DoD to Announce Balanced Social Media Policy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2009 -


Defense Department officials plan to forward a social media policy to the department leadership within the next two weeks that will balance the pros and cons of social networking sites, the department’s top public affairs official said on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation” yesterday.


“I think there are two issues that need to be balanced,” said Price Floyd, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. “No. 1, you need to recognize the benefits taking part in social networking sites and social networking media give you, as well as the risks involved. And I don’t want in any way to shortchange the risks. “I believe [the policy] … will encourage the use of social networking because of the benefits that are there, but also understand and underscore the risks there,” he added. Social media generally refers to using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other interactive media tools to communicate with ever-expanding networks of family, friends and colleagues. Currently, Floyd said, the department does not have a policy on the use of social media. “Right now there is no policy on working with or in social networking sites or media. It's currently under review,” he said. “It's on course to be finished within about two weeks.” Introduced on NPR as the department’s “social media guru,” Floyd said not everyone in the department feels the same because they worry that operational security -- Opsec -- will be violated. “In the past, when a soldier, airman, [sailor] or Marine sent home a letter to their family or loved ones and had information in it that might have been sensitive, it could have been read by two or three people, and that was it,” he explained. “The problem now with social networking is that when you Twitter that information that might be sensitive … or put it on your Facebook page, thousands of people see it immediately, and then thousands more could see it as it's forwarded on to others,” he said. “The ramifications of making a mistake, of putting things that shouldn't be on there on those sites, are even greater than they used to be.” Noah Shactman, editor of Wired magazine’s National Security Blog ‘Danger Room,’ was also a guest on the NPR program. He noted there are dozens of overlapping policies about what various branches of the military are allowed to do. The Marines, for example, recently banned Twitter and Facebook from its official networks, while the Army ordered that its networks be allowed access to the sites. “That's just one example of how there's a lot of tension within the military about whether to use these sites or not, and that's why I think this review is very helpful,” Shactman said. The operational security concerns “might be a little overblown,” Shactman said, noting that a 2006 study revealed independent military blogs only had 28 security violations over the course of a year, while official military sites had more than 1,800 violations of those same security policies. Floyd said he used his Twitter account to get feedback on the Marine policy ban when it was announced. Most people who responded said they wanted folks to have access, but “a large minority” said they understood there were security concerns. “These people were on Twitter saying, ‘Yes, this should be blocked,’ so not everyone who uses social networking sites is in favor of having complete and open access,” he said. Many of the people who called into the NPR program spoke in favor of more regulation of social media sites, even as they pleaded for more constant access to their deployed loved ones. One former soldier, Matt, who served two tours as an officer in Iraq, said using social media in Iraq earlier this decade was distracting to his troops. “I've also heard comments from other commanders on the ground that they need to be focused on the fight, not what's going on at home,” Floyd said. ”But I've also heard lots of comments about how it was easier to reintegrate once they came back.” Mike, a noncommissioned officer who served a tour in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq, said for his soldiers to have “seamless communication with their families was absolutely helpful to morale.” Kira called in to say she talks to her deployed boyfriend in Iraq via Skype, a free video chat service. She thanked Floyd for being able to use social networking, but she said she also recognizes the risks it poses. “It might seem innocuous, but if the right pieces of information are put in the right order, then that can really put our troops in danger,” she said. “I think [operational security] needs to be emphasized more within the military community.” Floyd pointed out that some military commands have been using social media for years: Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s top military commander, launched his Facebook page and blogged while leading Southern Command. Recruiters also are using social media to keep in touch with troops who have signed up but have yet to report for duty, Floyd said. “I was at the Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, several weeks ago, and they're going to use Twitter to keep in touch with recruits before they show up,” he said. “They also use Twitter to let their recruits know how they can earn credit towards promotion even before they show up for their first day of duty.” Overall, Floyd said, he believes there is a general misunderstanding about social media. “A lot of people think of it as a new way to get information out. So in that sense, when we went from blast faxing information to blast e-mailing, people were so excited you could push one button and reach so many people,” he said. “And they believed that Web 2.0 is just the next extension of that. I believe that's just a fundamental misunderstanding of what Web 2.0 is all about.” It's not so much a way of getting more information out, he said, it’s also a way of engaging the American people, and “in the case of the military, engaging internally with our internal audience of several million members of the Defense Department.” The department’s newly revamped Web site, www.defense.gov, is designed to engage the public in discussion, Floyd stressed. He added that he is not concerned that things may be posted that haven’t been strenuously scrubbed – “things that may not be -- quote-unquote -- ‘approved talking points’ from public affairs.” “I actually welcome that sort of talk and chatter on the Web,” he said. “I believe it shows a Pentagon that has multiple voices, and it gives a transparency to our decision-making process that I believe is good.”





By H. Forsgren Weaver, American Forces Press Service

The "Mack", the Survivor!

