3/31/11 - Thursday Stuff

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3/31/11 - Thursday Stuff

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Cybersecurity breach may leave DOD networks exposed

Some Pentagon computer networks might have been laid open to intruders as a result of a recent electronic break-in at one of the nation's most prominent cybersecurity firms.
http://www.stripes.com/news/cybersecuri ... -1.139514#

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Some House Republicans seek DoD budget increase

Bucking the tide that is pushing for spending reductions, Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee are asking for a $7 billion increase in the $553 billion base defense budget for 2012...
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/m ... e-033011w/

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U.S. Defense Department Will Spend as Much as $80 Million on Aid to Japan

The U.S. Defense Department said it expects to spend as much as $80 million in humanitarian
assistance for Japan.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-2 ... japan.html

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Efficiencies Effort Being Harmed By lack of '11 Funding

Pentagon budget officials today took a new tack in urging lawmakers to get the DoD a budget quickly,
saying the lack of cash for FY-11 is flying in the face of the efficiency efforts they spearheaded.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/03/29/effic ... 1-funding/

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GAO: Most Pentagon weapons programs exceed cost estimates

The price tag of such programs has risen by $135 billion since 2008, and more than half of that
resulted from poor management or execution problems, watchdog says.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

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U.S. Navy and Marines Tout LPDs

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps brass used the March 26 christening of the amphibious transport dock ship LPD-24 Arlington
to tout the vessel's attributes for military and humanitarian missions. The San Antonio ship-class is perfect for
working in the coastal waters of littoral regions where the Navy and Marines are being tasked to fight or offer
assistance in the aftermaths of natural disasters, officers say.
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/ ... out%20LPDs

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Stateside Basing Kept the F-22 Out of the Libya Fight (????)

Distance kept the United States' fleet of F-22 Raptors out of the fight over Libya, Air Force officials revealed
today after weeks of speculation on the matter. Had Raptors been based in Europe or the Middle East, they would
have been used in Operation Odyssey Dawn to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.
Norton Schwartz told Senate appropriators this morning.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/03/30/state ... ght/?wh=wh

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Air Force Hopes to Buy 80 to 100 Next Gen Bombers (Hope is not a strategy)

The Air Force will buy between 80 to 100 of its future stealth bombers that are expected to come online in the mid 2020s,
Air Force Secretary Michael Donley told lawmakers today. "Between 80 and 100 is the target, this program is very much
focused on affordability and poised for technical success," said Donley during a Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee
hearing this morning. This is a significant reduction from reports earlier this year that hinted at a 175-plane buy.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/03/30/air-f ... n-bombers/

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Navy Improves Shipboard Electronic Warfare Capabilities

http://www.seapower-digital.com/seapower/201104/#pg58

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George Washington Sailors, Shipyard Workers Overcome Challenges at Sea

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS George Washington (CVN 73) Aviation Fuels Division, with help from
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard workers, accomplished an unprecedented undertaking at sea by moving a massive fuel
purifier seven decks below, March 29. The 4,000-pound jet propellant five (JP-5) fuel purifier being moved
is responsible for separating the useable, raw fuel from water and sediment. JP-5 is repeatedly refined via
the purifier to remove contaminants that have accumulated while the fuel sits in storage containers for later use.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59401

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10 sailors injured during training off Calif.

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/U ... 1-00-47-58

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All in the Family

OPM releases comprehensive guidance on FEHB coverage for dependents under age 26.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0311/033111pb.htm

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Lawmaker targets Pentagon pay raises

Rep. Allen West's bill would prohibit salary increases and locality pay boosts for civilians
who perform below satisfactory levels.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

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Cantor says, 'Time is up' to reach a spending deal for fiscal year 2011

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Tuesday ruled out another short-term measure to fund the government,
raising pressure on both parties to reach a deal to avert a government shutdown after April 8. "Yeah, I want to see
a long-term CR here," Cantor told reporters in response to a direct question about whether he was ruling out another
stopgap continuing resolution to keep the government open.
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/15248 ... is-up-here

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Congressional negotiations resume on spending bill

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/U ... TE=DEFAULT

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House GOP plans symbolic passage of shutdown prevention measure (Can't we pass a budget and get to the long-term entitlement issue??)

