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Journey Into Obsolescence: The Adani Carmichael Project – OpEd

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The Carmichael mine being pursued in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland is a dinosaur before its creation. On paper, it is hefty – to be some five times the size of Sydney harbour, the largest in Australia and one of the largest on the planet. Six open cut and five underground mines covering some 30 kilometres are proposed, a gargantuan epic. The coal itself would be transported through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area, and would feature a rail line subsidised by the money of Australian taxpayers.

Even before the initial steps are taken, its realisation is doomed to obsolescent indulgence and environmental wearing. It has been endorsed by a bribed political class best represented by Liberal senator Matt Canavan, who sees Adani through tinted glasses as a “little Aussie batter”; it is run by an unelected plutocratic one. This venture has seen Australian politicians, protoplasmic and spineless, do deals with a company run by a billionaire in a way that sneers at democracy and mocks the common citizenry.

The Adani group, run by its persistent Chairman Gautam Adani, has worked out what political figures want to hear and how far it can go, even in the face of mounting opposition. His closeness to the halls of power has been noted: influential be he who has the ear of the Indian Prime Minister, Nahendra Modi.

How divisive the Carmichael project is between Australia’s morally flexible politicians and a growing body of disaffected citizenry can be gathered from the open letter to the Adani Group from some 90 notable Australians that was submitted in the first part of last year. The list was impressively eclectic: authors such as Richard Flanagan and Tim Winton; investment banker Mark Burrows; and former Australian test cricket captains Ian and Greg Chappell. (“The thought,” Ian Chappell ruefully, “that this could affect the relationship, hopefully that’ll get through.”)

The text of the note was simple enough. “We are writing to respectfully ask you to abandon the Adani Group’s proposal in Queensland’s Galilee Basin… Pollution from burning coal was the single biggest driver of global warming, threatening life in Australia, India and all over the world.”

That same year, the British medical journal The Lancet deemed the Adani mine project a “public health disaster” though Australian authorities remain indifferent to recommendations that independent health assessments be conducted on the impact of the mine. In very tangible ways, air pollution arising from the burning of coal is a global killer. Australia’s menacing own contribution to this casualty list comes in at around three thousand a year; in India, the list, according to a 2013 study by the Mumbai-based Conservation Action Trust, is an eye-popping 115,000. “I didn’t expect the mortality figures per year,” remarked Debi Goenka, executive trustee of the Conservation Action Trust, “to be so high.”

The trends in energy generation and resources are against fossil fuels, and even the banks have heeded this, refusing to supply a credit line to the company. But Adani knows a gullible audience when he sees one. Like a sadhu aware of a westerner’s amenability to mysticism, the chairman and his worthies say the rights things, and encourage the appropriate response from the ruling classes they are wooing. The company feeds them the fodder and rose water they wish to hear, and massages them into appreciative stances. The campaign by the Indian company has been so comprehensive as to include decision makers from every level of government that might be connected with the mine.

Adani, not to be deterred by delays of some six years, has suggested that it will pursue a different model, though this remains vague. Extravagance is being reined in, supposedly trimmed and slimmed: targets will be cut by three-quarters, and the company has now promised to finance the project itself. “We will now,” claimed Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow this week, “be developing a smaller open-cut mine comparable to many other Queensland coal mines and will ramp up production over time.”

Nothing this company says should ever be taken at face value. Exaggeration and myth making is central to its platform. Slyly, the company’s Australian operation is also given a deceptive wrapping; a visit to the company’s website will see information on Adani’s efforts to “become the leading supplier of renewable energy in Australia.”

Dow has become a missionary of sorts, repeatedly telling Queenslanders that the project can only mean jobs, and more jobs. Astrological projections more in league with tarot card reading are used. Last November, Dow, in a media statement, was brimming with optimism over those “indirect jobs” that would be created in Rockhampton, Townsville, Mackay and the Isaac region. “Economic modelling, such as that used by the Queensland Resources Council in its annual resources industry economic impact report, show that each direct job in the industry in Queensland supports another four and a half jobs in related industries and businesses, therefore we can expect to see more than 7,000 jobs created by the initial ramp up of the Carmichael project.”

Not merely does the Carmichael mine smack of a crude obsolescence before the first lumps of coal are mined; it is bound to take a wrecking ball to any emissions reduction strategy Australia might intend pursuing. (Matters are already half-hearted as they are in Canberra, poisoned by a fractious energy lobby and ill-gotten gains stakeholders.) Professor Andrew Stock of the Climate Council has explained that once coal begins being burned, Australia’s “total emissions” are set to double, nothing less than an act of “environmental vandalism”. Work on the mine will also contribute to such despoliation: the clearing of 20,200 hectares of land will add to the climate chance quotient; the Great Artesian Basin’s groundwater system will also be affected.

Another graphic projection is also being suggested. For the duration of its projected 60 year lifespan, as epidemiologist Fiona Stanley reminds us, Adani’s venture will produce as much carbon as all of Australia’s current coal fired power stations combined. All this, even as the Indian state promises to phase out thermal coal imports, rendering the Adani coal project a white, if vandalising elephant. The only difference now is that the elephant proposed is somewhat smaller in scale and size. Reported by Eurasia Review 17 hours ago.

Russia’s Interaction With ASEAN Countries Has Great Potential For Further Development – Analysis

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International observers and political analysts continue to discuss the outcome of Vladimir Putin’s state visit to the Republic of Singapore, where he participated in Russia – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the XIII East Asian Summit on November 11–15.

During his visit, the Russian leader also held a number of bilateral meetings discussing current issues of cooperation and interaction with President of Singapore Halimah Yacob, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Prayut Chan-ocha, President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, and Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang.

“Over the past two years, we have accomplished a lot together. Political dialogue intensified; Russia’s permanent mission to ASEAN was established in Jakarta last year. We coordinate our approaches to key issues on the Asia-Pacific agenda, to the challenges and threats to regional stability, and enhance joint efforts to fight terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime. Our foreign ministers hold annual meetings. The Russian Defence Minister takes part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ meetings, and the Interior Minister attends the ASEAN Association of Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) conferences. Contacts have also been established between Russian lawmakers and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly,” Vladimir Putin said at the plenary meeting of the Russia-ASEAN summit.

“We consider it important to establish regular dialogue between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union. The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Association and the Eurasian Economic Commission is a step in this direction. We are grateful to our ASEAN partners for supporting the Russian initiative to pass a joint statement on information security aiming to more effectively combat cybercrime and to chart common approaches regarding the behaviour of states in the global information space,” he added.

Later, answering journalists’ questions, Vladimir Putin stressed that no Western sanctions could prevent the cooperation of Russia with the ASEAN states, and added that the development of economies would continue.

