#Superyacht Training

[seashorepics]

Day 24: UKSA Cowes: A Beacon of Maritime Education and Adventure

Introduction Located in Cowes, the world-renowned sailing hub on the Isle of Wight, UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) stands as a beacon for maritime education, sailing, and watersports. Since its inception, UKSA has transformed the lives of thousands of young people, adventurers, and professionals, offering world-class training and opportunities to pursue careers in the maritime industry.…

[walkswithmycamera]

Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain 🇪🇸 - the city that has everything.

The Parte Alta (old town) area with magnificent building architecture and pleasant large plaza's - to the amphitheater overlooking the coast and a beach below.

A train station by the Marina containing several large superyachts, links directly with Barcelona.

We visited for the day by bus from our resort hotel in Salou and fell in love with Tarragona - and definitely plan to return.

More information, map of the area and photos in my blog article.

[mixotrophics]

book: How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Andreas Malm

Malm unpicks the dynamics in activism in the climate movement.

A bulk of activists now days are staunchly nonviolent, saying that nonviolence gives them a "moral high ground".

Malm counters: the "nonviolent" movements of the past were effective from a 'positive radical flank effect': [radicals] stoke up the crisis to a breaking point, [moderates] offer a way out. Nonviolence is reified by the likes of Maria Stephan, then a lead officer of the US Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations in Afghanistan, seeking to protect US interests. Nonviolence can be ignored, until there is a looming threat of radicals/militants which makes capitulating with the nonviolent wing the preferable option. Nonviolence may be a lie and a creation of privilege. Extinction Rebellion (XR) preaches nonviolence, instead opting to get arrested on purpose to create a lot of extra work for the legal system, no wonder XR is so white, to get arrested to flippantly. Such a model is adopted due to the moral high ground and the "wide accessibility" , ignoring that it excludes folks who cannot safely interact with the police. Nonviolent capitulation -- of admitting defeat -- similarly so ... "I am the destruction. It's an aesthetic experience. I may as well laugh at it," says Timothy Morton, "compulsive luxury emitter." Violent/militant resistance works in tandem with moderate wings ... even if, and maybe especially so, if they don't agree and vocalize that disagreement. Do not fetishize a tactic. Strike with diverse strategies.

then: How might we perform direct action for the climate? With precision, planning, clarity of intent. Another XR example: activists stopped a train in the Canning Town tube station in London. It is one of the poorest areas in the UK. Immediate questions: why block public transport, part of the solution to the climate crisis? And why here? A video of the incident, you can hear someone say "I have to get to work. I have to feed my kids." the commuters try to pull the activists down from the train, and an activist kicks one in the face -- a white man, holding up a train in a poor part of a city, kicking a black man in the face. XR went on to call the action "peaceful" and "non-violent". Herein lays the falseness of nonviolence. This cannot happen again. Attack the fcking perpetrators of the climate crisis. There is a difference between "luxury emissions" and "subsistence emissions" and the priority, the clear target right now, is the luxury emissions. Even if subsistence emissions contribute, there is absolute cruelty in demanding the poor stop heating their homes with firewood while allowing the rich to have superyachts ... and the state, if not forced to do otherwise, will tend to crack down on the former before the latter. The statistics Malm provides are staggering. The climate movement has other grim specters to shake off, to study so repeating their mistakes can be avoided. Again, a lack of clarity/specificity. Earth First!, Animal Liberation Front, and Earth Liberation Front all drew from Deep Ecology, that humans are the problem, blames overpopulation and prescribes decreasing the population size, and implicates technology (wind, solar, agriculture, etc included) as part of the problem ... while human-harm was seldom and accidental, the actions were sometimes poorly informed, such as liberating [sic] American mink from farms in the UK and Sweden , massively boosting the issue of that species being invasive in those areas. Works such as Deep Green Resistance read like greenwashed fascist genocide fantasies. these are white-supremacist ideas that run foundational to many parts of the green/eco movement. Be wary, and may your planning for direct action -- whatever it may be -- take such a history into account.

anyways it's short. Read it. Yay :] though if you're feeling Not Great / manic, approach with caution at the moment, I was in fact told to take a break from reading it when I was manic due to the potential for me to do some unplanned, unclear, drastic action in emotional fury. We are worth more to the movement alive than dead, free than in jail.

[eljeebee]

Ugh, I was meant to send you an ask and I darn well forgot, thanks fatigue. Any way, writing exercise. What is each of your characters preferred method of travel (cycling, bus, car, train, plane, teleport, whatever)?

I LOVE YOU KIRSTY!!!

Let's start with my agents:

Agents

Both Priscilla and Albert prefers traveling by car in land. Of course, Moumou is with them in the car.

Tony prefers his motorcycle when traveling alone, but he becomes the driver when he's with his wife and/or Albert (and Moumou!).

All three prefers to travel by private jet provided by their organization if traveling by air. Moumou just tags along.

DLU

For our college students, Louie, Sid, Julie, and Seamus prefers bicycle within the campus.

