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Florida's Popular, but Controversial, Concealed and Carry Law

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:16:24 +0000

Florida currently has the most concealed handgun permit holders in the country with permits 1.8 million issued.

September 09, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- John Lott, a proponent of concealed and carry laws, takes issue with a recent report from the Brady Campaign and the Violence Policy Center, which characterizes Florida as a hotbed of violence committed by persons with concealed a carry licenses.

He notes Florida currently has the most concealed handgun permit holders in the country and is one of the two most populous states with right-to-carry laws. Between Oct. 1, 1987, and May 31 this year, permits had been issued to 1.8 million people.

He further makes the claim that on average, the permits holders have had their licenses over 10 years. He then notes among "individuals [with] more than 22 years of legal carry, there were only 167 cases where the permit was revoked for a firearms related violation, or about 0.01 percent of permit holders."

He wants to the place the recent incidents in as large a statistical pool a possible, as this allows him to spread the revocations across all persons with the concealed and carry permit, and dilutes the numbers so he can arrive at the miniscule figure of 0.01 percent. He goes on to complain that:

"In sharp contrast, the Brady Campaign and the Violence Policy Center portray Florida as Ground Zero for problems with concealed handgun permit holders. They boldly assert that 17 Florida permit holders have "killed" people with their guns over the past three years and that this one state by itself accounts for 17 of the 96 "killer" permit holders nationwide."

However, as he selectively goes over the incidents, he picks out the ones that appear least controversial. He complains the VPC report identifies a case where a man shot an off-duty Customs officer as not really a permit holder killing a law enforcement officer, since the customs officer was off-duty and it was possible to describe the killing as self-defense, thought the news reports are hardly clear.

At one point, Lott comments that many of the incidents resulted in no charges, implying the shooter did nothing wrong. He does not highlight the case of the stalker who killed his ex-girlfriend. He was not charged with a crime or prosecuted because he killed himself after shooting her. She might disagree with the ironic use of "killed" in quotes, as it appears Lott is suggesting she were not dead.

It is clear from the debate, there is no simple or easy answer. Many permit holders carry for years and never have any incidents; others become enmeshed in situations where deadly force is employed soon after they obtain the permit. Many feel they need the assurance carrying a firearm brings.

Additionally, the popularity of the Florida permit may in part be due to the fact you don't need to be a resident of Florida to obtain a Florida concealed and carry license. If you are a US resident, you may be eligible to obtain a Florida permit. With reciprocity laws, that permit would currently allow you to carry in 32 states, even if you can't carry in your home state.

Concealed and carry permits are issued by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing. The department maintains a 30-question eligibility guide on their website to allow persons to determine if they have any obvious reasons why they might be denied a permit.

Some of the basic eligibility requirements include:

You must be 21 years of age or older. You must be able to demonstrate competency with a firearm, (a basic firearms test usually qualify), you must currently reside in the United States (US) and be a US citizen or deemed a lawful permanent resident alien by Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

The site also lists possible reasons for ineligibility, such as an arrest record, conviction for a felony, convictions for crimes of violence in the last three years, multiple DUIs in the last three years, domestic violence injunctions, a record of drug or alcohol abuse and being a fugitive from justice, among other items.

If you have been involved with any incident with a concealed and carry permit and have been questioned by law enforcement or arrested, you should immediately contact an experienced attorney, who can protect your rights and explain your options under the law.

Article provided by The Law Office of Corey Cohen

Visit us at www.coreycohen.com

---

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NASA Hosts Green Aviation Summit

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:10:17 +0000

NASA Hosts Green Aviation Summit

PR Newswire

Bolden Highlights Importance of Issue to Future of NASA

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA has a "critical responsibility" to the flying public to develop environmentally responsible solutions to the nation's most pressing aviation problems, Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. said Wednesday.

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Addressing the Green Aviation Summit under way through Thursday at NASA's Ames Research Center, Bolden said air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation and vital to the U.S. economy, but increasing air traffic is taking a toll on the environment and the nation's aviation infrastructure.

"We need to make some changes -- both in the design of aircraft and in the way they transit through our skies to not only maintain, but improve safety and efficiency," Bolden said. "That's a huge challenge, but we at NASA enthusiastically accept it."

The Green Aviation Summit is highlighting the depth and breadth of NASA's work to develop aviation technologies that are designed to make air transportation cleaner and quieter for the environment, with fewer delays for travelers.

"Our critical responsibility is [to] those who feel anxious because of the long distance they have to travel to reach an airport; the crowding they experience upon arrival at the terminal; the departure, en route, or arrival weather; or concerns that the technology on the planes may not be up to dealing with problems that may be encountered in the sky," Bolden told the summit.

