AubreyJ.org

On Ground Updates: Afghanistan/Pakistan - July 14, 2009

2009-07-14T11:51:00.010-05:00

On Ground Updates:
Afghanistan/Pakistan
Coalition Air Assets Destroy Insurgent Planted IEDs
Original Post Date: July 13, 2009
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KABUL, Afghanistan - While conducting operations in southern Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Force AH-64 Apache helicopters, from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, observed insurgents placing an improvised explosive device. The location of the IED was on the main highway connecting the Helmand capital of Lashkar Gah with Kandahar City.
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Insurgent operating along that highway routinely target Afghan national security forces and coalition forces with their deadly IEDs. Unfortunately, local civilians often become the victims of these indiscriminate attacks.
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After taking all necessary precautions to ensure civilian safety, the ISAF helicopters used a precision weapon against the insurgents, preventing further IEDs from being placed.
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"We are determined to assist our Afghan and Coalition security forces in protecting the Afghan people from the deadly and indiscriminate effects of insurgent emplaced IEDs," said Col. Paul Bricker, commander, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. "We remain most deliberate in our efforts to ensure battlefield effects do not harm innocent civilians.
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"Our rotary wing aviation operations will continue to focus on supporting ISAF and local security forces in establishing the conditions necessary for a safer environment in southern Afghanistan and to assist in the Afghan people living their lives without fear of insurgent attacks," he said.
Watch the video below…

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DVIDS - International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
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IED Engagement in Helmand Province
I rate the following Video Footage as Mature
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This B-Roll Video by DVIDS - International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
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AubreyJ………

Photos for the Day - July 14, 2009

2009-07-14T10:11:00.008-05:00

* Photos for the Day *
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About this photo: A member of the Afghan national army calls for help as a member of the Afghan border police fires at Anti Afghanistan Forces in the mountains surrounding Barge Matal in Afghanistan's eastern Nuristan province, during Operation Mountain Fire, July 12th. Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Force's fought side by side during gun battle, which started in late afternoon and lasted until coalition and ANSF forces forced the insurgents to flee in the early evening.
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About this photo: A U.S. Army Soldier calls for an airstrike on the hills surrounding Barge Matal, during Operation Mountain Fire in Afghanistan's eastern Nuristan province, July 12. Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Forces battled with insurgent forces in the late afternoon, after quickly securing the village's key areas early in the morning.

Photos by Sgt. Matthew Moeller
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

3- Watch Launch and Mission Live Of Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-127

2009-07-13T20:41:00.011-05:00

Note: This post moved on top from its original post date - Scroll below for latest updates on this post - Scroll below this post for latest news postings
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Watch Mission Live

Of Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-127

On NASA TELEVISION

Saturday, July 11, 2009

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* Saturday’s Launch Scrubbed *
* Next Launch Attempt:
Sunday Evening
7:13pm EDT *

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Careful Testing Under Way After Lightning Strikes
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Posted at 11:00am CDT

About above image: A lightning strike at Launch Pad 39A during Friday's thunderstorm.
Image credit: NASA TV
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The launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour was postponed until Sunday evening so engineers could evaluate the spacecraft's myriad systems following 11 lightning strikes in the Launch Complex 39A area.
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None of the strikes hit the shuttle or its external tank and solid rocket boosters, but there were strikes to the lightning mast and water tower. The launch pad is equipped with a lightning protection system of wires that is intended to steer bolts away from the shuttle.
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"We've seen nothing so far that shows anything affected any of the systems," said Mike Moses, chairman of the pre-launch Mission Management Team.
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Two of the strikes were strong enough to trigger an evaluation by engineers just to make sure all of Endeavour's systems are ready for flight. Although early evaluations showed no problems, engineers wanted more time to make sure they have checked everything correctly.
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"We need to be 100 percent confident that we have a good system across the board," Moses said.
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Next Launch Attempt: Sunday at 7:13pm EDT
Weather forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions
Info taken from the NASA.gov website

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POST Update:
Sunday, July 12, 2009

Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett - June 3, 2009
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Endeavour Fueling Underway
9:40am CDT
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Space Shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank is being filled with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The three-hour operation began at 9:48 a.m. EDT. The tank will be completely filled, known as stable replenish, at about 12:48 p.m. The countdown will then enter a T-3 hour hold for 2.5 hours.
Info taken from the NASA.gov website
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Liquid Hydrogen Tank Reaches "Topping" Mode, No Leak
11:13am CDT
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At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external tank's liquid hydrogen section has reached the "topping" mode, the time during which leaks were detected during launch attempts on June 13 and 17. There are no indications of a leak.
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Weather forecasts remain at 70 percent chance favorable for tonight’s liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission set for 7:13 p.m. EDT
Info taken from the NASA.gov website

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T-9 Minutes and Holding
5:21pm CDT
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At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits liftoff on the STS-127 mission at 7:13 p.m. EDT. The countdown clock has paused for a built-in hold lasting about 45 minutes. The seven astronauts set to carry out the STS-127 mission are all aboard space shuttle Endeavour, awaiting liftoff.
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Forecasters at NASA's Spaceflight Meteorology Group say current conditions violate rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy. There is also a sea breeze coming off Florida's west coast that is making the weather more dynamic.

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Today’s Launch Scrubbed!
6:03pm CDT
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Today’s Launch has been scrubbed due to bad weather.
Next Launch attempt will be Monday evening…
at 6:51pm EDT
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Endeavour's Launch "No Go" Due to Weather
6:04pm CDT
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Officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have called off today's liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour due to inclement weather. Cumulus clouds and lightning violated rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy.
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Endeavour's next launch attempt is 6:51 p.m. EDT Monday. NASA TV coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Info taken from the NASA.gov website
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Well… Fingers crossed for a successful launch Monday!
Next post UPDATE Monday morning.
Until then…

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Post Update:
Monday, July 13, 2009
7:21am CDT
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STS-127 Launch Update
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Shuttle managers met late last night to discuss the partially unattached Tyvek cover on one of Endeavour’s thrusters. After a thorough discussion, teams decided that no action was required to reattach the cover and to leave the rotating servicing structure on the launch pad open. The Tyvek cover, which is attached by adhesive, had come partially unattached during the countdown yesterday, but wasn’t a constraint to launch. It’s used to keep rain and other debris out of the thruster.
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Officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center called off Sunday's planned liftoff due to inclement weather.
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As of now, launch is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT today. If a new technical issue crops up or rain gets into the thruster, teams will look to target launch for Tuesday.
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Managers will meet again beginning at 8:45 a.m. this morning.
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Today's live countdown coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m. on NASA Television and NASA's Launch Blog.
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Info taken from the NASA.gov website

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Endeavour Tanking Underway
9:52am CDT
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Teams met this morning and a "GO" was given for tanking of Endeavour’s external tank. Tanking officially began at 9:33 a.m. EDT and liquid hydrogen started flowing into the external tank at 9:43 a.m.
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Weather permitting, launch is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. The forecast is 40 percent “go” for liftoff.

