REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec. 10 -- The city of Redwood City issued the following news release: On the morning of December 8th, 2008, a huge "clamshell" dredge plunged into the channel at the Port of Redwood City, brought up a gigantic, soaking wet load of sediment from the bottom, and dumped it onto a barge for eventual disposal…not in the bay or the ocean, but onto Inner Bair Island as part of its ongoing restoration to tidal wetland. This ceremony officially launched a project for the "benefi  more

NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 10 -- Tidewater Community College issued the following news release: Brig. Gen. Katherine P. Kasun, U.S. Army Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College, will serve as commencement speaker for Tidewater Community College's 47th graduation exercises on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Ted Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk. More than 1,000 students are eligible to receive associate degrees, certificates or diplomas at the ceremony. Kasun became commandant of the Joint Forc  more

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following press release: By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore U.S. Air Force Central News Team Afghan firefighters at the Kabul International Airport stand ready to answer a call to save lives and resources here thanks to the dedicated efforts of their American counterpart. Master Sgt. Mike Marascia, Afghan fire protection mentor, has spent the last 11 months establishing the Afghan Joint Fire Academy where he serves as the commandant.  more

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following press release: By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs The phone rings. A three-man team grabs their prepacked gear and jumps in a truck or a waiting helicopter. These Airmen don't always know where they are going, how long they will be gone, or exactly what they will encounter - all they know is there is an explosive device somewhere and they need to make it safe. As th  more

CAMP DENALI, Alaska, Dec. 11 -- The National Guard issued the following news release: By Spc. Paizley Ramsey Alaska National Guard A 50-year tradition continued this week in Alaska, where Operation Santa Claus visited Kivalina. The city in Alaska's Northwest Arctic Borough was showered with gifts and a surprise visit from Gov. Sarah Palin and other distinguished guests. "This is so much fun and the presents are really cool," said Jasmine Adams, 14, of Kivalina. Fellow student War  more

HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 10 -- The Connecticut Attorney General issued the following news release: Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, in formal comments filed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today, said the U.S. Army Reserve Training Center cannot be built on the Boardman Lane site, or any other environmentally sensitive site in Middletown, without permission from state environmental officials. The Corps has narrowed its choices to three Middletown sites, including Boardman Lane, and   more

Belgaum (Karnataka), Dec. 11 -- (ANI): Indian and Chinese Army soldiers familiarised each other with their weapons as apart of the ongoing joint military exercise in the mountainous terrains of Belgaum, Karnataka. After familiarization on each other weapons, the soldiers excelled in using the weapons during exercise Hand in Hand. Sino-Indian soldiers were introduced to Improvised Explosive Devices, Night Firing, Room intervention and neutralization of impromptu targets on Wednesday. Expert   more

Dec. 11 -- By Subhash K. Jha Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) The biopic on Pan Singh Tomar, the soldier-turned-athlete who later became a dacoit, is being shot at army bases and at the Chambal ravines in Madhya Pradesh, says director Tigmanshu Dhulia. Some portions of the movie, which has Irrfan Khan in the lead role, are being shot at the Bengal Engineering Group's centre at Roorkee in Uttarakhand. Dhulia claims no film has been shot there before. "In fact, I also went to Saharanpur, where I'll shoot   more

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following press release: Hurricane Ike crashed ashore over Galveston Island, Texas, shortly after 2 a.m. on Sept. 13, 2008. Called into action ahead of the disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has supported the State of Texas by providing funding assistance for the disaster recovery effort and by coordinating the endeavors of FEMA's federal, tribal, state and  more

CHICAGO, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following press release: By Scott A. Thornbloom, Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs Office The commander of Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) joined Chicago's mayor at Navy Pier Dec. 5 for the 19th Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. NSTC Commander, Rear Adm. Clifford S. Sharpe and Mayor Richard M. Daley gathered for the ceremony to mark the 67th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet and Marine   more

