#chief mate phase 1 courses

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Best Maritime Academy Tamilnadu|STCW courses|2nd Mate function

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Looking back...

March 15th 2020. My ship said goodbye to to our last guests. We pulled into Miami, let everyone off and left to go drift out with all the other cruise ships. At the time we all thought that it would truly be a 30 day pause in operations, we know now how naïve that was.

I’ll admit for awhile it was nice. Crew had the run of the ship, bars were open earlier, we had very little work to do, late nights out having fun, all kinds of activities. We were all so confident that covid hadn’t made it to our ship, that we were all safe, and this was just gonna be a 30 day vacation. 

Cut to the 21st:

We come to find out later that this unannounced drill was our super-spreader event. Because no-one knew it was a drill, everyone that was in isolation came out (we thought the ship was on fire)...by the time it was announced it was a drill and those confined should not leave it was to late...

Cut to the 24th:

I go back to medical later in the day, and after testing negative for the flu, am given a mask and told I was not allowed to leave my cabin (I luckily did not have a room mate), unless it was to come back for daily temp checks.

I find out later on that unknown to most of us we had a lot of people that had quietly been put into isolation (in a crew of 2000+, it’s easy to not notice). This was also the day of our first major repatriation effort 700 crew (mainly cruise division) where slated to fly...only a few did. 

Cut to the 28th:

The first PCR tests are done onboard, sometime in the afternoon the Captain comes on and says we have one positive case. A few hours later its 14 confirmed cases, and everyone is told to return to their cabins until further notice (We never had an official announcement given after the first 14, but it was well over 100 cases by the end). The ship has just entered lock down.

On the 29th All crew got moved into guest rooms, this was both because of an order from the CDC, and so that the many smoker’s would be able to smoke on the balconies. We had different zones to divide everyone up:

Red Zone for confirmed cases, Orange for suspected/been in contact with, and the rest for supposedly healthy. It’s here that I note that even though I had already been in isolation for days, had a constant cough, and had had a fever (that by then had broken) I was never tested, nor was I put into orange zone.

At this point no one can leave cabins (excluding those working crew) and the company has started to realize that they need to get everyone back home as soon as possible. Repatriation efforts start to really kick into gear.

We stayed in what would eventually be labeled Phase 1 for 29 days. We entered Phase 2 April 26th.

PHASE 1

During the initial phase, all crew got asked if they wanted to stay onboard (unpaid), basically for those who didn’t want to or couldn’t go home for any reason. This would become Group 3. I was part of this group, for many reasons I did not want to go home, so the free room and board was perfect for me, and many of my friends. This is the sole reason I was onboard for so long, not because of anything the company did.

Those that did want to go home became group 2, many of them would end up waiting months before their country opened up and flights could be made, I remember how at the end of March beginning of April, we would constantly here from the Capt that some nationality was going to fly that day, only for him to come back and say that the got denied at some point in the process and would be coming back onboard. 

Those few that were still getting paid, still had a job because someone had to run the ship became known as Group 1.

I don’t really remember that much from this time, the days really started to blend and the isolation was not helping anything. While people in the US where throwing fits over “Shelter in Place” orders, I was not allowed to leave a room that was roughly 20′x10′. They complained about not being able to see friends, I only saw 1 person a day (one of my managers twice a day for temp checks, approx. 5 second visits each). They complained that stores had limited hours, I had no store, I had limited choice in food, I had no ability to get snacks, it was 3 meals a day that’s it, you want some chips at 3pm to bad dinner won’t come till 6pm. (eventually they sorted out a system so we could by snacks, beer, cigs, and bathroom supplies). To top this all off we had no access to laundry services till round April 5th, I was put in isolation before everyone else, I had not done my laundry for a week before hand....I was struggling.

Looking through some old notes, apparently at one point I had made a schedule, Breakfast 9-10...Read till 11....Listen to the crew radio show 11-1...Lunch 12-1...Nap...Dinner 5-6...Sleep. Very stimulating days we had.