Individually, Louie and Sid prefers train. San Sequoia has a subway in Anchorpoint Wharf after all!

Coming from a royal family, Julie and Seamus prefers car, either driven by Bernie or Penny. Seamus has been practicing driving car and motorcycle too (he has a motorcycle back in their Del Sol Valley chateau).

Jason, Sophia, and Mason also prefers train. They're near the subway after all. They will also take point to point buses to reach their destinations.

Margaux likes to travel by car and plane (fortunately, she still have privileges to use the royal private jet from time to time, but since she tries to detach from the family, she usually flies first class in commercial planes). Bernie is the same as Margaux, but if possible, he'd prefer to travel by ship, or through his own superyacht. Penny likes cruise, ship, boats, yacht or whatever vessel she could travel in the ocean.

Most of my vampires prefer to travel with their Vampiric powers. Specifically:

Valentina and Percival Asvang travels as bats;

The Beau Sisters, the Aurums, and Helen and Vladislaus Straud travel by mist; and

The Vatores will use their vampiric speed.

However, they will only do this out of plain sight and if necessary. Because of this, Lana Beau will travel with whatever vehicle screams luxury. She travels in a Rolls-Royce that she personally drives (and with her sister, occasionally). Percy once asked if he could drive it. She barred him from doing that and bought him a Ducati ("Here's a toy for you. Don't touch mine, alright?") She'll travel with private jet too, if flying out of the country. She likes to boast her very old money.

The rest either has their own vehicles, like Valentina, who has a Cadillac sedan, Percy with his Ducati, and the Strauds with their Ford SUV (Caleb is the driver), or some of them will commute, like the Vatores and Helen, and Yvonne.

The Aurums are the exception. They always use their power to move around. To keep themselves out of sight, they will cast a charm around themselves.

The Coveys commutes by train, (trains in San Myshuno!) while Lavender Lee prefers taking the bus.

The Fengs prefers to travel by car, and business class in planes.

Bonus:

The Eyes of the Watcher prefers to travel by foot. It helps them practice discipline. The vampire Seeker, when necessary, will travel as a bat. When unable, they will utilize public transport.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

#15yrsago UK copyright law in verse https://jergames.blogspot.com/2009/02/uk-copyright-law-in-verse.html

#15yrsago A moving eulogy for a father https://scottedelman.livejournal.com/116341.html

#10yrsago Kim Stanley Robinson on science fiction and California: “California is a terraformed space” https://boomcalifornia.org/2014/01/27/kim-stanley-robinson/

#10yrsago Bruce Sterling on making the Internet safe for freedom and art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dacKWLGZklM

#10yrsago DEA reveals “parallel construction” techniques the “taint team” uses to disguise its reliance on NSA surveillance data https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2014/feb/03/dea-parallel-construction-guides/

#5yrsago Father of Parkland victim responds to Louis CK’s jokes with a “standup set” of his own https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TERPmtOw1e0

#5yrsago Appeals court to Donald Trump’s FCC: “Drop dead.” https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/02/ajit-pai-loses-in-court-judges-overturn-gutting-of-tribal-broadband-program/

#5yrsago Consultants will train the crew of your super-yacht to take care of your fine art collection https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/feb/02/cornflakes-on-the-basquiat-perils-of-superyacht-art

#1yrago Higher interest rates increase both the monetary supply and inflation https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/04/if-i-was-a-horse/#friedman-was-a-dolt

[vettir]

"My friend finally died of old age. He had to use time travel to do it. Cheater. Love you pal."

"You know what's great? Boats. Boats are basically the same now they were 100 years ago."

"So, are superyachts still a Nazi thing? Yes? No? I think I'll sink it just to be safe."

"Sometimes I just want to fall off of a train into a chasm again. It was weirdly peaceful."

"When I look at all my friends who have died while I haven't, the only one that makes sense is Steve, and he still had to cheat."

"You know, the blip wasn't that bad compared to being frozen for 70 years."

"Wait a second, I just heard about gay chicken. Is this what Sam and I have been doing?"

Concept: Some jackass shows Bucky how to make a blog and it becomes really popular. Not because it’s the blog of James Buchanan Barnes, American Legend, War Hero, Infamous Assassin, Alleged Terrorist. Nobody even knows it’s his blog. It gets really popular because people think it’s a really great shitpost generator or something. Because Bucky is just a Weird Fucking Person and everything he posts on his fucking personal blog comes off as somewhere between dril and Jaden Smith and people are like “this is some quality garbage right here” and thus Accidental Memelord Bucky is born.

[tatianaantonik123]

Tatiana Antonik Redefining Luxury Hospitality in Yacht & Estate Management

Tatiana Antonik is a premium yacht and estate management industry leader, known for her efficiency, elegance, and secrecy. As a seasoned superyacht stewardess and the founder of Antonik Yacht Services LLC, she has dedicated her career to providing excellent guest experiences, ensuring that luxury vessels and exclusive estates maintain the greatest levels of service and refinement. 

