Tuesday, May 10, 2011

DTN News - AUSTRALIA NEWS: Australian Designer Using Ignorance As An Excuse For Publicity

Defense News: DTN News - AUSTRALIA NEWS: Australian Designer Using Ignorance As An Excuse For Publicity
**Hindus Protest Against Swimsuit Displaying Goddess Lakshmi
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 10, 2011:

Lakshmi is the goddess of good fortune and beauty in Hinduism and is also known as 'world-mother'. Lisa Burke's Lisa Blue Swimwear claims to represent "the girl of the future who can be sexy, beautiful, powerful and environmentally aware at the same time."

Acclaimed Indian fashion designer Ritu Kumar feels that many contemporary designers use Hindu imagery "without understanding the symbolism attributed to our gods and goddesses." Ashish Soni, another well-known fashion designer echoed her viewpoint when he said to the Times of India, "Most of this happens out of ignorance. They don't realize the use of godly images, and the fact that they are actually deities worshiped."

Hindu American statesman Rajan Zed, said that it was disturbing to see goddess Lakshmi, who was highly revered in Hinduism, on a swimwear displayed by a model at a fashion show. Lakshmi was meant to be worshiped in temples or home shrines and not for pushing swimwear in fashion shows for mercantile greed of an apparel company, Zed argued.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked the manufacturer Lisa Blue Swimwear and RAFW organizers to publicly apologize, and immediately recall all swimwear, which showed Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees, he said. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed stressed.

Meanwhile, Lisa Blue in a press release issued an apologia: "The use of images of Goddess Lakshmi was not in any way a measure of calculated risk taking, simply it was a desire to celebrate different cultures and share that through our brand.

"We would like to offer an apology to anyone we may have offended and advise that the image of Goddess Lakshmi will not appear on any piece of Lisa Blue swimwear for the new season, with a halt put on all production of the new range and pieces shown on the runway from last week removed. This range will never be available for sale in any stockists or retail outlets anywhere in the world.
"We apologise to the Hindu community and take this matter very seriously," said the designer's web site.

Indeed, ignorance is bliss, but sometimes it can turn into blisters! What do you feel? Please post your valuable comments below.

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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 10, 2011

Defense News:
DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 10, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 10, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued May 10, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

ARMY

General Electric Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded a $77,573,788 firm-fixed-price contract May 5, 2011. The award will provide for the extended contract coverage of technical, engineering and logistical support services and supplies to for overhaul and repair activities for the entire T-700 family of engines at Corpus Christi Army Depot. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2011. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0038).

Textron Marine & Land Systems, New Orleans, La., was awarded a $49,613,572 firm-fixed-price contract May 5, 2011. The award will provide for the procurement of additional armored security vehicles (M1117s) and special tools. Work will be performed in Slidell, La., with an estimated completion date of Sep. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0532).

The Boeing Company, Ridley Park, Penn., was awarded a $23,717,965 firm-fixed-price contract May 4, 2011. The award will provide for the procurement of the initial production fielding support for each new equipment training site equipped with the CH-47F Cargo Helicopter. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Penn., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2013. One bid was The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-11-C-0093).

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded a $22,779,899 firm-fixed-price contract May 5, 2011. The award will provide for the procurement of 20,004 Generation III extreme cold weather clothing system kits. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va.; Nasville, Tenn.; Belmont, Minn.; Rio Rico, Ariz.; Lancing, Mich.; Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Elk Rapids, Mich.; Tullahoma, Tenn.; Lexington, Ky.; Caguas, Puerto Rico; Boston, Mass.; and Newport, R.I.; with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2011. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-07-D-0003).

Camber Corporation, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $21,179,106 firm-fixed-price, level-of-effort, contract May 6, 2011. The award will provide for the services of an evaluation team to inspect and repair Army weapons. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Sep. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-A-A905).

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded an $8,955,367 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract May 6, 2011. The award will provide for the procurement of the Universal Ground Control Station integration. Work will be performed in Poway, Calif., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2011. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0136).

