Archive for the ‘Linkzookery’ Category
Murdoc is on the road today, but here’s a limited selection of Linkzookery.
If anyone is going to be at the 2010 SHOT Show next week in Vegas, be sure to let me know.
GPS coverage to get sharper in Afghanistan
Everywhere, actually. But will this leave the system open to trouble if an old live bird goes down and the replacement has moved?
Boeing, United Arab Emirates Announce Order for 6 C-17s
Keep the line running. I suspect that at some point we’re going to need more.
Pentagon set to issue revised tanker terms in weeks
They don’t even know what they want yet.
Two Americans Killed in Attack on CIA Base Worked for Xe
One source said that the Xe employees had been involved directly in CIA intelligence operations, rather than merely serving as security guards at the remote CIA facility.
Navy enhances warhead for Marine helicopters
Pumping up the 2.75 flechette rockets.
The mini ice age starts here
I thought this was all “settled.”
McGwire admits using steroids in 70-HR year
File this under “Least Shocking Sporting Development of the Past Decade.”
USB 3.0 Finally Arrives
10 time faster than 2.0.
“VIP” Treatment Under Nationalized Health Care
Nationalized health care brings all sorts of perks…as long as you have three additional insurance policies and a family member on the hospital staff to pull strings for you.
Delta CEO: Flight 253 threat despite all security
He’s unhappy that even though the airline did everything it was supposed to, its flight was still penetrated. He’s not the only one.
Corps official: Avatar ‘sophomoric’
As I said earlier (even though I think the movie is worth seeing): I do think that the political commentary takes what I had once thought had the potential to be a great film and turns it into a cool cartoon.
Man faces prison sentence for wife’s guns
Jury rules that former felon “possesses” his wife’s guns. Prison for 31 to 41 months.
Stimulus Funds Went to Nonexistent Zip Code Areas
But health care money will be handled properly.
CIA shares intelligence with climate scientists
Not sure I’m a big fan of reviving this program. If it doesn’t risk security and doesn’t interfere with real work, I guess it might be okay.
Cramped on Land, Big Oil Bets at Sea
Deepwater oil production increased 67% from 2005 to 2008.
Relic of Antarctica’s first plane found on ice-edge
Australian Douglas Mawson had hoped to make the first Antarctic flight on his 1911-1914 expedition, but wing damage relegated the plane to use as a tractor. The engine seized up and it was abandoned.
What the GOP Can Learn from a Pizza Chain
It’s okay to be “against” things, but it should be mandatory to be “for” things to get elected.
Just because you CAN…doesn’t mean you SHOULD
J-Frame with a laser. And a light. And a bayonet.
Pirate cash suspected cause of Kenya property boom
There is suspicion that some of the money that is being collected in piracy is being laundered by purchase of property in several countries.
Bad Year for Biofuel Ends on a Dour Note
Some biodiesel producers are going to go out of business now that a $1 per gallon government subsidy has expired. At some point you need to show a profit, but this is an area where I don’t mind seeing a little government spending in the near term.
2009’s Sleepy Sun Finally Woke Up in December
Sunspot activity surged in the final month of the year, which was the third-quietest on record.
10 Things Movie Theaters Won’t Tell You
I would like to see live events start showing up at theaters.
Army to Field New Pack for Afghan Ops
New “Medium Ruck” to compromise between MOLLE ruck and assault pack.
Attackers firebomb 3 churches in ‘Allah’ dispute
Upset that non-Muslims are using the word ‘Allah.’
Is spanking children OK?
Calvin College professor’s research shows adults who remember being spanked are more well-adjusted
7 Reasons to Keep Your Tyrannosaur off Crack Cocaine
Not sure how much different a crackhead tyrannosaur is from a straight tyrannosaur. (+1 for calling it a ‘tyrannosaur’ instead of a ‘T-Rex’)
Quick New Year’s Day Edition
US releases ‘dangerous’ Iranian proxy behind the murder of US troops
The US has released the leader of an Iranian-backed Shia terror group behind the kidnapping and murder of five US soldiers in Karbala in January 2007. He was traded for British hostage Peter Moore.
58% Favor Waterboarding of Plane Terrorist To Get Information
I find that hard to believe.
Judge dismisses Blackwater shooting charges
The government’s explanations were “contradictory, unbelievable and lacking in credibility.” They used inadmissible evidence, which isn’t the same as saying the Blackwater guys did nothing wrong. But if they were so wrong, why wasn’t it real easy to prosecute them?
