This video is like a car wreck, you can't help but watch. It's ridiculous, stupid, and sometimes annoying. So just sit back and follow Charlie and his two friends on their journey to Candy Mountain. Be careful not to get splinters in your hooves.
I suspect he's just the fall guy. When is Hillary going to be punished for her actions?
Democratic fundraiser and political donor Norman Hsu was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison after a California judge rejected his bid to dismiss a 16-year-old fraud conviction.
Hsu, who was who has been in custody since his arrest in Colorado in September after he failed to appear at an earlier hearing in the case.
He will be transferred to a state prison to serve his sentence.
Hsu was charged with stealing about $1 million from investors in a business fraud. He also faces federal charges in New York alleging he swindled investors in a $60 million fraud and made illegal donations to U.S. political campaigns.
More on Norman Hsu:
Dem Fundraiser Norman Hsu Wanted On Swindling Charges
Democrat Donor, Norman Hsu Arrested In Colorado
Questionable Donations To Hillary Campaign; Just Add To The List
The holy warriors are becoming increasingly desperate.
It goes against religious taboos in Iraq to involve women in fighting, but three recent suicide bombings carried out by women could indicate insurgents are growing increasingly desperate.
The female suicide attacks come as U.S.-led coalition forces are increasingly catching militants suspected of training women to become human bombs or finding evidence of efforts by al-Qaida in Iraq to recruit women, according to military records.
With coalition forces pushing extremists out of former strongholds and shrinking their pool of potential recruits, the militants are being forced to come up with other methods to penetrate stiffened security measures, said Diaa Rashwan, who follows Islamic militancy for Egypt's Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.
"There's a sense that this is an act of desperation," said Col. Donald Bacon, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad.
Female suicide bombers are a small part of the insurgents' battle to force U.S. troops from Iraq and rattle Shiites from newly acquired power. Women have been responsible for 14 of 667 suicide attacks since May 2005, or 2 percent. They have caused at least 107 deaths, or 5 percent of the 2,065 people killed during this time period, according to Associated Press statistics.
But those attacks appear to be increasing.
He credits Obi-Wan for his training.
An 11-year-old boy demonstrated The Force when he defended his mom by hitting an attacker with a toy lightsaber.
The man, in his 30s, fled after being confronted by the youngster outside a bakery in Swardeston, near Norwich, England.
Police said the boy hit the man with his toy after the man had punched and verbally abused his mother as she approached her car.
Officers are appealing for witnesses to the Dec. 22 attack.
Allan Jennings of the Norfolk Police said: "The incident caused quite a commotion and it is unlikely it would have gone unnoticed."
AQI safe house destroyed, 5 detained (Zambraniyah)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KASLU, Iraq – Apache aviators destroyed an al-Qaeda in Iraq safe houses in the Zambraniyah area Jan. 1.
While on a patrol, Soldiers from Troop B, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, encountered small arms fire and indirect fire from a house.
An AH-64 Apache helicopter from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div. engaged the house with a hellfire missile.
The engagement resulted in one enemy killed, one enemy wounded, one local Iraqi wounded and five suspected al-Qaeda members detained.
A second Apache destroyed an improvised explosive device discovered by a local Iraqi in the area.
He reported the IED to Soldiers of the 6-8 Cav., Reg. operationally attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div. and Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
The IED was believed to be placed in the man’s house by al-Qaeda.
Iraqi Army Soldiers removed the IED and placed it in an open field, where it was destroyed by an Apache helicopter.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda safe house; 7 killed (Muqdadiya)
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Muqdadiyah.
Coalition forces targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly responsible for coordinating and directing a large terrorist group, and carrying out executions in the Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the group killed at least two people execution style in the last few days and has engaged with Coalition forces on multiple occasions. This operation follows several weeks of coordinated raids against this group by Coalition forces.
During the operation this morning, the terrorists were positively identified at a known al-Qaeda in Iraq safe-house. Coalition forces directed a precision air strike and assessed two terrorists were killed in the operation.
Later in the day, Coalition forces positively identified terrorists involved in the same terrorist group operating in the region, and Coalition forces directed a second air strike killing an additional five terrorists.
Coalition forces kill al-Qaeda in Iraq leader (Baghdad)
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed a terrorist leader and two other terrorists during operations on December 28th to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks operating near the capital city.
