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Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
MARSHALL-SHADELAND (KDKA) — Two bodies were found in a Marshall-Shadeland home Monday afternoon.
Two Pittsburgh women, who lived next door to each other and were described as close friends, were found dead around 4:15 p.m. in a home at 1549 Geyer Avenue.
Police said they did not believe foul play was involved in their deaths and there was no forced entry into the home. Investigators suspect both women died of drug overdoses.
Wanda Frederick, who lives nearby, said, "I did not believe anything like this could happen to them two, especially them two. To find them in their like that."
A boy who lived close by went to the home to check on a dog owned by one of the women.
Neighbors identified the women as 48-year-old Serena Hardy and 59-year old Maryanne Roose. They were found in Hardy's apartment.
Sandra Jordan, a friend of Hardy's, told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "The two women would barbecue outside. They decorated their houses for all the holidays. There was no animosity between white and black, we stuck together."
The pastor of a neighborhood church showed up at the scene to comfort friends and neighbors. He said he knew Roose well, and she was an usher at his church.
Pastor Frank Tillman, Jr., the leader of Christian Fellowship Center Church, said she was just at Sunday's church services the day before.
"We had prayers with her, she was in a prayer line, it's a great loss," he said.
Another neighbor, Jeannie Lambing, who says she had known the victims for about 10 years, said tearfully, "Miss Mary, the one that lived in this house, she was everybody's grandma. She took everybody under her wing. And, Serena, she just did her thing. She went to work, came home, took care of her dog and her sisters."
The investigation is ongoing.


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Text of letter from Rick Sanderson, published in the Herts Advertiser, 28 December 2017
Flawed Formula for housing need
Your recent headline '4,500 homes on our doorstep?' highlights the situation that Government policy over many years has brought us to. There is a desperate need for housing that 'ordinary' people can afford, but we are being forced into planning for far more houses than are actually needed, in the vain hope that the housing market will provide these dwellings and that house prices will come down.
'Affordable' housing is officially defined as costing up to 80 per cent of local market value. In south west Hertfordshire, that is clearly out of the reach of most people trying to get on the housing ladder. What is actually needed is more 'social' housing – provided by housing associations or local councils – at truly affordable rents or on a shared ownership basis.
Successive governments since the 1980s have failed to make sufficient provision for this. Instead, they have relied on private sector housebuilders to provide so-called affordable housing as part of their market housing developments.
Increasingly desperate measures have been introduced to try to resolve the housing crisis, culminating recently in the Government's proposals for a new standard approach to calculating local housing need. This is based on the widely discredited premise that simply building more houses will bring prices down.
Relying on private developers to achieve this will not work. What housebuilder is going to increase output so that the unit price diminishes, resulting in them building more houses for the same or possibly reduced profit? The housing market does not operate on the simplistic 'supply and demand' basis that markets for other commodities do.
Government policy in the National Planning Policy Framework blurs the distinction between housing 'need' and 'demand'. Housing need can be defined as the housing that households require even if they cannot afford it, while housing demand is the housing that households are able to afford even if they don't need it.
The formula used in the Strategic Housing Market Assessments that local authorities have to rely on to calculate what the Government calls 'objectively assessed housing need' actually produces a measurement of demand rather than need. Local authorities are then required to identify and allocate land in their Local Plans to meet this so-called need over the next 15-20 years.
The proposed new methodology for calculating local housing 'need' is based on the assumption that the relationship between incomes and house prices is an indicator of housing demand/need. This means that those areas where the ratio between median earnings and median house prices is highest, such as in the Green Belt that surrounds London, will be required to plan for the greatest number of new homes. This is why St Albans district is faced with having to provide double the number of houses proposed in the previous Draft Local Plan in its new Local Plan.
If the Government continues on the path that we are now on, we will end up with planning permissions across the country that will far exceed actual need, as opposed to opportunistic demand. This will be particularly so in areas such as Hertfordshire, with the result that the Green Belt and countryside will be lost forever, without solving the problem of providing housing that those most in need can afford.
Private sector housebuilders, who already hold enough planning permissions to build thousand of new homes, will simply cherry pick those sites in the most attractive areas that are easiest to develop, in order to maximise profits.

subset: commoncrawl


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Nestle begins Maggi pullback, but faces logistical nightmare
Responding to an order from the national food regulator to recall its ubiquitous Maggi noodle on suspected health safety concerns, Nestle India has choked its supply lines to shops nationwide, but faces logistical nightmare to pull millions of packets back into its godowns.business Updated: Jun 09, 2015 09:13 IST
Responding to an order from the national food regulator to recall its ubiquitous Maggi noodle on suspected health safety concerns, Nestle India has choked its supply lines to shops nationwide, but faces logistical nightmare to pull millions of packets back into its godowns.
"It is a massive challenge," a source familiar with the operation told HT on Monday. "It is easier in the West where everything is in the organised sector."
"We will first block all sales under our control," said a source who asked not to be identified. "We will go deeper after that."
To start with, Nestle late last week instructed its distributors and stockists to stop Maggi sales immediately. The packets will be brought back to be destroyed, the source said.
However, under Indian laws, the stoppage would only amount to a "withdrawal" as recall procedures are not yet in place under the law.
Details of the number of packets involved will first be shared with government authorities and cannot be disclosed immediately, Nestle officials said. But industry estimates peg the number of packets out there at around 300 million.
Maggi is a common product in India, which has an estimated universe of retail outlets totaling anything between 9 and 12 million, industry officials said. Of this, 3 to 4 million are core food outlets most likely to stock up on the popular instant noodle, but smaller shops even in villages stock up on Maggi.
Last week, the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ordered that all nine variants of Maggi be withdrawn after reports from across the nation that they possibly contained lead and mono sodium glutamate beyond acceptable levels.
Officially, the company has 15 days to reply to a show-cause notice as to why approval for the product cannot be withdrawn. Mercifully for Nestle, this is not a deadline for withdrawal.
"The order does not say how many days (within which the recall must be made). But they would expect us to do it fast," a company executive said.
Nestle has five manufacturing facilities in India that make Maggi. A small portion is also made by third party contractors under strict supervision.
Nestle India has serious doubts on the kind of checks the 1,000 packs tested so far were subject to. But right now, its worries are about how to get those packets back into the godowns.
"We are now working on the modalities of the recall," a company executive said. "A team is fine-tuning the methodology."Industry watchers and management analysts tracking Nestle's distribution system said the firm has extensive layers of responsibility matched with training and incentives.


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People Group Info
Total Population: 150ROP3 Code: 100850
IMB Affinity Group: Southeast Asian Peoples
Affinity Bloc: Malay Peoples
People Cluster: Bali-Sasak
Language: Balinese - (ban)
Religion: Hinduism
Country of Origin: Indonesia
People Group Highlights
"All nations will come and worship before you."
- Revelations 15:4
Total Population: 150ROP3 Code: 100850
Photo courtesy of Joshua Project
Copyright © Create International
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA - 150
Click here to recommend other locations where this People Group resides.
Balinese people, from the island of Bali, Indonesia, are an amalgamation of Chinese, Indian, Arabs, and other groups coming directly to Bali or by way of Java. After several centuries, they adhere to their own distinct language and cultural forms.
Their language has a system of politeness levels. When addressing one another, they address the Hindu Brahman priests one way, address people of high social status, older people, or one's parents another way, while talk to those they consider of equal or inferior status in another way.
Their practiced form of Hinduism is quite distinct from other practiced forms of Hinduism in India. It is filled with more rituals and dramatic features, causing it to permeate the daily life of a Balinese person. As a result, they have interwoven their secular and religious life in such a way that one can say every little action of a Balinese has some religious connotation.
Their ritualistic practices are displayed in stone and wood carvings, cremation ceremony, trance dances, and vibrant music - all intended to please the gods and the goddesses. The temple is the center of their ritualistic practices.
|Metro Area Name
|State / Prov.
|Baseline Population
|United States
|Des Moines
|Des Moines-West Des Moines


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Product inspection is a common practice for importers of many types of consumer products. But QC is especially important for drones because checks are needed to verify their sophisticated hardware and ability to perform autonomous functions. Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are intelligent machines made of many internal components.
Experienced importers that manufacture drones abroad often insist on pre-shipment inspection to verify that their product meets their requirements. By conducting a series of standardized, on-site tests and checks during inspection, QC professionals offer the customer insight into the quality, condition and status of their order before it leaves the factory.
There are several processes included in a typical product inspection of drones and quadcopters, including:
More advanced models often require other testing of autopilot modes, failsafe features and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Testing for camera capabilities and components such as the gimbal and SD card are also common for drones equipped with a camera.
With so many tests needed to verify a product that's only recently become commercially available, how can you find qualified professionals to help conduct a thorough inspection of your drones?
In working with AQF, you'll benefit by having locally-based QC professionals visit your supplier's factory on your behalf to inspect. Founded in 2007, AQF has a consumer electronics division experienced with QC inspection of drones. Besides having a dedicated client manager that's fluent in both English and the local language, you'll benefit from:
Our team can also coordinate testing by a certified lab on your behalf as needed.
We know that integrity and accountability equally important to most importers as professionalism and expertise. That's why we're committed to following a strict Code of Ethics to ensure your interests are ours.
If you manufacture drones in Asia, don't settle for unqualified or dubious contractors to report on your product. AQF's QC staff are experienced, knowledgeable and objective. You can rely on our reporting because we use your standards to evaluate your product. Contact us now to learn more about product inspection of drones.
You guys are quite efficient in making sure that you are in constant communication with our vendors to set up a time and day to have inspections handled... InTouch definitely pushed to make sure that inspections would be done in a timely manner. Any corrective actions that had to take place were executed well before the exit factory date.
Ron Eclarinal
Director of Production, Betabrand
Since InTouch does a more detailed inspection than what we had depended on with the factories, the quality of the products has improved. Where before when we might find 25 AQL defects, now it's down to three or four,because the factory knows that we want that cut back and InTouch is going to find it.
Deb Choate
Administrative Assistant, Linstol
InTouch's auditing reduced the level of risk, whether known or unknown, to our company. From the audit findings provided by InTouch, we were much more equipped to make the correct business decision with regard to an acceptable level of risk. The InTouch audit secured our decision making process.
Jerry Davis
Vice President of Purchasing, MJS Packaging
One of our customers had been through multiple suppliers year after year and had been let down with returns and rejections. With InTouch as our eyes and ears on the ground, we retained that business for 5 years without one single rejection or complaint.
Nick Rivera
Director of Operations, MMI Textiles
The speed that we get the reports is always good. We had an experience with some other inspectors where we had to wait an extra day to get the reports. Getting the report as soon as we can is very important, so we can make a decision and give feedback back to the factory.
Denis O'Mahony
Operations and Engineering Manager, Juku Gear
From beginning to end, InTouch is so easy to work with. The inspection report is literally there the next morning when I come into work. It really makes my job easier.
Nicole Thoma
Inside Sales Specialist, MJS Packaging


