Mafia Wars iPhone App

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Mafia Wars iPhone App

If you’re one of those fans of Mafia Wars by Zynga on Facebook, then you would be happy to know that they have now a native iPhone App that you can play right on your iPhone. It is an online game which follows the same gameplay of what you can play on Facebook.

You can invite your friends as well to be part of your mafia by giving them your Player ID which they can key in their apps to add you as an ally. And oh, while you’re at it, you can add me up as well if you won’t mind. (My Player ID is 5701 8640 93).

More than the National Anthem

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Below is a YouTube video featuring a combined choir from the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis), the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy performing the National Anthem.  At first blush, it is simply magnificent patriotic music performed at the Super Bowl in 2005.  But, if you watch it again it makes you both think a few things and recognize some wonderful truths and insights.

After the choir appears to have finished the National Anthem, at least traditionally in the minds of most Americans, as indicated by the crowd beginning to cheer, the game should be closer to starting.  But then the United States Army's Herald Trumpet Corps begin to play and the choir begins a new refrain of the Anthem.  Suddenly, and anyone who has been to an Air Force Academy football game knows it's going to happen, a flight of fighter jets scream overhead.  The football players gaze skyward in awe at the jets, you also get the sense they are really enjoying and appreciating what is probably one of the finest renditions of the National Anthem they've heard.  According to Wikipedia it had been more than 30 years since all four service academies sang together—the last time was at the second inauguration of President Richard Nixon in 1973.

As you watch the video, you should notice former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. What I like about this part is the genuine admiration each former President clearly has for each other.  These were political foes who long ago put aside their difference to work on various projects.  You can also see the pride each former Commander in Chief has in this group of fine young men and women, training to serve the nation.

A foundation of serving is understanding those who have served before you.  In this video we catch a glimpse of several older black gentlemen in red jackets.  These men are Tuskegee Airmen.  They served in World War II in segregated units as pilots and support personnel mostly in the 332nd Fighter Group known as the "Red Tail Angels."  For me this group has always been special.

My first introduction to the Tuskegee Airmen was during Air Force ROTC at the University of Michigan.  Some of them came and spoke to us and memorably participated in our Tri-Service Military Ball.  I remember, in particular, meeting Lt Col Alexander Jefferson who flew with the 332nd.  What a terrific gentleman and an incredible warrior hero.  He spoke of his treatment and segregation beginning in Detroit when he signed up where he was not allowed to go into the Officers Club at the Selfridge Air National Guard base.  He told us stories of riding on a train to Alabama in less than comfortable accomodations, simply because he was black.  His stories of being held captive as a POW which you can read about in his book "Red Tail Captured, Red Tail Free."  To summarize, these men are incredible heroes with a past worth knowing, studying and emulating for all American service members.

When I deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006, I was assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, the successor unit to the "Red Tail Angels."  I am proud that I was able to serve in such an historic and significant unit.

So as you begin to take in this tableau, it becomes clear, this performance really is so much more than the traditional national anthem.  As I look at the football players, many of whom were clearly touched by the performance, the fly-by and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the complex picture begins to become more clear.  As I look at these cadets and midshipman, I'm struck by their import.  While the players certainly contribute much to our nation in terms of entertainment, building a sense of community among their fanbase and even economically, it cannot even begin to compare to those young cadets and midshipmen.  Consider this game was played in 2005.  It stands to reason many of these cadets and midshipmen are now Lieutenants and Ensigns serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard.  And by serving, I mean here in the States, but most certainly many have served in combat zones in Southwest Asia and the Horn of Africa.  They are building on the foundation laid out for them by the Tuskegee Airmen and by former President Bush who also fought in World War II.

So as you watch this video, consider these fine young Americans and those who have served before them and will serve in the future.  The National Anthem is so much more than a way to get a crowd psyched up for a game.  It should make us deeply think about our nation and what it means to be an American and how each of us can serve this nation.







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Video of the Ferrari 458 Italia

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The Ferrari 458 Italia is the spiritual successor to the Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS, the car you would recognize from TV's Magnum PI. Of course cars have come along way since then, but Ferraris have always captivated me like no other brand. Check out this video.

WWIII Propaganda: Loose Tweets Sink Fleets

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WWIII Propaganda: Loose Tweets Sink Fleets, originally uploaded by Brian Lane Winfield Moore.

I featured another poster from Brian Lane Whitfield in the past. This is another clever example of applying old propaganda posters to our current situation.

The Department of Defense is making it difficult to use Twitter or Facebook from government computers, which makes total sense to me. Of course trained Public Affairs officials are exempted because they are trained to ensure information that could be pieced together by an enemy isn't released inadvertently. Usually.

