Tips for buying health insurance

? June 29, 2012Posted in: Health Care Services, Insurance

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld one of the most controversial aspects of the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as Obamacare ? the individual mandate.

That mandate states that every American must buy health insurance, or pay a fine. There are exceptions, most notably for those that would pay more than 8 percent of their income on insurance. However, this will still require millions to purchase health insurance plans by 2014.

If you?re one of the uninsured who will soon be shopping for plans, here are a few tips:

1. Understand the language. A deductible is how much you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. A co-pay is a fixed amount you pay for things like prescriptions or doctors visits. Co-insurance is a percentage of the cost that you pay for covered expenses. If the policy you are looking at includes terms you don?t understand, ask questions.
2. Consider a broker. If you feel overwhelmed by your choices, consider going through an insurance broker. When hiring your broker, check his or her creditials with the National Association of Insurance Underwriters (nahu.org) or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (naic.org). Also keep in mind that the brokers sometimes work on commission paid by the insurers, which means they may steer you toward the plan that pays best for them and not necessarily the plan that is best for you. Ask how he or she is compensated and keep that in mind when getting advice.
3. Know your priorities. How much can you afford to pay out-of-pocket in a year? Is there a specific condition you need to be covered? Do you regularly take medication? Insurance plans vary wildly in premiums, deductibles and coverage. If you know exactly what you want out of a plan, finding the right one is easier.
4. Compare coverage. This daunting task will be somewhat easier starting in September 2012. Insurance companies will be required to use a standard form to show the costs of each plan, including co-pays and deductibles, in an easy-to-understand format. These forms will also include estimated out-of-pocket expenses for two scenarios ? having a baby and treating type 2 diabetes. In addition to costs, look closely at what exactly is covered and what is excluded from coverage.
5. Check networks. If you have a regular doctor, check whether he or she is considered in-network on your new plan. Going to an out-of-network doctor can significantly increase out-of-pocket expenses. Look to see what hospitals contract with the insurance provider. Some plans require you to go to a contracted hospital in an emergency.
6. Consider costs. Don?t just look at premiums when considering the cost of an insurance plan. Check deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance levels. Many plans also show a maximum out-of-pocket cost as well. That tells you how much you will have to pay in deductibles and co-insurance before your plan starts to cover 100 percent of expenses.
7. Research customer service. Though all insurance companies have their fair share of angry customers, look for companies that have high ratings in customer service. Even with the best insurance plans, you may have to dispute a denial or call for clarification about your coverage. Poor customer service only make these stressful situations even worse.
8. Know your rights. The Affordable Care Act will be changing many aspects of health coverage in the coming years. Know what you are entitled to and understand how changes affect you and your plan. Consumer Reports posted this quick reference guide to healthcare reform changes that can help you along.

For more tips and information, visit Watch Your Buck, the local blog for BBB Serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin.

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About Amy Fowler

Amy is a former community newspaper reporter and editor. She currently works as a BBB investigator in Austin, writing press releases and alerting the public to bad business practices in the area.

Source: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2012/06/tips-for-buying-health-insurance/

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Salt Spring Island full of Canada Day fun

The Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce is confident a wider range of events and activities during this year?s Canada Day long weekend will have something special for people of all ages and interests.

The celebration kicks off well before the big day with the opening reception of the Fine Art Signature Showcase exhibit between 5 and 8 p.m. at ArtSpring on Friday, June 29.

Look for plenty of antique and classic cars throughout the Ganges area on Saturday, June 30 from 2:40 p.m. as drivers ?cruze? through Ganges, and ?do the loop? along Vesuvius Bay Road, Sunset Drive, North End and Beach roads, then Walkers Hook, Robinson and Upper Ganges roads.

People should keep those engines running for Saturday night?s nostalgic 1950s-styled sock hop dance at the Lions Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 per person and the best-dressed dancer in 1950s-era costume will receive a wine basket.

Then on Sunday, July 1, the 11th annual Salt Spring Show and Shine classic car show runs at the hydro field off Rainbow Road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the event hosted by the Salt Spring Car Club in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. It?s also part of a multi-day classic car tour with stops in Sidney, Chemainus, Duncan and South Cowichan.

Canada Day also features a special edition Sunday market, live music and Saanich-Gulf Islands MP Elizabeth May cutting the cake along with local trustees Peter Grove and George Grams. People can try to guess the number of soccer balls inside the Honda Fit display car for a chance to win a floatplane trip to Vancouver aboard Harbour Air Seaplanes.

Look for a free program that includes a description of the fire department?s long-standing involvement with the familiar Canada Day fireworks display at Ganges Harbour. The pamphlet also includes information about the techniques used to time the blasts and create different colours.

Children can get a goodie bag, hot dogs, pop and cookies before Sunday night?s fireworks show at the Thrifty Foods Kidz Zone. The event, held at Rotary Park between 8 and 10 p.m., includes face painting, a kite-flying contest, outdoor games and many more activities to pass the time before the main event gets underway at Ganges Harbour at dusk.

For more information, visit www.saltspringchamber.com or stop by the Visitor Centre (121 Lower Ganges Rd.) to pick up a detailed program.

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Source: http://www.gulfislandsdriftwood.com/community/160481975.html

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Oil pipeline application opens attack window for critics

Opponents of Kinder Morgan's plan to twin its oil pipeline through the Lower Mainland intend to use regulatory hearings over the business terms with oil customers as an arena to raise broader concerns.

Kinder Morgan Canada president Ian Anderson on Friday announced the company? has applied to the National Energy Board for approval of the tolls and terms for nine major shippers who have signed on to 20-year secure contracts.

Hearings for the toll application will proceed ahead of later NEB hearings on the actual expansion project, for which the company expects to file an NEB application in late 2013.

Anderson stressed the initial application has nothing to do with the construction or the 1,150-kilometre route of the $4-billion oil pipeline from Edmonton to Burnaby, which would be the subject of the 2013 application after extensive study, community consultation and design work.

But NDP associate natural resources critic Kennedy Stewart said the first set of hearings offer an early chance for the public to have their say.

The federal NDP will register as intervenors, the Burnaby-Douglas MP said, adding he expects local cities, interest groups and land owners may do so as well.

"It is the first time we're going to start getting details about this pipeline," he said.

"It's such a massive project we have to get involved at all stages."

Stewart said intervenors could ask the NEB to increase the toll rates Kinder Morgan will charge its customers to provide extra insurance coverage against a pipeline breach or oil tanker spill.

Likewise, he said, a surcharge on tolls could cover payments to First Nations.

The hearings could also shed light on the future of Chevron's Burnaby refinery, which critics say could be threatened if it has to pay more for crude oil carried by Kinder Morgan to match the prices the oil fetches in Asia.

Chevron is not among the nine firms Kinder Morgan plans to guarantee secure access to 80 per cent of the expansion volume, but it is seeking priority access to the pipeline's remaining capacity, ahead of other spot buyers.

Stewart said he wants to see if Chevron registers as an intervenor to fight Kinder Morgan's toll application.

The loss of the Burnaby refinery would drive Lower Mainland gas prices sharply higher, he warned, because Chevron could no longer supply its stations at lower cost, which other outlets are currently forced to match.

"Chevron's already being outbid by foreign customers for the existing oil coming down the pipeline," Stewart said.