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The acronym FDA stands for "Food and Drug Administration" it is a very important government organization in the United States. It was formed in 1906 with the purpose of overseeing the regulation of a wide variety of products sold in the United States. Today, the agency employs more than 14,800 people, and it's headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Charged with enforcing the policies established by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Food and Drug Administration regulates food additives, bottled water, dietary supplements and infant formulas as well as prescription and nonprescription drugs. In addition, the FDA is responsible for enforcing regulations on vaccines and other medical biologic preparations, medical devices like surgical implants and even bedpans and all products that emit radiation like microwaves, x-ray equipment, and sunlamps. The FDA enforces standards for the manufacturing and sale of cosmetics, tobacco products, pet foods and veterinary medicines. Products that are regulated by the FDA are subject to review and must be approved before release to the market.
In order to be as efficient as possible, the Food and Drug Administration is divided into a number of agencies, including the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the Center for Tobacco Products, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The FDA is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services and is led by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, a position which is appointed by the President of the United States.
Terms related to FDA
- What is food and drug administration?
- What does FDA mean?
- Full form of FDA?


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It's a common occurrence for popular musical artists to write, sing, and perform original songs for upcoming movies, even ones about superheroes. For example, Kendrick Lamar curated an entire soundtrack of original music for Marvel Studios' Black Panther and his song with SZA, "All The Stars," was featured in the film's end credits. Tie-in tunes (so-to-speak) have always been a staple in Hollywood, a way to raise publicity for the project by involving a hot and talented artist.
Now, Deadpool 2 is getting in on the action. But if you're a tad confused, don't worry, so are we. An R-rated superhero movie about a foul-mouthed and bloodthirsty mercenary doesn't sound like it would need an original song, but 20th Century Fox tapped Céline Dion for an original song called "Ashes" and a music video to go along with it. Yeah, you're not hallucinating, the sequel's marketing campaign has reached its zenith of zaniness.
Watch the music video below, which brings to mind Dion's work in the '90s, particularly her song for James Cameron's Titanic, "My Heart Will Go On." The singer pours her soul into the performance as we see clips from the film before Deadpool shows up in high heels to dance around the stage a bit. It's tasteful, beautiful, and, weird AF.
At the end, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), standing in the back of the theater, calls out to Céline, saying that while "that was amazing," they have to do it all over again. When she asks why, he responds, "It's too good. This is Deadpool 2, not Titanic. You're at like an 11, we need to get you down to a five, five-and-a-half tops, just phone it in."
Angered, Dion snaps back with, "Listen! This thing only goes to 11, so beat it, Spider-Man."
"God, I should've asked NSYNC," says Deadpool as the video fades to black.


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Farewell Dinner for the outgoing Project Director DHA City Karachi (DCK)
A Farewell Dinner for the outgoing Project Director DHA City Karachi (DCK) Brig Muhammad Rafique (Retd) was held at DCK Visitors Centre. Brig (R) Rafique has retired after completing his extended tenure of PD DCK.
Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali paid glowing tributes to the outgoing PD DCK for his dedicated services in efficiently managing the holistic development of DCK in all its forms and manifestation. He said that contribution of PD in ensuring dynamic interventions in DHA City during his erstwhile tenure were remarkable that has enhanced the stature and status of DCK manifold.
Meanwhile Col Murarik Ali has taken over as PD DCK. He is a professional engineer from Army Corps of Engineers who has also served in many reputable organizations and has to his credit the distinction of completing a number of mega development projects with astounding success. The new PD DHA City vowed to give a renewed surge to development activities in DCK and to ensure opening of more sectors in DHA City for construction at the earliest.
At the end, Administrator gave a memento to the outgoing PD and wished him all the best in future life. Brig Muhammad Rafique (R) was given a warm send off. DCK officers, officials of OCL and local dignitaries attended the dinner.


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In order to better respond to its clients' increasingly sophisticated needs, LarrainVial needed a new core banking system that was able to support both its domestic and new international products and services from one platform. This will enable the company to increase its business agility by delivering a single enterprise view to rapidly offer a broad range of highly personalized services, as well as reduce systems complexity and associated costs.
After considering local vendors, LarrainVial chose Temenos based on the functional richness and product superiority of its internationally acclaimed T24 system and the geographical and operational diversity of its 1,500 strong installed base. Temenos' industry leading levels of R&D investment showed LarrainVial its commitment to product development and support. In addition, Temenos stood out as the only vendor with 100% positive client references, compared to other vendors evaluated.
"When considering how to best grow our business and support our clients, we knew we needed a technically robust and functionally rich core banking system. We had already made significant investments to update our technology; T24 was the only system that matched our sophisticated technical architecture," said Juan Luis Correa, LarrainVial's COO. Jorge Verdejo, LarrainVial's CPO added: "We took into account the feedback and satisfaction of Temenos' clients," he said. Greg Green, President, Temenos Americas, added, "We are delighted to add LarrainVial to our growing list of Americas clients. LarrainVial conducted a thorough review process across the core banking software market; we are proud that LarrainVial selected T24 as best suited to meet their requirements today and into the future. We look forward to growing our relationship and contributing to the bank's future success."


text: Gillian Muessig and Anne Kennedy deliver a salary smackdown with digital marketing analysis Allison Hartsoe. At the apex of her third company Allison delves into the drive needed to found a company, including a $6,000 tip for success. Plus, we dive into the world of data analytics and the metrics Allison uses to propel Fortune 500 companies towards the future.


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Sr. Manager, GMA Partner Marketing at Indigo
Indigo improves grower profitability, environmental sustainability, and consumer health through the use of natural microbiology and digital technologies. Utilizing beneficial plant microbes and agronomic insights, Indigo works with growers to sustainably produce high quality harvests. The company then connects growers and buyers directly to bring these harvests to market. Working across the supply chain, Indigo is forwarding its mission of harnessing nature to help farmers sustainably feed the planet. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, with additional offices in Memphis, TN, Research Triangle Park, NC, Sydney, Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and São Paulo, Brazil. http://www.indigoag.com/
The GMA (Grain Marketing Advisor) Commercial Marketing Senior Manager will be responsible for leading all marketing efforts connected to strategic partnerships with GMAs and their grower clients.
Appreciate the value of GMAs (Grain Marketing Advisors) to Indigo's business, and adopt the Customer Experience goals outlined for the important segment, acting as an internal champion and external trusted resource/partner
- Take over GMA relationships and ensure smooth execution of promotional plans
Develop a clear understanding of GMA business models, client relationships, needs & goals.
- Develop a thorough understanding of Indigo's system of solutions and the value it provides to GMAs and growers
- Develop high level understanding of ag finance (hedging, basis, futures, etc.)
Create long-term processes to standardize and streamline GMA marketing programs to ensure smooth and productive partnerships
- Determine how to efficiently scale our marketing bureau by establishing customizable templates and gaining client agreement to conform to our defined constraints
- Ensures all signed GMA partners have been set up with Marketing offerings and there are clear account-based plans of Marketing deliverables going forward
- Able to gain high level trust of C level executives to where they give marketing plan control over to Indigo for execution
Develop and document a standard Marketing offering and process to onboard GMA partners, working with the GMA program team
- Suggest and implement optimizations to onboarding and marketing strategy to ensure the efficacy of GMA campaigns and grower engagement
- Build out a strong GMA commercial marketing team
Demonstrate progressive quarter over quarter performance across key marketing metrics
- Deliver strong results to support the ambitious company-wide GMA goals
- Maintain a project pipeline that is used to manage timelines and expectations for both GMA clients and internal resources.
- Able to build a long-term forecast of upcoming projects and demands to create smoother operations
- Ability to carry and execute a high-quality customer experience
- Ability to define and execute campaigns with clear goals under short time frames
- Ability to manage multiple internal and external clients/stakeholders with focus and excellence
- Executive communication and timeline management skills - ability to work with different, strong personalities
- Capable of working in high pressure situations with calm resolve
- Strong client management skills
- An eye for creative excellence and messaging
- Highly organized
- Team player - able to communicate effectively
- Detail-oriented
- Strong writing & proofreading skills
- Flexible mindset, able to adjust quickly to changing goals
- Creative and strategic thinker able to develop new ideas, programs, suggestions for improvement
- Strong presentation skills
- Ability to recognize opportunities and act on them promptly
- Ability to provide engagement metrics and reporting on marketing campaigns
- Good at managing and interacting with remote colleagues and clients
- High EQ: humility, graciousness and diplomatic mindset
- 10 + years marketing and management experience
- Experience marketing in partnership
- Agriculture experience preferred but not necessary
- Experience creating marketing and demand gen plans and working with external agencies.
- Experience managing creative projects on large and small scale.
- Experience in event planning and management (nice to have)
- Strong reporting skills
- Management experience
- Flexible travel capability
Indigo is committed to living our values, specifically "creating a work environment where everyone feels respected, connected, and has opportunities to learn and grow." As part of living our values, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they can be themselves and has an equal opportunity of succeeding.