A Passion for Excellence in Hospitality

With a background deeply rooted in the yachting industry, Tatiana has developed a meticulous eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of guest experience is seamlessly executed. Whether it’s managing an opulent superyacht or a lavish estate, her approach is centered around comfort, discretion, and world-class service. She understands the expectations of high-net-worth individuals and has perfected the art of anticipating their needs before they are even expressed.

Her expertise extends beyond simple management—she curates unforgettable experiences, overseeing everything from elite interior services to personalized event coordination, fine dining arrangements, and onboard entertainment. Every service is designed to provide guests with a sense of exclusivity, luxury, and effortless relaxation.

Antonik Yacht Services LLC: Elevating Luxury Standards

Founded by Tatiana, Antonik Yacht Services LLC has quickly become synonymous with excellence in yacht and estate hospitality. The company specializes in:

Yacht Interior Management – Ensuring superyachts are maintained to the highest luxury standards with meticulous housekeeping, provisioning, and guest services.

Estate Management – Providing top-tier care and maintenance for luxury homes, from staffing to daily operations.

Guest Concierge Services – Personalized guest experiences, including itinerary planning, event coordination, and private chef services.

Crew Training & Development – Elevating hospitality teams with world-class training to maintain elite service levels.

Through her company, Tatiana has built a reputation for seamless execution, professional discretion, and white-glove service, making her a trusted partner in the world of luxury hospitality.

The Art of Anticipating Guest Needs

What sets Tatiana apart is her ability to go beyond standard service and create an atmosphere of effortless luxury. From the finest linens and floral arrangements to impeccable table settings and bespoke guest requests, every detail is handled with precision. She ensures that guests experience not just comfort, but true indulgence, where every interaction feels intuitive and every moment is curated to perfection.

Tatiana’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that luxury is not just about opulence but about creating seamless, stress-free environments where guests feel completely at ease. This commitment has earned her the trust of high-profile clients who demand nothing less than the best.

A Commitment to Setting New Industry Standards

As a leader in hospitality, Tatiana Antonik continues to push the boundaries of yacht and estate service excellence. Her work is a testament to the power of passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. Whether overseeing the fine details of a superyacht experience or managing the operations of a luxury estate, she brings an unmatched level of expertise and professionalism.

With Tatiana Antonik Yacht Services LLC, Tatiana is not just managing properties—she is redefining what it means to deliver true five-star hospitality, ensuring that every guest enjoys an extraordinary, world-class experience.

[curatedglobaltravel]

A New Reason to Visit the Galapagos: The Hermes Ultra-Luxury Catamaran

The New Ultra-Luxury Hermes Galapagos Catamaran

For centuries, the Galapagos Islands have captured the imagination of explorers, scientists, and travelers seeking a connection to one of the world’s most pristine and unique natural habitats. Famous for its extraordinary biodiversity, where species like the blue-footed booby and giant tortoise thrive, this Pacific paradise has been an iconic destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Now, the Galapagos is redefining its appeal—not just as a haven for wildlife lovers but also as a playground for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury. Enter the HERMES GALAPAGOS, a 157-foot ultra-luxury mega catamaran that elevates the Galapagos experience to unprecedented heights.

The Convergence of Nature and Luxury

The Galapagos Islands are a place where time seems to stand still, yet the introduction of the Hermes Galapagos brings a fresh dynamism to this ancient archipelago. This state-of-the-art catamaran has been designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the best of both worlds: unparalleled access to nature and the kind of opulence usually reserved for the world’s most exclusive resorts.

A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Hermes has already garnered accolades from publications like Robb Report and Elite Traveler. Its inclusion in these illustrious circles is no surprise, as the vessel combines cutting-edge design, eco-conscious innovation, and a service philosophy that puts guests at the center of a transformative journey.

An Unprecedented Vessel

When you step aboard the Hermes Galapagos, you’ll immediately understand why it’s in a league of its own. The vessel features 12 state-of-the-art suites, each equipped with private balconies and Jacuzzis—a rarity in the Galapagos. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide uninterrupted views of the islands and ocean, ensuring that even when indoors, guests remain immersed in the beauty of their surroundings.

The suites also feature walk-in closets, mini bars, and spacious living areas, creating a home-away-from-home ambiance that’s both elegant and supremely comfortable. Each suite, including single accommodations, is equipped with a private balcony and Jacuzzi, and uniquely, there’s no single supplement charge for solo travelers. With nearly 7,857 square feet of social areas, there’s ample space for relaxation and connection.

Dining as an Experience

Food aboard the Hermes Galapagos is not merely a necessity; it’s a highlight of the journey. The ship boasts a signature menu crafted by Ecuadorian Executive Chef Andrés Robles Montenegro (✨ [@chef.andresrobles]). With experience at three-star Michelin restaurants and Relais & Châteaux properties, Chef Andrés has created a fine cuisine masterpiece for the Hermes’ superyacht menu. Whether you’re enjoying a casual breakfast on your private balcony or a multi-course dinner in the dining room, every meal is a celebration of flavor and artistry.

