When A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words

This pic of Obama from Drudge is priceless. There really is no end to the captions you could add.

In Obama's America, There Is 58 States

So, There's Been A Break In Posts

I've been quite busy lately, thus no new posts. I have a side job and that job is doing tech support for a local Subway restaurant franchisee. I also do some accounting (profit & loss statements, checkbook balancing, just basic stuff). It's actually grown into more of than just a side job since this franchisee now has 16 restaurants.

The good news...this franchisee also owns my grocery store. So it allows me more flexibility.

During the past week I have been setting up registers and a network for two new Subway locations inside Cedar Point amusement park. These restaurants will be out of control once the park opens this weekend. So there is an even greater need to make sure everything is running at an optimal level.

Because I have to be able to get in the park at a moments notice, I was given a free pass. Yeah, I know...AWESOME! But, the ordeal in getting this pass was ridiculous. Now on with the story.

I've been sick for a while, and I started a new medication Sunday night. This medication kept me awake ALL night. I finally fell asleep around 4am. I had to get up at 6am to be at Cedar Point by 8am. I arrive at 8am and go to Human Resources to process in for my pass. Little did I know this was also the last day for ALL Cedar Point employees to process in. The result was a huge line.

I realized at 8:30am I was not going to be processed before 9am. At 9am I had to go to an orientation on park policies. This lasted until 10am. I got back in line to process and stood there FOR 4 HOURS!!!! I finally get to the counter, fill out the paperwork, and get ready for my ID when I was told I couldn't get my ID until I shave. Everyone who works in the park has to be clean shaven, with the exception of a mustache. I had shaved that morning, but stood in line so long I had stubble.

So now I had to drive 30 minutes home, shave, then drive 30 minutes back. As I am sure you can relate, I was extremely salty. Had I known at the beginning of the day I would have to go through all this, I would've paid the $109 and skipped the hassle.

So I go back,  I don't have to wait in line again, I am able to go through a different door for ID's.I walk up to the counter, tell the lady I'm there to get my ID. She has me write my name on a pad of paper so they can pull my file. A few minutes later this older woman comes up behind the counter to assist. She has this look of bewilderment on her face and I'm not entirely sure she wasn't an alien.

Another person had the same issue as I, and stated he too, needed an ID. This alien woman rips off the sheet of paper with my name, crumples it up, and throws it away. My first thought was to jump over the counter at her, but then I thought, maybe she read it and will go pull my file.

I should've went with option 1. I wait, and wait, and wait. Finally, I tell the other lady that the alien lady threw my name in the garbage. She apologized and had me write my name down again. Fifteen minutes later, the ID printer breaks down. It's now 4:45pm, I had been waiting since 8am. It was in everyone's best interest that I left immediately.

I now understand why people go into places and shoot them up.

Tuesday I had to go back to Cedar Point to do some reprogramming. After I was done, I decided to attempt to get my ID again. This time, there was a whole five people waiting in line, I got my ID in 5 minutes, walked back into the park to food services to get the form for my parking pass, went out to the parking lot to get my pass and was done. The whole process took me 30 minutes, compared to the 8 hours 45 minutes the previous day.

I was there today, and will probably have to go back out Thursday. Then I'm done. Hopefully; I will never have to go back.

Global Warming Causes Shark Attacks

First thing I have to say is, shark attacks have been occurring long before this Glo-bull warming nonsense. Sharks were made to swim, humans were not. People are invading their house, they didn't come into ours. That's the risk you take and any other contributing factors to this increase in shark attacks is nil.

I have never been attacked by a shark and never will...because I don't swim in the ocean. I walked ankle-deep in the Atlantic, but that was just to do it. I then meandered my way back to the hotel and swam in the shark-free pools.

Two deaths in the waters off California and Mexico last week and a spate of shark-inflicted injuries to surfers off Florida's Atlantic coast have left beachgoers seeking an explanation for a sudden surge in the number of strikes.

[...]

'The one thing that's affecting shark attacks more than anything else is human activity,' said Dr George Burgess of Florida University, a shark expert who maintains the database. 'As the population continues to rise, so does the number of people in the water for recreation. And as long as we have an increase in human hours in the water, we will have an increase in shark bites.'