"Their supply is being curtailed to the point where it's cheaper for them to truck in crude oil to be refined. Eventually, if that becomes too expensive, the refinery will close."

An industry observer this week also speculated Chevron could sell the refinery to Husky, which is among the firms in line for long-term access.

Anderson said he believes Chevron will have sufficient spot market access to the pipeline to supply the Burnaby refinery.

He said the pipeline's shift to providing access by long-term contract is a fundamental change and it was prudent to seek separate NEB approval to verify the economic underpinnings of the project before moving ahead with detailed work.

It was not an attempt to short-circuit public comment on the pipeline or shorten the later regulatory process on the route, he added.

"We're not changing at all our commitment process to the proposed expansion."

Twin pipelines carrying heavier oil sands crude as well as lighter petroleum products are expected to increase the Trans Mountain pipeline's capacity from 300,000 barrels per day now to 750,000 by 2017.

That would bring about 300 oil tankers a year through Burrard Inlet to load at the Westridge Terminal in Burnaby.

More than 500,000 barrels per day of capacity is now committed to long-term buyers, Anderson said, adding they have signed on the basis of export via the size of tankers that now come to Burnaby, not a larger tanker class that would require dredging of the Second Narrows by Port Metro Vancouver.

Groups opposed to the pipeline expansion also intend to watch the initial set of hearings to see if public access is curtailed as a result of the approval process streamlining passed by the federal government in Bill C-38.

?

Long-term deals

Firms that have signed on to 20-year supply contracts through the expanded Trans Mountain pipeline include:

• BP Canada Energy Trading Company
• Canadian Oil Sands Limited
• Cenovus Energy Inc.
• Devon Canada Corporation
• Husky Energy Marketing Inc.
• Imperial Oil Limited
• Nexen Marketing Inc.
• Statoil Canada Ltd.
• Tesoro Canada Supply & Distribution Ltd.

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Source: http://www.oakbaynews.com/news/160893865.html

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Old Blue ? Antique Ford Collector Truck Postcards | Just Sold on ...

A bold blue colored vintage Ford pickup truck, on display at a classic car show. Beautifully restored to its full glory, with its lovely large fenders polished to a mirrow finish. Fordomatic V8 emblems on the grille. This would make the perfect gift for the antique car show buff, auto mechanic etc. Personalize any item with your own text.

product tags: antique, ford, truck, pickup, pick, classic, vintage, vehicle, auto, automotive, automobile, drive, classic truck, postcards,

This entry was posted in postcards and tagged antique, auto, automobile, automotive, classic, classic truck, drive, ford, pick, pickup, postcards, truck, vehicle, vintage by admin. Bookmark the permalink.

Source: http://justsoldonzazzle.com/old-blue-antique-ford-collector-truck-postcards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=old-blue-antique-ford-collector-truck-postcards

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MovieCityNews: Review: To Rome with Love: Warning: Minor spoilers contained herein. But really, it doesn?t matter. Like many of... http://t.co/6AeifEWr

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Source: http://twitter.com/MovieCityNews/statuses/218931406464749568

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Japan, SKorea sign 1st military pact since WWII

TOKYO -- Japan and South Korea on Friday agreed to share intelligence in their first joint military pact since World War II.

The agreement is seen as a breakthrough in ties between two neighbors with a difficult history. Japan ruled Korea as a colony for several decades until the end of World War II in 1945, and Seoul has often been wary of Japan's postwar military development, but the nations have many shared concerns, particularly North Korea and China.

The pact establishes a framework for sharing intelligence in such areas as missile defense, North Korea's nuclear weapons program, Chinese military operations and other regional security matters.

It was previously approved by South Korea, and Japan's Cabinet gave its final approval Friday ahead of a formal signing ceremony.

"Considering the security situation in east Asia, it is very significant for us to create the foundations for sharing information," said Japan's foreign minister, Koichiro Genba. "I think this is a very historic event."

The pact reflects deepening mutual concerns that more cooperation is needed to enhance security readiness.

The two countries are increasingly concerned by potential threats from North Korea, which is developing its long-range missile and nuclear weapons capabilities. They are also closely watching the rise of China's military.

North Korea heightened regional tensions in April with the launch of a rocket that was widely criticized as a test of long-range missile technology. The launch was of particular concern to Seoul and Tokyo because they are within reach of the North's missile arsenal.

Such fears spurred the government efforts to cooperate more closely on intelligence sharing, though the pact remains controversial among some in South Korea.

"An accord for military-information protection with Japan is necessary given the ever-growing threat from the North," South Korea's JoongAng Daily newspaper said in an editorial. "The more quality information we have about the North, the better our security."

But critics say the government in Seoul, fearing a backlash from opponents who don't trust Japan, pushed the pact through without allowing enough public debate.

Along with bitter memories from Japan's often brutal colonial rule of Korea, the two countries remain at odds over a territorial dispute that has marred their relations.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/28/2873592/japan-skorea-sign-1st-military.html

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MS On{X} for Android - Automate Tasks using Javascript

So for us Androids, here's a platform where you can automate some of life's tasks using Javascript.

There are some 'recipes' (aka rules) that you can upload to your phone, but if you know how to code, this could be a fun tool. It's Open Source by the way.

1. you need a facebook account (I had to create a fake one just for this)
2. install the On{x} app onto your phone/tablet
3. manage the rules on your computer and upload to your phone from the site

https://www.onx.ms/#recipesPage

I'm going to see how this works for the next little while....

Please feel free to share your JS code, rules and description here.

Source: http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?214323-MS-On-X-for-Android-Automate-Tasks-using-Javascript&goto=newpost

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Fort Hood shooting suspect trial won't be delayed

This undated photo provided by the Bell County Sheriff's Department via The Temple Daily Telegram shows Nidal Hasan. A military judge was to decide Friday, June 29, 2012 whether to further delay the trial Hasan, an the Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly 2009 Fort Hood shootings. (AP Photo/Bell County Sheriff's Department via The Temple Daily Telegram)

This undated photo provided by the Bell County Sheriff's Department via The Temple Daily Telegram shows Nidal Hasan. A military judge was to decide Friday, June 29, 2012 whether to further delay the trial Hasan, an the Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly 2009 Fort Hood shootings. (AP Photo/Bell County Sheriff's Department via The Temple Daily Telegram)

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) ? A military judge ruled Friday against delaying the trial of the Fort Hood shooting suspect, an Army psychiatrist who remains banned from the courtroom because his beard violates Army regulations.

Maj. Nidal Hasan's trial will proceed as scheduled, beginning on Aug. 20. Defense attorneys wanted the trial moved to December, saying they needed more time to prepare.

But the judge, Col. Gregory Gross, said the defense already had plenty of time. Prosecutors had indicated they were ready for trial last fall, but the court-martial was set for March and postponed first to June and then August ? all at the request of the defense team.

Hasan faces the death penalty if convicted of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder in the 2009 attack on the Texas Army post.

Gross said Friday that top Army officials had rejected Hasan's request for a religious exemption ? due to his Islamic faith ? to the rule banning beards. An appeals court also denied a defense request to overturn the judge's decision last week to bar Hasan from the courtroom unless he shaves.

Hasan watched Friday's hearing from a closed-circuit television in a nearby room, as he did during last week's hearing.

"I could have him held down and have someone shave him, but I'm not prepared to do that at this time," Gross said.

Gross also denied a defense request to step down as the trial judge, disputing allegations that he was biased against Hasan.

