! Corn, summer squash, eggplant, onions, mushrooms, peaches, and apricots are just a few of the items that work well on the barbecue. Experiment and have fun!

For more in-depth grilling information and recipes, there's a great Grilling 101 guide at epicurious.com >

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Bevan Dufty on San Francisco Police Foot Patrols


San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty (District 8) sent this along via his newsletter:

 I have been an advocate of mandatory foot patrols since the legislation first came to the Board of Supervisors. Last month, we held hearings on the implementation of foot patrols.

In the photo: San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty (District 8).

I am disappointed with the lack of thoughtful implementation by the leadership of the SFPD. However, that is outweighed by the positive reaction from the public and the patrol officers.

To read the full report on foot patrols, please click here.

This month, we will have our 2nd hearing with the Police Commission and will discuss a study on redrawing district station boundaries.

In addition, I have secured a report from the Controller that reviews the proposed Community Justice Center near City Hall to reform the front-end of the Justice System for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.

To read the full report on the Community Justice Center, please click here

The Community Justice Center's boundaries are Gough, Kearny, Bush, Harrison and Third Street. This area covers less than 5% of San Francisco's total square mileage, less than 10% of the City's population, yet 28% of all new arrests in the City occur in the area.

Our City Controller agrees that there is great potential to hold lawbreakers accountable while improving outcomes and breaking the cycle of re-offending.

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

San Francisco: 42nd International Children's Games


San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty (District 8) sent this along via his newsletter:

Last month, I hosted Jerry Rice for a City Hal announcement of the upcoming International Children's Games.

For five days, starting on July 10th, youth athletes from around the world are gathering in San Francisco, for the 42nd International Children's Games. Young people from over 40 nations will compete in Olympic style events from .

You will be able to welcome the athletes at the Opening Ceremony at Kezar Stadium or watch them play tennis in Golden Gate Park or at any of the seevn other venues across San Francisco.

Resources:
42nd Annual International Children's Games, San Francisco
Buy Tickets Here
Jerry Rice's website
Supervisor Bevan Dufty
Kezar Stadium
Map of Golden Gate Park

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

English Language: Funny Ways We Destroy It

The targeted offenses: if you are stolen, call the police at once. please omnivorously put the waste in garbage can. deformed man lavatory. For the past 18 months, teams of language police have been scouring Beijing on a mission to wipe out all such traces of bad English signage before the Olympics come to town in August. They're the type of goofy transgressions that we in the English homelands love to poke fun at, devoting entire Web sites to so-called Chinglish. (By the way, that last phrase means "handicapped bathroom.")

In the photo: The caption reads, "...and yours is pretty low." Click on the image to enlarge in a separate window. Photo courtesy of Engrish.com

But what if these sentences aren't really bad English? What if they are evidence that the English language is happily leading an alternative lifestyle without us?

Thanks to globalization, the Allied victories in World War II, and American leadership in science and technology, English has become so successful across the world that it's escaping the boundaries of what we think it should be. In part, this is because there are fewer of us: By 2020, native speakers will make up only 15 percent of the estimated 2 billion people who will be using or learning the language. Already, most conversations in English are between nonnative speakers who use it as a lingua franca.

Read the full story at Wired.com

Also, check out this fascinating website, Engrish.com

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

San Francisco Bay Area Local Food Guide


Here's a great tip from Foodie 411, Marcia Gagliardi's restaurant and food blog from TasteSF

The Bay Area Local Food Guide is about to be released, giving the public access to information on over a thousand farms, farmers’ markets, CSAs, restaurants, retailers, institutions, and specialty grocery stores that feature local food within the nine counties of the Bay Area. A celebration in honor of the guide’s release will be held at the Officer’s Club at Fort Mason on Thursday, June 26th, and will feature samples of some of the finest local food and wines. A panel of experts will discuss why local food is the answer.

Doors open at 4:30pm, and the local food panel begins at 6:30pm; speakers include Paula Jones (SF Dept. of Environment), Sibella Kraus (Sage), Alison Negrin (John Muir Health), Simon Richard (Bi-Rite Market) and Jered Lawson (Pie Ranch). Moderated by Bill Fujimoto of Monterey Market. At 7:30pm is dessert, plus farmer and chef/retailer networking. (Event runs until 8:30pm.)

