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"Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music" by Franz Nicolay is a perceptive exploration of the lives and experiences of musicians who often go unrecognized for their contributions to popular music. Through interviews with predominantly male and white bassists, horn players, backup singers, and accompanists, Nicolay delves into the challenges they face, such as navigating business deals and power dynamics within bands. The book sheds light on the complexities of dedicating one's life to another's music and challenges the notion of the "lone genius" narrative of artistic creation. Overall, it offers a captivating examination of the intersection between a career and a calling in the music industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the adoption of advanced electronics technology by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It states that border protection agencies have used communications intelligence (COMINT), electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) surveillance systems, and radars to deal with the threats of illegal alien transports. It adds that the CBP has formed the Office of Technology Innovation and Acquisition (OTIA) to strengthen its skill in acquisition and program management.

The article discusses the contract awarded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to Elbit Systems of America LLC to build a third generation of fixed towers designed to monitor the border. It notes that the integrated fixed tower program is considered the most high profile of the acquisitions to grow out of SBInet program of CBP. It also mentions that the integrated fixed tower program is only one piece of a larger technology system called the Arizona surveillance technology plan.

The article discusses the plans of the U.S. government to increase resources to guard the northern border of the country. Permanent cameras are being constructed in the Detroit region of Michigan and the Great Lakes Air, as well as the Marine Branch facility in northern Detroit. Also noted is the no borders policy of the U.S. Cost Guard and their Canadian counterparts in cases of search and rescue. INSET: New Northern Border Camera System to Avoid Past Pitfalls.

The article features the Joint Task Force North which is geared at combating transnational threats in the U.S. Transnational threats may include terrorism, drug trafficking weapons of mass destruction, organized crime, and common smuggling. The task force, led by Paul Disney was established to support law enforcement agencies to deter such threats to the nation. The task force reports more than 5,800 missions in support of the agencies like the Border Patrol. INSET: Role of Unmanned Aircraft Questioned.

The article focuses on the mission of the U.S. army 62d Engineer Battalion to construct a bridge over Cuevas Creek on the U.S.-Mexican border near El Indio, Texas. The project was a joint venture between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fort Worth District, Joint Task Force-North, and the U.S. Border Patrol. While the force providers maintained the camp and quality of life, the 62d Engineer Battalion concentrated on the construction mission. Unlike most missions, many external civilian and military quality assurance/quality control personnel were on hand to bridge the gap between the soldiers skill level going into the project and the civilian industry standard. The mission incorporated specialists from other military services and agencies to make it a true joint and interagency operation.

Explores the use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies to monitor international borders. Use of ISR systems in United Nations' peacekeeping missions; Development of unmanned aerial vehicles; Communications technologies for border patrol.

Focuses on the powers and responsibilities of the U.S. Border Patrol. Coordination with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Customs Service; Hierarchy of the patrol personnel; Headquarters across the country.

Focuses on the role of the US Army's 39th Engineer Battalion in building and upgrading border roads and support facilities in contribution to the government's National Drug Control strategy. Border Patrol's use of a road across the Mexico-Arizona border to patrolling purposes; Completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center range; Projects by the battalion companies.

The article focuses on the success of the mission of the 2nd Platoon of the 15th Engineer Co. in completing the 1.5 mile inspection of the road west of Nogales, Arizona. It states that the mission was part of the Joint Task Force-North (JTF-N) mission, aimed at improving the border security in the area. It also describes the military personnel's interaction with the civilians in the area, as well as the stress and relief associated with the mission.

The article deals with the plan of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to fly more Predator aircraft to patrol its borders and coastal areas to catch illegal immigrants and contraband smugglers. The Border Protection agency will initiate an expansion of border security operations into New Mexico and Texas to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the southwest border.

The article focuses on the plan of SBInet, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Secure Border Initiative, to create an integrated surveillance system to curb illegal immigration across the country. It is stated that SBInet's primary goal is to provide the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department with improved oversight about the country's international boundary. Companies that will supply technologies to SBInet include Boeing Co., DRS Technologies Inc. and Kollsman Inc. Accordingly, the electronic devices will be used to detect, monitor and classify potential and actual border-crossers.

The article discusses the monitoring of Syria, Iran, and Egypt by Israel through airborne intelligence-gathering sensors and unmanned aircraft. Topics include the smuggling of contraband across the Israeli border and the "Flying Camels" tactical reconnaissance force that uses King Air 200T and A-36 Bonanza aircraft from the manufacturer Beechcraft. An advanced multi-sensor payloads system (AMPS) is mentioned. Quotes from Israeli military captains are included.

