ARRR! Avast ye scurvy dogs - it be "Talk Like a Pirate Day!"

So drink up, me hearties!

Between makin' liberals walk the plank, and downing grog, why not get yerself o'er to visit some of me fellow pirates - the blogs o' the Pirate Armada:

360VRWCA Lady's Ruminations
Actual Miles
Armed and Gregarious
Bad Dog Barking
Bloggin' On Down The Rogue
Blue Star Chronicles
Brisket for Chucklehead
Conspiracy, what conspiracy?
Corps Blogger
DeMediacratic Nation
Dodgeblogium
Dr. Sanity
DSOTW
Echo9er
Evolution Right
Freedom Watch
Gawfergiant city
Hear, O Israel
High Desert Wanderer
Hillbilly White Trash
Hujonwi's Placeionetic
Lady Heather of Suburbia
Left Wing Lies
Marvin's Word
MoveOn and ShutUp
My Take on This
Neocon Express
New Trommetter Times
OpiniPundit
Pure Gum Spirits
Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance
RadioActive Chief
Random Thoughts of Yet Another Military Member
Right Wing Nation
Rolling Barrage
Sammenhold
Shots Across Your Bow
Signal 94
Sixth Sense of Humor
Slapstick Politics
Stingray
Stop the ACLU
Stuck on Stupid
TBone's War Journal
The Anti-Corn Law League
The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler
The Blorg
The Conservablog
The Cook Shack Gab & Grub
The Dread Pundit Bluto
The Dumb Ox
The Filthy Report
The North Cave
The Raging Capitalist
The White Trash Republican
Theodore's World
Vince Aut Morire

Maintainers improving system through AFSO 21
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFPN) -- If you could reduce the number of steps an Airman in the 92nd Maintenance Squadron's Periodic Inspection Element has to climb every day, you could give him back a lot of time. More

From "The Other Iraq":

The following poll was conducted by WorldPublicOpinion.org and their Program on International Policy Attitudes. The poll was fielded by KA Research Limited/D3 Systems and was conducted among 1,150 Iraqis. The views of Iraqi Kurds in particular are highlighted below

Thinking about any hardships you might have suffered since the US-Britain invasion, do you personally think that ousting Saddam Hussein was worth it or not?

Iraqi Kurds: 91% said it was WORTH IT.


Do you think that Iraq today is generally headed in the right direction or the wrong direction?

Iraqi Kurds: 76% said RIGHT DIRECTION.


Do you think that the government to be established by the newly-elected parliament will or will not be the legitimate representative of the Iraqi people?

Iraqi Kurds: 81% said WILL BE.


Despite a "negative" bias in some of the questions, Iraqi Kurds remained optimistic and resolute in supporting a better future for their country and their people and resisted attempts to "bash" the United States.


It is offensive to me to have foreign forces in my country?

Iraqi Kurds: 0% said it was offensive.


Do you approve of the U.S. being involved in Iraq - assisting with the economic development of Iraq?

Iraqi Kurds: 87% APPROVE of U.S. involvement.


Do you approve of the U.S. being involved in Iraq - assisting with the development of Iraq's oil industry?

Iraqi Kurds: 87% APPROVE of U.S. involvement.


Do you approve of the U.S. being involved in Iraq - training Iraqi security forces?

Iraqi Kurds: 96% APPROVE of U.S. involvement


For more news about "The Other Iraq," visit http://www.theotheriraq.com/

Yokosuka, Japan (Sept. 17, 2006) - Japanese guests and family members gather on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) to watch Sailors prepare for a flight demonstration during a family day cruise. More than 2,200 family members and guests embarked aboard Kitty Hawk for a day cruise, which included an air power demonstration, shipboard tours and ship maneuvers by three warships of the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2006


FRIST ANNOUNCES SENATE MOVING TO THE SECURE FENCE ACT

WASHINGTON , D.C. — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., (R–Tenn.) made the following statement after filing cloture on the motion to proceed to the Secure Fence Act of 2006:

“Border security is the essential first step of any effort to enact immigration reform. Only when we have convinced the American people of our commitment to securing our borders will we be able reach a consensus on comprehensive immigration reform. Tonight, I filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the Secure Fence Act of 2006 which will authorize the construction of physical barriers and deploy state-of-the-art technology to secure our border.”