As I have travelled many a distance and mastered many a task, I've found that the envy of others is not something that I should worry about. I will admit that there has been times that I have been jealous of another, I'm not saying it to be a bad thing, in fact even though I have been jealous of others in the past, I've never been envious of anyone! For me, jealousy has helped me choose the right path and often become successful no matter who got in my way, if someone says it not true...I prove that it is; if someone says its not possible, I assure them that it is. To be jealous gives me the drive to achieve a goal, but being envious is to know that you will never succeed in acquiring what another has.

"Any news is good news" this of course relating to celebrity and the fact that if rumors start circulating about you, at least your being talked about! Keep talking keep the rumor mill flowing, I will continue to prosper from the publicity as always.

I have found myself at the top of the mountain only to have been knocked over the cliff by an errand gust of wind or someone else’s error; I have helped others on their way up, I've supported others when no one else would, I have even provided courage to some when they themselves failed to sustain the will to continue. An in so doing I will always survive, I do not give up, I will not quit, I am an American soldier in both senses of the word, that was taught to me by my Christian Baptist Grandmother each time we went to church, all the way into my adulthood from my commanders and leaders in my Unit in the infantry!

I am a survivor, like the phoenix that rises from the ashes of failure to reinvent myself and fly to my next destination. I again refuse to quit and will persevere to fight for my families’ survival and to train alongside my fellow comrades in preparation for yet another great battle of which we will remain victorious!

Another M. Joseph Miller II. Project

As tensions around the world mount and some even comes to an end I am eagerly awaiting a return to my company in Germany and or the United states. If there is one thing my travels have taught me is that the old adage of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer still rings true. A true friend of mine still remains and will always be my country, the United States of America. Yes, like peas in a pod, M. Joseph Miller II will always be able to count on one of his uncles, Sam! Please look forward to updates including unpublished articles from travels throughout the world in the past few months.

M. Joseph Miller

(Re-Posted)

Ex-Met Dykstra files for bankruptcy protection

Updated: July 8, 2009, 2:51 PM EDT
Facing divorce, foreclosure on his mansion and lawsuits, former major-league star Lenny Dykstra has filed for bankruptcy protection in California, citing more than $31 million in debts.

Federal court documents show Dykstra filed for Chapter 11 status on Tuesday. He listed assets of $50,000 or less and liabilities of between $10 million and $50 million.

Dykstra, whose lifestyle included a lavish house, a jet and a Rolls Royce, says he owes millions of dollars to his 20 largest creditors, many of them banks. His filing follows at least two dozen lawsuits over his business and financial dealings.

Among those claiming they were owed money are Dykstra's brother, two private jet rental companies, a former lawyer and several former employees, according to a New York Daily News report.

Dykstra's wife is also suing him for divorce, and his $18 million California mansion is in foreclosure, the newspaper reported.

"This action will provide Mr. Dykstra time to reorganize his estate (and) successfully challenge the multitude of meritless claims that have been made against him," his attorney, Walter Hackett, said in a statement.

Dykstra, nicknamed "Nails" for his rough-and-ready style, is a former All-Star who spent 12 years with the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. He won a World Series with the Mets in 1986.

X-Sports.com

PRC

Still in the PRC, I take a bus, the only means of transportation aside from a bicycle out of Hunchun to the nearest city with air transport, Yanji, a lively and robust little city one would equate it to going to Las Vegas from Barstow or Bakersfield, the two later being Hunchun and whose U.S. equivalents’ are just as small and inactive. I was only in Yanji a few short days, but would experience one of my most memorable events, the first real taste of home in several weeks; KFC. Normally I don’t eat fast-food, but here in China, it was ambrosia. The festivities of the New Year in both countries have come to a close and the feelings of winter have subsided as I venture even further south by air through Shanghai, often called “Shag-high” by my friends because of how their Red-light and club district caters to Western foreigners. My destination, Xiamen, a lovely Oceanside city reminiscent of Los Angeles, Xiamen is an Oceanside city whose name means “Lower gate” or “The Gate of the Grand Mansion” and has similar weather and even an island near, similar to Catalina named Gulangyu, but nicknamed “Piano Island”. Piano Island has made its mark, many musicians are born here and those who are not, come to learn the instrument that garners its name. During the month of May, the island hosts a grand music festival.. Anyone who’s lived in Los Angeles or visited Catalina would say Piano Island has its similarities, although surely all would agree that Catalina has not contributed nearly as much to society or the arts.

After being in Xiamen for only two days, it was time to venture further out and across the water to Gulangyu or “Piano Island”. One can utilize either of the fun methods of transport to get to the island, either slow romantic ferry, or fast exciting speedboat, whichever method you choose, once there you immediately are reminded of the social standing of the surrounding area, or its tourist popularity because of the Mc Donald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut that guard the entrance to the Island. Contradictory to America, these fast-food outlets are considered rather expensive and regarding as fashionable eateries reserved for those who have a bit of expendable cash…oops Renmenbi, RMB, Yuan. Feeding a family of four at Mc Donald’s costs upwards of 100 Yuan. If you were to eat at a local shop it may only cost 24 Yuan, and the food would actually be healthier, including vegetables, meats and grains, the customary Chinese tea may be also be gratis!