A month of solitude was not easy, especially when you keep hearing about crew members being denied entry into their own countries, the media blaming the industry as a whole for covid reached the US, constantly thinking our quarantine was gonna end only for it to be extended, and not seeing or really speaking to anyone the entire time. But a light at the end of the tunnel...Phase 2

PHASE 2

April 26th we got let out....kinda...

Split down the Middle...people on Portside got let out for 3 hours, then People on Starboard got let out for 3 hours (this excluded anyone in red or orange zone). After our “yard time” we went back to our cabins. Once a week you could go down and purchase up to 4 items from the slop chest (the crew shop). Everyone was wearing masks, the only time we weren’t is if we were smoking, one person per ashtray spaced about 8ft apart. 

At some point during this time the Captain made a comment on how in hindsight we should of went straight into lockdown on March 15th, that we should of done 2 weeks then instead of over a month now.

We still had 2 temp checks a day (done door to door), and all meals were still delivered. There is a reason we joked about it being yard time, because it really was. You got to get some fresh air and maybe see a few friends that was it....Luckily it didn’t last long we entered phase 3 on May 12th. 

But before that a note. By this time the fleet had started using our own ships to transport crew home, aka one ship sailed a bunch of people over to India. Along with that some people were getting lucky enough to have flights. So my ship was constantly losing people, either because they got a flight home or where being moved onto another ship. If I remember correctly our largest sign off was ~500 Filipinos, it was a hectic time in crew movement, by the time we got into Phase 3 we only had a few hundred people on board if memory serves right.

PHASE 3

We could finally be outside for as long as we wanted, no more restricted movement. Meals where in the large guest buffet area (seating 1 or 2 people a table only, all distanced), temp checks where done at division based locations, for me that was the theatre (still two a day)....that’s basically the only change.

We still had to wear masks at all times, we were still supposed to keep distance, no groups, no going into each others cabins, no fun nights out...in theory.

The first few days in Phase 3 we ended up signing off almost everyone that was in Group 2, by May 20th we were at minimum manning +16 Group 3 (in total about 100 people). It was then that we went back to eating in the crew mess and the restrictions where unofficially forgotten about. 

When I say this you must keep in mind that at this point it had been almost 3 months since any of us had touched land, and a solid month and a half since we had a positive case. Much like New Zealand and Australia now, we no longer had to worry about covid. We still wore masks around the ship (thanks to the CDC), but unless Chief Safety caught you no one was gonna look twice at a large group eating at one table, or a group staying up late drinking and playing cards (guilty of that)...By the end of May it was almost like we had regained some normalicy...so of course it couldn’t last...

MOVING SHIP 

May 21st, Group 3 got a notice that we would be transferred to another ship in the fleet to consolidate all of us together. They said it would be a few weeks before this transfer...We finally got moved on June 22nd.

As of today March 16th 2021 a full year after we stopped sailing, the last remaining Group 2 and Group 3 people from my company have gotten home, those that were in Group 2 came from Vietnam, and Trinidad and Trabago it took a year to finally get them home...let that sink in.

...

And here is where i’ll end this tale, if anyone is interested in knowing about life on the 2nd and 3rd ship I got transferred to before going home in December, let me know i’ll type something up.

[levasseur79-blog1]

Five Reasons CEOs Need Advisory Boards

Motivation has developed another standard at this moment. We can pinpoint when it started and the reasons behind it, regardless we can neither control it nor envision its passing. The standard other choice is to respond to it continuously positively with more structure and better thoughts. That underwrites CEOs need better, diligently short course to the issues they have ceaselessly opposed and the new ones that have ricocheted up. Asked sheets give battle gear honestly a little while later battle brent saunders .