Info taken from the NASA.gov website
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Endeavour Fueling Complete
11:40am CDT
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The countdown to launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour is under way at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the shuttle's large orange external tank has been filled with a half-million gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Both propellants have reached "stable replenish," in which small amounts that boil away during the rest of the countdown are replaced. Stable replenish will continue until the final minutes before launch.
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Launch is schedule for a 6:51 p.m. EDT, with weather being the only concern.
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Info taken from the NASA.gov website
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Let’s keep our fingers crossed on getting a successful launch off today!
AubreyJ
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STS-127 Astronauts are Boarding Endeavour
2:34pm CDT
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The STS-127 astronauts are boarding Space Shuttle Endeavour at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A. Once all seven astronauts are aboard, the hatch will be closed and latched for flight.
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Launch is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT. Endeavour's external fuel tank was filled earlier today with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. These propellants will feed the shuttle's three main engines during the climb to orbit.
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As is common in Florida in the summer, the weather situation today is very dynamic. Launch managers and weather officers are monitoring conditions closely.
Info taken from the NASA
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ALL ABOARD!!!
All STS-127 Astronauts are Aboard
3:30pm CDT
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The STS-127 astronauts all have strapped into their seats inside Space Shuttle Endeavour at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A.
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Launch is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT. Endeavour's external fuel tank was filled earlier today with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. These propellants will feed the shuttle's three main engines during the climb to orbit.
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As is common in Florida in the summer, the weather situation today is very dynamic. Launch managers and weather officers are monitoring conditions closely.
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Info taken from the NASA.gov website
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T-20 Minutes and Counting
4:48pm CDT
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The countdown clock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is counting once more following release of the T-20-minute hold. There is one more planned hold remaining, which occurs at the T-9-minute mark.
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At Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Endeavour's crew access hatch has been closed, sealed and locked for flight. All seven STS-127 astronauts are safely strapped into their seats and are awaiting liftoff at 6:51 p.m. EDT.
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The closeout crew has left the pad and are in place at a roadblock a safe distance away.
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No technical issues are in work, but storms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility are a concern, and the range is currently "no-go" due to lightning in the area. Launch managers and weather personnel continue keeping a wary eye on the weather.
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Taken from the NASA.gov website
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STS-127 Countdown in Final Planned Hold
4:57pm CDT
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At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the countdown clock has paused for 45 minutes at the T-9-minute mark. This is the final built-in hold for today's countdown to liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour on its STS-127 mission.
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The countdown is going relatively smoothly, with no technical issues in work. Although launch managers and weather officials are monitoring weather conditions around the launch area and Shuttle Landing Facility very closely, liftoff remains scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT.
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Watch for countdown clocks to resume ticking backwards at 6:42 p.m. when the T-9-minute hold is released.
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Taken from the NASA.gov website
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Sorry Folks -
Today’s Launch has been scrubbed
due to bad weather in area.
We’ll know in the next hour if the next launch attempt will be within 24 hrs or next Tuesday. Info coming in next update…
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Next Launch Attempt: Wednesday 6:03 p.m.
6:00pm CDT
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NASA’s Launch Blogger Steven Siceloff writes:
The launch team will stand down Tuesday and go for a launch Wednesday evening at 6:03 p.m. The closeout crew will make their way to the launch pad and help the astronauts unstrap from Endeavour's crew compartment. After the crew is off and the external tank is drained of its propellants, the rotating service structure will be rolled into place around Endeavour to protect it from rain or other conditions. Technicians will also fix the Tyvek cover that pulled loose slightly from a thruster near Endeavour's nose.
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So that’s it for today’s posting and the close of this post. I’ll start a new post on Wednesday evening's Launch attempt Wednesday morning…
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So again… NASA has decided to give Launch another try this Wednesday evening with the earliest launch attempt coming at 6:03pm EDT.

Until Wednesday morning…
AubreyJ………

* POST NOW CLOSED! *

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* STS-127 Mission Overview *

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.
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The STS-127 crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Kopra will join the space station crew and replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Wakata will return to Earth on Endeavour to conclude a three-month stay at the station.
Taken from the NASA.gov website
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* A Countdown of Countdowns *
The Space Shuttle’s Finale

Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Note: Counting the flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-127… there is now only Eight Flights Remaining before the fleet is scheduled to retire.
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For 50 years, NASA’s been famous for counting backward from 10 to zero. But a final countdown is now under way that will stand out among them all.
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After 126 space shuttle missions, only eight remain before the fleet is scheduled to retire. That’s eight flights remaining to use the unique capabilities of the shuttle to finish construction on the International Space Station and prepare it for life after shuttle. Each flight is unique and extremely complicated. Attention to detail and planning will be needed to be successful. There are no easy flights remaining and there may be pauses in this countdown that will ensure the highest chance of mission success. The shuttle will fly each flight when it’s ready.
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[Please…] Take the time to look and really study the remaining Shuttle flights. Here’s a close up look at the countdown of flights… HERE
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I’d ask all of you out there to do as I do, (‘Papaw’ AubreyJ,) and get with your Children/Grandchildren and watch the missions… launches/spacewalks/landings and talk-up our Space Programs… Past/Present/Future.
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Right now, the children watching in full interest of today’s missions… might just be the ones stepping foot on Mars in the years to come.
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Now THAT’s something to think about!