The two-day meeting has brought together about 200 experts from NASA, other federal government organizations, industry and academia. Keynote presentations by leading policymakers as well as detailed technical presentations and panel discussions are focusing on state-of-the-art and emerging technologies that can reduce aircraft noise, emissions and fuel consumption and ensure the safe and manageable growth of the aviation system.

Jaiwon Shin, NASA's associate administrator for aeronautics research, said NASA technology will become increasingly important because of the lack of available space for new airports. "We really are helping the country to advance to the next generation of air transportation and aviation by working together," he said. "This summit signifies our strong commitment."

Summit participants are sharing the results of their work on airplanes that will be designed and built with unconventional configurations, super-efficient engines and lightweight, damage-tolerant materials to increase lift, reduce drag, and deflect noise; innovations that will capitalize on the potential of alternative fuels and advanced power technologies; and efforts to equip aircraft cockpits with computer software and satellite-based navigation and communication systems to assist decision-making by pilots.

Ames Research Center Director Simon "Pete" Worden opened the summit by crediting NASA research for today's understanding of climate change and the effects of global warming on the environment. "As the world travels even more," said Worden, "we're going to have a very serious global warming issue, as well as lots of other environmental impacts of aviation."

Bolden, Shin and Worden all noted that conservation – through improved performance, efficiency and safety -- is an aim that has guided NASA's research goals for decades. "Green is not just a buzzword to us," Bolden said.

Examples of green technology NASA has developed in the past include winglets and chevrons. Winglets are the vertical attachments that can be seen on the wing tips of many commercial airliners in service today, and are designed to reduce fuel consumption. Chevrons are the scalloped edges on the engine nozzles of some models of commercial and cargo aircraft just now entering the market, and are designed to reduce noise.

NASA has a suite of incremental goals for demonstrating the feasibility of aircraft technology and air traffic management techniques that can minimize the environmental effects of air transportation by:

Enabling aircraft to burn 33 percent less fuel than today's most efficient models by 2015, 50 percent less by 2020, and better than 50 percent less by 2025.
Cutting engine emissions of nitric oxide and nitrogen oxide, which contribute to ozone creation, 20 percent by 2015, 50 percent by 2020, and better than 50 percent by 2025 -- when compared with today's best engines. Reducing the amount of fuel burned reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming.
Reducing the nuisance noise footprint around airports to one-third its current size by 2015 and one-sixth by 2020, and containing it within the airport property boundary by 2025.

NASA aims to facilitate the transition of new capabilities to manufacturers, then to airlines and ultimately to the Federal Aviation Administration, for the ultimate benefit of the flying public.

The NASA administrator said it is crucial for the agency and its stakeholders to collaborate closely to that its aeronautics research continues to be both relevant to the aviation community and beneficial to the flying public.

"Just as I like to tell the scientists and engineers who send our human and robotic missions out into the cosmos, you are contributing to national goals and helping people in the work you do every day," Bolden said. "We are going to make measured progress leading to ever expanding accomplishments to meet the myriad increasing challenges. This is our challenge - to shape the future in aeronautics."

Portions of the Green Aviation Summit are being broadcast live on NASA Television's Education Channel.

For more information about the Green Aviation Summit, visit:

http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/calendar/20100908.htm

For more information about aeronautics research at NASA, visit:

http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov

For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

SOURCE NASA

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett Joins IB Express Base Supply Center Employees at Anniversary Event

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:18:16 +0000

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett Joins IB Express Base Supply Center Employees at Anniversary Event

PR Newswire

Fort Detrick, Maryland location proud of service to community.

FORT DETRICK, Md., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the employees of the IB Express Base Supply Center (BSC) were joined by U.S. Representative Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD-06) and personnel from Industries for the Blind – Milwaukee at an event to thank the community of Fort Detrick for their support and to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center program.

Rep. Bartlett and National Industries for the Blind (NIB) President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch praised the work of the AbilityOne Program and the IB Express BSC during remarks at a short program at Fort Detrick.

"AbilityOne has an unmatched record of success fulfilling their mission of creating a job for every person who wants to work regardless of their disabilities," said Rep. Bartlett. "In addition to a paycheck, AbilityOne Base Supply Centers and IB Express provide our neighbors who are [blind or] disabled ... with the dignity, confidence and self-worth from doing work that is respected and appreciated in our community. I am particularly grateful for AbilityOne's tireless support to find meaningful work for our servicemen and women who volunteered to serve in our Armed Forces and were disabled as a result of injuries they suffered while they were working to protect us."

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) also had words of praise for the employees of the IB Express BSC.

