Nope.

The Nobel Peace prize has always been somewhat controversial - past winners have included such names as Jimmy Carter and Yasser Arafat

But did you know that Mother Moonbat herself was in the running??

Yep.

More here and here

Fortunately, she'll have to live without the title of Nobel laureate - that distinction went to Bangladeshi Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank for their work to advance economic development for the poor.

Thunderbolts add to their rich history
By Lance Cpl. Nikki M. Fleming3rd Marine Aircraft WingPrior to the United States involvement in World War II, a Marine aviation squadron was born, marking the birth of another aircraft carrier based squadron. ...
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Air Force focused on three priorities
WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our Airmen and their families and the overall recapitalization and modernization of aging, obsolete aircraft and spacecraft.
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By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 – Winning the global war on terror requires a national consensus, with support demonstrated in actions as well as words, the Army’s chief of staff told hundreds of soldiers and defense industry representatives here yesterday.

That means ensuring troops on the front lines have what they need to succeed, Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker told attendees at the Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting.

Soldiers have a reasonable expectation that their country will ensure they’re trained, equipped and resourced for the missions they’re called to conduct, the general said. “This resonates loud and clear,” he said. “It echoes an almost sacred duty for those of us in a position of responsibility.

“As we look back on the Army’s accomplishments and leap forward to meet future challenges, everything we do must be judged against the standard of preparedness,” he said. “In fact, by meeting our soldiers’ expectations, we will uphold our responsibility to them and they will be a relevant and ready force.”

Schoomaker cited sweeping transformation efforts under way in the Army so it’s prepared to face current and future challenges. New equipment, evolving doctrine and the incorporation of lessons learned into training and operations are creating a stronger, more agile force, he said.

That’s critical as the Army confronts “perhaps the most dangerous period in our lifetime” in the global war on terror, he said.

“While we must prevail, victory is not assured,” the general warned, noting that the United States is “much closer to the beginning than the end” of the war.

Schoomaker expressed concern that national support for the war on terror has been “tepid,” noting that just 4 percent of the United States’ gross national product is committed to defense. This compares to 38 percent during World War II.

“Ultimately, victory requires a national strategic consensus … in words and actions,” he said. “Another 9/11 should not have to occur to shake us into action.”

Ensuring that the force receives the funding it needs “is a matter of national priority, not a matter of affordability,” Schoomaker said.

The general thanked soldiers for “answering the nation’s call to duty in this time of war” and praised their skill, professionalism and adherence to the warrior ethos and Army values. “Their dedication and optimism about our future is contagious,” he said.

Today’s leaders serve as “caretakers for this generation of soldiers, … who will continue to meet America’s challenges long after we take our uniforms off,” he said.

“Like their predecessors, today’s soldiers continue to distinguish themselves in many ways, demonstrating initiative, resilience and innovation at all levels,” he said. “I am proud to report that our soldiers serving on our nation’s behalf continue to exceed every expectation of courage, dedication and selfless service. They are the heart of all that we do. … They are also our future.”

Schoomaker vowed to help ensure these troops have what they need to carry out the tasks they’re assigned -- from combat operations to humanitarian support missions and everything in between.

“Their expectations are high, but they are not selfish,” he said of America’s soldiers. “And chief among them is an expectation to be prepared to fight wars and any missions the nation assigns our Army.”


Biographies:
Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, USA

Maj. Jose Devarona, battalion executive officer for U.N. Command Security Battalion, glances toward the tall building in the background, which is the North Korean side of Panmunjom – the site where many discussions have been held with North Korean officials in the past. A North Korean guard is watching Republic of Korea and U.S. Soldiers. Photo by Heike Hasenauer .

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 – South Korean servicemembers deployed in Iraq the past two years have accomplished “some absolutely remarkable work” in the city of Erbil, a senior U.S. military officer said today.

Some 2,200 South Korean troops at Camp Zeitoun have built a hospital there that’s equipped with operating rooms staffed by 19 doctors and 15 nurses, Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. More than 40,000 Iraqi patients have been treated at the hospital, he noted.

The South Korean servicemembers are working every day to improve the lives of Iraqi residents in their area of operations, Caldwell said, noting he’d witnessed their handiwork during a recent visit to Erbil.

The South Koreans also opened a vocational training center for local Iraqis that offers computer and banking courses, as well as training in maintenance and repair of home appliances, generators and automobiles, he said.

The vocational center’s curriculum was chosen with input from local Iraqi officials to improve the local economy, Caldwell said. About 900 local Iraqis have attended classes at the center, he said. The South Koreans also trained some local Iraqis to teach the courses, so that the center would be self-sustaining, Caldwell said.

Industrious South Korean servicemembers also constructed 15 local schools, 10 primary health clinics, and 60 village water wells and water storage tanks, he said.