“This cannot stop our technological or economic development altogether. This is completely impossible. Therefore, cooperation will continue. I have said today that Asian countries account for some 25 percent of our trade, and growth in this sphere has been considerable. It amounted to 27 percent, or some $200 billion, last year. Our trade is growing; our relations are developing in all fields,” he said after his state visit.

Commenting on the results of the meeting in Singapore, Lak Chansok, Researcher at Cambodia Maritime Silk Road Research Center (CMSRRC), the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia and at Democracy Promotion Center, Research Center for Asia Pacific Studies (RCAPS), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan, said that ASEAN summit participants addressed many security issues including, climate change, terrorism, piracy, ethnic and religious tensions, as well as discussed digital economy in the fourth industrial revolution.

“On the sideline of the ASEAN Summit, the East Asia Summit this year centered on tackling two pressing challenges: terrorism and cyberattack. ASEAN Leaders along with eight other countries including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States also voiced to strengthen their cooperation to deal with such new challenges. In this connection, ASEAN Member States also adopted separated statements with its dialogue partners such as ASEAN-US Leaders’ Statement on Cybersecurity Cooperation; ASEAN-Russia Statement on Security and ICT Cooperation among others,” Lak Chansok told PenzaNews.

He also drew attention to the ASEAN concern about the fast growing changing international order and threats from great power rivalry in Southeast Asia.

“As Singapore and other ASEAN Member States reiterated that the existing ‘free, open and rules-based multilateral system’ has come to its turning point since major countries are resorting to ‘unilateral actions’ and ‘bilateral deals’ and thus undermining important roles of multilateral approaches and institutions. It is explicit that the US current adopts its protectionist economic strategy to reduce its trade deficits at the expense of such […] multilateral order,” the expert said, adding that the US trade conflict with China and its bilateral economic deals with other countries negatively affects the fast growing export-oriented Asian countries.

Due to the growing US-China trade war and the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), it is crucial for ASEAN to push forwards to materializing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) without the present of the US, he believes.

“The RCEP members include ASEAN-10 plus Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea and New Zealand. On the slide of the ASEAN Summit, Singapore played proactive roles in urging India to join ASEAN to realize RCEP since India has been reluctant that opening its market would hurt both its agricultural and industrial sectors,” the analyst added.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN-Russia relations has become politically, strategically and economically more substantial.

“At this year’s ASEAN Summit, both ASEAN and EEU signed agreements to strengthen economic cooperation. The trade between these two blocs increased to 35.7 billion dollars in 2017 and expected to further increase in coming years. In political-security aspect, both parties issued the joint statement to enhance mutual cooperation in the information and communication technologies as a vital driver in governance, security, economy, commerce and trade among others. It is also believed that Russia’s roles in ASEAN can greatly contribute to ASEAN’s dynamic equilibrium engaging all key major powers,” Lak Chansok said.

Termsak Chalermpalanupap from the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, called the summit a good success.

“ASEAN has once again defended economic multilateralism in general, and in particular pushing for the ‘substantial conclusion’ of the RCEP negotiations by the end of this year with the goal of concluding the negotiations next year,” the expert explained.

According to him, from the political perspective, ASEAN displays its centrality, its relevance in Southeast Asia.

“ASEAN remains a credible promoter of international dialogue and cooperation for peace, security and prosperity,” Termsak Chalermpalanupap stressed.

Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s participation in the summit, the expert called it a “good gesture.”

“ASEAN certainly is very happy to see President Putin here in Singapore. And undoubtedly ASEAN is rather disappointed by the absence of President Trump. His Vice President just doesn’t leave much positive impact here,” the analyst said.

In his opinion, Russia and the ASEAN countries have every chance for further successful cooperation.

“ASEAN-Russia partnership has a great deal of potential which has not yet been realized, but it is certainly within reach if both sides redouble their concerted efforts. The signing of the cooperation MOU between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the representative of the Eurasian Economic Union is a significant step in the right direction,” the Singaporean expert said.

“Russia has energy resources and very advanced space technology, knowhow in medical science and cyber security which ASEAN countries need. Russia can step up cooperation with ASEAN in these areas, especially in 2019 when Thailand chairs ASEAN and in 2020 when Vietnam succeeds Thailand in chairing ASEAN. Both Thailand and Vietnam would want closer cooperation with Russia, especially in energy trade, and in cyber security,” Termsak Chalermpalanupap explained.

In turn, Grant Newsham, Senior Research Fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo, with experience as a US Diplomat and US Marine Officer, suggested that at the ASEAN summits there is a tendency to reach “lowest common denominator” agreements.

“ASEAN has its limitations given the relatively few overlapping areas of interest between its members – not to mention considerable political and cultural differences, and outright dislike in certain cases,” Grant Newsham explained.

In his opinion, only two things were of particular note at this year’s summit.

“First, one got the impression ASEAN members who are not already in the PRC camp are increasingly ‘spooked’ by China. Chinese political, economic, and military assertiveness, if not outright aggression – such as in the South China Sea – wouldn’t have even gotten a mention if Vice President Michael Pence hadn’t shown up,” former US Diplomat said.

“The second notable aspect was the United States laying down a marker– stating in clear assertive language – rather than usual nuanced ‘diplo-speak’ – America’s intent to defend its and like-minded countries’ interests in a ‘free and open’ Indo-Pacific. Moreover, Vice President Pence specifically presented the US as an alternative to Chinese military and economic domination,” Grant Newsham added.

According to him, the leadership of the United States should have taken such an initiative earlier.

“It would have been better if Washington had stood up ten years ago, and ASEAN nations will need plenty of convincing that the US’s new found backbone has substance and will last beyond the Trump Administration,” the analyst suggested.

Speaking about cooperation between Russia and ASEAN, he expressed the opinion that there are clear limits to their cooperation, and “it’s hard to see what Russia offers ASEAN other than weapons, and it’s also unclear what ASEAN offers Russia.”

“On the one hand, Moscow sells submarines and advanced air defense systems to Vietnam, and jet fighters to Indonesia and Malaysia, while at the same time broadcasting Russia’s tight military relationship with the PRC – manifested in high-profile joint exercises. Given that the PRC fully intends to bring ASEAN nations to heel, some of the Southeast Asian nations must wonder exactly what Russia has in mind for ASEAN as China continues tightening the screws on ASEAN nations,” Grant Newsham explained his view.

Meanwhile, Shankaran Nambiar, Senior Research Fellow at Malaysian Institute of Economic Research in Kuala Lumpur, said that ASEAN Summit could not have been better timed.

“At a time when the global economy is fraught with anxiety over the future of globalisation, trade tensions and increasing isolationism, ASEAN stands as a loose membership of nations that are held together by the hope for greater trade, investment and economic cooperation,” the analyst said, stressing that the region that has done well by subscribing to these values.

However, according to him, there were some dark clouds that marred “what might otherwise have been a perfect summit.”