Some experts suggest that an abundance of seals has attracted high numbers of sharks, while others believe that overfishing has hit their food chain. 'I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's a convenient excuse,' Burgess said. Another contributory factor to the location of shark attacks could be global warming and rising sea temperatures. 'You'll find that some species will begin to appear in places they didn't in the past with some regularity,' he said.

Good News From The War On Terror 4/29-5/2

Coalition forces target AQI: three terrorists killed, 12 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 12 suspected terrorists while targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the northern half of the country Tuesday.

Coalition forces targeted an AQI foreign terrorist facilitator at a suspected terrorist safe-house 60 miles north of Baghdad.  Coalition forces called for the target building’s occupants to come out peacefully, but several men refused to comply, including three men displaying weapons, one of whom was wearing a military-style assault vest.  Responding to the perceived hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged the three armed terrorists, killing them.  Five additional suspected terrorists were detained.

Coalition forces captured an individual allegedly involved in attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and one other suspected terrorist in Mosul based on information gathered from an operation Mar. 31.  Another operation in Mosul targeted a car-bombing expert who recently fled Kirkuk after Coalition forces captured two of his associates there during operations Apr. 15 and 22.  Two suspected terrorists were detained.

In Bayji, 100 miles south of Mosul, Coalition forces captured an AQI car-bombing cell leader and detained two additional suspected terrorists.

 

MND-B Soldiers kill 9 criminals in separate clashes

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division—Baghdad Soldiers killed nine criminals in two separate engagements April 30.

At approximately 3 p.m. in Sadr City, Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division observed criminals loading multiple rockets onto a launch sled.

The Soldiers engaged the criminals before they could fire the rockets and killed five criminals.

Approximately 20 minutes later, the Soldiers observed another criminal attempting to recover the rockets and he was killed.

At approximately 5 p.m., an aerial weapons team fired a Hellfire missile and destroyed the rockets and the sled.

At approximately 6 p.m., Soldiers from the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, were attacked by criminals using rocket-propelled grenades in Sadr City.

The Soldiers returned fire and killed three criminals.

 

MND-B soldiers kill 8 criminals

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers killed eight criminals during night operations in northeastern Baghdad.

Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operating an unmanned aerial vehicle, witnessed two armed criminals, including one bearing a rifle on the rooftop of a house at approximately 7:15 p.m. April 30. Soldiers fired one Hellfire missile from the UAV. Both criminals were killed, and the weapon was destroyed. 

At approximately 7:40 p.m., soldiers from 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., positively identified a Special Groups criminal with an RPK machine gun. Acting in self-defense, the soldiers returned fire and killed the individual.

Criminal forces continued to attack the soldiers with small-arms fire. At approximately 8:10 p.m., the soldiers killed another criminal firing upon them and then a third criminal at approximately 8:25 p.m.
At approximately 2 a.m. May 1, an air weapons team used a Hellfire missile to engage and kill three criminals in a vehicle. The criminals were seen earlier in the evening emplacing an improvised explosive device before fleeing in the vehicle.

 

Coalition forces strike Iranian-sponsored Special Groups leader in Sadr City

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike in Sadr City against a known Iranian-sponsored senior Special Groups leader at 2:17 p.m. today.

Acting on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted a known Special Groups leader responsible for criminal acts against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces.

 

Iraqi Army, Coalition forces detain 32 suspected terrorists

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition forces soldiers detained 32 suspected terrorists in a joint operation in Mosul May 1.

The cordon and search took place in the Zanjali and Borsa neighborhoods of western Mosul.

 

Four terrorists killed, 10 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network around Mosul Thursday and Friday.

Thursday, Coalition forces targeted members of an AQI bombing network 70 miles south of Mosul.  As they prepared to stop a vehicle, Coalition forces were engaged with small arms fire from another vehicle.  Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged the vehicle, killing three terrorists and destroying weapons and ammunition inside.

Despite Coalition forces’ warnings to stop, the driver of the target vehicle refused to comply.  Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the vehicle, killing the terrorist inside.  Coalition forces later found heavy machine guns and other weapons inside.

Friday, Coalition forces targeted members of the same network in Mosul and detained four suspected terrorists.

Also in Mosul Friday, Coalition forces captured an alleged member of an AQI cell that targets security forces with indirect fire attacks.  Coalition forces also detained another suspect and discovered a cache of weapons near a house.  Coalition forces moved a nearby family to safety while they destroyed the weapons on site.