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Wheelhouse Weekly – July 01, 2004
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLYonline
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLYonline
- Deadline for Convention Resolutions is July 2
- Advisory to Members on ISPS Code and MTSA-2002 Record-Keeping
- ISPS Code and MTSA-2002 Requirements at a Glance
- IMO Head Praises Efforts Made to Implement the ISPS Code
- Report Puts Maritime Industry ISPS Costs at $1.5 Billion
- Dept. of Defense NSPS Program Proposes Changes for CIVMARS
- MM&P to be represented at IMO Navigation Safety Meeting
- Terrorists Could Take Aim at AIS
- MARAD Administrator Requests Ships' Bells to be rung July 4
- MM&P-Crewed USNS BRIDGE Joins MSC Logistics Fleet
- USCG Seeks Merchant Marine Advisory Committee Members
- Notice to MM&P Members Regarding the Upcoming Convention
- MITAGS Academic Notes
- PMI Academic Schedule
- MM&P Market Watch
- Employment Opportunities Available on MSC T-AGS Ships
- MM&P FCU News:
- College Scholarships Available for Freshman Dependents
- LMS Offers Reimbursement on Slip Resistant Footwear Purchases
- Career Guidance Section Added to MITAGS Website
- Important Shipping Notice on Course Documentation
- Important Notice for all LDOs on STCW-95 Certification
- WWII Registry Website Open to All Who Served
- Tax Filing Delay OK for OIF Mariners
Did you miss a week? Back editions of the Wheelhouse Weekly are available in the section.
The MM&P Constitution requires that any proposed resolutions to be acted on by the International Convention shall be received by the International Secretary-Treasurer at least 30 days prior to the opening of the Convention. Accordingly, the cut-off date for resolutions will be Friday, July 2, at 1700 EST. This is due to the Independence Day holiday being observed on Monday, July 5.
MM&P members are reminded that provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code went into effect on July 1. These provisions impact LDOs aboard all oceangoing vessels sailing in the international and coastwise trade.
MM&P HQ has sent a letter to all Offshore Membership Group contracted ships and to the home address of every active member of the Offshore Membership Group addressing in more detail this issue and how it may affect our contracts.
MM&P advises members to note and follow these procedures:
- Maintain and keep detailed time and duty records for any hours of work performed doing anything that might be considered security duties.
- Maintain and keep detailed time and duty records for any hours of work performed doing anything outside the usual and normal duties of an LDO.
- All LDOs should submit penalty rate for payment for any time spent as outlined in items 1 and 2 if these duties are done during normal watch or duty hours.
- All LDOs should submit overtime for payment for any time spent as outlined in items 1 and 2 if these duties are done outside normal watch or duty hours.
Members having any questions or comments are asked to contact your area Vice President or Port Representative.
These documents outline security measures to be taken to deter the unauthorized introduction of dangerous substances and devices, including any device intended to damage or destroy persons, ships, facilities, or ports.
The security measures must be scalable to provide protection at three security levels. The major elements of these requirements are:
- Designating facility, ship, and company security officers.
- Conducting ship and facility security assessments.
- Developing ship and facility security plans.
- Providing security training commensurate with job function.
- Instituting access control.
- Designating restricted areas.
- Implementing facility/ship interface.
- Conducting security monitoring.
IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos has welcomed the major effort made by governments and the shipping and port industries to improve maritime security in the weeks and months leading up the ISPS Code and related security measures that went into effect on July 1.
Mr. Mitropoulos said that, all over the world, a huge amount of work has been undertaken in the period leading up to the entry-into-force date to ensure the highest possible level of compliance. Figures given to IMO by Member Governments indicate that more than 86% of ships and 69% of port facilities had security plans approved by July 1.
Mr. Mitropoulos said, "I think we now have to look on the positive side and remember that the prime objective of this work has been to increase awareness of the real and present threat of terrorism, explain the implications of the ISPS Code and how best to implement it and, in so doing, raise the shipping industry's defenses to protect it and maritime trade from any act of terrorism. There is no doubt that that has been done, the defenses are significantly higher than they were before, and we must now ensure that they continue to rise."
He also noted that, "important though certification undoubtedly it is, what really counts is the work that has been done on the ground: security officers appointed on ships, in companies and port facilities, training undertaken, security plans drawn up, awareness raised, and vigilance heightened."
The global shipping community will foot a bill of more than $1.5 billion annually, on top of a $2.6 billion initial cost, as a result of implementing the new global ISPS Code, according to a recently published report. But the costs of security-driven modernization could easily be offset by gains in global supply chain efficiency and a reduction of up to $50 billion in maritime theft and fraud each year, the report added.
The costs of compliance with the new mandatory International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code that went into effect on July 1 are a cost of doing business in an environment with heightened terrorist risk, the report said. Ship operators will incur one-time costs of nearly $1.3 billion with ongoing operating costs of about $730 million per year, while the cost to ports will be as large if not larger, according to the report.
These estimates do not include a raft of other security-inspired measures implemented, mainly by the US, since Sept 11, 2001. Procedural changes like the 24-hour advance notice rule, for instance, are estimated to cost carriers $282 million in 2003. Overall the total cost of maritime transport-related security measures – excluding those relating to the ISPS Code – were estimated to be slightly over $2 billion last year.
The Dept. of Defense has rolled out a program that if finalized will dramatically affect every aspect of employment within DOD, including MM&P-represented Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) who work for the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The so-called National Security Personnel System (NSPS) proposes sweeping changes to federal sector employment rules that range from the way unions represent their members to the way in which wages and salaries are determined.
Another issue of particular interest and concern to the MM&P is a situation that developed when the Navy command ship USS CORONADO, scheduled to be turned over to MSC with a USNS designation, was retained as a USS ship and manned by CIVMAR officers and crew, but without a CIVMAR master. The Navy has instead placed an active duty Navy officer in command. We are currently litigating the jurisdictional loss of the Master billet aboard CORONADO.
Related to this, the Navy has proposed to require as a condition of employment aboard certain vessels under its command, that the CIVMARs employed aboard must be members of a special naval reserve, subject to mobilization to active duty at any time for a period of up to one year.
MM&P headquarters staff and Randi Ciszewski, our Government Fleets Representative, have been out in front, working to protect our members' interests regarding the unprecedented arrangement onboard the CORONADO where civilian mariners are placed under military command and in addressing the significant issues raised under the Navy's "special reserve" proposal.
MM&P is working in concert with the other Maritime Unions and negotiating with MSC on many items. The dialogue between the Unions and the government and the positions advanced by each side is a work in progress and changes daily and the Maritime Unions in particular are on top of this situation.
Randi Ciszewski stated, "Rest assured that MM&P will not allow the inherent rights of our CIVMAR unit members to be violated. We will seek redress under all available forums to ensure that you are not aggrieved."
The MM&P will continue to monitor these and other DOD proposals to determine their effects on our members and will work to protect the rights and conditions of all Navy CIVMARs. For more info on NSPS, visit www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps.
"Please do not hesitate to contact me for information on this matter," Randi Ciszewski stated. Randi can be reached via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or by phone at 201-433-7700.
The Vice President of MM&P's Pilot Membership Group along with Capt. Joseph Stone of Union's HQ Staff will be attending the next Session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation to be held at the IMO's London HQ from July 5-9.
The Pilot Group VP will be a member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICTFU) delegation and Capt. Stone will be a Member of the US delegation.
The Provisional Agenda includes 19 items including those necessary for the operation of the Session. Topics of interest to MM&P members include:
- Routing of ships
- Requirement for AIS display onboard ships
- Review of the High Speed Craft code
- Anchoring, mooring and towing equipment
- Review of performance standards of radar equipment
- Large passenger ship safety
- Measures to enhance maritime security, and
- Casualty analysis.
Both MM&P representatives were instrumental at the last IMO Session of the Maritime Safety Committee in assisting with the development of an official IMO policy paper "MSC/Circ.1112" that defines the rights of seafarers access to shore leave.
A measure intended to increase the security of ships at sea could have unintended consequences by providing terrorists with real time info on vessel locations and will be on the agenda at next week's IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation in London.
The United Nations adopted a resolution in November 2003 that would allow masters to switch off the vessel's Automatic Identification System (AIS) in specific areas where attack by pirates or terrorist was imminent. AIS info is public domain and is now available online. That means anyone, anywhere, with the proper computer access can obtain comprehensive AIS vessel info. This raises the concern that people of ill will could use detailed AIS info to identify vessel targets.
|The Men and Women of the American Merchant Marine
|Capt. William Schubert, US Maritime Administrator
|"Let Freedom Ring" — National Bell Ringing Ceremony Honoring America's Independence on July 4
To honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution has invited the American merchant marine to join more than 5,000 other participants in "Let Freedom Ring," a national bell ringing ceremony on Independence Day. US merchant vessels at port and at sea are requested to ring their ships' bells 13 times at 1800Z on July 4, to honor the 13 original colonies.
I ask you to join Americans everywhere in honoring not only those who helped achieve our country's independence during the American Revolution, but also all men and women who continue to work and sacrifice in support of our Nation's liberty. I certainly include in this category America's merchant marine, whose support remains vital to our national security.
The USS BRIDGE became the last of four US Navy Supply-class fast combat support ships to leave commissioned service for an even more active role with the US Navy's Military Sealift Command at a formal transfer ceremony on June 24 that took place at the Bremerton, Washington Naval Base.
Now known as UNITED STATES NAVAL SHIP BRIDGE, she joins more than 30 civilian-crewed ships providing combat logistics services to the Navy fleets worldwide.
USNS BRIDGE, which as a Navy ship was crewed by a complement of 544 active-duty sailors, will now have a civilian crew of 160 mariners. By reducing the crew by nearly 400, operating costs are lowered dramatically. The federal civil service mariners will be joined aboard BRIDGE by a small military department of 28 sailors who will perform communication support and supply coordination. An additional 30 or more sailors will augment the crew when necessary to support helicopter operations.
The transfer of BRIDGE and her sister ships, USNS RAINIER, USNS ARCTIC and USNS SUPPLY, are part of the Navy's continuing transformation to a more efficient and cost effective fighting force for the 21st century. According to a May 1998 Center for Naval Analysis study, the Navy will save a projected $76 million annually with the change.
The transfers also free up more than 100 active duty Navy officers and nearly 2,000 enlisted Sailors to return to the war-fighting roles for which they were trained.
The Navy also realizes additional savings because MSC ships are not constrained by the operational and personnel limitations placed upon Sailor-crewed ships. USNS ships have an 80 percent availability for at-sea service compared to 24 percent for USS sailor-crewed ships. This increased availability means fewer ships are required to support logistics missions.
With a top speed in excess of 25 knots, the 754-foot fast combat support ships are ideally suited to travel with US Navy battle groups to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, spare parts and stores at sea, eliminating the need for the combatants to constantly return to port.
The transfer ceremony began with the arrival of the official party. Capt. Richard Stockton, USN, commanding officer of USS BRIDGE, led the group, followed by MM&P member Capt. Jeffrey Siepert, who will command the ship under MSC; Capt. Juan L. Chavez, USN, commander of Military Sealift Command Pacific; Rear Adm. Leendert Hering, USN, Commander of Naval Surface Group Pacific Northwest; and Rear Adm. Deborah Loewer, USN, Vice Commander of MSC and guest speaker for the event.
As is tradition, the BRIDGE's commissioning pennant was lowered during the ceremony and given to the departing commanding officer, Capt. Stockton. The ship's ownership certificate was then passed to Capt. Chavez, effectively transferring ownership to MSC. Capt. Chavez then directed Capt. Siepert, the ship's new civilian master, to "place the ship in service." With those words, USS BRIDGE became USNS BRIDGE.
Just before the ceremony, the ship's new master recounted working with USS BRIDGE in the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "I was master of USNS NIAGARA FALLS, one of MSC's [combat] stores ships. I'd see the BRIDGE cutting through the sea at 30 knots while we were poking along at 18.I was jealous. I dreamed of commanding that ship. Now, I do. So tell your kids, dreams can come true!" exclaimed Siepert.
Capt. Stockton, who retired during the ceremony with more than 24 years service in the Navy, reflected on his former command. "People ask me if this is a sad day. I don't call it sadness. The ship isn't going away; she's charting new waters.
"I was also thinking the other day … the average age of the civilian mariners now manning the ship is about 48. The average age of my active-duty Navy crew was 22. Add up the sea time of the 160 mariners and you've got more experience than all my 500 sailors totaled. The fleet will never know the difference when they pull alongside USNS BRIDGE … and all of us can be proud of that."
Since Sept.11, MSC has delivered more than 4.9 billion gallons of fuel and countless tons of food and ammunition to Navy ships around the globe in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. As of June 22, 2004, MSC has moved more than 55 million square feet of cargo in support of the global war on terrorism.
The USCG is seeking applications for appointment to membership on the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). MERPAC provides advice and makes recommendations to the USCG on matters related to the training, qualification, licensing, certification, and fitness of seamen serving in the US merchant marine. Applications should reach the USCG by August 30.
Application forms may be obtained via the Internet by logging on to www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/advisory/index.htm or by writing to:
Commandant (G-MSO-1) United States Coast Guard 2100 Second Street SW Washington, DC 20593-0001
Send completed applications to:
Mark Gould, Assistant Executive Director MERPAC Room 1210, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters 2100 Second Street SW Washington, DC 20593-0001
For further info, call MERPAC at 202-267-6890, fax 202-267-4570 or contact Capt. Joe Stone at MM&P HQ at 410-850-8700 x24, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com .
The Convention will start at 1000 hours on the 2nd of August. This is a nominating Convention for all officers and Convention Delegates.
To be nominated for any Office (including Convention Delegate) in the Organization, you must have been a member for at least four years and be in continuous good standing for the 24 months preceding the nomination. In addition, you must meet the eligibility requirements for your specific membership group as listed in the International Constitution.
To run for International Office as Int. President or Int. Secretary-Treasurer, you must be nominated in Convention or, in lieu thereof, you may be nominated by a petition signed by 50 members of the Organization.
To run for Vice President of any membership group, you must be nominated in Convention or, in lieu thereof, you may be nominated by a petition signed by at least five members of that particular membership group.
Nominations will be accepted up until the close of nominations which will take place on August 4th.
Nominating petitions shall be sent to the International Office to the attention of the International Secretary-Treasurer.
Any proposed resolutions to be acted on by the International Convention shall be received by the International Secretary-Treasurer at least 30 days prior to the opening of the Convention. The cut off date for resolutions will be Friday, July 2, at 1700 EST. This is due to the July 4th holiday being on Monday, July 5.
