How the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) looks at night...

Not to be confused with the People's Democratic Republic of Kalifornia (PDRK)

Ages ago I read Dick Cheney's autobiography, In My Time.  One of the points I remember was he put in his office, when he was the Secretary of Defense, a picture of the Korean Peninsula at night. Everything below the DMZ was fully lit, especially around Seoul. North of the border, with some exceptions (Pyongyang), was completely dark. 

I subscribe to 38th North, a daily summary of unclassified intelligence on the DPRK. Yes, once an intel nerd. always an intel nerd. But I've been studying this country since 1988 (when I got my first assignment out of my Army basic course), and while countless Asian nations have entered the 21st Century, it is still in the years before the mid-20th Century. And this latest photo shows it. 

I've read a bio of Lyndon Johnson and how he was instrumental in getting electric power to Texas Hill Country people. The wires were run, but there was no power for ages. Then one family was walking back to their home just as it was getting dark, and they thought the house was on fire. No. It just had electric light for the first time. 

Somewhere in my office is a picture of me in the summer of 1989 on the DMZ. And I've recently heard that another idiot walked into North Korea, and Army private. Why they would do that, I don't know, but knowing Lloyd Austin et all will trade a fortune for him. I was about 200 yards from the border, and that was close enough. 

See the future liberals want for all of use (well, not them you understand...). No lights, no power, no transportation, etc. 

An Easy Solution Environmentalists Don't Want To Use.

I've often said I'm an not an "environmentalist," as they are radical anti-growth and frankly anti human development people, many of whom want to spare themselves of the pain they push on others. Just recently John Kerry, hypocrite extraordinaire, was actually called out on his use of his private jet to go to one conference after another demanding we stop using internal combustion engines. Like the one in "his" plane and the limo he always rides in. 

In fairness, it was not his plane. It was his wife's. 

I prefer the term conservationist. I believe the Earth's natural resources should be efficiently exploited for the benefit of mankind. That include oil, natural gas, coal, water, and air. Keep the air and water clean, absolutely. Stop using things that work (e.g. automobiles, aircraft, etc) while the hypocrites lecture us from their 200' yachts? I don't think so. 

One point made countless times is there is a source of electricity the leaves no "greenhouse" gases, but many of the enviro nut-jobs want no part of is nuclear power. Legitimately there is an issue of where to store the radioactive waste, but that should have been settled ages ago. Yucca Mountain in Nevada has been designated as a national storage site since 1997, and it's still an open issue after resistance from local politicians. Hopefully a Republican president in 2025 will use eminent domaine to seize the land, establish the final site and name it after a man who's deserved this honor. Let's call it the Harry Reid Toxic Waste dump. 

But I found this interesting. The Army is working on portable nuclear generators to deploy to the field. If we can send these to 3rd World nations, why not  downtown USA? 

Pentagon to build nuclear microreactors to power far-flung bases

Pentagon officials recently announced that the Defense Department will build a nuclear microreactor that can be flown to an austere site by a C-17 cargo plane and set up to power a military base.

A statement released Wednesday by the Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office announced the construction and testing decision that followed the office’s Environmental Impact Statement work for “Project Pele...”

...The plans call for a 40-ton reactor that can fit in three-to-four 20-foot shipping containers and, once set up, provide 1 to 5 Mega Watts of power on full power operation for up to three years before refueling.

The microreactor will ultimately join a newer type of nuclear fuel being used in the program at the Idaho National Laboratory. Testing and experimentation will occur in 2024, with demonstrations anticipated by 2025, (Program Manager, Dr. Jeff Waksman) Waksman said.

“Advanced nuclear power has the potential to be a strategic game-changer for the United States, both for the DoD and for the commercial sector,” Waksman said. “For it to be adopted, it must first be successfully demonstrated under real-world operating conditions.”

...Waksman responded to that concern with a twofold answer to Army Times this week, saying that the microreactor will be used for austere locations, some of which were identified in the original 2018 Army G-4 report, “Study on the Use of Mobile Nuclear Power Plants for Ground Operations.”

Those include places such as Fort Greely, Alaska, and Lajes Field, Azores.