Lead defense attorney Lt. Col. Kris Poppe said the judge had asked defense attorneys to clean up a court restroom after Gross found a medical waste bag, adult diaper and what appeared to be feces on the floor after a hearing earlier this month.

Hasan, who is paralyzed from the waist down after being shot by police the day of the rampage, has to wear adult diapers ? but the mess in the restroom that day was mud from a guard's boots, Poppe said.

Poppe also said that Hasan often gets cold because of his paralysis and had been allowed to wear a knit cap in court. But when Hasan showed up with a beard June 8, the judge ordered the cap removed because defense attorneys didn't have a doctor's note specifying why Hasan needed it, Poppe said.

Gross said that he always makes sure his courtroom and nearby areas are tidy and has the right to ask those responsible for messes to clean them. He said he has accommodated the defense team regarding scheduling and requests.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-06-29-Fort%20Hood%20Shooting/id-c9763e95dd2248f5ac59a7eb9b1817ca

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AP sources: Some at Gitmo could go to Afghanistan

FILE - In this May 25, 2012 file photo, Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks, in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Obama administration is considering a new gambit to restart peace talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The plan to send several Taliban detainees from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to a prison in Afghanistan, could boost the credibility of Afghan President Hamid Karzai as he and U.S. officials try to draw the Taliban back to peace negotiations. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

FILE - In this May 25, 2012 file photo, Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks, in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Obama administration is considering a new gambit to restart peace talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The plan to send several Taliban detainees from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to a prison in Afghanistan, could boost the credibility of Afghan President Hamid Karzai as he and U.S. officials try to draw the Taliban back to peace negotiations. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Obama administration is considering a new gambit to restart peace talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan that would send several Taliban detainees from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to a prison in Afghanistan, U.S. and Afghan officials told The Associated Press.

Under the proposal, some Taliban fighters or affiliates captured in the early days of the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and later sent to Guantanamo under the label of enemy combatants would be transferred out of full U.S. control but not released. It's a leap of faith on the U.S. side that the men will not become threats to U.S. forces once back on Afghan soil. But it is meant to show more moderate elements of the Taliban insurgency that the U.S. is still interested in cutting a deal for peace.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and others have said that while negotiations with the Taliban are distasteful, they are the best way to settle the prolonged war.

The new compromise is intended to boost the credibility of the U.S.-backed Afghan government. President Hamid Karzai and U.S. officials are trying to draw the Taliban back to negotiations toward a peace deal between the national Afghan government and the Pashtun-based insurgency that would end a war U.S. commanders have said cannot be won with military power alone.

The Taliban have always been indifferent at best to negotiations with the Karzai government, saying the U.S. holds effective control in Afghanistan. The Obama administration has set a 2014 deadline to withdraw forces and is trying to frame talks among the Afghans beforehand.

Under the new proposal, Guantanamo prisoners would go to a detention facility adjacent to Bagram air field, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, officials of both governments said. The prison is inside the security perimeter established by the U.S. military, and is effectively under U.S. control for now. It is scheduled for transfer to full Afghan control in September.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta would have to sign off on the transfer and certify that the men did not pose a danger. He would not confirm details of the new proposal at a Pentagon news conference Friday, but he said discussions continue to try to promote a peace deal.

"There are no specific commitments that have been made with regard to prisoner exchanges at this point," he said. "One thing I will assure you is that any prisoner exchanges that I have to certify are going to abide by the law and require that those individuals do not return back into the battle."

Any such transfer is unlikely to include the five most senior Taliban figures held at Guantanamo, the subjects of separate negotiations with the Taliban that have stalled, a senior U.S. official said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the transfer is still under discussion and no offer has been made.

Afghan officials and other diplomats said it is not yet clear whether the new proposal could include those five, but said it has not been ruled out. Republicans in Congress bitterly opposed the plan to send those men to house arrest in Qatar, a Persian Gulf nation that has emerged as a key broker with the Muslim Taliban. The opponents feared the men would be set free and endanger the U.S.

The latest proposal was a topic of recent discussions in Washington with members of Karzai's peace committee, a group of elders charged with reaching out to the Taliban on the government's behalf.

"The possibility is strong," for a transfer to Afghanistan that includes the five top figures, said Ismail Qasemyar, international relations adviser for the Afghan High Peace Council.

Afghans involved in the discussions were still angling to get all 17 prisoners, including the five most senior men, released or transferred. The Taliban has demanded release of all the Guantanamo detainees as a condition for talks.

The Taliban abandoned direct talks in March, accusing the U.S. of reneging on several promises. The United States considers the talks suspended, not dead. The U.S. and the Afghan government are pursuing several new avenues to restart talks, including the use of proxy emissaries to the Taliban, diplomats said.

Karzai has long sought the return of all 17 Afghans imprisoned at Guantanamo, men he sometimes calls brothers, as a point of national pride. He has argued that their imprisonment at the detested Guantanamo prison undermines his credibility as a national leader, and that Afghanistan's own institutions should deal with captured insurgents.

The U.S. has said publicly that, in regards to the five senior Taliban, they would be transferred to another country's control, not released. But terms for the proposed transfer to Qatar were fairly loose. Officials briefed on the discussions said the men would have to agree not to return to fighting, forswear any ties to al-Qaida, and submit to a ban on their travel. Beyond that it was not clear how closely they would be controlled by the Qatar government.

The Taliban would have been asked to release Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the only U.S. prisoner of war from the Afghan conflict.

Qatar recently sent a letter to U.S. officials with proposals to rekindle talks, a U.S. official said, but it was not clear whether the new proposal for transfer to Afghanistan was among them.

The latest Bagram proposal would appeal to the Taliban, Qasemyar said.

"The High Peace Council could use that opportunity as a goodwill gesture," he said in an interview.

Qasemyar said that the proposal may have benefits for the U.S. beyond boosting his organization's bargaining power with the Taliban.

"What I gathered from what I heard in Washington is the U.S. government was afraid that if they released a prisoner and he went back to fighting," the Obama administration "would lose faith before the Congress or before the people of the United States," he said.

A way around that concern, Qasemyar said, is "to send them to the Afghan government. Then that responsibility would be shifted to our side."

Karzai supports the new proposal, Qasemyar said, despite some concern in the Afghan government that the five could become a rallying point for ethnic tension in Afghanistan.

Mullah Norullah Nori, for example, could be a problem for Karzai. He was a senior Taliban commander in Mazar-e-Sharif when the Taliban fought U.S. forces in late 2001. He previously was a Taliban governor in two provinces in Northern Afghanistan, where he has been accused of ordering the massacre of thousands of Shiite Muslims.

___

Riechmann reported from Kabul, Afghanistan. Associated Press writers Heidi Vogt in Kabul and Lolita C. Baldor and Robert Burns in Washington contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-06-29-US-Afghanistan-Taliban/id-4bf2d78bee52445a93bb660ff2d8c304

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New Homeowner? Tips That Will Save You A Bundle | Just What Are ...

Before doing any work on electrical outlets, lighting, or any other item that is connected to your home?s electricity, be sure that the power circuit is turned off to the area you will be working on. Touching live wires without having disconnected the power supply can cause electrocution and even death.

You can make your own window screen if you are having a hard time finding the right size. Frame kits allow you to cut the frame to any size, and the screen can be attached using an inexpensive too and cording. Although some windows may use special screens, they can still use an external screen thanks to adapters.