“Principle among them was the postponement of the deadline for the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The other issue that did not see a definitive resolution was Myanmar’s Rohingya problem,” Shankaran Nambiar said.

“However, the summit adopted seven policy documents. They included a smart cities framework, a joint statement on climate change and acknowledgement of the rights of people with disabilities,” the expert added.

In his opinion, the participation of Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the summit had a positive effect on the strengthening of cooperation between Russia and the ASEAN countries.

“If US President Donald Trump was noticeable through his absence, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his presence tangibly felt. Russia’s interest in the region was made clear through the signing of the memorandum of understanding between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union after the summit. This MOU will spur trade and investment between the Southeast Asian member states and those of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Shankaran Nambiar said.

He also drew attention to the fact that Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong strongly supported the upgrading of the ASEAN-Russia relationship to a strategic partnership.

“This is a clear indication that the discussions that have been held in the last few years under the Eastern Economic Forum were paving the way for broader and a more strategic relationship with ASEAN. Singapore has been a leader in this respect since it has taken bold steps in collaborating economically with Russia and EEU. It very much depends on ASEAN member states as to their willingness and readiness to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise in future,” the analyst concluded.

Source: https://penzanews.ru/en/analysis/65791-2018 Reported by Eurasia Review 16 hours ago.

Africa: African Countries Lack Ability to Exploit, Protect Resources

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[East African] Marine security, overfishing, dumping of toxic waste, piracy and unregulated mining topped the agenda of the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi this past week, with participants saying fixing these issues would accelerate economic growth. Reported by allAfrica.com 12 hours ago.

Africa: We Need Maritime Strategies That Encourage Trade Within Africa

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[East African] The Kenyan Permanent Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Nancy Karigithu spoke with Fred Oluoch about use of marine resources in the region. Reported by allAfrica.com 12 hours ago.

Meet Greece's Marine Trash Collectors Diving To Keep Their Sea Beautiful

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Ocean litter is a global problem. These Greeks are acting locally to clean up the Aegean. Reported by NPR 5 hours ago.

Passage: "SpongeBob SquarePants" creator Stephen Hillenburg

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"Sunday Morning" remembers Stephen Hillenburg, a former marine biology teacher with a talent for art who dreamed up the gleeful cartoon residents of Bikini Bottom. Jane Pauley reports. Reported by CBS News 2 hours ago.

Larson Electronics Releases Golight Radioray 36W LED Motorized Spotlight with 200lb Magnet and 900’L x 70’W Beam

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KEMP, Texas, Dec. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Larson Electronics, a Texas-based company with over 40 years of experience spearheading the industrial lighting sector, announced the release of a 36-watt LED motorized spotlight that operates with a hand-held wireless remote. This powerful spotlight provides a wide spot beam with a working beam of 900 feet long by 70 feet wide. This unit features a clear top and is magnetically mounted with a 200lb grip magnet base that is tested to withstand speeds up to 85mph.The GL-9000-CT-M Golight Radioray LED motorized spotlight produces 2,500 lumens of intense light with a 6000K color temperature and operates with 12V DC drawing on three amps. The remote control operates over a radio frequency of 433 MHz with a range of up to 100 feet and the ability to operate through walls. This spotlight’s remote-control operation allows operators to rotate the light 370˚ with a hard stop and adjust the vertical tilt through 135˚.

This spotlight’s remote control is constructed of polycarbonate with weatherproof rubber push-pad buttons and can be programmed to operate one or more lights simultaneously. Remote control functions include on or off and four buttons that control up, down, left and right movement. This remote includes an internal 12-volt battery rated at 1 year of operation and a single red LED to indicate remote control activity.

The remote movement of the spotlight is provided by an automotive grade internal motor, gear and transmission assembly constructed of LEXAN, brass and stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion. The light is equipped with a 16-foot cord that has a cigarette plug end, ideal for hunting, security, boating, law enforcement, emergency services, utilities and anywhere high power and remote-control functionality are desired.

“This golight is designed for all weather conditions,” said Rob Bresnahan, CEO of Larson Electronics LLC. “The light’s wide, far-reaching beam offers intense illumination for nighttime operations, and remote control gives users flexible operation.”

*About Larson Electronics LLC: *Larson Electronics LLC is a manufacturer of industrial lighting equipment and accessories. The company offers an extensive catalog of industry-grade lighting and power distribution products for the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, food processing, oil and gas, military, marine and automobile. Customers can benefit from the company’s hands-on, customized approach to lighting solutions. Larson Electronics provides expedited service for quotes, customer support and shipments.

*For further information, please contact:
*Rob Bresnahan, President and CEO
Toll-free: 1-888-351-2363
Int’l: 214-616-6180
Fax: 903-498-3364
E-mail: sales@larsonelectronics.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59cf98b7-87e5-47b0-b042-4ab2495b1e08
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5994485c-68e5-423d-aec2-f879baca0c0a Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

Minnesota Region CEO Jeff Hawkins to retire from Old National; new regional leadership team announced

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· Jim Collins and Margaret Murphy will partner to lead Old National’s Minnesota Region

· Matt Klein will head up Consumer Banking

EAGAN, Minn., Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jeff Hawkins, Minnesota Region CEO for Old National Bank, announced that he will retire in January to devote more time to his family. Hawkins worked in banking for 38 years, his longest tenure being with Anchor Bank, which partnered with Old National Bank in 2017.“It’s been a wonderful time to be part of a really great organization,” Hawkins said.  “As I reflect back, the thing that really stands out is the strong reputation that Anchor Bank developed in the community, and the incredible quality of the people who represented the bank over the years.”

Hawkins began his career with Anchor Bank as the West St. Paul charter president in May 1995 when the bank had five charters and roughly $250 million in total assets. When the partnership closed in November 2017, the bank joined a five-state footprint and a company that currently has $19.5 billion in assets.^1

“Jeff Hawkins epitomizes what it means to be a community banker and a strong servant-leader,” said Old National Bank Chairman and CEO Bob Jones. “As Old National continues to serve our Minnesota clients and communities, we will work hard to build on the tremendous success and legacy that Jeff established during his extraordinary career.”

Old National continues to grow, as it closed on its partnership with Chaska-based KleinBank this fall. With Hawkins’s departure in early 2019, and KleinBank converting to Old National this spring, the Old National Bank leadership team in Minnesota will see some changes:

*Jim Collins*, Minnesota’s commercial banking executive, will take over as Minnesota Region CEO. Jim has 22 years of financial industry experience. A former non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corp, he graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Finance.