Second, Waksman said that both the newer designed reactor, a “high-temperature gas reactor,” and its fuel source, known as high-assay low enriched uranium tristructural isotropic fuel, provide more safety measures than older generation reactors and fuel.

The design also has protection features built in that are currently classified, Waksman said. Additionally, commanders can enhance protection with barriers or by burying the reactor underground, he said.

“This thing is very resilient,” Waksman said.

The fuel type offers another layer of protection.

“The uranium is in millions of tiny pebbles, less than 1 mm in diameter, each individually encapsulated,” Waksman said. “Each fuel pellet is its own barrier...”

 

The article is long and there is  a lot of verbiage from opponents such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, a group of scientist with less credibility on nuclear proliferation than the Southern Poverty Law Center has with "hate groups." Legitimately they raise the issue of exposure to air attack, but this would be less of a threat than they publish. The idea is for this generator to be far behind the lines, not on the front lines. This is where you have air defense coverage, not to mention ground security. 

Progress. Seeing these "scientists" want us to mine for rare minerals for EV batteries in spite of the pollution that causes. Or air conditioning is "destroying the planet" but they don't shut their AC units off. I will remind these "experts" the US came in under the carbon restrictions of the Paris Climate accord thanks to fracking, allowing us to use more natural gas for electricity generation. And it will be business, not idiots with PhDs, who will lead us into a powered future. 

One Again, All Together, Thanks Joe

A lie spread across the world is 90% of all weapons in the hands of Mexican gangs comes from the US. Very wrong, as STRATFOR has documented on multiple occasions. Yes, they get firearms from the US, but the majority that can be verified are from other nations. 

One of Joe Biden’s many disasters since entering the White House (and he was a disaster before entering the White House) was the calamitous withdrawal from Afghanistan. It made the final days in Saigon look organized and dignified. A helicopter leaving the embassy is one thing, people grabbing the nose gear of a cargo plane is even worse. 

 

Thanks to Joe and his idiot Defense Secretary, we handed over to the “Taliban  at least 78 aircraft, millions of rounds of small ammunition, and over 300,000 rifles, over 9,000 air to ground weapons, not to mention 42, 000 pieces of night vision, surveillance, ‘biometric and positioning equipment.’”  Now the Taliban have become arms dealers for other 3^rd World enemies. 

The Taliban Are Now Arms Dealers

Terrorists are shopping for left-behind American weapons—and turning them against Washington’s friends around the world.

Taliban fighters stand guard next to weapons on display for media representatives
in Kunar province, Afghanistan, on Sept. 25, 2022.  AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. military retreated from Afghanistan two years ago, leaving behind weapons that are now turning up in far-flung trouble spots where terrorists are fighting and killing America’s allies. In markets that have sprung up across the southern and eastern badlands, where the hottest fighting of the war took place, merchants with Taliban permits are offering U.S.-made automatic assault rifles and handguns for sale alongside hardware from Russia, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Austria. Business, like terrorism, is thriving.

Under weather-beaten tarps slung across wooden poles, in isolated strip malls deep in the desert, or laid out on dusty carpets along bumpy tracks off the major highways, these ad hoc weapons bazaars are offering rockets and bombs, shoulder-fired grenade launchers, night vision goggles, sniper rifles and scopes, and ammunition. The wares are priced in afghanis, rupees, and dollars; recent price increases reflect the business acumen of one of the world’s richest criminal cartels that has sought to keep tight control on supply.

Left-behind American assault rifles command a premium: an M4 in good condition can fetch up to $2,400, a status symbol with as much cachet in the Himalayan tribal belt as a luxury handbag in Manhattan. In contrast, a Pakistan-made knock-off of an AK-47, the world’s most ubiquitous killing machine, can go for as little as $130…

And the results of this new found “capitalism” for small arms, etc. “The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan’s torn northwest tribal regions and separatists in restive Balochistan are using made-in-America weapons to kill police and soldiers in an escalating war against the Pakistani state.“

…The Taliban, allies of if not quite affiliates of al Qaeda, are at the center of a global smuggling web that earns billions of dollars from heroin and meth. Now they appear to be funneling small arms to like-minded extremists inspired by their victory, not least next door. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan’s torn northwest tribal regions and separatists in restive Balochistan are using made-in-America weapons to kill police and soldiers in an escalating war against the Pakistani state.