It?s not a bad idea at all to pause before committing to a home improvement job and consider it from a financial aspect. You should think about doing the things that you will get more value from if you are doing home improvements. Different home improvement projects can have vastly different ratios between benefit and cost. Do your research about the improvements with the highest return.

Prior to doing any interior painting, take a damp cloth and wipe away dirt and dust from the wall surfaces. This allows the paint to adhere to the wall and might even spare you the hassle of applying an additional coat of paint or frequent touch-ups.

When planning a landscaping project, you should take the style of your home into consideration. For example, the addition of a garden, stone walkway or patio that clashes with the design of your home looks as if it was haphazardly thrown together, while one that is well planned and complementary to your home gives your property a put-together look.

Painting your walls will give your house a refreshing atmosphere without spending a lot of money. You can see a wide selection of paint colors at most hardware stores. Select colors that you find fun and exciting! If it ends up being an eyesore, it is easy to paint over it.

If you are planning major renovations around the home, consider hiring a professional to assist you in planning. You risk some serious design and structural errors if you or a friend don?t understand some basic principles. Someone who professionally designs will do it the right way and you will avoid any disaster.

These days, you need to keep an eye out for certain things when you?re performing a home improvement project. Never utilize sheet rock or wall board that was made in China. China exports a great abundance of drywall to the US and has been since 2005. Much of it suffers from unacceptable quality control. There have been extreme situations in which the drywall has released harmful gases that have a drastic, negative impact on wiring in walls.

When you are painting, remember to put down plastic to protect the floors. If you don?t, you will have quite a mess on your wood floors or carpeting. A cheap way that this can be done is to employ the use of newspapers. If you don?t have enough newspaper lying around, sheet plastic is really affordable, and paint cloths can be reused again and again.

Is your home drafty? On the market these days are quite a few products that actually use air as an insulator. That?s right, air! Think of it in the same way that you can insulate a package using bubble wrap. Plastic cushions are filled with air and these cushions are then used within the ceilings and walls. This can save quite a bit of money over traditional insulation options.

Research is key when it comes to home improvement, remember this and you are on the right track. Doing some research is the best way to make sure you are prepared for your home improvement project. Follow the advice given to you in this article to successfully make repairs on your home.

Richie Vee, the site?s editor, is the Chief Engineer of one of the largest Platinum LEED buildings in NYC. His extensive engineering experience helps guide consumers through home improvement projects for the average homeowner. Using home solar energy and roofing repair ideas to save them money.

Source: http://www.best-replacement-window.com/new-homeowner-tips-that-will-save-you-a-bundle/

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Sovereign rating downgrade to hurt India Inc and Banks: RBI

MUMBAI: Dollar-borrowing costs for Indian companies and banks could soar, straining their already-fragile finances, if rating companies downgrade India's sovereign rating that is just a notch above junk.

"A rating change could have some 'cliff effects'," the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its Fifth Financial Stability Report, referring to the consequences of a possible rating cut. "This could affect both availability and cost of foreign currency credit lines for Indian corporates further. The impact is also being felt by Indian banks as they are the primary source of foreign currency-denominated funding for Indian firms like buyer's credit."

Standard & Poor's has said India could be the first among the so-called BRIC nations to get downgraded to junk status and become a 'fallen angel' if it does not set its fiscal house in order. Fitch and Moody's have also expressed their concerns about deteriorating macroeconomic fundamentals.

The worsening economic climate could bloat the banking sector's bad loans, though available capital buffers could help them withstand a shock, the RBI said. Bad loans may rise to 4.6% of total loans in March 2013 in the most severe risk scenario, up from 2.9% at the end of March 2012. Under normal scenario, it could range between 3.3% and 3.5%.

Banks' increasing reliance on mutual funds and insurance companies for funds is an indication of rising risk in the system, which could amplify the instability of the financial system during times of stress, the half-yearly report said. "Banks with higher credit deposit ratio are running short of resources," said JP Dua, chairman and managing director of Allahabad Bank.

"Sectors like steel, realty and infrastructure are the most vulnerable now as the economy's growth is slowing.

Credit risk can be higher in these sectors, but it all depends on how one manages the portfolio. There are banks with high exposure to the infrastructure sector, but without any issues over asset quality."

The central bank also called for an overhaul of regulations across the financial spectrum consisting of banks, insurance companies and mutual funds since trouble for one could spell trouble for the entire system.

"A complete macro-mapping of all kinds of credit intermediation activities would be warranted in the light of international reforms in this area," the report said. "There are concerns posed by the degree of interconnectedness of these entities with the banking system, which could pose credit and liquidity risks. The disproportionate slowdown in deposit growth vis-a-vis credit growth led to increased reliance of banks on borrowed funds, which may translate into liquidity risks."

Credit risk will remain a bigger worry for banks than interest rate risk as bad loans grew nearly three times faster than credit in the last fiscal, it said. Bad loans have to be monitored closely since a combination of declared bad loans and restructured loans provides an ugly picture, given that 15% of the latter category of loans may also turn bad. "The muted economic backdrop and global headwinds could lead to further deterioration in asset quality," the report said. "The position is not alarming at the current juncture and some comfort is provided by the strong capital adequacy of banks, which ensures that the banking system remains resilient."

In the past year, the potential loss to banks' capital from the failure of the 'most connected' banks has risen to 16% of the total capital, from 12% in March 2011, the report said. The rising short-term borrowings of banks at 27% of the total and the sector's reliance on mutual funds and insurance worry the RBI.

Source: http://economictimes.feedsportal.com/fy/8av2Fvy0bGmos2eX/story01.htm

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Prestancia Real Estate available for sale ? Palmer Farm, Sarasota ...

Prestancia is one of the largest communities inside mixed-development properties from the 10,000-acre Palmer Rnch in Fl, Florida. This community consists of 565 acres along with consists of 18 neighborhoods in varying residence styles.

A directory of Prestancia real estate available for sale can be an considerable collection of apartment units, holiday villas, and one family homes built in the actual refreshing edges of 2 fabulous golf courses. The starting up price of a One,560-square-foot condo here can be round the low $200s. Any spacious one family home in Spanish Med architecture amongst options in Prestancia can be pricing $1.3 zillion for its virtually 5,Thousand square feet regarding floor region.

Residents regarding Prestancia have access to an elegant, 35,000-square-foot club with many enchanting amenities. Of these are newly renovated food rooms and personal meeting bedrooms equipped with flat screen TVs along with Wi-Fi access. The united states club boasts a mutual agreement featuring its neighboring Serendipity Racquet Club regarding access liberties to 19 Har-Tru tennis courts, a pool, and health club.

Memorable rounds can be played out at Prestancia?s Stadium and Team course, 2 championship templates with difficult greens along with fairways. A 95,000-square foot region for playing golf practice enhances these classes hailed since the best in southwest Florida by the magazine Florida Golf player.

The YMCA with Potter Recreation area located in the limits of Palmer Rnch offers even more sports, adventure, and health and fitness facilities say for example a rock climbing walls, a water park, an aquatics center, and a completely equipped health club. Legacy Path, a 10-mile walk/bike observe, further offers a boost towards the active way of life in Prestancia about Palmer Ranch.