The Secure Fence Act of 2006:

* Authorizes over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas and requiring an evaluation of infrastructure needs along the northern border;

* Mandates that DHS achieve and maintain operational control over the entire border through a “virtual fence” that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology;

* Requires DHS to provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority held by the United States Coast Guard for maritime vessels; and

* Requires DHS to assess the vulnerability of the northern border.

by Air Force Master Sgt. Jonathan Doti
September 19, 2006
An Iraqi National Police officer and Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division search a building for terrorists and weapons in the Bya suburb of Baghdad. US Army photo.

The dates from the village of al-Mansuriya are displayed at a table during the Diyala Date Festival in Baqubah, Iraq, Sept. 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2006
SR# 091106-146

by Sgt. Zach Mott
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

BAQUBAH, Iraq (September 18, 2006) -- Diyala farmers celebrated one of the most prosperous date harvests in several years with a festival in the provincial capital of Baqubah Sept. 18.

The date crop was bolstered by a joint project in which the Iraqi government and coalition forces in May executed a crop spraying campaign with helicopters piloted by Moldova and Bulgaria citizens to prevent insect infestation.

"In previous years there has been a severe infestation of the dubas bug," said Capt. Mark Cassill, executive officer, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion which is attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning. "Tiny dates were produced and they could only be sold as animal feed."

Because the dates could only be sold as animal feed it cut the amount of money farmers were able to earn. However, this year, date production was up at least 50 percent across the board and is now fit for human consumption. This also means that farmers are able to charge more for their product.

Abdul Aziz Abbas Mohammed, who was judged by provincial officials to be the best farmer in Diyala Province , saw his crop total increase by 85 percent over last years take.

"We're optimistic that next year the crops will be a lot more and better," Mohammed said through an interpreter after speaking about the success of this year's spraying campaign.

He also said that he hopes plans are being made for next year's campaign in order to maximize the date yield.

Cassill said that the Iraqi government is planning next season's spraying utilizing Iraqi owned helicopters and pilots funded by the government of Iraq.

Those in attendance at the festival had the chance to sample the numerous dates from various farms throughout the province as well as purchase crafts made from date palms.

Members of the Diyala government and agriculture departments spoke about the successful crop harvest as well as the need to continue to develop the province's most money-earning resource.

"I would like to thank the people and the government who worked on the spraying campaign and we wish for more support so the farmers will believe that the government cares about their needs," Mohammed said.

Some of the goods being offered by farmers from throughout Diyala Province were on display at the date festival in Baqubah, Iraq, Sept. 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Abdul Aziz Abbas Mohammed, center, is interviewed by members of the press during the date palm festival in Baqubah , Iraq , Sept. 18. Mohammed was judged to be the best farmer in Diyala Province . (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Dates from various villages across Diyala Province are displayed at tables set up at the Diyala Date Festival in Baqubah, Iraq, Sept. 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Abdul Aziz Abbas Mohammed speaks to a festival attendee about his date harvest during the Diyala Date Festival in Baqubah, Iraq, Sept. 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

PROFICIENCY SHOOT — Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six, Detachment 14, fire rounds during a proficiency shoot on the USS Enterprise, Sept. 15, 2006. The Enterprise is currently on a scheduled six-month deployment in the Arabian Sea in support of Maritime Security Operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Milosz Reterski

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Annan: 'Grave Danger That the Iraqi State Will Break Down'

Operation Enduring Freedom
Four Canadians among 19 killed in Afghan blasts - Video

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Fish used to detect terror attacks
Somalian president escapes bomb, gunfire that kills 11 - Video

Religion of Peace??
Al Qaeda in Iraq Threatens Pope Over Remarks About Islam
Iranian leader urges more papal protests
Bush says pope sincere in apology on Islam - Video
Turkey trip seen as chance for Pope to make amends - Video

