Friday, November 18, 2011

U.S. military successfully tests Advanced Hypersonic Weapon


The Department of Defense announced on early Thursday morning a successfully tested of the Army’s hypersonic weapon, dubbed the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon, it  will allow the U.S. military to strike targets anywhere in the world within an hour, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday.

The Pentagon said the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) glide vehicle was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai County, Hawaii at 1.30 a.m. local time on Thursday. It later hit its target, the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll (about 2,500 miles), in the Pacific Ocean.

“The objective of the test is to collect data on hypersonic boost-glide technologies and test range performance for long-range atmospheric flight,” the Pentagon said in a statement. “Mission emphasis is aerodynamics; navigation, guidance, and control; and thermal protection technologies.”

The Pentagon said a three-stage booster system launched the AHW glide vehicle and successfully deployed it on the desired flight trajectory. “The vehicle flew a non-ballistic glide trajectory at hypersonic speed to the planned impact location at the Reagan Test Site,” it said. “Space, air, sea, and ground platforms collected vehicle performance data during all phases of flight.”

The AHW program is managed by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and is part of the “Prompt Global Strike” program. The program will allow the U.S. military to deliver a precise weapon strike anywhere in the world in less than 60 minutes.

On August 11, the U.S. military unsuccessfully launched the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 (HTV-2) from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The HTV is part of the “Prompt Global Strike” program but has a larger reach than the AHW.

Contact with the HTV-2 was lost after an Air Force Minotaur IV rocket inserted it into the desired trajectory. Separation of the vehicle was confirmed by a rocket cam and the aircraft transitioned to Mach 20 (15,200 miles or 24,500 kilometers per hour) before it failed.

The prototype HTV-2 aircraft had its first test flight on April 22, 2010, when telemetry assets also experienced a loss of signal from the aircraft. The Pentagon has invested nearly $240 million in the “Prompt Global Strike” program this year, including some $69 million for Thursday’s test.


Monday, November 14, 2011

Steve Wozniak: All big companies have been founded by young people with no money and guarantees

Steve Wozniak: All big companies have been founded by young people with no money and guarantees


by Liana Yeghiazaryan
Public Radio of Armenia



The Co-Founder of Apple Computers Inc., creator of the first PC Steve Wozniak visits Armenia. This morning he had a short meeting with the students and faulty of the Yerevan State Engineering University. 

“Yesterday, when I met the Catholicos of All Armenians, I remembered that besides the wish to create technologies, I have always been following the Christian commandment,” Steve Wozniak said.

He is confident that progress comes from the wishes and desires of young times. “Everything started from my great desire to have my own computer. A good friend of mine, Steve Jobs, shared my wishes, and we undertook the work together,” he said.

“I had no money in my pockets. My privilege was that I could use a cheap source of micro schemes. In general, all big companies have been founded by young people with no money and guarantees,” Wozniak said.

“When I was at high school I understood that engineers were the best people of the world. My father was a great engineer. He inspired me to create devices that would change the world to the better,” he said.

All technologies come to make life easier, the Apple co-founder said. According to him, we will once work four days a week and will spend the rest of time on leisure. Judging from everything, that day is not very far away, he said.

Later today Steve Wozniak will meet Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and receive a Global IT Award 2011 from President Serzh Sargsyan. In the evening he will attend a concert at the Yerevan State Chamber Theatre.

Friday, November 11, 2011

R.I.P. David "Coach" Myers

Day starting off on a very sad note, getting word that Oklahoma State Senator David "Coach" Myers passed away early this morning.

Senator David F. Myers serves Senate District 20, which comprised of all or portions of Alfalfa, Garfield, Grant, Kay and Noble Counties.



He was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in November 2002. 

Senator Myers was a retired Chemical Engineer from ConocoPhillips in Ponca City, having worked in the oil refining industry for 33 years. 

He was an independent consultant for the oil industry.