Guests are also treated to cocktail and cooking demonstrations, adding an interactive dimension to the dining experience. And with a carefully curated menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, there’s something to delight every palate.

The Pinnacle of Service

Luxury is about more than aesthetics; it’s about how you’re treated. The Hermes Galapagos employs 17 highly trained crew members, including a dedicated cruise director, two 24/7 butlers (one per 10 guests), and two expert naturalist guides (one per 10 guests). From unpacking your luggage to crafting personalized cocktails, these butlers ensure a seamless and stress-free journey.

The naturalist guides lead daily excursions, offering intimate insights into the islands’ unique ecosystems. These guides are not just knowledgeable—they’re passionate stewards of the Galapagos, making every hike, snorkeling session, or paddleboarding adventure a chance to deepen your appreciation of this extraordinary environment.

Activities That Transform

The Hermes Galapagos offers a curated menu of activities that blend luxury with adventure. Imagine kayaking alongside sea lions, snorkeling with colorful schools of fish, or paddleboarding through serene turquoise waters. For those who prefer to stay dry, the vessel offers walking sticks for guided hikes across volcanic landscapes, as well as hammam and spa services for post-excursion relaxation.

Every activity is complemented by the expertise of bilingual naturalist guides, ensuring that your experience is not only enjoyable but deeply educational. The ship’s commitment to conservation and responsible tourism means you can indulge in luxury without compromising the fragile ecosystems that make the Galapagos so special.

A Partnership with Via Natura Boutique DMC

The Hermes Galapagos experience is the brand new vessel of Via Natura Boutique DMC, a family-owned travel company that has been crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences in Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Peru for over 30 years. As owners of the Hermes Galapagos, Via Natura’s deep-rooted expertise ensures every journey is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. The company’s commitment to sustainability and personalized service aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Hermes.

Via Natura Boutique DMC is renowned for its intimate knowledge of Ecuador and its dedication to showcasing the best the region has to offer. From exclusive access to cultural landmarks to seamless logistical planning, Via Natura’s role in the Hermes Galapagos experience guarantees an unparalleled journey for every guest.

A Commitment to Sustainability

The Hermes Galapagos doesn’t just cater to luxury—it’s deeply committed to sustainability. As an eco-conscious vessel, it adheres to strict guidelines to minimize its environmental footprint. From energy-efficient systems to sustainable waste management practices, the Hermes ensures that its presence in the Galapagos enhances rather than detracts from the islands’ natural beauty.

In addition, The 'Endemic Reforestation Project,' also led by Via Natura, is a one-of-a-kind initiative aimed at creating the ideal habitat for various species of endemic wildlife.

Why the Hermes Galapagos?

In a destination as awe-inspiring as the Galapagos, it takes something truly extraordinary to stand out. The Hermes Galapagos does just that, offering a blend of luxury, service, and sustainability that redefines what it means to explore this remote archipelago. With Starlink satellite internet included, guests can stay connected even in the most remote parts of the ocean.

Wave Season Offer: The best time to book a cruise is now

Complementary Domestic Air on select 2025 departures when booked before March 20, 2025. Conditions apply.

VIP Perk

$100 massage credit to use in the beautiful spa.

Don’t wait to create the adventure of a lifetime. Book your trip today with curated global travel experts, whether for your group, family, honeymoon, anniversary, or as an individual (with no single supplement). The Hermes Galapagos awaits to deliver an unparalleled journey through one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

Let's Connect  ⟶

[starsailingocean]

Chart Your Course: Exploring Superyacht Careers with Ocean Star Sailing

The allure of a career on the open sea is undeniable. For those who dream of working on luxurious vessels while traversing the globe, a career in superyachting offers unparalleled opportunities. Ocean Star Sailing, a premier maritime training institution, offers the essential courses to help aspiring crew members launch their journey, including the Superyacht Deckhand Career Course Cape Town and Deck Crew Training in Cape Town

[satoshiconcierge]

Charter Yacht Dubai: The Ultimate Luxury Experience on the Arabian Gulf

Why Charter a Yacht in Dubai?

Yacht charters in Dubai provide an escape from the bustling city while keeping you close to its beauty. With some of the most luxurious yachts in the world, Dubai is a prime location to indulge in a serene yet exhilarating experience. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a private family gathering, or a corporate event, chartering a yacht allows you to explore Dubai’s waters in privacy and style.

The freedom to design your own itinerary is one of the highlights of a yacht charter. You can cruise through Dubai’s renowned landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands, Burj Al Arab, and the Dubai Marina. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the city's architecture and lifestyle, making for excellent photo opportunities and experiences.

Types of Yachts Available for Charter

Dubai's yacht charter industry caters to a range of preferences and budgets. You can choose from an array of vessels that vary in size, style, and amenities:

Luxury Superyachts: For the ultimate experience, luxury superyachts come with top-tier amenities such as hot tubs, high-end interiors, and spacious decks. Some of these yachts even offer onboard pools and private suites, providing all the comforts of a five-star hotel at sea.

