At a recent hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, the panel’s chairman, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., revealed the extent to which, he says, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro had not been honest with Congress on the very significant delays and cost overruns facing naval shipbuilding. Del Toro testified Sept. 19 on the newly revealed cost shortfalls for the Virginia-class submarine program, which has a $1.95 billion shortfall this year and a projected $17 billion shortfall over the next six years. Calvert said the Navy has not been honest with Congress and appears to have known for at least 18 months about these budget issues it only just revealed. Congress was just notified a few weeks ago of these substantial shortfalls, and it appears that it was made aware primarily because the fight over the continuing resolution stopgap spending bill acted as a forcing function for the Department of the Navy. As Calvert put it: “For too long, this committee has been put in a position of asking what the Navy is hiding behind the curtain. It’s time to pull down that curtain altogether.” The California lawmaker confronted Del Toro on the long list of problems identified in the Navy’s own 45-day shipbuilding review, including problems relating to design maturity, first-of-class transitions, production, design workforce, acquisition and contract strategy, supply chain, skilled workforce, and government workforce. This is not the first time this year that Del Toro has found himself at the center of controversy. Just a few months ago, an Office of Special Counsel found that Del Toro had violated the Hatch Act by asserting personal political campaign views while on official business in Britain. So far, there is no indication that Del Toro will face any consequences for that violation. Congress may have to get creative in acting to keep the Navy and the shipbuilders on schedule and on budget. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy is already larger than the U.S. Navy numerically, and Chinese shipbuilding is many times over larger than that of the United States in capacity. The U.S. Navy needs ships, but America’s shipyards lack capacity, are beset by maintenance and construction delays, and suffer from labor shortages. Congress may want to consider such drastic measures as fines imposed on shipbuilders that fail to meet deadlines as a way to incentivize those companies to invest more in labor and infrastructure and to deliver ships on time. In some cases, welders at the shipyards make less than cashiers. Shipyards are going to need to increase wages to attract and retain workers. The Navy has proposed a pay restructuring called Shipyard Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS), an initiative that bears consideration, although the shipyards need to be paying their workers more, regardless. Del Toro should spend more time addressing the badly mismanaged shipbuilding programs of the Department of Defense and less time engaging in partisan discourse. The mismanagement of Virginia-class submarine shipbuilding puts at risk the long-term plans for one of the programs most critical to deterring China in the Indo-Pacific. It is imperative that the Navy be honest with congressional committees tasked with oversight, so that Congress can have confidence that the investments of the taxpayers in the future of the fleet are being well-spent. The post Navy Shipbuilding Delays, Cost Overruns Draw House Panel’s Scrutiny appeared first on The Daily Signal.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The US state of New Jersey has moved ahead with plans to crack down on what its legislature wants to brand as “misinformation” spread by healthcare professionals. Early this week, the New Jersey Assembly’s Health Committee approved a bill (sponsored by three Democrats) that provides for penalizing doctors and other sector workers who are deemed to be promoting false health-related claims to patients. If it becomes law, New Jersey Bill A1884 will provide a legal basis for filing professional misconduct allegations against doctors. The whole legislative effort is framed as yet another battle in the “war on disinformation.” We obtained a copy of the bill for you here. And one would think they knew better than to refer to the pandemic, during, or after – since hindsight on that is 20/20 now with anyone willing to look back – but one of the A1884 sponsors, Assemblyman Herb Conaway, went there. “Sadly, we have a number of such licensed persons who, in my opinion, given their public statements on vaccines or other questions, do not seem to be taking their responsibility as a health care official as seriously as they should,” the local press is citing Conaway as saying. Now, clearly, those “licensed persons” should fear losing their licenses even if all they do is express their professional opinion. A good old rule of skepticism being at the heart of any serious scientific effort, apparently aside – Conaway wants this behavior to officially be branded, and sanctioned as, “misinformation.” And yet, the bill actually does not specify what penalties should be, coming across instead as yet another likely futile “war on disinformation” battle during the current US presidential campaign, meant to rally the troops, but in the end, provide little in terms of concrete action. According to reports, under A1889, “each professional board (will be allowed) to draft their own regulations.” Opponents are saying this will further stifle the speech of doctors and other health professionals unless they toe the line toed by legacy media at any given time; proponents, on the other hand, still cite things like ivermectin “not being effective in treating Covid.” But the narrative at the time President Trump was “endorsing” the medicine was that it was actually “harmful.” Saying now that “ivermectin” is not effective, however, puts it in the same category of “harm” as, water. Still, this proposed NJ bill’s text speaks of ostracizing “any health-related claim of fact that is false and contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus contrary to the standard of care.” But who “licenses” the authors of the definition of what is in scientific reality, always a fluid “contemporary scientific consensus”? If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post New Jersey’s “Misinformation” Crackdown Targets Doctors Who Don’t Toe the Line appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