Locations for searching, dining, along with entertainment can also be accessible regarding Prestancia residents due to ideal place of the Palmer Rnch development. The actual Sarasota Rectangular Mall, for instance, is just on the periphery of its communities, along with 3 large Publix supermarkets.

Interstate Seventy-five, Clark Road, along with US Forty one, the major streets around Palmer Rnch, likewise make it possible for fast along with convenient use of downtown Fl which is proud of many martial arts and national activities. Siesta Crucial and its famous white sand seashores are also only 10 minutes absent; thanks to the perfect location of the real estate improvement.

As with most Fl real estate, Prestancia properties are near the excellent universities in the surrounding area. These A-rated universities include Ashley Elementary, Riverview High School, and Fl Middle School. If you love golf along with warm California weather, you might be certainly gonna love surviving in Prestancia.

Anthony Rodr?guez have been a experienced coach in over 15 years & has writing awesome ideas with wood ranch ca real estate in part with his affiliation with New Ideas Group ,a new innovative team for creative persons. Find out about his website to find out about his wood ranch rentals tips over the years.

Source: http://www.yossifadhliworld.com/prestancia-real-estate-available-for-sale-palmer-farm-sarasota-fl/

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Relig Twitter Response to Health Care Decision

As NAACP President Ben Jealous?told?the?Times last week, ?it?s become clear that, just as Bayard Rustin admonished us all, that we would either stand together or die apart.?

"Who?admonished us?? readers must have asked. Bayard Rustin?s role as advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and as organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (where King delivered his ?I Have a Dream? speech) should have assured his place in American social and political history.?But Rustin has long been denied his proper place?largely because he was an openly gay man.

Source: http://www.religiondispatches.org/wire/6137/relig_twitter_response_to_health_care_decision/

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Estate Planning | YodZiaN.CoM - Finance and Loan Information

Estate planning can enable you to control your property while you are alive, take care of you and your loved ones if you become disabled, and give what you have to whom you want, the way you want, and when you want, and if you wish, you can save every last tax dollar, professional fee, and court cost possible.

Estate planners frequently begin the estate planning process by analyzing clients? personal and financial dreams, aspirations, fears and objectives. The financial side of this analysis usually begins with the following question: ?What do you own and how do you own it?? More often than not clients say ?I know what I own, but I do not know how I own it.? The way that you own your property will greatly effect your estate plan.

There are three frequently used forms of ownership of property: ?fee simple,? ?tenancy in common,? and ?joint tenancy with right of survivorship.?

Fee simple ownership means that you own property by yourself as the sole and absolute owner. You can give it away, sell it, or keep it and control who will inherit it upon your death.

Tenancy in common means that you own property with at least one other person. You do not own the entire asset. Let us assume that you and a friend own a 100-page book and that you own it as tenants in common. Each of you owns 50 percent of the book; that is, each of you owns fifty pages. Each of you could give your fifty pages to anyone you like while you are each alive. Each of you can leave your fifty pages to anyone at your death. In short, each of you is the absolute owner of each of your respective shares of the book. There is no limit to the number of tenants who can own something with others in tenants in common. Commonly two, three, or four people purchase property together, with each owning one-half, one-third, or one-quarter of the property.

Joint tenants with right of survivorship is a very commonly used method of owning property. This form of ownership is commonly used but greatly misunderstood by the public. Let us assume again that you and a friend own a 100-page book. This time you own the book as joint tenants with right of survivorship. Unlike tenants in common where you each own 50 percent of the book, in joint tenants with right of survivorship you each own 100 percent of the book. Each of you owns the entire book. There is no limit to the number of tenants who can own something with others as joint tenants with right of survivorship. While you are alive, you can sell or give your part away. Such actions would change the nature of ownership of the property between the purchaser/recipient of the gift and the remaining tenants.
The survivorship feature means that as each individual joint tenant dies, the deceased person?s interest is automatically distributed by operation of law to the remaining joint tenants. This is what might be called the ?winner takes all? game.

Let us assume that four people own a beach house as joint tenants with right of survivorship. As long as more than one of them is alive, none of their wills or trusts will control the disposition of the beach house. If one of them outlives all of the others, she could distribute the house to whomever she wants at her death and totally exclude the others? families and loved ones.

Tenants by the entirety is a special form of joint ownership that works the same as joint tenancy with right of survivorship. It is used in some states by a husband and wife to own real estate. For our purposes, think of this form of ownership as a special form of joint tenancy for a married couple. The married couple is viewed as one person.

In summary, if you own property in fee simple you own it all, you can give it away, sell it or leave it to your chosen beneficiaries upon your death. If you own property in tenants in common you own part of it, you can give your part away, you can sell your part, and leave your part on death. If you own property in joint tenancy you own all of it with someone else, you can give your interest away, you can sell your interest but you cannot leave your interest on death.

How do you own your property? Why do you own it the way that you own it? It is very likely that decisions regarding the form of ownership of your property were made by well intentioned others. Did the settlement attorney ask how you want to own your home? Did your real estate agent ask you this question? If he or she did, is your home titled the way you requested? When you went to the bank to open a checking account, did your banker discuss the various forms of ownership with you? When you opened your brokerage account, did your advisor discuss the importance and ramifications of account title? Chances are your settlement attorney, banker, and financial advisor titled your assets in joint tenancy with right of survivorship if your are married and in your sole name if you are single, widowed, or divorced.

Make sure you know what you own and how you own it. Do your estate planning documents control your property? Make certain that what you own, how you own it, and your estate plan are consistent with your specific planning dreams and aspirations.

Neda Dabestani-Ryba is a licensed Realtor in Maryland. She is a member of the President?s Circle of Top Real Estate Professionals. She can be reached at (800) 536-3806 or visit her website for more information: http://neda.dabestani.pcragent.com/
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Written By : Neda Dabestani-Ryba

Source: http://www.yodzian.com/html/content/estate-planning/

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Opinion: Is there a 'grass-ceiling' for female leaders in Australian ...

Females may represent 50 per cent of Australia?s population, but a report this week?from Women on Boards found that Australia?s national sport organisation boards have a long way to go to reach gender balance in the boardroom.

?Participation rates for males and females in sport and recreation on-field is surprisingly equal, with the most recent ABS data showing that in 2009-10, 26% of the population aged 15 years and over had participated in some organised sport or physical recreation.

The participation rate was similar for men (28%) and women (24%). There were also similar proportions of men and women participating in some non-organised physical activity (52% for both). Although the professional male sports (i.e., the?football codes and cricket) may dominate the media sport coverage, these statistics show that participation in organised sport for the general public is largely equal between the genders.

What is not equal, and is not surprising to many of us working in the Australian sport industry, is that women are more rarely found in the senior roles of sport management and sport governance. A recent survey undertaken by the Australian Sports Commission, and reported this week by?Women on Boards of Australia?s National Sporting Organisations,?found:

• 23.4% of all directorships are held by women
• 17% of NSOs do not have a woman on their board
• 44% of NSOs have 25 per cent or more of directorships held by women

The Women on Boards report noted that as of the start of?2012 there were 470 directors on 64 funded national sporting organisations of which 110 or 23.4 per cent were women. This represented only a 0.6 per cent increase from 22.7 per cent a year earlier.

On a more disappointing note, of those women who have reached senior leadership roles, only11 per cent of Presidents and 19 per cent of CEOs were female in 2012, down from 19 per cent of Presidents and 22 per cent CEOs in 2011.

