Why ISIL Will Fail on Its Own - POLITICO Magazine

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/11/why-isil-will-fail-on-its-own
-213401

Highliners - A novel; highly recommended

This book, originally published in 1979, was recommended to me years (OK, decades) ago.  To my shame, I didn't read it until now.  To all that I attempted to explain Alaska fisheries, fishing towns (i.e. Kodiak and Dutch Harbor), and what/why exactly the U.S. Coast Guard was doing in  the fisheries mission, especially back in the mid-80's when I first experienced this, I apologize.  This novel captures the essence of this corner of the world, in this significant corner of that industry. 

Although the period covered in the book ends prior to my first exposure, the descriptions of all aspects are true to what I encountered.  The novel also sets the stage well for an industry that has evolved significantly in the past 30-plus years.  The author, William B. McCloskey, Jr., has published other works in a series that I look forward to reading as well.  Of note, in the introduction to Highliners, he thanks many, amongst them several Coast Guard cutters, including the BOUTWELL.

The "underwear gnomes" reference...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnomes_(South_Park)

or

http://southpark.wikia.com/wiki/Underpants_Gnomes

Great pop culture reference

All who know me understand that the last thing I want to take up in a blog
discussion is anything concerning political chances/viability of anyone, in
any party. I include this link ONLY because of this reference. Good for
Ezra Klein...pull quote:

"Ezra Klein

A lot of pundits - and I include myself in this group - have a sort of
Underpants Gnomes theory of Marco Rubio's chances. Step one is Rubio is the
only acceptable nominee to Republican elites. Step two is ... something. And
step three is Rubio wins the nomination."

The link:

http://www.vox.com/2015/11/25/9800174/why-one-political-scientist-thinks-don
ald-trump-might-actually-win

Inside the Secret World of Russia's Cold War Mapmakers | WIRED

http://www.wired.com/2015/07/secret-cold-war-maps/

Remote Rescue and Evacuation Scenarios - South Atlantic Edition

https://gcaptain.com/hundreds-evacuated-from-luxury-cruise-ship-after-engine
-room-fire/

Millennial Stereotyping Is Hurting Corporate America - Forbes

No surprise that I concur with theme in this piece as I have seen a similar
effect in the military context as well, and it (rightly) offends those being
stereotyped. I know not all share my perspective.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/oracle/2015/09/03/millennial-stereotyping-is-hur
ting-corporate-america/

In signal to China, Obama to give 2 ships to Philippines - Yahoo News

http://news.yahoo.com/signal-china-obama-2-ships-philippines-094949329.html

You Learn Something Every Day

I did not know that this had evolved into a piece of public art.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_Tender%27s_House

The First of a "New" Fleet

An item from 2011 on the first Hamilton Class Cutter that transferred to the
Philippine Navy' note that the crew actually spent some time aboard BOUTWELL
during their preparations.

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/3697-navy-s-fastest-ship-brp-gregorio-del-p
ilar

Does a Lighthouse Sovereignty Make?

https://gcaptain.com/china-argues-light-makes-right-with-south-china-sea-bea
cons

What Cities Look Like When Your Brain Does the Mapping Without GPS - CityLab

http://www.citylab.com/design/2015/11/maps-made-from-the-mind-not-from-gps/4
15128/

Why Obama Won’t Challenge Burma’s ‘Lady’ - POLITICO Magazine

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/11/why-obama-wont-get-tough-with
-burmas-lady-213335

The Suburb That Tried To Kill the Car

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/10/evanston-illinois-what-works-
213282

Why Computer Programmers Should Stop Calling Themselves Engineers - The Atlantic

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/11/programmers-should-not
-call-themselves-engineers/414271/

Why the US Navy’s first South China Sea FONOP wasn’t a FONOP

http://cimsec.org/why-the-us-navys-first-south-china-sea-fonop-wasnt-a-fonop/19681

Some good contextualizing of empathy

http://www.humantransit.org/2015/10/weekend-ramble-empathizing-with-the-fear-of-urbanism.html