Startled sheets exist for the sole explanation behind connecting with the CEO. They separate from sheets of boss and family parties since they don't cast a prevailing part rule structure, nor complete they have trustee duties. Every once in a while admonishing sheets agree with a heap up or boss or a family hoarding, at any rate more routinely, owners or CEOs make them when neither of various sorts exists. Cautioning sheets can be general in increment or centered to unequivocal markets, tries, or issues, for instance, seeing new advancement or bypassing the world. Asked sheets offer distinctive different central fixations to the CEO. Here are five:

1. Manager precisely from time to time get reasonable information, and they don't everything considered see a tendency when they see one. Standard perspective prompts: "Don't approach concerning whether you need a hair style," yet the valid proportionate to a cast of beauticians populates every connection. No CEO can be certain the individual being proposed will get reasonable information from the people who have a stake in the yielded aftereffect of the decision.

In spite of offering lopsided emotions, people from the connection tend to "channel" information that lands at the top. Like the ruler's potatoes of medieval events, those in the CEO's degrees of movement of connection again and again sort out what information should proceed and what should dial down. Presidents need freed access to every single suitable datum. Taking everything into account, a rebuke load up can offer more information; at various events they will see that the CEO doesn't have all the data that the individual being insinuated should have gotten from those in the alliance.

2. Those in the connection rely upon CEOs to pick last and huge decisions, yet CEOs have adequately very few wellsprings plainly and understanding. Cautioned amasses can give promising data about models and the test. They in like manner may have the choice to see splendid political, authentic, and managerial degrees of progress that will influence the connection.

While doing combating with a baffling decision, dependable information and strong examination of the data work pair. One makes the voice; the other the reverberating. Without the closeness of trusted in counsel the voice lies unstable. This can have the CEOs effect in moving structures to advance, to rethink decisions, or to move the degree of creative methods, especially while going toward new issues.

Scolded sheets offer another other alternative. If the CEO has gotten people from the notification inconvenience time adequately, they will make a sounding driving social occasion of particularly gifted, prepared improvements who can interface with the CEO to locate an obliging pace of the issue, keep up the idea on technique, and spotlight in on the major relatively few while putting aside the unimportant many. Absolutely when course chatter for seeing, they can move the CEO to look at different conditions a status that will see most fundamental conditions and best practices.

Boss who attempt to conceptualize with their official social events continually meet obstacle and fear considering the way where that the people from the party worry over each fantastical idea that the CEO affirms. With guides, the CEO can really break down potential results without causing undue strain.

3. It's devastated at the top. Chief are the last judges of significant decisions, yet they have subtly scarcely any accessories with whom they can share their self-questions. Professionals can help CEOs with looking with a responsive position and consider new bits of information concerning thing improvement and driving issues.

Affiliations like the Young Presidents' Organization and CEO roundtables have ricocheted up wherever all through the nation, at any rate they offer an elective that is other than what's standard. These social gatherings give the phase to CEOs to discuss their business bothers and openings, yet they don't go far enough. While people as every once in a while as possible make strong assurance to each other, they don't as a last resort give the time and figured required to completely fathom a particular business.

Affected sheets improve. They for the most part meet each quarter for a day or an epic bit of a day to audit issues completely. This licenses people to review information and region further for mindfulness. A YPO or roundtable fundamentally doesn't consider that kind of time commitment or close evaluation.

4. Most CEOs consider the academic endorsing and the business understanding they will experience when they begin to consider trim a notification board. In any case, my CEO clients uncover to me no one should ignore the anxious help guides give. Considering, CEOs need help picking a disturbing decision; at various events they require help in setting up the sentiments influenced by the ridiculous call, yet those in the CEOs levels of intensity reliably can't help.

People in the association get furious when the CEO passes on a tendency or delicacy. They throb for sensible, certain activity, not stimulated reactions. Official join no looks inside the union, so there's no one to trust in. Their extras outside the coalition as regularly as conceivable don't understand their issues.