After 2-plus decades, Navy destroyer breaks record
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers have been in production for 22 years, longer than any other USN surface combatant ever.
Russia may send spacecraft to knock away asteroid
Currently a 1-in-250,000 chance of hitting Earth. Adjusting its orbit will alter those odds. Not necessarily for the better.
Why Did the Bush Administration Send Hardcore Terrorists Back to Al-Qaida?
At least eleven former Saudi Gitmo prisoners who were sent back home by the Bush administration between 2003-2007 have promptly rejoined Al-Qaida in Yemen — including individuals who made no secret of their intentions upon being released.
Phone points illegal border crossers to water
The designers want to load inexpensive phones with GPS software that takes signals from satellite, independent of phone networks. Pressing a menu button displays water stations, with the distance to each. Murdoc says hack the phones and re-route them back south.
Is China Winning the Global War on Terror?
Investing $3.4 billion in a copper mine southeast of Kabul and winning rights to develop Iraqi oil fields.
1965 Indo-Pak War
Background and lots of images of captured/destroyed Pak tanks.
Somali Pirates: 2009 A Record Year
More than 45 ships seized last year.
200 Million Rounds
Lots of ammo for Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE).
New Bomber to Focus Heavily on ISR
Intel/Strike bomber?
Radar Mast for Varyag
Pictures at China Defense Blog.
Bigger Bang For IFVs
British Warriors upgrading to 40mm cannon.
GAO Details Army FMTV Fail
Flawed competition for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.
Russia Navy to continue work with Bulava missile
That thing has been a total disaster. Murdoc is crying his eyes out.
Win The War, Don’t Set A Timetable
Sarah Palin responds to Obama’s speech via Facebook
Space station of the sea
If Murdoc can’t get a retired aircraft carrier for his HQ, he’d settle for this.
Sidewinder Ground Missile
AIM-9X to do ground targets too?
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Finally Gets Off the Ground
About time.
Pentagon signals minor changes to tanker rules
Tweaking things to keep the bidders happy. Don’t hold your breath.
Note: Murdoc is shirking his duties. Here’s the Linkzookery I owe you from yesterday.
An Officer’s Outrage Over Fort Hood
I’m angry that the murderer was a terrorist who masqueraded as an Army officer for half a dozen years. And angrier that it was allowed to happen.
SF units to get latest Land Warrior kit
Killed in 2007, Land Warrior lives on. Looks like each man will get a unit, not just team leaders as in infantry.
Army Launches Examination of Armor Testing
As an outsife observer, a new look at how armor is tested and rated appears to be long overdue. It’s a still-developing technology and the ways it’s used are still being tested under fire. We need to accept that some changes in ways we think about things may be in order.
Another F-35 test plane takes its first flight
AF-1, the redesigned A-model conventional Lightning, begins test flights.
Climategate?
Leaked emails apparently show the lengths one climate scientist goes to make sure the data fits the narrative.
How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home?
For the record, Murdoc supports the concept of the plug-in hybrid or electric car. He thinks we need more nuclear power plants, though.
If Day
I had not heard of this 1942 Canadian enactment of Nazi occupation of the Great White North.
History In These Plates
Armor plating from the Tirpitz used by Oslo road construction crews.
Northrop Invests Own Money In Fire Scout
Murdoc continues to be a fan of this unmanned whrilybird.
Post Veterans Day Thoughts
Richard Mann on remembering the veterans and their rifles when out on a hunt with yours.
Union troubled by Eagle Scout project in Allentown
Union files grievance over Boy Scout clearing a hiking path for his project.
Why you can’t get swine-flu vaccine
Government requirement for single-dose syringes instead of multidose vials slowed things considerably.
Major Shipment of Iranian Arms Seized
Israeli naval commandos intercepted a ship carrying “hundreds of tons” of arms from Iran to the Lebanese Hezbollah militia
Selecting and Ordering a Custom Hunting Rifle
Chapters include Custom Varmint Rifles, Rifles for Alaska, Custom Rifles and Kids, and What About a Wildcat?
Pete Hoekstra cites his opposition to bringing Gitmo detainees to Michigan
In letter soliciting funds for his campaign for governor
JSTARS Wars
The Air Force’s E-8 Joint STARS is proving to be a powerful force in the Afghanistan war.
Chilton: U.S. Needs More Ready-to-Launch Satellites
No “bullpen” of satellites and no stock of launchers ready for quick launches if needed.
India Seeks To Bolster Transport With 10 C-17s
Nice.
