The USS Gettysburg has shot down a US Navy F-18F Super Hornet off the USS Harry S Truman over the Red Sea in a friendly fire incident. Both crew members ejected and were recovered with minor injuries to one crew member.  Gettysburg is part of the Truman strike group, and is one of only three Ticonderoga class cruisers that completed the Ticonderoga modernization program, extending their life to 2029. The GAO released a damning report last week about the program, and the Navy spending on it. The Navy spent over $3.5B ($1.84B on non-completed ships, and $1.9B on completed ships) on the program, only to see four ships being retired before completing upgrades, and three completing the program. The four ships were not completed because the Navy lacked funding for the program.

The F-18 involved was most likely participating in strikes on Houthi missile storage and command and control facilities in Yemen, and was returning to the ship when the incident happened. The F-18F is the two seat version of the F-18 Super Hornet, and includes a weapons system operator that flies in the rear cockpit. 

Quote:DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire” incident, the U.S military said.
Both pilots were recovered alive, with one suffering minor injuries, but the incident underlines just how dangerous the Red Sea corridor has become after a year of ongoing attacks on shipping by Yemen’s Houthi rebels despite U.S. and European military coalitions patrolling the area.
The U.S. military had conducted airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels at the time, though the U.S. military’s Central Command did not elaborate on what their mission was.

The Parker Solar Probe

It's the fastest man-made object ever built... travelling at some 430,000 miles per hour... in the last 6 years, the team that launched it has been preparing for another first... a dive into the Sun's atmosphere.  The metric ton of the probe houses a relatively small payload (a little over a hundred pounds.) 

All the extra mass was needed to get to the point where the probe would actually perform an amazing task...  Diving into the within just 3.8 million miles of the solar surface... all in search of answers to lingering questions about the solar wind.  It took 6 years to get the orbit just right to enable this part of the project... expecting temperatures as high as 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.  The engineering of the probe was very meticulous using unusual configurations of special equipment made out of Titanium, Zirconium, Molybdenum with some niobium wiring encased in lab-grown sapphire crystal tubes.

I thought it might be something to look into... for those keen on the study of the actual origins of solar wind... 

Greetings, Deny Ignorance. 

I am AlroyFarms, but you may recall a little member on the other side called NarcolepticBuddha. Along the way I had lost some of my natural jovial spirit. In other words, I have been known to be quite the big jerk! If I had ever personally attacked you, I'd like to apologize for that and say that I'm here to start a new, fresh chapter. 

So what can I bring to Deny Ignorance? Unfortunately, probably not very much! I am no great scholar or fieldsman. I have few achievements or contributions to my name. I'm just your average Joe Six-Pack (sober for over 1 year now) who carries an unquenchable curiosity and wonderment for life. I have had a paranormal experience or two in my time so I hope I'm in the right place for that. 

First and foremost I do have narcolepsy which is a neurological sleep disorder. Sleep paralysis, or hypnagogic/hypnapompic sleep, is something I experience quite frequently as a symptom of the disorder. I don't believe that it is just a quirk of the sleep experience like many might say. I can usually initiate the experience at will, but since it can be a frightening experience I choose to avoid it. It does and can happen without my consent though. I believe there may be some spiritual significance to it, and that it is connected in the way of Out Of Body Experiences (of which I have experienced many times.)

I am a cancer survivor and during my 2.5 years of treatment I have transformed from an atheist into--well, something else. Whatever shock to my system, I became deeply involved in the metaphysical: spirituality, prayer, meditation etc. 

I'd like to believe I hold a delicate balance between skepticism and belief in all things. I have an understanding and appreciation of good scientific method as well. 

I am a drummer. I [used to be] a wannabe poet who has had a few poems published, but I only write for pleasure and catharsis now. I play inline hockey. I am really just a jack-of-all-trades. I have passion for living life and helping others enjoy life as well. I continue to struggle with some health issues, but I try not to let that stop me.