Please plan your travel in accordance with the following class times.
Classes start daily at 0830 and conclude at 1630 hrs. The exception is Shiphandling, which may be scheduled for a morning or late afternoon starting time.
Shiphandling attendees will be assigned a starting time at the 0825 briefing for all students on Monday. If you are attending a Shiphandling course, do not make plans to depart MITAGS prior to the morning following course completion.
Between now and the end of August 2004, seats are available in the following courses:
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
- AIS-1 – Automatic Identification System: 8/23
- ARPA – Automatic Radar Plotting Aids: 7/12, 8/9
- BRM – Bridge Resource Management: 7/26
- BST – Basic Safety Training: 8/16
CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses
- CMM-CHS I – Cargo Handling & Stowage (week 1): 8/16
- CMM-CHS II – Cargo Handling & Stowage (week 2): 8/9
- CMM-ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display and Infor Systems: 8/16
- CMM-MPP – Marine Propulsion Plants: 8/2
- CMM-SHS-ADV I – Advanced Shiphandling (week1): 8/2, 8/9
- CMM-SHS-ADV II – Advanced Shiphandling (week 2): 8/9, 8/16
- CMM-SHMGT-I – Ship Management: 8/23
- CONT-PLNG – Contingency Planning Workshop: 7/15, 7/29
- FL – Flashing Light: 7/30
- GMDSS – Global Marine Distress and Safety System: 8/9
- HAZ – Hazardous Materials [5-day]: 7/12, 8/23
- LAP – License Advancement Program: 7/26
- LEG – Legal Aspects of Pilotage: 7/14
- MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Trans. Drug & Alcohol Testing: 8/14
- MED-PIC – Medical Person In Charge: 7/19, 8/9
- MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 7/19, 8/9
- MEDIA-RSP – Media Response: 7/16, 7/30
MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses
- MSC-COMMS – Strategic Sealift Communications: 8/9
- MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical Biological Radiological Defense Training Orientation: 8/23
- MSC-DC – Damage Control: 8/6, 8/24, 8/26
- MSC-SMA-R – Small Arms Renewal (2-day): 8/24, 8/26
must have passed all 3 weapons within 2 years
- ROP-5 – Radar Observer Original & Renewal: 8/23
- ROR-1 – Radar Observer Renewal: 7/12, 8/2, 8/14
- SEC-OFF-PCS – Security Officer: Port, Company, Ship: 7/12, 7/26
- SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling (5-day): 8/4, 8/23
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Check the MITAGS website for up-to-date course descriptions associated with the course title abbreviations, and for schedule revisions.
Attendance Verification & Cancellation is Vital
If you are scheduled for a course, call, write, or Email admissions to advise whether or not you will attend. Many classes are in demand and maintain a Standby List. "No Shows" are missed training opportunities for other members.
Schedules, Course Info & Registration
Courses are subject to change. Always check the MITAGS website for updated course availability. You can also check future schedules, review detailed course descriptions and register on-line or contact Admissions at email@example.com or by calling toll-free, 1-866-656-5568.
All the courses below will be conducted at the new Pacific Maritime Institute facility located in Seattle at 1727 Alaskan Way South, Pier 34. The new facility features a state-of-the art Ship Simulator that has to be experienced. PMI phone numbers remain the same. Come see the new facility at PMI's "Maritime Technology and Career Center".
July 2004 Courses
- 7/05: Radar Renewal
- 7/05-09: Tankerman Person-In-Charge
- 7/12-16: Electronic Navigation
- 7/12-14: Ship Security Officer
- 7/19-23: Basic Safety Training
- 7/19-23: Medical Care Provider
- 7/19-30: Medical Person-In-Charge
- 7/19-30: Celestial Navigation
August 2004 Courses
- 8/02: Radar Renwal
- 8/02-04: Ship Security Officer
- 8/02-06: Basic Meteorology
- 8/02-06: Basic and Advanced Firefighting
- 8/09-13: Ship Construction and Basic Stability
- 8/09-13: Tankerman Person-In-Charge
- 8/16-20: Basic Safety Training
- 8/16-20: Basic Cargo Operations
- 8/16-27: Advanced Shiphandling
- 8/23-27: Basic and Advanced Firefighting
Contact DeeDee Lazik at 206-441-2880 or 888-893-7829 (toll free) for registration or visit the PMI website at mates.org.
|-44.11 for the week
|+26.81 for the week
|Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
|Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
|Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
|Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
|Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
|Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
|Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX)
|Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
|Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
|Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
|Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
|Fidelity Magellan Fund (FMAGX)
|Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
~ Reminders ~
Under a new Military Sealift Command contract, MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines will soon take over the operation and maintenance of seven oceanographic ships (T-AGS) to support the Naval Oceanography Program. MM&P will represent the deck officers.
For those members and applicants interested in employment possibilities on these vessels, contact MM&P HQ by calling 410-850-8700 x23 or by Email at: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Rates Drop, Limits Increase On Auto Loans
MM&P FCU vehicle loan rates have dropped across-the-board. Effective May 5, borrowers may finance up to $30,000 on vehicle loans for terms up to 72 months. This is an increase of $5,000 and 12 months over past maximum financing amounts and terms.
Rates on 6 year auto financing range between 5.50% and 6.25%. Vehicle loan rates are as low as 4.00%. Rates apply to new and used cars, and to loans refinancing higher rate vehicle loans from other institutions. Contact the Credit Union office to find out how these rates may cost less than dealers incentives and how you qualify for new, low rate vehicle financing.
Signature Loan Rates Dip
As an added bonus, Signature Loan rates have also been lowered. Now is the time to start thinking about those summer vacation plans or home improvement projects. Signature loan rates range from 9.00% to 9.75%. Hurry and take advantage of these new lower rates and start saving money today.
Need More Info? Contact Kathy Klisavage, MM&P FCU Manager, to learn more about loan rates and products, direct deposit, share savings accounts and certificates of deposit, benefits of membership and membership eligibility. Kathy Klisavage can be reached by email to firstname.lastname@example.com, or by calling 410-850-8700 x43 or toll-free 1-800-382-7777.
All MM&P FCU loan rate percentages are APR or Annual Percentage Rate. All MM&P FCU savings and certificate rates are APY or Annual Percentage Yield. Loan terms and conditions are subject to change. Contact the MM&P FCU for eligibility info and for full terms and conditions.
Protect Your Personal Information – Beware of Email Scams
"It's the curse of technology," was overheard recently as someone talked about Email scams. Email scams are rampant these days, just like telephone scams were not so long ago. In the most-common current scenario, an Email is received from what looks like a legitimate entity that asks you to provide sensitive, private information to "verify" your identity or account. Scam artists are now even posing as the Internal Revenue Service to try and get your info.
The IRS recently issued a warning that fraudulent emails disguised as being from them are aimed at tricking taxpayers into providing their Social Security numbers, driver's license information and bank and credit card numbers through a web site that's set up to look like it belongs to a federal agency. If this information is obtained it can be used by identity thieves to take over a person's financial accounts, run up charge cards, apply for loans and file fraudulent tax returns.
Protect yourself. No financial institution, federal agency or legitimate business will initiate contact by Email or phone and ask for any such personal information. Legitimate entities with which you are already established should have that info. If you receive such a request, contact the sender to verify if it is legitimate. The MM&P Federal Credit Union has never been the target of such a scam and will never initiate an Email to you that asks for this type of private information.
Attention all Members in good standing with dependent children who will be college freshman in September: A local Baltimore law firm is awarding two $2,500 one-time only scholarships to children of Union members. Since the MM&P is headquartered in the Baltimore area, Union members' children would be eligible to apply for these scholarships.
One scholarship is for Undergraduate and the other is for Graduate School. Students must already be accepted to a college prior to applying. The deadline for application is August 20. The scholarships will be awarded September 24.
If your son or daughter would like to make application for this scholarship, please have them contact the MM&P Plan Office at 410-850-8600 for an application. The member's name is required so that the Union can sign the application to certify that he/she is a member in good standing prior to sending the application to your child.
Members can also Email Plans Administrator Valerie Verrecchio at firstname.lastname@example.com with the member info including address where the application can be mailed.
MM&P-contracted LMS Ship Management recently reviewed the causes of injuries on board their vessels and found that accidental falls tend to be the cause of many of the crew's injuries. In an effort to reduce the number of injuries caused by these falls, LMS is offering crewmembers that sail with them an incentive to purchase and wear proper shoe attire. The goal is for every crewmember to wear slip resistant footwear during their working hours aboard their vessels.
LMS will offer a reimbursement of up to $75 for the cost of the shoes to each crewmember who provides them with an original receipt for the purchase of slip resistant footwear. In order for the crewmember to obtain the reimbursement, they must wear the shoes while on duty. Upon presentation of the receipt, the crewmember will be reimbursed on their pay voucher. The receipt will be retained by the Master and will remain aboard the vessel.
LMS requests that crewmembers purchase one of the following recommended brands in order to be reimbursed:
- WORX ™ by Red Wing* Slip Resistant Footwear
- Caterpillar* (must have steel toe & slip resistant sole)
- Wolverine (must have steel toe and slip resistant sole)
- Dunham Sierra Work Boot EH
- Steel Toe Voyager
- Georgia Boot 6- or 8-inch Safety Toe Boot
- Dr. Marten's (with steel toe & slip resistant sole)
* Of the above, Red Wing and Caterpillar boots are produced by US union labor.
Red Wing has contracts with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) while Wolverine World Wide has contracts with UNITE!, the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, for production of its Caterpillar brand (as well as its Hy-Test, Durashock and Bates Military labels). Some other Wolverine branded products including combat boots are manufactured under UFCW contract. Most Dr. Marten's shoes and boots are produced in the UK.
To find US, union-made products, visit the AFL-CIO Union Label Service and Trades website at www.unionlabel.org and click on Union Made Product Search.
On the MITAGS website downloadable files are now updated on a regular basis in response to info received from the various government agencies and mariners. As always, these checklists are for guidance only. The final arbiter of training requirements is your local USCG Regional Examination Center. For more info, visit the Career Guidance section on the MITAGS website by CLICKING HERE, or go to www.mitags.org and select "Career Guidance" from the top menu.
Also, given the number of courses offered at MITAGS, the website now has new links to the various industry segment pages. These pages make it easier for mariners and companies to find the training designed specifically for them.
The links include:
- Ship and Port Modeling Simulation Training;
- Security Training;
- State Pilot Training;
- US Navy and Military Sealift Command Training;
- High Speed Craft Training;
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV);
- Limited Master Training; and
- Custom Training.
All members shipping off-the-board and all company employees are reminded that they are responsible to insure that all of the company required courses they have completed are listed in the Union computer system.
In order to be dispatched/cleared, members must have certificates for any courses not listed in the computer in their possession and available for inspection by the dispatcher. Please double check that your documentation is in order prior to leaving your home to ship out of our Union halls. This can be done by checking your course history on the "Members Only" section of the MM&P website.
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ALL LDOs ON STCW-95 CERTIFICATION
All Licensed Deck Officers who possess STCW-95 certificates containing Basic Safety Training (BST) completion dates close to or more than five years old need to carry copies of their USCG discharges with them so they can prove that they have the required sea service necessary to extend their BST qualification. For questions or further info, call 410-850-8700 ext.23 or Email: email@example.com.
The National WWII Memorial has a site on its webpage for individuals who served in any capacity during WWII to register to be included in the Memorial's Registry. The main site is www.wwiimemorial.com.
If the individual clicks on WWII Registry, he/she can find out if he/she is already included as a result of one of the WWII databases and, if not, can follow the directions to register. Any American who contributed to the war effort is eligible for the Registry.
The April 15 deadline for filing US federal tax returns has passed, but for merchant mariners sailing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom "on vessels under Department of Defense operational control in direct support of the United States Armed Forces" (and for their spouses even if separate returns are filed), missing the dreaded deadline may be OK.
For merchant mariners and several other groups, the Internal Revenue Service is allowing an extension of time for tax filing. The extension, authorized in section 7508(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, 26 United States Code, gives an additional 180 days PLUS the number of days served in a combat zone between January 1, 2004 and April 15, 2004. IRS reports that merchant mariners qualified for the extension are those "serving in the combat zone as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard Maritime Administration and Military Sealift Command owned or controlled vessels."
In addition to the tax filing extension, section 7508 also allows to be postponed the "payment of income, estate, or gift taxes (except employment and withholding taxes), tax claims filings or bringing suits for credits or refunds, filing any petition with the US Tax Court, making a qualified retirement contribution to an IRA, or performing any other act listed in Revenue Procedure 2002-71." According to the notice, "no penalties or interest will be imposed for failure to file a return or pay taxes during the extension period."
IRS Tax Tip 2004-40 published Feb.27, 2004 says, "the various extensions granted to combat zone participants to file returns or pay taxes will also apply to those serving in Contingency Operations, as designated by the Secretary of Defense. This is effective for any acts whose deadline has not expired before November 11, 2003."
Paper returns must be filed if claiming an extension under section 7508. When the return is sent, print the words "COMBAT ZONE" in bold red ink at the top of the return and in large red letters on the mailing envelope. For mariners, the IRS says to attach a brief statement listing the date(s) of service within the combat zone in order to provide them with the total number of days of extension to which you are entitled.
Mariners and others who qualify for combat zone tax filing relief may notify the IRS of their status in advance through a special e-mail address: email@example.com. Include in the email the following:
- name
- stateside address
- date-of-birth and
- date of deployment to the combat zone.
Do not include any social security numbers in an email. Notification may be made by the taxpayer, or by the taxpayer's spouse, authorized agent or representative.
At present, the combat zone for Operation Iraqi Freedom is defined as follows:
- Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Gulf of Oman;
- That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude; and
- The total land area of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
More detailed information can be found on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. From the main page, click on "The Newsroom" link and go to "Armed Forces" under the "Related Topics" headline. You'll find useful info in the following titles:
- Questions and Answers on Combat Zone Tax Provisions,
- Combat Zone Email Address,
- Publication 3 (or downloadable PDF from the site), and in
- Notice 2003-21 (PDF File Only – downloadable from the site).
Taxpayers in the US may seek assistance by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Taxpayers outside the US may call the IRS in Philadelphia at 215-516-2000. The information presented here is to serve as a guideline only. As always, readers are urged to seek the advice of a tax professional to discuss their own circumstances.
The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, ILA, AFL-CIO, 700 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1941. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973; Email: firstname.lastname@example.com. For further info or to subscribe contact John Peige at email@example.com. The Wheelhouse Weekly is sent via Email to MM&P-contracted vessels at sea, broadcast worldwide via FEC marine telex and is posted on our web page.


