Battlefields and Boardrooms - taking the smartest from both and putting them together

Battlefields and Boardrooms - taking the smartest from both and putting them together


Battlefields and Boardrooms - taking the smartest from both and putting them together

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:03 PM PST

The title of this blog is offered somewhat tongue in cheek.  Although there are things that the military, like any large bureaucracy, does that could only be classified as, well, stupid, the people in our military are not.  There are those with an ideological bent against anything military that love the stereotype of the mindless soldier who can only take orders and never think for themselves (a favorite staple in most hollywood flicks), but our military today is better trained and more carefully selected than ever before in history.  The days of "join the Navy or go to jail" are long gone.  Many enlisted personnel have college degrees (or have joined to earn the money to get one) and many senior enlisted and officers have both undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Our senior leaders, in addition to 20+ years of experience in their field, have often received one or more post graduate degrees from the military postgraduate schools or Ivy league schools as part of their educational career path.

Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni to Flee 75% Tax Like Gerard Depardieu

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 07:53 PM PST

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is reportedly considering a move to the UK, the Times of London reports. Less high-profile Frenchman have been labeled as unpatriotic for deserting their beloved France. If he moves, one can only imagine the firestorm Mr. Sarkozy will face! Some of it is already in full swing, made worse by allegations of fraud. See Plans for Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni's move were unearthed in a raid by fraud police.

Russian lower house backs bill to allow Putin to pick candidates to lead regions

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:56 PM PST

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at the town of Krymsk in the Krasnodar regionMOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's parliament has given preliminary backing to a bill that would enable the country's 83 regions to scrap popular elections of their leaders in favor of a system that would let President Vladimir Putin choose candidates instead. Opponents said the bill, approved in a 403-10 vote late on Wednesday after the first of three readings in the lower house would be a step backwards for democracy in Putin's new term. The lower house is dominated by Putin's United Russia party. ...


Japan faces nuclear shutdown for second time since Fukushima

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:54 PM PST

The unit No.1 and No. 2 reactor building of the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are seen in Fukushima PrefectureTOKYO (Reuters) - Japan may face a total nuclear shutdown in the summer for the second time since the March 2011 Fukushima disaster as the country's two operating reactors close for maintenance and tough new safety checks keep the rest of the fleet offline. That could force Japan to import even more fossil fuels for power generation, adding to an onerous energy bill that helped push the country into a record trade deficit in 2012. ...


Investors grow cagey as Italy election nears

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:23 PM PST

Italy's Prime Minister Monti appears as a guest on the RAI television show Porta a Porta in RomeLONDON (Reuters) - As Silvio Berlusconi's pre-election media blitz intensifies, so do fears of a costly detour from Italy's road back to economic strength. Yields on short-term Italian debt, which have fallen sharply, are creeping up again, reflecting concerns that the billionaire tycoon, who lost power at the peak of Italy's fiscal woes in 2011, could have a big influence on the election outcome. Some overseas investors are selling up now, rather than waiting to find out. ...


Trial of suspects in India gang rape set to begin

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:56 PM PST

NEW DELHI (AP) — The trial of five men accused of the rape and murder of a young woman on a moving bus in New Delhi last month was set to begin Thursday in a special fast-track court set up after the attack ignited outrage and questions over the treatment of women in the country's justice system.

Indonesian governor inspires, but can he deliver?

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:57 PM PST

In this photo taken on Jan. 3, 2013, Jakarta Gov. Joko Widodo, center, poses with his supporters for photographers during his inspection of bus transportation in Jakarta, Indonesia. Widodo's trip through his inundated city of 14 million reflected his hands-on approach to leadership, a style that helped him win election in September against an incumbent who was backed by the establishment political parties. His traffic plans include more buses to ply the city's dedicated lanes, some of which have already arrived, more roads and a scheme that would restrict the amount of cars that travel into the city center each day based on whether their license plate ends in odd or even number. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Cheering crowds greeted the new leader of this Asian megacity as he toured its flooded business district atop a handcart typically used to haul garbage. Men, women and children waded through dirty water to shake his hand, shout greetings and hear his vague promises that their lives will get better.


