GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.23.2014 >>>

Israeli forces pounded Gaza, meeting stiff resistance from Hamas Islamists, as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry pushes ceasefire talks.  

The costly Iron Dome missile defense system is proving its worth and the need for laser missile defense systems.

To deter Hamas, the military plans to destroy the homes of Palestinians accused of violence - displacing families in the process.

Hamas won't back down. And Israel refuses to stop until it feels the job is done. What is Israel's endgame in Gaza?

Senior U.S. intelligence officials said Russia was responsible for "creating the conditions" that led to the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, but they offered no evidence of direct Russian government involvement.

Russian statements expressing skepticism that the U.S. can produce satellite images showing a surface-to-air missile shooting down the Malaysia Airlines jet on July 17 shows 'desperation' on Russia's part.

Brits investigating assassination of the spy who warned us about Putin.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging President Obama to do more to prevent the French government from selling warships to Russia after the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.

China's recent unrelenting drive to use coercive and intimidating state power, short of direct application of military force, to advance control of disputed territory in the East China Sea and the South China Sea poses a major problem for the United States.

Shadow Wars: U.S. military - with its signature aircraft carriers, submarines, jet fighters and heavily armored vehicles - may be too deeply invested in very expensive capabilities poorly designed to deal effectively with these new threats.

Budget cuts are forcing the Pentagon to send "pink slips" to thousands of military personnel, including some currently serving in Afghanistan.

VA nominee Bob McDonald: "Change can be achieved"

Air Force launching satellites to spy on other satellites.

The outgoing head of the U.S. Air Force Space Command said the time is right for a new rocket engine to be developed in the United States.

Congress must extent brain rehab program for veterans.

A World War II officer who trained the country's first black Marines was laid to rest at the Roseburg National Cemetery Annex.

SilencerCo's New Shotgun Suppressor: The Salvo 12 is a modular design that allows the shooter to add or remove sections to balance length and weight.

Seeing real U.S. Navy SEALs moving underwater is way cooler than any movie.

This amazing tree produces 40 different kinds of fruit.

All the supernovas ever photographed in one spectacular collection.

List: Here are 10 of the most awesomest movies stunts in film history.

Rob Reiner reflects on Spinal Tap in the latest ep of Sound Opinions. 

Get ready for the seedless mango.

Did you know they've now introduced Peanut Butter Cheerios?

What are the happiest and unhappiest cities in America?

The United States will fall to pieces beginning Aug. 21 ...

LINK: Original photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Nistas

GRAB A COFFEE AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.22.2014 >>>

The Iraqi ambassador to the United States explicitly called for ramped up American military involvement in his country, asking the United States to launch air strikes against positions being held by ISIL.

Restoring peace to Iraq will require a re-balancing or disengagement of the center from the periphery, either de facto or de jure.

Beijing has defended its dispatch of a spy ship to international waters off Hawaii, near where Chinese vessels are taking part in a U.S.-led naval exercise for the first time.

The shooting down of a Malaysian Airlines passenger aircraft over eastern Ukraine is likely to further contribute to security concerns in Eastern Europe, where NATO allies eye increased cooperation in the field of defense and joint arms procurements.

Congress is deeply divided over whether to kill a contract with a top Russian arms supplier, Rosoboronexport, to provide helicopters and parts to the Afghan air force. 

Terror threat enters danger zone.

President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to former Staff Sgt Ryan M. Pitts during a White House ceremony.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) says lawmakers tasked with hammering out a bipartisan legislation that would overhaul the Veterans Affairs Department have agreed that budget cuts should help fund any eventual bill.

President Barack Obama's choice to lead the beleaguered Veterans Affairs Department is going before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a confirmation hearing as Congress considers a bill to help the next VA leader do his job.

Medical professionals from coast to coast have pointed out problems at the VA, only to suffer retaliation from supervisors and other high-ranking officials.

New high-tech job training efforts being launched by the White House this week will include veteran-specific programs and placement efforts.

Oklahoma lawmakers urged the Obama administration to reconsider a decision to expand housing at U.S. military bases for child immigrants from Central American who are apprehended crossing the border. 

Special Report: Top five best bases for airmen. (Joint Base Lewis-McChord tied for 39th).

100 Guardsmen on standby to fight fires in Washington state.

The Air Force plans to launch two operational satellites and one experimental satellite into near-geosynchronous Earth orbit July 23.

Army officials have withdrawn their intelligence network from a major testing exercise this fall because of software glitches, in the latest setback for the troubled system.

The Army is "breaking new ground" in efforts to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault in the ranks.