Dramatic TTP videos show apparent attacks on Pakistani police and army outposts by militants armed with American weapons and using night vision and thermal sights, which Afghan Peace Watch said in a new report are “highly sought-after accessories supplied to Afghan Special Forces.” The report quotes a Taliban fighter in Nangarhar province, bordering Pakistan, as saying night vision items sell for $500 to $1,000…

Sometimes I hear someone say, “They can’t be that stupid, can they?” My response is, “Don’t challenge them. They will surprise you.” Well, here we go, another example of leaving children and ideologs in charge of American policy. 

Happy Independence Day

We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor...

In the very hot summer of 1776, representatives of the original thirteen colonies of Great Britain met in Philadelphia, and discussed as serious a subject as could be deliberated. They were about to commit treason against the sitting monarch of England, George III. As this meant nothing short of death in case they were captured, there was no going back once this document was signed. And many of the 56 signers  paid the ultimate price for their actions that summer.

Rush Limbaugh Jr., the father of the late great Rush Limbaugh, gave a presentations on what happened to these men. Of the 56 signers, five were captured by the British, tortured, then executed as traitors. Nine fought in the Revolutionary War and died. Two of the signers lost sons serving in the Colonial Army, while another two had their sons captured by the British Army. Twelve lost all their worldly possessions when the British ransacked and burned their homes. 

A sobering thought at what men in the 18th Century risked and sacrificed to establish the United States of America.  

I've heard from some that America has never been so divided as today. Seeing we had a Civil War break out, not to mention minor open rebellions (e.g., the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794) I can't agree. But as we've had one challenge after another, on the anniversary of our independence, it is good and proper to reread the document that started it all. And while we will not "...mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.," we are, as citizens, called upon to continue the work to make us a more perfect union. And on the 247th anniversary of our nation's founding, please read the document that founded the greatest nation on Earth.  

My fellow Americans, Happy Independence Day.

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, 

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

---

Georgia

Button Gwinnett

Lyman Hall

George Walton

 

North Carolina

William Hooper

Joseph Hewes

John Penn

 

South Carolina

Edward Rutledge

Thomas Heyward, Jr.

Thomas Lynch, Jr.

Arthur Middleton

 

Massachusetts

John Hancock

Maryland

Samuel Chase

William Paca

Thomas Stone

Charles Carroll of Carrollton

 

Virginia

George Wythe

Richard Henry Lee

Thomas Jefferson

Benjamin Harrison

Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Francis Lightfoot Lee

Carter Braxton

 

Pennsylvania

Robert Morris

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Franklin

John Morton

George Clymer

James Smith

George Taylor

James Wilson

George Ross

Delaware

Caesar Rodney

George Read

Thomas McKean

 

New York

William Floyd

Philip Livingston

Francis Lewis

Lewis Morris

 

New Jersey

Richard Stockton

John Witherspoon

Francis Hopkinson

John Hart

Abraham Clark

 

New Hampshire

Josiah Bartlett

William Whipple

 

Massachusetts

Samuel Adams

John Adams

Robert Treat Paine

Elbridge Gerry

 

Rhode Island

Stephen Hopkins

William Ellery

 

Connecticut

Roger Sherman

Samuel Huntington

William Williams

Oliver Wolcott

 

New Hampshire

Matthew Thornton

Officer Down

                                                        

Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, May 6, 2023
Age 24
Tour 2 years, 6 months
Badge 15870
Cause Gunfire

Police Officer Aréanah Preston was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at 8157 South Blackstone Avenue in Chicago at about 1:40 am.

She had finished her shift and was returning home when armed subjects confronted her, attempting to rob her. She was able to draw her weapon and exchanged shots with multiple subjects before being mortally wounded. The subjects stole her gun and fled the scene.

An officer who was responding to a nearby crash discovered Officer Preston on the ground. The officer rendered aid and transported her to a local hospital in a patrol car.

Five suspects, including one juvenile, were arrested the following day. Four of the subjects were charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, arson, burglary, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Officer Preston had served with the Chicago Police Department for 2-1/2 years and was assigned to the Fifth District. She is survived by her mother, father, and twin sibling.