During the operation, Coalition forces targeted Muhammad Khalil Ibrahim, the deputy military leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating south of Baghdad. Ibrahim was a key planner in numerous attacks against Coalition forces operating in the Mahmudiyah area, and was also involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and weapons. Also, Ibrahim and other senior al-Qaeda members were allegedly planning to conduct a large-scale attack against Coalition forces in the near future.
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location in Mahmudiyah where Ibrahim was believed to be operating. Coalition forces confirmed his presence and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target. Once the area was secure, the ground force assessed that three terrorists were killed in the strike, to include Ibrahim. The two other terrorists were assessed to be leaders associated with the terrorist network in Iskandariyah. The ground force also discovered a machine gun, a suicide vest and several grenades in Ibrahim’s vehicle.
The "John Edwards with a bible" and the man whose loyalty is not with the United States come out on top in Iowa.
Woopdie-freakin' doo. Anyways, here is the Republican results
1st "John Edwards with a bible" Mike Huckabee
2nd Mitt "Flip-Flopper" Romney
3rd Fred "Employer of Hezbollah/ Open Borders sympathizers and felons" Thompson
4th John "Amnesty" McCain
5th Ron "White Supremacist" Paul
6th Duncan Hunter (THE ONLY CONSERVATIVE IN THE RACE)
The Democrat results:
Tied for 1st is Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee
Tied for 2nd is John Edwards and Mitt Romney
Tied for 3rd is Hillary Clinton and John McCain
Tied for 4th is Bill Richardson and Rudy Giuliani
Coalition targets al-Qaeda networks in Diyala, Samarra; three killed; 11 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 11 suspects Tuesday and Wednesday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist operations in the northeast Diyala River Valley region, Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Muqdadiyah Tuesday targeting associates of the network operating in the area. Intelligence reports indicate a group of individuals executed a man earlier in the day and were later observed in the target area. Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during the operation for their alleged involvement in the network.
North of Jalula Wednesday, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and weapons for Ansar al Sunna groups operating in Kirkuk. Reports indicate he is associated with several terrorists operating in the Diyala area, one of whom was detained during an operation Nov. 21 for his involvement in the facilitation of weapons for use in attacks against Coalition forces.
During the operation, Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from four armed men. Coalition forces called supporting aircraft to engage their position, killing three and wounding one. The wounded man was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care. The ground force found a fifth man hiding in a building in the target area and detained him, along with two other suspects.
In Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual was reportedly a close associate of a terrorist killed during an operation Nov. 17, Abu Maysara, a senior advisor to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri. Reports indicate the wanted individual is also associated with numerous other senior terrorists involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations.
In a separate operation nearby, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting an alleged associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.
Coalition forces disrupt criminal network; detain suspected Special Groups member
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained a suspected criminal during operations to disrupt terrorist networks early Wednesday in the Adhamiyah area.
Coalition forces targeted an individual who reportedly trained criminals to perform attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. He allegedly facilitated the training of numerous criminals in guerilla warfare. He is assessed to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who are involved in attacks on Coalition forces.Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they detained one suspect without incident. The identity of the suspect is still being determined. Coalition forces also discovered an assault rifle with two magazines and multiple pistol magazines.
Stryker Brigade Soldiers kill, capture members of a known IED cell (Baquba)
TIKRIT, Iraq – Stryker Brigade Soldiers killed two and detained seven individuals during an operation in Baquba Jan. 1.
Three of the detainees are known members of an improvised explosive device cell operating in the Baquba area.
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., conducted the raid in the Baquba suburb of Burhitz.