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 11 -- The city of New Orleans issued the following news release: The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reports weather forecasts that indicate the temperature or wind chill factor in Metro New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 48-hour period. The City's Freeze Plan has been activated to provide temporary shelter for homeless citizens tonight and Friday night. All citizens should take appropriate p  more

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following press release: By Army Pfc. Carlynn Knaak, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs A member of the Coast Guard Reserve's Port Security Unit 307 was selected as Joint Task Force Guantanamo Senior Trooper of the Year. Learning everything there is to know about the United States military can take a lifetime, and for some, even that might not be long enough. However, when given only seven days to study for the Joint T  more

Kathmandu, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) Three weeks after oral care giant Colgate Palmolive India sold its Nepal arm to local company Everest Hygiene Products, the new owner has not been able to restart the factory due to continued protests by the employees. Local media Thursday reported Madan Neupane, leader of the labour union at the factory of former Colgate Palmolive Nepal in Hetauda town in central Nepal's Makwanpur district, had said the workers were waiting for the Indian company to send a represe  more

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 11 -- The Broward County Public Schools issued the following news release: Colonel James Armstrong, the Director of Army Instruction (DAI) for Broward County Public Schools, has been recognized with the DAI Gold Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership of JROTC programs and cadets throughout the District. The presentation was held at Piper High School in conjunction with the school's triannual formal inspection. The award was presented by Mr. Tony Prou  more

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today pledged more resources to top commanders in southern Afghanistan for what he said likely will be a protracted fight. Gates met with Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, for an update on progress and to get the general's input on the   more

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told several hundred troops here today that a sense of duty caused him to agree to stay on in his current job through the administration change. Gates opened the session at the headquarters for the southern regional command by joking about his recent re-appointment as defense secretary - which at one time he was looking t  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency issued the following 36(b) arms sale notification: On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of (64) Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters (DRASH), (1,500) 50 watt Very High Frequency (VHF) Base Station Radios, (6,000) VHF Tactical Handheld Radios, (100) VHF Fixed Retransmitters, (200) VHF Vehicular Radios, (30) VHF Maritime 50 watt Base Stati  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency issued the following 36(b) arms sale notification: On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 400 M1126 STRYKER Infantry Carrier Vehicles as well as associated equipment. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $1.11 billion. The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of 400 M1126 STRYKER Infantry C  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency issued the following 36(b) arms sale notification: On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of (80,000) M16A4 5.56MM Rifles, (25,000) M4 5.56MM Carbines, (2,550) M203 40MM Grenade Launchers as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $148 million. The Government of Ira  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment & Training Administration issued the following press release: The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $4 million grant to the state of California to provide services to more than 700 U.S. Department of Defense civilian workers and private contractors affected locally by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions. "This $4 million grant will provide these Californians with job placement assistance, skills trai  more

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Soldiers here are getting an education in personal finance that commanders say goes a long way in promoting battle readiness. The 10th Mountain Division is rolling out "Financial Peace University," a 13-week program developed by Dave Ramsey, the best-selling author and commentator on personal finance, specifically for U.S. servicemembers. About 3,000 troop  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following media advisory: Army Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, 34th Infantry Division commander, will brief live from St. Paul, Minn., at 2 p.m. EST, Dec. 11, in the DoD Briefing Studio, Pentagon 2E973, to provide an update on the 34th Inf. Div. Headquarters' preparations for their upcoming deployment to Iraq. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 45 minut  more

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Dec. 11 -- Marina High School issued the following news release: This year's Gold Division All-Star Team Members Are (listed alphabetically): Matt Arledge (G.S.E.) Cole Bonanni (Party Boys) Scott Brake (Team Astrovan) Zach Couey (G.S.E.) Tommy Diecidue (To legit!?) Chris Fiscus (Team Petrone) Chad Lewis (Dodge Rams) Brett Morinaka (Unforgivable) Mariah Nogueira (The Army of Helaman) Race Parmenter (Party Boys) Rita Sitivi (Holla Shaka  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The National Academy of Sciences issued the following news release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture should jointly establish a Nutrient Control Implementation Initiative (NCII) to learn more about the effectiveness of actions meant to improve water quality throughout the Mississippi River basin and into the northern Gulf of Mexico, says a new report from the National Research Council. The report also advises how to move forwar  more