The Bay Area Buy Fresh Buy Local Food Guide is free and will be distributed via retailers listed in the guide, farmers’ markets and at special events. Additionally, the guide is available online for downloading and in a searchable format at www.buylocalca.org.

Other reports from Sam Spade's San Francisco that may be of interest to you:
Restaurants in San Francisco - Inside Local Tips - The Ultimate Local Guide
San Francisco's Fabulous Lesbian Chefs
Coffee in the Castro
Garden Court at the Palace Hotel - SF's Most Elegant Sunday Brunch!
Taxicab Crooks and Scam Cabs in San Francisco
San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace - A Complete Guide

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Michael Mina at San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel, Union Square


Named Bon Appetit Chef of the Year 2005, San Francisco Magazine Chef of the Year 2005, as well as Restaurateur of the Year 2005 by the International Food and Beverage Forum, acclaimed chef Michael Mina continues to dazzle the culinary world with bold dining concepts that have contributed to San Francisco’s reputation as a world-class epicurean destination. He has also been an integral part of the making of the now esteemed Las Vegas dining scene.

In San Francisco's historic St. Francis Hotel at Union Square, the opening of his eponymous signature restaurant, MICHAEL MINA, in July 2004, marked the newest phase and ultimate expression in the career of the James Beard Award-winning chef. The restaurant is located in the legendary Westin St. Francis on Union Square in San Francisco, the city where Mina first established his culinary reputation over 12 years ago.

Read the full story at TasteSF

Resources:
Michael Mina, the Restaurants
Open Table's review of Michael Mina
Star Chef's review of Michael Mina
Michael Mina Restaurant at the St. Francis Hotel, Union Square

Other reports from Sam Spade's San Francisco that may be of interest to you:
Restaurants in San Francisco - Inside Local Tips - The Ultimate Local Guide
San Francisco's Fabulous Lesbian Chefs
Coffee in the Castro
Garden Court at the Palace Hotel - SF's Most Elegant Sunday Brunch!
Taxicab Crooks and Scam Cabs in San Francisco
San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace - A Complete Guide

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Wounded Iraq-Afghanistan Vets Learn to Scuba Dive

Thanks to a program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, disabled soldiers are learning to scuba dive and explore the wonders of our undersea world.

Known as "SUDS" (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba), the innovative training and certification program is helping wounded warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan to experience life from below sea level.

"It's the most rewarding project I have ever been involved in," says John W. Thompson, president of the SUDS board of directors. He's a certified diving instructor who sees the ocean as a great equalizer. "Many things are just easier to do in the water with these types of injuries," he says. To prepare himself for the task of teaching severely wounded soldiers how to dive, Thompson enrolled in a training program in Florida offered by the Handicapped Scuba Association.

Read the full story from The American Legion Online.

Resources:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS)
Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA)
The American Legion

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on Saturday, June 28, 2008 0 comments

Friday, June 27, 2008

Julius von Bismarck's Fulgurator



You've got to see this video (scroll down), but first meet Julius von Bismarck. He invented something remarkable. His invention is the "Image Fulgurator" and it projects stealth images into the photographs of strangers, but keeps the images invisible to human eyes.



In the photo: Julius von Bismarck fires his Fulgurator

The Image Fulgurator is a device for physically manipulating photographs. It intervenes when a photo is being taken, without the photographer being able to detect anything. The manipulation is only visible on the photo afterwards.




In principle, the Fulgurator can be used anywhere where there is another camera nearby that is being used with a flash. It operates via a kind of reactive flash projection that enables an image to be projected on an object exactly at the moment when someone else is photographing it. The intervention is unobtrusive because it takes only a few milliseconds. Every photo another photographer takes of an object at which the Fulgurator is also aimed is affected by the manipulation. Hence visual information can be smuggled unnoticed into the images of others.




Picture this: Its a warm and sunny summer weekend in San Francisco. Tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world have converged on Fisherman's Wharf. They collectively snap hundreds of thousands of photographs.




Imagine their astonishment when they find the Starbucks logo superimposed on absolutely all their pictures.




Now ... let your imagination soar and ask yourself what other kinds of fun can someone have with Julius von Bismarck's Fulgurator.




Watch this mini video drama starring Julian von Bismarck's Fulgurator!










I first learned about the Fulgurator from Wired. com and here's link to the story.




When you're ready to go to von Bismarck's website, here it is.