"Congratulations to the terrific men and women of the AbilityOne Program, who provide such exceptional service day-in and day-out to the Fort Detrick community here at the Base Supply Center. Your outstanding work ethic and customer service skills go a long way toward making the Fort Detrick Base Supply Center a virtual one-stop shop," wrote Sen. Mikulski.

There are 140 AbilityOne BSC facilities located at federal and military installations throughout the United States that provide employment to 300 Americans who are blind or severely disabled. More than 40,000 blind or disabled people are employed through the sale of products and services through the AbilityOne Program.

"IB Express supports the mission and the service men and women of Fort Detrick. It also supports the livelihood of the men and women who, through civilian service support our military," said Lynch. "IB Express and NIB personnel are proud to be included in supporting America's Armed Forces."

Also attending today's event were Colonel Judith D. Robinson, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, and Eric Beale, Program Liaison, Committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled.

"Since 1952, IB-Milwaukee has been providing employment opportunities for people who are blind. Right now, we employ over 200 individuals at manufacturing facilities and BSCs around the country," said Chuck Lange, President and CEO, Industries for the Blind – Milwaukee. "We operate 10 BSCs located on military bases around the country, and we are very proud to offer quality, value and convenience to our servicemen and women."

About National Industries for the Blind

NIB's (www.NIB.org) mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.

SOURCE National Industries for the Blind

First Lady Michelle Obama to Volunteer With Mission Serve on September 11

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:52:19 +0000

First Lady Michelle Obama to Volunteer With Mission Serve on September 11

First Lady will serve with Mission Serve partners George Washington University Freshman Day of Service, The Mission Continues, and Student Veterans of America at Vinson Hall Retirement Community for Veterans in McLean, Virginia

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelle Obama, who along with Dr. Jill Biden last year helped to launch Mission Serve, the civilian-military initiative of the ServiceNation coalition, will be volunteering with Mission Serve and The George Washington (GW) University community this September 11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Mission Serve, in the words of its Director, Afghanistan veteran Ross Cohen, is a network of non-profit organizations dedicated to "bringing together civilian and military communities through service and volunteerism."

The First Lady will be serving with nearly two hundred GW Freshmen, veterans, active duty servicemembers, students, military retirees, spouses and Chesterbrook Elementary School students to renovate the Vinson Hall Retirement Community. The service is being coordinated with The George Washington University's second annual Freshman Day of Service. Vinson Hall is supported by the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation, and among its residents include Navy Veterans of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway.

Other guests will include Chair of the Pat Tillman Foundation Marie Tillman, CEO of Vinson Hall Rear Admiral Kathleen Martin (USN Ret.), George Washington University President Dr. Steven Knapp, and CEO of The Mission Continues Eric Greitens.

Service activities include renovating Vinson Hall's loading dock, washing residents' cars, and cleaning stairwells and storage rooms. There will also be gardening taking place at the adjacent Chesterbrook Elementary School. Chesterbrook's community garden was inspired by the First Lady's "Let's Move" campaign.

September 11 was formally designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in April 2009.

About Mission Serve

On Veterans Day (November 11) 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, Mrs. Alma Powell, and 1,500 members of the community joined together at George Washington University to launch Mission Serve.

As the First Lady has said, "I've made it a priority to keep asking all Americans to join the cause of supporting our military families. And that's why last Veterans Day, Jill and I helped launch Mission Serve – a national network that brings civilian and military service groups together to help support our troops and families. But this network also encourages communities to tap that incredible spirit of service of our military families, as well as the talents of our veterans."

Mission Serve's Founding Chair, Colonel Rob Gordon, USA (Ret.), has recently joined the Obama Administration as the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, where he continues to forge innovative solutions to challenges facing our military families.

MISSION SERVE SEPTEMBER 11 SERVICE PROJECT:

When: Saturday, September 11, 2010
9 am – 3 pm: Service project.
1:15pm: First Lady Michelle Obama will participate in a service project.
3 pm – 4 pm: There will be a reception and brief speaking engagement.

Speakers include:

Eric Greitens, Navy SEAL Veteran and CEO of The Mission Continues
U.S. Army Reserves Staff Sergeant Brian Hawthorne, President of GW Vets
Steve Lerman, Provost, The George Washington University

Where: Vinson Hall Retirement Community
6251 Old Dominion Drive
Mclean, Virginia, 22101

RSVP: Media who are interested in covering the First Lady's participation in this event can email firstladypress@who.eop.gov. A confirmation email will be sent if space is available to accommodate the news organization.