On the civilian front, I think it's pretty important to be cautious about how folks use Twitter, Facebook and other social media networks. I don't think it's good practice to discuss personal matters that could be used by employers or others against you. I'm amazed at seeing people trash soon-to-be ex-spouses on Facebook or on blogs. I'm divorced and I'm thankful I get along well with my ex-spouses. If we ever need to discuss things, we do it on the phone. I'm not sharing with you, the reader, what my problems are! Imagine the gold-mine a Twitter stream could be for a divorce attorney or maybe for an investigator in a work-related disability case (maybe those pictures of you climbing Mt Kilamanjaro weren't such a good idea).

So, enjoy social media, but be cautious in how you use it. And if you're a fellow service member, please, please, please do not tweet or post anything even remotely related to operational plans or what you're unit is up to whether it's here in the States or overseas.

You can find good information on OPSEC at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_security

New Wind Technologies featuring Jay Leno

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My brother recently started a new job selling wind energy systems in Northern Michigan. I was pretty intrigued by this because of all the so-called "green" technologies, clearly wind makes the most sense dollar for dollar. After all, farmers have been using wind for hundreds of years. It's nothing new. But it has certainly evolved.

Check out this video from Jay Leno's Garage. Jay is having one of Enviro Energy's systems installed on his garage. This is the same system my brother sells.

Because somebody blogged

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WWIII Propaganda: Because somebody blogged, originally uploaded by Brian Lane Winfield Moore.

This image, posted on Flickr by Brian Moore is very poignant. Of course blogging can be perfectly safe from the AOR (Area of Responsibility, i.e. Iraq or Afghanistan), but considering OPSEC (operational security) is always important for anyone in the AOR. Anyone? Certainly. There are more than just military service members in the AOR. There are tens of thousands of contractors and DoD civilians working in the war.

A little bit of history behind the "Gold Star" will be helpful to really bring home the point. US Code 901 governs and allows the use of "service banners."

From US Flag.Org: "The history of the Service Flag is as patriotic and touching as the symbolism each star represents to the families that display them.

The service flag (also known as "blue star banners" or "son in service flags") was designed and patented by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. President Wilson became part of its history when in 1918 he approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war to wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm band.

This led to the tradition to cover the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag to indicate that the service member has died or been killed.

The color of the stars is also symbolic in that the blue star represents hope and pride and the gold star represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom."

I love reading blogs and postings from the AOR, but this poster should remind us all of how carefully crafted these posts must be. Blue stars are a sign of pride and hope, as mentioned above, but to blog and cause a blue star to turn gold is irresponsible and most likely at least criminal, if not treasonous.

AF Provincial Reconstruction Team Members Killed in Afghanistan

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Defense officials identify Air Force casualties

5/27/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Department of Defense officials announced May 27 the death of two Airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 26 near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.

Killed was Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, 39, of Houston, who was deployed as the commander of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team. He was assigned to the Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. as an executive assistant for the Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs, Asia.

Also killed was Senior Airman Ashton L. M. Goodman, 21, of Indianapolis, who was also deployed to the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team. She was assigned to the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

A senior navigator for the RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, Colonel Stratton previously served on the staff at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Lt. Col. Stratton received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1992 following his graduation from Texas A&M University in 1991.

Senior Airman Goodman, a vehicle operator dispatcher, enlisted in July 2006. Pope Air Force Base was her first duty assignment.
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Susan Boyle Sings in a local Pub in Scotland

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From the Mirror in the UK:

A forgotten video unearthed by the Mirror shows Britain's got Talent sensation Susan Boyle has long been amazing audiences with her voice.

Shot during parents Patrick and Bridget’s golden wedding party 23 years ago, the footage reveals Susan belting out the Jesus Christ Superstar hit I Don’t Know How To Love Him.

The room falls silent as the 25-year-old’s voice soars into the rafters of the Welcome pub in her home town of Blackburn, West Lothian.

Big brother Gerry said last night: “It was a very emotional night. It goes quiet when Susan sings, it always does. She always has that effect.

The Real Dan Mosqueda

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For the past year I've been experiencing a series of phone calls and e-mails from women around the world. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad, but these women turned out to be victims of "Romance Scammers" from Ghana and other parts of the world.

One blogger notes: "These scammers are really good at their scams. They put up pretty pictures, nice profiles, get your attention, gain your trust, then need your "help". They say they are from your local area..... but are currently taking care of some reasonably believable business in Nigeria, Ghana, West Africa, etc. They claim to need cash money... or help to cash their checks and money orders, or want you to open a bank account for them... BEWARE!"

I've had calls from women in England, France, Montana, Kansas, and California. I'm not sure how they find me, but it's probably not too difficult. For me this is the main lesson - when you post pictures on your blog of your family, you're subjecting them to being used by these scammers.

Here's an example of the correspondence I receive:

"Dear Mr. Mosqueda,

I think I have been the victim of a scam. I do not know how people can stoop so low. and I wonder if it has happened before. Somebody pretending to be you on a dating site in England. He has sent me your pictures, I do not know how people do this and he has been getting money out of me..... I spoke to him on the phone today for the first time and he sounds African... He has pictures of you in hospital, but it is not you that writes to me is it?