text:
Made in Austria.
birdkids is a viennese CreativeTech company.
We design Human-Machine-Interfaces to enable and inspire people to express their passion & share their vision with the world.
Who are birdkids?
We are Engineers, Designers, Architects, Illustrators, Developers, DJs, VJs and perpetually curious kids who are madly in love with Arts & Technology.
Mission statement.
We believe that capturing the creative spark should be an intuitive, accessible and rewarding process — we create the tools for tangible expression in the 21st Century to interact intuitively at any skill level & learn skill-sets hands-on.
birdkids was established in 2012 as an individual enterprise by Producer and Creative Director, Michael Beim in Vienna, Austria.
The company initially launched as a record label with a startup funding by Viennese Cultural Fonds "Departure" recognizing the pioneering spirit of the underlying concept.
In 2015, following a long period of research in the field of hardware-based sound synthesis and analog audio circuitry, we've developed a boutique quality, modular synthesizer product line, titled: TheBateleur In 2016 we were quickly spotted and signed-up by the internationally renowned Berlin based distribution: ALEX4 distribution GmbH.
The signature module: Voltage Controlled Oscillator went on to become our most popular product to date. By now the product is in its 2nd generation and enjoying international acclaim due to its incredible sound and aesthetics.,
The Austrian government's, research promotion Agency FFG recognized birdkids' efforts in the years 2015 and 2016 as scientific research.
With Synthesizers being an essential part of music production our client list includes some of the biggest Names in Electronic Music, Film and TV.
In 2018, we've reached out to the community to kickstart our most ambitious design yet — RAVEN a 100% Analog, modular synthesizer voice, hand-manufactured in Vienna. The campaign resulted in a 108% goal-reach, backers across all five Continents and a 65% growth in US/UK market engagement as well as significant brand awareness increase through extensive media coverage.
Above all, we've proven that the brand's core-values and corporate haptics resonate emotionally on a scale beyond a niché segment.
Our focus in the upcoming years is on enabling and inspiring people to express their passion & share their vision with the world.
Our goal is to provide the instruments and foster a positive environment for people to interact intuitively at any skill level & learn skill-sets hands-on for more tangible expression in the 21st Century for a more life-enriching experience.
- 10/12 – Company launch by Producer/Creative Director, Michael Beim.
- 12/12 – Pioneer funding by departure, Vienna.
- 01/13 – First birdkids records label releases.
- 02/13 – Distribution Network via ORDIS/N.E.W.S./Hoanzl.
- 10/14 – First physical prototype – birdkids birdnest MIDI/CV converter.
- 11/14 – Research Voltage Controlled Oscillator.
- 09/15 – Production & shipping TheBateleur VCO MKI.
- 01/16 – Development TheBateleur 42hp System & birdnest.
- 11/16 – Production & shipping TheBateleur 42hp System.
- 03/17 – Research CROW / birdnest.
- 08/17 – Research Polyphonic and wide-range VCO.
- 02/18 – Research and development RAVEN.
- 04/18 – CROW / birdnest presentation.
- 12/18 – RAVEN Kickstarter successfully funded.
- 12/19 – RAVEN completely fulfilled.
- 01/20 – Introduction of °Grid.