SOURCE Mission Serve

Odyssey Systems Awarded ID/IQ Contract by US Air Force Space Command - Provides Ability to Compete for Up to $450 Million in Services

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:46:08 +0000

Odyssey Systems Awarded ID/IQ Contract by US Air Force Space Command - Provides Ability to Compete for Up to $450 Million in Services

PR Newswire

WAKEFIELD, Mass., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd., a leading small business provider of technical and management support services for government clients announced today that it has been awarded a "Contract for Space and Missile Capabilities (CSMC)" ID/IQ Contract by the US Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) Peterson AFB, CO. Under this contract, which has a ceiling value of $450 million, Odyssey will provide a broad range of Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services to HQ AFSPC Mission Capability Teams and Directorates. Odyssey's support to AFSPC includes: Management and Professional Services; Studies, Analyses and Evaluations; and Engineering and Technical Services. This contract will serve as a vehicle to provide technical and analytical tools; support or improve policy development, management, and administration; and improve the operation of systems supporting the AFSPC mission.

Steve Sovaiko, Odyssey's Director of Space Programs said, "The CSMC contract win represents the continuation of Odyssey's strategy to bring over a decade of our award-winning technical and management expertise with complex technology projects to the DoD Space market and AFSPC in particular. I'm proud that AFSPC recognizes our Space expertise, and we're eager to work alongside the Air Force's Space professionals as we assist them in supporting their critical mission areas."

Mike Sweat, CEO of Odyssey Systems, added "This award is a major success in a five year effort to expand and extend our functional expertise to the space domain. We look forward to supporting AFSPC's efforts to rapidly develop and deploy integrated space and cyberspace capabilities that substantially enhance our national security."

Odyssey Systems Team members include: Apogee Engineering LLC, ARINC Engineering Services LLC, ASRC Aerospace Corp., ASRC Communications LTD, ManTech International Corporation, QinetiQ North America, Inc., Quantum Research International lnc., Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Serco, Inc, Special Aerospace Services LLC , Veteran Engineering Technology LLC, and Wyle Information Services LLC.

About Odyssey Systems: Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd., is an innovative small business headquartered in Wakefield, MA with offices in Burlington, MA, Colorado Springs, CO, Dover, NH, Hampton Roads, VA; Los Angeles, CA, Oklahoma City, OK, San Diego, CA and Washington, DC. Founded in 1997, Odyssey currently employs over 300 highly qualified technical, analytical, administrative and management personnel who provide exceptional advisory and assistance support services, engineering and systems integration expertise to government clients including the United States military services, Missile Defense Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and National Park Service.


Contact: Michael Sweat, CEO Odyssey Systems Phone: 781.245.0111 Fax: 781.245.5858	201 Edgewater Drive, Suite 270 Wakefield, MA 01880-6223 www.odysseyconsult.com

SOURCE Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, LTD.

NASA Goddard Receives the Webb Telescope's Guiding Light from Canada

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:42:14 +0000

NASA Goddard Receives the Webb Telescope's Guiding Light from Canada

PR Newswire

GREENBELT, Md., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Canadian Space Agency has delivered a test unit of the Fine Guidance Sensor to the James Webb Space Telescope to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

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The arrival of the engineering test unit marks a major milestone for the Canadian team. The hardware has been put through its paces at the Canadian Space Agency's David Florida Lab to ensure that the final version will function at peak performance. While all space missions undergo extensive testing, this step is particularly crucial for Webb because it will be located at the L2 point in space, which is about 930,000 miles away from the Earth in the exact opposite direction from the sun, and too far to be serviced by astronauts.

Scott Lambros, Webb telescope instrument systems manager at NASA Goddard said, "The delivery of the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) Engineering Test Unit is another milestone towards launch of the Webb telescope. In the coming months we will use the ETU to test interfaces between the FGS instrument and the Webb Observatory, to ensure that any discrepancies will be accounted for in the flight versions of the hardware." Just as important, the milestone is an indication of the great working relationship we have between NASA and the CSA/COM DEV team. "It's been a joy working with this group of people. I look forward to continuing that work to the next milestone of delivery of the flight model FGS next year," Lambros said.

The Fine Guidance Sensor consists of two specialized cameras that are critical to Webb's ability to "see": they will work like a guiding scope to allow the Webb space telescope to locate its celestial targets, determine its own position and remain pointed at an object so that the telescope can collect high-quality data. The FGS will measure the position of guide stars with incredible precision, pinpointing them with an accuracy of one millionth of a degree. The angle formed by someone holding up a quarter at a distance of 930 miles away, which is almost as far from Boston to Chicago.

In addition to providing the Webb telescope's Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS), the Canadian Space Agency will also provide the Tunable Filter Imager (TFI). Both actual instruments are also being built by COM DEV International for the Canadian Space Agency.