Senator Myers' authored legislation:



  • To help keep children safe by keeping sex offenders out of their schools.
  • To help keep families safe in their homes in case of a fire.
  • To help fund and improve roads and bridges in Oklahoma.
  • To improve public safety by introducing juvenile drug courts.

“Today Oklahoma has suffered a significant loss.  Senator David Myers was a pillar not only at the State Capitol but also among the Oklahomans he served diligently in Senate District 20.  A hardworking man full of compassion and conviction, Senator Myers had a powerful impact on the state he loved.  Serving alongside Senator Myers in the State Senate was truly an honor and he will be greatly missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sara and family.”    
Lt. Governor Todd Lamb


"The loss of Senator David Myers is one that will be deeply felt by so many at the State Capitol and across Oklahoma. He was the standard by which any public servant should be measured: humble, selfless, and dedicated beyond question. But most important of all, he was a great friend.  David's strength of conviction and uncompromising values will be remembered by all who had the honor of serving alongside him. Simply put, Senator Myers made a difference. The thoughts and prayers of the state Senate are with David's wife, Sara, and his family. He will be greatly missed."
Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Lest We Forget


Lest We Forget

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

This is a Painful 53 Seconds - Rick Perry Campaign Go BOOM (Part 3)

From the November 9, 2011 CNBC debate in Michigan.

Perry Tries to Save His Campaign

Rick Perry's painful debate stumble last night was so serious he'll appear on every morning news show in an attempt to rescue his flailing campaign. 

Howard Kurtz: "After a series of stumbling performances, the governor of Texas attempted to tick off the three federal agencies he would abolish, and was stumped at two. He paused, regrouped, and still couldn't come up with the missing one (the Energy Department, which is hardly obscure). It was the only Perry moment anyone will remember, and a metaphor for his erratic campaign."

Brad Phillips: "With his bumbling answer, Mr. Perry reinforced the now almost irreversible perception that he is not ready for prime time. That indelible moment will linger, and will likely doom his campaign."

Jonathan Chait: "And that's it for Rick Perry. His latest debate performance was so world-historically awful that it truly seems beyond all repair."


And this is on his Campaign Web Site today:


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Hoo-AH U.S. Troops: The real one percent




We like to divide the world up. It's only natural to think in terms of us v them. Right now, in the public discourse, it seems to be all about the wealthiest one percent and the rest of us - the 99 percent.
However, after covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for the last ten years - including numerous trips to the war zones and to military communities here at home -- I've learned there's another one percent, who I call the real one percent. They are the men and women who fight our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (not to mention Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya) and their families. The rest of us are the 99 percent.
We lend our moral support to the one percent. We cheer the veterans when their names are announced at ball games. Maybe we even have ribbons of various colors on our car. We say the obligatory 'thank you for your service,' and I believe we mean it. But we don't really understand what that service really means for these members of the military.
We don't understand that the cost of war doesn't end when the troops come home, but is instead often paid out over the years.
This is our real great divide in this country. It is in part the consequence of an all-volunteer military. It is also in part the consequence of fighting wars without involving the rest of us. We weren't asked to sacrifice after 9/11 or pay for the wars that followed. Imagine the reaction if we had a war tax. Or if there had been a draft. Instead, we've got the few fighting for the many and they do it at great cost to themselves and their families.
Last season on "60 Minutes," we did a story about homeless veterans and a program called Stand Down to help them. And now, on this week's broadcast, Scott Pelley and I report onOperation Proper Exit, a story about the price of war being paid by the real one percent. Part of that price is the horrific wounds suffered by many who, in wars past, might have died. Advances in military medicine allowed them to survive - survive with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. That's something the rest of us, the 99 percent, need to know.


Monday, November 7, 2011

HOO-AH Businesses Honoring Veterans With Discounts


This Veterans Day, a ‘thank you for your service’ is being paid in the form of free meals and huge discounts from patriotic businesses across the country.
VFW has compiled a list of some of the opportunities service members and veterans can take advantage of in honor of the upcoming holiday.  
Please note: Most companies require some form of military ID – including a U.S. Uniform Services ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g.,VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification.   
Also, some companies are franchises and policies may vary.  
Please always call ahead to verify your local businesses’ participation details and requirements.  