A deeper look throughout the island ends your curiosity for more American transplants or nouveau-rich amenities as the remainder of the island is traditional Chinese culture including street performers broadcasting traditional opera and selling wears of old. Inexplicable to the islands namesake, no pianists, but if you listen closely; occasionally you could hear the faint sounds of melody or someone tuning in a distant parlor. My first experience of the Chinese Oceanside is had here, unlike in Europe or the Americas; there were no bikini clad women, but unfortunately for me I did see a few men in Speedos. Although the island seems more traditional than other areas, the cost of living here is not cheap and some who live here can actually sit atop their mountain and Oceanside homes and look down on the nearby mainland city.

West, East and in Between, A series of short travel stories.

They Call me Mr. Miller!

What does one think of when traveling across a nation with a 5000 year history? Considering I’m on a train and it has taken the better part of two days and one night….Everything. Traveling by rail is one of the few activities one can do that causes you to really think of what you are leaving behind, such as a beautiful woman standing at the end of the track waving goodbye and the things yet to come; good, bad or indifferent. Keeping in order with the topics shared there are a few differences in fashion, law and politics throughout China.
Bringing in the New Year of 2009 was spent in Las Vegas, the “City of Lights” or “Sin City” and since its only a forty-five minute flight away from Los Angeles, California, “The city of Angels”, I was able to enjoy the festivities in Beverly Hills as well. Born and raised in Las Vegas but educated primary in Los Angeles, I cannot understand why Vegas is “Sin City” and Los Angeles, “The City of Angels”. From my experience most of the sins taking place in Las Vegas occur on the weekends and are being perpetrated by those “Angels” from Los Angeles.

Ending the celebrations of the New Year in the United States brings me to China where it starts over again and in a big way. “The Festival of Lights” January 26, 2009. I start in a midsize but very active town called Harbin, in one of the Northernmost and coldest parts of China that is famous for its Ice City.

The entire town is lined with ice sculptures that would later be illuminated by the candles place inside and around them to celebrate the new year, much like the candles used in America to illuminate carved pumpkins on Halloween. Throughout the next few weeks I would venture further South through another city called Hunchun.

Hunchun is not as cold as Harbin, but it is definitely smaller and is the equivalent of Mayberry. I did notice something, although the town is small, the women tend to be very fashion forward, sporting the very French styles including the Shootie; later I would discover the reason…the town is dead! The towns’ only industries appear to be dining and shopping. The only semi-sporting activity I could find was a four lane bowling alley and of course no reputable Asian locale could call itself Asian if there wasn’t at least two KTV joints on each corner like Starbucks in Los Angeles or new York. That’s Karaoke Television for you unknowing.

This may or may not go without saying, this town has not experienced many foreigners with the exception of Russian Caucasians. Definitely not any of African descent, as I felt like Sidney Poitiers character Mr. Tibbs in the famed movie “In the Heat of the Night”, only they call me Mr. Miller!

Working Photo of Mr. Miller II.
Courtesy of Mr. Li shen, Interior Decorator

China Fashion Week March 2009

For some of us living day to day in what often becomes a boring and mundane existence, the opportunity to see a glimpse of a "fashion" show on E-Entertainment television can be the highlight of a day, for others, being next to the runway is the only way!

For this politico, legal eagle/fashion connoisseur turned part time GI on a full time basis, (don't ask!) it would only do but to be present at one of the Easts most coveted fashion shows during the China Fashion Week in Beijing, before possibly having to visit a less fashionable locale such as Afghanistan!

A while back while at a dinner in Beverly Hills I sat with the re-known Mr. Blackwell, who turned to me in the middle of the second course, looked me up and down and smiled. He then asked me two questions before making a statement that would ultimately change my life. "How old are you and where were you born?" After answering he responded by informing me that he had over forty years of critiquing the wears of the wealthy, the famous and not so famous, but most importantly, those who thought they had style, of course we all recall his "Best/Worst dressed list" that every year at every party and Hollywood event people clammer to be on the best end of and ofter shutter to be listed on the worst.

Mr Blackwell ended by congratulating me for having what he called a classic style and elegance that he has not seen in many years, not put together by some personal shopper or named designer, but obviously by someone who used his own emotion and history to dress himself, afterword The Mr. Blackwell gave me a thumbs up and added me to his Best Dressed list. I only knew him for a few short years before his death, but I will never be able to forget the man, who reminded me that when all others ask me to dress down or dress comfortable....I must remember that dressing up is in fact my comfortable. This leads me to follow and create fashion and bring style to those who would ordinarily never see it, feel it or wear it; the GI, or the politico, or just the everyday person, look for styles and combinations created by me as inspired by Mr. Blackwell. Oh yeah; hears to all who participated in the Beijing China Fashion Week 2009!