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* Read Latest News and Updates...

at NASA.gov
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Watch Mission LIVE

Its On right NOW!
At NASA TV

Click HERE to view
ENJOY!!!

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STS-127: Interactive Mission Timeline Click HERE or on above image to view
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View the
* Space Shuttle Gallery *
HERE
Past Images/Videos/Audios
(NASA Public Affair image collection, Videos, Animations, Wakeup calls & Mission Communications)
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NOTE: I’ll be updating this post on the mission and spacewalks over the next few days so check back!!!

GOD SPEED to the Crew of STS-127 Endeavour...

AubreyJ.........

DEM SENATOR ON SPEAKER PELOSI’S NATIONAL ENERGY TAX:

2009-07-13T11:00:00.004-05:00

DEM SENATOR ON SPEAKER PELOSI’S NATIONAL ENERGY TAX: “WE DON’T WANT TO BE A SUCKER”
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BLOWBACK FROM THE ENERGY TAX VOTE BACK HOME LEAVES HEARTLAND DEMS “RATTLED”
July 13, 2009 House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)
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As the House Democratic Leadership tries to gather support for their massive small business tax and government takeover of health care, they are finding reluctance from many in their own caucus. Why? Well, many Democrats who walked the plank and voted for the Speaker’s unpopular national energy tax faced a blistering reaction back home, and the Senate looks unlikely to act on the legislation – meaning House Democrats got “BTU-ed” all over again.
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Roll Call this morning reported on the Democratic House Members’ unease, and the hurdle it is creating:

“Democrats who helped the sweeping climate
change bill squeak through before jetting home for the July Fourth break got a
surprisingly ugly homecoming, encountering a barrage of protests, attack ads and
negative press. Police turned up at a local protest aimed at Rep. Allen Boyd
(Fla.), a leader of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition. Freshman Rep. John Adler
(N.J.) told a local paper he got shoved.”
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“The bruising
endured by the moderates — along with serious substantive concerns —prompted
them last week to derail the planned Friday rollout of the health care bill. And
it presents a continuing challenge to leaders hoping to wrap work on the package
this month. ‘They are completely and totally rattled,’ one senior Democratic
aide said of the centrists. ‘I’ve never seen them as bad as they are
now.’”

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Those Democrats are right to be worried, since Politico finds little enthusiasm for Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax in the Senate:

“President Barack Obama’s plan for climate change legislation faces
an extraordinarily tough climb in the Senate. For proof, look no further than to
some of Obama’s closest allies.”
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“‘We’ve got to be very careful with what we do with this legislation,’
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), a near—constant cable surrogate during Obama’s
presidential campaign, told Missouri talk radio show host Mike Ferguson last
week. ‘We need to be a leader in the world, but we don’t want to be a
sucker.’”
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“When it comes
to climate change, McCaskill and other Midwestern Democrats are putting their
home-state concerns ahead of one of the president’s biggest first-year
priorities; many of them fear that the legislation, which narrowly passed the
House earlier this month, will hurt manufacturing- and coal-dependent areas that
are already struggling.”

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Republicans have a better solution. Our “all of the above” plan will lower energy costs, clean up the environment, and create millions of new American jobs. When will the Democratic leaders realize that we need a serious plan to help our economy and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, not the job-killing boondoggle like Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax?