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Some servicemembers' careers are defined by a single deployment. For Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Matthews, frequent deployments have become a way of life. Matthews' most recent deployment landed him here, where he now enjoys sharing what he's learned about deployments, as well as some empathy, with others. "I have a ton of Army experience and deployments  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies based in Alabama. *** $119,400 Contract Awarded to Marvin Test Systems for Radiation Devices WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Marvin Test Systems Inc., Irvine, Calif., has won a $119,400 contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command for stimulated coherent radiation devices. Contact: Marsha Readus, c/o U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5280, 256/  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies based in Illinois. *** $231,380 Contract Awarded to DRS Test & Energy Management for Power Equipment WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- DRS Test & Energy Management LLC, Huntsville, Ala., won a $231,380.40 contract from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command's Life Cycle Management Command, Rock Island, Ill., for electric power and distribution equipment. Contact: Samuel Rockhold, 309/782-4316; or Carol C. Rivard,   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies based in Michigan. *** $357,856 Contract Awarded to Physical Optics for Applied Research Project WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Physical Optics Corp., Torrance, Calif., has won a $357,845.80 contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., for automotive-applied research. Contact: Janet Joudas, 586/574-7625; or Derek McAleer, 586/574-8093.  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies as having been awarded to companies operating in Alabama. *** $231,380 Contract Awarded to DRS Test & Energy Management for Power Equipment WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- DRS Test & Energy Management LLC, Huntsville, Ala., won a $231,380.40 contract from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command's Life Cycle Management Command, Rock Island, Ill., for electric power and distribution equipment. Contact: Samuel Rockh  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies as having been awarded to companies operating in Arizona. *** $1.16 Million Contract Awarded to Honeywell for Quality Control Services WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Honeywell International's Aerospace Division, Phoenix, Ariz., has won a $1,160,367.29 contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., for quality control services for vehicular equipment components. Contact: Tyron Williams, 586/574  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies as having been awarded to companies operating in California. *** $119,400 Contract Awarded to Marvin Test Systems for Radiation Devices WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Marvin Test Systems Inc., Irvine, Calif., has won a $119,400 contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command for stimulated coherent radiation devices. Contact: Marsha Readus, c/o U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Com  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies as having been awarded to companies operating in Florida. *** $1.65 Million Contract Awarded to Honeywell for Navigational Instruments WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Honeywell International's Aerospace Division, Clearwater, Fla., won a $1,645,400 contract from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command, Rock Island, Ill., for navigational instruments. Contact: Nancy Monike, 309/782-4900; or Carol C. Rivard, 309/78  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies as having been awarded to companies operating in Missouri. *** $244,485 Contract Awarded to DRS Sustainment Systems for Electrical Components WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., has won a $244,485 contract from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command's Life Cycle Management Command, Rock Island, Ill., for electrical and electronic boards, cards, and associated hardware. C  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies as having been awarded to companies operating in Texas. *** $23,716 Contract Awarded to Millsap Contracting for Wetlands Reserve Project WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 -- Millsap Contracting, Paris, Texas, has won a $23,716 contract from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Texas to do site preparation work for a Wetlands Reserve Program project in Lamar County, Tex  more