| Dear Iowegians, Every presidential election season, your state has the opportunity to help shape the election going forward. Unfortunately, too many times, you have selected a dud during the Iowa Caucuses. In 1976, you picked Gerald Ford, proponent of the ERA and abortion rights, over a very conservative Ronald Reagan. In 1980, you chose a very moderate Bush over Reagan. And twice you picked a milquetoast named Bob Dole. Granted, the choices are sometimes between dud and duddier, but this year is different. This year you have a chance to select a rock-ribbed conservative Reaganite to make up for not choosing the original Reaganite when you had the chance. The name is Duncan Hunter. Congressman Duncan Hunter is a representative from California's 52nd legislative district. Mr. Hunter put his college career on hold to volunteer with the 173rd Airborne Rangers to fight the communists in Vietnam. Like Reagan, Hunter believes that war was not only very winnable, but was indeed a "noble cause". And the killing fields that followed our departure from that conflict are a bold testament to their vision over the head-in-the-sand lack of vision (which continues to this day) from the defeatist democrats and RINOs. Duncan Hunter also entered office with Reagan in 1981, at the ripe old age of 32. He immediately was able to join the Armed Services Committee in Congress, where he has remained to this day, as former Chairman, and current Ranking Republican. It was in large part due to Mr. Hunter's efforts, teaming with folks like Jack Kemp and Henry Hyde, that Reagan was able to ramrod our historic military buildup through Congress in the 80s, which revitalized every branch of our Armed Services. Jack Kemp even credits Hunter with being the go-to guy for strong-arming the very controversial 'Star Wars' Strategic Defense Initiative through the House. The results of that persistence and vision is paying off in spades, despite the howls of leftists worldwide, as we today have working missile defense systems either in field, or soon to be fielded; including laser based systems for which Reagan was mercilessly ridiculed by the ignorant 'academics' and the press. Hunter was and is perhaps the staunchest anti-communist to sit in Congress. He was the leader most responsible, aside from Reagan, for stemming the commie-creep in Central America during the 1980s, and his disdain for communism has never ebbed. Duncan Hunter is the ONLY candidate that realizes what China is up to, both militarily with its rapid armament increases, and economically, with its long term strategy to undermine the United States' industrial base. Hunter is dead set against the 'one-way', idiotic trade deal we have with the Chinese, will put a quick end to further technology transfers to the communist nation, and will build up our own military to the point that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be nothing short of a quick suicide mission for communism. All the other candidates tip toe around the issue of China. Hunter plans to step on their throat. When it comes to the 2nd Amendment, the 10th Amendment, lowering taxes, fighting the ACLU and political correctness, standing firm against the gay agenda, and sweeping out useless bureaucrats and bureaucracies from the federal government, Duncan Hunter is the only choice. Unlike John McCain and Mitt Romney, Hunter won't find anything in the Constitution to justify supporting a ban on 'assault weapons' or 'cheap handguns'. Hunter has a perfect lifetime record with the NRA and the Gun Owners of America. Both Mitt and McCain are liberals in this arena. Unlike Fred Thompson, Hunter won't have to lie about previous pro-choice sympathies. Unlike Fred, Hunter has a perfectly consistent record on the life of the unborn, and has sponsored legislation for many, many years to give full constitutional protection to the unborn - legislation that Fred does not support. Unlike McCain and Thompson, Hunter certainly will not run roughshod over the 1st Amendment for the sake of 'campaign finance reform'. And Hunter will work to ditch the last vestiges of McCain-Feingold-Thompson, if the courts don't do it first. Unlike Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson, Hunter did not and does not buy into the global warming nonsense in any way, shape or form. The only guarantee we have of avoiding a binding, sovereignty usurping, international treaty on global warming is to place a President in power who does not believe the GW alarmism and does not believe in sovereignty usurping international treaties. Unlike Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, Hunter does not have some convoluted explanation for why the socialized medicine experiments in Massachusetts (RomneyCare) and Arkansas (ARKids) are a good thing that deserves replication nationally. Indeed, Hunter wants to get government out of the way and reduce the regulations on health insurance by killing off mandates and regulations. Unlike Mike Huckabee, Hunter will not be contemplating how to mandate and enforce a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, nor will he be scheming to