The TFI's unique capabilities will allow astronomers to peer through clouds of dust to see stars forming and planetary systems, possibly even exoplanets (planets outside our Solar System). It also offers unique capability to find the earliest objects in the Universe's history. The Canadian Project Scientist for Webb is Dr. John Hutchings of the National Research Council of Canada. Dr. Rene Doyon of the Universite de Montreal is the principal investigator for TFI. Canada is also providing functional support of the science operations for the Webb space telescope. The Canadian Space Agency will deliver the flight units of the FGS and the TFI to NASA in 2011.

Webb will be the first next-generation large space observatory and will serve thousands of astronomers worldwide for a planned lifetime of 10 years or more. Designed to detect light from as far away as approximately 14 billion light years, it will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System. Its advanced technology also enables it to discover hitherto unknown phenomena in the Universe.

The Webb telescope is an international collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

For more information on the James Webb Space Telescope, visit:

www.jwst.nasa.gov

For more information on Canada's involvement in the James Webb Space Telescope, including imagery, visit:

http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/jwst/default.asp

SOURCE NASA

NASA Opens Space Station for Biological Research From NIH Grants

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:41:56 +0000

NASA Opens Space Station for Biological Research From NIH Grants

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA is enabling biomedical research with National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants that take advantage of the unique microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station to explore fundamental questions about important health issues.

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The NIH Biomedical Research on the International Space Station (BioMed-ISS) awards are the next step in a new partnership to apply the national laboratory to research that complements NASA's own space studies. The NIH studies include research on how bones and the immune system weaken in space.

"This marks the beginning of a new era in microgravity-based research with the International Space Station turning the corner from construction to use as a new national laboratory," said Mark Uhran, assistant associate administrator for space station, NASA Headquarters in Washington.

In 2005 Congress recognized the immense promise the station holds for U.S.-led science and technology efforts. It opened the U.S. portion of the facility to federal agencies, university and private sector researchers by designating the station as a national laboratory. In addition to NIH, NASA has similar research agreements with the Departments of Defense, Agriculture and Energy and the National Science Foundation.

Scientists will conduct their experiments under a two-stage mechanism. The first is a ground-based preparatory phase to allow investigators to meet select milestones and technical requirements. The second is an experimental phase on the space station that will include preparing the experiments for launch, working with astronauts to conduct them on orbit and performing subsequent data analyses on Earth.

"BioMed-ISS offers a novel opportunity for gaining scientific insights that would not otherwise be possible through ground-based means," said Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NIH's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and NIH liaison to NASA. "The beauty of this initiative is that it offers an unprecedented opportunity for benefitting human health on earth, while leveraging the American public's investment in the ISS."

NIH is hosting three rounds of competition for the initiative. The first round of grants for the ground-based phase, totaling an estimated $1,323,000, has been awarded as follows:

Paola Divieti, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston: Weight-bearing activities contribute to the development and maintenance of bone mass, while weightlessness and immobility, as experienced by the astronauts and bedridden and immobilized patients, can result in bone loss and a weakened skeleton. Osteocytes, the most common type of bone cell, are believed to have gravity-sensing abilities. These cells play a key role in bone remodeling, a process that is vital to skeletal health. In studying osteocytes in a gravity-free environment, Divieti aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis and related bone diseases.

Millie Hughes-Fulford, Ph.D., Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco: The immune system, which protects the body against foreign substances, is suppressed in space. A reduction in the immune response also occurs in the elderly, who, like the astronauts, are at increased risk for infection. As a former astronaut, Hughes-Fulford, a former payload specialist on the STS-40 Spacelab Life Sciences shuttle mission in 1991, aims to apply lessons learned from studies of immune cells in microgravity to a new model for investigating the loss of immune response in older women and men.

Declan McCole, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego: The movement of toxins from intestines to other organs in the body is a major source of illness in the United States. A major factor in disease stems from the ability of toxins to compromise the natural barrier function of cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Using microgravity based three-dimensional cell culture models, McCole plans to generate insights regarding the barrier properties of the intestines, and explore how the absence of gravity affects a toxin's ability to diminish this barrier.

For more information about NIH and NASA activities, visit:

http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/NIH_NASA_Activities/

For information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

For more information about NIH and its programs, visit:

http://www.nih.gov

SOURCE NASA

Wyle Inc. Closes Deal to Acquire CAS, Inc.

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:00 +0000

Wyle Inc. Closes Deal to Acquire CAS, Inc.

Strategic Acquisition Expands Wyle's Presence in the U.S. Army and Huntsville, Alabama

PR Newswire

El SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyle Inc., a leading provider of high tech systems engineering, testing and information technology services, today announced completion of the acquisition of CAS, Inc., a division of ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT). CAS is a premier Huntsville-based provider of systems engineering and technical assistance services to the U.S. Department of Defense.

"This acquisition is at the center of our strategy of providing trusted services and solutions, free of organizational conflict of interest, to the United States Government," said George Melton, Wyle chairman, CEO and president.