Sport Yachts: Ideal for speed enthusiasts, sport charter yacht dubai are sleek and agile, perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of a faster ride along Dubai’s coastline.

Catamarans and Sailboats: For a more relaxed experience, a catamaran or sailboat offers a quieter and smoother ride, allowing you to take in the Gulf's peaceful ambiance.

Fishing and Diving Boats: For a unique adventure, many charter companies provide boats equipped for deep-sea fishing or diving excursions, allowing you to experience the marine life of the Arabian Gulf up close.

Key Amenities and Services

Yacht charter jet dubai go above and beyond in terms of services and amenities. Some of the high-end amenities you can expect include fully-equipped kitchens, luxury cabins, entertainment systems, and dining spaces with panoramic views. Many charters also offer additional services such as:

Private Chefs and Catering: Enjoy a gourmet dining experience tailored to your preferences, with fresh ingredients and cuisine prepared by onboard chefs.

Water Sports Equipment: Jet skis, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards are available on many charters, allowing you to enjoy the water in a more active way.

Professional Crew and Hospitality: Trained crew members ensure your journey is both safe and enjoyable. From navigation to serving refreshments, they cater to your every need.

Popular Routes and Destinations

Dubai’s waters provide endless routes for exploration, and some of the most popular itineraries include:

Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah: This route offers stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline and iconic landmarks like Atlantis, The Palm.

World Islands: For a more secluded experience, you can navigate around the World Islands, a man-made archipelago shaped like a world map.

Sunset Cruise: A sunset yacht cruise provides a magical view of Dubai’s skyline as the sun sets, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.

Planning Your Yacht Charter

Dubai has numerous yacht charter companies that offer tailored packages to meet your requirements. Whether you’re interested in a few hours, a full-day adventure, or a multi-day charter, these companies can customize packages to create an experience that fits your needs.

Before booking, consider the yacht size, number of guests, amenities, and additional services you require. It’s also a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you get the yacht of your choice.

[rosssamanchuk]

Ross Samanchuk - Enhancing Luxury Living with Advanced Smart Home Systems

When it came time to bring his newly acquired $35 million waterfront mansion on Star Island into the future, rap superstar Rick Ross turned to LUC Electric to seamlessly integrate smart home solutions into his Kobi Karp-designed living spaces, developed by Manny Varas and MV Group.

Founded by Ross Samanchuk and Sergey Holovchenko, LUC Electric is a leading Miami-based provider of luxury Custom Lighting Design and Smart Home Systems. With a strong emphasis on customer service and a deep understanding of client needs, LUC Electric offers a wide range of services, including architectural smart lighting, home security systems, motorized shades, and unique audio/video installations. They manage the entire process, from custom design and installation to post-installation support, ensuring that your Smart Home System delivers unmatched comfort and peace of mind.

LUC Electric is also a pioneer in Custom Architectural Lighting Design. Their eco-conscious luxury lighting design services cater to residential, landscape, and superyacht projects, focusing on creating the perfect atmosphere, mood, functionality, comfort, energy efficiency, increased home value, artistic expression, well-being, and safety. Their attention to detail in custom lighting design enhances human-centric lighting by strategically integrating fixture placement, adjustable color temperatures, and smart controls to align with circadian rhythms and specific tasks. The result is a harmonious blend of light and intelligence that your home truly deserves.

As the smart home industry continues to grow rapidly, LUC Electric remains at the forefront of this trend. They work closely with clients through a comprehensive process that includes discovery and consultation, design and planning, proposal and agreement, pre-installation preparation, installation and integration, calibration and testing, client training and handover, post-installation support, and project closure and evaluation.

LUC Electric offers an extensive range of Smart Home Systems designed to make everyday living more convenient and comfortable. From lighting control systems to security and climate control systems, LUC Electric ensures your home is equipped with the latest technologies to enhance your living experience. Their partnership with LUTRON Lighting Control System enables innovative lighting management solutions, offering energy efficiency, comfort, convenience, safety, and extended lamp life. Moreover, LUC Electric provides state-of-the-art security systems, including perimeter movement control, door locking and unlocking, access control, fire alarm systems, shock sensors, motion sensors, air quality sensors, flood sensors, surveillance, and remote monitoring. They also specialize in luxury motorized shades, featuring LUTRON’s finest products that redefine daylight with unparalleled elegance.

For those seeking a cinematic experience at home, LUC Electric offers an impressive array of high-quality audio and video equipment, including invisible speakers, round 360 acoustic systems, ambient sound solutions, outdoor sound systems, TVs, projectors, and full home cinema setups.

As a testament to their expertise and commitment to quality, rap superstar Rick Ross entrusted LUC Electric to install his home’s smart home system, architectural lighting, and world-class audio and video in his new Star Island mansion. This collaboration highlights the trust and confidence that clients have in LUC Electric’s ability to deliver top-tier services.