introduce more arts and music and healthy snacks into the nation's public schools. The NEA apparently like Mr. Huckabee and despise Congressman Hunter - a genuine supporter of school choice. Unlike Rudy Giuliani, Hunter does not have to pretend he is a conservative. A man who sued 26 firearms manufacturers to essentially put them out of business has no business seeking the office of the Presidency on the GOP ticket, unless gun control, abortion rights, gay 'rights', and eminent domain abuse are now part of the GOP platform. Unlike Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Fred Thompson, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, Hunter does not have to lie through his teeth when it comes to his record on illegal immigration. While it is hilarious to see these guys try to 'Out-Tancredo Tancredo' on the issue, only one guy truly does out-Tancredo the Colorado Congressman. While Duncan Hunter has sponsored or cosponsored 85 bills and amendments to stop illegal immigration in this country dead in its tracks, not one of these others lifted a finger during their careers, and range from bad to worse on the issue. While 'The Road to Des Moines' and last spring's citizen revolt led these supposed conservatives to finally see the light - at least in rhetoric, Hunter has been fighting the RINOS and dems on this for 27 years. Hunter wrote the border fence bill (recently defanged by the RINOS), and Hunter is the ONLY one who has vowed to actively deport those currently squatting here illegally. And finally, Duncan Hunter is the most experienced in warfare, defense systems, foreign policy and the security of our nation. If we are intent on defeating the islamists ASAP - without worrying about offending anyone, keeping terrorists out of our country, and rising to meet the future threats posed by the China-Russia-Iran-Venezuela axis, then we better elect a Reaganite this time around. If not, we may have to put up with an idiot who thinks we need to close Gitmo and end waterboarding because the world disapproves (Huckabee, McCain), or someone who thinks we just need to be more humble and accommodating on the world stage (Huckabee), or someone who can't figure out that enriching China is a fools errand (Fred, Mitt, McCain), or someone who has no clue about our military needs and capabilities and would not know an IED from an IUD (Rudy, Huckabee, Mitt). The choice is clearer than it has been since 1980. Don't let history pass you by ... again. Most Sincerely, Alexander J. Madison |
I actually wanted to see Oklahoma as the opponent. That would've been some real smash-mouth football.
I hope the other Big 10 teams in bowls make the Big 10 proud. Especially those playing SEC teams. I am so sick of those SEC morons talking about speed. The Big 10 can't be too slow because an awful lot of them go on to play in the NFL. Last year, 2 out 3 Big 10 teams beat SEC teams.
Here's a round up of Big 10 bowl games.
Illinois vs USC in the Rose Bowl
Honestly; I think the only way Illinois can win this is if they win a shootout. USC has a tough defense, Illinois defense...not so good. Illinois offense is really good, USC offense is ok.
Prediction: Illinois 27 USC 24
Final: USC 49 - Illinois 17
Michigan State vs Boston College in the Champ Sports Bowl
Eh, depends on which Michigan State team shows up.
Prediction: Even
Final: BC 24 - MSU 21
Purdue vs Central Michigan in the Motor City Bowl
Lets skip to the prediction
Prediction: Purdue 42 CMU 17
Final: Purdue 51 - CMU 48
Penn State vs Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl
I think this has the makings of a great game
Prediction: Penn State 24 Texas A&M 17
Final: Penn State 24 - Texas A&M 17 (WOW! I can't believe I called that)
Indiana vs Oklahoma State in the Insight Bowl
I can say that I don't care
Prediction: Indiana by 1
Final: Okla St. 49 - Indiana 33
Wisconsin vs Tennessee in the Outback Bowl
I will make it a point to watch this game. It should be good.
Prediction: Wisconsin 17 Tennessee 14
Final: Tenn 21 - Wisc 17
That State Up North (TSUN) vs Florida in the Capitol One Bowl
I hope TSUN shows up to play. All too often they are depressed about to losing to Ohio State again and play horrible in bowl games.
Prediction: If TSUN shows up, TSUN 37 Florida 24
Final: TSUN 41 - Florida 35
(This game should've been a blowout. Mike Hart from TSUN fumbled the ball twice on the goal-line after going almost 1000 carries without a fumble.)
Other games I will be watching:
Missouri vs Arkansas (Cotton Bowl) F: MIZZOU 38 - Ark 7
Hawaii vs Georgia (Sugar Bowl) F: Georgia 41 - Hawaii 10
(Real classy Georgia...going for it on 4th and goal while winning 41-10 with 9:00 left in the game)
Oklahoma vs West Virginia (Fiesta Bowl) F: WV 48 - Okla 28
Oklahoma was sloppy the whole game. They had something like 15 penalties and lots of blown coverage.
Virginia Tech vs Kansas (Orange Bowl) F: Kansas 24 - VT 21
Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader; disrupt criminal element network
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader during operations to disrupt criminal element networks today in the Al-Husayniyah area.