J8II Ground Attacker
The Chinese are converting old interceptors into attack aircraft.
More Frigates Sought for EU Somalia Mission
3 or 4 have been committed, but they’ll need at least 6 or 10. Really, you can never have enough frigates. Where is the 21st-century FFG7?
Airman among 6 killed in bar shooting in Mexico
Another was seriously wounded. Juarez is terrible and getting worse. Secure the border.
The Story of ‘Operation Orchard’
How Israel Destroyed Syria’s Al Kibar Nuclear Reactor
The use of German tanks in Soviet army
Photos and info about captured tanks in WW2.
Taiwan says China starts building first aircraft carrier
They will attempt to get it into service by 2012, they claim.
201st Carnival of Homeschooling
Lots of links at The Informed Parent.
USS Enterprise repair bill now $605 million
Big ‘E’ now won’t be ready until January.
11 airmen survive Sudanese confrontation
Previously-classified 2006 incident could have ended quite badly.
Tommy Gun: How General Thompson’s Submachine Gun Wrote History
Haven’t read it but it looks interesting.
AR Guns & Hunting
New online magazine focusing on tactical guns for hunting.
A Tale of Two Marines
I suppose that if you have the luxury of quitting, you can just fucking quit. But if that’s not an option, you figure out a way to win.
Airmen Bomb Silly Safety Belt Rules, on Facebook
Airmen are ordered to wear the reflective accessories from the late afternoon on. That goes for domestic installations, and for war zone bases, too.
Navy on Yorktown: Fix it or junk it
Museum ship in South Carolina needs at least $100 million for repairs to rusting hull. Earlier this year a local writer suggested disposing of her.
More Linkzookery below!
Read the rest of this entry »
Without “prudent worrying,” we run a greater risk of a nasty military surprise
When war comes, US leaders must fight with the forces in hand.
British nuclear expert dies in 40-metre plunge
Police are investigating after a British nuclear energy expert involved in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme fell 40 metres to his death from a UN building in Vienna.
Survival Knife Bayonet
For Your Handgun.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Complete Season One
I haven’t watched any of these, but I really liked the original series. This series (and the movie that kicked it off) are different, but my kids have enjoyed what they’ve seen.
Cheney’s Speech
Countering all the claims that the Bush administration left no plans in place for Afghanistan. Obama’s new plan is just like the old plan.
Combat’s positive effects examined
Post-Traumatic Growth. Don’t hear much about that.
How lean manning saps morale, puts sailors at risk
“Lean manning at sea means one thing: sleep deprivation.”
Much more Linkzookery below!
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Obama Missile Defense Blunder
“This comes in the context of already deteriorating Central and East European confidence in America.”
No joke: College removes zombie plan from site
If zombies attack the University of Florida, the students are doomed.
C-17 delivers first M-ATVs to Afghanistan
300-500 light MRAPs to be delivered for each of the next three months.
The Senators’ C-17 Debate
Buying 10 more transports despite USAF claims that they aren’t needed.
Still no charges for accused Colo. faker
Supposed gay war hero and 9/11 survivor who campaigned for anti-war candidates was just a liar but may not be prosecuted.
Ken Burns: National Parks – America’s Best Idea
Murdoc’s caught a few bits of this series on PBS and loves it.
Israel Takes Delivery of 2 German-Built U212 Subs
Diesel/AIP boats.
Military to open new investigation into battle that killed nine soldiers
Another look at July, 2008, battle at Wanat, Afghanistan.
Boston Tea Shirt
Great T-Shirt from Ranger Up.
U.S. willing to let go of Icann
What could possibly go wrong?
Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story
Smithsonian Channel 2-parter about a WPA project to create state guidebooks. It premiers this Sunday.
In Revolutionary Color
Amazing 100-year-old color photos from Russia.
School speech backlash builds
No backlash here. Murdoc’s kids are homeschooled.
At Last, A Graph That Explains Scifi TV After Star Trek
Not sure about accuracy but is certainly interesting to look at and think about.
Solar Panels Built Into Roads Could Be the Future of Energy
Each mile of interstate could take 500 homes off the grid.
Telegraphs Ran on Electric Air in Crazy 1859 Magnetic Storm
Auroral Current. Cool.
Feral Houses
Overgrown abandoned houses in Detroit.
Canned Tactical Bacon
Yes. Canned Tactical Bacon.
Global Warming Could Forestall Ice Age
I can never keep up with whether we’re saved or doomed.
