The Adsideologist - Kevin Berardinelli

2012 MLB Baseball Season Predictions

Kevin Berardinelli — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:16:16 +0000

Well it’s Spring, baby! Time for some MLB predictions…

AL East Final Standings
New York Yankees 96-66
Boston Red Sox 92-70
Tampa Bay Rays 90-72
Toronto Blue Jays 81-81
Baltimore Orioles 65-97

Post-Season Predictions
AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Cards: Red Sox, Rays
Just Missed: Rangers

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Giants
NL Wild Card: Diamondbacks, Marlins
Just Missed: Nationals

ALCS: Yankees over Angels
NLCS: Phillies over Diamondbacks

World Series: Yankees over Phillies

Filed under: Sports Tagged: 2012, baseball, forecast, MLB, sports, yankees

GAO Reports of Interest (Feb 2012)

Kevin Berardinelli — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:34:55 +0000

Reducing Duplication, Overlap and Fragmentation, Achieving Savings, and Enhancing Revenue
2012 Annual Report: GAO-12-342SP, February 28, Link
Follow-up on 2011 Report: GAO-12-453SP, February 28, Link
More Efficient and Effective Government Report: GAO-12-449T, February 28, Link
Tags: Government Operations

Department of Homeland Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Strategic Planning and Management Functions
GAO-12-382T, February 3, Link
Tags: Homeland Security

Maritime Security: Coast Guard Needs to Improve Use and Management of Interagency Operations Centers
GAO-12-202, February 13, Link
Tags: Homeland Security

Humanitarian and Development Assistance: Project Evaluations and Better Information Sharing Needed to Manage the Military’s Efforts
GAO-12-359, February 8, Link
Tags: Information Management, International Affairs

Cybersecurity: Challenges in Securing the Modernized Electricity Grid
GAO-12-507T, February 28, Link
Tags: Information Security

Information Technology: Departments of Defense and Energy Need to Address Potentially Duplicative Investments
GAO-12-241, February 17, Link
Tags: Information Technology

Information Technology: Potentially Duplicative Investments Exist at the Departments of Defense and Energy
GAO-12-462T, February 17, Link
Tags: Information Technology

Afghanistan: Improvements Needed to Strengthen Management of U.S. Civilian Presence
GAO-12-285, February 27, Link
Tags: International Affairs

Uncertain Political and Security Situation Challenges U.S. Efforts to Implement a Comprehensive Strategy in Yemen
GAO-12-432R, February 29, Link
Tags: International Affairs

Warfighter Support: DOD Needs Strategic Outcome-Related Goals and Visibility over Its Counter-IED Efforts
GAO-12-280, February 22, Link
Tags: National Defense

The Department of Energy’s Office of Science Uses a Multilayered Process for Prioritizing Research
GAO-12-410R, February 24, Link
Tags: Energy, Science and Technology

Emergency Communications: Various Challenges Likely to Slow Implementation of a Public Safety Broadband Network
GAO-12-343, February 22, Link
Tags: Telecommunications

Filed under: General Tagged: accountability, energy, GAO, government, homeland security, IT, Operations, science

Three-Layer “ChiQuiAvo” (Chicken, Quinoa, & Avocado) Fajitas

Kevin Berardinelli — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:03:05 +0000

Three-Layer “ChiQuiAvo” Fajitas

These were some of the most fresh, flavorful, and satisfying (yet seemingly healthy) fajitas I’ve ever had. My better half (and better chef) and I went for three-layer concept – each packing its own punch while being easily customizable to your liking.

Ingredients
Chicken Breast
Onion
Bell Pepper
Jalapeno
Salsa (recommend Medium)
Black Beans
Quinoa
Avocado
Tomato
Lime
Soft Tortilla Shells (recommend whole wheat)
Herbs/Seasonings (Cilantro, Oregano, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt)
Hot Sauce (recommend Frank’s or Texas Pete’s)

Directions
There are three main layers/parts to this, each customizable to your tastebuds (and mood):

Chicken, Onions & Peppers – Cook full chicken breasts with chopped onions and peppers, herbs/seasonings, and some salsa (for other flavorful liquid) in crock pot on low for 6-8 hours. When ready, drain excess moisture (leaving some) from crock pot, shred chicken, and add additional herbs/seasonings to taste. Let sit in crock pot on warm.
Quinoa & Black Beans – Cook separately, then combine (or leave separately). Corn can be added too if desired.
Avocado, Tomato, Onion, & Lime – Chunk, chop, squeeze, and mix. Ideally, this should sit covered in fridge for 30 min before use.