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REPUBLICAN LEADER PRESS OFFICE
REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH)
H-204, THE CAPITOL
(202) 225-4000 GOPLEADER.GOV

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Taken from a GOP E-mail by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

2009-07-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

No. 508-09 July 13, 2009
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cpl. Matthew R. Lembke, 22, of Tualatin, Ore., died July 10th of wounds sustained on June 24th while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the Marine Corps Base Hawaii public affairs office at(808) 257-8838.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

2009-07-11T08:00:00.004-05:00

No. 505-09 July 11, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Joshua R. Farris, 22, of La Grange, Texas, died July 9th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

The Village by Michael Yon

2009-07-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

... Adrian Berghamer, U.S. Navy also seemed to love her job. There is something fulfilling about knowing your little part makes a big difference, and all the Navy folks seemed to think like that. The U.S. Navy has recently started taking Civil Affairs seriously. The old school Green Berets (using strollers these days) will tell you that Civil Affairs was their secret weapon. Why fight your way into a village when you can walk in and build a school and have tea? ...
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Be sure to read Michael’s Post in full at link below…
The Village
Good read and lots of GREAT photos at link above!
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Photo and write-up by Michael Yon
2009 Copyright Michael Yon

General Motors Emerges from Bankruptcy

2009-07-10T12:36:00.004-05:00

Friday, July 10, 2009
* FORBES.com brings us the following good news today in an article posted up on their website and it starts off like this… Moving faster than anyone could have imagined, a new government-owned General Motors debuted Friday after just 40 days in bankruptcy, its leaders promising that it's not business as usual over at the car company… "One thing we have learned from the last 100 days is that GM can move quickly and decisively," said President and Chief Executive Frederick A. (Fritz) Henderson. The challenge now, he said, is to transfer that intensity from the triage of bankruptcy to GM's everyday operations. "People are invigorated," he said, vowing that GM's culture will change. "In the end, the only way we're going to prove it is if we perform."…
Read the full report at link below…
GM: 'We're Not Going Back'
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About this short News Video: General Motors expects to emerge from bankruptcy today according to an official at treasury.
This News Video posted on YouTube by Bloomberg
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We’ll see just how long this last!
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With the Demarcates/Government running the show… it’s hard to believe good news for GM is going to last for very long.
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Hope I’m wrong though -- But...
AubreyJ………

The Iranian Uprising - July 09, 2009

2009-07-09T11:55:00.004-05:00

The Iranian Uprising
Thursday, July 09, 2009
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* TimesOnline.co.uk had the following report posted up on their website this Thursday morning and it starts off like this… Iranian police fired tear-gas and shots into the air today to disperse thousands of demonstrators who had defied official warnings and staged a march to mark the 10th anniversary of a bloody student uprising… Protesters chanted “Death to the dictator” as they gathered in the streets around Tehran University, the epicentre of the 1999 protests, which were crushed by police and Basiji vigilantes… Today, police deployed reinforcements after a first volley of tear-gas failed to disperse the demonstrators, who continued to grow in number, according to eyewitnesses. Police then fired a second volley of the gas…
Read the full report at link below…
Police fire tear gas and bullets to disperse Tehran protests
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* YNet.com has this take and it goes in part like this… According to some reports, demonstrators were chanting "Death to the Dictator," while police helicopters were keeping an eye on them from the air… "They were about 250 people who shouted in favor of (defeated presidential candidate Mirhossein) Mousavi and made the victory sign. Police dispersed them," a witness, who asked not to be named, told Reuters… According to later reports, security forces directed live fire at demonstrators. An eyewitness told the New York Times website that a woman with a blood-soaked jacket was seen running away from a protest scene. According to a report by an exiled Iranian blogger considered credible, at least three people sustained gunshot wounds in the rallies…
Read this report in full at link below…
Iran protests resume

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NYTimes.com reports…
Iran Security Forces Move to Crush Renewed Protests
Also at the NYT today…
The Lede: Latest Updates on Iran Election Protests
Lots of up-to-date info and VIDEOS at above link
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People & Power - Iran: inside the protests

In the immediate aftermath of Iran's June 12 presidential elections, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran, the Iranian capital.
This news video posted on YouTube by AlJazeeraEnglish
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AubreyJ………

DoD Identifies Marine, Army Casualties

2009-07-09T08:00:00.005-05:00

No. 498-09 July 09, 2009
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Michael C. Roy, 25, of North Fort Myers, Fla., died July 8th while supporting combat operations in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 450-6499.