text:
They say:
Teeth Of The Sea - WRAITH
Rate: (9/10) ********
Ghosts, in which I want to believe
These people are created in order not only to surprise, but to disperse your ideas about the framework, genre accessories and any restrictions in the work. The previous album " Highly Deadly Black Tarantula " easily and confidently carried out the brain in 2015, and now they returned with a sequel that sounds different, but no less cool!
The last few days in the facebook community posted pictures with characters that eventually formed into the word "WRAITH", but "what is this?", "Where and when to wait" - no details, just the signature "Incoming-". Naturally, it was impossible not to roll out the lip on a new release, but the fact that it will appear like that in the middle of the week, and even with the publication date of February 2019 (maybe another error on the service) - something is wrong with these guys: "And what about marketing? And they do not care. That is why, when the letter "New release from Teeth Of The Sea" was found in the mail, it was impossible to wait a second. (Update from the editors: due to an error of the bandcamp service, the entire album was downloaded, the release will take place in February)...


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For Apple, 2019 is already shaping up to be a year marked by change.
Following the company's announcement in November that it would no longer break out iPhone unit sales in earnings reports, the firm is making several key leadership changes as it prioritises other emerging product segments like digital services, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, which The Wall Street Journal outlined in a report on Monday. The changes are likely part of an ongoing effort by Apple to reduce its reliance on the iPhone as it grapples with plummeting smartphone sales.
Here's a look at some of the key hires and leadership shifts Apple has made in recent months, which impact various branches of the company from retail to artificial intelligence, battery development and self-driving cars.
Doug Field returns to Apple to work on the company's self-driving car efforts
Field rejoined Apple last August to work on Apple's self-driving car program, Project Titan, which tech blogger John Gruber and Reuters first reported at the time. Field spent five years at Tesla before returning to Apple, where he served as the company's senior vice president of engineering according to his LinkedIn page. During his prior tenure at Apple, Field was a vice president of hardware engineering on the Mac team.
In his current role, Field oversees the day-to-day responsibilities of the 1,400 people working on Apple's autonomous vehicle project, according to The Wall Street Journal. Longtime senior Apple executive Bob Mansfield is said to be leading Apple's self-driving car project.
Exactly what will come of Project Titan remains uncertain. When speaking with Bloomberg in 2017, Cook suggested that the company was focusing its efforts on software for self-driving cars rather than producing vehicles, calling it "the mother of all AI projects."
John Giannandrea promoted to Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Apple promoted Giannandrea to its executive team in December, which the company announced at the end of last year. Giannandrea now oversees Siri as part of his new role following the departure of Bill Stasior, the executive formerly in charge of the company's digital assistant. The shift in Siri leadership was reported by both The Wall Street Journal and The Information.
Apple hired Giannandrea away from Google in April 2018, where he played a critical role in incorporating artificial intelligence into the company's products. In 2016, Google tapped Giannandrea to oversee its search organisation, a testament that speaks to just how critical AI is for the search giant.
Giannandrea's promotion comes as Apple has made a push to incorporate Siri more tightly into its products and expand its capabilities over the past several years. The news also comes as Amazon and Google continue to enhance their own digital assistants, with the online retail giant integrating Alexa into everything from wall clocks to microwaves. When it comes to smart home speakers, Amazon is currently the market leader accounting for 63% of smart speaker usage in the United States according to Strategy Analytics. Google is responsible for 17% of the market, while Apple only comprises of 4%.
Apple hires former Samsung battery executive Soonho Ahn to serve as Global Head of Battery Development
Apple hired Ahn from Samsung SDI, the battery affiliate of the South Korean electronics giant, in December. Bloomberg first reported the hire.
Ahn's LinkedIn profile suggests he worked on batteries for next-generation devices, although his precise duties at Apple are unclear. The hire could be part of an effort by Apple to reduce its reliance on Samsung for components by putting resources toward in-house talent. Apple began working with LG as a secondary supplier for the OLED screens last year in a move to mitigate its dependence on Samsung, Apple's biggest smartphone rival, according to Bloomberg.
It appears to be part of a broader move by Apple to produce its own components, as the outlet also reported that the iPhone maker plans to produce its own chips for Mac computers starting sometime around 2020.
Apple cuts 200 people from self-driving car team
Apple is said to have cut 200 employees from its Project Titan team as part of a restructuring resulting from new leadership under former Tesla executive Doug Field, CNBC reported last month. In a statement to CNBC, Apple provided the following comment regarding the layoffs:
"We have an incredibly talented team working on autonomous systems and associated technologies at Apple. As the team focuses their work on several key areas for 2019, some groups are being moved to projects in other parts of the company, where they will support machine learning and other initiatives, across all of Apple . . We continue to believe there is a huge opportunity with autonomous systems, that Apple has unique capabilities to contribute, and that this is the most ambitious machine learning project ever."
Apple hasn't said much publicly about its plans regarding autonomous driving, but in 2015 Apple's Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams referred to the car as "the ultimate mobile device" when speaking at Recode's Code Conference.
Deirdre O'Brien appointed Senior Vice President of Retail + People following Angela Ahrendts departure
Earlier this month, Apple announced that 30-year company veteran Deirdre O'Brien would succeed Angela Ahrendts as the company's retail chief. Before taking on the responsibility of overseeing Apple's 70,000 retail employees in more than 500 stores across the world, O'Brien led Apple's human resources division. O'Brien will be tasked with completing the store remodelings that Ahrendts started as well as finding new ways to showcase Apple's services in stores, according to The Wall Street Journal. One such project could involve installing televisions in stores to promote the company's original shows, the report says.
iPhone marketing veteran Frank Casanova appointed to lead marketing for augmented reality initiatives
Roughly a year and a half since apps powered by Apple's ARKit augmented reality platform became available for the iPhone, Apple has designated a marketing head for its AR division. Frank Casanova, who has worked at Apple for about 30 years, was recently appointed as Senior Director of Worldwide Product Marketing for the company's augmented reality efforts according to his LinkedIn profile, which Bloomberg first reported.
That Apple would assign such a senior marketing executive with nearly three decades of experience at the company to oversee augmented reality provides further evidence that Apple views AR as being a vital part of its business. Apple CEO Tim Cook has long been vocal about the potential of augmented reality, saying he believes the technology will make the smartphone "even more essential than it currently is" when speaking with CNBC.
The company is reportedly working on an augmented reality headset to be released in 2020 that would support some iPhone features, like messaging, phone calls, and video, according to Bloomberg. But the company's current augmented reality offerings live on its iPhone and iPad devices through its ARKit platform, which provides developers with tools for creating AR-enabled apps for Apple's mobile devices. It's another sign that Apple is looking to software to fuel iPhone growth moving forward.
Former Otto CEO Sam Jadallah hired to lead Apple's smart home efforts
Apple has tapped Jadallah, formerly the CEO of now-defunct smart lock startup Otto, to lead its smart home initiative,CNBC recently reported. Jadallah's exact title is unclear, but his LinkedIn profile says he is "working on Home" at Apple as of this month. He spent 12 years at Microsoft earlier in his career as a corporate vice president.
Apple began its push into the home with the unveiling of its HomeKit platform in 2014. The company extended its presence in the home with the launch of HomePod in 2018, a high-end speaker with Siri built-in. Apple's decision to hire Jadallah indicates smart home products remain a priority for the company as reports indicate it plans to push more deeply into new product areas digital subscription services.
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Refine search resultsSkip to search results
Waterbirds around the world.
Edinburgh: Stationery Office, 2006. Quarto, laminated boards, illustrations. Waterbirds are one the world's most attractive group of birds and among the most threatened. These include albatrosses, flamingos, swans, geese, ducks, cranes, waders, gulls, terns and auks... They share a dependency on the world's wetlands-seas, coasts, estuaries, lagoons, lochs, rivers, marshlands..... More
The private eye: observing Snow Geese.
Vancouver: UBC Press, 1996. Octavo, photos., maps. With a chapter by Robert Bateman on the artist's view of nature. More
Wildfowl of Britain and Ireland.
Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 2009. Octavo, colour photographs, line drawings, fine copy in dustwrapper. New Naturalist 110. David Cabot has been obsessed with wildfowl for nearly sixty years. In this seminal new work, he discusses the 56 species of wildfowl that have been recorded either in a natural state, or..... More
Goose hunting.
Washington: Stone Wall Press, (1980. reprint). Octavo, photographs, fine copy in dustwrapper. More
The waterfowl of the world [volume two only].
London: Country Life, (1956. first edition). Octavo, colour plates by Peter Scott, very good copy in dustwrapper, owner's signature on endpaper. More
Ottawa: Canadian Wildlife Service, Monograph Series No. 4, 1971. Octavo, photographs, graphs, line drawings. More
Gamebirds and waterfowl of southern Africa: a collection of 68 water-colours by C. G. Finch-Davies, originally commissioned to illustrate Lt.-Col. Boyd Robert Horsbrugh's 1912 volume The Game-Birds and Water-Fowl of South Africa.
Johannesburg: Winchester Press, 1986. Quarto, colour plates, fine copy in slipcase, the subscribers' edition. More
Catalogue of the Passeriformes, or perching birds in the Collection of the British Museum. Coliomorphae: part five, containing the families Paridae and Laniidae (Titmice and Shrikes) and Certhiomorphae (Creepers and Nuthatches).
London: British Museum (Natural History), 1883. Octavo, nine handcoloured plates by Smit. Publisher's cloth, some wear, library sticker on spine and library pocket on lower paste-down, no library stamps. Volume eight from Richard Bowdler Sharpe's 27 volume Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum, 1874-1898. More
Water-birds with webbed feet.
London: Blandford Press, 1965. Octavo, text illustrations and colour plates, dustwrapper. More
Bird life on island and shore.
Edinburgh: William Blackwood & Sons, 1925. Octavo, photographs, bookplate, fine copy in dustwrapper, scarce in this condition. More
The herons of the world.
London: London Editions, 1978. Folio, colour plates by Robert Gillmor and Peter Hayman, fine copy in dustwrapper. More
The birds of the wetlands.
London: Croom Helm, 1984. Octavo, colour photographs, fine copy in dustwrapper. More
Birds of the wetlands.
London: Academic Press, 1999. Large octavo, laminated boards, colour photographs. Wetlands are special places whose complex ecosystems provide homes for rich and varied assemblages of bird inhabitants. Herons, storks, ibises, spoonbills, anhingas, shorebirds and birds of prey all make a living there, each according to their own special needs. Although..... More
The birds of the wetlands.
London: Croom Helm, 1984. Octavo, colour photographs. Torn dustwrapper, otherwise a good copy. More
An annotated bibliography of literature on Alaskan water birds.
Washington, DC: Fisheries and Wild Life Department, 1981. Quarto, paperback, cover lightly sunned. More
Catalogue of the Picariea in the Collection of the British Museum. Scansores, containing the family Picidae.
London: British Museum (Natural History), 1890. Octavo, 15 chromolithographic plates by Smit. Publisher's cloth, library sticker on spine and library pocket on lower paste-down, no library stamps, partly unopened. Volume 15 from Richard Bowdler Sharpe's 27 volume Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum, 1874-1898. More
A waterhen's worlds.
Cambridge: [Cambridge] University Press, 1940. Quarto, text illustrations by G. E. Lodge, very good copy in dustwrapper. More
Watching waterbirds with Kate Humble and Martin McGill: 100 birds in just one day.
London: A & C Black, 2011. Small octavo, colour photographs and illustrations, softcover. This book introduces some 75 species of wetland birds to readers through the eyes of Kate Humble. As she freely admits herself, Kate is still learning her birds, so to find out more she contacted Martin McGill..... More
Cranes of the world.
Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1983. Quarto, colour photographs, text illustrations, fine copy in dustwrapper. More
Diving birds of North America.
Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1987. Quarto, colour photographs, fine copy in dustwrapper. More
Ducks, geese, and swans of the world.
Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1978. Quarto, colour photographs, maps, dustwrapper. More
Waterfowl: their biology and natural history.
Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1968. Octavo, colour photographs, fine copy in dustwrapper. More
Ducks in the wild: conserving waterfowl and their habitats.
Shrewsbury: Airlife, 1992. Octavo, colour illustrations, maps. With colour photographs of each of the 111 species, an identification guide and a map showing distribution. More
The Greater flamingo.
London: T & A D Poyser, 2007. Octavo, colour photographs, dustwrapper. Poyser monograph. Flamingos are among the most familiar and popular of all the world's birds. This book summarises the available understanding of flamingo biology, with discussions of population dynamics, ecology, movements, feeding, breeding biology, and conservation. It also includes..... More