Mid-East Ceasefire / Israel at War
Striking workers mob Palestinian PM in Gaza - Video

NSA / CIA
White House offers revised CIA interrogation plan

Worldwide Wackos
Iran negotiator's absence raises doubts about talks - Video
U.S. wants to see 'verifiable suspension' by Iran
France: more Iran talks needed, sanctions flawed - Video

Politics / Government
Service Held for Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards
Man Crashes Through Barricade at U.S. Capitol

U.N. News
Bush to Address U.N. Assembly on Middle East
Bush faces doubts at U.N. over Iran, Iraq policy
UN envoy urges beefing up African Union in Sudan - Video

Mother Nature
Tree rings can reveal hurricane record: study

Oddities
Village elders order trial by boiling oil
Student finds brief fame as Terracotta Warrior

Other News of Note
Holocaust survivor siblings reunite 65 years later

Fox News
FDA Warned Farmers About Spinach Safety
Sketch of Baby-Snatch Suspect Released
Riots Rock Budapest
Princeton Joins Harvard in Ending Early Admissions
Anna Nicole's Son Was Taking Antidepressants
Ex-Buckeye Maurice Clarett Pleads Guilty
S.C. Bunker Kidnap Suspect Charged With Rape
Report: Milan Building Collapse Kills at Least 3
Parents Kidnap Daughter for Alleged Abortion
Even Cowboys Get the High Gas-Price Blues

Reuters: Top News
Parents kidnap daughter to have abortion
Toxic liquids spill in space station
Microsoft to launch video service to rival YouTube
Toshiba says to replace 340,000 Sony-made batteries
Investors bet on rising costs for scarce water
Restaurant chains pull spinach from menus
AIDS no longer killing all patients, study finds
Willie Nelson hit with drug charges
Bounty hunter turns legal bind into TV special

AP World News
Johansson likes her hourglass figure
U.S. uploads anti-drug videos to YouTube
Mets win first NL East title since 1988
Clarett pleads guilty, gets 3 1/2 years
Dow closes down 6, Nasdaq finishes flat
Saints provide antidote to Katrina
Astronauts inspect shuttle one last time
Experts: GM-Ford talks sign of the times
Shark that walks on fins is discovered
Roethlisberger is expected to return
Warner to issue music through YouTube
Archdiocese wants abuse case dismissed
3rd teen arrested in Wis. school plot
Ex-Black Panther asks for new trial
Accused cartel member pleads not guilty

Military.com
From ASW to Counter-IED
Defense Firm's Ethics Under Fire

CENTCOM: News Releases
SUPPLIES DELIVERED AS OPERATION MOUNTAIN FURY KICKS OFF

10th MOUNTAIN SOLDIERS VISIT ANDAR DISTRICT

AFGHAN, COALITION FORCES LAUNCH OPERATION MOUNTAIN FURY

USJFCOM
Empire Challenge 06 focuses on joint, coalition warfighting operations - podcast
Liveblogging: Urban Resolve 2015 - Read Chris' liveblog

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
Baghdad Bomb Kills U.S. Soldier - Story
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
Soldier Hit by Anti-Tank Mine Praises Up-Armor - Story
Operation Improves Ameriyah, Deters Terrorists - Story
82nd Airborne Takes Over Operations in Bayji - Story

IN IRAQ
Iraqi Police, U.S. Soldiers Seize Weapons, Suspects
25th Infantry Division Continues Transition Role
Iraqi Police Department Recruits 67 Men-in-Blue

IN AFGHANISTAN
10th Mountain Division Soldiers Thwart Extremists
Legacy of Fallen Citadel Graduate Lives On

BACKGROUND
IRAQ
Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (PDF)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Weekly Reconstruction Report (PDF)
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