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on Friday, June 27, 2008 0 comments

Solar-Powered Plug-in Prius Hybrid Gets 100 MPG


Tony Markel drives a plug-in hybrid that runs 50 miles per charge, goes 100 miles per gallon and gets power from the sun. If he has his way, you'll drive one too before long.

His 2006 Prius has a lithium-ion battery six times more powerful than the nickel-metal hydride pack Toyota put in it. But what makes the car really cool is the solar panel on the roof. It generates enough juice to go 5 miles.

Markel is a senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Markel says the car will go 50 miles on a charge, which is more than adequate because 78 percent of Americans drive 40 miles or less each day.

Befitting the lab's name, the car is charged at a solar charging station. Ask Markel when he last filled the tank and he needs a second to remember. "A couple of weeks ago," he says. "It's a pretty rare event."

Read the full story at Wired.com's Autotopia, part of the Wired.com blog network.

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on Friday, June 27, 2008 0 comments

Spc. Ryan J. Connolly, Vacaville - A Tribute


Please scroll down to read the tribute following this news report of Ryan Connolly's death.
Spc. Ryan J. Connolly, 24, of Vacaville, died June 24 in Khogyani, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck a suspected landmine. He was assigned to the 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany.

 The welcome home banners were ordered and a celebration was scheduled, but instead the family of Sgt. Ryan James Connolly, 24, is left making funeral arraignments for the Vacaville soldier who was killed in Afghanistan just two weeks before he was to return home.

Connolly was killed Tuesday by a plastic land mine when a vehicle he was riding in with four other troops got too close to the virtually undetectable weapon.

"I'm numb right now, I don't know what to say," Robin Nelson, Connolly's mother said Thursday afternoon at her home in Vacaville. "It's horrid."

"He's the baby," said Robin with some hesitation.

"We hate to say, 'was,' " added Robert Nelson, Connolly's stepfather.

It was only in April that Connolly came back to Vacaville on leave with his wife Stefi and 1-year-old daughter Kayla.

"They were a good match," Robert said. "He had a great time with Kayla. He was going to be a good father."

It was during that furlough that Connolly's family joked about how he would handle Kayla dating when she got older.

"It's incomprehensible," said Robin, sporting a hat Connolly gave her. "To think that someone could plant a plastic bomb to take someone's life. Now the baby will grow up without a dad."

Connolly grew up in Santa Rosa, but had ties to Solano County and Vacaville. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and while attending Solano Community College, according to his mother, Connolly really thought about joining the military.

He felt strongly about protecting American soil," she said. "What could I do? I didn't want him to go, but he wanted to do it."

As a combat medic in the 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, U.S. Army, stationed in Bamberg, Germany, Connolly saw a lot of disturbing things while deployed to Afghanistan, his mother said.

"People don't understand exactly what goes on over there," she said. "Ryan liked to help and wished he could help more."

She explained that Connolly will be awarded for being one of the first soldiers on scene after a 10-year-old suicide bomber killed more than 20 Afghani citizens. Connolly and two others worked together and saved 17 people.

"He never doubted his experience," she said, recalling an e-mail from Connolly after the incident. "He was trained to do what he needed to do."

Robin Connolly said that the arraignments for a funeral are still being worked out and that she hopes to start an education fund for Kayla soon.

News report courtesy of the Vacaville, California newspaper, The Reporter.

Funeral:

Click here for funeral details, including a motorcycle procession by the Patriot Guard Riders.

The Governor:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in honor of Connolly, ordered that Capitol flags be flown at half-staff.

"Specialist Ryan Connolly was a true patriot who served our country bravely. His commitment to freedom, his fellow soldiers and the defense of the United States will never be forgotten," said Governor Schwarzenegger.

A Tribute to a Fallen Comrade:

"If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us"

As a veteran, a Californian and as a deeply grateful civilian I want to thank Ryan Connolly. I want to thank his wife and his daughter and I want to thank his parents. In fact, the entirety of the United Sates of America - every man, every woman and every child - owes a debt of gratitude and thanks to Ryan Connolly and to his family. They gave to us and to America the last, final measure until they had no more to give.

I want to quote the words of General Order No. 11, the document that founded Memorial Day in America. Take the time to thoughtfully read this Order. Although it was issued in 1868, it was written for and issued for Spec. Ryan J. Connolly and the comrades who have gone before him and for those who will follow him:

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 HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

1. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

2. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

3. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective. By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

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Resources:

Read the original story from the Vacaville, California newspaper, The Reporter.

