Advances in Prosthetic Arms

From NPR's All Things Considered, Researchers Pursue Truly Functional Prosthetic Arm. Listen to the whole segment.

. . . In Iraq and Afghanistan, advances in body armor and battlefield medical treatment mean more soldiers are surviving their wounds. . . .

But more of those survivors are amputees, which has highlighted a somewhat lagging technology: prosthetic limbs, especially arms.

Now, an international team of engineers and scientists is hoping to revolutionize prosthetic-arm technology. The ultimate goal is to build a strong, lightweight arm activated by neural impulses, which means it is controlled by an amputee's thoughts.

Funded by the U.S. DefenseDepartment's Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency, the project — with a price tag of about $30 million — is a collaborative effort between more than 30 labs, universities and private companies. . . .

Good News from Iraq: 6 Jun 2007

From MNF-I, Troops disrupt operations, capture insurgents.

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces detained a number of suspects and uncovered an enemy mortar system in Iraq during operations that ended Tuesday. . .

[A] local [citizen] approached paratroopers from 82nd Airborne Division’s 325th Airborne Infantry regiment and told them the location of a mortar system he discovered in the back of a truck.

“We suspect this mortar system was used in attacks on Coalition outposts, based on the location and point of origin site in which it was found,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. David
Oclander, the executive officer for the unit’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

“Risking his own personal security, this man took action to get weapons used by criminal militias off the streets,” Oclander said. “(This is) a great example of how Iraqi citizens are working to take action in securing their neighborhoods.” . . .

Doggies are Soldiers Too

I couldn't resist. Especially since the doggie Soldier outranks the human Soldier. From MNF-I.

Time for a Drink
Staff Sgt. Chuck Shuck and his K9 partner, Sgt. 1st Class Gabe, both with 178th Military Police Detachment, 20th Military Police Battalion, take a break to hydrate during a cordon and search operation in the village of Shukran, near Forward Operating Base Q-West. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Amanda Morrissey

Today's Reading List: 5 Jun 2007

The Fourth Rail, Featured Report from Iraq: The Intellectual Grunt – Part Two. Lead by following, Be a sensitive warrior, Greater risks equal lesser risks.

The Fourth Rail, Amariyah, the Anbar Salvation Council and Reconciliation. “We dispatched around 50 of our secret police from Anbar to Amiriyah, and started to hit Al Qaeda there. We killed a lot of them,” Sheikh Hamid al-Hais, the head of the Anbar Salvation Council. . . . The Anbar Salvation Council has formed a “clandestine SWAT unit” which is capable of operating outside of the western province, an American military intelligence official close to the operations of the group told us. These are the “secret police" described by of Sheikh al-Hais.

The Fourth Rail, Iraq Report: Battle in Babil; Amariyah update.

The Fourth Rail, Mahdi rocket teams destroyed in Sadr City.

The Fourth Rail, Featured Report from Iraq: Battle Sight Zero. Training Iraqi Soldiers.

NPR, Shiite Police Blamed for Planting Roadside Bombs.

I Gotta Pink Phone! I Gotta Pink Phone! I Gotta Pink Phone!

I just could not contain my excitement. My cell phone has been dying for the past month. After some deliberation, research, and consultation with Jack Bauer, I decided to stay with Cingular and get a pink Motorola Razr. It is prettier than the picture as it is metallic pink. (Side note: have you asked for your 20% military discount from Cingular/AT&T? Just thought I would point that out.)

Thank a Military Spouse Contest Winners

Want to read some moving stories about the strength and courage military spouses possess? Check out these moving winning essays of Military.com's Thank a Military Spouse Contest.

I am sure we are all represented well. Maybe Lifetime's Army Wives should link to this?!? ;)

Good News from Iraq: 5 Jun 2007

From Badgers Forward, Six Days without insurgent attacks in Ar Ramadi.

. . . Last summer in a classified report that was leaked to the Washington Post the situation was characterized as "dire." When I arrived in this city, the thought of being here in the daylight was unthinkable.

Over this last six days, in this city there have been no reported insurgent attacks.

None.

Zip.

Zero.

Nada.

No roadside bombs.

No snipers.

No "other small arms fire."

No car bombs.

No RPGs. . . .

Today's Reading List: 4 Jun 2007

LA Times, Fire the incompetents, find the Pattons. "War imposes far different demands on soldiers than does the routine life of the garrison. Some who are perfectly adequate peacetime soldiers fail the audit of conflict and have to be shunted aside (as happened to hundreds of generals in the Civil War and World War II), while others who were malcontents in peacetime (think of Ulysses S. Grant or George S. Patton) excel on the battlefield and rocket to the top."