Carl Sagan explains why aliens are not visiting us all the time.

Here's an insanely scary roller coaster for those who need to feel like they're close to dying in order to feel like they're living.

Driving in Russia is flirting with death-watch these three accidents happening in 30 seconds.

Hear a rockin' new Weezer track.

FX has renewed Fargo and Louie.

Sure, we have time for a 278-hour marathon of The Simpsons ...

Watch a five-minute clip from Guardians of the Galaxy.

In this video, Dave Foley welcomes the Ramones to heaven.

And finally, here is a crab eating a bowl of noodles.

LINK: Original photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.21.14 >>>

The Palestinian death toll rose to more than 500 as Israel announced it had prevented two more attempts by Hamas militants to infiltrate the nation via tunnels from the Gaza Strip. 

Science!: Why Israel's Iron Dome is overrated.

Secretary of State John F. Kerry cited what he calls an "enormous amount of evidence" tying separatists to downing of Malaysia Airlines in Ukraine.

The Buk that brough down MH17 is the high-tech equivalent of the ubiquitous AK-14, which almost started World War III.

Republicans and Democrats showed a rare display of bipartisanship last week when members of both parties criticized the Pentagon's $58.6 billion war budget request, but experts say Congress will likely approve the measure.

Obama wants $5 billion to boost foreign deployment of special operations forces.

The revival of the Pentagon's storied F-35 alternative engine program is unlikely despite a U.S. Senate panel raising that possibility.

China in the sky: 10 things to know about the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on Tuesday will hold a confirmation hearing for Robert McDonald, President Obama's nominee to lead the troubled Veterans Affairs Department.

A small aircraft carrying U.S. military personnel made an emergency landing in the middle of a highway after running out of fuel.

The Kansas Adjutant General's office says federal authorities are investigating possible corruption involving outside medical companies' contracts with the Kansas Army National Guard.

Air Force officials are expected to decide by next month whether to go forward with a huge expansion of a bomber training area over the Northern Plains for B-1 bombers.

For the first time students from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School got to fly with the newly upgraded Sustainment Block-16 B-1B Lancer.

Military pride: These states boast the highest enlistment rates in America.

The definitive proof: Why the moon landings could have never ever been faked.

These photos of rest areas will make you want to jump in your car and go.

Actor James Garner has died.

Watch a trailer for the new season of Homeland.

See a trailer for Aaron McGruder's new Adult Swim comedy, Black Jesus.

Finally: Here's a cover of Queen's Another One Bites the Dust that consists of movie screams.

Here's today's Ugandan street dance battle ...

LINK: Original photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.19.14 >>>

Rebels are accused of moving bodies from the site of the downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, denying access to area.

Obama said the rebels "have received a steady flow of support from Russia," including antiaircraft weapons.

The U.S. will not take military action in response to the downing of a Malaysian passenger jet over Ukraine.

Iran faced Western pressure today to make concessions over its atomic activities after it and six world powers failed to meet a July 20 deadline for a deal to end the decade-old dispute but agreed to keep talking.

Israeli clashes with Hamas intensify in Gaza: Civilian casualties mount as fighting grows more fierce.

The U.S. military continues to draw down in preparation for the end of its combat mission in December, but the fight in Afghanistan is not over.

Afghanistan drawdown: Some lawmakers say they are uncomfortable with Obama's plan, which responds to the American public's war fatigue.

Lawmakers were quick to praise Senate appropriators' $550 billion defense spending bill, which rejected many proposed Pentagon cost-cutting measures and protected programs in their home districts.

The first congressional panel to take action on a White House-proposed counterterrorism program breathed life into the effort - but also raised a slew of questions the Obama administration is struggling to answer.

Air Force focuses fourth round of VERA/VSIP on headquarters reductions.

The U.S. subsidiary of the British defense giant BAE Systems Plc expects the Army to begin buying its guidance kits to convert unguided rockets into "smart" heat-seeking missiles.

The fighter jet we could have built instead of the F-35.

Next-generation combat pilot helmet: Say goodbye to night vision goggles.

Captain America: Steve Rogers is hanging up his shield and turning things over to the Falcon in the Marvel comic book series.

My Name Is New York, Woody Guthrie: An upcoming record features tunes the folk legend penned about the Big Apple, and this title track blows most of today's artists out of the water.

Badfinger demos: A bunch of recently uncovered demos from founding members Pete Ham and Tom Evans have been posted at poba.org, and they're worth a listen. Peruse the site to see more rare work from visual and musical artists.

Miley Cyrus may exist, but the jury's still out on whether or not she's a real person.

