As 2019 comes to an end, the sales and special offers available can be overwhelming, along with all the financing options like buying or leasing. It really comes down to timing, taxes, depreciation value, and ultimately what kind of car you are interested in and what you are using it for. Purchasing requires more out of pocket cash but you ... Read More »
Mercury scooted across the sun’s face for the last time until 2032, spending about 5.5 hours crossing in front of the sun. Skywatchers across the Americas, Africa and Europe could see at least part of Mercury’s journey, but only with telescopes or high-power binoculars equipped with protective solar filters. Meanwhile, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory provided views of from space. Transits ... Read More »
Covering your parents’ long-term care expenses is becoming more and more costly each year. If you are feeling the squeeze, or expect to in the near future check out 4 simple tips to help cover expenses and ensure your parents’ receive the proper care and support they need as they age. Source: https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/11/05/4-ways-to-pay-for-your-parents-long-term-care.aspx Read More »
The US State Department has cleared over $67.9 billion in weapon sales in 2019. While the cleared sale does not equate to final sales as Congress must approve the sales, it does indicate that America is a strong player in the global arms market. Sales went to 28 separate countries as well as a NATO consortium. The Asian Pacific region ... Read More »
Yandex, Russia’s version of Google has recently begun testing self-driving robotic vehicles that deliver food. While the service is still being tested at the company’s Moscow headquarters, Yandex is seeking to transform the delivery market and extend the value of their services. The six-wheeled robot was built by capitalizing on research into autonomous automobiles and is similar in nature to ... Read More »
The Matthew Effect, which states that to those that have much, more will be given is illustrated in the latest billionaire insights analysis conducted by UBS bank. Businesses led by billionaires have outperformed their peers by nearly 2x, which the report indicates is largely due to their smart risk taking, business focus and determination. Source: https://www.ubs.com/global/en/wealth-management/uhnw/billionaires-report.html Read More »
With the success of the US’s AC 130 Gunship, the long-range, heavily armored and equipped aircraft supports ground troop operations has proven itself in smaller, regional wars. Russia’s interest in mimicking the gunship is intriguing given its limitations against faster, more nimble fighter jets and modern anti-aircraft weapons. Source: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/reason-russia-wants-its-own-scary-%E2%80%9Cspookovik%E2%80%9D-gunship-94101 Read More »
The Defense Minister of China has said relayed a message telling the U.S. to stop flexing their muscles in the South China Sea, as well as a host of other issues. China has been accused of impeding on the freedom of navigation by regularly sailing warships throughout the area, as well as announcing the release of a new carrier to ... Read More »
A story of courage and determination led the shortest soldier to serve in Vietnam to earn 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. At just 4′ 9″, Richard Flaherty a paratrooper who then became Green Beret didn’t let his height dissuade him from risking his life for his country. While successful in the field, Flaherty’s life was ... Read More »
A video was recently released featuring the U.S. Air Force Special Operations CV-22 Ospreys showing off new floors and ramp systems. The official footage was released on Twitter but does not say what specific units were involved. Revamped deployment systems show a snowmobile being swiftly extracted and speeding off. Personal vehicles like this allow troops to rapidly move away from ... Read More »
As a Navy SEAL attending Harvard and about to be promoted to Chief Warrant Office 2, Sergio Lopez felt on top of the world. That world was shaken during a routine physical when Lopez collapsed and suffered three heart attacks within a short time-frame. Doctors estimated he had a 50-50 chance of survival. Learn about his inspirational story of grit ... Read More »
James P. McMahon passed at the age of 64 November 5th, one of the survivors of the 1993 Battle of the Black Sea. A Delta Force sniper at the time, Sgt. First Class James P. McMahon was described as looking like he was wearing a fright mask, his face so badly battered while pulling a fellow soldier free from the ... Read More »
Pardons have been issued for 1st Lt. Clint Lorance and Maj. Matthew Golsteyn, and a rank restoration for Eddie Gallagher by President Trump. Lorance was serving a 19 year sentence on charges of second degree murder and obstruction of justice from 2013 while Golsteyn was awaiting trial for allegedly murdering a suspected Afghan bombmaker in 2010. Gallagher received a demotion ... Read More »
The best shore-area special operations force has a secretive past. Commissioned in 1962, the Navy SEALs focus mainly on gathering intelligence and precision strike operations. Despite common belief, the origin of the elite group is the Amphibious Scouts and Raiders during the 1940s. When the need for amphibious abilities arose, a Joint Training Force created an Amphibious Boat School to ... Read More »
The International Institute for Strategic Studies released a report warning that Iran is creating a military advantage over the U.S. This report, Iran’s Networks of Influence in the Middle East, describes the real power and influence is in the non-state armed forces and rebel groups. While they claim the U.S. still has traditional power, Iran is developing powers that fall ... Read More »
SOFX The Crossroads of Special Operations