The targeted individual was reportedly the Special Groups recruiter for the Karbala Province. He allegedly helped facilitate the training of numerous criminals in activities including explosively formed penetrators, improvised explosive devices, operational security and computer security training. He is assessed as an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
When Coalition forces approached the target area, an unidentified man exited a building and displayed hostile intent. The unidentified man ignored verbal and visual warnings to cease movement. Responding in self defense, ground forces engaged the unidentified man, wounding him. The Coalition forces medical team administered on-site treatment to the individual. Ground forces continued on to the target area and captured the targeted individual without further incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered a large amount of American currency.
2 weapons caches found south of Baghdad
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Coalition Forces found and destroyed a weapons cache in Al Buaytha and Concerned Local Citizens turned in another cache in Hawr Rajab during search operations Dec. 29.
Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, found the first cache in Al Buaytha, which consisted of a 120 mm mortar round, three rocket-propelled grenades and other improvised explosive device-making materials.
The second, larger cache was found by CLCs and turned in to Soldiers from Troop A, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., operationally attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
This cache consisted of eight 60 mm mortar rounds, two fire extinguishers filled with homemade explosives and 11 blasting caps.
Cavalry unit thwarts extremists’ plan (Jisr Diyala)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Two extremists were detained after members of Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment observed the men acting suspiciously near Jisr Diyala on a road frequently used by Coalition Forces, Dec. 26.
The men were approached by the Soldiers who had been observing the road looking for enemy activity and improvised explosive devices.
The two men were detained and later identified as high-value individuals – numbers three and five – on the 3rd Squadron’s most wanted list.
During questioning, one of them admitted to placing an IED on the road.
An immediate search of the area produced nothing, however, the men were previously linked to an active IED manufacturing and deployment cell. The cell’s leader was captured earlier in the day in eastern Baghdad.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 21 suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
In Kirkuk, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals believed to be involved in improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition forces. Reports indicate the wanted individuals are Ansar al Sunna members and are highly experienced in manufacturing IEDs for attacks. The two individuals are believed to be brothers and involved in the Ansar al Sunna network operating in Kirkuk.
Nearby, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the network operating in the Kirkuk province. The wanted individual is reportedly associated with numerous senior terrorists and foreign terrorist facilitators operating throughout the region, many of them who were recently killed or captured through successful Coalition forces operations. One of the wanted individual’s associates, Abu Harith, was an al-Qaeda in Iraq member operating as the leader of a terrorist network in Kirkuk, and was killed during an operation Nov. 21. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one suspected terrorist during the operation.
During a series of operations south of Samarra, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates of the al-Qaeda network operating in the Raga village area. The targeted individuals are believed to be associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders, to include foreign terrorist facilitators, and have allegedly facilitated their movement into the area.
Coalition forces also detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations in Mosul targeting associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership in the city.
Coalition capture 3 extremists
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad troops arrested three suspected extremists after receiving a tip from a local citizen on their whereabouts in the Doura neighborhood in southeastern Baghdad Dec. 28.
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment “Warriors,” attached to Task Force Dragon, arrested the three suspects after informants identified them as having transported al-Qaeda snipers in and out of Doura, and allegedly being part of an improvised explosive device cell.
The suspected extremists were taken to a Coalition Forces’ detention facility for further questioning.
Several militants killed during Helmand Province operation
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Monday to disrupt Taliban extremist operations in Helmand Province.
The combined team of Afghan and Coalition forces searched compounds in the Nahr Surkh district targeting militants associated with Taliban extremists and foreign fighter facilitators reported to be operating in the area.
While searching one of the compounds in the area, Afghan and Coalition forces came under small-arms fire from several militants. Using a combination of defensive return fire and hand grenades, Afghan and Coalition forces quelled the militants’ attacks, killing several in the process. During one engagement, a militant was killed when he fired on the combined force from a barricaded room in one of the compound’s buildings. In another engagement, several other militants were killed while firing on the combined force from another building on the compound.
There were no immediate indications of injuries or deaths to civilians not taking part in hostilities.
During a post-hostilities assessment, the combined force found a weapons cache consisting of several AK-47s, rocket propelled grenades and explosives. The weapons cache was destroyed on-site to prevent further use by militant forces.
