All Aboard Amtrak for “Fraud, Waste and Abuse”

As a child, the trains were wonderful. Silverware, china, wonderful service and excellent food. We took it from the west to the east coast in 2002 and it was absolutely horrible. Never again, as long as the government is in charge. Pathetic.

Amtrak holds a monopoly on food and beverage sales on Amtrak trains. That has not prevented the taxpayer-funded rail system from losing nearly $1 billion—a full $834 million—on those services since 2002, about $80 million a year. In 2011 Amtrak spent $206 million on food services but collected only about $121 million. A hamburger that goes for $9.50 on Amtrak costs taxpayers $16, according to critics of Amtrak on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A $2 drink costs taxpayers about $3.40 and labor adds nearly 60 percent overall, critics said. Also in play is subtraction by Amtrak employees.

More @ My Gov Cost

U.S. Army officer becomes first openly gay general

Via Carl

Tammy Smith has become the first openly gay officer to be promoted to the ranks of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army.

Smith's promotion took place on Friday in a private ceremony at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. She received her stars from wife, Tracey Hepner, the first time her longtime partner was officially recognized as her significant other at a military gathering.

Smith is assigned as deputy chief in the Army Reserve Office of the Chief in Washington, D.C.

More @ Mail Online

The McKinney Examiner, 1926

Via Calvin Johnson

Egypt Pyramids Discovered On Google Earth, Researcher Says

Via Kimberly

Venezuela plans a 'guerrilla army' against US invasion

Via Bonnie Gadsden

Venezuela is training a "guerrilla army" aiming to be a million strong by 2013 to fight off a possible US invasion, an opposition lawmaker said Sunday.

"Plan Sucre" -- apparently crafted with input from close ally and fellow US foe Cuba -- covers the legal, logistical and other angles necessary to "transform a professional army into a guerrilla army," Representative Maria Corina Machado told El Universal newspaper.

The former presidential candidate said she had obtained a copy of the plan, printed by an institution affiliated with the national army.

"The strategic objective is to build a new Bolivarian military doctrine" that would prepare Venezuela to be successful in a prolonged popular war against "the empire," or the United States, Machado said, citing the document.

"This is clearly a proposal with Cuban inspiration and advice."

She said the military plan also provides for strengthening the guerrilla force at the expense of the regular army.

More @ Yahoo

My better half on left 20 years ago:)

Silver Shadow Gilboa Snake Double Barreled AR-15

Via The Feral Irishman

Silver Shadow has officially unveiled the double barreled AR-15. The Gilboa Snake has two barrels that are fired simultaneously, essentially double tapping on a single trigger pull. It will be available in both semi-automatic (two rounds per trigger pull) or full auto. The rifle, with its two 9.5″ barrels, weighs 9.4 lbs.

More @ Zombie Apocalypse Academy

I had a pet raccoon

Via Dashing

Resort

Via Dashing

Shotgun robber no match for victim with handgun

Via mpopenker

12 News
VERBATIM POST

Police say an armed robber got more than he bargained for Friday night when he targeted the wrong victim.

Just after 10 pm a 36-year-old man was confronted by a robber with a shotgun in the parking lot of the Walgreens located in the 3600 block of College. The man said the robber held the shotgun to his head and demanded money.

The man, a concealed handgun license holder, was able to get his handgun and fired one shot at the would-be robber. The robber dropped his shotgun and took off running fleeing south behind the store. The intended victim was not injured during this confrontation and he did not lose any property.

Patrol Officers set up a perimeter and with the assistance of our K-9 Unit began to search for the robber. An officer saw a man hiding behind a business near the area of ​​Interstate 10 and Corley. The man matched the description of the robber. Police say the man also had a gunshot wound to his hip.

The original victim positively identified this man as the robber.

Beaumont EMS took the injured suspect to Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth for treatment. Officers then took him to the county jail. He has been charged with aggravated robbery as well as two outstanding warrants for burglary of a habitation and a pending warrant for a previous unrelated aggravated robbery.

Officers also found a vehicle near the scene of the robbery that had been reported stolen.

Police say an investigation revealed that the man had used this stolen vehicle during the commission of Saturday night's robbery attempt.