Weather
Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul

Gitmo

Today in History
1544 - France and Austria sign a treaty, ending 20 years of war.
1676 - Bacon's rebellion results in the burning of Jamestown.
1777 - Americans, under General Horatio Gates, won the Battle of Saratoga; the Continental Congress fled Philadelphai for York ahead of approaching British forces.
1796 - George Washington issues his farewell address as President.
1827 - Jim Bowie stabs a Louisiana banker with his famous knife.
1862 - Battle of Iuka, Mississippi.
1881 - President James Garfield dies of a gunshot wound inflicted by a disappointed office seeker (July 2nd).
1900 - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid pull off their first robbery together.
1934 - Bruno Hauptmann is charged with the kidnap and murder of Charles Lindbergh's baby.
1941 - The Germans bombard Leningrad.
1948 - Moscow announces it will withdraw from Korea by the end of the year.
1955 - President Juan Peron of Argentina is deposed and exiled.
1957 - The U.S. conducts its first underground nuclear test in NV.
1959 - Khrushchev is barred from visiting Disneyland.
1984 - Great Britain and China announce an agreement to transfer Hong Kong to Chinese rule in 1997.
1985 - Mexico City is hit by the first of two earthquakes that will kill thousands (the second hits 36 hours later).
1994 - U.S. troops arrive in Haiti to enforce exiled president Jean-Bertrand Aristide's return.
1995 - The Washington Post publishes the "Unabomber's Manifesto," a sixty-five-page thesis on what the "Unabomber" thought were the problems with America's society.
2001 - U.S. combat aircraft are ordered to the Persian Gulf in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11th.
2002 - President George W. Bush asks Congress for authority to "use all means," including military force if necessary, to disarm and overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein if Iraq fails to meet United Nations demands to abandon all weapons of mass destruction.

Birthdays
0086 - Antonius Pius, 15th Roman Emperor (0138 - 0161)
0866 - Leo VI, Byzantine emperor
1655 - Jan Luyts - Dutch scholar/physicist/mathematician/astronomer
1800 - William Wister McKean, Commander, Union Navy
1822 - Joseph Rodman West, Brevet Major General, Union volunteers
1802 - Louis Kossuth, president of Hungary (1949)
1898 - Guiseppe Saragat, president of Italy (1964-71)
1905 - Leon Jaworski, lawyer, Special Prosecutor for Watergate
1907 - Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1972 - 1987)
1914 - Rogers Morton, U.S. Secretary of the Interior (1968-75)
1926 - Lurieen Wallace (Gov-AL, 1966-68)
1929 - Margaret S. Roukema (Rep-NJ); Adam West, actor (Batman)
1932 - Mike Royko, journalist (Chicago Daily News), author
1935 - Thomas W. Ewing (Rep-IL); Robert Kruger (Sen-TX)
1941 - "Mamma" Cass Elliot (or 1943)
1947 - Steve Bartlet (Rep-TX)
1950 - Joan Lunden, news host (Good Morning America)
1960 - Julianna Young, Playboy Playmate (Nov., 1993)
1957 - Richard M. Linnehan, astronaut, (STS 78, sk: 90)
1974 - Victoria Silverstedt, Playboy Playmate (Dec., 1996)

Passings
1881 - James A. Garfield, 20th U.S. President, 80 days after being shot

Reported Missing in Action
1966
Brown, Frank Monroe, Jr., USN (PA); F4B shot down (pilot, w/Henry), KIA/BNR

Henry, David Alan, USN (CA); F4B shot down (w/Brown), KIA/BNR

Parsons, Don B., USNR (NY); F4B shot down (pilot, w/Pilkington)

Pilkington, Thomas H., USNR (IL); F4B shot down (RIO, w/Parsons)

Waltman, Donald G., USAF (ID); F105 shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel, deceased September, 1997

1968
Capling, Elwyn R., USAF (MI); F105F shot down - SRV returned remains to PCOM March, 1977

Holt, Robert Alan, USMC (PA); F4B shot down (w/LaVoo), remains ID'd June, 1999

LaVoo, John Allen, USMC (CO); F4B shot down (pilot, w/Holt), remains ID'd June, 1999