text: Carlos Moreno Jr. shares day to day life as a struggling actor to star or doom. This blog will include: successes, failures, frustrations, and inspirations. He has a few years to achieve his postulations. Read how determination, desire and fervor can have an effect in his career. Genuine Art can only be created with no limitations. Let's go!


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Dinner - Event posted by pagliazza
Location: RISTORANTE SANTA ELISABETTA , Restaurant located on the 1st floor of the Tower Pagliazza, intimate and charming atmosphereread reviews
Address: Piazza Santa Elisabetta,3 50122- Firenze , FlorenceDate: Saturday 21 September 2019
Saturday 7 and 21 September 2019 the tasty appointment returns at the Santa Elisabetta Restaurant
of the Hotel Brunelleschi in Piazza Santa Elisabetta in Florence, a stone's throw from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. We are waiting for a tasting dinner organized in collaboration with the Jermann farm and the menu created by Chef Rocco de Santis and the Maître Domenico Napolitano. A preview menu is also available on Friday nights before the event: 6 and 20 September 2019.
The exclusive Santa Elisabetta has only seven tables on the first floor of the Byzantine tower of Pagliazza. The tasting dinner in Florence can be booked online with an exclusive discount, by phone at 055.27370 or by email at email@example.com.
Tasting menu at the Santa Elisabetta Restaurant in Florence in the Torre della Pagliazza
To start with bubbles ... ..
Franciacorta Cuvée Royale Brut DOCG, Antinori
Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco
Small Chef's bites
Tasting menu
Il Gambero Rosso: raw red prawn, almonds, soured Panzanella, Nocellara olive soup
Propellers: Gragnano pasta propellers, Zucchini, Octopus and Algae broth
La Triglia: Mullet in Saffron Bread Crust, Raisin Pesto and Pine Nuts
Il Cannoncino: Cannoncino with Soft Cheeses, Pears and Red Wine Bubbles
Wines of the Jermann farm in combination:
Sauvignon IGT 2014
100% Sauvignon
Chardonnay IGT 2017
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Tunina IGT 2014
Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Ribolla,
Picolit, Malvasia
Natural and sparkling mineral water
€ 139.00 per person including wines
For information and reservations: tel. +39.055.27370 - email: email@example.com
This page may have been translated using the Google automatic translate engine; please excuse any mistakes this translation might have.


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UTTARAKHAND LARGEST Online Travel CompanyDESTINATION MUSSOORIE
Uttarakhand Himachal Travel Empire-20 Years in making. Since 1996 All Seasons is leading destination management company of Uttarakhand-HimachalMORE MUSSOORIE HOTELS
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Hello Traveller,
Renowned as the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is one of the wonderful hill station in India and it has something to offer to every kind of traveler. Depending upon your mood, Mussoorie has a lot to offer. You can shop at the crowded narrow Mall Road, take a leisure walk at Camel Back Road, drive to Haathipaaon or Clouds End for some peace or go to Kempty or Bhatta Falls for taking a dip in cold waters.
1. Cable Car Ride - Sightseeing in different way
Take a pleasant cable car ride from the Mall to Gun Hill. The joy of the exciting ride is complemented by the extraordinary view all around. It is a 5-10 minutes ride from Jhulaghat to Gun Hill (2530 m high).
Cost:- INR 75 Onwards
2. Explore The Mountains - Trekking, Camping and Strolling
Get the sensation of adventure by taking up treks and outdoors trips at Mussoorie. There are a few trekking and outdoors options while you discover the wonderlands in Mussoorie, including:
Cost:- Cost vary from Trek to Trek...
3. Adventure on Ropes - Sky walk, Zip Swing and Zipline
Sky Walk:- Walking over a 360 ft long wire that is set 120 ft over the ground is genuinely blood-shivering!
Cost:- INR 600 Onwards
Zip Line:- On a Zipline adventure , you are harnessed on wire rope with the help of pulley at the higher end and afterward made to slide with speed of 50 km per hour to the lower end of a 330 ft long vertical.
Cost:- INR 300 Onwards
Zip Swing:- Zip Swings are a blend of Zip line and Giant Swing at the height of 80 ft. Harnessed with wire rope, you initially pass by dashing on the rope till the center and after that swing high at 80 ft.
Cost:- INR 300 Onwards
4. Some Adventures on Mountains - Rock Climbing,Rappeling and Mountain Biking
Rappelling & Rock Climbing :- Mussoorie has different sizes of rocks going from 50 ft to 600 ft. One can pick as per their capacity, physical wellness and mental toughness.
Cost:- INR 500 Onwards
Mountain Biking :- Mountain biking give another dimensions to mountain based sports in Mussoorie. They are about speed, control and excite and are one of the most recent methods for investigating vistas of the Himalayan landscape.
Cost:- INR 500 Onwards
5. Paragliding - Get Set Go!!!
Paragliding administrators in Mussoorie, generally, offer joyrides on a two-seater lightweight flyer worked by proficient pilots with more than 3000 hours of flying experience. The flights in Mussoorie are long rides of least 60 minutes (15 km) up to 10,000 ft high.
Cost: INR 2000 onwards, a long flight of a hour costs INR 10,000
It is without a doubt astonishing that Mussoorie has India's biggest roller skating arena. In the event that you are great at balancing, do attempt your hands at skating here.
The main shopping regions in Mussoorie are the Library, Sister Bazaar, Kulri Bazaar and Landour Bazaar. The shops, here, offers ethnic adornments, and antiques.
Besides this Mussoorie also offers various sightseeing places and religious places to visit. Travelers can appreciate horse riding or can pay visit to some of the temples here .
A total weekend destination, Mussoorie presents guests with mesmerizing views, various things to do, places to see , attractive sanctuaries to pray and exotic hotels to relax. So lets discuss about few of the things to do in Mussoorie that you must not miss on your trip...
For more details, check the full list of Things to do in Mussoorie .
Happy Travelling!! :)