Basically, I'm not here to assert or argue or convince anybody of anything. I'm not sure that I will be posting my own threads too often. I will probably just chime in when I feel it. Otherwise I am expecting to just continue to enjoy reading the posts of everyone else.

My thanks to those who took the time to read my introduction and welcome me to DI.

Oh! And I saw that our benefactor, TSK, has given permission to re-post our old threads here. With some updating and slight editing, I'd love to share a handful of my paranormal experiences here if there's an interest. 

Enjoy the holidays and be well all!

I would like to share two short videos which "the algorithm" has sent my way... (not the kind of thing I search for.)



The speaker tells us about our first George Bush president, how was a CIA operative, and how when finally appointed to the Directorship, it fell to him to speak to the public about the recently exposed Mockingbird operation... where "the CIA" would pay news agencies to publish or broadcast 'information' they produced.  But also pointing out that people seldom consider the assurance he delivered... that "We won't pay them anymore... In the future, it will be voluntary."

The next video popped up very shortly after...



This speaker praises Snowden and Assange, gushing rather fully... but nevertheless points out how much we would have never known, had they not come forward.

My question is this... could this be "propaganda" as well?

The field is so covered with grease that it's becoming difficult to get traction... (If you take my meaning.)

If your already having an anxiety attack from the title, welcome to the thread and we are going on a astral journey today.

I have been looking for an opportunity to broach the subject in a somewhat sane and responsible way and finally found the answer in a book.

At some point in your life you will have an "awakening experience", a heightened state of consciousness. There are many better ways to reach nirvana than intense psychological turmoil, but it is a way and a powerful experience.

Clearing the air for a moment, "intense psychological turmoil" is a wide range of things.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blo...-shift-ups

Quote:Finally, there is "sudden wakefulness," which involves an instantaneous and dramatic identity shift, and occurs most frequently in response to intense psychological turmoil, such as bereavement, loss, failure, or severe stress.

Quote:In my research, I have found that sudden awakening in response to turmoil (or ‘transformation through turmoil’ as I sometimes call it) is far from uncommon. Unfortunately, however, it is often undetected or misinterpreted. This is because sometimes sudden awakening occurs in an intensely energetic and explosive form, and causes some psychological disturbances.

Quote:As a result, "sudden energetic awakening" (as I call it) is frequently misdiagnosed as a form of psychosis. For example, in my Ph.D. research, there were five clear cases of "sudden energetic awakening," four of whom were seen by psychiatrists, given medication and/or confined to psychiatric hospitals.

The Lime Tree

One season I watched excitedly how the leaves sprouting from my lime tree looked different, slightly yellow and stalk like. "Oh wow, it was finally time for it to flower!"  A couple of days later the "flowers" still hadn't developed and they looked more like mutated things.

Not perturbed this only heightened my excitement. "Incredible! This plant mutates it's cells based on the environment to either be flower, fruit or leaf ". They just continued to developing into gnarly looking leaves however and this was sad. I was saddened.

It didn't take long for old growth to develop protrusions and no new growth was happening.  The whole tree was looking rather poor and getting attacked by bugs constantly.  Things continued this way for about a year.

One day moving things around in the garden I took pity on the lime and decided the soil of the pot and location was cursed. So I replanted it in the garden proper not in a pot and wished it good luck. Another year passed.

On the day of the annual garden makeover and still looking diseased, the lime trees time had come. I cut off every thing looking remotely green on the tree and for good measure I cut the trunk leaving only 10 inches. I gave the tree over to the universe and said "if nature wishes it, you will grow back restored". A season passed.

The leaves grew back healthy! New branches where sprouting all over the trunk and a worm also ate everything in one night, everything include the new branches. Another year passes.

I am fairly smack at the high end of age group here... which is to say I have been around for long enough to have bee subjected to a severe, long term, enforced conditioning to avoid the consumption of one of the most nutrient-dense staples, readily available in most every home in the West: Eggs.

It seemed a never ending mantra, a constant public service announcement (PSA)... don't eat too much eggs, your cholesterol will go through the roof.

But now... a new tone is breaking into the endless din of the warning bells about eggs...

