my own drum

An announcement from Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen, reveals a new plan to restructure the manangement of the Coast Guard and, get this, expand its surveillance efforts along the nation’s coasts. Coastal surveillance is their job, why aren't they already expanded? The expansion was mandated by Homeland Security back in 2001. Full Ahead Stop! - it was interrupted by the last Coast Guard plan, Deepwater.

The proposed plan is far reaching, primarily affecting how the Coast Guards manages the business of guarding our coasts. Part of the plan will call to equip commercial and some pleasure boats with automated beacons. There's a boondoggle waiting to happen. I've got a question. How do you spot a small boat entering the harbor when your radar screen is full of beaconing dots?

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Another Valentine's Day spent alone. I'm not complaining because it is the state of my life. It's been like that for me since I was old enough to know that girls were different. There have been a few good Valentine's Days, when I had someone in my life to share the good vibes and chocolate with. One of them was even a keeper, but here we are...

No, I'm not complaining. But I'm also not buying chocolate and cards for anyone either. And, of course, I expect none of the same. But I did get a letter today, from a girl! And it made me very happy.

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