Plan would have no impact on actual shutdown.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

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Negotiations on Budget Inch Ahead in House (Maybe they need to cross the aisle to just get a majority)

Even if negotiators reach a compromise on the budget, it is unclear if they can sell it to
their parties' hard-liners.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/us/po ... l?emc=eta1

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Democrats say only $6 billion separates sides in budget talks

Senate leader Reid says sides are ready to find common ground.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

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Republicans and Democrats begin negotiating possible budget agreement

After weeks of arguing, Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill began negotiations Wednesday on a possible
budget agreement that would slash federal spending by as much as $33 billion and avert a government shutdown
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ ... ltoafriend

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Despite angry rhetoric, 'good progress' on budget talks to avert federal shutdown next week

WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden reported "good progress" Wednesday in budget talks to prevent a government shutdown
next week as congressional negotiators began work on a proposal for around $33 billion in spending cuts over the next six
months - considerably less than tea party activists demanded.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

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With a shutdown, the government could lose the market's trust

I don't want to start a market panic here. But it's safe to say that much of Washington finds the low, low yields
on Treasurys - which represent the market's serene confidence that the U.S. can handle its debts - a little baffling.
Senior government officials have told me they think Treasurys are probably a bit overpriced, which is a bit like the
executives of GE privately wondering why investors are so sure they won't go bankrupt. The investors might be right,
but it's not comforting to hear.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

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US economy outpaces rivals even as job growth lags

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/U ... TE=DEFAULT

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Americans souring more on economy

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/U ... TE=DEFAULT

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Treasury Now Sees Profit From Bailouts

The value has rebounded of more than $1.6 trillion in mortgage bonds that the
government bought at the height of the crisis.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/busin ... l?emc=eta1

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Fed turns down AIG offer to rebuy dodgy mortgage assets

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has turned down an offer by American International Group
to repurchase dodgy mortgage bonds that the Fed had taken off the insurance company's hands during the financial crisis.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

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State attorneys general negotiate with nation's largest banks in foreclosure crisis

WASHINGTON - State attorneys general and federal officials held an all-day negotiating session Wednesday
on the nation's foreclosure crisis with five of the nation's largest banks, seeking to resolve allegations
of wrongdoing that law enforcement officials say have impacted millions of Americans facing foreclosure.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

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Ending Saturday mail could save billions, GAO says

The U.S. Postal Service could save billions of dollars by ending Saturday mail deliveries,
according to the Government Accountability Office.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ ... ltoafriend

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As Sweeping Layoffs Loom, Schools Gird for Turmoil

Thousands of teachers across the nation are facing layoffs, forcing schools to
prepare for a broad reshuffling.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/educa ... l?emc=eta1

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Because of Japan's Problems, Auto Dealers See Trouble Ahead in Meeting Demand

A research firm said predicted that up to a third of the industry's production capacity could
be affected by the disaster.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/busin ... l?emc=eta1

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Tools to help the college-bound compare financial aid offers

Yippee. Your child got into his or her college of choice - several, in fact. Now what?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

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Less than 50 Years of Oil Left, HSBC Warns

The bank cautions that growth in developing countries like China could put as many as one billion
more cars on the road by midcentury.
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/ ... /?emc=eta1

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Within Obama's war cabinet, a looming battle over pace of Afghanistan drawdown

Military leaders and President Obama's civilian advisers are girding for battle over the size and pace of the
planned pullout of U.S. troops from Afghanistan this summer, with the military seeking to limit a reduction in
combat forces and the White House pressing for a withdrawal substantial enough to placate a war-weary electorate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/wit ... ltoafriend

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Egypt says U.S. dragging its feet on freezing Mubarak assets

More than a month after the fall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the United States has yet
to respond to a request by Cairo to freeze his assets, Egyptian officials say.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egy ... story.html