LUC Electric’s commitment to providing post-installation support ensures that clients remain satisfied with their smart home systems long after installation. Trust LUC Electric to transform your living space into a state-of-the-art smart home that meets all your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Follow LUC Electric on Instagram and visit them at lucelectric.com.

[newstfionline]

Friday, August 23, 2024

Labor Dispute Halts Rail Freight in Canada, Raising Supply Chain Concerns (NYT) Rail freight traffic in Canada came to a standstill early Thursday as the country’s two main rail companies locked out about 10,000 employees, a move that could cause supply chain disruptions in the United States and serious economic consequences within Canada. The move follows months of contract talks that failed to reach an agreement. The two companies, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, said before the lockout that their extensive routes within the United States would continue to operate, but many businesses there are likely to be affected. About 6,500 containers enter the United States by rail from Canada every day, according to the Railway Association of Canada, an industry lobbying group. That includes cargo from Asia and Europe that lands in Canadian ports. Rail shipments into Canada from the United States will also be halted.

Biden Approved Secret Nuclear Strategy Refocusing on Chinese Threat (NYT) President Joe Biden approved in March a highly classified nuclear strategic plan for the United States that, for the first time, reorients America’s deterrent strategy to focus on China’s rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal. The shift comes as the Pentagon believes China’s stockpiles will rival the size and diversity of the United States’ and Russia’s over the next decade. The White House never announced that Biden had approved the revised strategy, called the “Nuclear Employment Guidance,” which also newly seeks to prepare the United States for possible coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia and North Korea. The document, updated every four years or so, is so highly classified that there are no electronic copies, only a small number of hard copies distributed to a few national security officials and Pentagon commanders. But in recent speeches, two senior administration officials were allowed to allude to the change—in carefully constrained, single sentences. “The president recently issued updated nuclear-weapons employment guidance to account for multiple nuclear-armed adversaries,” Vipin Narang, a nuclear strategist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who served in the Pentagon, said this month before returning to academia. “And in particular,” he added, the weapons guidance accounted for “the significant increase in the size and diversity” of China’s nuclear arsenal.

Panama starts returning migrants on US-funded flights (BBC) Panama on Tuesday started repatriating undocumented migrants on flights financed by the United States. The move comes less than two months after José Raúl Mulino was sworn in as Panama’s president. Mr Mulino campaigned on a promise to “close” the Darién Gap, the dangerous stretch of jungle which more than half a million migrants crossed last year on their way north from South America. The Biden administration said it had agreed to pay for the flights as part of its efforts to deter irregular migration. A group of 29 Colombians with criminal records were the first to be returned on Tuesday.

German warship blasts Darth Vader anthem in heart of London. ‘No deeper message,’ navy says. (AP) Germany’s navy says there was “no deeper message” in the choice to blast the famed Imperial March—Darth Vader’s theme song in the “Star Wars” films—from one of its warships as it cruised down the River Thames through London this week. A bystander captured the spectacle Monday on video, which quickly went viral on social media. The song selection made waves across Europe. The warship was in the area for training and dropped anchor in London for a normal supply stop, the German navy said. “The commander can choose the music freely,” the navy said in a statement Thursday. “The choice of music has no deeper message.” There’s no word whether Anakin Skywalker himself was aboard.

This superyacht hotspot for the uber-wealthy is heating up—and becoming more dangerous (CNN) The storm that sank the “Bayesian,” a luxury yacht anchored off the Sicily coast, was sudden, violent and deadly. The superyacht, which was carrying 22 people, sank in the early hours of Monday morning, near the port of Porticello, claiming at least five lives. Rescue operations have been hampered by the difficulties of reaching the vessel, which is resting on the sea floor approximately 165 feet deep. The incident has shocked many. The Mediterranean, prized for its crystal clear, tranquil waters, is a prime summer destination for the very wealthy and their superyachts. But these waters can still be dangerous—one of the reasons thousands of people die every year trying to migrate across it. Many believe the yacht was struck by a waterspout—one of several types of tornadoes. The coast guard reported the yacht was struck by a tornado, and a waterspout was reported to the European Severe Weather Database around the same time. Storms that day resulted in at least two dozen waterspout reports across Italy.

Poorly trained recruits contribute to loss of Ukrainian territory on eastern front, commanders say (AP) Some new Ukrainian soldiers refuse to fire at the enemy. Others, according to commanders and fellow fighters, struggle to assemble weapons or to coordinate basic combat movements. A few have even walked away from their posts, abandoning the battlefield altogether. While Ukraine presses on with its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, its troops are still losing precious ground along the country’s eastern front—a grim erosion that military commanders blame in part on poorly trained recruits drawn from a recent mobilization drive, as well as Russia’s clear superiority in ammunition and air power. Commanders say the recruits have contributed to a string of territorial losses that enabled Russia’s army to advance, including near the city of Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub. If it falls, the defeat would imperil Ukraine’s defenses and bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the Donetsk region. Russian soldiers are now just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away.

