USCG Pacific Northwest: VHF radio vs Cell Phone

US Coast Guard Pacific Northwest has a good explanation on why a marine radio is better than a cell phone on the water during an emergency.

USCG Pacific Northwest: VHF radio vs Cell Phone

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command U.S. Fifth Fleet Press Release

This press release details the capture of an alleged “mothership” by US and Korean forces.  The ROKS Munmu the Great and USS Gettysburg responded to a call from Egyptian-flagged M/V Amira.  The Amira was being attacked by pirates south of Yemen. 

The Gettysburg was able to board and capture a suspected “mothership”.  All 17 of the passengers were detained for further questioning by the VBSS team of the Gettysburg and the Coast Guard Legal Detachment.

Way to go guys!!!

Press Release

Congress tries to ensure that Judge Kent won't be paid | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Here is an interesting one!  Judge Kent of the Galveston District Court has been sentenced to just under 3 years in Federal prison for obstruction of justice for lying to an inquiry looking to sexual harassment allegations.  He has qualified for retirement as a federal judge.  Since federal judges are appointed for life, when the retire they will continue to receive their salary for the rest of their life just like the President.  So since he qualified for retirement, he will continue to be paid his current salary while serving his prison term.  Many people are commenting that they want the Congress to stop paying Kent.  The Constitution forbids Congress from decreasing a federal judge’s salary.  The only way to keep from paying him is to impeach and convict him.  Only then will they be able to stop Kent from receiving salary. 

While this is a pain and many people are upset about having to pay Kent until he is impeached, I believe that it is a necessary evil.  If it was easy to remove a federal judge, it would be to easy to blur the line between Congress and the Federal Courts.  Separation of powers between the three branches of government is one of the things that makes our system of government work.   Giving Congress the ability to reduce a justice’s pay would give them influence over the federal courts and affect their impartial judgment.  In my opinion, we should let the Constitution work.  The Congress should start the impeachment process and remove him from the bench, ending his salary.

Now if Congress fails to act on this quickly, then we have another issue.

Wikipeadia - Federal judge (United States)

Congress tries to ensure that Judge Kent won't be paid | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Mayor unveils $4B budget, lower than previous fiscal year | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

The Houston Chronicle reports that Mayor White’s budget proposal is lower in government spending. The city is projected to spend $4.05 billion in the new fiscal year.  A 0.4 percent from the current year. 

With the handling of Hurricane Ike and now this, Bill White is turning out to be a good mayor.  I would say one of the better ones that we have seen in recent years.  

Mayor unveils $4B budget, lower than previous fiscal year | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew instant coffee | Starbucks Coffee Company

Here you go.  An instant coffee that is suppose to have taste!  This would be great for the boat.  No fuss no mess.  Maybe it will make it to Houston so I can give it a try.  If you have had a chance to try Starbuck’s latest, drop me a line and let me know.  Otherwise, I just might have to order some on the Internet and give it a try.

Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew instant coffee | Starbucks Coffee Company