Homemade pumpkin pie truly captures the essence of fall. While store-bought spice mixes may seem convenient, they often fall short of delivering the depth of flavor and freshness you crave. Have you ever wondered why your pumpkin pie lacks that rich, aromatic punch? It’s likely because pre-packaged spices simply can’t match the intensity of homemade blends. Imagine serving a pie so flavorful that your friends and family love. The secret lies in creating your own pumpkin pie spice mix with fresh ingredients that you can customize. Not only will it elevate your baking, but it also allows you to tweak the flavors to suit your personal taste. Discover how you can easily craft this spice blend and ensure every bite of your baking bursts with flavor! A beautiful kitchen scene with various fresh spices—cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—being mixed together in a wooden bowl. Warm sunlight streams through the window, highlighting the rich textures and colors of the spices. Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice? There are many reasons to make your pumpkin pie spice mix, and they all enhance your cooking experience: Freshness: Spices lose their potency over time. By creating your blend, you ensure the freshest and most flavorful spices are used (How to Store Spices Properly – The Spruce Eats). Customization: Adjust the spice ratios to suit your taste. For instance, if you love cinnamon, add a little extra. If you prefer more spice, increase the ginger or cloves. Cost-Effective: Buying spices in bulk and mixing them yourself can be more economical in the long run. Health Benefits: When you make your own blend, you avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives found in commercial spice mixes. This results in a more natural and wholesome option for baking (Health Benefits of Cinnamon—WebMD). Essential Spices for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend To make the perfect pumpkin pie spice, you’ll need a few essential spices that provide warmth and depth to the flavor: Cinnamon: The backbone of the mix, providing warmth and sweetness. Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon. Ginger: Ginger gives a zesty heat, balancing out the sweetness of the other spices (Discover the Benefits of Ginger – Harvard Health). Cloves: Cloves bring an intense, aromatic flavor, but be careful—a little goes a long way. Allspice: Finally, allspice introduces a peppery note that ties the other flavors together beautifully. Simple Recipe for Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for a well-balanced and aromatic pumpkin pie spice mix: 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves Instructions: Gather Fresh Ingredients: First, make sure you have fresh, high-quality spices to get the best flavor. Measure Accurately: Next, use accurate measurements to create a perfectly balanced blend. Mix Thoroughly: Combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in a bowl. Stir well to ensure an even distribution. Store Properly: Finally, transfer the mixture into an airtight container, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place. Eager to Try Your Homemade Spice Mix? Your homemade pumpkin pie spice can be used in more than just pies! Here are a few creative ways to experiment with it: Pumpkin Bread Simply add 2-3 teaspoons of your homemade spice mix to your pumpkin bread batter before baking. This will intensify the flavors, adding warmth and depth that enhances the pumpkin's natural sweetness, making every slice irresistibly comforting. Pumpkin Spice Lattes For a café-style drink at home, sprinkle a pinch of the spice mix into your coffee or homemade latte. The warm, cozy spices will transform your everyday coffee into a festive fall treat that tastes just like your favorite coffee shop's seasonal offerings. Oatmeal Stir a teaspoon of the pumpkin spice into your morning oatmeal after cooking. This will bring a cozy, spiced twist to your breakfast, making it feel more indulgent while perfectly complementing the creamy oats. Roasted Vegetables Toss sweet potatoes or butternut squash with olive oil and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice before roasting for a savory-sweet dish. The blend of spices pairs beautifully with the natural caramelization of roasted vegetables, adding a unique autumn-inspired flair. Pancakes and Waffles Add 1-2 teaspoons of the spice mix to your pancake or waffle batter. The subtle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg will infuse every bite with warmth and seasonal flair, making breakfast even more delightful with your favorite syrup or toppings. Yogurt and Smoothies For a seasonal twist, stir a small amount of the spice mix into plain yogurt or blend it into a smoothie. The added spices will give your snacks or morning drinks a hint of fall flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the other ingredients. Tips for Best Results To ensure the best results, follow these helpful tips as you work with your pumpkin pie spice: Taste and Adjust: Feel free to tweak the ratios according to your personal preferences. Make Small Batches: If you don’t plan to use the mix often, make smaller batches to keep it fresh. Experiment with Other Spices: Don’t hesitate to add cardamom or star anise for a unique twist on the classic blend. Store Correctly: Always keep the mix in an airtight container, away from light and heat, to ensure its freshness over time. Crafting the Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Making your own pumpkin pie spice mix at home is not only fun, but also incredibly rewarding. The freshness and customization possibilities make it worthwhile for any baker or home cook. Whether you’re whipping up a classic pumpkin pie or experimenting with other fall-inspired dishes, this spice mix will elevate your creations to new heights. By creating your own spice mix, you can ensure each spoonful is packed with fresh, potent flavors that store-bought blends simply can’t match. Plus, the process of mixing the spices adds an extra layer of joy to your cooking experience. This fall, fill your kitchen with the irresistible scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Trust us, your friends and family will love every delicious bite of your homemade pumpkin pie and other seasonal treats! PS: Don’t forget to share your favorite homemade pumpkin pie spice recipes with us. Let’s inspire each other to make this fall season even more flavorful!

Nellie Bowles Hits Nail on Head

Call a Waahmbulance: 'Just Stop Oil' Is Being Repressed

A study that explains nothing.

We’ve no idea where this rumor started, but we’re no longer standing for the spider slander.

The question remains whether the proposal will give new life to the former site, or be a ghost of its former self.

Sit back, relax, and let’s Break It Down in episode 33...

Jets could have a wider effect than previously thought possible. Pew pew!