Myanmar households crippled as currency tumbles to record low (Reuters) A rapid depreciation of Myanmar’s currency is pushing up the prices of essentials, including food and medicine, crippling ordinary households in the Southeast Asian country wrecked by civil war and a crumbling economy. The Myanmar kyat has been extremely volatile in recent days, plunging to a low of 7,500 to the dollar in the black market last week from 5,000 earlier in the month, according to four foreign exchange traders. The plunge followed reports that the Myanmar junta was printing more kyat to prop up the currency, two traders said. The kyat has since recovered to around 6,000 to the dollar in the black market while the central bank’s official reference rate was 2,100 on Tuesday, with an online market trading rate of 3,400. But prices of essentials have not come down, six residents said. The kyat’s fall, rising transportation costs and disruptions in border trade have sent costs of some medicines and groceries soaring in Myanmar’s main cities in recent weeks, they said. “It used to cost about 25,000 kyat ($11.94) per week for our household groceries until about a month ago but now it costs about 40,000 kyat,” said a 27-year-old housewife from Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital.

Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Israelis Clash With Police Over Draft (NYT) Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israeli men protested outside a conscription center in Jerusalem on Wednesday and clashed with police officers amid rising national tensions about a court decision ordering a draft for the insular community. Israel’s military began sending conscription orders last month to ultra-Orthodox men aged 18 to 26 after the Supreme Court in June ordered an end to exemptions that had been in place for decades. Military service is mandatory for most Israelis over 18, with some exceptions, such as for most Arab citizens. Before the ruling, over 60,000 ultra-Orthodox religious students of draft age were also formally exempt from service. The Israeli police said that they had sent reinforcements to try to maintain order, and Israeli news media reported that officers had sealed off several streets, used water cannons to disperse crowds and beaten some protesters with batons. The protest highlights the increased friction between Israel’s mainstream secular society and the ultra-Orthodox, the fastest-growing part of the population. Many ultra-Orthodox see full-time Torah study as crucial, arguing that this scholarship is what has ensured the survival of Jews for centuries.

The War in Gaza Is Making Thousands of Orphans (NYT) The war in Gaza is taking children from parents and parents from children, undoing the natural order of things, rupturing the basic unit of Gazan life. It is making so many orphans in such chaos that no agency or aid group can count them. Medical staff say children are left to roam hospital hallways and fend for themselves after being rushed there bloodied and alone—“wounded child, no surviving family,” some hospitals label them. Neonatal units house babies whom no one has come to claim. In Khan Younis, a volunteer-run camp has sprung up to shelter more than 1,000 children who have lost one or both parents, including the Akeilas. One section is dedicated to “only survivors,” children who have lost their entire families, except perhaps a sibling. There is a long waiting list. Amid the bombing, the constant pell-mell evacuations from tent to tent and apartment to hospital to shelter, no one can say how many children have lost track of their parents, and how many have lost them for good.

Copper and robbers (Wired) In most places, power companies are a pretty dull business. But in South Africa they are under a literal assault, targeted by heavily armed gangs that have crippled the nation’s energy infrastructure and claimed an ever-growing number of lives. Practically every day, homes across the country are plunged into darkness, train lines shut down, water supplies cut off, and hospitals forced to close, all because thieves are targeting the material that carries electricity: copper. The battle cry of energy transition advocates is “Electrify everything.” Meaning: Let’s power cars, heating systems, industrial plants, and every other type of machine with electricity rather than fossil fuels. To do that, we need copper—and lots of it. Second to silver, a rarer and far more expensive metal, copper is the best natural electrical conductor on Earth. We need it for solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. (A typical EV contains as much as 175 pounds of copper.) We need it for the giant batteries that will provide power when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. We need it to massively expand and upgrade the countless miles of power cables that undergird the energy grid in practically every country. In the United States, the capacity of the electric grid will have to grow as much as threefold to meet the expected demand. A recent report from S&P Global predicts that the amount of copper we’ll need over the next 25 years will add up to more than the human race has consumed in its entire history. “The world has never produced anywhere close to this much copper in such a short time frame,” the report notes. The world might not be up to the challenge. Analysts predict supplies will fall short by millions of tons in the coming years. No wonder Goldman Sachs has declared “no decarbonization without copper” and called copper “the new oil.” In the past four years, the price of a ton of copper has shot from about $6,400 to more than $9,000. That, in turn, has made electrical wiring, equipment, and even raw metal fresh from the mines into juicy targets for thieves.

[runnersnz]

“I did athletics for quite a few years during school and I even got the opportunity to compete in the Trans Tasman over in Australia. It was a whole other level once you get over there for sure, but it was just an awesome experience to go and I really enjoyed that. I liked cross country too but never really did much training for long distance running until maybe I was 16 or 17. I guess that’s when I started to do my first 5k's, where previously I just enjoyed sprints. 