Using information from operations March 24 and April 13, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists in an operation in the city Friday targeting an AQI leader in Mosul who conducts attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

 

Coalition, Anti-Afghan forces clash in Nimroz

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces engaged Anti-Afghan forces in Nimroz province Monday, resulting in the death of several militants and capture of 14 additional militants. 

Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in Khash Rod District targeting a militant engaged in the movement of weapons and fighters in the area. 

During the search, several militants attempted to flee the compound.  Coalition forces came under fire by rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns and quickly responded with small-arms fire and air strikes. 

Oil Companies & Gas Prices

Today, I was watching Hillary Clinton on BOR from last night. They got into the whole oil company profits and gas prices. Since my grocery store also has a gas pumps, I hear about it all the time. Here's a few things contributing to higher gas prices.

Supply & Demand-The recent industrial growth of China and India have caused DEMAND for oil to increase, while the supply remains the same.

Weak Dollar- the oil cartel known as OPEC don't get as much for the American dollar as they used to.

Boutique Gasoline- Too many states have different blend requirements of gasoline. It's just common sense that when you mass produce the same product, instead of 20 or so different products, its more efficient and cheaper.

Old refineries- The newest refinery was build 20+ years ago. Sure they've done what they can with them, but it comes to a point where the benefits of improvements far outweigh the costs.

Now on to oil company profits. Lots of people are complaining that we're being gouged by the oil companies. It's a possibility, but the more realistic thought is it's as simple as gross profit. Gross profit is a percentage above cost. The gross profit is determined by the expenses the company incurs.

The oil companies are no different from my grocery store when figuring gross profit.

Here is a very simple explanation:

If a barrel of oil costs $1.00 and Exxon wants a 10% gross profit, they charge $1.10. If oil is $1.50, with the 10% GP, they charge $1.65. So when figuring gross profit, just like almost every other business in the world, you see that even though cost increased 50 cents, the gross profit increased 65 cents.

This is why, as oil prices go up, the oil companies profits increase. Gross profit is figured the same way no matter if its a barrel of oil, bananas, or a loaf of bread.

So stop whining and elect congress-critters that will allow drilling in ANWAR and off-shore, and allow for recovery in oil shale. The only way to drop gas prices is to increase our domestic supply. Suspending the gas tax is not the answer.

 

***UPDATE 11:55PM 05/01/08***

No, Ethanol from corn is not a viable alternative fuel. This eco-craziness is causing a worldwide food shortage and an increase in food cost.

Corn is one of the least efficient crops to use in ethanol. Sugar cane is the best.

Less farmers are planting wheat and instead opting to cash in on corn. Back to supply and demand. 30% of corn grown in the US goes to ethanol production.

Increased demand for corn and decreased supply of wheat causes everything from flour (wheat) to eggs, meat, dairy, (feed corn) to increase in price.

Add the increased food cost to the rising transportation cost, and things are going to get a lot worse.

Good News From The War On Terror 4/27-28

Iraqi Army Soldiers detain 17 suspected AQI terrorists in as- Sa’diyah, find weapons cache

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 5th Iraqi Army Division, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained 17 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists in the as-Sa’diyah villages of Sama and Rabia April 25.

The IA soldiers conducted a cordon and search patrol of the area in order to disrupt terrorist activities. During the patrol, 17 men believed to be AQI members were detained for questioning. The patrol also confiscated more than 30SPG-9 rounds, 40 various types of mortars and over 100 mortar fuses. An anti-tank mine and an improvised explosive device were also found and destroyed on site.

The detaining of these individuals, and loss of their weapons, will likely affect the ability of AQI to conduct attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in the as-Sa’diyah area and will possibly lead to the detention of additional AQI terrorists in the area.

 

27 detained, bomb-making materials destroyed in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 27 suspected terrorists during operations Sunday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks around the country.

Coalition forces conducted two operations east of Samarra targeting associates of a known AQI facilitator who is a liaison with senior terrorist leaders. Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists and discovered weapons and a building wired to explode.  After moving civilians away from the area, Coalition forces called for an airstrike to destroy the building and weapons. Samarra is located in the Salah ad-Din province, approximately 100 km northwest of Baghdad.

Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during operations in Mosul in northern Iraq, approximately 100 km from the Turkish border. One of the suspects is believed to be an AQI leader in the city, and another is believed to be part of an illegal terrorist court system.  During the operation, Coalition forces found a building containing bomb-making materials, which they safely destroyed on site.