Masley Enterprises, Wilmington, Del., was awarded a $7,010,000 firm-fixed-price contract May 4, 2011. The award will provide for the procurement of 100,000 pair of cold weather flyers gloves. Work will be performed in Wilmington, Del., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 10, 2011. Ten bids were solicited, with two bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-11-F-0080).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Alon USA, LP, Dallas, Texas was awarded contract SP0600-11-D-0495. The award is a fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract with a maximum $35,652,463 for aviation turbine fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency Energy. The date of performance completion is October 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va.

Delek Refining, LTD, Tyler, Texas was awarded contract SP0600-11-D-0484. The award is a fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract with a maximum 24,207,220 for aviation turbine fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency Energy. The date of performance completion is October 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va.

NAVY

National Technologies Associates Inc.,* Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $20,995,940 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Depot Level Maintenance (DLM), modernization, conversion, in-service repair, overhaul and other operations related to DLM in support of the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), its detachments, and its counterpart fleet readiness centers. This contract provides for production and facilities support, industrial and maintenance engineering support, training, and facilities maintenance planning support, administrative and clerical support, and general industrial support necessary for FRCSW North Island production processes. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in May 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a small business set aside via an electronic request for proposals, with two offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-11-D-0026).

ITT Corporation Electronic Systems Radar Systems - Gilfillan, Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded a $19,553,817 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5395) for AN/SPS-48G(V) radar modification kits to support the Recovery Obsolescence Availability Radar (ROAR). AN/SPS-48’s are radars that are installed on Navy ships for volume air search and surveillance. The modification kits are expected to increase operational availability and decrease operating and support costs. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, Calif. (63 percent), San Diego, Calif. (20 percent), and Johnstown, Pa. (17 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Tetra Tech NUS, Inc., King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $12,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-08-D-1001) to increase the maximum dollar value for comprehensive long-term environmental action services on Navy and Marine Corps installations at various Department of Defense sites in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic area of responsibility. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $137,000,000. Work will be performed primarily in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and Northwest regions predominantly in Maine (13 percent), Fla. (10 percent), Mass. (10 percent), Ind. (9 percent), N.J. (8 percent), R.I. (6 percent), Texas (6 percent), Md. (5 percent), N.Y. (5 percent), Pa. (5 percent), Va. (5 percent), S.C. (4 percent), Ill. (3 percent), Miss. (3 percent), Washington, D.C. (2 percent), Conn. (1 percent), Ga. (1 percent), La. (1 percent), Minn. (1 percent), Wash. (1 percent), Ohio (.5 percent), and Tenn. (.5 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $7,397,169 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) to exercise an option for low power repairs in support of the CV-22 AE1107 turboshaft engines for the Air Force. Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (70 percent) and Indianapolis, Ind. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $7,397,169 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

*Small Business



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DTN News -BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers UAE Air Force And Air Defence's 1st C-17

Defense News: DTN News -BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers UAE Air Force And Air Defence's 1st C-17
(NSI News Source Info)

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 10, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first of six C-17 Globemaster III airlifters to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence during a ceremony at the company’s final assembly facility in Long Beach.

“It is with great pride that we accept delivery of our first C-17, which will help expand our ability to perform humanitarian and strategic-lift missions in the region and around the world,” said Maj. Gen. Staff Pilot Mohammed bin Suwaidan Saeed Al Qamzi, UAE Air Force and Air Defence commander. “The C-17’s advanced capabilities, high reliability, and mission readiness rate met all of our requirements.”

The UAE will take delivery of three more C-17s this year and two in 2012 as it modernizes its airlift capabilities.

“I am proud to say that the first C-17 airlifter delivered to the United Arab Emirates was built in the great state of California. C-17s can be seen in the skies over California and around the world delivering humanitarian aid to those in need, even to the most remote runways in the world,” said California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. “My hope and mission is to make sure that we keep this capability alive and keep this production line rolling.”

"Congratulations to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence as they join the worldwide community of C-17 operators," said Chris Chadwick, president, Boeing Military Aircraft. “We pledge that your commitment to the C-17 will be backed up by Boeing’s expertise, support and dedication -- wherever your crews fly the finest airlifter the world has ever known.”

As a member of the worldwide C-17 “virtual fleet,” the UAE’s C-17s will be supported through Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a proven multinational Performance-Based Logistics program. Through the virtual fleet concept, C-17 customers receive comprehensive worldwide logistics support (spares, support equipment, tech orders, sustaining engineering, and on-site field teams) through use of shared resources across the entire C-17 fleet. This highly successful program ensures high levels of mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers -- regardless of fleet size -- cost-effective access to an extensive support program.