The best movie soundtracks of 2014, so far.

Not a good idea: Flying man flies so close to a cliff he can high-five someone.

Wh-What?: Man climbs a ladder with a morotcycle on his head.

Too much free time: Freaky animal hybrids.

How Tinder dating app works ...

LINK: Original photo by Sgt. David Edge

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.18.14 >>>

Malaysian airliner shot down over eastern Ukraine: First came the loud explosion that made buildings rattle: then it started raining bodies.

Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine agreed to allow investigators access to the scattered crash site of a Malaysian airliner that was shot down, killing all 298 aboard.

Separatist rebel claims about the flight recorders have profound implications for the integrity of the plane crash investigation.

It's finally time to stand up against Putin.

Israel steps up Gaza ground offensive, civilian casualties grow.

Why Israel launches a ground war in Gaza.

The Pentagon could use a new $5 billion counterterrorism fund, strongly opposed by the US Congress, to purchase new intelligence gear and aircraft for American and partner militaries.

A U.S. Senate panel approved nearly $550 billion in military spending, while also proposing to keep alive weapon systems the Pentagon wanted to retire. But senior members made clear it may never see the Senate floor.

Pentagon officials defended their request for $60 billion in war funds before the House Budget Committee as lawmakers accused them of trying to avoid budget caps and congressional scrutiny.

All four Congressional defense committees have aligned to support an increase in Tomahawk missile production in 2015 and beyond.

Afghanistan's future was the most popular discussion point during Thursday's confirmation hearing on Gen. Joseph Dunford's nomination to become the next Marine Corps commandant.

Sustaining the readiness and training in the Republic of Korea, includes soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Captains across the Army are telling their chief of staff that distance learning can be a powerful tool, but its be-all-promise may be a stretch, and its method of delivery may need some re-tooling.

Mission command challenging in peacetime, captains advise Army chief of staff Gen. Ray Odierno.

Researchers at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC, take shelter ballistic protection to the "X" Level.

The Army is creating a standard marketplace of tactical communications hardware to support the Common Operating Environment initiative and deliver a familiar and intuitive experience for soldiers.

The Hornet's Nest is a product of a two journalists - Mike and Carlos Boettcher, a father and son team who were embedded with the unit for nearly two years, filming soldiers' actions and daily lives, as well as those of the Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st, and Marines with 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marines.

Airman to publish story of tragedy, perseverance.

Complaints are surfacing about a new contractor that recently took over the process of shipping service members' privately owned vehicles to and from overseas locations.

Here Kitty Kitty!: How a cat poop parasite could help scientists develop a cancer treatment.

A hoodie made from speaker fabric won't muffle your headphones.

A tent with built-in LED lighting eliminates midnight flashlight hunts.

R.I.P., Elaine Stritch and Johnny Winter.

Here's a roundup of books that inspired various indie tunes and albums.

A.V. Club writers share their favorite songs of the year.

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert appear in this funny Star Wars video for a good cause.

Finally: a few of these vintage Disneyland pictures are horrifying.

Got paddle?

LINK: Original photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.17.14 >>>

Kabul International Airport takes a beating: Militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades attacked Kabul International Airport in the Afghan capital in one of the most audacious assaults on the facility, used by both civilians and the military, in a year.

Residents of the Gaza Strip rushed out of their homes today to take advantage of a five-hour "humanitarian truce" between the Israeli military and Hamas militants, a respite that began just hours after Israel bombed what it called a "terror tunnel" under the Gaza border.

Rocket War: You wouldn't know it from the images of Israeli jets bombing Gaza. But for Hamas, the current war has produced a significant victory.

Today on Putin TV: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned new sanctions the United States imposed against Russian businesses a day earlier will backfire against U.S. companies operating in Russia.

5 things to expect from Gen. Dunford's confirmation hearing today: Duh, forces in Afghanistan is one of the things.

Lawmakers appeared gobsmacked by a request from the Obama administration for $60 billion in war funding next year, with several accusing the Pentagon of seeking a "slush fund" to use for other purposes.

With just two weeks to go before the August recess, House and Senate negotiators are struggling to reach a deal on legislation intended to improve healthcare services through the Veterans Affairs Department.

U.S. House Armed Services Committee leaders struck a skeptical - and bipartisan - tone about a $5 billion counterterrorism program proposed by President Barack Obama.

In the wake of an engine fire that grounded the F-35 fleet, a U.S. Senate subcommittee wants senior Pentagon officials to consider reviving an effort to develop a second power plant.