The article focuses on the use of drone aircraft by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP). It states three General Atomics Predator B drones are assigned to the Mexican border region and operate from the U.S. Army base Fort Huachuca in Arizona, while another two Predator B drones patrol the Canadian border region and are based at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. It mentions the CBP is working with the Coast Guard to identify common maritime drone aircraft requirements.

The article talks about the agenda of the U.S. Homeland Security Committee. In a speech outlining the committee's agenda, chairman Bennie Thompson focuses on improving security for mass transit, rail and bus systems; doubling the size of the Border Patrol; and improving intelligence and information-sharing among federal, state and local agencies. Except for concerns about securing air cargo, aviation is barely mentioned. But Thompson tells reporters after the speech that the panel won't ignore aviation security.

The article provides information on the estimated cost of a project given to Boeing by the U.S. Homeland Security Department regarding a networked sensors, cameras and communication equipment along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada. Inspector General Richard Skinner says cost projections range from $8 billion to $30 billion.

The article deals with the effects of the European Union (EU) membership of Romania. Romania had to meet stringent requirements of the EU. More than 10,000 new police officers have been recruited into the Frontiera Politiei, bringing the total to 17,500. 19,500 is the goal and will be reached, all full-time, all with a secondary degree and trained in academies. Illicit trade of commercial products conducted in the country's border will be prevented.

The article reports that the U.S Homeland Security Department has resumed patrolling a stretch of the Arizona-Mexico border with an MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle. The aircraft is the second to be deployed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the Southwest U.S. border. Michael Kostelnik, chief of CBP Air and Marine operations, says the agency will take delivery of three more Predators in 2007 and have them patrolling borders as well as the Gulf Coast by year-end.

Presents letters to the editor referencing article and topics discussed in previous issues. Merger of the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Customs Service; Comments on the challenges of combining all Border Patrol aviation activities; Reference to the article "Security Dilemma," published in the August 22, 2005 issue.

Reports the delivery of several Eurocopter AS-350B3 helicopters in the U.S. Border Patrol by the Eurocopter company. Features of the aircraft.

Cites the Kargil Committee Report which alleges that India's Research and Analysis Wing failed to accurately report on a Pakistani troop buildup in Kargil that resulted in the 1999 border war with Pakistan. Lack of cooperation between India's intelligence agencies; Indian military units' inability to fight in the high altitudes and extreme cold of the Kargil region.

The article focuses on the report which presents the introduction and use of new technologies implemented by Russian Army. Topics discussed including the growing array of new air defense weapons systems and combat support elements that could be included in Russia's A2/AD capability; investment by Russia in development of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance ; and capabilities of air defense of Russia.

The article focuses on the U.S. Navy's coastal patrol (PC) boats. Topics discussed include the role of PCs in surveillance and in the protection of maritime infrastructure, their use in maritime security operations, and details about PC crews. Other topics include weapons and missiles that can be mounted onto the patrol boats and U.S. Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats.

The article offers information on the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) which was conduct to adequate surveillance, although their at-sea presence and to effect rescues, protect borders and control fisheries. It mentions that the plans of RAAF related to the BAMS to use the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) of Boeing and High Altitude / Long Endurance (HALE) uninhabited aircraft systems (UAS) of Triton.

The article focuses on the border patrol technologies that will be delivered to the southwest border in Texas, U.S. after 16 more vehicle-mounted sensors are delivered to the state of Arizona by the end of 2015. Topics discussed include the features of the mobile surveillance system slated for Texas, the reasons why the contract award has been delayed for the state, and the limitations of the border patrol technology.

The article discusses the long effort of the U.S. Coast Guard to modernize its aircraft and ships particularly with the offshore patrol cutter (OPC). It notes that the ship which is designed to operate in waters will be the most expensive acquisition program in the history of Coast Guard. It also cites the $20 million budget proposal of the government for the offshore patrol cutter program in 2015.

The article discusses the civilian business applications of mechanized mules, which have been used for transporting equipment for soldiers in military and wartime operations. Lockheed Martin plants to market its robotic mules for civilian uses like border patrol, mining, and construction. Boston Dynamics seeks to market its BigDog robotic mules for commercial and public safety, as these robots have carrying capacity of 340 pounds.