Assemble/layer the above across a soft tortilla shell, garnish with fresh cilantro (optional), squeeze some lime, dash some hot sauce, and devour multiple. Chase with a good nap

Filed under: Recipes/Food Tagged: avocado, chicken, cooking, crock pot, dinner, fajitas, food, lime, Peruvian, quinoa, recipes

GAO Reports of Interest (Jan 2012)

Kevin Berardinelli — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:40:26 +0000

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education: Strategic Planning Needed to Better Manage Overlapping Programs across Multiple Agencies
GAO-12-108, January 20, Link
Tags: Education, Science and Technology

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education: Survey of Federal Programs (GAO-12-110SP, January 2012), an E-supplement to GAO-12-108
GAO-12-110SP, January 20, Link
Tags: Education, Science and Technology

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Assessments: DHS Should Establish More Specific Guidance for Their Use
GAO-12-272, January 25, Link
Tags: Homeland Security

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Cybersecurity Guidance Is Available, but More Can Be Done to Promote Its Use
GAO-12-92, December 9, Link
Tags: Homeland Security, Information Security

Chemical Assessments: Challenges Remain with EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System Program
GAO-12-42, December 9, Link
Tags: Information Technology, Natural Resources and Environment

Defense Contracting: Improved Policies and Tools Could Help Increase Competition on DOD’s National Security Exception Procurements
GAO-12-263, January 13, Link
Tags: National Defense

Elections: Views on Implementing Federal Elections on a Weekend
GAO-12-69, January 12, Link
Tags: Government Operations

2011 Tax Filing: Processing Gains, but Taxpayer Assistance Could Be Enhanced by More Self-Service Tools
GAO-12-176, December 15, Link
Tags: Tax Policy and Administration

Filed under: General Tagged: GAO, government, homeland security, Operations, science, STEM, taxes, technology

GAO Reports of Interest (Dec 2011)

Kevin Berardinelli — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:08:07 +0000

IT Dashboard: Accuracy Has Improved, and Additional Efforts Are Under Way to Better Inform Decision Making
GAO-12-210, November 7, Link
Tags: Information Technology

Managing for Results: Opportunities for Congress to Address Government Performance Issues
GAO-12-215R, December 9, Link
Tags: Government Operations

Commercial Spectrum: Plans and Actions to Meet Future Needs, Including Continued Use of Auctions
GAO-12-118, November 23, Link
Tags: Telecommunications

Postsecondary Education: Student Outcomes Vary at For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Public Schools
GAO-12-143, December 6, Link
Tags: Education

Coast Guard: Security Risk Model Meets DHS Criteria, but More Training Could Enhance Its Use for Managing Programs and Operations
GAO-12-14, November 17, Link
Tags: Homeland Security

Homeland Defense and Weapons of Mass Destruction: Additional Steps Could Enhance the Effectiveness of the National Guard’s Life-Saving Response Forces
GAO-12-114, December 6, Link
Tags: Homeland Security; National Defense

National Capital Region: 2010 Strategic Plan is Generally Consistent with Characteristics of Effective Strategies
GAO-12-276T, December 6, Link
Tags: Economic Development; Government Operations; Homeland Security

Nuclear Nonproliferation: Action Needed to Address NNSA’s Program Management and Coordination Challenges
GAO-12-71, December 14, Link
Tags: Energy

International Space Station: Approaches for Ensuring Utilization through 2020 Are Reasonable but Should Be Revisited as NASA Gains More Knowledge of On-Orbit Performance
GAO-12-162, December 15, Link
Tags: Space

Transportation Security Infrastructure Modernization May Enhance DHS Screening Capabilities, but It Is Too Early to Assess Results
GAO-12-192R, December 8, Link
Tags: Homeland Security; Transportation

Homelessness: To Improve Data and Programs, Agencies Have Taken Steps to Develop a Common Vocabulary
GAO-12-302T, December 15, Link
Tags: Housing

Filed under: General Tagged: education, GAO, government, homeland security, IT, Program Management, transportation

U.S. Presidents – Names, Dates, & Facts

Kevin Berardinelli — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:26:50 +0000

In following the upcoming U.S. presidential primaries/election, I realized that although I can name most of the 44 presidents of the United States, I’m useless when it comes to chronology and individual achievements (Jeopardy also highlights this void in my memory). I know there are millions of existing resources (a Google search for “US Presidents list” returns 4.5M results), but I’ve realized that any long-term commitment to memory requires my own research, writing, organization, and publicizing. So with that being said, here’s a chronological list of all Presidents of the United States, including full names, terms dates, and some major achievements worth remembering. I’ll take ‘U.S. Presidents’ for $200, Alex.