Palestinians threaten to take Israel to ICC

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:57 PM PST

Palestine will be left with no choice if Israel continues settlement expansion in occupied areas, foreign minister says.

Russian lower house backs bill to allow Putin to pick candidates to lead regions

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:39 PM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's parliament has given preliminary backing to a bill that would enable the country's 83 regions to scrap popular elections of their leaders in favor of a system that would let President Vladimir Putin choose candidates instead.

Investors grow cagey as Italy election nears

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:23 PM PST

LONDON (Reuters) - As Silvio Berlusconi's pre-election media blitz intensifies, so do fears of a costly detour from Italy's road back to economic strength.

VIDEO: Traditional Indian dance catches on

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 04:14 PM PST

The dance of Kathak that originated in northern India is currently thriving in the UK with hundreds of young British Asians taking it up.

N. Korea threatens nuclear test, more rocket launches in wake of new sanctions

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:04 PM PST

SEOUL — North Korea threatened Thursday to carry out a nuclear test as part of an "all-out action" against the U.S., which it called the "main player" behind recently adopted international sanctions.

In a statement published by Pyongyang's state news agency and attributed to the National Defence Commission, the North said that Washington's policy toward it had entered "a new dangerous phase." Though an underground nuclear test would not directly threaten the U.S., it would raise stakes for the Obama administration, which has failed to curtail the North's weapons program despite sanctions and short-lived attempts at dialogue.

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US Navy ship taking on water on Philippine reef

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:55 PM PST

In this Jan. 22, 2013 photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard, a coast guard diver checks the condition underwater of the USS Guardian, a US Navy minesweeper, after it ran aground last week off Tubbataha Reef, a World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, 640 kilometers (400 miles) southwest of Manila, Philippines. A U.S. Navy minesweeper that ran aground on a Philippine reef has been punctured and taking in water and will have to lifted off the rocks, a Navy official said Thursday. (AP Photo/Philippine Coast Guard) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALESMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A U.S. Navy minesweeper that ran aground on a Philippine reef is damaged and taking on water and will have to be lifted off the rocks in an operation that could last another week or two, a Navy official said Thursday.


VIDEO: Can this actress make Oscar history?

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 04:08 PM PST

Talking Movies' Tom Brook reports on the success of Quvenzhane Wallis who, at 9 years of age, is the youngest best actress nominee in Academy Awards history.

North Korea 'plans to conduct nuclear test'

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:03 PM PST

North says it plans to carry out third nuclear test, two days after UN condemned its rocket launch.

Logitech Q3 Misses; To Divest Remote Controls, Other Lines

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:35 PM PST

Logitech late Wednesday posted weaker-than-expected results for its fiscal third quarter ended December 31.

Gatecrash: Evaluating Simic

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:35 PM PST

Magic: The Gathering Gatecrash prerelease events will be kicking off this weekend.  It's time to look at the third guild in our Gatecrash Limited evaluation series, the blue/green evolving Simic.  The evolve mechanic allows Simic creatures to grow from reasonable beginnings to dangerous threats over the course of a game, and has ways to place and use counters as combat tricks or as fuel to draw cards.

10 Things Required for a Business Revival Kit

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:00 PM PST

The fiscal cliff seems to be in the rear view mirror. The economy is on the upswing and the stock market is above its Great Recession high. Now is the time to revive your small business.

Plane carrying 3 Canadians missing in Antarctica

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:10 PM PST

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Bad weather has forced rescue crews in Antarctica to delay until Friday an attempt to reach a small plane that was carrying three Canadians when it disappeared over a mountain range.

'Elder Scrolls Online' Releases a 6-Minute Trailer Full of Action yet Devoid of Content

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:11 PM PST

What a terrible trailer.

Google user data requests rise again

Google user data requests rise again


Google user data requests rise again

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:11 AM PST

Data from Google shows officials requested a record number of user data requests in the last six months of 2012.

US 'to end' women-in-combat ban

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 01:06 PM PST

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta removes the military's ban on women serving in combat, a senior Pentagon official has said.