No. 499-09 July 09, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg, 19, of Wright City, Mo., died July 8th in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 287-2520; or via the internet at Fort Hood's News Center online at http://www.hood.army.mil/news.paos.aspx

No. 500-09 July 09, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Gregory J. Missman, 36, of Batavia, Ohio, died July 8th at Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained elsewhere in Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson Public Affairs Office at (719) 526-7525; after hours (719) 526-5500.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Taking a Moment to Honor our Fallen Heroes

2009-07-08T23:04:00.004-05:00

Since that tragic day on 9-11-2001… many of our bravest have given their all while fighting for this great country of ours. Please take a moment to thank them, in your own way, for all they have done and were willing to do for you -- me and this great country of ours. May God bless each and every one of these fallen Heroes, all of those who have been wounded, all of their families, friends, loved ones and their comrades in arms who were at their side.
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We may have a New Commander in Chief... but our Old Enemies are still out there and hell-bent on Killing Us.
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Never forget those that protect us -- Each and every day.
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Thank you all and god bless...

AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

2009-07-08T08:03:00.003-05:00

No. 492-09 July 08, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 6th in Konduz, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.

Killed were:
2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, 41, of Glenwood, Ill. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.
Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, 25, of Bulloch, Ga. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Americus, Ga.
Spc. Chester W. Hosford, 35, of Hastings, Minn. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.
Spc. Issac L. Johnson, 24, of Columbus, Ga. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, Rome, Ga.

For more information on Williams and Hosford media may contact the Illinois National Guard public affairs office at (217) 761-3569, or after hours at (217) 761-3941, or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil
For more information on Chavers and Johnson media may contact the Georgia National Guard public affairs office at (678) 569-6065 or (404) 983-6263

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

2009-07-08T08:00:00.006-05:00

No. 489-09 July 08, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Christopher M. Talbert, 24, of Galesburg, Ill., died July 7th in Shindad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Marion, Ill.
For more information media may contact the Illinois National Guard public affairs office at (217) 761-3569, or after hours, (217) 761-3941, or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil

No. 490-09 July 08, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Nicolas H. J. Gideon, 20, of Murrieta, Calif., died July 6th at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered earlier that day in Paktya, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For more information the media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.

No. 491-09 July 08, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Capt. Mark A. Garner, 30, of North Carolina, died July 6th in Argandab District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany.
For more information media may contact the 7th U.S. Army, Joint Multinational Training Command public affairs office at (49) 1609-850-3551.

Photo for the Day - July 08, 2009

2009-07-08T07:00:00.004-05:00

* Photo for the Day *Afghan Ridge Recon
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jared Tomberlin, left, and an interpreter pull security on top of a mountain ridge. The photo was taken during a reconnaissance mission near Forward Operating Base Lane in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Feb. 28. Tomberlin is assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adam Mancini

Michael Jackson Tribute - July 07, 2009

2009-07-07T17:14:00.004-05:00

Raw Video: Mariah Carey Pays Tribute to Jackson

Singer Mariah Carey performs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, paying tribute to Michael Jackson. (July 7th)
This video post on YouTube by AssociatedPress
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In Memory of Michael
AubreyJ………

Photo for the Day - July 07, 2009

2009-07-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

* Photo for the Day * U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), conduct a security halt during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan July 5, 2009. The Marines, who are part of a ground combat element of Regiment Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, are deployed to the area to prevent insurgent activities.