George Washington (1789-1797, No Party) – 1st president, Commander-in-Chief of Continental Army, presided of Constitutional Convention (1787), oversaw Bill of Rights adoption (1791), opposed idea of political parties, only president elected unanimously, only president that did not live in White House, 5 states added to Union during presidency (13+5=18), refused 3rd term, planned move of capitol from Philadelphia to DC, Freemasonry, Mount Vernon, died in 1799
John Adams (1797-1801)
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
James Madison (1809-1817)
James Monroe (1817-1825)
John Quincy Adams (1825-1829)
Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)
Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)
William Henry Harrison (1841)
John Tyler (1841-1845, Whig / No Party) – first president born under the administration of another president, lawyer, first vice president to be elevated to the office of president by the death of his predecessor, nicknamed “His Accidency”, “Log-Cabin” bill, first president whose wife died while he was in office, second wife started “Hail to the Chief” tradition, withstood impeachment attempt, oversaw annexation of Texas, later sided with Confederate government, lived on the Sherwood Forest Plantation, fathered more children than any other president (15 total), last words were “I am going. Perhaps it is best.”
James Knox Polk (1845-1849)
Zachary Taylor (1849-1850)
Millard Fillmore (1850-1853)
Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)
James Buchanan (1857-1861)
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)
Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)
Ulysses Simpson Grant (1869-1877)
Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1877-1881)
James Abram Garfield (1881)
Chester Alan Arthur (1881-1885)
Grover Cleveland (1885-1889)
Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893)
Grover Cleveland (1893-1897)
William McKinley (1897-1901)
Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)
William Howard Taft (1909-1913)
Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)
Warren Gamaliel Harding (1921-1923)
Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)
Herbert Clark Hoover (1929-1933)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1933-1945)
Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)
Dwight David Eisenhower (1953-1961)
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1961-1963)
Lyndon Baines Johnson (1963-1969)
Richard Milhous Nixon (1969-1974)
Gerald Rudolph Ford (1974-1977)
James Earl Carter, Jr. (1977-1981)
Ronald Wilson Reagan (1981-1989)
George Herbert Walker Bush (1989-1993)
William Jefferson Clinton (1993-2001)
George Walker Bush (2001-2009)
Barack Hussein Obama (2009-Present, Democrat) – Former Illinois senator, first African-American president, $787B ARRA stimulus package, ended Iraq War, Osama bin Laden death, repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Other References / Websites

Filed under: General Tagged: president facts, presidents, U.S. Presidents, United States Presidents, US presidents list

Chococado Mousse

Kevin Berardinelli — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:29:15 +0000

Chococado (Chocolate + Avocado) Mousse

Original Link: http://bit.ly/tFq7q0

Ingredients:
4 ripe avocados
½ to ¾ cup raw agave nectar (more or less for desired taste)
½ to ¾ cup raw cacao powder
3 Tbs pure vanilla extract
2 Tbs raw coconut oil
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk or water (more or less for desired consistency)

Directions:
Mix all ingredients except the milk or water in a blender or food processor until smooth. Gradually add in the coconut or almond milk to obtain the consistency you desire. Chill for one hour. Serve in cups and garnish with mint or fresh berries. Serves 4.

Filed under: Recipes/Food Tagged: avocado, chocolate, dessert, food, health, recipes

GAO Reports of Interest (Nov 2011)

Kevin Berardinelli — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:00:19 +0000

Biosurveillance: Nonfederal Capabilities Should Be Considered in Creating a National Biosurveillance Strategy
GAO-12-55, October 31 (101 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-55

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1255high.pdf
Tags: Health Care

Information Technology: Critical Factors Underlying Successful Major Acquisitions
GAO-12-7, October 21 (57 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-7

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d127high.pdf
Tags: Government Operations; Information Technology

DHS Research and Development: Science and Technology Directorate’s Test and Evaluation and Reorganization Efforts
GAO-12-239T, November 17 (14 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-239T

Tags: Homeland Security; Science and Technology

Cybersecurity Human Capital: Initiatives Need Better Planning and Coordination
GAO-12-8, November 29 (86 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-8

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d128high.pdf
Tags: Employment; Human Capital; Information Security

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options: DOE Needs to Enhance Planning for Technology Assessment and Collaboration with Industry and Other Countries
GAO-12-70, October 17 (76 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-70

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1270high.pdf
Tags: Energy

Recovery Act: Status of Science-Related Funding
GAO-12-279T, November 30 (23 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-279T

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12279thigh.pdf
Tags: Government Operations

Climate Change Adaptation: Federal Efforts to Provide Information Could Help Government Decision Making
GAO-12-238T, November 16 (13 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-238T

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12238thigh.pdf
Tags: Natural Resources and Environment

Arizona Border Surveillance Technology: More Information on Plans and Costs Is Needed before Proceeding
GAO-12-22, November 4 (58 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-22

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1222high.pdf
Tags: Health Care; Homeland Security

Transportation Security Information Sharing: Results of GAO’s Survey of Stakeholder Satisfaction with TSA Products and Mechanisms
(GAO-12-67SP, November 2011), an E-supplement to GAO-12-44, GAO-12-67SP, November 21

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-67SP

Tags: Information Management; Transportation

Transportation Security Information Sharing: Stakeholders Generally Satisfied but TSA Could Improve Analysis, Awareness, and Accountability
GAO-12-44, November 21 (58 pages)

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-44

Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1244high.pdf
Tags: Information Management; Transportation

Filed under: General Tagged: GAO, government, health care, homeland security, information sharing, information technology, science, transportation

GAO Reports of Interest (Oct 2011)

Kevin Berardinelli — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:18:21 +0000

Through their goal of providing “timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonpartisan, nonideological, fair, and balanced”, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is one of the most important offices in government. As such, here are some of the latest reports I find particularly relevant and interesting, and at least worth a skim of the highlights and recommendations.