NPR, FBI Foils Alleged Attack on JFK Airport.

NPR, Accused's Age Is Focus at Guantanamo Tribunal.

NPR, Violence Rages in Western Baghdad. Deeepressssssing. When it is super bad, they are all over. Not much reporting on the quiet parts of town. Too boring I guess.

NPR, U.S. Plans for Post-War Iraq Emerging.

Good News from Iraq: 4 Jun 2007

From MNF-I, First women graduate from Kirkuk police academy.

KIRKUK — The first women to train at Kirkuk Police Academy were among the 980 police officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to graduate from the academy, May 27.

Nisreen Hama Amin and Mirvat Amin, no relation, have joined their male counterparts in donning the blue uniform of the Iraqi police force to answer what they see as the patriotic call to duty.

“I want to help the people and do something good for my country,” Nisreen said. “I saw
female police officers in Irbil and other places, and decided that this was the
way to do it.” . . .

“Due to their beliefs, the men are reluctant to fully search women detainees,” explained [Staff Sgt. Amaury] Garcia, [an advisor with the Police Transition Team from Forward Operating Base Warrior], who works closely with the academy’s leadership. “That’s where female police officers step in. After recent bombings by women suicide bombers, the Iraqi police realize the importance of having female officers on the force. . . .

More Cards Monday

My 4th "shipment" of cards of encouragement is going out today to Soldiers' Angels Germany. I've had a couple of emails about from others wanting to write as well. I would encourage anyone interested to try it and see how they like it. If it feels right (or write), keep up the good work!

Running total: 52

Today's Reading List: 3 June 2007

NYTimes, With Korea as Model, Bush Team Ponders Long Support Role in Iraq.

In a Democratic-controlled Congress, which continues to press for a troop withdrawal deadline, talk of permanent bases is not welcome, though many Democrats acknowledge that the United States cannot simply leave Iraq in chaos. Nor is the idea popular in the Middle East, though some countries are desperate for a strategic counterweight to Iran’s growing power.

Good News from Iraq: 3 Jun 2007

From MNF-I, Iraqi, Coalition forces open municipal center in Ramadi.

The opening of the municipal center provided a new place of business for the many departments working to restore basic services to the people of the city. . . .

Some of the service providers that will be working in the new municipal center are the departments of sewage, water, health, public works, electricity and education. . . .

Moo's Birthday Dress

Moo had a birthday last month too. My mother finally sent me the photos we took. Here is a cute one of Moo on the couch. Poor battered couch. That's a 95-pound dog on that cushion.

Today's Reading List: 1 & 2 June 2007

* recommended reading

1 June
NPR, Bloody Month in Iraq, Despite U.S. Troop 'Surge'.

NPR, Retired Generals Decry Military Politics.

Foreign Affairs, Al Qaeda Strikes Back. "By rushing into Iraq instead of finishing off the hunt for Osama bin Laden, Washington has unwittingly helped its enemies: al Qaeda has more bases, more partners, and more followers today than it did on the eve of 9/11. Now the group is working to set up networks in the Middle East and Africa -- and may even try to lure the United States into a war with Iran. Washington must focus on attacking al Qaeda's leaders and ideas and altering the local conditions in which they thrive."

2 June
*NPR, Seeking Perspective on the U.S. Death Toll in Iraq. ". . . Given the right circumstances, Americans are quite prepared to tolerate far higher casualties. Roughly 43,000 people die on our roads and highways every year. . . . There is a reason for keeping U.S. troops in Iraq that has more to do with American interests: stability in the Persian Gulf, the world's single largest producer and exporter of oil and natural gas. . . . Blood for oil has never been a popular slogan in America. But try to separate us from our motor vehicles and you'll get a sense of where our national interests lie. And if you try to keep those vehicles running without Persian Gulf oil, you'll know that a complete U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is nowhere in our immediate future."

Good News from Iraq: 2 Jun 2007

From MNF-I, Kurdish Regional Government assumes control of security.

IRBIL —The Kurdish Regional Government assumed control of security in three provinces from Coalition forces at a ceremony here Wednesday.

As Coalition forces train and advise Iraqi security forces to fight terrorism, provincial transfer of security is gained when four security criteria are met. Set by the Joint Committee to Transfer Responsibility, the four criteria involve assessing threats, combat readiness of Iraqi Army and Police, governance capabilities and Multi-National Force-Iraq force posture.