Rest in Peace Sis…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Even Montgomery is looking down at this and crying

Ages ago, when I was a second lieutenant in Korea, my brigade executive officer had a great term I've used for ages: Oxygen thief. Generally a useless buerocrat who serves no constructive purpose. As any bureaucracy grows, it generally gets filled with more and more of them. The Department of Defense is an excellent example of one. 

Two years ago the Navy put out an instructional video on how to use pronouns and create "safe spaces." The fact this pathetic joke is seen as anything other than the waste of oxygen and resources is beyond me. I pray come January 2025 a new president purges the DOD of the people who created this crap and we  can concentrate the military on its real purpose, to win our wars. 

But such stupidity is not just in our service. From our greatest ally, London, we have a problem. 

Army boss considering scrapping 'masculine' titles like Guardsman 

General Sir Patrick Sanders says he wants to ensure everyone in the Army can be themselves.

The head of the Army is mulling scrapping traditional military ranks such as Rifleman and Guardsman because they are masculine. General Sir Patrick Sanders, in a plan to make regiments more inclusive, is set to move away from centuries of history by ditching the titles.

Gender-neutral ranks may replace the world-famous Guards regiment, and even General Sir Patrick’s own regiment, the Rifles...

...The decision in the hands of General Sir Patrick may also have wider implications for other strands of the armed forces.

In the event that he opts for gender neutral ranks, the Navy may be pressured into doing away with historic titles such as “midshipman” and “seaman”.

General Patrick, your army's recruitment is down even with a tough economy. You are supporting another nation's war against Russia. You have continued real issues with handing an army, and you are concerned about this crap? 

...Speaking to the Centre for Army Leadership podcast, General Sir Patrick said it was nations rather than simply armies that fight conflicts, and as such it was necessary for the army to reflect the nation it represents.

The Chief of the General Staff added: “If you want to tap into people's potential, people have to feel they can be themselves...”

Sir, with all do respect, you are dead wrong on this. An army is a team. "It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team." Perhaps you missed something about basic training. The instructors break the individual down to almost nothing, and rebuild them, ready, "part of a team." The day we lose that focus, we have lost. 

The problem is the Brit's (and the Americans) are not "loosing" that focus, but embracing the destruction of that focus. Ten years ago this concept would be laughed at as a bad joke Now it'e being metastasized into military culture. 

After the disaster of Vietnam, we spent a generation rebuilding what Washington destroyed. We will have to relearn the lessons and rebuilt again.  

I can relate to the ‘Daniel Penny Effect’

The persecution of Daniel Penny is an absolute disgrace, I don't question the man was mentally ill, but liberals and other idiots think all we have to do is talk to someone crisis and they will respond. I beg to differ, when a schizophrenic is listening to a couple of dozen voices in his head, the 23 year old sociology major getting a job on the subway will not break through all the noise in his head. I know, I've had to handle them, and it's no fun.

Back to Mr. Penny, once I heard he was going to be charged, I immediately donated 100 dollars to his legal defense fund. Looks like I was not alone, it's over 2.9 million. But it looks like New Yorkers are afraid to intercede when people need help from criminals or people in crisis. From Legal Insurrection:

‘Daniel Penny Effect’ Seen in NYC Subway Attacks Including at Least One Where No One Intervened

The New York Post reported on three slashing attacks that occurred on the subway system in a span of less than 20 minutes on June 18th, all allegedly by the same suspect. In at least one, it appears no one intervened as the suspect moved from one train to another as the bleeding victim cried for help:

Chilling video footage obtained by The Post captures a Manhattan subway-slash victim screaming in agony after the random attack — and pleading for help as other riders apparently just go about their business.

“Pull the emergency brake! Pull the emergency brake!” the 28-year-old victim can be heard sobbing. “Yo! Yo!”

The ailing straphanger actually hobbled after her attacker through the train car while shooting video of him on her phone — footage that cops said they used to help nail him.

The creep can be seen strolling off into the next car — as commuters stare at his distraught victim.

At one point, the victim, whose name is being withheld by The Post, pans down to show her sandal caked in blood.

“Yo! Somebody call 911! Somebody call 911!” she screams.