Information Sharing: Progress Made and Challenges Remaining in Sharing Terrorism-Related Information
GAO-12-144T, October 12 (23 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-144T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12144thigh.pdf
Tags: Homeland Security, Information Management

Federal Chief Information Officers: Opportunities Exist to Improve Role in Information Technology Management
GAO-11-634, September 15 (72 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-634
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11634high.pdf
Tags: Information Technology

Quadrennial Homeland Security Review: Enhanced Stakeholder Consultation and Use of Risk Information Could Strengthen Future Reviews
GAO-11-873, September 15 (69 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-873
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11873high.pdf
Tags: Homeland Security

Data Mining: DHS Needs to Improve Executive Oversight of Systems Supporting Counterterrorism
GAO-11-742, September 7 (75 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-742
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11742high.pdf
Tags: Information Management, Information Technology

Information Security: Additional Guidance Needed to Address Cloud Computing Concerns
GAO-12-130T, October 6 (17 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-130T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12130thigh.pdf
Tags: Information Security

Information Security: Weaknesses Continue Amid New Federal Efforts to Implement Requirements
GAO-12-137, October 3 (49 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-137
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12137high.pdf
Tags: Information Security

Information Technology: OMB Needs to Improve Its Guidance on IT Investments
GAO-11-826, September 29 (58 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-826
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11826high.pdf
Tags: Information Technology

Aviation Safety: Enhanced Oversight and Improved Availability of Risk- Based Data Could Further Improve Safety
GAO-12-24, October 5 (65 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-24
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1224high.pdf
Tags: Transportation

Language and Culture Training: Opportunities Exist to Improve Visibility and Sustainment of Knowledge and Skills in Army and Marine Corps General Purpose Forces
GAO-12-50, October 31 (46 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-50
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1250high.pdf
Tags: National Defense

Warfighter Support: DOD Has Made Progress, but Supply and Distribution Challenges Remain in Afghanistan
GAO-12-138, October 7 (79 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-138
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12138high.pdf
Tags: National Defense

National Preparedness: Improvements Needed for Acquiring Medical Countermeasures to Threats from Terrorism and Other Sources
GAO-12-121, October 26 (58 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-121
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12121high.pdf
Tags: Health Care, Homeland Security

Income Security: The Effect of the 2007-2009 Recession on Older Adults
GAO-12-172T, October 18 (10 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-172T
Tags: Retirement Security

Federal Bureau of Investigation: Actions Taken to Address Most Procurement Recommendations
GAO-11-794, September 6 (39 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-794
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11794high.pdf
Tags: Government Operations, Information Technology

EPA Health Risk Assessments: Oversight and Sustained Management Key to Overcoming Challenges
GAO-12-148T, October 6 (12 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-148T
Tags: Health Care, Natural Resources and Environment

Health Care Price Transparency: Meaningful Price Information Is Difficult for Consumers to Obtain Prior to Receiving Care
GAO-11-791, September 23 (43 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-791
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11791high.pdf
Tags: Health Care

Federal Courthouses: Improved Collaboration Needed to Meet Demands of a Complex Security Environment
GAO-11-857, September 28 (51 pages)
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-857
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11857high.pdf
Tags: Homeland Security

Filed under: General Tagged: GAO, government, health care, homeland security, information sharing, information technology

When History Repeats Itself

Kevin Berardinelli — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:55:07 +0000

When History Repeats Itself
By Kevin Berardinelli
July 28, 2010

The memory is pure, but it’s just a flashback borrowed:
A strong link to the past, but a weak one to tomorrow.

The picture is clear, but it’s just a glimpse deranged:
Nothing’s really different, yet everything has changed.

The meaning is real, but it’s just a carbon copy:
Identical on the surface, but underneath it’s sloppy.

The thought is deep, but it’s just ol’ déjà vu:
Ancient is the memory, but the circumstance is new.

When history repeats itself, we’re quick to place the blame,
Lessons learned gleaned nothing, and time produced the same.

But take a closer look – today is not the past -
And chart a new path forward where the opportunities are vast…

“History is the only laboratory we have in which to test the consequences of thought.” – Etienne Gilson

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: futures, history, learning, memory, past, poems, poetry