South of Taji, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of AQI leaders and five additional suspects believed to have ties to the terrorist network in the Northern Belt around Baghdad. Taji lies just north of Baghdad.

 

MND-B Soldiers kill 16 criminals in separate engagements

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers engaged and killed 16 criminals in separate engagements in Baghdad April 27.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. an aerial weapons team killed one criminal in northeastern Baghdad after he attacked Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, with small-arms fire.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., killed one evildoer at approximately 10:50 a.m. in northeastern Baghdad after he attacked their checkpoint with small-arms fire.

At approximately 12:40 p.m., Soldiers from 1-68 AR returned fire and killed two criminals after they fired rocket-propelled grenades at them in northeastern Baghdad. At approximately the same time, Soldiers from 1-68 AR engaged and killed two additional criminals after they were attacked by RPGs in  northeastern Baghdad.

Soldiers from 1-68 AR killed one criminal after being attacked with RPGs. The Soldiers responded by engaging him with a M1A2 Abrams tank at approximately 3 p.m. in northeastern Baghdad.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., a group of criminals attacked a combat outpost with small-arms fire in eastern Baghdad. Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, returned fire and killed two of the criminals.

At approximately 6 p.m., Soldiers from 1-68 AR were attacked with small-arms fire and RPGs in northeastern Baghdad while conducting a dismounted patrol. Soldiers providing a cordon engaged the criminals with 120 mm tank rounds and machine gun fire from an M1A2 Abrams tank killing seven of the attackers.

 

Iraqi Army and MND-B Soldiers kill 22 enemy repelling attack against ISF checkpoint in northeast Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers engaged and killed 22 criminals attacking an Iraqi Security Force Checkpoint April 27, in northeastern Baghdad.

At approximately 6:35 p.m., 11th Iraqi Army Division and MND-B Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were attacked by a large group of criminals engaging with small-arms fire while manning a security checkpoint.

U.S. Soldiers used 120 mm fire from M1A12 Abrams tanks and small-arms fire to kill the 22 criminals, forcing remaining enemy forces present to retreat. The criminals’ small-arms fire was ineffective and there were no U.S. Soldier or ISF casualties in the attack.

 

Coalition forces kill 10 terrorists, detain five suspects

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed 10 terrorists and detained five terrorist suspects during four operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks Monday near Baghdad.

Targeting a foreign terrorist with direct ties to suicide operations, intelligence led a Coalition forces to engage two vehicles and kill 10 terrorists near Khalaf Al Mahd. Coalition forces destroyed the vehicles carrying four heavy machine guns, eight assault rifles and several hundred rounds of ammunition. They later detained one suspected terrorist and destroyed a weapons cache he was guarding nearby.

In Abu Ghurayb, Coalition forces targeted a terrorist with ties to AQI leadership in Baghdad. Acting on intelligence, they stopped a vehicle and detained two terrorist suspects. Coalition forces then searched the suspects’ residence where they detained another suspect.

Coalition forces also detained an individual associated with terrorists involved in AQI media operations in the Al Rasafah neighborhood in Baghdad.

 

Coalition, Anti-Afghanistan forces clash in Kapisa

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan– Coalition forces engaged Anti-Afghan forces in the Tag Ab District of Kapisa province, Saturday, resulting in the death of several AAF militants.

Coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in the Tag Ab District in an effort to disrupt AAF IED activities. Coalition forces’ search also targeted a Taliban militant known to have facilitated both Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device attacks and attacks against Afghan government and Coalition forces by foreign fighters. 

The targeted Taliban militant was believed to be planning operations to disrupt the Afghan National Independence Day celebrations and is believed to be among the dead.

During their search, an unknown number of AAF engaged Coalition forces with small-arms fire from several buildings. Coalition forces responded to the AAF attack with small-arms fire, artillery and close-air support. During the battle, Afghan National Security Forces and additional Coalition forces provided reinforcements.

There were several civilian casualties during the battle. Some of the wounded were treated locally, and others were taken to a nearby Coalition hospital for treatment. 

As Coalition forces continued to search the area they discovered and removed a suicide IED vest.