Quite, as a CEO mentor, a colossal measure of my standard arrangement of obligations tends to giving lively assistance, however at this point and in this way it's insufficient. Once in a while CEOs need to get notice from others who have stayed from their perspective in a near condition. They need to feel that someone truly comprehends the weight they feel, the animated channel, and the segment. Mates other than can listen attentively, at any rate just pioneers who have held the steerage know the fear and hazard of controlling the burst in hazardous conditions.

Presidents need to hear bits of data concerning analyzing the mourned waters, regardless they in like course need to feel compassion and gratefulness from the people who can give it with bona fide data on how the upsetting emotions feel.

5. Finally, sheets of bosses open additional ways for the CEO. An uncommon piece of the time comprehension can make contacts with those inside and outside the business the CEO should know. We are all in the relationship business, paying small admonition to which industry we address. People like to work with those they trust or with people who come to them by structure for an individual introduction.

Referrals are the coinage of business spaces. They beat pushing, appearing, and sorting out. Right when CEOs invite educators to help them with building their affiliations, they open the best approach to fabulous potential results for future work and store up contacts that help them into dauntlessness.

Money related pros and government specialists continue talking about the clarifications for the weak economy and the advantages of the proposed plans, regardless everyone presents to a specific something: the future remains clashing, and this current condition may last some time. Standard frameworks won't be adequate. Mind boggling CEOs see what got them here won't be good to get them where they have to go. They will require more. Encouraged sheets offer one additional street for getting what the sharp CEO needs.

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Star Trek: Enterprise’s Recycled Episodes

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One of the things Star Trek became somewhat infamous for in the late 1990s and early 2000s was recycling old plots in new episodes. Voyager and Enterprise both featured several episodes throughout their runs that seemed to be re-runs of earlier stories from The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine or even the Original Series, with a slight tweaking to the setting.

Originality in fiction is often over-rated – Shakespeare didn’t make up his own plots, and simply noting the use of an existing plot or theme is not, in itself, a criticism. However, it is important for a new version of an old story to put its own stamp on that story. Each new version should bring something slightly different to the table and put its own twist on the material.

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Here, then, we’re looking at ten episodes of Enterprise that were “recycled” from earlier Star Trek series and asking whether Enterprise improved on the old formula, or whether the earlier episode was the better outing. We’re focusing on episodes recycled from other branches of the Star Trek franchise for this list, so we won’t mention other examples, like “Shuttlepod One”’s strong resemblance to Red Dwarf’s “Marooned.” Though that one is worth a mention. They’re both really good.

“Terra Nova” (Season 1, Episode 6)

Recycled from: “Friendship One,” Season 7, Episode 21 of Voyager

“Friendship One” was an odd episode of Voyager, as it featured the crew going on a mission set for them by Starfleet, something they didn’t do in earlier seasons because they had no contact with Starfleet for most of the show’s run. As such, it has a very “typical 90s Trek” feel to it, like this could easily have been an episode of The Next Generation or even Deep Space Nine. Or, of course, Enterprise. The fact both episodes take place mostly in the same “caves” standing set on Paramount’s Stage 16 doesn’t help. Both stories feature hostile groups who are suffering radiation poisoning, though in the case of “Friendship One,” it’s the result of aliens using human technology incorrectly (hello, justification for the Prime Suggestion) whereas in “Terra Nova,” the human settlers have been hit by an random asteroid strike.

Who did it better? The Voyager episode has the more philosophically interesting set-up and is notable for bringing back Lt Carey after five years only to kill him off, but “Terra Nova” fits in much better with the “scary space dangers” themes of Enterprise’s first season than Voyager’s random guilt trip thrown in right at the end of the show’s run. “Friendship One” is also, let’s face it, really rather dull. “Terra Nova” isn’t the best Enterprise has to offer, but it just about has the edge here.