I found this evidence in Fox's Health section: https://www.foxnews.com/health/eggs-now-...-heres-why

I can't read the article because of the 'surrender your data' demands... but it matters not... because I'm hoping you all can affirm what I recollect...

Now... here's where the conspiracy muse chimes in...

Has anyone else noticed "Egg banning" becoming a thing? (In 8 states thus far they have enacted laws banning the production and sale of eggs produced by hens kept in cages*: California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona.)

Do you know what's going to happen to the price of eggs when the mass producers pull out?

And now... "Eggs are good for you says FDA?"

Sorry, I guess I'm in a mood..

* I agree there is a qualitative and humane benefit to not keeping animals trapped in cages... but that's not the point of the "rant."

DenyIgnorance.com Officially Endorses the Principles of the EFF’s Electronic Frontier Alliance

At DenyIgnorance.com, our mission has always been to foster open discussions, uncover truths, and defend the freedom to question the world around us. In alignment with these values, we are proud to officially endorse the principles of the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s (EFF) Electronic Frontier Alliance (EFA).

The EFA’s principles—free expression, privacy, creativity, security, and access to knowledge—mirror the core values that drive our community. As a space dedicated to exploring diverse perspectives and challenging conventional narratives, we believe these principles are essential in safeguarding the digital rights of individuals and communities worldwide.

By standing with the EFF, we reaffirm our commitment to:

• Defending Free Expression: Upholding the right to share and discuss ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal.
  
  
• Championing Privacy: Advocating for the protection of personal data and the right to remain anonymous online.
  
  
• Encouraging Creativity: Supporting the free exchange of ideas and innovation in all its forms.
  
  
• Promoting Security: Prioritizing safe, secure platforms for discussion and collaboration.
  
  
• Ensuring Access to Knowledge: Believing that knowledge is a universal right that should never be restricted.
  

A terrible mass casualty event in Germany,  as a man a car plows into Christmas shoppers/revelers in Germany.... details still coming out
https://germany.news-pravda.com/en/world.../6703.html

60-80 injured...reports more than 10 fatalities so far

https://news.sky.com/story/germany-lates...g-13277329

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2583777/world

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...as-market/

Quote:A car ploughed into a crowd at a German Christmas market on Friday, killing at least one person and injuring almost 70 in a suspected terror attack.

The car crashed through barriers protecting the market in Magdeburg and drove straight into shoppers, eyewitnesses reported.

Video purportedly taken by a nearby camera showed a car mowing down dozens of pedestrians as it sped through a narrow alleyway with stalls on either side.

The driver has been arrested, Germany’s DPA news agency reported, and police have cordoned off the city centre as they searched for explosives linked to the attack.

Published: Dec 19, 2024
Your Consciousness Can Connect With the Whole Universe
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science...y-college/

The notion that quantum physics must be the underlying mechanism for consciousness first emerged in the 1990s, when Nobel Prize–winning physicist Roger Penrose, PhD, and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff, MD, popularized the idea that neural microtubules enable quantum processes in our brain, giving rise to consciousness. Specifically, they postulated in a 1996 paper that consciousness may operate as a quantum wave passing through the brain’s microtubules. This is known as Orch OR theory, referring to the ability of microtubules to perform quantum computations through a mathematical process Penrose calls “objective reduction.”

Pretty good article, contains all the good stuff like wave functions collapsing and shooting photons into microtubules.  They are so close to saying it's a transmission, soon..

Soon, soon everything will be called a simulation. The line between what is digital and real is evaporating. We have math down to the quantum level describing the simulation. You already go to jail for flipping bits on a circuit board.

Do we even know what real is any more, where the digital divide is?



What about the microtubules? Basically just like Rupert Sheldrake quest on the inner working of plants led him to morphic resonance, the quest into the brain led towards microtubules and quantum waves. 

Here is a short 20min Video from the man himself, Roger Penrose on it.

Wow.

I went back to ATS to relive some memories and it did not make me feel positive, it was a little desolate.