Also read the tribute page for Ryan Connolly at Patriot Guard Riders.

The Los Angeles Times also published this report under its California War Dead section.

The Corpsman.com also published this tribute to Ryan Connolly.

MilitaryCity.com, under its Honor the Fallen section, published this notice and photo of Ryan Connolly.

"Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic"

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on Friday, June 27, 2008 2 comments

Thursday, June 26, 2008

U.S. Coast Guard's Bertholf at Sea - Commissioning Aug 4 in Alameda

The nation's first of a class of sleek new powerfully-armed coast guard cutters given the name National Security Cutters, has just completed a flawless three-day sea trial by shipbuilder Northup Grumman..
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- In the photo: The USCGC Bertholf at sea -
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."This is a huge milestone for both the program and for the whole Coast Guard," said Capt. Patrick Stadt, prospective commanding officer of USCGC Bertholf. "This is the future of the Coast Guard and the start of the next 40 years of the surface fleet."
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Bertholf is the first of eight planned ships in the new class of highly capable, technologically advanced multi-mission cutters being acquired under the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater Program.
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."The ship is incredibly quiet, impressively maneuverable and has a superb sensor suite," said Capt. Mike Haycock, Coast Guard NSC program manager.
This is the latest milestone for Bertholf, which started fabrication in Sept. 2004 and was christened in Nov. 2006.
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."The pride that you could see on the people's faces when the tugs let us go and we went under our own power was fabulous," said Kevin Amis, Northrop Grumman NSC program manager. "The extra hard work that everyone put in for the last three weeks really paid off."
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The NSC will complete three sets of trials, including Machinery Trials, which will continue into the coming weekend and Builder's Trials which are scheduled for early 2008. Bertholf is scheduled to be delivered to the Coast Guard following Acceptance Trials in spring 2008.
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Bertholf is a 418 foot vessel with a 4,300 ton displacement at full load powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine power propulsion plant driving twin screws with a maximum speed of 28 knots. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats, an expansive flight deck able to accommodate a range of rotary wing manned and unmanned aircraft and state-of-the-art command and control systems. In addition, the cutter features improved habitability and a sailor-centric design to facilitate optimized crewing and, enhance onboard quality of life for a mixed gender crew.
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Hopefully, by the time the Bertholf is fully operational, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will be scraped and gender-orientation discrimination aboard U.S. naval and coast guard vessels will be just an embarrassing memory.
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The commissioning event, scheduled on August 4, 2008 in Alameda, CA is being planned by the Pacific Central Region of the Navy League at the request of the Coast Guard. The Bertholf Commissioning Committee includes retired members of the Coast Guard, Navy and Merchant Marine, current Coast Guard Auxiliary members, Blue Star Moms and Pacific Central Region Navy League leaders. Among the number of Honorary Chairs include California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and actor Kevin Costner who starred in the movie “The Guardian,” a story portraying the Coast Guard’s rescue swimmer program.
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- For additional information regarding support for the commissioning and the Bertholf, please visit the Commissioning Ceremony committee’s website: bertholfcommissioning.com Operational features of the Bertholf include:
  • Automated weapon systems
  • Medium caliber deck gun (57 mm) capable of stopping rogue merchant vessels far from shore
  • State-of-the-art C4ISR enhancing interoperability between Coast Guard and DoD
  • Detection and defense capabilities against chemical, biological, or radiological attack
  • Advanced sensors for intelligence collection and sharing
  • Real-time tracking and seamless Common Operational Picture/Maritime Domain Awareness via integration with Rescue 21
To meet the Bertholf's commanding officer, Captain Patrick H. Stadt, and go aboard the Bertholf for a virtual tour, follow this link to the official web site for the USCGC Bertholf.

You may also want to watch this video report describing the Bertholf:



Also, follow this link to the USCGC Bertholf Newletter.For information on other current or past U.S. Coast Guard Cutters, click on any of the following links provided courtesy of Wikipedia:Current Cutters:
Historic Cutters:
Use the following links to reach USCG facilities in San Francisco Bay:
Update July 24, 2008
Read: USCGC Bertholf Comes Home to Alameda for First Time

Related story: Coast Guard's Waesche - 2nd National Security Cutter - is Christened
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on Thursday, June 26, 2008 0 comments
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