Although security in 11 provinces currently remains to be transferred, improved security and reconstruction efforts in Iraq are expected to give provincial and national leaders an opportunity to regain control of their respective areas.

“This transfer of security to the Government of Iraq demonstrates another bold and courageous step forward in this country’s movement to an independent and secure nation,” said [U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R.] Mixon.

What does Jack Bauer get in his care package?

I am preparing another care package for my wonderful husband. Some of the stuff I send him in every package, like coffee and hard candy, but I like to send him something that is just to remind him of me. Here's the contents of this outgoing package.

• The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden. Per Jack's request. He sent me this link to the book. I think he is trying to recapture his childhood. Here is a review.

• 2 pounds of Kaldi's coffee, whole bean: 1 pound Highlander Grogg (cuz it still smells sooooo goooood) and 1 pound Fair Trade Organic Peru La Florida (cuz Jack asked for something "sexy"; not sure what that means but, hey, I tried).

• Do You Know Your Groom? A quiz about the man in your life. by Dan Calinsky. This is a silly quiz book, 100 questions, that Jack will "grade" to see how well I know him. Ten points per correct answer. Above 900: What a performance! 800-900: Very good for a couple just starting out. 600-790: Pretty good. You'll improve as time goes by. Below 600: Ask your groom for a remedial course. Having not really lived together for 17 months, I am a little concerned about how I scored. Anyway, I am also sending him Do You Know Your Bride? Let's see how he does.

• A magnet with the saying "Today is the first day of the rest of your life!" Just cuz.

• From Trader Joe's, chile spiced dried mango and ginger chews (2 separate things). Cuz I was looking for something totally off the wall. I think I succeeded. :)
  

• Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair Hand Creme x4. My poor baby's hands.

• Lens cleaner and a soft cloth. Gotta keep them sunglasses clean and sand-free.
  

• Ice Breakers Sours. Pink Lemonade, Apple, Tangerine, Watermelon x2 and Berry Splash, Strawberry, Raspberry Lemonade x2.

• Life Savers and Life Savers Orange Mints.

• 4 bags of College Farm Organic Hard Candies in Strawberry & Cream (x2) and Luscious Lemon (x2). They are put in loose to fill in the crevices. Jack asked for something fruity. I think I got fruity done!
  

• A Father's Day card from the doggies and the kitty.

• A naughty card from me! Purrrrrrrr!
  

Friday Fun Fact

I turned 35 last month.

Today's Reading List: 31 May 2007

* recommended reading.

NYT. U.S. and Iraqi Forces Seek Abducted Britons in Raid.

WS. The Fourth Rail. Iraq Report: Kidnapped by Mahdi; Salahadin Salvation attacked. 30 May 2007.

Badgers Forward. MRAP is Just Fine or All Bombs are not Created Equal. New vehicle vs. new weapon. Context for USA Today article (which I did not read).

The Fourth Rail. Podcast with Military.com. Surge progress. Slow progress with Iraqi government, but progress nonetheless. On MSM: lack of understanding, laziness, playing to the lowest common denominator.

The Fourth Rail. Featured Report from Iraq: The Intellectual Grunt – Part One. By Gene E. Blanton, embed with 3/6 Marines in Habbaniyah. The insurgency in Al Anbar is fought in four distinctive elements: disruption, permanent persistent presence, transition, and handover.

* The Fourth Rail. Featured Report from Iraq: A look at the surge from Baghdad. By Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, embedded with the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in western Baghdad. The Strategy: strategic disengagement.

Virtually all the U.S. officials with whom I spoke feel that American strategy now boils down to a single goal: strategic disengagement. That is, the U.S. wants to strengthen the Iraqi government to the point that it is self-sustaining enough that the country will not collapse into chaos as U.S. troops are brought back home. . . .

U.S. strategy is not just military in nature. Rather, it is designed to eliminate some of the underlying conditions that sap the average Iraqi’s faith in the country’s civil society.

Conclusion:

Right now our country is embroiled in a critical debate about setting a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Unfortunately, this is one of the most intellectually impoverished political debates that I have ever witnessed, with both sides often resorting to sloganeering and demagoguery rather than substantive argumentation. One thing that my time in Iraq underscored to me is that, in looking at the country, many people see what they want to see. I would often think about the stories that journalists might write if they went where I went and saw what I saw. For example, after my first night on patrol—when the civilians we saw were clearly happy to see U.S. troops and felt comfortable around them—a conservative journalist might write a piece countering the stories about Iraqis hating us and wanting us to leave. Fine—but what about polls indicating that a shockingly high percentage of Iraqis think it’s okay to kill American troops? What about neighborhoods where U.S. troops would encounter a very different reception? On the other hand, a liberal journalist could write a very funny piece about the Iraqi army’s sloth and trigger-happy approach to the world, and conclude that we need to leave immediately because the Iraqi security forces are hopeless and at least a withdrawal will put some fire in their belly. Fine—but what about Iraqi soldiers’ improvements? What about the likelihood that pulling out would guarantee the Iraqi army’s failure?