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y., Dec. 11 -- Finger Lakes Community College issued the following news release: Finger Lakes Community College, in Partnership with the Canandaigua Wegmans, awarded its first-ever student Limelight Award to four deserving FLCC students. "The Limelight Award is designed to recognize FLCC students who have integrated sustainability into their daily lives. Sustainability is more than just recycling. Sustainability means meeting the needs of present generations without compromi  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 10 -- The office of the Florida Attorney General issued the following advisory legal opinions: Subject: Sunshine Law, community land trust Ms. Susan A. Ruby City Attorney 200 Northwest 1st Avenue Delray Beach, Florida 33444 RE: CORPORATIONS - MUNICIPALITIES - PUBLIC RECORDS LAW - GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE LAW - STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - whether community land trust is agency within scope of Open Government Laws. Ch. 119, Fla. Stat.; s. 2  more

MANHATTAN, Kan., Dec. 11 -- Kansas State University issued the following news release: Four seniors in Kansas State University's Army ROTC Wildcat Battalion are among the smartest cadets in the nation. The four students recently ranked among the top 10 percent of the Army ROTC's National Order of Merit List. They include Chance Moyer, senior in history, Chanute; Jason Grams, senior in agronomy, and Justin Hackett, senior in sociology, both of Manhattan; and Christopher Garlick, senior in p  more

GUWAHATI, Dec 11 -- The Gauhati High Court by a judgement passed today directed the Union Government to pay an amount of Rs. 2,50,000/- as a compensation to Smt Monika Nath, wife of Late Baloram Nath who was killed by the Army personnel while in their custody on February 25, 2001. Late Baloram Nath who was a surrendered ULFA and was leading his life as a cultivator was picked up by the Army on January 19, 2001 and thereafter, the body of late Nath was handed over to the Ghograpar police station   more

BRUSSELS, Dec. 11 -- NATO's International Security Assistance Force issued the following press release: Italian Army Colonel Giam Luca Giovannini of Tuscany, relinquished command of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team V to Italian Army Colonel Ignesio Gamba of Turnin, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Stone, Dec. 10. "Today I can say proudly that we accomplished our task with the highest professionalism, sacrifice and constant sense of duty," said Giovannini. "We gave   more

NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY INDIAN HEAD, Md., Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: The first active-duty unit dedicated to supporting U.S. civilian authorities in the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical attack is wrapping up three days of intensive training its members hope they never have to apply in real life. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team are here getting hands-on trainin  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- Rep. Steven E. Buyer, R-Ind. (4th CD), issued the following press release: Dedicated to continuing the work done during his previous years as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Steve Buyer (IN-04) was unanimously re-elected by his fellow House Republicans to again serve as Ranking Member of the Committee in the 111th Congress. The Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), the largest healthcar  more

Guwahati Dec. 12 -- When human life itself is being devalued, it is little wonder that human rights are being increasingly infringed upon throughout the world. Instances such as a global network of secret detention centres or the creation of sites such as Guantanamo Bay prison testify to the reality that even supposedly enlightened nations are prone to human rights violations. Racism is rampant in developed nations of the West, which continue to remain largely male-dominated to the detriment of   more

New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) India is constituting a separate tourist-friendly police force manned by former army personnel for the security and safety of travellers, said Tourism Minister Ambika Soni Thursday. Informing the Lok Sabha, Soni said the tourism ministry in consultation with the ministries of home and defence and state governments had framed guidelines for forming the force called, Tourist Security Organisation. "The guidelines have been sent to the state governments and union terr  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Without American sacrifices in Iraq, the country would still be under the rule of a brutal dictator, said Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh, spokesman for the Iraqi government. Al-Dabbagh spoke with Pentagon reporters today and said the sacrifices of American servicemembers made it possible to overthrow "a brutal government for 35 years which destroyed Iraq and the region. We n  more

Islamabad, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) The Pakistan-based Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD), which has been branded a terrorist group by the UN, is writing to the global body to clarify that it has no links with terrorism and the Pakistani government began investigations against it only on the basis of "Indian propaganda", its chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed said. Acceding to Indian and US requests in the aftermath of the Nov 26 Mumbai terror attacks, the UN Security Council Wednesday declared JuD, the front for the bann  more