"CAS will significantly enhance and diversify our core business with critical customers and markets such as the US Army and Huntsville. We trust CAS will excel as part of a dedicated government services company. "

CAS, Inc., founded in 1979, employs more than 1,100 employees at 26 locations across the nation and worldwide. The organization, now named Wyle's CAS Group, joins Wyle's Aerospace Group, Integrated Science and Engineering Group, and Information Systems Group. The combined entity expects 2010 pro-forma revenues in excess of $1 billion.

Wyle, a privately held company, is a leading provider of high-tech science, aerospace engineering and information technology services to the federal government on long-term outsourcing contracts. The company also provides test and evaluation of aircraft, weapon systems, networks, and other government assets; and other engineering services to the aerospace, defense, and selected commercial industries.

Contact:
Dan Reeder
(310) 563-6834
NR10-35

SOURCE Wyle

GeoEye Named Earth Observation Operator of the Year

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:04:16 +0000

GeoEye Named Earth Observation Operator of the Year

Euroconsult Award Highlights Company's Vision, Growth and Innovation

PR Newswire

DULLES, Va., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: GEOY), a premier provider of superior satellite and aerial-based geospatial information and services, announced today it has been named Earth Observation Operator of the Year by Euroconsult.

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The award was presented to Matt O'Connell, GeoEye's chief executive officer and president, in Paris during the World Satellite Business Week, the industry's premier event now in its 14th year.

"The Euroconsult awards recognize companies and their leaders who, through their vision, innovation or performance have had a major impact on the satellite industry in the past year," said Pacome Revillon, CEO of Euroconsult. "This tradition at World Satellite Business Week allows these business leaders to celebrate together the winners and the overall success of the industry."

The awards are presented to companies for outstanding achievement in several categories and are based on quantitative data such as performance indicators including EBITDA, revenue and profit growth, subscriber or terminal growth and market penetration; and qualitative data such as innovation, strategic decision making and overall impact on the industry. A jury of industry experts from Euroconsult, Space News and Satellite Finance determines these awards.

"I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of all GeoEye employees, our global partners, customers and investors," said O'Connell. "Our vision is to be the world's best source for location information and insight, so we're honored to receive Euroconsult's prestigious award."

About Euroconsult

Euroconsult is the leading international consulting and analyst firm specializing in satellite applications, communications, and digital broadcasting. Euroconsult provides strategic consulting and analysis, develops comprehensive research reports and forecasts, and organizes events including the annual World Satellite Business Week, the industry's leading executive-level gathering, including the Symposium for Earth Observation Business (www.satellite-business.com). With 25 years of experience Euroconsult has over 560 clients in 50 countries, including leaders throughout the satellite industry; satellite operators and service providers; government agencies; satellite manufacturers and launch service providers; equipment providers and integrators; media and broadcasting companies; and banks and investors. The company has completed 500 satellite-related consulting projects. Euroconsult is based in Paris with offices in Montreal and Washington, DC. www.euroconsult-ec.com.

About GeoEye

GeoEye, Inc. is a leading international information services company serving government and commercial markets. The Company is recognized as one of the geospatial industry's imagery experts, delivering exceptional quality imagery products, services and solutions to customers around the world. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, the Company has over 500 employees dedicated to developing best-in-class geospatial information products and services. GeoEye is a public company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol GEOY. The Company provides support to academic institutions and non-governmental organizations through the GeoEye Foundation (www.geoeyefoundation.org). Additional information about GeoEye is available at www.geoeye.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limitation, the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to growth, expected levels of expenditures and statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements and those presented elsewhere by our management from time to time are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2009, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 12, 2010, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, which we filed with the SEC on May 10, 2010, and Aug. 9, 2010, respectively. Copies of all SEC filings may be obtained from the SEC's EDGAR web site, http://www.sec.gov/, or by contacting: William L. Warren, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, at 703-480-5672.

SOURCE GeoEye, Inc.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Introduces Web Advocate

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:00:26 +0000

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Introduces Web Advocate

- Online interactive tool offers information on benefits to empower warriors -

PR Newswire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, wounded warriors injured in the current conflicts will have access to a new and cutting edge resource designed to educate them about the benefits and compensation they are entitled to as a result of their injuries.

In addition to offering full time benefits counselors on staff to assist with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation claims process, Wounded Warrior Project will now offer Web Advocate, an online tool available to warriors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Using an easy, interactive body map, warriors will be able to pinpoint their injuries and receive immediate feedback on their VA disability ratings and compensation as well as ancillary benefits.