The article discusses training opportunities for U.S. Army engineers that are related to their mission-essential task list (METL). It mentions that the Joint Task Force (JTF), an organization of the Department of Defense, offers homeland support missions and provides engineering support to the U.S. Border Patrol at the Southwest Border. Engineering projects include building personnel and vehicle barriers

The article reports on the $10 million contract awarded to Elbit Systems Ltd. to deliver and commission an integrated coastal surveillance system to Lithuania. It mentioned that the European Union funded the project under the Schengen facility program, where the company will furnish the coastal sites with monitoring and surveillance systems to enable complete coverage of the entire coastline against smuggling and illegal border activities. In addition, the system has employed both radars and electro-optic coverage using the coastal radar technologies and video surveillance systems and it provides long-range surveillance in day and night and in conditions of reduced visibility.

The article offers information on the technologies implemented by the U.S. Border Patrol leaders to secure the Canada and Mexican borders. The topics discussed include the effectiveness of systemic risk analysis in evaluating border security, the technologies used by the Border Patrol, and the challenges they experienced in achieving border security.

The article previews the articles to be published in the June 2014 issue of "National Defense" which include topics on border technology, Coast Guard in Asia and Coast Guard patrol ships.

The article presents the author's insights regarding the assets, functions and performance of the border protection command in keeping offshore security in Australia.

This article reports on the emergence of ultra-light aircraft as the new challenge facing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in securing the country's boundary with Mexico against smugglers.

The article focuses on the causes of failure besetting the Project 28 virtual fence in Arizona which was installed to track illegal entry from across the border. Meant to deliver live streaming video to Border Patrol agents, the virtual fence was found ineffective in remote places due to the lack of cellular or satellite communications and the length of time it takes for images to be projected from the sensor to the spacecraft, allowing targets to move out of view. It says that management failed to consult patrol agents before installing the system.

The article focuses on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It states that the academics and industrialists encouraged to develop UAVs not only for military use but also for civilian applications. The military uses UAVs for border patrol, fire detection and electricity grid monitoring. UAVs are designed using theories and techniques in creating a conventional aircraft.

The article reports on the plan of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to add Border Patrol agents. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff notes that the DHS plans to meet the goal of increasing the agents by 18,000 by the end of 2008. The administration proposes an additional 2,200 agents and requests funding in 2009 to hire, train and equip them to be deployed on the northern border with Canada. Chertoff noted that there has been an increase in violence against Border Patrol by 31% and 700% in some sectors.

The article announces the expansion of the area of operation of the U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles program in its northern borders and the Caribbean with the setting up of its own control and command center. The program involving 18 aircrafts will start operational tests in May 2008 to patrol the Great Lakes area and will use the Tyndall Airforce Base in Florida for its Caribbean operation. Predator B aircraft will be used in the program but delays is feared because of wildfires near the aircraft factory in California, the article says.

This article discusses hip-hop. The article notes that U.S. hip-hop artists have faced harassment at the U.S./Canada border, as the Canadian border patrol has disallowed several hip-hop acts from entering the country. Musicians such as Ludacris, Young Buck and The Dogg Pound have all reportedly been held up at the Canadian border, despite having correct paperwork.

The article reports on the need for more border patrols in the U.S. due to the decision of U.S. President George W. Bush to double their ranks by 2008. Assistant Chief of the Border Patrol recruitment reveals that roughly 1,300 positions had been filled by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 and they have more than 15,000 applications for the positions.

The article reports on the tactical role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in border security, according to Kirk Evans, program manager of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Evans said that UAV could be used during peak times in high traffic areas, in deep valleys, above arroyos, where it is difficult to see trespassers, or any other tactical applications.

The article reports that Congressman Henry Bonilla expressed his embarrassment to the U.S. government's lack of control over its borders. According to Bonilla, the issue in immigration has many aspects, including border security and guest worker issue. He also said that Southwestern farmers and ranchers also need disaster relief.

Focuses on a research aimed at teaching robots to see as humans and animals do which can be used in detecting speeding motorists, tracking enemy planes and protecting the U.S. borders and vital resources. Overview of how the robot works; Use of regular and infrared cameras for the system; Details of how the police can use the computer-camera systems to bust speeding motorists; Applications of autonomous robots fitted with the technology.

Reports on the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for border patrol in the U.S. American Border Patrol's testing of its UAV; Border patrol officers' preference for UAV; Number of arrest associated to border-crossings in 2003.

Reports on the US Customs Service's issuance of memos to its border agents on `media etiquette.' Significance of the memos to journalists crossing the California-Mexico border to cover the Republican National Convention in San Diego; Comments of `Union-Tribune' staff writer Valerie Alvord on the contents of the memo.