As U.S. forces are operating in Iran and Afghanistan, they are using the latest technologies. One item they really like is unmanned aerial vehicles otherwise known as “drone airplanes”. The planes are versatile and are put to use in many ways. They can show enemy positions and also deliver bombs if necessary.

The Air Force uses two main types of drones that include the MQ-9 Reaper and the MQ-1 Predator. They are currently operating about 40 drones and have plans to increase that number over the next several years. The images taken by the planes can give commanders a better understanding of the country and how it operates.

We have to hand it to the Mexican government for cracking down on drug cartels. The have recently made dramatic inroads in the fight against these criminals and have made many high profile arrests. The problem is now these gangs are switching tactics and moving to other countries with weaker law enforcement.

Venezuela is now a favorite spot for these drug smugglers and business is good. Bolivia is also a safe haven for these cartels. The real problem seems to be the excessive demand for drugs in the U.S. I encourage every citizen to do their part in preventing drugs to reach our children. I hope that people realize that when they choose to take drugs, they are supporting death and destruction for others around the world.

The people of Chile are recovering from a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that shook their country in the early morning hours. The quake was one of the worst ever recorded. The shaking lasted for more than a minute and terrified the local residents. Homes, Buildings, and Bridges were destroyed as the earth trembled and shook.

The giant quakes destruction is not over yet. The quake set off a tsunami that is expected to travel as far as Hawaii at a peak of 8 feet. Over 50 other nations have received tsunami warnings. In all, the destruction is wide spread and has already taken over one hundred lives. I will pray that these unfortunate people will be able to recover from this devastation.

I guess we’ll all have to hand it to Canada. Their Olympic hockey team defeated the United States team for the gold medal today. Just seven minutes and forty seconds into overtime, Sidney Crosby scored the game winning goal. He zipped the puck pass American goalie Ryan Miller.

The unlikely goal was a masterpiece in puck handling and was a pleasure to watch. The overtime period came when Zach Parise scored a game tying goal with just 24 seconds left in the third period. I congratulate the Canadian hockey team on their great victory.