*Margaret Murphy*, Minnesota’s credit officer, will be promoted to Region Chief Culture and Credit Officer. Margaret has over 30 years of finance industry experience. A Twin Cities native, she earned an MBA from the Carlson School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of St. Thomas.     *Matt Klein*, KleinBank’s president, will continue the Klein family legacy by taking on the role of Consumer Banking Executive and will also serve on Old National’s corporate Consumer Banking Steering Committee. He has 22 years of finance industry experience and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and his MBA from Bryant College.“Old National is excited about our future in the Twin Cities and beyond, as we recognize an extraordinary opportunity to serve our clients with one unified, service-focused community bank,” said Old National President and COO Jim Sandgren. “The leadership team we have assembled to help move our organization forward is second to none, and we are incredibly confident that Jim, Margaret and Matt will work tirelessly to establish Old National as the community bank that exceeds client expectations and supports our Minnesota communities.”

*About Old National Bank*
Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. Headquartered in Evansville with $19.5 billion in assets^1, it is a top 100 U.S. bank, the largest Indiana-based bank and has been recognized as a World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute for seven consecutive years. For nearly 185 years, Old National has been a community bank committed to building long-term, highly valued relationships with clients. With locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Old National provides retail and commercial banking services along with comprehensive wealth management, investment and capital markets services. For information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com.

^1 Old National Bancorp’s reported asset size of $19.5 billion is proforma for the KleinBank partnership. Excluding KleinBank, which is a division of Old National Bank, Old National’s asset size is $17.6 billion.

*Media Contacts:*
Casey Merkwan
Old National Bank
(763) 347-8464
casey.merkwan@oldnational.com 

Kathy Schoettlin
Old National Bank
(812) 465-7269 / (812) 319-2711
Kathy.schoettlin@oldnational.com 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5e392c8e-8242-4a6b-b461-fce738366863

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f387d09c-7629-4d71-8b32-deeefb53c465

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06856861-a267-4ce2-a562-fb5572565762

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca96cc3f-98f5-4496-a864-2e8028c946ef

  Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 day ago.

Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus Graduates Largest Fall Class in History

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The class of 2018 includes 540 students, representing the Colleges of Aviation, Arts & Sciences, Engineering and the David B. O’Maley College of Business, with 93 students receiving master’s degrees and 15 receiving Ph.Ds. This year’s Fall Commencement Ceremony will feature a keynote address by four-star General (USAF, Ret.) and Board of Trustees member Ronald Keys. Air Force, Army and Navy Commissionings and Master’s Hooding Ceremonies will also be taking place on the Daytona Beach Campus.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB) December 04, 2018

For the second year in a row, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus is graduating its largest fall class in the school’s history. This commencement will also see the most ever Ph.D. degrees awarded at commencement. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 17, at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. The ceremony will be streamed live at portal.stretchinternet.com/erauadmin.

Based on the latest available numbers, the class of 2018 includes 540 students, representing the Colleges of Aviation, Arts & Sciences, Engineering and the David B. O’Maley College of Business, with 93 students receiving master’s degrees and 15 receiving Ph.Ds.

Doctoral Degrees
Ph.D. candidates receiving doctoral degrees include: Anthony L. Baker and Sarah M. Sherwood, Human Factors; Jennifer N. Hunt, Robert W. Maxson, Greg M. Mellema, Isaac N. Munene, Arun P. Saini and Troy E. Techau, Aviation; Christopher James Hockley, Mechanical Engineering; Michael R. Borghi, Jr., Marco Coderoni, Kaveh Gharibi, Petr Kazarin, Vasileios S. Papapetrou and Nirmit Prabhakar, Aerospace Engineering.

Commencement Speaker
This year’s Fall Commencement Ceremony keynote address will be given by four-star General (USAF, Ret.) and Board of Trustees member Ronald Keys.

Keys served 40 years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed around the world including Asia and Europe. As a pilot, he logged more than 4,000 hours in the F-4, F-15, F-16 and A-10. In his last position as Commander of Air Combat Command, he was responsible for more than 1,200 aircraft, 27 wings, 17 bases, 200 operating locations worldwide and 105,000 personnel. Under his leadership, the Air Force’s first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Wing and first Network Warfare Wing were established.

At his retirement ceremony in 2007, Keys received the Air Force Association’s most prestigious annual award – the H.H. Arnold Award – for his significant contributions to national defense. He also received the Air Force’s first ROTC Distinguished Alumni Award.

Keys owns RK Solution Enterprises, an independent consultancy that works on a broad variety of Department of Defense (DOD) and non-DOD issues, advising numerous agencies and organizations on the topics of national security, cyber planning and operations, advanced technologies and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as energy security and climate change issues.

Keys holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and an MBA from Golden Gate University. He has participated in the National and International Security Seminar at the JFK School of Government, Harvard University, as well as the Leadership at the Peak program at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs.

Commissioning and Master’s Hooding Ceremonies on the Daytona Beach Campus

The Fall 2018 graduating class includes 21 students receiving military commissions - seven from Air Force ROTC, six from Navy/Marine Corps ROTC and eight from Army ROTC.

Friday, Dec. 14
Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony – Eight cadets of the Eagle Battalion will take the oath of office to commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at 10 a.m. in the Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony.

Sunday, Dec. 16
Master's Hooding Ceremony – The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the ICI Center. Dr. Heidi Steinhauer, professor of engineering and chair of the Department of Engineering Fundamentals, is the featured speaker. A reception immediately following the ceremony will be held for students and their guests.

Air Force ROTC Commissioning Ceremony – Detachment 157 will commission seven cadets as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in the Capt. Willie Miller Instructional Center followed by a reception.

Catholic Mass in the Center for Faith and Spirituality, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 17
The Fall Commencement Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.

U.S. Navy/Marine Corps ROTC Commissioning Ceremony – Six graduating midshipmen will take the oath of office to commission as ensigns in the U.S. Navy or second lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps in a ceremony held in the Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center at 3 p.m. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony.

To accommodate all families and friends of graduates who are not able to attend the commencement ceremony, a live stream broadcast will be available online. The broadcast will also be available for a period of time thereafter at portal.stretchinternet.com/erauadmin [portal.stretchinternet.com/erauadmin __title__ ]. Past commencement events will also be viewable on demand.

For more details on the ceremonies, go to http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/campus-life/graduation/ceremony-details/index.html.

MEDIA CONTACT: James Roddey, Director of Communications, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.; (386) 226-6198; james.roddey@erau.edu.

ABOUT EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the world’s largest, oldest and most comprehensive institution specializing in aviation, aerospace, engineering and related degree programs. A fully accredited university, Embry-Riddle is also a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. A nonprofit, independent institution, Embry-Riddle offers more than 100 associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Aviation, Business, Engineering and Security & Intelligence. The university educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through its Worldwide Campus with more than 135 locations in the United States, Europe and Asia, and through online programs. For more information, visit http://www.embryriddle.edu, follow us on Twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity, and find expert videos at YouTube.com/EmbryRiddleUniv. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.