London, Dec. 11 -- (ANI): An Islamic jihadist forum member who urged supporters to upload propaganda videos onto YouTube has called for a similar "Facebook invasion". US-based monitoring service SITE Intelligence Group reported that the appeal was made on al Faloja, a password-protected jihadist forum. According to a Sky News report, the forum member, using the name Omar Abdul Hakim, called on others to use the social networking site Facebook, describing it as "a podium to reach millions of pe  more

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Army issued the following news release: By Maj. Eric Little 1st Space Company Commander The Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) Best Crew Competition is a program which offers Soldiers from 1st Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, the opportunity to prepare, train and show their skills in a profession that they alone represent. Because 1st Space Company is the only theater missile warning unit in the Army, the competition not only iden  more

KALAIGAON, Dec 11 -- A huge pubic meeting was organised at Kalaigaon develo-pment block office premise recently to discuss various matters mostly, alleged corruption charges levelled against the block office by a faction of the Bengali Youths Federation. Most of the leading citizens of Kalaigaon and representatives of various organisations, including AASU, ABSU, AJYCP, ARSU, Bengali Youth's Federation, Bhogpuri Students Association and media persons attended the meet. The meeting was convened b  more

TIKRIT, Iraq, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Army 1st Armored Division issued the following news release: The 25th Infantry Division uncased its unit colors and took responsibility for operations in Multi-National Division - North during a ceremony held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher Dec, 9. The Tropic Lightning Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, returned to the same region of Iraq, and same base, where it served during a 15-month deployment in 2006-07. "You can count on each one o  more

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Army 1st Armored Division issued the following news release: The Ishtar Water and Electric Substation opened Dec. 7 after an extensive renovation paid with Coalition forces CERP funds. The Soldiers have helped several Iraqi communities since their arrival in April 2008; but the town of Ishtar, a mere five minutes away from Combat Outpost Cashe in the Mada'in Qada, southeast of Baghdad, had received only general help with no specific reconstruction project  more

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 9 -- The Michigan Department of Military and Naval Affairs issued the following news release: The National Guard Bureau has selected the Michigan National Guard and its $24 million, 143,518 square foot, CSMS facility as the 2008 winner of the NGB "Pollution Prevention" environmental award. The award recognizes state installations that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability, and is presented during the National Environmental Workshop to be held next spring in  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: For only the second time since 9/11, a U.S. Army National Guard division headquarters will deploy to command active-duty forces in combat. The Defense Department and Minnesota National Guard today announced that more than 1,000 soldiers from the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division will mobilize for training in February for a yearlong deployment to Iraq that will beg  more

New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) For some female celebrities, Shah Rukh Khan's moustachioed look in much-awaited "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" has not made any difference in loyalty. Others, however, feel he is better off without it. Though this is for the third time that King Khan is sporting a moustache after "Army" and "Paheli", he is receiving a mixed response for his 'ordinary man with moustache' look in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi", releasing Friday. "Shah Rukh definitely looks good without a moustache. He  more

NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following press release: The Naval Safety Center, in conjunction with the Army Combat Readiness Center and the Air Force Safety Center, launched a joint winter safety campaign Dec.1. Last year, six Sailors and Marines did not live to see the end of the holiday season because they were killed on the highway. While motor vehicle mishaps continue to be the biggest killer of Sailors and Marines, there are other risks associated with the winter   more

JUNEAU, Alaska, Dec. 10 -- Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell of Alaska issued the following news release: Alaska National Guard's Operation Santa Claus brought a special holiday surprise to Kivalina, Alaska during their annual outreach. Governor Sarah Palin joined Santa and Mrs. Claus; General Carrol H. Chandler; Lt. Gen. Craig E. Campbell; Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins; and Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus; Sandy Parnell; and other volunteers for the celebration of Christmas charity in the remote northwest Arctic   more