Then DTOM told me about this place. 

Whoever is responsible for this is has done a great job! Well done. 

Therefore here is my introduction which I abridged from ATS:

I'm a changed man. Or maybe I have reverted back to how I was when I first joined this place, maybe it was 2008 or 2010 when I joined originally.

I'm back meditating.
I haven't drank alcohol for nearly 600 days.
I am much more chilled out.
I have no inclination to argue, condescend or denigrate others.
I see great benefit in loving my neighbours and forum members no matter how much I disagree with their opinions.

From the bottom of my heart I hope you are all doing well.


Now I explore the forums....

(I do hope this OFCOM legislation in the UK will not threaten this forum, I must get a VPN if it does!).

You just went offline there for a while - doesn't look like thread titles are showing up either.


You OK DI?

And now that Trump has a true friend incoming to the FCC, and having telegraphed a rumor that he would act against this potential ban... we have this development in the story...

From ArsTechnica: Supreme Court to decide if TikTok should be banned or sold
Subtitled: TikTok won’t get injunction but will get SCOTUS review ahead of potential ban.

Background DI discussions:
Tik Tok
Recent legislation "banning" Tik Tok might not survive
Tik Tok sues US Govt... the saga continues
Donald Trump to stop the TikTok ban

Tik Tok's lawyers had applied for an injunction, hoping to put an end to the forced-sale deadline they had been subjected to. 
But instead, the Supreme Court will simply review the legislation for unconstitutionality... so the deadline still stands.

There was a great political posturing in place about protecting the lion-share of Tik Tok users in the US, those of our younger generations; who naturally were involved in the explorations of fads and trends and all such things online.

The offended few, and the perpetually fearful within the government, reacted in theatric form... Senators, and Congressional members sent an ultimatum in the form U.S. Legislation (H.R.7521 - Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act)

But they made a very obtuse and , in my opinion, telling inclusion in the legislation... the specific mention of Tik Tok... creating a clear constitutional hazard... risking the legislation falling into the problematic realm of a "Bill of Attainder."  Such a bill imposes penalties, restrictions, or burdens targeted towards a specific person or group... without the legal due process to which everyone is entitled in our country.

My own opinion is that legislation is never to be used as a tool of punishment... and certainly not against a specifically-targeted entity (at least not a citizen, at best no one.) 
Legislation should describe the actions of anyone, not specific actors (who come and go over time.)

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court confirmed it would review whether a federal law that could ban or force a sale of TikTok is unconstitutional.

It seems the question of "could" ban, or force a sale... is tenuous.  Can they?  Of course they can... 
But the "sale" is just a question of "instead of a ban."  Tik Tok is a platform, not a monopoly of free speech, the company doesn't "have to stop" doing it's business in the US... it just can't, in substance, be a controlled entity by a self-proclaimed foreign antagonist of the US.

"Framing" is the issue here.
 
Speaking of framing:

“We’re pleased with today’s Supreme Court order," TikTok said in a statement. "We believe the Court will find the TikTok ban unconstitutional so the over 170 million Americans on our platform can continue to exercise their free speech rights.”

The Tik Tok posture is that this is about 170 million "Americans" rather than the disposition of their content creation and data collection...
We are presuming in their perspective, that all those Tik Tok users will be suddenly stricken mute and deaf...  hyperbole of the 'courtroom' variety.

"Defenders" will always slide into the 'victim' role, embracing self-described virtue... 'prosecuting' their plight as if it were an unwarranted attack.

I fear, because of the ham-handed theatrics of politicians... they have been handed an opportunity to prevail...

Perhaps they "had" to make it specific... lest others they do not object to might fall under the same scrutiny... others like Meta, You Tube, X, etc. 
Those others do exactly the same with their data... just not "officially" for China.

In what may come to many as no surprise to many, the medical community is suddenly making public assertions about the use of the heavily promoted drug Acetaminophen.

Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is a widely used over-the-counter medication. Common brand names include Tylenol and Panadol.