Data for BeyondSpring’s Lead Asset, Plinabulin, for Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia (CIN) Prevention Shows Differentiated Profile Compared with G-CSF and Adds Additional Protection to G-CSF

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BeyondSpring Presented Latest Clinical Results at 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

· Plinabulin monotherapy is an equally effective single-dose-per cycle agent as pegfilgrastim, but with minimal bone pain vs. pegfilgrastim in intermediate neutropenic risk CIN· Plinabulin and pegfilgrastim combination demonstrates superior CIN efficacy in high neutropenic risk chemotherapy, and almost eradicates pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain· Plinabulin mobilizes CD34+ progenitor cells into the peripheral blood through a mechanism of action different than G-CSF or Plerixafor, potentially presenting a new option for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT)

NEW YORK , Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BeyondSpring Inc. (NASDAQ: BYSI), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative cancer therapies, reported new data from its lead asset, Plinabulin, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN). The results, presented at this year’s American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, continue to build the evidence that Plinabulin has a unique mechanism of action (MOA) compared with G-CSF, and is a potential new option for CIN in intermediate risk chemotherapy patients as a single agent. Additionally, data was presented at ASH that supports the combined use of Plinabulin and pegfilgrastim in chemotherapy patients at high risk for CIN and febrile neutropenia and may improve results over G-CSF alone, the current standard of care in the prevention of CIN.

CIN is a side effect from chemotherapy for cancer patients, and despite the broad use of G-CSFs for more than 25 years, febrile neutropenia and resultant hospitalization remains an unresolved clinical problem. The ultimate goal for chemotherapy is to treat cancer and prolong patients’ lives. But patients treated with high risk chemotherapy (febrile neutropenia or FN rate > 20 percent), even using G-CSF still have very high severe neutropenia risk (>80 percent, some at 100 percent), which requires chemotherapy dose reduction or delays in subsequent cycles. Many publications showed that cancer patients with =85 percent RDI. In addition, bone pain is a common side effect of G-CSF, which limits patient compliance with G-CSF and results in suboptimum chemotherapy dosing. An ideal agent in high febrile neutropenia risk chemotherapy is desired to prevent severe neutropenia and reduce side effects such as bone pain.

· In intermediate risk chemo patients (FN rate at 10 – 20 percent), the risk/benefit ratio analysis of G-CSF use often presents an unfavorable profile, a growth factor for cancer cells and introducing unwanted side effects such as bone pain or thrombocytopenia, among others. As a result, NCCN guidelines caution against the use of G-CSF in these patients. An ideal agent in intermediate risk chemo is desired to be an effective CIN agent similar to G-CSF, but with a superior safety profile, represented by Plinabulin monotherapy.
 
· In high risk chemo patients, G-CSF is recommended to be used to contain FN rate and lower mortality rate, as high as 18 percent in first cycle. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Plinabulin plus G-CSF in this population delivers superior efficacy in severe neutropenia reduction as well as significant improvements in side effects compared with monotherapy G-CSF.

*Study 105 (for neutropenia induced by docetaxel, which has intermediate risk for FN)*
The study evaluated patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and was a multicenter, open label, randomized study. In a head-to-head comparison in docetaxel (75 mg/m^2 day 1) treated patients, Plinabulin (at doses of 5 mg/m^2, 10 mg/m^2 and 20 mg/m^2) is compared with pegfilgrastim (at 6 mg), in a total of 55 patients in a four-cycle study. One dose of Plinabulin was given on Day 1, while one dose of pegfilgrastim was given on Day 2 in a 21-day treatment cycle. Results for the most effective Plinabulin dose is presented below, where DSN is the duration of severe neutropenia:

*Cycle 1* *Pegfilgrastim 6 mg*
*(n=14)* *Plinabulin 20 mg/m^2*
*(n=14)*
*DSN (grade 4) (day)* 0.5 0.5
*% neutropenia (grade 4)* 14% 14%
*% bone pain* 35% 0% from Day 3
*Thrombocytopenia (all cycles)* Yes No
*Immune suppression * Yes No
*Anticancer* No Yes

In addition, BeyondSpring evaluated CD34+ cell counts in the blood by measuring CD34+ levels pre-dose and at multiple time points through Day 8 of treatment with docetaxel, both with and without Plinabulin. CD34+ measurements were obtained in at least nine patients on both Day 0 and Day 8 for each Plinabulin dose. Patients treated with Plinabulin had statistically significant increases in CD34+ levels at Day 8 in a dose-dependent manner (p
*Study 106 (for neutropenia induced by TAC, a chemotherapy with high FN risk)*
The study evaluated patients with breast cancer and was a multicenter, open label, randomized study. In a head-to-head comparison of TAC (docetaxel, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, Day 1 dose) treated patients, Plinabulin monotherapy at various doses (10 mg/m^2, 20 mg/m^2 and 30 mg/m^2), and Plinabulin at 20 mg/m^2 combined with pegfilgrastim at various doses (6 mg, 3 mg and 1.5 mg), were compared with pegfilgrastim at 6 mg, in a total of 115 patients in a four-cycle study. One dose of Plinabulin was given on Day 1, while one dose of pegfilgrastim was given on Day 2 in a 21-day treatment cycle.

The study results showed that, after TAC, single agent Plinabulin’s median absolute neutrophil count (ANC) on Days 7 and 8 in the first cycle were above 1.0x10^9 cells/L (avoids grade 3 and 4 neutropenia), while the pegfilgrastim median ANC on Days 7 and 8 were below 1.0x10^9 cells/L (grade 3 and 4 neutropenia). The observed complementary MOA led to testing the combination of Plinabulin and pegfilgrastim, which had a median ANC on all days in the first cycle above 1.0x10^9 cells/L.

* * *
Pegfilgrastim 6 mg*
*(n=21)* *Plinabulin 20 mg/m^2 +
Pegfilgrastim 6 mg*
*(n=16)* *Plinabulin 20 mg/m^2 +
Pegfilgrastim 3 mg*
*(n=21)*
*DSN (grade 3/4) mean (day)* 1.4 ± 1.0 0.9 ± 1.1 1.6 ± 1.6
*DSN (grade 3/4) median (day)* 1.0 0.5 2.0
*% neutropenia (grade 3/4)* 81% 50% (p=0.0456) 57%
*% neutropenia (grade 4)* 57% 38% 52%
*ANC nadir mean (10^9 cells/L)* 0.77 ± 0.90 1.15 ± 0.94 0.88 ± 1.02
*ANC nadir median (10^9 cells/L)* 0.47 1.00 0.49
*% bone pain* 95% 6% (p *% bone pain (over 4 days)* 33% 0% (p=0.0124) 10%