So which NSOs are well-represented by female board members? The Women on Boards study identified the following 13 NSOs with a minimum of 40% female directors: Netball Australia (100.0%), Australian Athletes with a Disability (80.0%), Skate Australia Inc (66.7%), AUSRAPID (62.5%), Australian International Shooting Limited (60.0%), Ice Racing (50.0%), Pony Club Australia (50.0%), Special Olympics Australia (45.5%), Australian Lacrosse Association Ltd (42.9%), Badminton Australia (42.9%), Riding for the Disabled Australia (42.9%), Softball Australia Ltd (42.9%), BMX Australia (40.0%).

The predominance of traditionally female sports and disability sport organisations is immediately apparent from this list, and with the exception of Netball Australia, there are no high-profile sport leagues represented.

Female representation at board and CEO level has historically been found in the traditional female sports. Anecdotally, as this is an under-researched area, female leaders are also more commonly found in those sport organisations that have a lower-profile or community focus, as evidenced by the proportion of disability sport organisations identified earlier.? In a similar vein, the 2004 Australian Golf Club survey also found that the lower-fee (i.e., less exclusive and prestigious) golf clubs had higher female board member representation.

?Want to be a female leader in the sport industry? It appears your best bet may well be a traditional female sport with a low profile and small budget!

As well as listing those NSOs that were well represented by female leaders at board level, the Women on Board report also identified those without any female board members: Australian Fencing Federation, Australian Karate Federation, Australian Rugby Union, Blind Sports Australia, Bocce Federation of Australia, Cricket Australia, Judo Federation of Australia, Motorcycling Australia, Rugby League ? Australian Rugby League, Rugby League ? Australian Rugby League Development, Tenpin Bowling Australia. It is not surprising to see a number of high?profile sports?represented here, and that includes?the most traditional of all, the gentleman?s game of cricket.

In parallel with the call for gender equity on boards of listed companies and government authorities, the call for greater diversity on sport boards is being answered. In slow, but sure, steps, a number of sport clubs, leagues and governing bodies have begun to address this imbalance. Organisations such as the Australian Football League have led the way with female appointments to the Commission and elected female club directors. More recently female directors have been both appointed and directly elected to the Cricket Victoria board. As the cohort of experienced female sport administrators grows, so too will their appointment to the governance of sport.

Australian Rugby League also took a major step forward in January, after these figures were determined, by appointing millionaire businesswoman Catherine Harris as a commissioner under their new governance structure.

Although 2011 saw only a small increase in female board representation within NSOs, the future does not look bleak for female sport leaders. Under the direction and guidance of the Australian Sports Commission, many of these sports are moving towards more independent and diverse boards, which increases the opportunity for appointment of appropriately skilled and experienced female directors.

?Image: Basketball Australia CEO Kristina Keneally, by The Australian

Source: http://sportbizinsider.com.au/news/category/financial-and-governance/opinion-is-there-a-grass-ceiling-for-female-leaders-in-australian-sport/

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AMD Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition

Play-Doh, Silly Putty, or the title of ?the fastest video card in the world??which is the most malleable? AMD, not willing to cede the last to Nvidia for a whole generation in the wake of its release of the GeForce GTX 680 earlier this spring, has now released its Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition ($499 list). As its name suggests, this video card is a direct revision of the regular Radeon HD 7970 the company released six months ago, albeit with a clock speed upgrade.? And, yes, it?s enough to nudge AMD?s former flagship card back into the top spot?at least until (presumably) AMD supplants it with a new 8000-series card in several months? time. So, yes, if you?re looking for the best-performing single-GPU video card you can get right now, this is it.? But it?s neither a perfect product nor a perfect value.

Because there are so few differences between the original 7970 (which will remain available; many versions can be found for about $450) and this new GHz Edition, we?re not going to cover all the same ground again that we did half a year ago?check out that review if you want the basic rundown of everything this particular GPU offers.? Instead, we?re just going to focus on the changes.

First and foremost is, of course, the new 1GHz clock rate.? AMD?s previous cards with the GHz Edition moniker, the Radeon HD 7770 and 7870, used the speed to compensate for fewer stream processors, something the 7970 didn?t need help with (the 2,048 stream processor complement, like many other things, has stayed the same). So the new card?s bump (from 925MHz), though nice, is not an Earth-shattering event.

That is, however, not the only speed improvement.? AMD has augmented this card?s Power Tune technology with a new trait called Boost, which (like similarly named features on previously released AMD and Intel CPUs, and Nvidia video cards) dynamically increases the clock speed still further assuming you have the electrical and thermal headroom to accommodate the uptick.? The key Boost speed here is 1,050MHz; enterprising board partners or private overclockers who devise better cooling solutions can doubtlessly push up the number still further, but this puts a bit of extra free (and no-stress) performance in everyone?s hands.

Memory, too, has received some changes.? Not in the amount?this GHz Edition features the 7970?s same 3GB of GDDR5?but in the speed: The previous card settled for 1,350MHz, and this one goes for 1,500MHz.? This gives the GHz Edition a solid 6Gbps data rate over a 384-bit memory bus?about the same speed Nvidia has boasted in its own newest 600-series cards.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/8yEhBUA9Jg0/0,2817,2406351,00.asp

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So You Think You Can Dance Top 20: Revealed!

Did your favorite make the cut?

So You Think You Can Dance whittled its Season 9 contestants down to the top 20 last night, preparing viewers for the show's first live performance episode on Wednesday, July 11.

Here is a look at the top 10 females:

Alexa Anderson
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Age: 19
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

Lindsay Arnold
Hometown: Provo, UT
Age: 18
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom

Witney Carson
Hometown: American Fork, UT
Age: 18
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom

Audrey Case
Hometown: Edmond, OK
Age: 18
Dance Specialty: Jazz

Janaya French
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Age: 20
Dance Specialty: Lyrical Contemporary

Eliana Girard
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Age: 21
Dance Specialty: Contemporary Ballet

Amber Jackson
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Age: 21
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

Janelle Issis
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Age: 24
Dance Specialty: Belly Dancing

Amelia Lowe
Hometown: Butler, NJ
Age: 18
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

Tiffany Maher
Hometown: Plantation, FL
Age: 19
Dance Specialty: Jazz

And the top 10 males...

Daniel Baker
Hometown: Newcastle, Australia
Age: 24
Dance Specialty: Balle

Nick Bloxsom-Carter
Hometown: Oak Park, CA
Age: 20
Dance Specialty: Ballroom

Cole Horibe
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Age: 26
Dance Specialty: Martial Arts Fusion

Matthew Kazmierczak
Hometown: Peoria, AZ
Age: 21
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

Dareian Kujawa
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Age: 20
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

George Lawrence II
Hometown: Decatur, GA
Age: 19
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

Brandon Mitchell
Hometown: Kansas City, KS
Age: 27
Dance Specialty: Stepping

Cyrus Spencer
Hometown: Duluth, GA
Age: 22
Dance Specialty: Animation/Robotics

Will Thomas
Hometown: Troy, MI
Age: 19
Dance Specialty: Contemporary

Chehon Wespi-Tschopp
Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland
Age: 23
Dance Specialty: Ballet

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/06/so-you-think-you-can-dance-top-20-revealed/

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June Supplier News Update | Voyager Travel Blog

qantas news

new QF A380R debuted

Qantas has introduced the first of its 12 newly reconfigured A380s. The reconfiguration process will see the superjumbo modified to better suit long haul customer demand featuring 14 First suites, 64 Skybeds, 35 Premium Economy seats and 371 Economy seats ? a total of 484 seats. Additional capacity was made by reducing the Business cabin and reshuffling some interiors. All 12 of Qantas?s A380s are scheduled to be reconfigured by Apr 2013.