“The Multinational Force is grateful for the participation of South Korea in the coalition,” Caldwell said, adding that Erbil province residents are fortunate to receive South Korean-provided economic and reconstruction projects.

Erbil province has experienced an economic renaissance in recent years that’s been enabled by a stable security situation, Caldwell said. “Security and economic transformation throughout Iraq will go hand in hand,” he said. Iraq has abundant resources which should help it to get back onto a sound economic footing, he added.

The new Iraqi government recognizes that a vibrant national economy can greatly assist in stemming extremist elements, Caldwell said. Encouraging international investment in Iraqi enterprises “will foster not only employment for Iraqis, but also hope for this country’s future,” he said.

Related Sites:
Multinational Force Iraq

KITE FLYING — A U.S. Army soldier from the Gardez Provincial Reconstruction team launches a kite into the air during a medical and veterinarian civic action program in Kharwar, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joey L. Suggs

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
U.S. casualties surge amid worsening Iraq violence - Video
UK troops worsen problems in Iraq: army chief - Video

Operation Enduring Freedom
NATO Troops Kill 20 Taliban

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Red Cross Meets Khalid Sheik Mohammed at Gitmo
Briton admits bomb plot against NY exchange - Video
Plane crash sparks security concerns in New York - Video
UK minister says Guantanamo Bay "unacceptable"
Mexico probes possible Hezbollah financing links

Other Military News
Defense official recalled to active duty

Worldwide Wackos
U.S. Steps Up Drive to Break Impasse on U.N. Resolution - VIDEO
White House Pushes to Break U.N. Deadlock
U.N. envoys move closer to deal on N.Korea sanctions - Video
Life in nuclear N.Korea beats to drum of leader Kim

Politics / Government
Ex-Foley Aide Talks to Ethics Panel
Bush Helps Embattled Hastert, Meets With Bono
Former President Ford Hospitalized for Tests
Bush defends House leader faulted over sex scandal
Warner bows out of White House bid

U.N. News
Darfur sanctions needed after diplomacy fails: report

Mother Nature
Group warns mountains will lose ice caps

News from My Neck of the Woods
Feds Try to Determine Cause of Lidle's Plane Crash
High-rise searched for airplane parts

Oddities
Cops: Dad Locked Up Son, Watched on Camera
Death-row prisoner gets pregnant in solitary
Watching horses race just for the fun of it?
Mich. woman tries to sell mummy on eBay
Sheriff: Man wanted 'hit' on unborn baby

Other News of Note
Missing Student, Man Caught on Tape - VIDEO

Fox News
3 Dead, 3 Missing in Pipeline Blast in Gulf of Mexico
Jury: Wal-Mart Broke Labor Laws; Fined $62M
Spinach E. Coli Source Traced to Cattle Ranch
Stocks to Watch: Aetna, La-Z-Boy
Dow Soars to Close at New Record, Nears 12,000
Pacers' Jackson Booked on Felony Charge

Reuters: Top News
Australian, Finn among tips for Nobel Peace Prize
Ecuador's Correa scrambles for votes in close race
Looking for roots in Africa? DNA search not easy
Fossil embryos caught in the act of dividing
Google starts Japanese news service for cellphones
Palm launches new phones, aimed at casual users
Ukrainians fight over new face for ancient Lviv
New test identifies mystery New York viruses
Turkey's Orhan Pamuk wins Nobel literature prize
Oil above $58 on U.S. stockdraw but capped by OPEC - Video
Dollar slips as U.S. Fed voices worries
Dow Jones sets record Video
Gas prices, overseas units lift US restaurant stocks
U.S. manufacturers see business growth slowing-study
Beyond the slump
OPEC indecision to keep oil pressured
Home Depot poised for China entry - paper
SAIC IPO raises $1.1 billion
Beige Book says economy growing moderately
Google starts Japanese news service for cellphones
Fed's Moskow says more rate hikes may be needed
Private firms bid for 3Com/Huawei venture: report

AP World News
Oprah, Bono promote clothing line, iPod
Mets down Cards in Game 1 pitchers' duel
Cardinals QB Warner says he may retire
John Forsythe treated for colon cancer
Dow up 96 to close at record 11,948
Jackson posts bond, may play Saturday
Minn. town loses gas heat for night
O.J. Simpson seeks dismissal of suit

Military.com
Drug Discounts Blocked
Is China Disrupting U.S. Satellites?