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Brain Damaging Habits
- 8 Months ago
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Do you know that some of your daily habits can damage your brain? There are some habits that many of us practice which damages the brain tissue or cells. The human brain is like the CPU that helps one think, carry out the daily tasks and also takes care of all the organs. A damaged brain can lead to a number of health complications in one's body.
Here are the top ten daily habits that can damage one's brain (WHO):
• Skipping breakfast or no breakfast at all: People who do not eat breakfast have lower sugar levels which lead to inadequate supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
• Smoking: Smoking not only harms the lungs, but it also harms the brain as well. The nicotine in cigarettes contains substances that can cause multiple brain cell shrinkage, leading to Alzheimer's disease.
• Lack of stimulating thoughts: Lack of brain stimulation can cause brain shrinkage. Thinking is the best way to train the brain, so think more, write more, and explore more. This will help you to keep your brain unsullied.
• Sleep deprivation: Sleep allows the brain to rest. Long term sleep deprivation will accelerate the death of brain cells. More cells dead equals to more memory loss.
• High consumption of sugar: Too much sugar consumption will only interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.
• Lack of interaction: Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.
• Head covered while sleeping: Sleeping with your head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and also decreases concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
• Working your brain during illness: Working or studying hard when you're sick may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the brain.
• Overreacting: This causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
• Air pollution: Inhaling polluted air decreases supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.
Be watchful and try to avoid such situations!


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Fibromyalgia and arthritis are two of the most common forms of chronic pain. Symptoms include inflammation, headaches, aching bones and joints, muscle and tissue pain, nerve pain, fatigue, depression and sleeping disorders. Chronic pain can also originate from some form of trauma, physical injury or infection. When pain becomes chronic and is experienced for many years it can lead to serious diseases and conditions like cancer and heart disease, thus reducing chronic pain is essential.
Physical therapy along with other complementary therapies such as meditation, breathing exercises, posture-correcting exercises, stretching exercises, yoga and tai-chi are all excellent ways to manage pain without the damaging effects of prescription drugs. It is recommended that the average person get 20 minutes up to one hour of physical activity in every day for effective pain management. Keeping the body moving and active is important and these types of therapies will help, just know your limitations.
Maintaining a well-balanced diet of whole fresh foods and avoiding deep-fried, fast and processed foods will also have a significant impact on your health and how your body manages pain. Eating fresh whole foods have been recognized as beneficial in combating pain, whereas foods high in saturated fats and artificial and highly processed ingredients have been identified as triggers. There are also foods that have been recognized as especially beneficial in pain management, these foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, quercitin, carotenoids and magnesium.
Omega-3 fatty acids help to regulate the immune and inflammatory responses in the body. Adding fish to the menu at least twice a week will offer the minimum recommendations of omega-3 to the diet. The best sources for omega-3 include cold-water fish such as mackerel, wild salmon, rainbow trout, sardines, clams and crab. Other good sources include eggs, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seed.
Quercitin is a flavonoid and a powerful antioxidant known for fighting enzymes that cause inflammation and pain. Quercitin can thin the blood, lower cholesterol, ward off blood clots, inhibit stomach cancer, and fight asthma, bronchitis and other infections. Foods rich in quercitin include yellow and red onions, shallots, celery, tomatoes, spinach, buckwheat flour, cocoa powder, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, jalapeño, green beans, dried apricots, apples, cherries, cranberries, lemons and red and black grapes.
Carotenoids are antioxidants found in certain foods which have been found to minimize inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Foods high in carotenoids include sweet potatoes, papayas, carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, sweet peas, broccoli, butternut squash, cantaloupe, dried apricots, cilantro, plums and red peppers.
Taking a daily dose of magnesium will help relax smooth muscles and blood vessels, promotes healthy bowel function, regulates blood pressure levels and reduces symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue and insomnia. Foods high in magnesium include seaweed, salmon (chinook), spinach, banana, figs, avocado, black beans, basil, coriander, potatoes, quinoa, flaxseed, cashews, almonds, almond butter, pumpkin seeds, cocoa, yogurt and whey.
Garlic is rich in sulphur compounds that stimulate an anti-inflammatory effect, alleviating chronic pain, as well boosts the immune system. Garlic in its raw form will have the greatest effect in reducing pain when added to the menu.
Turmeric root is another powerful spice that has strong anti-inflammatory and pain reducing effects. Studies have found that consuming just a small amount of turmeric daily can help to reduce chronic pain. Turmeric spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine and is what gives curry powder its bright yellow colour. Turmeric can be found in whole root form or in powder form in your local food market; as well can be found in capsules for therapeutic use.
Anthocyanins are antioxidants found in bright and dart coloured foods. Anthocyanins are beneficial for chronic pain as they help battle free radicals that can trigger inflammation. Blueberries are especially known for their high amounts of antioxidants and long list of health benefits. Anthocyanins can be found in blueberries, black currants, asparagus, plums, bananas, red and dark grapes, pomegranates, blackberries, raspberries, cherries and red onions.
Getting enough protein is also especially important in managing pain. Your body needs protein for the maintenance and production of healthy cells and tissues, muscle and cartilage; as well for the healthy production of hormones, antibodies and enzymes that all help keep your body functioning properly. Healthy protein choices include cold water fish like wild Atlantic mackerel, cod, haddock, anchovies, pollock, whitefish, trout and salmon. Lean white meat such as chicken or rabbit; as well eggs, yogurt, beans, chick peas, green peas, quinoa, almonds, walnuts and chia seeds.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to chronic pain through a study done by Greg Plotnikoff, MD at the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2003. Plotnikoff found that by increasing vitamin D levels in patients, relieved chronic pain. It is recommended spending an average of 20 minutes a day in sunshine with arms and legs exposed.
On the other side, there are certain foods that can trigger inflammation and heighten neurotransmitters sensitivity to pain. Avoiding or strictly reducing these foods can also assist in the battle against chronic pain. These foods include sugars, refined grains, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, processed foods, artificial ingredients and fried foods.
Dairy and nightshade fruits and vegetables have also shown to trigger pain in some people more than others. To know whether dairy or nightshades are also triggering pain it is advised to remove them from the menu for 3 to 4 weeks to test if a difference is noticed. Common nightshade fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, gooseberries, goji berries, white and yellow-flesh potatoes, paprika and eggplant.
Written by: J.Marshall
Try our Broccoli and Feta Soufflé recipe! Eggs and broccoli are excellent healing foods for Chronic Pain.
Try my Baked Cottage Cheese Berry Crepes recipe! Eggs along with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are all excellent healing foods for chronic pain.
• Mercola: Take care of your health / Foods That Chronic Pain Sufferers Need to Avoid: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/19/foods-that-chronic-pain-sufferers-need-to-avoid.aspx
• Mercola: Take care of your health / The Worst Possible Thing to Ignore if You Have Arthritis: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/29/omega-3-radically-improve-arthritis.aspx
• PPM: Practical Pain Management / A Diet for Patients With Chronic Pain: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/complementary/diet-patients-chronic-pain
• PPM: Practical Pain Management / Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neuropathic Pain: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/nutraceutical/omega-3-fatty-acids-neuropathic-pain
• Arthritis Foundation: Living with Arthritis / The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis: http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/omega-3-fatty-acids-arthritis/
• Dr. Axe: Food is Medicine / 7 Proven Benefits of Quercetin / https://draxe.com/quercetin/
• Quercetin.com / Food Chart: http://www.quercetin.com/overview/food-chart
• Prohealth / Quercetin: An Impressive Antioxidant for Lyme disease and Interstitial Cystitis: http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=29444
• NCBI: US National Library of Medicine / Antioxidant, Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Carotenoids from Dried Pepper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3468166/
• Progressive Health / Magnesium for Joint Pain: http://www.progressivehealth.com/magnesium-joint-pain.htm
• Dr. Sircus / Inflammatory and Pain Management with Magnesium: http://drsircus.com/cardiology/inflammation-and-systemic-stress/
• EveryDay Health / What You Eat May Help Beat Back Pain: http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/can-good-diet-fight-back-pain/
• PaleoLeap / Diet and Chronic Pain: The Paleo Perspective: https://paleoleap.com/diet-and-chronic-pain-paleo-perspective/
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