“The rationale for developing this combination is the observation that pegfilgrastim and Plinabulin have different neutrophil recovery time courses, which may represent complimentary MOAs: Plinabulin acts through a G-CSF-independent pathway that involves IL-6 signaling at tissue level, whereas pegfilgrastim works through G-CSF signaling. Importantly, we observed no systemic IL-6 related adverse events such as fever, chills, hypotension or myalgias, in any of our clinical trials in over 450 cancer patients. Plinabulin’s MOA appears to be highly effective in the first week of the chemotherapy cycle, when pegfilgrastim does not prevent grade 4 neutropenia. The benefit for grade 4 neutropenia with pegfilgrastim appears to occur primarily in the second week of the cycle. The data we presented at ASH confirmed that adding Plinabulin to pegfilgrastim offers protection against grade 4 neutropenia in Week 1 and 2 of the chemotherapy cycles. An unexpected benefit with the addition of Plinabulin to pegfilgrastim was that it almost eradicated bone pain induced by pegfilgrastim. Collectively, the data presented may suggest—based on benefits such as grade 3 and 4 neutropenia frequency, grade 4 neutropenia frequency and ANC nadir—that Plinabulin, when added to full dose of pegfilgrastim (6 mg), can lead to superiority for CIN while mitigating pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain versus the full dose (6 mg) of pegfilgrastim alone. We also evaluated the combination with a half-dose of pegfilgrastim (3 mg) with Plinabulin, and the data suggest that this combination has the potential to also be effective compared with the pegfilgrastim full dose (6 mg), while significantly reducing pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain. Plinabulin itself has a very favorable safety profile,” said Dr. Douglas Blayney, Global Principal Investigator for the Plinabulin CIN studies and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.

“Long-acting G-CSF (Neulasta^® and its biosimilars) are not indicated for the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells (CD34+ cells) for HCT patients. Short-acting G-CSF is indicated for CD34+ cell mobilization, however, many patients do not adequately respond to G-CSF. Plerixafor is an alternative to G-CSF, however its use is limited due to its high cost, and many patients fail to produce adequate CD34+ cells with its use. Plinabulin mobilizes CD34+ stem cells through a MOA different from G-CSF and Plerixafor. Therefore, Plinabulin could become a valid option for HCT mobilization in patients who are unresponsive to G-CSF with or without Plerixafor, which is also an area of unmet medical need,” added Dr. Ramon Mohanlal, EVP and Chief Medical Officer at BeyondSpring.

“The CD34+ finding with Plinabulin has potentially not only medical, but also commercial significance as it adds an additional indication to the Plinabulin product label, which pegfilgrastim and its biosimilars do not have. This further adds to Plinabulin’s holistic product profile, as an anticancer agent that can prevent severe CIN, without causing overt bone pain, and with protection against chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia,” concluded Dr. Lan Huang, BeyondSpring co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

*About Study 105 (Intermediate Risk CIN) *
The study evaluated patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC after failing platinum-based therapy, and was designed as a multicenter, open label, randomized study. In a head-to-head comparison of Plinabulin (at various doses of 5 mg/m^2, 10 mg/m^2 and 20 mg/m^2) with pegfilgrastim (at 6 mg), a long-acting G-CSF, in a total of 55 patients, Plinabulin at 20 mg/m^2 was shown to be comparable to pegfilgrastim for the prevention of CIN, as assessed by the occurrence of severe (grade 4) neutropenia and the DSN in the first cycle.

Plinabulin was given as a single dose-per-cycle 30 minutes after docetaxel chemotherapy, while pegfilgrastim was given 24 hours after docetaxel chemotherapy, consistent with its approved product label. The Phase 2 portion met its primary endpoint, which was to determine the recommended Phase 3 Plinabulin dose, and the Phase 3 trial is ongoing.

*About Study 106 (High Risk CIN)*
The study evaluated patients with breast cancer patients and was designed as a multicenter, open label, randomized study. In a head-to-head comparison of Plinabulin monotherapy at various doses (10 mg/m^2, 20 mg/m^2 and 30 mg/m^2), and Plinabulin at 20 mg/m^2 combo with pegfilgrastim at various doses (6 mg, 3 mg and 1.5 mg), against pegfilgrastim alone (at 6 mg) in a total 115 patients, grade 3 and 4 neutropenia frequency, grade 4 neutropenia frequency, duration of grade 3 and 4 neutropenia and bone pain were compared.

Plinabulin was given as a single dose-per-cycle 30 minutes after TAC (docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy, while pegfilgrastim was given 24 hours after TAC therapy. The primary objective of Phase 2 was to determine the recommended Phase 3 dose.

*About Plinabulin *
Plinabulin, a marine-derived small-molecule, is BeyondSpring’s lead asset and is currently in late-stage clinical development for the prevention of chemo-induced neutropenia and as an anticancer therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Studies of Plinabulin's mechanism of action indicate that Plinabulin activates GEF-H1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor. GEF-H1 activates downstream transduction pathways leading to the maturation of dendritic cells, which in turn leads to T-cell activation and the up-regulate of IL6 in the tissue micro environment, contributing to the prevention of neutropenia.

*About BeyondSpring*
BeyondSpring is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative immuno-oncology cancer therapies with a robust pipeline from internal development and from collaboration with the University of Washington in de novo drug discovery using a ubiquitination platform. BeyondSpring’s lead asset, Plinabulin, is in a Phase 3 global clinical trial as a direct anticancer agent in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and two Phase 2/3 clinical programs in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. BeyondSpring has a seasoned management team with many years of experience bringing drugs to the global market.

*Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements*
This press release includes forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Words such as "will,""expect,""anticipate,""plan,""believe,""design,""may,""future,""estimate,""predict,""objective,""goal," or variations thereof and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on BeyondSpring's current knowledge and its present beliefs and expectations regarding possible future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors including, but not limited to, difficulties raising the anticipated amount needed to finance the Company's future operations on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all, unexpected results of clinical trials, delays or denial in regulatory approval process, results that do not meet our expectations regarding the potential safety, the ultimate efficacy or clinical utility of our product candidates, increased competition in the market, and other risks described in BeyondSpring’s most recent Form 20-F on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date of this release and BeyondSpring undertakes no obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as otherwise required by law.

Neulasta is a registered trademark of Amgen, Inc.

*Contact:*
*Media Relations:*
Caitlin Kasunich / Amrita Singh
KCSA Strategic Communications
212.896.1241 / 212.896.1207
ckasunich@kcsa.com / asingh@kcsa.com

*Investor Relations:*
Laura Perry / Joe Rayne
Argot Partners
212.600.1902
BeyondSpring@argotpartners.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 day ago.

Extinction looms over FIFTY species of sharks and rays, experts warn

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Extinction looms over FIFTY species of sharks and rays, experts warn Marine biologists warned that the basking shark, largetooth sawfish and zebra shark all face extinction as experts warn that commercial fishing threatens to eliminate them. Reported by MailOnline 23 hours ago.