CENTCOM: News Releases
MND-B SOLDIERS DETAIN TERRORISTS, SEIZE MUNITIONS

TEAM PROVIDES REBUILDING SUPPLIES, ‘HOPE’ TO PAKISTAN VILLAGERS

FIRE AT AMMUNITION HOLDING AREA

UPDATE 1: FIRE AT AMMUNITION HOLDING AREA

IA, US SOLDIERS BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH IRAQI CITIZENS TO ELIMINATE TERRORISTS

TWO INSURGENTS CAPTURED OUTSIDE SAMARRA

USJFCOM
USJFCOM exhibits Joint Force Projection ACTD - podcast
Top DoD readiness officials tour command
Joint Systems Baseline Assessment 2006 comes to successful close - podcast
More about the Joint Systems Integration Command
USJFCOM commander discusses reserve force issues - podcast

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
Army Experts: Unconventional Conflicts to Dominate Future Ops - Story
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
CSI: National Forensics Academy Opens in Baghdad - Story
Saab al Bour Opens Refurbished Primary School - Story
Soldiers Patrol the Liquid Highways of Iraq - Story

IN IRAQ
Soldiers Work to Eliminate Terrorist Threats
‘Spirit and Body Tour’ Stops at Camp Liberty
Iraqi Soldiers Visit Schools, Hand Out Supplies
Coalition Conference Looks at the New Iraq
Senior NCO Visits 10th Mountain Division Soldiers

IN AFGHANISTAN
Task Force Grizzly Soldiers Eliminate Insurgents
Afghan NCOs Complete Drill Sergeant Course

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

CASUALTIES
Officials Identify Army Casualties - Story

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 Qandahar

Gitmo

National Hurricane Center

Today in History
1775 - The Continental Congress orders construction of a naval fleet.
1792 - Washington lays the cornerstone of the Executive Mansion (White House).
1812 - The Battle of Queenston Heights.
1843 -B'nai B'rith is founded in NY.
1845 - Texas ratifies a state constitution.
1860 - 1st aerial photo taken in US (from a balloon), Boston
1943 - Italy declares war on Germany, its former ally.
1944 - The U.S. 1st Army begins the Battle of Aachen.
1947 - "Kukla, Fran & Ollie" premieres.
1953 - The burglar alarm is patented.
1957 - The German Democratic Republic recalls the East Mark and issues new currency.
1964 - The Voskhod-1 crew returns.
1969 - Soyuz-8 is launched
1972 - An Aeroflot jet crashes in a large pond outside Moscow, killing 176; a plane carrying a team of Uruguayan rugby players crashes on its way from Uruguay to Chile; the survivors are rescued on 12/23.
1978 - Tiros-N, the U.S.'s first third-generation weather satellite, is launched.
1981 - Vice President Hosni Mubarak is elected president of Egypt.
1982 - The IOC restores two gold medals from the 1912 Olympics to Jim Thorpe.
1984 - The STS 41-G mission lands at the Kennedy Space Center.
1987 - In the Persian Gulf, the U.S. Navy makes the first military use of trained dolphins.
1991 - Blue Jay Cito Gaston becomes the first manager ejected in a playoff game.

Birthdays
1769 - Horace H. Hayden, co-founder of the first dental college
1909 - Herblock (Herbert L. Block), political cartoonist
1920 - Nipsey Russell, comedian (Car 54, Barefoot in the Park)
1925 - Margaret Thatcher, British PM (1979-90)
1961 - Jerry Rice, NFL receiver (San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders)

Passings
0054 - Claudius Roman Emperor
1795 - William Prescott, American Revolutionary soldier
1974 - Ed Sullivan, TV host (Ed Sullivan Show)
1979 - Clarence Muse, actor (Sam-Casablanca)
1988 - Mike Venezia, jockey, dies in a 5th-race fall at the Belmont Race Track in NY
1989 - Jay Ward, animator (Rocky & His Friends)

Reported Missing in Action
1966
Borden, Murray L., USAF (NC); F4C shot down (w/Meadows)

Meadows, Eugene T., USAF (NC); F4C shot down (w/Borden) remains returned November, 1994

1967
Miller, Edison Wainright, USMC (IA); F4B shot down (pilot, w/Warner), released by DRV February, 1973 (injured); later accused of collaboration, sued fellow POW's who spoke against him when he was running for office (associated w/ Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden); he lost the suit

Warner, James H., USMC (MI); F4B shot down (Backseater, w/Miller), released by DRV March, 1973

1968
Hunt, James D., USN (MT); A6A shot down (bombardier/navigator, w/Orell)

Masterson, Michael J., USAF (WA); bailed out of A1G after mechanical problems

Orell, Quinlen R., USN (OH); A6A shot down (pilot, w/Hunt)

1969
Getchell, Paul E., USAF (ME); B57 shot down (co-pilot)

1970
Chestnut, Joseph L., USAF (TN); T28 disappeared while on mission, remains returned / ID'd July, 1995