DoD photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Marine Corps

Obama, Medvedev sign "joint understanding” to reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapons

2009-07-06T11:41:00.004-05:00

Monday, July 06, 2009
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* SKTNews.com brings us the following Breaking News… US President Barack Obama and Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev have agreed a deal to reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapons. Both countries have pledged to cut the number of nuclear warheads to 1,500-1,675 on each side, from current levels above 2,200… The new limits are planned to be reached within seven years of a new treaty coming into force… The pledge puts the world's two biggest nuclear powers further along the path to finding a replacement for the landmark 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START 1) which expires on December 5…
Read the full report at link below…
US And Russia Agree Nuclear Weapons Cuts
Video, photos and more at the above link
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* Reuters.com has this good read posted up on their website today and it starts off like this… Russians queued up in Moscow at the weekend to press - quite literally - a reset button on U.S.-Russian relations, a publicity stunt meant to clear the air on the eve of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit… The stunt centered on the symbolic red button U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in March, urging him to press it to reinvigorate relations between their two nations… Lavrov was quick to point out that the Americans had mis-spelled the Russian word on the button's label, giving it the meaning of "overload" instead of "reset."…
Read the rest at link below…
Russians hit the red button on U.S. ties

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AubreyJ………

Photo for the Day - July 06, 2009

2009-07-06T10:30:00.004-05:00

* Photo for the Day *

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the White House on July 4, 2009

DoD Identifies Marine, Army Casualties

2009-07-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

No. 479-09 July 06, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 4th at Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked the outpost using small arms and indirect fires. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Killed were:
Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, Calif.
Pfc. Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Wash.

For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.

No. 481-09 July 06, 2009
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Charles S. Sharp, 20, of Adairsville, Ga., died July 2nd while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.

Israel: On Ground Updates - July 05, 2009

2009-07-05T12:37:00.008-05:00

Israel: On Ground Updates
Sunday, July 05, 2009
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File photo by IAF
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* TimesOnline.co.uk brings us the following report this Sunday morning and it starts off like this… The head of Mossad, Israel’s overseas intelligence service, has assured Benjamin Netanyahu, its Prime Minister, that Saudi Arabia would turn a blind eye to Israeli jets flying over the kingdom during any future raid on Iran’s nuclear sites… Earlier this year Meir Dagan, Mossad’s director since 2002, held secret talks with Saudi officials to discuss the possibility…
Read the full report at link below…
Saudis give nod to Israeli raid on Iran
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* YNetNews.com has the following take on this report and it goes in part like this… "The reports are erroneous and unfounded," the PM's Office said in a statement… A diplomatic source told the British newspaper last week that “the Saudis have tacitly agreed to the Israel Air Force flying through their airspace on a mission which is supposed to be in the common interests of both Israel and Saudi Arabia."…
Read the full report at link below…
Report: Saudis to overlook Israeli jets headed to Iran
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* MuscatineJournal.com has this report today posted on their website and it starts off like this… Vice President Joe Biden seemed to give Israel a green light for military action to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat, saying the U.S. "cannot dictate to another sovereign nation what they can and cannot do."…
Read the rest at link below…
Biden: US not stand in Israel's way on Iran
> Watch the full Biden interview HERE
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* IndiaTimes.com had the following report posted up on their website Saturday evening and it starts off like this… An Israeli submarine crossed through the Suez Canal last month as a part of a military training exercise, defense officials said on Saturday… The move is believed to have been made as a warning to Iran of the Jewish state's capabilities and to show that Israel and Egypt are cooperating against a shared threat. The two countries share a peace agreement but have had cool relations for years…
Read this report in full at link below…
Israeli submarine crosses Suez Canal with eye on Iran

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AubreyJ………

Happy 4th of July! - July 4th, 2009

2009-07-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

May each and every one of you have a safe and memorable 4th!
Happy 4th of July Everyone!
Saturday, July 4th, 2009
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Comment from Senator John McCain on this 4th of July weekend
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My Friend,
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Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause greater than yourself, something that encompasses you but is not defined by your existence alone.
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As Americans, we will gather with friends and family this weekend to celebrate our nation's independence. We are very fortunate to live in a nation that grants us freedoms that many of our fellow world citizens are not granted by their home countries.
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I believe Democracy is a cause worth fighting for, as evidenced by the milestone Iraq celebrated this week. Transfer of power is rarely easy, yet building a democratic government and liberating a nation from tyranny, while often difficult, is a sacrifice worth making in the end.
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This Fourth of July, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on what it means to be free and how truly liberating it can be to serve a cause greater than yourself.
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Sincerely,
John McCain
Chairman, Country First PAC