The C-17 can transport large payloads across vast ranges without refueling, land on short, austere runways, and operate in extremely hot and cold climates. With a full payload of 170,000 pounds, a C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles and land in 3,000 feet or less.

There are currently 231 C-17s in service worldwide -- 21 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active Guard and Reserve units, has 210. Other international customers include the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Jerry Drelling
Boeing Mobility Communications
Mobile: 714-318-7594
jerry.a.drelling@boeing.com



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DTN News: China - Breaking Headlines News Dated May 10, 2011

Defense News: DTN News: China - Breaking Headlines News Dated May 10, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 10, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to China Breaking - Headlines Newsfor the world of TODAY.
*Comprehensive daily news related to China - Breaking Headlines News for the world of TODAY

Unlocking the mystery of dreamsRobotics conference kicks off in ShanghaiMore efforts to protect Tibetan antelopesSnapshots: the world in 24 hours, May 9Shared interests highlighted
Unlocking the mystery of dreamsRobotics conference kicks off in ShanghaiMore efforts to protect Tibetan antelopesSnapshots: the world in 24 hours, May 9Shared interests highlighted

ROBOTICS CONFERENCE KICKS OFF IN SHANGHAI

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China

Business

Life

Culture

Entertainment

Specials

SINO-US DIALOGUE

China and the US hold the third round of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue from May 9-10 in Washington.

V-DAY PARADE

A military parade marking the 66th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi.

REVOLUTIONARY MARRIAGE

A newlywed couple sings revolutionary songs during their marriage.

DRUNK DRIVING

Drunk drivers face a detention for one to six months and a revokation of their drivers' license.

BIN LADEN DEAD

The world's most wanted man was killed in a US raid in Pakistan.

Hu urges to advance partnership with US

CHINA WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH THE UNITED STATES TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD THE COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES, CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO SAID IN A MESSAGE CONVEYED MONDAY BY VICE PREMIER WANG QISHAN TO US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.
SHARED INTERESTS HIGHLIGHTED
FRAMEWORK HAS ALREADY MADE IMPORTANT PROGRESS
DOZENS OF DEALS MAY BE ANNOUNCED

Raid 'longest 40 minutes of my life'

US president Barack Obama trumpets success, says bin Laden got what he deserved.

Huawei to rival Cisco in data routers

China's largest telecom equipment maker eyes chance to close gap with its US rival.

Producers battle against power cuts

The power shortage, rare in low-energy-consuming months, has cut a large swath in the country.

more top stories...

China-US

US

  • US SAYS NO APOLOGY FOR KILLING BIN LADEN

    White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Monday that the United States would not apologize for its unilateral action in Pakistan last week that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
  • JEWISH PAPER SORRY FOR ALTERING PHOTO

    An Jewish newspaper apologized for deleting Hillary Rodham Clinton from a photo of President Barack Obama and his staff monitoring the raid by Navy SEALs that killed Osama bin Laden.

Opinion

  • IS THE ASIAN CENTURY UPON US?

    An Asia producing more than half of global GDP? Three billion Asians considered part of the "rich world" by 2050? A dream or plausible reality?
  • IMPROPER STIPULATIONS

    Rule by law means that no one is above the law, not even governments.
  • LUXURY SPENDING

    Our country has become a shining beacon of hope for luxury brands as Chinese consumers are driving the growth in many luxury sectors.

Travel

  • 'SAILING TO YANGZHOU'

    My trip to Yangzhou coincided with Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) Festival in April and I was worried about the crowds.
  • THE FINAL FRONTIER

    Xinjiang is a mysterious land of extremes that never falls to fascinate.

Sport

  • CLOUDY FUTURE FOR LAKERS

    The aging and erratic Los Angeles Lakers faced an uncertain future on Monday after the NBA champions were embarrassingly swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks.
  • OLYMPICS THROUGH THE AGES ON DISPLAY

    Up to 400 artefacts, video and graphics will be on show in a free exhibition called "The Olympic Journey: the Story of the Games" at the Royal Opera House in London during the 2012 Games.