From FoxNews reporting: Common pain reliever could cause medical complications in some people over 65, study suggests
Subtitled: Acetaminophen, a painkiller and fever reducer, can be found in cold and flu medicines, gels and ointments

Researchers in the UK have produced a study of 180,000 acetaminophen users compared to 400,000 non-users over 20 years.  

The findings revealed that the use of acetaminophen – sometimes also called paracetamol – was associated with an increased risk of serious medical complications.
Acetaminophen may be found in cough, cold and flu medications, as well as in creams, gels, salves and even suppositories, one gerontologist noted. (iStock)
This includes peptic ulcer bleeding, uncomplicated peptic-ulcers, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Apparently, this drug, while immensely profitable, has has many contradictory assurances associated with it... for example:

 Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and senior medical analyst at Fox News, shared his reaction with Fox News Digital.

"It is generally accepted doctrine that acetaminophen is not associated with GI bleeding or advancing kidney disease, but the thinking is starting to change on this front," said the doctor, who was not involved in the study.  There is evidence suggesting that acetaminophen "modulates the same cyclooxygenase-related pathways" as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which can "increase adverse GI side effects," according to Siegel.

It's not associated with GI problems, but there is evidence it is... interesting.

"And yes, over-the-counter medications are still medications. Acetaminophen is well-known for its liver toxicity, but there are other side effects as well, as this study suggests."

For decades, the industry has foisted this drug onto the population... ever since the beginning of the 21st century, regulators have guided the industry to reduce the amounts of dosages more than once... usually due to the increasing data showing the toxicity of the product represented a health risk...

Concerns about paracetamol's safety delayed its widespread acceptance until the 1970s, but in the 1980s paracetamol sales exceeded those of aspirin in many countries, including the United Kingdom. This was accompanied by the commercial demise of phenacetin, blamed as the cause of analgesic nephropathy and hematological toxicity. Available in the U.S. without a prescription since 1955.

In June 2009, an FDA advisory committee recommended that new restrictions be placed on paracetamol use in the United States to help protect people from the potential toxic effects. The maximum single adult dosage would be decreased from 1000 mg to 650 mg, while combinations of paracetamol and other products would be prohibited. Committee members were particularly concerned by the fact that the then-present maximum dosages of paracetamol had been shown to produce alterations in liver function.

In January 2011, the FDA asked manufacturers of prescription combination products containing paracetamol to limit its amount to no more than 325 mg per tablet or capsule and began requiring manufacturers to update the labels of all prescription combination paracetamol products to warn of the potential risk of severe liver damage. Manufacturers had three years to limit the amount of paracetamol in their prescription drug products to 325 mg per dosage unit.

In November 2011, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revised UK dosing of liquid paracetamol for children.

Two reports by ProPublica alleging that the "FDA has long been aware of studies showing the risks of acetaminophen. So has the maker of Tylenol, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson" and "McNeil, the maker of Tylenol, ... has repeatedly opposed safety warnings, dosage restrictions and other measures meant to safeguard users of the drug."

I suppose this is fertile ground for speculating how the FDA is an industry-captured agency... and profit drives their loyalties...  I have always had reservations about certain petroleum-distillate drugs... this kind of thing doesn't bolster my confidence in modern western medicine.

Hee Haw. I am a drunk horse on a mission.
I ride with wild Stallions and Great Danes.

They call me the lone weaper,
Saddle me up and give me beer.

I will surely take you there,
It might take a while with this smile.

Please bring a case to set my pace,
I promise not to race.

Off I go drunk again,
With you where do I begin.

OMGEE we are almost there,
Let me stop and have a beer.?

Smartest man in the world, with IQ of 220, tells what he thinks happens upon death.
I guess he bases this on science and math ... dimensions and energy ... dunno ... 
He calls his theory - Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU)

I'll give a little of the quote, but go read the whole article.   Interesting ... 

Smartest Man In The World Shares What He Thinks Happens Upon Death

Quote:He believes that when we die, we transition from one form of being to another within the computational structure of reality, meaning the consciousness, or 'soul,' moves to another dimension or plane of existence we cannot access while alive. 