Duncan Hunter 21%
Fred Thompson 19%
Mike Huckabee 15%
Rudy Giuliani 14%
Mitt Romney 13%
John McCain 10%
Tom Tancredo 5%
I don't know why these don't equal 100%, but such is the blogger polling widget. I was debating between cutting it down to the top 3 or top 5. I think I will leave it like it is for the first quarter of 2008, but will remove Tancredo and add "any Democrat", just to see how many of them read this blog. Of course; I will not be including "Mr. White Supremacist" Ron Paul again.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations; six killed, 14 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 14 suspects Saturday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation north of Muqdadiyah Saturday, Coalition forces targeted associates of the al-Qaeda network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Reports indicate the individuals are associated with the group that has been involved in numerous firefights with Coalition forces over the past few weeks. The presence of the wanted individuals was confirmed in the target area and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target, killing one terrorist.
Coalition forces then continued their approach and were engaged by enemy fire. The ground force returned fire, killing three terrorists. While clearing the area, the ground force discovered numerous weapons, including several machine guns, military style assault vests and magazines, improvised explosive devices, and a rocket propelled grenade launcher and rounds. In addition to the weapons, Coalition forces safely destroyed a vehicle used for terrorist activity.
Coalition forces returned to the Muqdadiyah area today and targeted alleged associates of individuals killed in Saturday’s operation. As the ground force approached the target area they were engaged by enemy fire and returned fire in self-defense. They then observed two armed men emerge from the target building and maneuver in separate directions. The ground force engaged one of the men, killing him. The other individual moved to a nearby palm grove and supporting aircraft engaged his position. As the ground force approached the position, the suspect engaged them. The ground force returned fire, killing him.
Once the enemy fire ceased, Coalition forces began to clear the site and found two weapons caches, including 10 rifles, eight grenades, four military-style assault vests with 20 loaded magazines, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and rocket propellant. One of the armed men was wearing a suicide vest. On site, the ground force safely destroyed the weapons caches and a vehicle allegedly used for terrorist activity. Seven suspected terrorists were also detained during the operation.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces also detained six suspected terrorists during an operation today targeting associates of the al-Qaeda network in Mosul.
During an operation Saturday, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual west of Mahmudiyah. He is believed to be a leader in the city’s al-Qaeda network and is allegedly responsible for establishing a training center for female suicide bombers in Yusufiyah. He is also reportedly responsible for coordinating attacks against Coalition forces and facilitating the necessary weapons and explosives for the attacks. During an operation Dec. 1, Coalition forces killed one of the wanted individual’s alleged subordinates for his role in supplying vehicles and materials for the car-bombing network in Baghdad.
Concerned Local Citizens deliver cache to Coalition Forces
BAGHDAD – Members of a Concerned Local Citizen group seized a cache of munitions southeast of Forward Operating Base Hammer and east of the city of Al Nijidat Dec. 26.
The cache consisted of 23 rocket motors, two 82 mm mortars, four 81 mm illumination shells, one rocket-propelled grenade, one 115 mm high-explosive tank round, one 106 mm high-explosive anti-tank round and several other explosive items, including an artillery fuse.
The CLC group delivered the cache to FOB Hammer, where Capt. Chas Cannon, from Moultrie, Ga., commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the group.
Iraqi Army Soldiers recover large cache
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Soldiers reported recovering a large weapons cache in Mansour, a district in western Baghdad, Dec. 28.
The Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, recovered two mortar tubes, 86 mortar rounds, five improvised rocket launchers, ten rockets, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, seven RPG rounds, six hand grenades and various bomb-making materials.
A Coalition Forces explosive ordnance disposal unit destroyed the explosives and propellants, while the IA unit took control of the remaining items.
According to them, it's illegal to transfer your CD's to your computer. What all this comes down to is, the record companies have diluted the music world and less people want to buy their junk. There is so many crappy bands/singers now and they all sound the same. Even some of my favorite bands are rushing to get music out and that is even crap. There may be one or two songs on an entire album that I want to hear. I use iTunes (I know, but there isn't a better alternative with a large selection) and rarely download an entire album. There's no way I will spend $15 or so dollars on a CD for at most, two songs. I can buy and download the songs I want for 99 cents or an album for $9.90.
I'm waiting for the RIAA to come up with self-destructing CD's that explode after 10 plays.
On with the article.