“Oasis” (Season 1, Episode 20)

Recycled from: “Shadowplay,” Season 2 Episode 16 of Deep Space Nine

This one is probably the most egregious example on this list, because both episodes star René Auberjonois. Auberjonois guest stars as the chief engineer of a “haunted” ship in the Enterprise episode, but the story repeats elements, including the final twist, of a Deep Space Nine episode that heavily featured his own character, Odo. In both cases, an entire group of people turn out to be holograms of the dead, created by a middle aged white man wanting to recreate his lost loved ones. We love to see the late and much-missed Auberjonois in anything, but this was a strange episode to have him guest star in.

Who did it better? Although it’s tempting to complain about the Enterprise episode, given that it’s the second of the two and the stories are so close as to be almost identical, we’re actually going to give Enterprise the preference here. The “haunted ship” idea is cool, and the relationship between Auberjonois’ Ezral and his daughter, for whom he has re-created the crew including her dead mother, not only brings extra depth to the story, it also recalls Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the classic 1950s film “Forbidden Planet,” which partly inspired Star Trek in the first place. So we’ll say Enterprise actually improved on this story and it was worth recycling – though a different guest star might have been a good idea.

“Vanishing Point” (Season 2, Episode 10)

Recycled from: “The Next Phase,” Season 5 Episode 24 of The Next Generation

Star Trek isn’t the only franchise to deep its toe in the “out of phase” well, but The Next Generation’s “The Next Phase” is a classic of the sub-genre, in which Geordi and Ro think they’ve died and attend their own funeral before realising they are, in fact “out of phase” with everyone else and still very much alive. Enterprise’s Vanishing Point is a twist on this idea, with Hoshi’s fears surrounding transporter technology playing out as a terrifying experience in which she slowly disappears from view as a result of a transporter malfunction, only to discover none of it really happened and it was all just a paranoid delusion.

Who did it better? It almost could have gone to Enterprise, as “Vanishing Point” is genuinely creepy, not to mention being a rare opportunity to explore Hoshi’s character. But that final “it was all a dream” twist, the one that every writing teacher tells you never to use in your first writing class, lets it down, so we’ll give the win to The Next Generation for a more thoughtful reflection on life and death.

“Precious Cargo” (Season 2, Episode 11)

Recycled from: “Elaan of Troyius,” Season 3 Episode 13 of the Original Series, and “The Perfect Mate,” Season 5 Episode 21 of The Next Generation

Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. How is it possible that a franchise as forward-looking as Star Trek has made this episode not once, but three times?! Basically, the story is that there is alien princess (or upper class woman) who is on her way to a political arranged marriage that borders on forced, or in Enterprise’s case, who has been kidnapped. She ends up falling for Kirk/Picard/Trip, but in the end goes back to her duty – marriage in the first two cases, ruling as First Monarch in the third. All three are epically sexist in various different ways, depending on whether they were produced in the 1960s, 1990s, or 2000s.

Who did it better? Here’s the thing – all of these episodes are bad. There are those who give “The Perfect Mate” a bit of a pass because it’s always fun to watch Patrick Stewart and Famke Janssen together, but if you want to do that, just go watch the X-Men movies. “Precious Cargo” is not a good episode of Enterprise, but it is actually not quite as bad as the other two – the “stranded on a deserted island” aspect is kind of fun, and of the three horribly sexist episodes, it may be the least sexist – at least Kaitaama is able to suggest Trip comes to visit her at the end, instead of leaving forever pretending to be bonded to someone else (Kamala) or leaving in tears while her paramour cheerfully goes back to his ship (Elaan). So, perhaps surprisingly, we’re going to give this one to Enterprise.