He said death is 'The termination of your relationship with your particular physical body that you have at this present time. When you are retracted from this reality, you go back up toward the origin of reality.
 Once you transition to this new plane of exitance, you might not even remember who you were before, Langan said. 
'You can have - these memories can be - nothing goes out of existence in the math.  'Your memories can always be pulled back out, but there's no reason to do that usually, OK?

The afterlife is something else entirely. It involves a profound shift in our entire being, moving the 'soul' or consciousness beyond the physical or mental self. 

Just a heads-up for anyone recently adopting the new Nvidia app and experiencing performance issues.

From ArsTechnica: Nvidia’s new app is causing large frame rate dips in many games
Subtitled: Fully disabling optional, AI-powered filters seems to fix the problem.

The subtitle offers a solution... I hope it works without other consequences.

When Nvidia replaced the longstanding GeForce Experience App with a new, unified Nvidia App last month, most GPU owners probably noted the refresh and rebranding with nothing more than bemusement (though the new lack of an account login requirement was a nice improvement). Now, testing shows that running the new app with default settings can lead to some significant frame rate dips on many high-end games, even when the app's advanced AI features aren't being actively used.
(underline is mine.)

So much for the subtitle...

I ran across this article, and thought it might do well to share it here, for any interested...

From ArsTechnica: “Unprecedented” decline in teen drug use continues, surprising experts
Subtitled: Kids who were in 8th grade at pandemic's start have ushered in an era of abstaining.

The narrative supplied us that as the "Covid event" manifested itself on society, many young teens were expected to 'fall off' the 'user roles' as they became further distanced from suppliers.  But, instead of resurging as time went on, and daily life resumed it's flow... even more teens have begun to distance themselves from the 'drug use' life-style choice.

Teen drug use continued to fall in 2024, extending a dramatic decline spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic that experts expected would reverse now that the acute phase of the global crisis is well over.

But, according to data released Tuesday, the number of eighth, 10th, and 12th graders who collectively abstained from the use of alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine hit a new high this year. Use of illicit drugs also fell on the whole and use of non-heroin narcotics (Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet) hit an all-time low.
...

"As it turns out, the declines have not only lasted but have dropped further."

And a bit further on, a spokesperson for the federal government proposed that "We must continue to investigate factors that have contributed to this lowered risk of substance use to tailor interventions to support the continuation of this trend."

As if they had anything to do with it at all.

Frankly it doesn't surprise me that we have a new perspective about the use of illegal substances...
most people were removed from the primary venue through which they can be introduced... SCHOOL. 

Politicians and talking heads had made a fine attempt at convincing everyone that "making it illegal" was the solution to the substance abuse problem... but in the end, all it takes is keeping the traffic out of the faces of the youth... where it is mostly the first place these kids actually make the 'connections' to get drugs...  

Heh... a "COVID school-shutdown" silver lining? 

Ouch... that'd be a bitter pill to swallow for some!

• Early Mechanical Systems: The earliest PALs relied on mechanical locking mechanisms that physically prevented arming unless a specific key or sequence was used.
• Transition to Electronic Systems: As technology evolved, electronic PALs replaced mechanical systems, integrating encryption and digital authentication processes to bolster security.
• Modern Cryptographic Systems: Today’s PALs employ advanced cryptographic algorithms, multi-factor authentication, and tamper-resistant hardware to ensure the highest level of security.

1. Secure Authorization: Before a nuclear weapon can be armed, a secure code must be transmitted to the PAL system. This code is typically held by high-ranking officials and requires multiple levels of verification.
2. Encryption and Validation: The PAL uses advanced encryption protocols to verify the authenticity of the authorization code. If the code is incorrect or tampered with, the system remains locked.
3. Arming and Firing Control: Upon successful validation, the PAL permits the weapon’s arming sequence to proceed. However, additional safeguards ensure that firing can only occur under specific conditions.
4. Failsafe Mechanisms: If unauthorized tampering is detected, the PAL system can render the weapon inoperable, either temporarily or permanently. This ensures that even if a weapon is stolen, it cannot be used.