New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) Terming Pakistan the "epicentre" of terrorism, opposition leader L.K. Advani Thursday cautioned the government against relying completely on the UN Security Council to bring the perpetrators of the "terror war" in Mumbai to justice. "We are trying to pressurise Pakistan by moving the UNSC. But we should not forget our experience in terms of Kashmir. We should take whatever action we can take on our own strength, as this is our problem. We should not expect too much   more

New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) Terming Pakistan as the "epicentre" of terrorism, leader of opposition L.K. Advani Thursday said India was united in the war against terror and cautioned the government against relying too much on the UN Security Council to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai siege to justice. "We are trying to pressurise Pakistan by moving the UNSC. But we should not forget our experience in terms of Kashmir. We should take whatever action we can take on our own strength, as this   more

Kathmandu, Dec. 11 -- (ANI): Former UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal today said that Prime Minister Prachanda's recent statement that his party will pull out on Army integration issue reflected his frustration. Speaking at a press conference here, he said, "Prime Minister should console others, but he himself is disappointed. This is not a good sign for the country." "Instead of looking for others' mistakes, Prachanda should anlayse his mistakes," he added. He also urged Prachanda to   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb. (1st CD), issued the following press release: Congressman Jeff Fortenberry has joined with colleagues from Iowa and Minnesota in cosponsoring the Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act. This legislation, H.R. 6723, would solve a discrepancy in respite leave benefit provisions affecting National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers under the Department of Defense's Post Deployment and Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) program. "We have an o  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Calif. (11th), issued the following news release: This morning, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) delivered holiday cards to soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and to sailors and marines at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. The cards were received from residents throughout the 11th district as part of Rep. McNerney's second annual "Holiday Cards for Our Troops" program. Next week, Rep.   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Pa. (12th CD), issued the following news release: Congressman John P. Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, announced today that the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Latrobe Specialty Steel a $16.6 million competitive technology investment agreement for the continued construction of their new vacuum melting facility in Westmoreland County. The funding, provided under the Defense Production Act, was made av  more

STANFORD, Calif., Dec. 11 -- Stanford University issued the following news release: He witnessed and survived some of the worst of human behavior to become one of the world's leading experts on how people behave. And during the 85 years between his birth in Poland and death Dec. 3 in Palo Alto--a span that led him through Nazi bombings and prisons before winding toward a life in academia--Robert Zajonc laid the foundation for the field of social psychology by exploring the connections betw  more

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 10 -- The United Nations issued the following press release: On 10 December 2008, the Security Council Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee approved the addition of the four entries specified below to its Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations QI.S.263.08. Name: 1: MUHAMMAD   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., issued the following news release: Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo) is demanding the Department of Defense own up to its role in contaminating Cheyenne's water wells. Barrasso fought for the results of the tests in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report. The report outlines the possible sources of trichloroethylene (TCE) found in Cheyenne's water supply. A nearby nuclear missile site where TCE was once dumped is currently being cleaned up un  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The office of Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., issued the following news release: Senator Norm Coleman today commended the service of the Minnesota Army National Guard's 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division as the unit prepares to deploy again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 1,037 soldier unit will depart Minnesota for training on February 13, 2009, leave for Iraq in April 2009, and are expected to return in February 2010. There are four Minnesota National Gu  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The office of Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Russ Feingold joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers requesting a detailed work plan and timeline for completion of a barrier to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. In a letter to the U.S. Army, Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers, Feingold and the lawmakers expressed concern that despite sufficient time and funding the permanent electric dispersal barrier in the Ch  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The office of Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is urging President-elect Barack Obama to take "concrete steps" to restore the rule of law after the eight-year assault by the Bush Administration on the Constitution. In a letter to the President-elect, Feingold offered recommendations for action in four key areas - the separation of powers, excessive government secrecy, detention and interrogation policy, and dom  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The office of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement regarding the Minnesota Army National Guard's 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division as they prepare for another deployment to Iraq this coming April. The 34th, under the command of Major General Richard Nash, will assume command and control of four active duty brigades - approximately 16,000 multinational forces - in Southern Iraq. The R  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following press release: All active-duty and reserve-component U.S. military services met or exceeded their November recruiting goals, according to a Defense Department report. * Air Force recruiting officials signed up 2,916 new active-duty Airmen, meeting their target number of enlistees for the month. * Army recruiting officials signed up 5,605 new active-duty Soldiers, 106 percent of their target number of 5,275 enlistees. * Na  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Express delivery company DHL is spreading holiday cheer to troops serving in the Middle East by sending hundreds of Christmas trees, holiday decorations and messages of support. The company, based in Plantation, Fla., hosted its annual Trees for Troops send-off this week at DHL's gateway at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Since 2004, DHL has collected and sen  more