Thailand's indigenous Chao Lay under threat by both tourism and conservation

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Confronted by a booming tourism industry and new efforts by the government to preserve marine ecosystems, the Chao Lay, one of Thailand's many nomadic and aboriginal groups, are facing new challenges to preserve their traditional way of life.  Reported by Christian Science Monitor 23 hours ago.

2019 Alaska TourSaver® Offers Substantial Travel Discounts

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Over 100 Travel Coupons--Alaska TourSaver® is also available as an app.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (PRWEB) December 04, 2018

Just in time for the Holidays: Alaska TourSaver book saves travelers big bucks, but fits nicely in a stocking.

Each year, the Alaska TourSaver’s publishers scour the state for the most exciting travel options to put on sale in the handy guide (now available as a free smartphone app). Both hardy adventurers and curious sightseers can save hundreds (even thousands) of dollars off an Alaska vacation.

There are more than 100 offers, with a total value of more than $15,000 for travelers. Visitors and residents purchase the book year after year for the best discounts on top-rated activities and adventures, including:

1. The Alaska Railroad. Ride the rails and enjoy two-for-one savings (up to $430).
2. Major Marine Tours. Sail from Seward and save $50 per person on a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park.
3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing. Save $76 per person with K2 Aviation and see Denali “The Great One”, then land on a glacier in a ski plane!

New this year are several adventures for travelers who want a unique experience in “The Great Land” including:

1. St. Paul Island Tour. Often called the “Galapagos of the North,” this tour of one of the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea yields unique birds, northern fur seals and a glimpse of what life is like on a remote island in the middle of the Bering Sea. (Value $1,895)
2. Helicopter tour of Denali with lunch on top of a ridge near the Ruth Glacier with Alpha Aviation. This unique tour includes family history of the “Mountain House” constructed by legendary Bush Pilot Don Sheldon inside Denali National Park. Save $100 per person.
3. Zipline tours near Denali and also in Seward. A combination of ziplines, rope bridges and scenic views offer travelers an exciting way to see the wilderness! (Save $37 per person).

Travelers to all sections of the state will find money-saving coupons, including:

1. Kennicott Glacier Lodge, in the middle of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. In addition to the lodge, there are discounts for glacier hikes and flightseeing tours. This park is the nation’s largest—filled with copper-mining history and massive peaks and glaciers. Save $100.
2. Flightseeing in Misty Fjords National Monument with Taquan Air. Ketchikan often is the first stop for visitors in our state—so this breath-taking air tour is the perfect way to understand Alaskans’ love affair with flying. Save $50 per person.
3. Charter deep-sea fishing in Seward and Homer. Enjoy two-for one savings on charter fishing trips from the top-producing sportfishing ports in the state!
4. Whale-watching with Alaska Galore in Juneau. Giant humpback whales love the waters around Juneau because of all the fish and plankton. Alaska Galore will help you see them in action! Two-for-one savings!

There are many other offers in the Alaska TourSaver book (or smartphone app) for 2019. Order the books online (http://www.toursaver.com) or find them at Carrs and Safeway grocery stores throughout the state. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to download the free smartphone app. Alaska TourSaver App Site. Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.

Shurtape Helps Bridge the Skilled Trades Gap at the Sachse Construction Academy

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Tape manufacturer announces winner of $2,500 scholarship

Hickory, N.C (PRWEB) December 04, 2018

The headlines don’t lie – the skilled trades are facing a crisis, and it’s going to take the combined efforts of the industry’s businesses, educators, and manufacturers to bridge the gap. That’s why Shurtape Technologies, a leading manufacturer and marketer of pressure-sensitive tapes, sponsored the Sachse Construction Academy event in Detroit – a one-day event that provides local high schoolers with a hands-on introduction to various skilled trades and the numerous and lucrative career opportunities in these industries – and offered attending students the chance to win a $2,500 scholarship to put toward the cost of a trade education.

Established in 2016 by Sachse Construction, a Detroit-based commercial construction management firm recognized as one of the most trusted and respected construction partners in North America, the Sachse Construction Academy provides a hands-on opportunity for high school students to learn about careers in skilled trades from professionals in the industry and encourage them to consider entering those rewarding fields after high school. For the third consecutive year, 500 students attended and participated in construction modules, including plumbing, masonry, restoration services and more.

As a sponsor of the Sachse Construction Academy, Shurtape attended with an interactive module to teach students about the use of tape as a tool in building and construction trades. At the start of the event, Lisa Zierfuss, Product Manager for Building & Construction/HVAC tapes at Shurtape, announced that the company would also be giving away a $2,500 scholarship – named the Tape University Education Scholarship after Shurtape’s education-focused TapeUniversity.com website – to a senior student in attendance who plans to pursue a technical education in a skilled trade after high school. Applicants were asked to describe why they want to pursue a skilled trade and how they can make an impact on the skilled trades gap.

After much anticipation, Shurtape is excited to announce the selected winner of the Tape University Education Scholarship: Mikayla Specci.

Mikayla is a high school senior at Oakland Schools Technical Campus in Detroit and plans to pursue a trade education through the Oakland Community College Construction Management program or by attending a trade school with a focus in construction. She has a heritage in the trades, with a grandfather who works for an electrical company, great-grandfather who worked as a residential building and great-grandmother who worked in automotive manufacturing for 35 years. Mikayla has grown up surrounded by family and friends who take pride in their careers in the trades and wants to use her stories and experiences – as well as her love for what she does in her own career – to inspire others to consider entering into the skilled trades.

“It was exciting to see so many young students choosing to pursue careers in the skilled trades. We received scholarship applications from students interested in everything from construction and electrical to HVAC and welding – all skills that they had the chance to experience hands-on at the Sachse Construction Academy,” said Lisa Zierfuss, Product Manager for Building & Construction/HVAC tapes at Shurtape. “Mikayla impressed us with her passion for spreading a positive message about careers in skilled trades and her desire to be a part of her family’s legacy of careers in these fields. She has a bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to offer her the first-ever Tape University Education Scholarship!”

Learn more about Shurtape’s education programs – including its Mission: HVAC scholarship program for HVAC students and schools – at TapeUniversity.com. For more information on the Sachse Construction Academy, visit constructionacademy.sachse.net. To learn more about Shurtape brand, visit Shurtape.com,

SHURTAPE® BRAND
Shurtape® brand, marketed by Shurtape Technologies’ Industrial Group, proudly serves a variety of professional and industrial markets with a comprehensive product portfolio that includes masking and paper, foil and film, packaging, double-coated, cloth and duct, and other specialty tape products, in addition to packaging dispensers and equipment for automated and manual packaging applications. For more information, visit shurtape.com, find us on Facebook® (facebook.com/Shurtape), follow us on Twitter® (@shurtapetech) or watch our videos on YouTube® (youtube.com/ShurtapeTech).