• Cryptographic Keys: Each PAL system is programmed with unique cryptographic keys that are known only to authorized personnel. These keys are changed regularly to prevent compromise.
• Tamper Detection: Modern PALs include sensors that detect physical or electronic tampering. If tampering is detected, the system may initiate a lockout or self-destruct sequence to disable critical components.
• Redundant Safeguards: Multiple layers of authentication and redundancy ensure that a single point of failure cannot compromise the system. For instance, both manual and electronic overrides require independent authorization.
• Fail-Deadly vs. Fail-Safe: Early debates about PALs included whether they should “fail-deadly” (allowing a weapon to detonate under specific conditions, even if safeguards fail) or “fail-safe” (ensuring the weapon becomes permanently inoperable). Modern designs favor fail-safe approaches to prevent catastrophic misuse.

• Two-Person Rule: To prevent unauthorized actions, PAL-equipped weapons typically require the involvement of at least two authorized individuals to arm and launch.
• Code Management: PAL codes are stored securely and transmitted using encrypted channels. They are often broken into segments, requiring multiple individuals to combine their portions for full access.
• Maintenance and Upgrades: PAL systems undergo regular testing and updates to ensure their continued effectiveness against emerging threats. This includes patching software vulnerabilities and upgrading cryptographic algorithms.

• Complexity vs. Reliability: The sophisticated nature of PAL systems can introduce potential points of failure, necessitating rigorous testing and maintenance.
• Evolving Threats: Advances in hacking and electronic warfare pose ongoing risks to even the most secure systems, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation.
• International Standardization: Different nations have varying levels of PAL technology, leading to disparities in nuclear security standards. Efforts to promote international best practices are ongoing.

• Preventing Unauthorized Use: PALs have significantly reduced the risk of nuclear weapons being used without proper authorization, whether through theft, rogue actions, or accidental misuse.
• Promoting Confidence: The existence of PALs reassures governments and citizens that robust safeguards are in place, reducing the likelihood of panic or escalation during crises.
• Setting Standards: PAL technology has set a benchmark for other critical security systems, influencing the development of safeguards in industries ranging from aerospace to cybersecurity.

• Ballistic Protection: The trailer is armored to withstand high-caliber gunfire and explosive impacts. Reinforced steel and composite materials make penetration virtually impossible.
  
• Blast Resistance: The SGT’s structure can endure significant blast forces, ensuring the integrity of the cargo even in the event of an attack.
  
• Anti-Tamper Systems: The cargo vault features sophisticated tamper-detection systems that trigger alarms if unauthorized access is attempted.
  
• Expanding Foam Defense: If the cargo vault is breached, a specialized foam system activates, filling the interior with a dense, hardening material designed to immobilize and encapsulate the contents. This feature buys critical time by making the materials inaccessible to intruders. The foam is formulated to resist cutting tools and withstand high temperatures.
  
• Compartmentalized Design: Inside the cargo vault, materials are stored in isolated compartments. This limits the exposure of contents even if one section is compromised.
  

• Remote Disabling Systems: In the event of a hijacking attempt, operators can remotely disable the vehicle, rendering it immobile and locking down its contents.
  
• GPS Tracking and Geofencing: The truck is equipped with redundant GPS systems that allow continuous monitoring. Geofencing ensures the transporter remains within predefined routes, with alerts triggered if deviations occur.
  
• Onboard Surveillance: The SGT houses an array of cameras and sensors, providing real-time visual and environmental data to security personnel monitoring the transport. Advanced infrared and thermal imaging systems enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
  
• Signal Jamming: The transporter’s electronic countermeasures can disrupt unauthorized communications and remote detonation signals within its vicinity. These systems are designed to neutralize drones or other remote surveillance devices.
  