See the seating chart for revamped Qantas A380s here.

qantas surfs the net sky high

Qantas has been trialling OnAir Internet connectivity on selected A380 flights between Australia and the USA, as it evaluates its deployment across its fleet on an ongoing basis.

The trial launched in March, initially for an eight week period, but has now been extended, with Qantas continuing to invite feedback on the product from business and first class passengers. Six A380s have the system, and Qantas is the first carrier to offer connectivity on direct flights between Australia and the USA.? The connection is provided using global Inmarsat satellite based connections, and becomes live as soon as the aircraft leaves Australian airspace. Under the current trial, the system is free for First class passengers, while there is a sliding scale of costs in Business class depending on downloads and device type.

qantas expands upgrade options

Qantas says its new ?at the gate? upgrade functionality has been introduced following extensive feedback from Frequent Flyers who have been frustrated when their Flight Upgrade Award requests using points are denied, yet they see empty seats available when boarding. ?To increase the members? chances of obtaining an upgrade we have introduced an additional process where an upgrade request can be further processed at the airport prior to departure,? a spokesperson said. She said that members will still continue to receive notification of an upgrade confirmation prior to arriving at the airport, but there is now an additional opportunity to be advised at check-in. The carrier began trialling the new system this month on selected routes, with the aim of rolling it out across the entire international network by the end of July.

dry-cleaning by QF

Qantas has announced it now offers dry-cleaning services at its Sydney & Melbourne domestic terminals as part of its Qantas Valet experience. The service is also available to QantasLink and Jetstar passengers, along with valet parking, car cleaning and chauffeur limousine transfers.
Customers drop dry-cleaning off at a dedicated counter when they leave their car and collect it upon their return, with customers receiving a free garment bag to use each time as well as three frequent-flyer points per $1 spent.

changes to qantas group services

Effective 23 August the number of flights between Sydney and Cairns will reduce from three daily services to two daily return services.

The following flights will cease operations:
QF932 ? Sydney to Cairns
QF921 ? Cairns to Sydney

Qantas will also reduce services between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Perth from four return services per week to two return services per week effective 1 September.? This service will then be suspended from 28 October 2012.

Qantas will reduce services between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Cairns from 14 return services per week to seven return services per week effective 1 September 2012.

Qantas has made these changes due to a decline in demand on the impacted services.

Qantas will re-accommodate all Qantas customers booked on cancelled flights including those customers travelling on Qantas Frequent Flyer Award tickets. If you have any questions please contact your dedicated consultant.

Meanwhile, Qantas Group has announced plans to increase capacity on east coast routes by up to 25,800 seats per week during 2012/13. A range of changes, including aircraft upgrades and additional frequencies will be made.
- Qantas will add extra services during peak times on core east coast business routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- The reintroduction of Boeing 747 services on the Sydney-Perth route and more Airbus A330 services on the Melbourne-Perth route will increase capacity in the east-west market and give more customers access to the award-winning Skybed product in business class.
- Jetstar will increase capacity in its key leisure markets.
- QantasLink will increase capacity across Queensland with the introduction of F100 jet services between Brisbane and Emerald, complementing Q400 services and providing cascaded growth in key regional markets.

The introduction of these services in 2012/13 will result in an increase of more than 496,000 additional Jetstar seats and 400,000 Qantas seats per year along the east coast.

qantas business class baggage allowance increased

Qantas have advised travel agents of an increased luggage allowance for domestic business class travellers, with the move effective from 02 May. The checked baggage allowance for travel in?? business on QF domestic flights will increase from one 32kg piece to two 32kg pieces.

new singapore changi lounge

By the end of 2012, First customers of Qantas and British Airways travelling to London via Singapore will be able to enjoy a new lounge in Singapore. Designed by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson, the new First Lounge aims to deliver unsurpassed levels of comfort and luxury, building on the success of the Sydney and Melbourne lounges.

In the meantime Qantas are making a change to their current Singapore lounges.? The current Business Lounge has been temporarily switched to a First Lounge for access by Qantas, British Airways and oneworld customers travelling in First and Business, Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers, British Airways Gold Executive members and oneworld Emerald members.
The current First Lounge has been temporarily switched to a Business Lounge for access by Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers, British Airways Silver Executive Club members, Qantas Club members and oneworld Sapphire members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy and Jetstar customers travelling on a Business Max fare.

virgin news

virgin tasman meals

Virgin Australia has announced changes to meals offered along with its trans-Tasman Flexi Fares. Effective immediately, guests travelling on Flexi Fares will now receive a new hot meal in addition to complimentary beer, wine and other beverages, while those in Premium Economy will also receive the new meal plus complimentary menu selections.

changes to virgin services

On the 28 May Virgin Australia added two additional daily flights between Brisbane and Gladstone from, increasing? frequency to 58 per week. The services utilise the ATR turboprop fleet which now operates over 200 weekly flights within Qld, NSW and the ACT.

For the first time in 11 years, the north-west region will gain the benefit of a choice of two major airlines (Qantas and Virgin), with Virgin Australia announcing it will commence competitive services between Mount Isa and Brisbane on 13 August 2012.

virgin? lounge updates

Virgin Australia has opened its Lounge at Gold Coast Airport, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the Gold Coast hub and enhancing travel to this important destination for both leisure and corporate guests.

Virgin Australia & Etihad to open new Sydney Airport lounge in early 2013 with a Melbourne lounge to follow. Refurbishment work at Melbourne Airport?s Terminal 3 has been launched as part of the airline?s brand repositioning. The investment includes a new ?high-quality? corporate Lounge and the introduction of a Premium Valet service at T3. Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said flights will operate as normal during the upgrade and that the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Perth lounge has been updated with more space, more seats and more flat-screen TV?s.? It now features several ?zoned areas to offer choice and improved experience? for travellers, additional group seating and a self-service beverage area (in addition to the barista and bar service) plus three more HD TVs and two additional sets of flight information displays. The lounge is open to all business class travellers plus Gold and Platinum members of Virgin?s Velocity frequent flyer program.

virgin?atlantic gives the OK on in-flight calls

Virgin Atlantic says it will begin allowing passengers on transatlantic A330 flights from London to New York to use mobile phones to make calls as it begins rolling out new technology this year.? Smartphone users will be able to send & receive text messages, emails & web browse in-flight. The service is available for 02 or Vodaphone-compatible devices, charged at ?1 (AU$1.60)/min once airborne & outside US air space.

other airline news

hot deal from united airlines!

United Airlines has put business class companion fares on sale for travel from Australia to the US, with levels starting at $4200 ex Sydney/Melbourne to Los Angeles. New York is selling from $4800 and Las Vegas from $4400.