“Dawn” (Season 2, Episode 13)

Recycled from: “Darmok,” Season 5 Episode 2 of The Next Generation

Dawn does not have the best reputation online, but it’s an episode that deserves reconsideration. It’s a classic story of two mutual enemies stranded in a hostile environment, forced to work together to survive. It’s tense, it’s a nice character piece for Trip, and it works its way to an obvious but satisfying conclusion. What brings it particularly close to “Darmok” is the complication that Trip is stranded without a functioning universal translator, creating an added communication barrier (this also happened in “Voyager’s Gravity,” but there the alien fell in love with Tuvok instead of trying to kill him). However, unlike “Darmok,” there is nothing particularly unusual about the alien language – the translator simply isn’t working, and once they’re back on the Enterprise, they can understand each other perfectly. This is at the root of the episode’s poor reputation. Because “Darmok” approached the idea of an alien language in a really interesting and unusual way, this similar episode with a simple malfunctioning translator comes off poorly in comparison.

Who did it better? “Dawn” is seriously under-rated, but “Darmok” is a classic, so this one is going to have to go to The Next Generation. Shaka, when the walls fell.

“Judgment” (Season 2, Episode 19)

Recycled from: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and “Tribunal,” Season 2 Episode 25 of Deep Space Nine

This episode isn’t so much recycling one of the best Star Trek movies as deliberately paying homage to it, building sets that recreate the Klingon court and the prison of Rura Penthe from the film as closely as possible on a TV budget and telling a similar story. Archer’s experience of an alien trial where the outcome has been decided before it begins also echoes Chief O’Brien’s experience with the Cardassians in Deep Space Nine. “Judgement” is a very good episode that calls back to the movie very effectively while also expanding the franchise’s mythology around the Klingons and Klingon culture – while it may not be entirely original, this is a good example of a creative re-use of old tropes.

Who did it better? The Undiscovered Country has a completely unfair advantage here, as it has a feature film’s budget and a runtime of nearly two hours. But life isn’t fair, and while all three are pretty good, it’s the best of the bunch.

“Similitude” (Season 3, Episode 10)

Recycled from: “Tuvix,” Season 2 Episode 24 and “Drone,” Season 5 Episode 2 of Voyager

If you know nothing else about Captain Janeway, you probably know that Janeway killed Tuvix in the infamous episode of the same name, in order to restore Tuvok and Neelix after they were blended together in a transporter accident. Later, she was spared having to make another difficult choice when newborn drone One – also the result of a transporter accident – commits suicide in order to protect Voyager from the Borg. But for all the flack Janeway gets, somehow no one blames Archer and Phlox when they deliberately create a clone of Trip with a shortened lifespan to save Trip’s life, and pretty much bully the poor guy into giving up his life for Trip rather than trying to have as much life of his own as he can, which he doesn’t have much choice about anyway as he’ll die before he gets anywhere interesting. It is horrifying. Justice for Sim!

Who did it better? “Similtude” blends two rather good episodes of Voyager and the ethics of it are dodgy in the extreme. Voyager gets the win here, though whether the ultimate prize goes to “Tuvix” or “Drone” is a matter of personal opinion.

“Doctor’s Orders” (Season 3, Episode 16)

Recycled from: “One,” Season 4 Episode 25 of Voyager

The premise for this one is simple: the entire crew have to go into stasis for a while, except for one or two members who are impervious to the biological threat. Originally, this was a way to explore Seven of Nine coming to terms with her life as an individual, by isolating her almost completely. Enterprise puts Phlox in that position – while he has never been a Borg drone, Phlox is a very sociable, chatty character with three wives and a huge, complicated family, so isolation is hard on him too. Both are pretty good episodes, with a “haunted spaceship” vibe and a sense that not everything is as it seems.

Who did it better? This is a really hard one to call, because they’re both very similar and they’re both pretty good. One has Seven’s Borg background to add extra weight to the story, but on the other hand “Doctor’s Orders” has Porthos in the traditional “cute dog in a haunted house story” role. Give it to Enterprise if you like dogs, and to Voyager if you don’t.