The victim was attacked around 4:30 p.m. Sunday on a southbound No. 4 train as it neared the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station — in what was one of three unprovoked slashing attacks in fewer than 20 minutes.

Two of the attacks are said to have happened inside the subway station. The third, detailed above, happened on the train.

I can relate from a recent experience. In May my wife Beth and I flew to Seattle for an Alaskan cruise.After settling in, we went to dinner and I wanted to take the subway. Mistake. 

Once we started moving a homeless male got into Beth's face and demanded, "You got money!" I didn't intervene  immediately, I know that may make him worse. But I did get into a crouch position and oriented on his mid-body. If he got any more aggressive, I would take action. 

Fortunately, he walked off, made the same demand of every other rider on the car, then started smashing his arms against the door, But a disturbing thing is I was thinking I would be the next Daniel Penny. I really had thoughts of a liberal DA in Seattle charging me with assault of a homeless dude who threatened my wife and others. Have no clue what criminal record this dude has, but I'll lay money it violent. He doesn't know better. 

Suffice to say we never took public transportation again while we were there. But this is what happens when you allow leftist intent on destroying society to have power. God help Mr. Penny. And God help the John and Jane Q. Publics other there in major cities who have to use public transportation.

Officer Down

        

Senior Investigator Nicholas Georgeadis
New York State Police, New York
End of Watch Friday, April 28, 2023
Age 52
Tour 21 years
Military Veteran
Cause 9/11 related illness
Incident Date Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Weapon Aircraft; Passenger jet
Offender 19 suicide attackers

Senior Investigator Nick Georgeadis died as the result of cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

Investigator Georgeadis was a United States Army National Guard veteran and had served with the New York State Police for 21 years, assigned to the Special Investigations Unit and New York State Homeland Security. He is survived by his wife, two sons, daughter, father, sister, nieces, and nephews.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Officer Down

Reserve Corporal Joseph Johnson
Nyssa Police Department, Oregon
End of Watch Saturday, April 15, 2023
Age 43
Tour 16 years
Cause Gunfire

Reserve Corporal Joseph Johnson was shot and killed near the intersection of North Third Street and Locust Avenue while making a traffic stop at about 8:20 pm.

He was responding to reports of a violent man damaging property at a home and threatening its occupants. During the response, he encountered the suspect driving away and conducted a traffic stop. The subject immediately exited his car and opened fire, fatally wounding Reserve Corporal Johnson before he had a chance to return fire. The subject abandoned his vehicle, fled the scene, and was arrested two days later.

Reserve Corporal Johnson had served with the Nyssa Police Department for almost five years. He had also served as a corrections officer with the Oregon Department of Corrections for 15 years and currently worked as a civilian employee for the agency. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen
Pope County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota
End of Watch Saturday, April 15, 2023
Age 44
Tour 12 years
Badge 603
Military Veteran
Cause Gunfire
Offender Shot and killed

Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen was shot and killed while he and another deputy attempted to arrest a man for domestic violence in the 400 block of Stromen Street in Cyrus at about 7:30 pm.

Deputies, as well as police officers from the Glenwood Police Department and Starbuck Police Department, had been dispatched to the house for reports of a domestic violence incident. The officers were attempting to place the man into custody when he opened fire on them. Deputy Owen and the subject were both fatally wounded. The other deputy and the Starbuck officer were injured.

The incident occurred on Deputy Owen's 44th birthday.

Deputy Owen was a Minnesota National Guard Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and had served with the Pope County Sheriff's Office for almost 12 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and parents. His father is a retired law enforcement officer.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Deleted Space Seed scene

From the endless sea that is YouTube, an interesting scene from a great series. Star Trek's greatest villain, Khan Noonien Singh, is holding the command staff in the briefing room as Captain Kirk is suffocating. A piece taken from the reel. Enjoy. 

