Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of Feb. 7, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:
Privatized Housing Inspection Begins for Navy & Marines
The Navy and Marines have begun third-party inspections on all privatized housing, reported Federal News Network. This is part of the 2020 defense authorization act passed by Congress to have a better understanding of the living conditions in privatized military homes.
“The inspections will be performed by two-person teams of certified home inspectors, graduate engineers and professional engineers,” a Marine Corps release stated. “Inspections will include home interiors and exteriors, heating and cooling systems, equipment drainage, landscaping and other improvements. Only components, systems and elements of the property that are readily accessible will receive inspection.”
DoDEA Schools Achieve High Reading & Math Scores
The Department of Defense Education Activity schools have “achieved among the highest scores in the nation for fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math,” reported Military Times. “Overall, fourth-grade students in DoDEA schools scored higher in math than their peers in 98% of the states. The DoDEA eighth-graders scored higher in math than students in 94% of the states,” said Military Times. This report was from 2019 numbers that were the most recent available.
US Military Uses Trained Dolphins Protect Harbors
You may have heard of military working dogs but did you know that the United States military uses trained dolphins and sea lions? Military.com shared a story that the sea animals have been used since 1967 “for military applications such as mine clearing, force protection and recovery missions.” The dolphins protect harbors from ships and mines by using biological sonar to “detect hazards beneath the surface.” When the dolphin identifies a mine, its handler gives the dolphin a buoy to mark the location and disposal divers neutralize the threat.
Superbowl Commercials: Behind the Scenes
The Superbowl is right around the corner and whether you’re cheering for the Rams or the Bengals, we’re all waiting in anticipation for the commercials. Business Insider went behind the scenes to learn more about the making of Superbowl commercials. NBCUniversal is charging $6.5 million per 30-second advertisement.
“People are tired of this we’re-all-in-this-together-pat-on-the-back spirit,” said Margaret Johnson, chief creative officer at Goodby Silverstein & Partners, an ad agency that has worked on campaigns for Frito-Lay and Sam Adams. “But sophomoric humor won’t play well this year. I’m encouraging more sophisticated humor, especially considering the pandemic.” Humor, entertainment, emotion and celebrities are often used to craft a message that resonates with the wide range of Superbowl watchers. It’s what I’m looking forward to most since the Packers were knocked out of the playoffs!
This Week in History
We’re celebrating Black History Month! This annual celebration of achievements by African Americans dates back to 1915 when “Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodseon and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent,” said History.com. Explore practical ways to celebrate Black History Month:
- Support Black-Owned Businesses
- Learn about the Black History in your Area
- Donate for a Cause
- Organize a Diversity and Inclusion Event
- Celebrate Black Literature
- Be a Mentor
- Support Black Art and Artists
Good stuff, as usual my friend! Also: Dolphins!?! How cool! And I hope the Superbowl Commercials are great this year (although sophomoric humor does sound appealing…)