Businesses fear EU 'uncertainty'

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:52 PM PST

Business figures have warned that the planned referendum on UK membership of the EU will create uncertainty for businesses and investors.

Palestinians say they may have no choice but to take Israel to Hague court

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:40 PM PST

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The Palestinians declared Wednesday that they will have no choice but to complain about Israel to the International Criminal Court if the Jewish state proceeds with plans to build housing on land the Palestinians want for a future state.

Jordan votes, but main Islamist party boycotts poll

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:48 PM PST

AMMAN (Reuters) - Jordanians voted in their first parliamentary election since the Arab uprisings on Wednesday without the participation of the main Islamist party which is demanding an end to official corruption and a louder voice for the urban poor.

Venezuela's vice president says he's target of assassination plot

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:35 PM PST

CARACAS (Reuters) - Vice President Nicolas Maduro said unidentified groups had entered Venezuela with the aim of assassinating him and the head of the National Assembly as President Hugo Chavez recovers from cancer in Cuba.

Derivatives scandal drags Monte Paschi into Italy election race

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:36 PM PST

MILAN (Reuters) - A scandal over shady derivatives deals bleeding money at Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has thrust Italy's third-biggest lender into the country's election campaign and risks embarrassing the center-left over its ties with the bank.

Pentagon Says It Is Lifting Ban on Women in Combat

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:39 PM PST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is lifting the military's ban on women in combat, which will open up hundreds of thousands of additional front-line jobs to them, senior defense officials said on Wednesday.

IMF: Eurozone to remain in recession in 2013

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:10 PM PST

IMF says recession-hit eurozone continues to pose a large downside risk to the global economic outlook.

Jailed Pussy Riot member complains of "death threats"

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:55 AM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - One of two jailed Pussy Riot members said she received death threats and complained of abuse at a prison colony where she is serving a two-year sentence for a punk protest against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow's main cathedral.

Frenchwoman to be freed in Mexico

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:37 PM PST

Mexico's Supreme Court decides that Florence Cassez, a Frenchwoman jailed for 60 years for kidnapping, is to be released immediately.

Mourinho wants to manage Portugal

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:47 AM PST

Jose Mourinho says he would love to coach Portugal in the future - and also refuses to rule out taking on the England job.

Venezuelans in democracy rallies

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:09 PM PST

Venezuela's government and opposition mark the 55th anniversary of the end of the military dictatorship with rallies in the capital, Caracas.

At Cochran’s Ski Area, a Long Legacy of Family Success, and Fun for All

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

Since 1960, when Mickey and Ginny Cochran installed a ski lift behind their home in Vermont, all four of their children and six of their grandchildren have gone on to become elite skiers.

Funeral Bombing in Northern Iraq Kills at Least 35 Mourners

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:42 AM PST

A tent full of Turkmen funeral mourners, including a number of high-ranking regional dignitaries, military officers, and religious men, was transformed into a mass killing ground on Wednesday.

Farm double payments clear hurdle

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:48 AM PST

Farmers could be paid twice for measures to protect the environment under a European Parliament deal.

Slovenian government in crisis

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:43 AM PST

A junior partner in Slovenia's ruling coalition leaves, depriving it of its majority, as tens of thousands of public sector employees join a strike.

US House passes debt-ceiling rise

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:56 AM PST

The US House passes a bill to extend the country's debt limit until May, deferring a budget debate with the White House.

Polls loom as party quits Slovenia government

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:32 AM PST

Civic List quit ruling coalition over refusal of PM to resign in corruption scandal, as 100,000 strike over pay cuts.

Inquiry in Death of Prosecutor Who Investigated Pakistani Premier

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:25 AM PST

The prosecutor, Kamran Faisal, had been building corruption charges against Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf when he was found dead at his government lodgings.

Thai militants kill teacher in school canteen

Thai militants kill teacher in school canteen


Thai militants kill teacher in school canteen

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 01:07 AM PST

Thai insurgents shot dead a teacher in front of dozens of children in a school cafeteria on Wednesday, police said, in the latest deadly attack on an education worker.

