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The jury has been selected and the trial is set to get underway shortly. Eight women and 6 men will have the job to determine whether Leo Laurent murdered his wife Brandi in August 2007.

From the University of Alabama-Huntsville website:

There has been a shooting on campus.  The shooter has been apprehended.  The campus is closed tonight.  Everyone is encouraged to go home.  Classes are cancelled for tonight.  Any additional cancellations or changes will be announced as they become available.  There is a Command Center set up at Madison Hall Room 109.  Counselors are available in University Center Rooms 125, 126 and 127 for anyone who wishes to speak with a counselor.

It has been confirmed no students are involved.

Hero police officer Kimberly Munley is on her way to Washington, D.C. this morning, and will be sitting next to First Lady Michelle Obama during Wednesday’s State of the Union address. Kimberly was shot in the knee November 5 when U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan opened fire on unarmed troops at Fort Hood, Texas. He killed 13 and wounded 30. Kimberly is credited as one of the officers who took him out. It came with a price. She underwent knee replacement surgery. “It’s the most pain I’ve ever felt in my life,” she said describing the surgery.

On Saturday, she updated her Facebook status with a cryptic message. “It’s been another “pretty good” day. The pain isn’t so severe and I have been able to sleep. Taking an unexpectant trip early Monday morning. Will explain later…”

Sunday, the mystery continued. “Had another good day today. Getting ready for my trip. Going to DC…see if you can fill in the puzzle pieces ”

And this morning, “4am and up getting ready to leave for DC. TOO early!!! But excited ”

People speculated. Could it be the State of the Union? A medal? I’m not good at puzzles so I just came out and asked her.

“It is going to be the State of the Union. I will be sitting in the first lady’s box with her,” Kim said.

And there you have it. Good for you Kim. You deserve it.

The title is actually an answer when you think about it. The Who will be performing the halftime show at Landshark Stadium in Miami (which is really sort of Fort Lauderdale). Who else is going?

Well we know Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts are going with a record of 2 wins and a loss in Super Bowl history (including their run as the Baltimore Colts).

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are going for their first Super Bowl appearance.

And I, yes me, will be making my first or what appears to be many appearances this year. Selected updates on that experience to come in early February.

PS: Don’t ask me for tickets!

I’m all for safety but every time a nut job pulls a stunt on an airplane the government goes into berserk mode dashing off rules that don’t do anything but make people think they are safer. Richard Reid who couldn’t even succeed in lighting his foot on fire is the reason why you have to take your shoes off at the airport. It wasn’t the shoes that were dangerous but the explosives he hid in them. And those went undetected. Isn’t that crazy? Richard Reid. You can attach a single name to the reason billions of people have had to expose their holey socks and toes that should never be seen in public.

In 2006, British investigators uncovered a plot to blow up planes heading to the United States using liquid explosives. Since then, you can’t carry on those much needed necessities like hair gel, toothpaste or a bottle of water UNLESS you buy it after the security check point. For a while you couldn’t carry a lighter but for some reason, that rule was revoked. Fire is good.

Now we have Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, or whatever his name is, trying to blow up a Detroit bound flight from Amsterdam. How’d he do it? Explosive material was sewn into his underwear. His crotch actually. But as terrorists go, Umar wasn’t quite up to the job and succeed in lighting what was left of his manhood on fire. Quick thinking passengers, unfazed by what had to be a horrific smell put the fire out and upgraded Umar to First Class.

Will underwear be banned? Will those bomb seeking mirrors they use on cars be used on the ladies? How about detecting the explosives…the same kind used by our shoe bomber buddy? It seems not much was learned since 2001.

But with new nuts comes new nutty rules. Here is the TSA directive (which to some airlines’ credit they are trying to fight). You’ve probably heard about the “no getting out of your seat for the last hour of the flight” rule but there’s so much more. Delta and some other airlines recently offered in-flight internet service. You could actually log on at 30,000 feet and surf the web, send emails, do whatever it is you do with the internet. Other airlines like Jet Blue offered live television. TSA says no more. Heck, even the little mappy thing that showed where you were, how much longer until you landed and the fact that it’s 60 below zero outside is being stopped.

3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.

One thing I don’t have a problem with is the stoppage of the pilot jumping on the intercom and waking you up with, “If you look out the left side of the plane, you’ll see the Grand Canyon.” I’m usually on the other side. But it is a new rule.

4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.

And if you are the type who likes to sleep on the plane or tend to get a bit chilly, the final hour might be a problem for you. Pillows and blankets cannot be used and can’t even be on your lap.

5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.

The memo is below for you to enjoy. Or not.  Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has an unpronounceable name but suffice it to say, because of him, we are all being Farouk’d.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration

Aviation Security Directive

Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009

EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009

This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.

INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.

APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).

ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.

1. BOARDING GATE

1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.

1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.

2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:

1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)

3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:

1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).

2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).

2. IN FLIGHT

1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:

1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.