Now, in an unusual case in which an Arizona recipient of an RIAA letter has fought back in court rather than write a check to avoid hefty legal fees, the industry is taking its argument against music sharing one step further: In legal documents in its federal case against Jeffrey Howell, a Scottsdale, Ariz., man who kept a collection of about 2,000 music recordings on his personal computer, the industry maintains that it is illegal for someone who has legally purchased a CD to transfer that music into his computer.
The industry's lawyer in the case, Ira Schwartz, argues in a brief filed earlier this month that the MP3 files Howell made on his computer from legally bought CDs are "unauthorized copies" of copyrighted recordings.
"I couldn't believe it when I read that," says Ray Beckerman, a New York lawyer who represents six clients who have been sued by the RIAA. "The basic principle in the law is that you have to distribute actual physical copies to be guilty of violating copyright. But recently, the industry has been going around saying that even a personal copy on your computer is a violation."
Coalition forces target criminal networks; detain six suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained six suspected Special Groups criminal element members Saturday during operations to disrupt terrorist networks in southern Iraq.
During an operation in the Ad Daghgharah area, Coalition forces targeted a suspected Special Groups leader and projectile weapons trainer who allegedly specialized in rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and mortar attacks against Coalition forces. The wanted individual was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they detained six suspected criminals without incident. The identities of the six suspects are still being determined.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations; three killed, 34 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 34 suspects Saturday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation north of Tikrit, Coalition forces targeted an associate of the al-Qaeda network operating in the Kirkuk province. The targeted individual is assessed to be involved in the facilitation of finances and materials for terrorist operations. When Coalition forces arrived in the target area, they called for the occupants to come out of the building. The ground force was then engaged by heavy enemy fire, and supporting aircraft was called to suppress the threat. Once the enemy fire ceased, the ground force assessed three terrorists were killed during the engagement. As the ground force cleared the area, they found a suicide belt, suicide vest and numerous weapons on site. All of the items were safely destroyed, along with a target building, to prevent further use by terrorists.
North of Tikrit, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a member of the al-Qaeda network operating in the area. The wanted individual is also allegedly associated with the terrorist network in Samarra, including foreign terrorist facilitation operations throughout the Tigris River Valley. Reports indicate the individual also has ties to individuals targeted during an operation Nov. 12, when Coalition forces killed Abu Tiba, the leader of the terrorist network in Samarra. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists during the operation. The ground force detained an additional suspect during an operation south of the city targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader believed to be involved in suicide attacks against Coalition forces.
During an operation west of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the network operating north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained 21 suspected terrorists during the series of operations. Coalition forces also destroyed one building in the target area that was assessed to be used as a safe house for terrorist operations.
Coalition forces also detained five suspected terrorists during an operation in Mosul while targeting an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the city. In the past few weeks, Coalition forces have detained three wanted individuals and more than 26 suspected terrorists associated with the network in Mosul, to include a suspect detained Dec. 13 believed to be a key associate of the al-Qaeda leader for northern Iraq.
Iraqi Police, MND-Center Soldiers detain 4 suspected extremists (Iskandariyah)
ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Police partnered with Coalition Forces in an air assault mission near Iskandariyah Dec. 20 to capture four suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives and disrupt AQI operations in the region.
The force included Iraqi Police from Iskandariyah and Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, out of Fort Campbell, Ky., attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
The mission was carried out during daylight hours and consisted of two elements that flew in on four UH-60 helicopters. One element cleared and secured the area where the suspected al-Qaeda operators inhabited safehouses, with another supporting that effort, searching for weapons caches and employing an explosive ordnance disposal team to remove obstacles so the first element could move freely.
“Because of the ever-increasing cooperation between Coalition Forces and the Iraqi Police, AQI has no place to hide in western Iskandariyah,” said Capt. Michael Penney, commander of Co. A, 2-502nd.
Four al-Qaeda suspects were detained during the operation, and a pressureplate improvised explosive device was discovered.
Neither Iraqi Police nor Coalition Forces had patrolled the area for at least eight months, according to Lt. Col. Michael Getchell, commander of 2-502nd Infantry, who added the expanded influence exerted by the Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces sent a positive message to the local citizens.
He added that the combined presence helped bring forth interest in the Concerned Local Citizens program.