The fares are on sale till 16 July, with open seasonality. Hurry, call your dedicated consultants to book now.

hawaiian airlines adds second australian port

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the debut of nonstop flights between Brisbane and Honolulu, with the thrice weekly operation to commence from 28 November this year. The move will see HA become the only US carrier to fly to the Queensland capital, with the new flights connecting in Hawaii with same-carrier same-day services to other Hawaiian islands.
The return service HA443 will depart Hawaii at 9.45am each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving in Brisbane at 4pm the following day in time for onward connections to destinations across Australia.

singapore airlines closes heathrow terminal 3 lounge for month-long ?aesthetic face lift?

Singapore Airlines has closed its first and business class SilverKris lounges in London Heathrow?s Terminal 3 for a minor make-over and are expected to reopen by 15 July 2012
While the SilverKris lounges get their refurbishment, Singapore?s business and first class passengers and high-tier frequent flyers will have access to the No 1 Lounge, an independent lounge located on the second floor of Terminal 3 (airside).

south african airways increase frequency of perth-johannesburg flight

From 17 August South African Airways will increase the frequency between Perth and Johannesburg to daily services.

bid to upgrade on etihad

Etihad Airways has introduced a new online upgrade system that gives you the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond First or Pearl Business Class. The online upgrade system facilitated through PlusGrade.

If you have a confirmed Coral Economy or Pearl Business Class ticket and your flight has seats available for potential upgrade, you will receive an email 10 days prior to departure from Plusgrade.? If you wish to upgrade, you can click on the ?Upgrade Now? icon from the email which will lead you to the bidding platform managed by PlusGrade.??You then choose the amount you are willing to pay for the upgrade and submit your credit card details. The amount will be deducted only if your bid has been successful and you will receive a confirmation email two days prior to departure informing the status of your bid. To view more details on the offer, click here.

auckland?fees up & down

Auckland?Airport is raising airport charges by NZ$1.32 to NS$5.55 for domestic passengers? but dropping international charges by NZ$0.58 to NZ$21.55, effective 01 July.?

air new zealand perth?777 on sale

Air?New Zealand is promoting its new non-stop three-class Boeing 777-200 service which will operate non-stop between Perth and Auckland from 03 Sep. The carrier is offering an expanded ?seats to suit? fare structure including fully lie-flat business class beds as well as a premium economy? cabin.

etihad to sao paulo

Etihad?Airways chief James Hogan has revealed the carrier will add Sao Paulo, Brazil to its global network within 12 months. ?Brazil is a logical next step for us and we will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline,? Hogan said. EY will offer a daily non-stop service from Abu Dhabi to Sao Paul from 01 Jun 2013, using triple-class A340-600 aircraft.

print at home bag tag

Technology?firm Unisys has offered a new convenience for international? air travellers by introducing the world?s first home-printed luggage tags. The new system will be trialled at Denmark?s Billund Airport and goes hand-in-hand with established online check-in procedures.
Users will be able to print tags for up to nine bags, with a unique code added to tags to enable bags to be tracked if they go missing. Tags are placed in a reusable plastic tag holder provided by the airport, with passengers dropping their luggage at designated counters prior to passing through security. The development is in line with an IATA directive as part of its ?Fast Travel Initiative?.

adina for sydney airport

Toga?Hospitality has announced the 2013 opening of a new hotel to be known as Adina Apartment Hotel Mascot, located within 1km of Sydney Airport on Bourke Road. Toga MD Allan Idor said it would be the fourth new Adina Apartment Hotel to be announced this year in Sydney, after Bondi Beach, Norwest & Royal Randwick.

rex links new routes

Regional?Express has unveiled a range of new services linking the towns of Mildura in Victoria and outback NSW town of Broken Hill with each other, as well as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The new routes have been created in respective partnerships with Mildura Airport and Broken Hill City Council, set to commence from 09 Jul. Direct Sydney to Mildura flights will operate on weekdays with an additional flight on Sun, however the return leg will fly only on weekdays. The new schedule will see Broken Hill receive 17 weekly services to and from all ports.

hotel news

hotel charsfield and the crossley

Hotel Charsfield now has an on site gym and beauty room catering for guests exercise and pampering needs.?? Also, The Crossley has recently updated their TV?s and now have all rooms have digital TVs with FREE in-house movies and FREE Wifi.

langham observatory

Langham Hospitality Group has confirmed the acquisition of The Observatory Hotel in Sydney, effective 08 Aug. ?Strategically, this purchase signals the group?s plans for long term expansion in the Pacific region,? said LHG CEO Brett Butcher. Within the Pacific region, Langham has properties in both Melbourne and Auckland.

sydney marriott now the pullman

Accor has announced the settlement of its purchase of the Mirvac hotel portfolio, with the first phase of integration seeing the Sydney Marriott Hotel re-branded as the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park. The hotel will receive a $7 million refurbishment ?to align the hotel to Pullman?s five-star standards? with the work to include renovating all remaining rooms as well as significant upgrades to public areas.

london rates sliding

Despite?rates at London hotels surging around 93% year-on-year for travel during the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games, new data from Hotels.com suggests accommodation prices are now deflating. The online accommodation site says rates have fallen by nearly $20 a night since Mar this year.

country comfort perth revamp

Country Comfort Perth will undergo a $14million upgrade taking the hotel?s capacity from 99 to 161 rooms.? The upgrade is in direct response to demand from the mining and resource sector and comes as SilverNeedle announced the expansion of seven new properties to the group?s overall brand network including two properties in Townsville,? an area that is also experiencing room? shortages due to the mining boom.

park hyatt sydney?s transformation earns 2012 top awards

Park Hyatt Sydney?s recently revealed refurbishments have been noted with accolades and awards for the luxury hotel bestowed by two prestigious travel magazines.

Travel & Leisure magazine?s IT list names the Park Hyatt Sydney one of ?The Best New Hotels 2012? and in the 2012 Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards Sydney?s harbourside jewel was awarded Best Capital City Hotel.

After 11 months of renovations, the Park Hyatt?s grand reopening in March 2012 showcased the extensive transformation and secured the hotel?s position as a world-class, luxury establishment. The awards represent a first for the Park Hyatt in the Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards and the fourth time the Park Hyatt Sydney has scooped a Travel & Leisure award.

other news

Interested in what Australian Business Traveller predict as 2012?s five top airline trends reshaping business travel?? Read the article here.

hertz nz mobile wifi

Hertz?New Zealand is claiming a first with the release of a new mobile Wi-Fi rental service, enabling car rental customers to stay connected during their New Zealand travels. Portable units giving nationwide coverage can now be rented at Hertz international airport locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. They?re priced from NZ$12.95+GST per day including 150MB of daily data, and Hertz suggests they will cut global roaming data and call charges.

hertz ups suv range

Hertz?Australia has adapted its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) range to now offer a SUV Class and a Large SUV Class, to meet demand from the market for more options. Announced this morning at ATE, within the SUV Range are the Toyota Rav 4 & Nissan X Trail, while the Toyota Kluger & Ford Territory fall within the Large SUV category.

climate friendly and qantas visit a vietnamese carbon offsetting project.

Read the latest blog post here at Climate Friendly?s website.

new partner in egypt

Our GSM Egypt office manages corporate travel for clients such as Honda, Care, Carrefour, General Motors and the American University in Cairo. Established in 1996, GSM Egypt employ 115 staff and specialise in Finance / Investment, Manufacturing, Government, Entertainment, Pharmaceutical, Oil and Gas. If you have an office in Egypt and are interested in consolidating your corporate travel program, contact your Client Relationship Manager.

Source: http://blog.voyagertravel.com.au/?p=1497

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