Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October bloodiest month in Afghanistan
October is now the deadliest month for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. 55 US military personnel have been killed. Roadside bombs or improvised explosive devices (IED's) seem to be the main culprit. United States President Obama continues to deliberate on whether or not more U.S. troops will be deployed to the region.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Latest book: The Art of War
I did not read this one, I listened to it. Thinking
of doing that more often. The principles of 'The
Art of War' can be used in life and business...
at least that is why I got it. Read a summary here.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
'Merchant of Death' could walk
The 42-year-old Viktor Bout, a former Soviet military officer, has long been regarded by many veteran U.S. counter-terrrorism and intelligence officials as the ultimate "transnational criminal". He's like a character straight out of a James Bond movie. He has avoided capture for years as he allegedly supplied weapons of war to the Taliban, Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, and a host of other rogue regimes, drug traffickers, and criminal organizations.
Bout was apprehended by Thai police in a Bangkok luxury hotel last year as part of a DEA sting operation. Bout has been indicted in a New York federal court for conspiring to supply the
Colombian FARC with 700 surface-to-air missiles, thousands of guns, and airplanes outfitted with grenade launchers and missiles. Under U.S. law, supplying weapons to any such organization can
be prosecuted in American courts.
The successful prosecution of Viktor Bout in Thailand or elsewhere seems highly unlikely. Last February Thailand made its first purchase ever of Russian helicopters, buying six Mi-17 choppers for $9 million a piece. And in August, a Thai criminal court rejected the U.S. government's extradition request on grounds that the FARC was a legitimate political organization and not a bona fide terrorist group. The U.S., working with the Thai attorney general's office, immediately appealed. But late last month, judges on the Thai appellate court secretly met with the arms dealer, his lawyer, and translator on Sept. 15—without anybody from the U.S. Embassy or the Thai attorney general's office being notified of the session.
For more on Vicktor Bout:
Bout was apprehended by Thai police in a Bangkok luxury hotel last year as part of a DEA sting operation. Bout has been indicted in a New York federal court for conspiring to supply theColombian FARC with 700 surface-to-air missiles, thousands of guns, and airplanes outfitted with grenade launchers and missiles. Under U.S. law, supplying weapons to any such organization can
be prosecuted in American courts.
The successful prosecution of Viktor Bout in Thailand or elsewhere seems highly unlikely. Last February Thailand made its first purchase ever of Russian helicopters, buying six Mi-17 choppers for $9 million a piece. And in August, a Thai criminal court rejected the U.S. government's extradition request on grounds that the FARC was a legitimate political organization and not a bona fide terrorist group. The U.S., working with the Thai attorney general's office, immediately appealed. But late last month, judges on the Thai appellate court secretly met with the arms dealer, his lawyer, and translator on Sept. 15—without anybody from the U.S. Embassy or the Thai attorney general's office being notified of the session.
For more on Vicktor Bout:
Read the novel Merchant of Death.
Click here for the source of this blog post.
The film Lord of War is based loosely on the life of Bout.
Verizon Droid
The Verizon Droid will have a physical keyboard, be able
to run simulataneous apps and widgets and has a 5
megapixel camera. The camera comes with a flash and
is also able to shoot video. Google (cloud) provides a
facial recognition feature that brings up similar images
when you take someone's photo. Droid also features a
3.7 inch touchscreen and of course GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
capablities. This alleged iPhone killer is due out in November.
to run simulataneous apps and widgets and has a 5
megapixel camera. The camera comes with a flash and
is also able to shoot video. Google (cloud) provides a
facial recognition feature that brings up similar images
when you take someone's photo. Droid also features a
3.7 inch touchscreen and of course GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
capablities. This alleged iPhone killer is due out in November.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Latest movie: Metropolis
This movie is touted as the best and most influential silent
film. It was made in 1927. I liked it. My favorite part(s) are
the flood scenes and the (dark) cave scene. And the picture
above is my favorite screen shot...of all time!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Latest album: Clifford Brown with strings
Not the biggest connoisseur of jazz but I had to pick this one up. Cathy Hughes mentioned, during an interview with Quincy Jones, that this was one of her favorite pieces of music. I am starting to feel the same way. When Clifford Brown plays the trumpet, you forget it is a trumpet. Sounds real smoothed out. I felt like I was in Europe, possibly France. There is a lot of romance on this album. Check it out.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Latest movie: The Secret of Santa Vittoria
The legendary Anthony Quinn stars in this film. This is another one my buddy Barry recommended to me. It was quite good considering you know where the story is going. The editing was crisp and the comedic timing made the movie fun to watch.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Atlanta Celebrates Photography
October is Atlanta Celebrates Photography month. There
will be over 150 photo-related exhibitions and events. I
will have some of my work on display at Octane Coffee.
The opening reception for that display will be October
10th from 7pm to 10pm. Be a good sport and show up.
I have one by the restroom.
See if you can find the other 5 shots.
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