Need more F-35 news? How the F-35 dominated Farnborough, without ever being there.

Take this F-35: The British Royal Air Force plans to finish upgrades to as many as 59 Tornado aircraft by 2016.

The next big thing in aviation is small: Hummingbird-sized drones.

Things Vice President Sheikh Mohammed Bin-Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and minister of defense, says on Twitter: "Today we announce two epic projects in our history: establishing UAE Space Agency and sending the first Arab spaceship to Mars by 2021."

We love you but you got to go: The Air Force will soon begin offeringincentives to reduce its workforce by nearly 3,500 employees.

Chris Kyle vs. former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura continues: A former Navy SEAL testified he saw military sniper Chris Kyle punch the former wrestler.

Afghanistan Fabulous: The Army has altered its government-owned Scorpion camouflage pattern to look almost identical to MultiCam, the trademarked pattern the service has been using in Afghanistan since 2010.

Sgt. Major of the Army Raymond Chandler III recently issued guidance to help clarify the Army's position on commercial-off-the-shelf combat boots.

The world's first family robot could be like HAL in your home.

Mysterious giant hole suddenly appears in Siberia.

I was hidden in this guy's hard drive for six years.

Bowie Wowie: More new music from David Bowie could be on the way.

Smashing Amazon: Billy Corgan is angry at Amazon.

Fund the million dollar podcast: These joke Kickstarter campaigns are getting out of hand.

Feast your eyes on the trailer for Ouija, a film based on the Hasbro board "game" that enables players to communicate with the spirit world.

Why did Jason Segel quit Twitter? It involves a burrito ...

Finally: Here's a list of underrated Seinfeld episodes.

More summer Slip ‘N Slide fun ...

LINK: Original photo by Staff Sgt. Pablo N. Piedra

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.16.14 >>>

Pakistani security forces captured a key Taliban commander linked to a 2003 assassination attempt on former President Pervez Musharraf as a U.S. drone strike killed 15 militants near the country's border with Afghanistan.

Fighting raged in Ukraine's east today when separatists tried to break through the lines of government forces near the border with Russia and a tentative step toward agreeing conditions for a ceasefire failed.

U.S. Senate panel proposes keeping A-10, 11 aircraft carriers with $547.9B defense bill.

Senate derails Army bid to take Guard helicopters.

Senate panel backs 1 percent pay increase.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James: Top 3 Air Force tough money choices.

Senate Defense Bill doubles Obama's request for Israel's Iron Dome.

Iron Dome - savior or sales job?

Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., called on the Pentagon to shift dollars from its war spending accounts back into its base budget.

The F-35 joint strike fighter will not be flying at the Farnborough International Airshow, to the disappointment of attendees, program supporters and partnered militaries.

Navy tests stealth-like features for Super Hornet.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the U.S. chief of naval operations, met his Chinese counterpart, Adm. Wu Shengli, commander in chief of China's navy, for talks aimed at improving cooperation between their fleets following concerns over regional territorial disputes and potential armed conflict.

The U.S. Air Force's top civilian said she wants $100 million in funding this year to hold a rocket launch competition.

The Defense Health Agency is launching a pilot program Friday that will allow Tricare to pay for some medical tests developed by laboratories.

Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on Tuesday called on the Senate to pass legislation to prevent soldiers from being given notice while serving in a combat zone.

DARPA's $40 million plan to save soldiers' brains.

Futurama in 3D is absolutely stunning.

Newly discovered species could be the last one standing on Earth.

We wish we had a magical shadows pop up book when we were kids.

Marvel's Thor is going to be a woman.

The cast of The Wonder Years reunited on Good Morning America.

Here's a list of the best beers of 2014 (so far).

A banana pudding donut sounds too good to be true.

The Cave Singers play Tacoma's New Frontier Lounge Sunday. Click play and go about your duties.

LINK: Original photo by Sgt. Mary Junell, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.15.14 >>>

F-35 cleared for flight.

Lawmakers warn President Obama is shortchanging the military by calling it into action at the U.S. border without providing a boost in funding.

Cease-fire ends as Israel resumes attacks in Gaza.

Report: Benghazi suspect found dead in Libya.

89 Killed in suicide blast in east Afghanistan.

Special Forces teams have finished sizing up the Iraqi military and now await decisions on possibly moving into an advisory role.

Iraq army launches Tikrit offensive, politicians elect speaker.

Kerry: Wide gaps persist in Iran nuke talks.

Why the world's armies don't want U.S. tech anymore.

Qatar will buy U.S. Patriot missiles for the first time in a major arms deal worth $11 billion.

