So...How's That Treaty Coming along?

First, I read this article in my local paper:

Obama push for nuclear test ban hinges on network that has quietly wired the world since 1990s

http://www.newser.com/article/d98c5j880/obama-push-for-nuclear-test-ban-hinges-on-network-that-has-quietly-wired-the-world-since-1990s.html

Geophysicist Raymond Jeanloz, chairman of the National Academy's Committee on National Security and Arms Control, favors conducting a new study of a system now nearing completion.
"Very reasonably, a political leader might ask, 'Is it performing up to standards?'" he said. "The scientific community is in a position to give an answer."

And just a moment ago I went on Ace's site and found this:

North Korea Claims To Have Conducted A Nuclear Test

http://ace.mu.nu/archives/287722.php

Original article here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090525/ap_on_re_as/as_koreas_nuclear

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea announced Monday that it successfully carried out an underground nuclear test, weeks after threatening to restart its rogue atomic program.
The country's official Korean Central News Agency called Monday's test "part of measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense."

More: Just for fun, I checked to see if N. Korea was part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. They were, until they go caught in 2003 and then they bailed out.
It's almost like treaties don't, you know, stop countries from doing whatever they want.

Raymond J. Christman Jr.

Last year I had the honor of meeting this man.

'I was one of the lucky ones, alive by a second'

http://www.newsday.com/topic/all-raymondchristman1,0,3488525.story

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/all-raymondchristman2,0,7107163.story

The 84-year-old Nazareth resident recalls the Battle of the Bulge and his ordeal as a prisoner of war. His story begins as he joins Company A, 109th Infantry Regiment, in Germany's Hürtgen Forest.

Go read his story.

Think of this part the next time you think you have it rough:

There must've been 25 to 30 of us left. The Germans put us in this warehouse. We had no water, but there was a drip coming down from the roof all the way to the floor, but you couldn't catch it there. I took my helmet and crawled up the wooden beams and I sat up there and caught the drip in my helmet and handed it down for the guys.

One thing the Germans didn't take away from me was my pocket New Testament. While I was sitting up there, I looked through the book and found the Christmas story, Luke. And I read it out loud, sitting up there catching water. Whether anybody listened to me, I don't know.

We spent that night in the warehouse, and the next day was Christmas. Something happened that morning, and I can't believe it yet.The Germans said we'd have to walk again to the next train station, so they lined us up to start walking. And some German civilians came up to us and gave us each four or five crackers with little cups of honey to dip them in for a Christmas present. The soldiers let them do it.

Memorial Day

Although we should do it all the time, often we don't. We are too busy with our daily lives, we get caught up in things that we think are important that are really meaningless.

On this day of picnics and parades, take a moment to remember what this day is for. Think of those away from their families, who would love to be sitting in their backyard with a burger and a beer, playing with their children.

Today, take the time to thank a Vet. All of us, liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican or Libertarian, the reason that we can have these differing opinions is because others have died for the freedoms we enjoy.

Take a moment, bow your head thank those who have fallen.

For our Country, our Flag, our Freedom.

For You.





Remember.

"It is the Soldier, not the minister

Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter

Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet

Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer

Who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician

Who has given us the right to vote.

And it is the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag,

Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Charles M. Province, U.S. Army

NEW RIFLE FROM RUGER: SR-556

Yes! I do want one of these:


A new AR platform from Ruger.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5902&return=Y

Yes, they are late to the party.
No, it is not revolutionary.
It IS piston operated (op rod)! Like the HK MR223.
It DOES weigh slightly less than the 'other' op rod AR. (7.9lbs. vs. 8.5lbs.)
It DOES cost less than the 'other' op rod AR. ( $1995 vs. a rumored $3500)
And as has been said in other forums, Ruger does not hate you and think you suck.
Yes, this will be a 'wait and see' proposition.
But in my humble opinion, I think it looks promising.
And if I were to able to afford any AR right now, I'd go for this one.


Sidebar: I know Barrett makes the REC7 for MSRP of $2399, but as far as I know it is only available in 6.8 SPC.

Just Because!

Go here to learn more about FELIX CANE:

http://www.felixpoledancing.com.au/

Good Lord! They Don't Have Anything More Serious To Worry About.

FDA Blasts General Mills Over Cheerios Claim

http://wcbstv.com/health/cheerios.general.mills.2.1007986.html

Cereal Makers Scolded Because Claim Of Lowering Cholesterol 10 Percent In Month Makes It A "Drug"

According to a letter from the FDA General Mills' advertising violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The agency said claims that Cheerios ingredients can lower cholesterol within a certain amount of time, all while providing cancer-fighting and heart-healthy benefits, essentially makes Cheerios "a drug" by their definition. And no drug in this country can be legally marketed without an approved new drug application.

Great Video

Hat tip: Cassie http://www.cassyfiano.com/