 

Deleted ‘Space Seed’ Scene Wows ‘Trek’ Fans

The deleted scene, which popped up on YouTube in 2020, takes place in the briefing room aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban) and a group of his followers have seized control of the ship, with at least four of them brandishing phasers. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and Scotty (James Doohan) are seated in chairs, as Khan stands in front of them, addressing the group. Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) is standing to Khan’s right. The camera then pushes in tight on McCoy as he approaches Khan and the doctor testily says, “I never thought I’d say this to a patient, but you owe me something. In case you’ve forgotten, I saved your life!” McCoy grabs at Khan’s arm and is immediately hit with phaser fire by one of Khan’s group. The doctor falls to the ground, as Uhura reaches out to help him. As the scene went unused in “Space Seed,” it was never completed. Thus, there are no special effects (for the phaser fire), nor is there any music to complement and enhance the action. 

The scene continues with a quick cut to Spock, who is now standing, and Khan, who explains to the Vulcan that McCoy is only stunned and that he will avoid bloodshed…if possible. Khan then says, “I’m sure you approve.” Spock replies, “I approve only of the logic with which you took control of our vessel.” Spock pauses and raises his right eyebrow, and then says, “Brilliant.”

It’s Dr. McCoy’s Passion Versus Spock’s Logic in Confrontation With Khan in Deleted ‘Space Seed’ Scene

Great scene from a great series. RIP Spock, Scott, McCoy and of course Khan. And thank you for the great memories. 

Be careful what you wish for...

Says it all. 

Officer Down

Investigator Patrick J. Hogan
New York State Police, New York
End of Watch Thursday, April 13, 2023
Age 61
Tour 22 years
Cause 9/11 related illness
Incident Date Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Weapon Aircraft; Passenger jet
Offender 19 suicide attackers

Investigator Patrick Hogan died as the result of cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

Investigator Hogan was a United States Marine Corps Persian Gulf War veteran and served with the New York State Police for 22 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, three brothers, and a sister.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

K9 Down

                                        

K9 Hudson
Kane County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
End of Watch Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Breed Dutch Shepherd
Gender Male
Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

K9 Hudson was shot and killed in Geneva during the apprehension of a robbery suspect.

A Kane County deputy sheriff located a stolen vehicle after being alerted by an LPR hit. Deputies attempted to stop the car at the intersection of Randall Road and Silver Glen Road in South Elgin, but the driver fled, and a pursuit was initiated. The driver exited the vehicle holding a handgun at the intersection of Randall Road and Fabyan Parkway, in Geneva. K9 Hudson was deployed for an apprehension and bit the subject, who then opened fire.

K9 Hudson and the subject were both killed during the exchange of gunfire.

K9 Hudson had served with the Kane County Sheriff's Office for six years.

Rest in Peace Hudson…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

It’s The End Of The Web As We Know It…(And) I Feel Fine.

During a speech about the economy, then President Obama said (with a straight face, shows he is an accomplished sociopath) “When it comes to regulation, we prefer a light hand.” Ranks up there with, “If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor…” 

In the latter part of the Obama years, he inflicted upon one of the most active parts of the economy, the Internet, Net Neutrality. Supposedly it would ensure all users get equal access to the Web, without throttling, blocking, etc. for their points of view. That’s not how it worked out. 

 

On June 11, 2018, the new FCC Chairman under then President Trump announced the end of Net Neutrality. And the usual suspects screeched the “wild wild web” with unlimited free expression was over, people (primarily leftists) would not be able to get viewpoints out or sell items on the market. 

 

As usual, their disastrous predictions didn’t come to fold. 

The Death of the Internet, Five Years Later

Ajit PaiJune 11, 2023 

…In January 2017, times changed with the new Trump administration. The new president designated me chairman of the FCC shortly after Inauguration Day. In May of that year, we proposed to repeal these regulations. In December, we voted to do so. And on June 11, 2018 — five years ago today — that repeal took effect.

Going only on press coverage, social media, and political rhetoric, you would have been justified in preparing for civilization’s demise.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) proclaimed, as did “news” outlet CNN, that this was “the end of the Internet as we know it.” Not to be outdone, a columnist at the New York Times moaned that “the freewheeling internet has been dying a slow death,” and that repealing net neutrality rules “would be the final pillow in its face.” The Senate Democratic Caucus’s Twitter account proclaimed, “If we don’t save net neutrality, you’ll get the internet one word at a time” — putting each word on a separate line to emphasize the danger. Famed telecommunications regulatory experts like anonymous street artist Banksy and Silicon Valley representative Ro Khanna predicted that internet applications would become pay-per-view, with consumers having to pay $1.99 per Google search or to purchase them in packages. And for good measure, multiple U.S. senators called the decision “un-American…”

Read the rest of the article, it’s funny. 