"Wounded Warrior Project's mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors," said John Roberts, Executive Vice President of Mental Health and Warrior Engagement. "We know how cumbersome and frustrating the claims process can be. It is our hope that by offering our warriors this information in an accessible way, we are educating them and working to ensure they receive the benefits they so rightly deserve."

Armed with the knowledge they gain from the site, warriors can address their benefits and compensation concerns with WWP counselors and be better informed when working with the VA. Wounded Warrior Project is the only veteran's service organization to create and offer a new and innovative program of this kind.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project

Student Rocketeers Wanted for World's Largest Amateur Launch

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:09:04 +0000

Student Rocketeers Wanted for World's Largest Amateur Launch

PR Newswire

Team America Rocketry Challenge Registration Opens

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Registration for the 2011 edition of the world's largest rocket competition is open now through November 30. The Team America Rocketry Challenge will accept up to 750 student teams in grades 7-12 from any U.S. school, home school or non-profit youth organization.

The annual rocket contest, sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, challenges teams of three to 10 students to design and build a rocket that will climb to 750 feet with a raw egg payload and stay aloft for 40 to 45 seconds. The egg must then return to earth unbroken. The 2011 contest rules and registration information are available at www.rocketcontest.org.

"The Team America Rocketry Challenge is a vital part of our industry's outreach to young people," said Marion C. Blakey, AIA president and CEO. "TARC provides a great opportunity for students to work with scientists and engineers and learn in an exciting and fun environment."

The top 100 TARC team finalists will be notified April 8 that they have earned a spot in the May 14 competition just outside of Washington, DC. Student participants compete for $60,000 in prizes, scholarships and a trip to the 2011 international air show in Paris for an international "Fly-Off" with student teams from France and the UK.

AIA sponsors TARC with the National Association of Rocketry, NASA, the Defense Department, the American Association of Physics Teachers and AIA member companies. The contest is in its ninth year and is proving to be a catalyst for generating student interest in math and science.

The aerospace industry is actively looking for young people to join its ranks. The industry is facing a future workforce shortage as many employees will reach retirement age in the next decade. A recent Aviation Week and Space Technology survey found that almost 40 percent of the workforce is over the age of 50. For more information on careers in aerospace, visit www.LaunchIntoAerospace.org.

Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AIA.Aerospace?ref=ts

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26291100@N07/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2237305&trk=hb_side_g

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aia_news

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AerospaceIndustries?feature=mhw5

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association

Lockheed Martin Voluntary Executive Separation Program to Lower Cost Structure

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:00:07 +0000

Lockheed Martin Voluntary Executive Separation Program to Lower Cost Structure

Hundreds of executives apply for early-exit incentives

PR Newswire

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) today announced the results of a program begun in July to lower overhead and improve affordability by reducing the number of leaders at the vice president and director levels.

Under the Voluntary Executive Separation Program (VESP), more than 600 company executives – about 25 percent of the total executive population – applied to accept financial incentives to leave the company. When fully implemented, the program will yield substantial savings in 2011 and on a recurring basis in 2012 and beyond. The executive reductions will help align the number of senior leaders with the overall decline of about 10,000 in the employee population since the beginning of last year, cut overhead costs and management layers, and increase the Corporation's speed and agility in meeting commitments.

"The VESP program will enable us to achieve significant cost savings and a leaner management structure at a time when our customers have an urgent need for more affordable solutions to the global security challenges they face," said Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO Bob Stevens. "We're grateful to the executives who will be leaving, because we built this Corporation on their leadership and dedicated service. The new reality of our business environment does not in any way detract from the respect and success they earned."

The program is the latest in a series of continuous initiatives aimed at refining strategic alignment while enhancing performance and lowering costs to keep pace with evolving customer realities and global security challenges. Other affordability actions this year have included a major business reorganization, the planned divestiture of two business units, and significant reductions in international trade show participation and advertising.

In addition to reducing overhead costs, the program is expected to create opportunities for talented individuals to take on broader assignments to continue to grow their careers.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.5 billion.

For additional information, visit our Web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin

Press Conference: Exposing Iran's New Major Secret Nuclear Site

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:13:08 +0000

Press Conference: Exposing Iran's New Major Secret Nuclear Site

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Iran Policy Committee:

WHEN: 10:00a, Thursday, 9 September 2010

WHERE: Holeman Lounge, National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington DC

WHAT: The Iran Policy Committee is hosting a press conference where intelligence about Iran's new major secret nuclear site will be presented. The information will include precise information on the location and details, progress-to-date, as well as experts, military commanders, and companies involved in building this site.

The source of this information also provided the intelligence on Natanz uranium enrichment and Arak heavy water in 2002, Lavizan-Shian in 2003, Qom nuclear site in 2005, as well as command and control center for nuclear weapons known as Mojdeh in 2008.