I also got into mixed martial arts and just started long distance running as cross training. Eventually I stopped doing MMA, because of the injuries and with travelling overseas I wasn't able to train consistently, so the easiest way for me to be able to get that same kind of intensity in training... was running. I used to work on boats and superyachts for quite a few years so running was actually the easiest way to train - you get ashore and go for a run, or some boats have gyms.

Goals? I've always wanted to run a marathon so that's one of the goals this year. Road or trail, it doesn't really matter but I would like to achieve that. My dad and older siblings have all ran marathons so I guess that's something I want to do too. Even my best mate's done one, the bastard beat me to it. There's a competitive element, definitely.

I guess really though, I run just for the enjoyment of it. And for the challenge. I've done the Coastal Challenge in Auckland which was definitely a bit of a shock with the added element of racing my mates - it's 33km of coastline along rocks and beaches. Oh and you swim some estuaries. It was pretty intense, especially the parts where you're running over big boulders and things - you can easily get injured there, it's pretty nuts.

I never thought I would have enjoyed running as much as I have and I never thought it would have become a big part of what I do. It's just a really easy activity to, well, ‘fuck yourself up!’ You can train as hard as you want and just use up all your energy. And it's the easy access which I really enjoy, you can do it anywhere. I wouldn't say it's my most favourite sport, but it's the simplest in terms of access and just doing it. Sometimes I can go a month without running and then get back into it and go three or four times a week. It's good like that, running is just there if you want it.”

Tane @tane.tarlton (Auckland) Photo taken in Te Anau – Portraits of Runners + their stories @RunnersNZ

[nawapon17]

While Russian oligarchs gift their wives superyachts, this Ukrainian tycoon's glamorous wife gave him a lavish Pullman train replica for his birthday. The multi-million dollar dining car could seat 40; it has an opulent bar, a VIP compartment, and a toilet with gold-plated fixtures. - Luxurylaunches

[kalyugtraining]

STCW Basic Safety Training Course

In today's competitive maritime job market, the correct qualification could be the difference. Kalyug Training Services, based in Navi Mumbai, offers the full range of Marshall Islands STCW 5 in 1 Basic Safety Training course. This course helps seafarers get the necessary skills and required certifications for working with super yachts and ships over 24 meters in length. This internationally recognized training program is a legal minimum prescription for the people concerned with the majority of the world's sea ways, ensuring competence and safety in situations in the maritime industry.

Why Marshall Islands STCW 5 in 1 Basic Safety Training?

Complete Training Program

The Marshall Islands STCW 5-in-1 Basic Safety Training is a required proficiency qualification for seafarers. The course deals quite extensively with all the parts in which, by general knowledge, one should know the basics in keeping safe in the sea and learning to manage emergencies. The whole training consists of five key modules, each dealing with an important element of maritime safety, including:

Personal Survival Techniques (A-VI/1-1)

Duration: 1.5 days

Acquire the necessary skills for survival and safety in case of an emergency at sea.

Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (A-VI/1-2)

Duration: 1.5 Days

Acquire knowledge about the prevention of fire and practical experience during an occurrence of such an incident on a ship.

Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3)

Duration: 1 Day

Acquiring knowledge on elementary first aid activities, providing in-depth knowledge on incises that are most needed at the time they occur.

Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (A-VI/1-4)

Duration: 1 Day

Knowledge on personal safety, protecting self, and social commitments while performing activities on a vessel.

Security Awareness

Duration: 1 Day

Create awareness of security threats and measures to enhance security on board

Designed for those approaching maritime industry

This program has no requirements, so it's open to everyone. This course is designed in a way that implants an individual with the basic things one has to learn regarding maritime safety practice which can be used to perform on board effectively. The full STCW course is a six-day course, but it can also be done through modules if one wishes to. This is flexibility in training, which offers the participants the module of training to suit his/her needs and other commitments.

Internationally Recognised Certification

On completion of the course, an STCW certificate would be availed, recognized internationally, offering participants a better credential view within the maritime industry. Certification is generally applicable for those interested in working on super yachts and other large vessels.

Course Details

Course Type: STCW ➜ STCW Basic Safety Training Week (Package)

Training School: Xone Superyacht Academy

Location: Fethiye, MUGLA, Turkey

Duration: 6 days

Language: English

Take your place now with Kalyug Training Services

Quality of the training in Navi Mumbai and standards meeting international levels are the commitments of Kalyug Training Services. With our top trainers and infrastructural facilities, equipped by condition-of-the-art means, we pour out the best creation in training experiences for you. Enroll today for the Marshall Islands basic safety STCW 5-in-1 training course and take a step further towards having a successful maritime career.

Contact Us

Kalyug Training Services

807, A-Wing, Shelton Sapphire, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai

Phone: +91 8850152547  +91 9076477042

The email: info@kalyugtraining.com priti@kalyugtraining.com

Website: https://kalyugtraining.com/

Invest in your maritime career with Kalyug Training Services. Our comprehensive 5 in 1 Marshall Islands STCW Basic Safety Training ensures you are fully prepared with all the skills and certifications to have a safe and successful journey at sea.