NEW DELHI, India, Dec. 12 -- As the western front grabs attention following the Mumbai terror strikes, the army has quietly homed in on a strategic acquisition - an artillery firing range in the Himalayas near Tawang. A major Buddhist pilgrimage boasting of historical links with Lhasa in Tibet, Tawang is the reason why China has been claiming some 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh. Senior army officials on the northeastern frontier said the force deposited Rs 8 crore towards "compensatory affo  more

Washington, Dec. 11 -- (ANI): Playing strategic video game that rewards nation-building and territorial expansion can improve a number of cognitive skills in older adults, says a new study. In the study on adults in their 60s and 70s, Illinois psychology professor Arthur Kramer and postdoctoral research Chandramallika Basak found that older adults can improve a number of cognitive functions by playing a strategic video game that rewards nation-building and territorial expansion. "When you trai  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash. (2nd CD), issued the following column: Sustained, substantial U.S. commitment for Afghanistan The explosion killed four and injured many others, ripping apart the hustle and bustle of a Kabul morning on the day when Americans in Afghanistan and around the world celebrated Thanksgiving. Several members of Congress, including myself, were nearly a mile away from the suicide bomber at the time of the explosion, safely behind several layers of s  more

New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) Following is the text of Home Minister P. Chidambaram's speech in the Lok Sabha Thursday on the Mumbai terror attacks: I wish to make a statement on the terrorist attacks that took place in Mumbai between Nov 26, 2008 and Nov 29, 2008. With deep regret, I have to report to this House that 164 persons (civilians and security personnel) lost their lives and 308 persons were injured. Among the civilians killed were 26 foreigners belonging to many nationalities. Besides  more

CHICAGO, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Army issued the following news release: By Spc. Carolyn Kettelhut 318th Press Camp Headquarters The greater Chicago USO and Chicago Bulls paired up at the Berto Center in Deerfield to host a holiday party for children of deployed service members December 8, 2008. Children came from around the Chicago area to collect autographs, shoot baskets and be with members of the Chicago Bulls. While dozens of excited children and their parents lined the hallways of t  more

Guwahati Dec. 12 -- Anguish, rather great anguish prevailed over our anger over the years for our country's total failure to cope with the ever increasing number of deadly attacks of terrorism. After the bomb blasts of October 30, 2008 in Assam and the horrible terror let loose on November 26, 2008 in Mumbai, our anger, not anguish, is reaching boiling point. Imagine a situation where ten or twelve groups, each consisting of 10 persons only like the group at the Taj Hotel, launching attacks simu  more

New York, Dec. 11 -- (ANI): Tom Cruise will not be punching numbers for some time as the actor has lost his BlackBerry phone in Toronto. The Hollywood heartthrob had been in an interview with "Entertainment Tonight Canada," after which his team was said to have called up at the studio to enquire about the lost wireless handheld device. "A search was done, but, nada. So, basically, someone in Toronto has Top Gun's crackberry," the New York Post quoted a source as telling the National Post. Kat  more

HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 11 -- Trinity College has issued the following news release: Trinity College has received two bequests totaling close to $3 million. The estate of the late Reverend John Curry Gay, who in 1998 received his master's degree from Trinity, will provide almost $2 million in financial assistance to needy undergraduate students at the College. A second bequest of close to $1 million in support of Trinity faculty salaries has been received from the estate of the late Kathleen O.  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Coalition soldiers and Iraqi security forces captured suspected criminals and terrorists, disarmed a roadside bomb and found enemy weapons stockpiles in recent operations, military officials reported. In operations today: * Iraqi National Police and U.S. infantry soldiers detained a man officials described as a suspected criminal leader. * Al-Qaida in Ira  more

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's American Forces Information Service issued the following press release: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today he wants to send two combat brigades to Afghanistan by summer in addition to the brigade combat team already scheduled to deploy there in January. In an interview with reporters traveling with him, Gates discussed the way forward in Afghanistan before landing here with plans to visit troops and meet with seni  more

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Dec. 11 -- Temple University issued the following news release: Temple University announced today that Jack Wolgin, Philadelphia real estate developer, philanthropist and renowned patron of the arts, has presented Temple's Tyler School of Art with a pledge of $3.7 million to endow the world's largest annual prize to be awarded exclusively to an individual fine artist winning a juried competition. Wolgin's gift, the largest received by Tyler since its inception, will crea  more

UDALGURI, Dec 11 -- Acting on a tip off, the jawans of 172 field regiment of Red Horns Division apprehended Babul Deka alias Pulok Deka, a hardcore ULFA cadre of 709 battalion on yesterday, informed an army press release.  more

Washington, Dec. 11 -- (ANI): The White House has said that it hoped Pakistan would 'shift' to a tougher approach towards the Lashkar-e-Toiba, the group considered the prime suspect in perpetrating last month's terror attacks in Mumbai. "What we are looking is to see if there's going to be a shift in Pakistan as to how they deal with LeT. If it proves out, over time, that there is that shift, then that would be a good one, and something that we would welcome, but it's just too early for us to s  more

Washington, Dec. 11 -- (IANS) A video game focussing on strategy has been found to sharpen brain power in ageing people. A new study found that people in their 60s and 70s can improve a number of cognitive functions by playing "Rise of Nations", a game that rewards nation-building and territorial expansion. "Rise of Nations gives gamers points for building cities and 'wonders', feeding and employing their people, maintaining an adequate military and expanding their territory. "You need mer  more

Dec. 11 -- By Subhash K. Jha Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) The biopic on Pan Singh Tomar, the soldier-turned-athlete who later became a dacoit, is being shot at army bases and at the Chambal ravines in Madhya Pradesh, says director Tigmanshu Dhulia. Some portions of the movie, which has Irrfan Khan in the lead role, are being shot at the Bengal Engineering Group's centre at Roorkee in Uttarakhand. Dhulia claims no film has been shot there before. "In fact, I also went to Saharanpur, where I'll shoot   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency issued the following 36(b) arms sale notification: On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of (64) Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters (DRASH), (1,500) 50 watt Very High Frequency (VHF) Base Station Radios, (6,000) VHF Tactical Handheld Radios, (100) VHF Fixed Retransmitters, (200) VHF Vehicular Radios, (30) VHF Maritime 50 watt Base Stati  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency issued the following 36(b) arms sale notification: On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 400 M1126 STRYKER Infantry Carrier Vehicles as well as associated equipment. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $1.11 billion. The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of 400 M1126 STRYKER Infantry C  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency issued the following 36(b) arms sale notification: On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of (80,000) M16A4 5.56MM Rifles, (25,000) M4 5.56MM Carbines, (2,550) M203 40MM Grenade Launchers as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $148 million. The Government of Ira  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The National Academy of Sciences issued the following news release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture should jointly establish a Nutrient Control Implementation Initiative (NCII) to learn more about the effectiveness of actions meant to improve water quality throughout the Mississippi River basin and into the northern Gulf of Mexico, says a new report from the National Research Council. The report also advises how to move forwar  more