 

A dozen insurgents killed, dozen more wounded in failed Kunar attack

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan– A dozen insurgents were killed and a dozen more were wounded during a failed attack, Sunday, on Afghan National Army and U.S. bases in Kunar province’s Korengal Valley.

An estimated 30 to 40 insurgents attacked five bases in the  Korengal valley with small-arms fire, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and indirect fire.

Afghan and U.S. forces repelled the enemy’s attack utilizing effective small-arms fire, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds, and artillery fire and close-air support.

No Afghan, U.S. Soldiers or civilians were killed or injured in the attack.

 

ANSF, CF kill insurgents in Laghman

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan– Afghan National Army Commandos and Afghan National Police, assisted by Coalition forces, killed insurgents in Galuch Village, Laghman province April 27.

Commandos from the 201st Commando Kandak were searching Galuch when, air-support elements identified insurgents on a nearby ridge with a rocket propelled grenade.

The air-support elements killed insurgents before the RPG was utilized against friendly forces. Another insurgent fled the area.

The Commandos found a rifle, IED materials and RPGs during the operation.

Combating Voter Fraud = Eliminating Democrat Voters

The great part is that this post was titled "Did the US Supreme Court just elect John McCain?" So, requiring voters to show a valid ID that shows their identity is unconstitutional in the eyes of those seeking to illegally vote. Democrat voter fraud was reported in several precincts in Ohio during the 2004 election.

The US Supreme Court has just dealt a serious blow to voters' rights that could help put John McCain in the White House by eliminating tens of thousands of voters who generally vote Democratic.

By 6-3 the Court has upheld an Indiana law that requires citizens to present a photo identification card in order to vote. Florida, Michigan, Louisiana, Georgia, Hawaii and South Dakota have similar laws. Though it's unlikely, as many as two dozen other states could add them by election day. Other states, like Ohio, have less stringent ID requirements than Indiana's, but still have certain restrictions that are strongly opposed by voter rights advocates.

The decision turns back two centuries of jurisprudence that has accepted a registered voter's signature as sufficient identification for casting a ballot. By matching that signature against one given at registration, and with harsh penalties for ballot stuffing, the Justices confirmed in their lead opinion that there is "no evidence" for the kind of widespread voter fraud Republican partisans have used to justify the demand for photo ID.

Voting rights activists have long argued that since photo ID can cost money, or may demand expensive trips to government agencies, the requirement constitutes a "poll tax." Taxes on the right to vote were used for a century to prevent blacks and others from voting in the south and elsewhere. They were specifically banned by the 24th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1964.

Michelle Obama: "Pay No Attention To My Husbands Associates"

Michelle Obama stated to CNN that she would like voters to ignore her husbands associates, inexperience, and short-comings, and instead, concentrate on the issues. Since she is so ashamed of America, why does she care about the issues?

Michelle Obama said Wednesday that her husband's move to distance himself from his controversial former minister has been "painful," but that she's pleased with the way he's handled the situation.

Michelle Obama says her husband's campaign should be about issues, not the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

"I was proud of the statement he made yesterday," she said in an interview with CNN's Suzanne Malveaux. "It was a tough thing for him to do -- it's a painful situation to be in."

On Tuesday, Obama said he was "outraged" by comments the Rev. Jeremiah Wright made to the National Press Club in Washington on Monday. The candidate said he was "saddened by the spectacle" of what Wright said.

He said Wright, who officiated his wedding and baptized his children, seemed "not the person I met 20 years ago."

Good News From The War On Terror 4/25-26

MND-B Soldiers kill 10 criminals in separate operations

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed 10 criminals in separate operations in Baghdad April 24-25.

Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Iraqi Army soldiers from 44th Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, were attacked by six mortars at approximately 6 p.m. April 24 at their joint security station in northeastern Baghdad. Soldiers located a three-man mortar team and engaged the criminals, killing all three. No Soldiers were injured.

At approximately 10:10 p.m., an aerial weapons team spotted criminals digging by a road in northeastern Baghdad. The AWT engaged the criminals with one hellfire missile, killing two.

At approximately 1 a.m. April 25, an AWT spotted four criminals emplacing an IED in northeastern Baghdad. The AWT engaged the criminals with one hellfire missile, killing all four and destroying the IED.

An AWT witnessed two criminals setting up a firing position in northeastern Baghdad at approximately 1:30 a.m. The AWT engaged with one hellfire missile and killed one criminal. The other criminal fled to a nearby building. The AWT could not engage the second criminal due because of innocent civilians in the area adjacent to the building.