E² (Season 3, Episode 21)

Recycled from: “Children Of Time,” Season 5 Episode 22 of Deep Space Nine

In both of these episodes, some timey-wimey weirdness results in our heroes meeting their own descendants, plus one or two long-lived members of their own group. In both cases, these descendants end up dead, wiped from existence, or possibly both. Both stories focus a fair bit of attention on possible future romantic relationships among the crew, a theme Star Trek has touched on numerous times over the years, though in Enterprise there is the added confirmation for the characters that humans and Vulcans can reproduce together (though of course, the audience already knows that). Both episodes are pretty decent without being stunningly brilliant, and both are a bit of a downer.

Who did it better? Enterprise puts in a good effort, but the dark conclusion to “Children Of Time,” in which Old Odo willingly sacrifices his friends’ children and grandchildren just to save Kira, means we have to give it to Deep Space Nine.

“Daedalus” (Season 4, Episode 10)

Recycled from: “Jetrel,” Season 1, Episode 15 of Voyager

These episodes have different themes, with Jetrel being inspired by the idea of a survivor from Hiroshima meeting Oppenheimer, while Daedalus, like the Greek myth, is about the relationship between a father and son. What both have in common is a guest character who wants to use the transporter system to rescue someone. The title character in “Jetrel” wants to bring back an entire planet’s worth of people – Emory Erikson in Daedalus just wants to rescue his son, and is marginally more successful, since although his son still ends up dead, he is at least rescued from a half-life in a transporter buffer.

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Who did it better? Jetrel is a good episode and an especially good hour for the usually comedic character of Neelix, but the titular scientist’s plan is so audacious, it seems a bit ridiculous that he thought it could work. Erikson’s desire to save just one person and the emotional pull of the father-son relationship slightly give Enterprise the edge here, in an episode that’s a bit obvious, but nonetheless emotionally affecting. It’s also, like much of Enterprise, rather under-rated. Enterprise was an old-fashioned sort of show, and it wasn’t always the most original of offerings, but it was good, classic Star Trek, and deserves to be recognised as such.

The post Star Trek: Enterprise’s Recycled Episodes appeared first on Den of Geek.

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UK Marine Certification Courses

One of the best UK Marine Certification Courses in India. City of Glasgow College and Gamma Marine Training Institute are in exclusive agreement for conducting nautical (UK CoC) courses in India.We conduct UK CoC courses for Master Mariner, Chief Mate Phase 1, Chief Mate Post HND, etc.

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This program's goal is to prepare a candidate to take the second mate test for the certificate of competency for a ship that sails abroad. It aims to meet the levels of competence outlined in section A-||/1 of the STCW 78 as modified and completes a portion of the education and training requirements under regulation ||/1. chief mate phase 1 courses, refresher courses, pscrb practical courses

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SSS NUMBER ONLINE APPLICATION: HOW TO GET YOUR SSS NUMBER ONLINE | GUIDEPH.COM

SSS Number Online Application -Acquiring a SSS number is your underlying stage in getting the said benefits offered by the SSS. This number is doubtlessly the primary essential that you need to fulfill if it's your first time pursuing a position.

SSS is a security program requested by the organization to all pay laborers or workers in the Philippines. The SSS people are obliged to contribute month to month as a byproduct of the insurance points of interest, for instance, disease, maternity, powerlessness, retirement, passing, and pay credit.

In this article, I will show the most easy course possible in making sure about your SSS number.

SSS NUMBER: DEFINITION

The Social Security Number or SSS number is made out of a 10-digit number assigned to Filipino experts who apply for support with the SSS. It's being utilized in all exchanges with the SSS, for instance, benefiting of points of interest/advantages and advances.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE SSS NUMBER?

Coming up next are the reasons in getting your SSS number:

1. for Job Requirements.

Your boss will demand your SSS number at whatever point you discover a different profession considering the way that, under the Social Security Law, managers can't utilize an individual/individual without a SSS number.

2. for SSS Contribution Payment.

Associations or Employers use the SSS number to record new specialists and settle commitments portions (which are a bit of pay discoveries) to the SSS.

3. to profit of SSS benefits.