VA cites progress on backlog; Congress disagrees.

Sgt. Bergdahl returning to active duty with administration job.

Toward a new U.S. defense model.

Want to fix retention? Start by making the military a real meritocracy.

Researcher leading PTSD-pot study loses job.

Army Performance Triad app now available.

"Game-changing" device gets veteran back on his feet.

First, she made headlines in 2011 by taking Justin Timberlake to the Marine Corps ball. She did it again when she became a professional mixed martial arts fighter upon leaving the Corps in 2012. Now, Kelsey DeSantis has her eyes set on winning a beauty pageant.

Could Fox's Enlisted be brought back from cancellation?

Blink-182 is releasing a new album.

Watch Tacky, "Weird Al" Yankovic's parody of Happy.

Are seductive abs really worth more than Netflix?

Must-see: "Giant dead parrot unveiled in London to pay tribute to Monty Python."

Finally: 10 greatest Han Solo moments.

Hello awesome summer!

LINK: Original photo by Sgt. Logan Pierce

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.14.14 >>>

Ukraine accused Russian army officers of fighting alongside separatists in the east of the country and said Moscow was once more building up its troops on the joint border.

Rand Paul to Rick Perry on Iraq: Get some new glasses.

America and the A-10: It's complicated.

F-35 investigation finds no fleet-wide design flaw.

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl could return to active duty as soon as today after finishing therapy and counseling at a medical center in San Antonio.

The U.S. Air Force released its Long Range Strike Bomber request for proposal to industry with a contract award expected in spring 2015.

The $10B next generation jammer on track.

Air Force office puts all military aircraft names through the wringer.

Reports: Taiwan starts using drones to spy on China.

The U.S. Coast Guard is facing a dilemma at the North Pole.

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno taps captains for talent-management ideas.

Col. Chris Toner is taking the helm of a Warrior Transition Command that is reorganizing to better serve a somewhat smaller population of wounded, ill and injured soldiers.

Keeping up with the Kardashians stars Kim, Kourtney and Khloé gave back to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community during an Operation Shower event.

Why the British don't refrigerate eggs.

Biggest dome ever built.

It's so hot in Yellowstone that a road literally melted.

Every episode of South Park is streaming for free on Hulu right now.

Sounds like the next season of True Detective will have four lead roles.

Watch the trailer for Are You Here, which stars Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler and Owen Wilson.

"Weird Al" Yankovic is releasing one new music video every day this week.

The Flaming Lips made a crazy video with Moby and Miley Cyrus.

Finally: Star Wars-themed video featuring Neko Case, KellyHogan and Ellie Kemper

Here's your soundtrack for today ...

LINK: Original photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 7.12.14 >>>

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry scrambles to produce a deal today to end Afghanistan's election crisis, meeting for the second day with the country's two presidential candidates and incumbent President Hamid Karzai.

Ukrainian war planes bombarded separatists along a broad front today, inflicting huge losses.

The top U.S. commander in Europe said the DoD must reconsider the drawdown of forces following Russia's provocative actions.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Iran and Russia were helping Iraq battle a Sunni extremist insurgency but that the U.S. was not coordinating its own assistance with either country.

Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) warned Thursday that Sunni militants in Iraq could build a dirty bomb with uranium seized during their march on Baghdad.

Kurdish security forces took over two major oil fields outside the disputed northern city of Kirkuk before dawn Friday.

The Senate passed a bipartisan resolution aimed at altering China's behavior toward U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Why the next great war won't happen on China's doorstep.

Two of the four U.S. deaths in Benghazi might have been prevented, military leaders say.

Hundreds of Marines set sail when the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship departed from the shipyard in Mississippi on Friday, their historic transit taking them around South America to the ship's home port in the Pacific.

12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2014

Army on the hunt for new weapons.

The Selective Service System mistakenly sent notices to more than 14,000 Pennsylvania men born between 1893 and 1897.

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has testified he doesn't remember any confrontation with the American Sniper author who claimed to have punched out Ventura in a bar.

The Budweiser ad "Hero's Welcome," featuring a surprise homecoming parade for an Army lieutenant, has been nominated for an Emmy award for outstanding television commercial.

LeBron James has announced his decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Angelina Jolie's newest film looks unbearably cheesy.

The worst pop culture moments in 2014 (so far).

If Google was a real guy, part 3.

Here's every Transformers robot fight scene in one video.

Clever golf trick shots activate a fun Rube Goldberg machine.

It's OK, there's no need to call PETA. The elephants are not real.

LINK: Original photo by Lance Cpl. Jose D. Lujano