Applebee’s  Friday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active service members. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations at http://applebees.com/. 
    Chili’s — Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations. 

Golden Corral — Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/. 
        
  • Hooters — Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com

  • Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating. 
   
  • McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday  
Nov 13, 2011: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event. 
   
  • Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit,http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx. 
   
  • Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead. 
   
  • Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information. 
   
  • T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14. Please call ahead to confirm participation. 
   
  • Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military  for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service. Call to confirm participation. 
   

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation is proud to announce a partnership with Bob Evans Restaurants in which customers can support active-duty military, veterans and their families on Veterans Day, this Friday, Nov. 11. In their more than 600 restaurants across the United States, Bob Evans Restaurants will donate ten cents per hotcake sold, up to $25,000. Proceeds from the promotion will benefit the VFW Foundation’s Return the Favor campaign, which honors, celebrates and supports active-duty military, veterans, and their families. 
“We are extremely excited to be partnering with such a well-respected company,” said VFW Foundation Director John Lowe. “We cannot say enough how much we appreciate their support and it is great to see such a well-respected company realize the need to support our nation’s military and their families.” 
“Families love to connect with each other over breakfast at Bob Evans,” said President and Chief Concept Officer of Bob Evans Restaurants, Randy Hicks. “We’re proud to support Return the Favor as they connect military families with their loved ones. It’s a great way to give back to those who give to us.” The Veterans Day promotion is part of Bob Evans’ Bob Evans Salutes America program, honoring military families on four patriotic holidays, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day.  
Click here for a list of participating Bob Evans Restaurants. To find the nearest Bob Evans Restaurant, please visit www.bobevans.com 
   
Home Depot and Lowes Coupons 
   
   
  • Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online. 

  • Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com. 
   
Free Park Admissions for Veterans Day 
  • Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application. 
   
  • Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. The complimentary ticket includes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed service members. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13. 
  • Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar. 
   
  • Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. Knott’s Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day).  Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info. 
   
  • Fee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event. 
   
  • San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info. 
   
Bed and Breakfast for Vets
 
  • In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets. 
Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans. 
Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com. 
Other Veteran’s Day Discounts 
Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place. 
  • Free Car wash - Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.  
  • Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran’s Day to download the album 
  • Netflix – One Month Free Trial 
  • Sport Clips – FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation. 
  • Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).  
  • $100 for opening new Chase Freedom VISA 
Jos. A. Bank Veteran’s Day coupons: 
Regional Veteran’s Day Discounts 
There have been multiple request to include local and regional Veteran’s Day discounts. We are happy to include these in our list. Please use our Contact Page to send us the information. Please be sure to include a link to the website so we can verify it and share it with our readers. If a website is not available, then please use the company e-mail address so we can verify the offer. 
  • America’s Incredible Pizza Company (St. Louis and St. Peters, MO). Free meal Nov. 11th. Call ahead to verify hours and locations.  
  • Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA). Free admission for veterans, military personnel, police officers, and firefighters who show valid service ID on November 11, 2011.  
  • Brevard Zoo (Melbourne, FL), Nov. 11-13. Free Admission to military veterans with proof of service. More info 
  • Des Moines Botanical Center. Free admission November 11, 2011 for Veterans and their families. More info 
  • San Antonio Symphony and the United States Air Force Band of the West. Free Veterans Day Concert November 13, 2011. More info 
More Veterans Day Deals: 
  • Big Lots – 10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID. more info.  
  • 7/11 - This Veteran’s Day (Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 or 11/11/11), 7-Eleven, Inc. is saluting active, veteran and retired U.S. military personnel and their immediate families with FREE small Slurpee drinksbetween 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Presenting proof of current or former U.S. military service during that time is all that’s required to receive a free Slurpee drink on Veteran’s Day. 
  • Dollar General. 10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day. Offer good for all active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employee. More info.