 

Three terrorists killed, eight al-Qaeda suspects detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained eight suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in Samarra and Mosul on Thursday.

Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist in a vehicle east of Samarra and attempted to stop the vehicle, first by verbal command, then by firing warning shots. When the driver refused to stop, Coalition forces fired on the vehicle, setting it on fire and killing one terrorist. Two additional terrorists armed with grenades exited the vehicle, and Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat by engaging and killing them.

Near Taji, Coalition forces stopped a vehicle believed to be associated with terrorist activity.  While searching the vehicle, Coalition forces discovered several pipe bombs, two assault rifles and bomb-making materials. They destroyed the weapons materials and the vehicle and detained three terrorist suspects.

In Mosul, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be involved in the planning of suicide attacks.  Coalition forces stopped a vehicle believed to be associated with the individual and detained five suspected terrorists.

 

Alleged bombing cell leader, 12 other suspects detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained more than a dozen suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Friday, including four wanted individuals.

Coalition forces captured two wanted men, one of whom is allegedly the leader of a large bombing cell, during a raid south of Bayji targeting a network that spans Salah ad Din province.  The other wanted man is believed to be a key distributor of explosives used against Sons of Iraq groups, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.  A cache of weapons and ammunition was discovered and safely destroyed on site.  Four additional suspected terrorists were detained.

Coalition forces continued to corral members of the AQI propaganda network, detaining a wanted man in Baghdad who is believed to conspire directly with terrorist leaders.

Using information from an operation Apr. 21, Coalition forces captured an alleged go-between for AQI senior leaders in Mosul.

In Samarra, Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting AQI leaders in the area and detained four suspected terrorists.

Coalition forces descended on an alleged foreign terrorist bed-down location northeast of Khalis and detained one suspected terrorist believed to be involved in AQI’s facilitation network.

 

Eight al-Qaeda terrorists killed in central Iraq

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed eight al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and detained 17 suspected terrorists during operations targeting associates of terrorist leaders in central Iraq Saturday.

Coalition forces conducted coordinated operations targeting associates of an individual who acts as a facilitator and liaison for AQI leaders.  When Coalition forces arrived in the target area east of Tikrit, they immediately received small arms fire.  Responding in self-defense, they returned fire and called for supporting aircraft to engage the hostile threat.  Three terrorists were killed in the initial engagement, but Coalition forces continued to receive fire as they secured buildings in the area.  Again engaging the hostile threat, they killed two more terrorists. 

Inside the buildings, Coalition forces discovered weapons and more than 900 pounds of explosives, which they safely destroyed on site. 

During an operation east of Samarra, a terrorist approached Coalition forces and detonated a suicide vest, killing himself.  Another terrorist at the location moved to a tactical position and refused to follow the interpreter’s instructions to surrender.  Coalition forces, perceiving hostile intent from the terrorist, engaged and killed him.  Seven suspected terrorists were detained during the coordinated operations.  Coalition forces safely destroyed one building at the target location that was empty except for ten beds and weapons, indicating a likely terrorist safe house.

Coalition forces went to a location northwest of Balad searching for an AQI senior leader.  A man in the target building refused to comply with the interpreter’s instructions and moved to a hidden position.  When he refused to surrender, Coalition forces perceived hostile intent and engaged the terrorist, killing him.

Farther south, two more operations applied pressure to AQI leadership.  Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during an operation in Yusufiyah targeting a close associate of an AQI leader in the Southern Belt around Baghdad.  West of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists while targeting an AQI leader whose group instigates sectarian violence and facilitates attacks against Coalition forces.

NATO Tells Russia To Mind It's Own Business

It's good to see that NATO is not as useless as the UN. It's extremely important that Russia's influence in bordering countries is kept in check. Russia is gradually reverting back to its communist state and the steps NATO is taking will help slow this.

NATO warned Russia Wednesday to stop undermining Georgia's territorial integrity, after Moscow announced it would send more peacekeepers to two rebel Georgian regions.

Russia's move, to counter what it said was the massing of Georgian troops near Abkhazia and South Ossetia, raised concern in the United States while the European Union has said that any military build-up would not be wise.