So, what has happened over the last five years. The only person I’ve known kicked off a social media platform is the former president who pushed to remove “Net Neutrality,” Donald Trump. Twitter still hosted the Iranian terrorists in Tehran, and domestic terrorist groups like Black Lives Matter and Antifa. Plus being used by criminals for illegal activities, like flash mobs. So how has the general public fared without “Net Neutrality?” Pretty well all in all. 

“…In an era defined by the paranoid style of American political argument, it may not surprise you to learn that they were not. In fact, they were diametrically wrong. The evidence is indisputable today that in the five years since the FCC’s decision to repeal net-neutrality regulations went into effect, American consumers are benefiting from broadband networks that are stronger and more extensive than ever. According to independent measurement service Ookla, average fixed broadband speeds in the U.S. are 287 percent faster today than they were in June 2018 (269.28 Mbps download speeds today versus 93.98 Mbps in 2018). Average mobile broadband speeds have increased even more, at 570 percent (156.51 Mbps versus 27.47 Mbps). Millions more Americans have access to the internet today compared with 2018, thanks in large part to private investment in digital infrastructure.

And on top of that, consumers are benefiting from more choice than in 2018. Indeed, competition has not just increased but transformed since then. Residential fiber deployment hit an all-time high last year. Wireless companies like T-Mobile are providing high-speed 5G fixed wireless service to millions of customers. Companies like Starlink are launching low-Earth-orbit satellites to support residential-broadband service, especially in harder-to-reach rural areas. And cable companies are expanding their footprint and upgrading their systems to enable much faster speeds.

The contrast between America’s broadband consumers and their European counterparts during the Covid-19 pandemic is telling. Americans with internet access largely were able to rely on broadband networks to do videoconference calls, stream in high-definition, and otherwise stay connected. Abroad, however, a key European commissioner felt compelled to ask streaming services to throttle video content to standard definition. Why? Because he feared that otherwise digital “infrastructures might be in strain.” I’d argue they were “in strain” partly because the European Union has had quite strict net-neutrality regulations that meaningfully undermine the incentive for investment in high-capacity broadband infrastructure. Fortunately, neither I nor any other public official in the United States had to make a similar request, then or since…”

The bureaucracy has no desire for efficiency, and competition will always improve goods and services.  Iron sharpens iron, to use an expression. And this is not the only example of the Federal Communications Commission throttling success and improvement. 

I’m almost 60, and I remember having one phone company for my service, and having to change my phone number when I moved across town. Today many people don’t have home phones, only cell phones, and they take them from one state (or country) to another, keeping the same phone number for decades. But this is a relatively new phenomenon. What took so long? I’ll give you three guesses, but you will need only one. 

For decades the FCC put a stranglehold on use of the digital broadcast band, from not allowing competition in local markets on radio to refusing sales to communications companies for services. If you want an excellent example, many people believe the first mobile phone was used in 1973, a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X in New York City. While it was the first handheld phone, the first cellular phone call was made on June 17, 1946. Granted, it was a car phone that took up half a trunk, it was an analog mobile phone. Just as we were coming out of World War II.

Why did it take ages to get to handheld phones? The FCC would not sell digital bandwidth to this startup company, and it died. There was a similar blocking of the FM (frequency modulation) by the FCC. We could have “FM…for a better sound all around decades before the 70s. 

If you want an excellent review of the FCC and it’s incompetence, read The Political Spectrum: The Tumultuous Liberation of Wireless Technology, from Herbert Hoover to the Smartphone, by Thomas Hazlett (where I got the information on the 1946 phone, among other facts). Goes over one failure after another, and how many politicians bought out the FCC staff to ensure their radio stations, etc. would not face competition. Thankfully the FCC is more business friendly than 100 years ago. And more business means more competition and better goods and services for the consumer.

Why do we have to keep relearning this? As long as the politicians and the bureaucracy control a valuable commodity, it will not be used efficiently. Hopefully we can keep the FCC from screwing up use of the digital spectrum any more.