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South Africa farm strike suspended - industry group

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:10 AM PST

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - A deadly farm strike in South Africa's grape-growing Western Cape has been suspended after three weeks of labour unrest, farm industry groups and unions said on Wednesday.


Polish belt-tightening risks squeezing growth

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:02 AM PST

PABIANICE, Poland (Reuters) - The Polish town of Pabianice is broke. The mayor is selling off property to raise cash but still cannot afford to fix the paving stones and the local hospital has racked up more debt than the annual municipal budget.


Russia says U.S. rights law "odious" but wants constructive ties

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:56 PM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia wants constructive relations with the United States despite disputes over U.S. legislation designed to punish Russian human rights abusers and other difficulties in ties, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.


Japan arrests three for Iran sanctions violations - report

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:46 PM PST

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese police have arrested two men and a woman in connection with alleged illegal money transfers to an Iranian shipping firm suspected of involvement in the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme, Japanese media said on Wednesday.


VIDEO: Gary the Goat walks free from court

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:28 AM PST

A magistrate in Australia has dismissed charges against a man who was fined after his goat ate flowers outside the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

Burning dog sparks public outcry in S. Korea

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:41 AM PST

A South Korean animal rights group offered a $2,800 dollar reward Wednesday to catch those responsible for setting a dog on fire in an incident that triggered a public outcry.

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S. Korea activists to put 'comfort woman' statues in Asia

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:24 AM PST

South Korean activists unveiled plans Wednesday to put up statues -- commemorating women forced into wartime sexual slavery by Japan -- in a number of Asian countries, starting with Singapore.

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Sabah churches demand action against anti-Christian frenzy

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:11 AM PST

In a hard hitting Sabah churches want the government to act decisively against the latest round of anti-Christian frenzy.

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Ageing gracefully: it's a personal choice

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:05 AM PST

Many people do not view the process of ageing in a positive light. They believe that the process of ageing is a journey towards the end of life.

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VIDEO: Campaign to 'end hunger for ever'

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:25 AM PST

More than 100 aid organisations have come together to launch a campaign against hunger to coincide with the UK's role heading the G8 this year.

BNM may report lower reserve level: analyst

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:36 PM PST

Kenanga Research expects that Bank Negara Malaysia may report a lower reserves level in two weeks time.

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VIDEO: 'Le pong' gas smell crosses Channel

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 10:53 PM PST

A chemical plant on the outskirts of Rouen is leaking a foul-smelling gas which has spread over hundreds of square miles - across France and into south-east England.

7 million households, individuals apply for BR1M 2.0

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:22 PM PST

A total of seven million households and single unmarried individuals have applied for the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) 2.0 which will be paid out next month, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said today.

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Japan launching spy satellite to monitor North Korea

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:22 PM PST

Japan is to launch a new spy satellite on Sunday to strengthen its monitoring capabilities amid concern that North Korea may carry out more missile and nuclear tests.

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British woman 'devastated' after Bali death sentence: lawyer

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:13 PM PST

British grandmother Lindsay Sandiford is "devastated" and withdrawn after being sentenced to death for drug smuggling on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, her lawyer said Wednesday.

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Second Penang Bridge first federal project to get Chinese loan

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:04 PM PST

The Second Penang Bridge is the first federal government project to secure a loan from China, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai.

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Mozilla unveils preview smartphones in new push

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:01 PM PST

The Mozilla Foundation on Tuesday unveiled two preview smartphones as it invited developers to try its new open-source mobile operating system challenging Apple's iOS and Google's Android.

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Thai magazine editor jailed for 10 years for insulting king

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 11:21 PM PST

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Thai magazine editor was jailed for 10 years on Wednesday for insulting the royal family under the country's draconian lèse-majesté law, a sentence that drew condemnation from international rights groups and the European Union.


Netanyahu turns focus to Iran after narrow election win

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 09:47 PM PST

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory in Israel's parliamentary election, shrugging off surprise losses to centre-left challengers and vowing to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.