"The steps that have been taken (by Russia) and the rhetoric that has been used concerning the threat of force have increased tensions and have undermined Georgia's territorial integrity," NATO spokesman James Appathurai said.

"The allies are unanimous in supporting, endorsing Georgia's territorial integrity and will not recognise or support steps that undermine that sovereignty," he said.

NATO announced at a summit early this month that Georgia would one day become a member of the 26-nation military alliance, in the face of fierce Russian opposition.

Russia objects to NATO moving closer to its borders and is deeply concerned that the breakaway regions could be destabilised by Tbilisi's rapprochement with Moscow's old Cold War-era foe.

Global Warming Makes HIV Worse

Is there anything that isn't caused by "Global Warming" anymore? "Global Warming" causes bridges to collapse, old ladies to fall down, polar bears to swim in water, hurricanes to develop, freezing temperatures, snow, and now it makes HIV worse.

Climate change is the latest threat to the world's growing HIV epidemic, say Australian experts who warn of the "grim" outlook in the fight against the infectious disease.

A leading professor of health and human rights, Daniel Tarantola, has cautioned that global warming will indirectly make citizens of developing countries even more vulnerable to death and severe ill health from HIV/AIDS.

Good News From The War On Terror 4/24

Coalition Forces kill four Special Groups criminals, capture five others

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four Iranian-trained Special Groups criminals and detained five other suspected criminals Thursday during operations in Rashidiyah, north of Baghdad.

Intelligence sources led Coalition forces to the location of an Iranian-trained Special Groups criminal suspected of receiving weapons and finances from Iran in order to lead attacks against Coalition forces. He is also suspected of directing and conducting kidnappings and sectarian violence against Iraqi citizens.

Despite receiving sporadic small arms fire attacks, Coalition forces apprehended the suspected criminal and three other suspects. Coalition forces continued to another location to capture an additional suspected criminal wanted for hostile acts against Iraqi forces.

As Coalition forces approached the second location, they came under small arms fire from both sides of the road and returned fire, killing one criminal.

After arriving at the targeted individual’s location, Coalition forces again came under small arms fire from three criminals atop a local residence. Coalition forces followed the three individuals to a home in the neighborhood, where the criminals gained entry. Coalition forces came under attack from the criminals inside the house and engaged the hostile threat, killing the three criminals. The engagement ignited a fire in the house, but Coalition forces were able to evacuate the residents from the building unharmed.

 

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; one killed, eight detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one suspected Al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist and detained eight others during operations to disrupt AQI networks in Baghdad and near Samarra.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces stopped a suspected terrorist in his vehicle. As Coalition forces approached the vehicle, the individual drew his pistol. Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat by engaging and killing the terrorist.

North of Samarra, Coalition forces captured two wanted men and three additional suspected terrorists.  One of the wanted men is believed to be the leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda cell encompassing the northern belt around Baghdad, while the other is suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq. 

Also in Samarra, Coalition forces followed suspected terrorists traveling in a vehicle and ordered the driver to stop.  Coalition forces secured the area, detained three suspected terrorists and confiscated two assault rifles.

 

Iraqi Army Forces kill nine criminals, destroy two vehicles in Hussaniyah

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi Army patrol, accompanied by U.S. Special Forces advisors, defeated elements of an armed criminal group that launched an unprovoked attack on Iraqi and U.S. forces conducting a patrol in Hussaniyah, a city north of Baghdad, April 22. 

Approximately 45 minutes into the mission, gunmen attacked the patrol using small arms weapons and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.  Iraqi Army and U.S. Special Forces dismounted from their vehicles and returned fire, killing four of the gunmen. 

Additional criminals continued their attacks, using pre-positioned improvised explosive devices, RPGs and small arms weapons to target the Iraqi and U.S. patrol.  Despite the threats, Iraqi Army forces continued to engage the enemy, killing five more fighters and destroying two vehicles the gunmen used to launch their attacks.

 

MNF-W soldiers kill 6 insurgents

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Multi-National Force – West soldiers engaged insurgents north of Lake Thar Thar April 23 following the mounted pursuit of two suspected enemy vehicles.

During the pursuit, which occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m., soldiers assigned to a MNF-W task force were engaged by insurgents with small-arms fire and grenades. 

The brief chase ended as the lead enemy vehicle stopped. The enemy continued their attack as the second vehicle sped away. The soldiers returned fire, killing six insurgents and destroying their truck.