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Syrian Leader Blames 'Conspiracy' for Turmoil

President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday offered no concessions to ease the grip on
public life exercised by his authoritarian regime.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world ... l?emc=eta1

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In Yemen, Sit-In Against the Government Yields Business Opportunities

Entrepreneurs are stepping in to serve protesters who say they intend to demonstrate until
President Ali Abdullah Saleh goes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world ... l?emc=eta1

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NATO Starts Taking Control of Libya Operations

BRUSSELS - NATO on March 30 began to take command of Libyan air bombing operations from a U.S.-led coalition,
as warplanes and other assets from several allies came under the military organization's control. ..
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6099475

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Rebels Retreat From Libya Oil Port (Air Power alone has never won a war)

Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to
taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.
http://www.military.com/news/article/re ... -port.html

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Gadhafi's forces retake oil town, using civilian vehicles to become tougher airstrike targets


JDABIYA, Libya - Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and moved within
striking distance of another major eastern city, nearly reversing the gains rebels made since international
airstrikes began. Rebels pleaded for more help, while a U.S. official said government forces are making themselves
harder to target by using civilian "battle wagons" with makeshift armaments instead of tanks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/gad ... ltoafriend

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Retreat for Rebels; Libyan Foreign Minister Quits

Forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi advanced as Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa quit
and flew to London, the government there said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world ... l?emc=eta1

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C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels (Were in it now)

Clandestine operatives have been sent into Libya to gather intelligence for military airstrikes
and make contacts with rebels battling Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi's forces.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world ... l?emc=eta1

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Fleeing North Africa and Landing in an Italian Limbo

A hastily built refugee center in Italy's boot heel is an example of the logistical challenges
that Europe faces as thousands of immigrants flee the unrest in North Africa.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world ... l?emc=eta1

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UN imposes sanctions on Ivory Coast's Gbagbo who refuses to relinquish presidency (Chance for another NO-FLY Zone)

UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday demanded an immediate end to the escalating violence
in Ivory Coast and imposed sanctions on Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to relinquish the presidency, and his
inner circle.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/un- ... ltoafriend

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Pro-Ouattara rebels seize Ivory Coast capital in symbolic victory after 4 months of conflict

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast - Fighters supporting Ivory Coast's internationally recognized leader seized control
of the nation's administrative capital on Wednesday, marking a symbolic victory after months of political
chaos sparked when the country's former president refused to step down after an election.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pro ... ltoafriend

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Solution for Piracy 'Scourge' Remains Elusive (Seems Pretty Simple to Me, you got to the root and rip it out)

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6102718

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U.K. Logistics Data Systems Underperforming: Study (That Tail Stuff)

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6099834

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Strategist: Guam in reach of Chinese missiles

Advancements in Chinese military capabilities mean Guam has lost its status as a safe haven for American forces
in the Western Pacific, a top war strategist says.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/g ... es-033011/

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China military seeks to build trust with neighbors (what a great plan to get info)

China said Thursday that its military, under fire for a lack of transparency, will emphasize confidence-
building measures and seek more exchanges with foreign militaries.
http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/A ... 0-23-20-30

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TSPking

It's a gift...and a curse ~ Adrian Monk

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Fund Prices2024-03-28

FundPriceDayYTD
G $18.15 0.05% 1.05%
F $19.08 -0.06% -0.74%
C $82.21 0.11% 10.55%
S $82.43 0.30% 6.92%
I $42.57 -0.24% 5.95%
L2065 $16.38 0.02% 8.37%
L2060 $16.39 0.02% 8.38%
L2055 $16.39 0.02% 8.38%
L2050 $32.73 0.01% 6.95%
L2045 $14.91 0.02% 6.58%
L2040 $54.38 0.02% 6.22%
L2035 $14.34 0.02% 5.79%
L2030 $47.67 0.02% 5.38%
L2025 $13.15 0.03% 3.43%
Linc $25.61 0.03% 2.82%

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