There is some truth to both the right-wing and left-wing narratives above. But policymakers and analysts need to do better than having some truth to their positions. The Iraq debate is so important that politicians and opinion-leaders shouldn’t simply latch onto evidence that supports their pre-existing view. My intention in this report is to provide an objective assessment of a number of critical strategic trends in Iraq—and in that way help to advance public debate beyond where it currently sits.

A Blue Moon Tonight? Not So Fast

You may have heard that tonight there was a blue moon, or the second full moon in a calendar month. Yesterday, I heard this piece on NPR about the origin of that name. Fascinating how someone can do some shoddy research and someone else relies on it and perpetuates the mistake.

All Things Considered, May 30, 2007 · There is a prevailing myth about what a blue moon is. Thursday, May 31, will bring the second full moon of the month. But that does not constitute a blue moon, as is popularly believed.

Kelly Beatty, editor of Night Sky magazine and executive editor of Sky and Telescope, tells Robert Siegel that a blue moon actually refers to the phenomenon of having four full moons in a season, which ordinarily has three.

Beatty also acknowledged that his magazine had a hand in giving the misconception credence. Sky and Telescope magazine recently put out a press release explaining its role in perpetuating the myth. It read, in part:

Our 1946 writer, amateur astronomer James Hugh Pruett (1886-1955), made an incorrect assumption about how the term had been used in the Maine Farmers' Almanac, where it consistently referred to the third full moon in a three-month season containing four. (By this definition there is no blue moon in May or June 2007, and the next one happens in May 2008.)

24 Reasons to Love Jack Bauer

Sarah sent me this link. I like it sooo much that I am posting it here too. That's my Jack!

1. In 96 hours, Jack Bauer has killed 93 people and saved the world 4 times. What have you done with your life?
   
   
2. There have been no terrorist attacks in United States since Jack Bauer has appeared on television.
   
   
3. Jack Bauer teaches a course at Harvard entitled: "Time Management: Making the Most Out Of Each Day."
   
   
4. When Special Forces raided an afghan training camp, they found an empty camp and a pirated copy of 24 Season 4.
   
   
5. If everyone on "24" followed Jack Bauer's instructions, it would be called "12".
   
   
6. Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.
   
   
7. The 2007 budget for the US Military covers Jack Bauer, two pistols and four billion rounds of ammunition.
   
   
8. Jack Bauer once opened a can of whoop ass. All he found inside was a mirror.
   
   
9. When Jack Bauer ran out of ammo, he caught 3 bullets in his chest and used them to reload.
   
   
10. Some people see the glass as half full. Others see it as half empty. Jack Bauer see the glass as a deadly weapon.
    
    
11. When bad things happen to good people, its probably fate. When bad things happen to bad people, it's probably Jack Bauer.
    
    
12. Jack Bauer never retreats, he just attacks in the opposite direction.
    
    
13. Jack Bauer let himself be drugged, beaten, and captured inside a crate on a Chinese ship heading out of the USA with no way for help to find him. Now he has them right where we wants them.
    
    
14. Jack Bauer sleeps with a pillow under his gun.
    
    
15. 1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.
    
    
16. When Kim Bauer lost her virginity, Jack Bauer found it and put it back.
    
    
17. Superman is one of the few individuals who could possibly survive a confrontation with Jack Bauer. But that is only because he can fly away.
    
    
18. In order to control illegal immigration in the United States, the president installed cardboard cutouts of Jack Bauer along the US/Mexico border.
    
    
19. American Idol is only popular because it has a commercial for 24.
    
    
20. Osama bin Laden's recent proposal for truce is a direct result of him finding out that Jack Bauer is, in fact, still alive.
    
    
21. The city of Los Angeles once named a street after Jack Bauer in gratitude for his saving the city several times. They had to rename it after people kept dying when they tried to cross the street. No one crosses Jack Bauer and lives.
    
    
22. Jack Bauer once wrestled Superman. The stipulations were the loser had to wear his underwear on the outside of his pants.
    
    
23. . . . and on the seventh day Jack Bauer said, "I'll take it from here."
    
    
24. "You don't know Jack" is a blessing among terrorists.