 

MND-B Soldiers kill 3 criminals in separate engagements

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed 3 criminals in separate engagements in Baghdad April 23-24.

At approximately 10:50 p.m. April 23, an aerial weapons team observed a criminal emplacing an improvised-explosive device. The IED was targeting a Coalition forces patrol in northeast Baghdad. The aerial weapons team engaged the criminal with a Hellfire missile, killing him.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., two criminals were observed emplacing an improvised-explosive device in northeast Baghdad. After fleeing the scene, an aerial weapons team engaged the criminals in a building with two Hellfire missiles, killing both.

At approximately 7:30 a.m. April 24, an aerial weapons team observed a criminal with a heavy machine gun firing on MND-B Soldiers in northeast Baghdad. The aerial weapons team fired one Hellfire missile ending the attack. The heavy machine gun was destroyed, but no casualties have been reported at this time.

 

Tip leads to discovery of 12 rocket launchers

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces found and recovered 12 Iranian-made rocket launchers south of Baghdad following a tip from a local resident April 23.

The rocket launchers, designed for 107mm rockets, were discovered near a reported launch site. This site appeared to be targeting a nearby forward operating base.

Initiation wire attached to the launchers indicated they are of Iranian origin. The same type of wire has been found at previous launch sites.

 

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq: three terrorists killed, 14 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and detained 14 suspects during operations targeting terrorist networks in the central and northern parts of the country Wednesday.

West of Bi’aj, Coalition forces captured an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and three additional suspects.  While rounding up the detainees, one terrorist attempted to escape. After the terrorist refused commands to halt, Coalition forces engaged, killing him.

Coalition forces targeted an alleged leader of an AQI propaganda cell during an operation in Mosul.  As Coalition forces arrived at the target area, two individuals attempted to seize their weapons from them. Coalition forces responded in self-defense, engaging and killing the two men. Three suspected terrorists were detained.

Coalition forces captured a suspected senior AQI leader in Mosul during a precision operation Thursday.  Intelligence reports also indicate he is involved in kidnapping and suicide bombing operations.

West of Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting operatives in the area’s bombing network.  Six suspected terrorists were detained, and four are believed to be part of a bombing cell that attacks Coalition forces.

Northern Ohio Evening Oddity. 20+ Jets In Less Than An Hour

While I was out fishing at the Norwalk Reservoir Wednesday evening with my brother, we noticed three bright lights coming from the northeast (which be Cleveland area). At first we thought we were about to have a close encounter, but then seen the flight lights.

As we stood there and watched, we seen 3 more heading our way. All in all, from 8:45-9:30pm, approximately 20+ jets, in groups of 3, flew over in succession. Half of the jets would break in the same location and head west, and the other half would continue southwest.

The odd thing is that they were flying fairly low, fairly fast, and we couldn't hear them. The only way we knew they were jets was because after they traveled a distance from us, we could see a pair of short contrails. I don't know what kind of jets they were (commercial or military), it was dark.

Last year, a UFO sighting over Lake Erie prompted the Youngstown Reserve AFB, and Wright-Patterson AFB to scramble dozens of jets, but those bases are southeast and southwest of my location.

Navy Security Team Fires Warning Shots At Iranian Boats

It's all fun and games until someone gets shot at. The IRGC have been harassing Navy ships for a while now, maybe this little incident will make them rethink their shenanigans.

A vessel contracted by the Navy in the Persian Gulf fired warning shots Thursday on two Iranian fast boats.

The Iranian Navy countered U.S. defense officials claims Friday, saying on Iranian television station Alalam that they didn't have a confrontation with a U.S. ship and that the ship, the Westward Venture, may have fired on a non-Iranian vessel, Reuters reports.

The U.S. ship is contracted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command to carry military cargo to Kuwait. It fired upon the boats Thursday after attempts to get Iranian boats' attention failed, defense officials told FOX News.

A Navy security team, armed with M16 rifles and .50-caliber machine guns, was onboard the Westward Venture at the time the warning shots were fired.

The ship was about 50 miles off the coast of Iran when the fast boats approached. The Westward Venture attempted to make bridge-to-bridge contact to warn the fast boats that they were too close.

The Military Sealift Command vessel then blew its whistle and fired flares before finally firing warning shots with the machine gun when the boats came within 100 yards of the vessel.