• Lethal Force Authorization: In extreme situations, the escort agents accompanying the SGT are authorized to use lethal force. This includes situations where threats arise from law enforcement personnel who may unknowingly interfere with the transport. Escort teams are trained to communicate effectively with local authorities to avoid such confrontations, but the mission’s security always takes precedence.
  

• Counterterrorism: The agents are trained to respond swiftly and effectively to any threats, employing advanced tactical strategies.
  
• Nuclear Security Protocols: They understand the unique challenges posed by nuclear materials and are adept at ensuring their safe transport.
  
• Secure Communications: Convoy members maintain constant communication with command centers and other federal agencies, enabling coordinated responses.
  

• Unmarked Vehicles: The trucks and escort vehicles are nondescript to avoid drawing attention. The exterior appearance is deliberately designed to blend in with ordinary freight vehicles.
  
• Randomized Routes: Routes are planned meticulously and often altered mid-journey to confound potential adversaries. Alternate paths are pre-determined and activated as necessary.
  
• Night Operations: Many transports occur under the cover of darkness, further reducing visibility and risk. Convoys make use of night-vision technology to maintain situational awareness.
  
• Deceptive Convoys: Sometimes multiple convoys operate simultaneously to create uncertainty about the true location of the cargo.
  

• Dual-Engine Systems: Some models are equipped with backup power systems to maintain mobility even in the event of mechanical failure.
  
• Communications Backups: Multiple communication channels ensure uninterrupted contact with command centers. Satellite communications are used to maintain global coverage.
  
• Self-Defense Mechanisms: Beyond the armed escort, the transporter itself is capable of deploying countermeasures such as smoke screens, tear gas, and, if needed, armed response systems to deter attackers. Some vehicles are equipped with kinetic barriers that can physically repel intruders.
  

• Crash Mitigation: The transporter is engineered to prevent spills or dispersal of nuclear materials in the event of an accident. This includes reinforced storage containers with shock absorption technology.
  
• Fire Suppression Systems: Advanced fire suppression mechanisms ensure that any onboard fire is swiftly contained. These systems are designed to function in extreme conditions, including chemical or electrical fires.
  
• Radiation Shielding: The cargo vault is heavily shielded to prevent radiation exposure under all conditions. This shielding exceeds regulatory requirements, ensuring safety for both personnel and the public.
  
• Emergency Containment: In the event of a catastrophic failure, the transporter’s cargo vault can seal itself completely, preventing the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
  

Quote: All charges filed against the former Syracuse University basketball player and associate of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was accused of running drugs for the mogul, were dismissed on Tuesday after he completed a pretrial diversion program, his attorney announced.
 
Brendan Paul, 25, was arrested on March 25 at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport after authorities discovered narcotics in his luggage. He was arrested on felony charges of possession of suspected cocaine and possession of suspected marijuana candy.

The Navy thought they had a bulletproof cost estimate, design, and independent cost analysis in the Landing Ship Medium, but when they got the proposals from the RFP, price points were significantly higher than expected resulting in them pulling the plug on the program. The LSM was supposed to carry a crew of 70 up to 3500 nautical miles at up to 14 knots, with up to 75 Marines on board. It would have a single point load/unload ramp on the bow, with an 8,000 sq foot cargo area capable of carrying 648 Standard Tons of cargo, as well as a deck mounted crane capable of lifting 13 Standard Tons at a time.

Quote:Naval Sea Systems Command has released the draft notice to industry to build a fleet of new landing ships for the Navy and Marine Corps.
The Landing Ship Medium (LSM) is billed as the “affordable shore-to-shore USMC maneuver capability,” according to a summary of the program reviewed by USNI News. The class of 18 to 35 LSMs – formerly known as the light amphibious warship – will ferry elements of the three Marine Littoral Regiments between isolated islands, reefs and atolls as part service’s shift to its modern campaign of island hopping.
The basic requirements were finalized earlier this year, Naval Sea Systems Command told USNI News.
Requirements for the ship call for an LSM capable of carrying at least 75 Marines, hauling 600 tons of equipment, and having an 8,000 square foot cargo area, a NAVSEA spokesperson told USNI News last week.