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From an email to me by Senator McCain on July 03, 2009
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Lady Liberty's Crown Opens on 4th of July

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will officially reopen the crown of the Statue of Liberty to the public on July 4, 2009. About 20 lucky visitors will be among the first to climb the 354 steps to the crown on Saturday morning, but thanks to the power of technology, everyone can join in the celebration…
Read more HERE
Photo from the White House website
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President Obama’s Weekly Address: On the 4th of July, Overcoming America’s Challenges

The President recounts America’s great history of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges and pledges to lead America in continuing that tradition. Focusing on creating a clean energy economy, comprehensive health reform, and revitalizing an education system in need of change, the President pledges not to leave these decades-old problems to yet another generation to solve.
Video posted on YouTube by the whitehouse
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Watch the White House LIVE
On The 4th of July
HERE
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> JULY 4, 2009, 6:45 PM ET
The President kicks off the White House Independence Day Celebration
> JULY 4, 2009, 8:10 PM ET
USO Concert with Jimmy Fallon, Foo Fighters and Michelle Branch
> JULY 4, 2009, 9:10 PM ET
Fireworks on the National Mall
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ENJOY!!!
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AubreyJ………

Photo for the Day - July 04, 2009

2009-07-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

* Photo for the Day *Tony Romo, left, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, and Tiger Woods put together a care package during the Earl Woods Pro-am golf tournament at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., that will be sent to troops in Iraq, July 1, 2009.
U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

North Korea: On Ground Updates - July 04, 2009

2009-07-04T13:08:00.008-05:00

North Korea:
On Ground Updates
North Korea Fires Off 7 Ballistic Missiles
Saturday, July 04, 2009
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FoxNews.com had the following report posted up on their website this 4th of July morning and it starts off like this… North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day… The launches, which came two days after North Korea fired four short-range cruise missiles, will likely further escalate tensions in the region as the U.S. tries to muster support for tough enforcement of the latest U.N. Security Council resolution imposed on the communist regime for its May nuclear test…
Read the rest HERE
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‘Act of Provocation’
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About this Fox News Video: North Korea fires 7 missiles on U.S. Independence Day
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ABCNews.com reports it this way …
Biden Dismisses N.K. Launch as "Attention Seeking Behavior'
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I’d have to agree with Vice President Biden on this one!
AubreyJ………

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin Stepping Down

2009-07-03T16:31:00.005-05:00

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin Stepping Down File photo from Alaska.gov website

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin dropped a political bombshell earlier today by announcing that she is stepping down as Governor of Alaska by month’s end.
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Stepping Down
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> PHOTOS: Sarah Palin's Political Career
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Looks like the beginning of a nightmare that want go away for the DEMS! Sarah Palin… next President of the United States…?
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Good luck Sarah on whatever path you take here forward.
AubreyJ………

Photos for the Day - July 02, 2009

2009-07-02T09:08:00.014-05:00

* Photos for the Day *

From left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ramon Padilla, Tiger Woods, and Maj. Ken Dwyer hit the ceremonial first shot at the opening ceremony of the Earl Woods Pro-Am golf tournament at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., July 1, 2009. Dwyer is an injured Soldier assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C. Padilla is an injured Soldier assigned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
DoD photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo, U.S. Air Force
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TIGER'S TEAM

Tiger Woods and U.S. Army Maj. Ken Dwyer, a wounded warrior, tee off on the first hole for the ceremonial first shot during the AT&T National Earl D. Woods Memorial Pro-Am at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. July 1, 2009.
DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby

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Thanks for all you do, Tiger!!!

AubreyJ.........