Please reply, tell me I am not going mad. I just knew it could not be right because his English was bad, and from your video you are the perfect gentleman with excellent English. Oh for pity's sake, am I a fool, thank God I did not send him any more money.... I am only a cleaner and do not get much of a wage. Looking for love is a terrible minefield, I will never do it again on the internet. In fact I will be single forever.

Yours sincerely

name withheld"

The scammer generally goes on about an accident or medical issue in Ghana and how he needs money for travel or treatment. He'll send short notes to keep the victim on a leash: "hey how are you doing this is daniel hope to caht with you soon.. i have added you on my yahooIM.. soo soon see yah.. kiss"

Amazingly, it appears to be one person:

Christopher Amartey

P.O. Box 46

Achimota,

Accra.

Ghana

I know this because he always says this is the person who has to pick-up the money in Ghana. So, I'm not on a dating site. I'm not in Africa. I have insurance that pays for medical care. My best advice is twofold: 1) don't post too many personal pictures on the internet and definitely don't put the name of your kids on the internet (something I didn't do); and 2) if it's not a MAJOR dating site, forget about it. In fact, try to meet someone at church or Starbucks, or a grocery store.

A Purple Heart at the Pentagon

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I've been at the Pentagon for meetings all week.  Nothing terribly exciting, but fairly important. Today I had a meeting first thing in the morning.

When you visit the Pentagon, you have to get your visitor badge if you don't have a normal Pentagon badge.  It's a fairly simple process, show them your ID card, they scan it, make sure you are you and that you're in the system, and

 they issue you a badge for the day.

Today was no different.  But while getting in line I noticed several Marines.  I remember thinking back to working with Marines in Iraq and how much I admired their intelligence, grit, and hard work.  Some people joke about Marines as "jar-heads" etc..., not me, I've worked with them side-by-side and you really have no idea how exceptional they are from the youngest private through their General officers.  

One Marine in particular was in front of me. He was a captain.  I remember the Combat Outpost Commander I worked with in Iraq was a Captain.  We are talking about a guy in his early 30's responsible for the lives and operation of an installation with 400 combat Marines.  The Marines are the ones who tamed Al-Anbar Province.  Many fought, were injured and died in battles like the battle in Fallujah.

The captain in front of me was in his Service "C" uniform.  In the Air Force, officers generally don't

 wear ribbons on their short sleeve shirts, but in the Marine Corp, they often do.  This young Captain had his on.  His uniform was pressed perfectly, so crisp you could cut your finger on the sharp creases on his sleeves.  But than it hit me.  

First, I saw his Bronze Star, and not just any Bronze Star, but one with a "V" device.  The Bronze Star is "For heroic or meritorious achievement of service, not involving aerial flight in connection with operations against an opposing armed force." It doesn't automatically mean the member awarded the medal saw combat 

action.  However, the "V" device is different.  The bronze "V" identifies the award as resulting from an act of combat heroism or "VALOR", thus distinguishing it from meritorious achievement awards.   It really made me pause, I immediately knew this young Marine had been involved in combat, someone who really served this nation.  

As my eye scanned his rack of ribbons, I saw it, right there on top, all alone amidst the 10 or so ribbons and medals this young leader had earned.  A Purple Heart.  "For wounds or death sustained in action against an enemy of the United States" is the first of several criteria for being awarded the Purple Heart.  This medal was originated by George Washington, in fact it is the first medal ever authorized for the military, though the Marine Corps did not have authorization to be awarded it until after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Do you understand what this means?  This young leader of other young Marines, acted with heroic valor, and was wounded.  Wounded for our nation.  

I stood there staring at it for what seemed like minutes, but probably only for a second or two.  I put my hand out, and while choked up said "Thank you."  Nothing more, I couldn't do it.  I would have been in tears.  I literally could not utter another syllable.  "Thank you, Sir."  And then silence, we both sort of looked down.  I lost 3 Airmen and 1 Soldier in an earlier deployment, men I trained with and served with.  It hurt.  It still hurts to think about their young lives taken from them.  I know this Captain more than likely was thinking the same thing.  There were 95 US service members killed and 560 wounded at Fallujah.  Was he one of them?  I have no idea.  I couldn't manage to say anything more than "Thank You."

Often people thank me for my service, and I'm learning to say "thank you" back.  I consider it an honor and privilege.  I've been to Iraq, more than once, sometimes facing some danger.  But, I was never shot at and never injured.  I think it was a special moment to thank this young leader and warrior, not just for his service, but for his sacrifice.  It builds on why I love serving: it's the people I serve with who renew my personal sense of purpose and satisfaction in serving this great nation.

For more on American Heroes consider watching HBO's "Taking Chance" click here. to find out more.