WHY: The international community's refusal to abandon once and for all the hopes for reaching an accommodation with Tehran, despite its continuing defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions, gives the Iranian regime more time to pursue its drive to acquire the Bomb. Sanctions, while necessary, are insufficient to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. Hence there is a need for a policy shift regarding Iran.

WHO:

Ms. Soona Samsami, who revealed the information on the Kala Electric nuclear site in northern Tehran in February 2003.
Alireza Jafarzadeh, President, Strategic Policy Consulting, author of The Iran Threat: President Ahmadinejad and the Coming Nuclear Crisis, who made initial disclosures of Iran's secret nuclear program in Natanz and Arak in 2002.
Professor Raymond Tanter, President, Iran Policy Committee, author of President Obama and Iran, which discusses policy options, including regime change in Tehran based on relying on the Iranian opposition.

CONTACT: Prof. Raymond Tanter, Iran Policy Committee, rtanter@iranpolicy.org, or Strategic Policy Consulting, Inc., spcwashington@gmail.com

SOURCE Iran Policy Committee

Ashford University Named to the 2011 List of Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs Magazine

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ashford University Named to the 2011 List of Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs Magazine

PR Newswire

CLINTON, Iowa, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University was recognized in the 2011 List of Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs magazine. The annual list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students.

The G.I. Jobs list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled by polling more than 7,000 schools in the nation and with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board. Criteria for selection included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students, as well as academic accreditations.

"This list is especially important now because the recently enacted post 9-11 GI Bill has given veterans the financial means to go to school," said Rich McCormack, publisher of G.I. Jobs. "Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that friend," he added.

"Ashford University prides itself on its commitment to those serving in the armed forces. The pursuit of higher education has always been challenging for these courageous men and women due to the demands of military service," said Doug Barling, director of Military Relations for Ashford University. "Ashford University recognizes their contribution and offers an education rich in tradition, partnered with affordable, flexible and convenient online programs."

Ashford University provides education benefits to all eligible service members and their spouses. The university's military grant also waives application and technology fees and pays for all books and applicable shipping costs for qualified military students. In addition, Ashford University provides a specialized team of advisors who assist students with enrollment, academic and financial needs.

For additional information about Ashford University, visit www.Military.Ashford.edu or call 800.877.1192.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

SOURCE Ashford University

NASA Wants to Share Great Ideas

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:55:08 +0000

NASA Wants to Share Great Ideas

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA is seeking information from potential partners who could provide no-cost brokerage services for intellectual property transactions, such as patent brokering, to help transfer NASA-owned technologies into the U.S. marketplace.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

"Technology transfer always has been an important objective of America's aeronautics and space program," said NASA Chief Technologist Bobby Braun at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We want to accelerate the agency's efforts to get groundbreaking technologies and innovations from development efforts out into commercial markets. We're asking for information from broker services on how they might help us do this, without any cost to the taxpayer."

This call for information builds on a pilot program by several NASA field centers, started in 2008, to commercialize NASA-funded technologies. The request for information is posted on the FedBizOps website. The notice is available at:

http://tinyurl.com/26hycpf

NASA is looking to industry for input on what form these technology transaction services might take, including ideas such as public auctions, Internet-based agreements or other innovative concepts. Partners would be compensated through a percentage of licensing revenues from any transaction they broker.

This approach will add another tool to existing technology transfer efforts, allowing NASA to effectively move its technology into the marketplace. Goals for the project include promoting transparency of NASA patent license transactions while enhancing development of commercial industry.

A primary benefit of partnering for no-cost brokerage services is the potential to make intellectual property licensing processes quicker and easier, saving time and resources for small companies that may have interest in NASA technologies and innovations.

NASA is a pioneer in federal government use of third-party intellectual property brokerage services. This activity will accelerate the agency's past success in this area. The program will continue efforts to ensure easier access to NASA-patented technology by U.S. private sector organizations while identifying and developing complementary technology efforts across NASA's centers.

An example of successfully brokering NASA technology through a no-cost brokerage partnership was the exclusive license for the Hilbert-Huang Transform, composed of 10 U.S. patents and one domestic patent application, which was part of a lot auctioned by Ocean Tomo Federal Services LLC, in October 2008.

The agreement with DynaDx Corporation of Mountain View, Calif., licensed the Hilbert-Huang Transform, a NASA technology used to analyze nonlinear, nonstationary signals. The technology was available to the medical community to help in the diagnosis and prediction of syndromes that affect the brain, such as stroke, dementia and traumatic brain injury.

For information about the diagnostic aid developed as a result of a public auction, visit:

http://go.usa.gov/cum

For more information about how NASA technologies and spinoffs are providing benefits to public and the U.S. economy, visit:

http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/

For more information about NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/oct

SOURCE NASA