SHURTAPE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Based in Hickory, N.C., Shurtape Technologies, LLC, is an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of adhesive tape and consumer home and office products, with facilities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Peru, United Arab Emirates and China. Together, our subsidiaries serve numerous markets, including DIY, home products, industrial/MRO, building and construction, electrical, packaging, HVAC/insulation, professional paint, automotive, marine, aerospace, arts and entertainment, graphic arts, sound control, medical and retail. Learn more at ShurtapeTech.com.

Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Twitter® is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.
YouTube® is a registered trademark of Google Inc. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.

After 17 years, war in Afghanistan is at a stalemate, U.S. general tells Congress

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The fight in Afghanistan is at a stalemate, and the significant number of Afghan troop deaths in the war is not sustainable, the Marine officer nominated to command U.S. forces in the Middle East told lawmakers on Tuesday. Reported by CTV News 17 hours ago.

Atlantic Seaboard’s Marine Life May Soon Be Under Siege - The White House okays new plan to bombard the ocean with marine-mammal-destroying sound cannons to find new oil deposits.

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Whales, dolphins, a functioning oceanic ecosystem – who needs any of that crap, amirite? What we need is more real loud noises pumping through the Atlantic Ocean like a Danzig song, deafening sea mammals from Delaware to Florida. And more oil and gas drilling offshore. Yeah, that’s the good stuff. Mainline that right into my

The post Atlantic Seaboard’s Marine Life May Soon Be Under Siege appeared first on Adventure Sports Network. Reported by GrindTV 22 hours ago.

Larson Electronics Announces 15 KVA 480V 3 Phase Hazardous Location Transformer

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KEMP, Texas, Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Larson Electronics, a company with expertise in energy-efficient lighting systems and portable power distribution units, announced the release of a 15 KVA transformer for hazardous locations. This transformer accepts 3 phase 480V in the primary side and provides 120/240V on the secondary side, and is NEMA Type 3R rated and approved for marine and offshore applicationsThe MT-HAL-15KVA-480V-120.240V-N3R hazardous location transformer gives operators the ability to power their 240 volt and 120 volt equipment from a single system. On the primary side, operators connect to three-phase 480V line-in power. This transformer features a standard electrostatic shield and standard sound level and has a top accessible separate high/low voltage lead wires and tabs.

This hazardous location transformer weighs 250 pounds and is UL listed to 1604, UL listed to Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D, and has an ABS Type Approval for Marine Duty Service and offshore applications. The transformer is encapsulated in electrical grade silica sand and resin compounds. These compounds completely enclose the core and soil, which prevents the ingress of moisture or airborne contaminants and eliminates the potential for corrosion or deterioration.

*About Larson Electronics LLC:* Larson Electronics LLC is a manufacturer of industrial lighting equipment and accessories. The company offers an extensive catalog of industry-grade lighting and power distribution products for the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, food processing, oil and gas, military, marine and automobile. Customers can benefit from the company’s hands-on, customized approach to lighting solutions. Larson Electronics provides expedited service for quotes, customer support and shipments.

*For further information, please contact:*
Rob Bresnahan, *President and CEO
*Toll-free: 1-888-351-2363
Int’l: 214-616-6180
Fax: 903-498-3364
E-mail: sales@larsonelectronics.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 20 hours ago.

Ship traffic, December 5

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Ship traffic Due to arrive today SHIP FROM PORT Arietta Portland, Ore. PBG Daniel K.Inouye Honolulu OAK Ever Smile Los Angeles OAK Garnet Leader Port Hueneme, Ventura County BNC Horizon Pacific Honolulu OAK Island Princess Cabo San Lucas, Mexico SFO MOL Modern Los Angeles OAK Shanghai Highway San Diego BNC YM Unicorn Los Angeles OAK Due to depart today SHIP TO PORT CAP Capricorn Long Beach SFO Cape Kortia Tokyo OAK Horizon Pacific Los Angeles OAK Humber Bridge Tokyo SFO Island Princess Cabo San Lucas, Mexico SFO MSC Silvia Port Unknown SFO Queen Asia Port Unknown SFO Sibi Ghent, Belgium SFO Source: S.F. Marine Exchange Reported by SFGate 18 hours ago.

LeasePlan USA Joins the Road to Zero Coalition as Further Commitment to Safety

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LeasePlan USA has committed to a continued focus on the company’s culture of safety and a drive toward zero road fatalities in coordination with the Road to Zero Coalition.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (PRWEB) December 04, 2018

LeasePlan USA announces today new programs dedicated to achieving zero road fatalities. The company, with a strong focus on safety, recently joined the Road to Zero Coalition, a coordinated, data-driven response to the increase in roadway fatalities managed by the National Safety Council. The Coalition recently published a comprehensive report explicitly laying out strategies for ending all roadway deaths in the United States by 2050. With its membership, LeasePlan is committed to following the same framework as a part of the largest coalition collaboration to put forth a comprehensive plan addressing motor vehicle fatalities.

In addition to the Road to Zero Coalition, LeasePlan has announced the release of three new safety programs now available to clients. The programs, in collaboration with strategic partner eDriving, take a data-centric approach to creating customized safety programs for fleets through robust scoring mechanisms and benchmarking. These programs also enable fleet managers to not just identify drivers in most need of training, but also gives the support necessary to achieve the expected standards for safe driving.

“Driver safety impacts each of us on the road, whether driving for personal or business trips. Here at LeasePlan, we recognize the importance of roadway safety and the impact it has. We are committed to leading the effort to zero-road fatalities,” said Felipe Smolka, executive vice president of transformation at LeasePlan USA. “By leveraging data and empowering insights, we can proactively identify and mitigate risks before they even happen and work toward safer roads in line with our commitment to The Road to Zero Coalition. We look forward to sharing key Safety data insights with our clients, through our new safety solutions, to help them on their own journey to reduced incidents.”

“We demand 100 percent safe operations in aviation, marine, pipeline, rail and transit, we should cultivate a corresponding societal demand for safe roads,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “With these three guidelines, everyone can do something to reduce fatalities on the roadway. Getting to zero fatalities is not impossible – it just hasn’t been done yet.”

With the announcement of their membership in the Road to Zero Coalition and new safety program offerings, LeasePlan takes a proactive stance on reducing driver road risk. With an ultimate goal of eliminating all road fatalities, the fleet management company makes clear its continued commitment to driver safety. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.

Richardson Electric sees the next step in the companies future in Healthcare

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Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ:RELL) CEO Edward Richardson sat down with Proactive Investors at the 11th Annual LD Micro Main Event in Los Angeles. Richardson Electronics provides power grid and microwave tubes. The company serves customers in the alternative energy, aviation, broadcast, communications, healthcare, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific and semiconductor markets. Reported by Proactive Investors 14 hours ago.
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