Your SSS number chooses how much bit of leeway you can ensure from the SSS. Having a SSS number and meeting certain requirements qualifies a section for the SSS advantages benefits, for instance,

SALARY LOAN -  Members can get money from the SSS to meet their transient cash needs especially if an emergency requires money anyway doesn't have venture reserves.

SICKNESS - Members can benefit from an affliction advantage that pays a cash reward for consistently they're confined in a crisis facility or at home as a result of a physical issue or malady.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE – With the as of late initiated Social Security Act of 2018, the SSS is required to give a cash settlement to naturally secluded or fired representatives for two months to help them with monetarily recuperating while simultaneously getting a different profession.

MATERNITY– This is an ordinary money stipend given to female SSS people who can't work as a result of work or unexpected labor/unsuccessful labor

DISABILITY – Members with a compelled or all out changeless incapacity may get a cash advantage, which is given either as a solitary sum or month to month benefits.

RETIREMENT – Members who are 60 years old and can't work any more extended can get a cash advantage as a particular sum or month to month annuity.

DEATH – It is a cash advantage given as a regularly scheduled compensation or a particular sum mean the beneficiaries of a lapsed part.

MEMORIAL SERVICE/ FUNERAL – This is a cash advantage given to whoever paid for the internment expenses of the expired part.

SSS NUMBER APPLICATION COVERAGE

Filipinos who are 60 years old and underneath that have not been given a normalized reserve funds number are required to get a SSS number and any person who have a spot with the going with:

1. REPRESENTATIVES/EMPLOYEES including workers who are on an ordinary, lawfully official, or preliminary status, for instance, private-segment delegates/representatives, family organization workers or kasambahays, Seafarers, and Employees of outside governments or overall relationship under administrative simultaneousness with the SSS.

2. INDEPENDENTLY EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS who gain in any occasion Php 1,000 month to month from their own business or calling, for instance, Professionals, Entrepreneurs (Partners and single proprietors of associations), farmers and fishermen, Informal workers (walkway traders, jeepney or tricycle drivers, etc.), legitimately official and occupation demand delegates working for government workplaces who are not made sure about by the GSIS, entertainers, chiefs, scriptwriters, writers/news columnists, proficient competitors, guides/mentors, and some more.

3. OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWs) joined up with the Philippines by unfamiliar businesses for organization abroad, Filipinos who secure pay from outside the country, and Filipinos who are enduring inhabitants in various countries/nations.

4. In the event that you're a real Non-working life accomplice of a SSS part/member, you're in like manner ready to get a SSS number as long as you pay your SSS commitments, control the nuclear family, and have not chosen as a SSS part.

SSS NUMBER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Present the first or affirmed certifiable copy of the going with records:

1. Birth endorsement (PSA) or a considerable ID.

2. Additional reports that may join the going with:

For Married competitors/candidates: Submit a Marriage Certificate or copy of life accomplice's Member Data Change Request structure (SS Form E-4) that exhibits the up-and-comer's name as the genuine mate.

For Widows/single men candidates: Submit a Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate of the expired life partner or a Court Order on the Declaration of Presumptive Death.

For Legally isolated/separated candidates: Submit a Decree of Legal Separation.

For Annulled competitors: Submit a Certificate of Finality of Annulment/Nullity or clarified marriage endorsement/announcement.

For Divorced competitors: Submit a Decree of Divorce and Certificate of Naturalization/Certificate of Divorce (for isolated from Muslim candidates).

Applicants with adolescents (to be enrolled as beneficiaries): Submit a birth presentation or baptismal confirmation/Birth confirmation with "Legitimated" status/Decree of Adoption of the child.

HOW TO GET SSS NUMBER ONLINE?

1. Visit the SSS site.

https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/appmanager/viewArticle.jsp?page=SSS%20Number%20Online

2. Fill out the online application form.

Try to fill all fields precisely and earnestly.

Type the substance you see on the compartment near "Word Verification" and snap on the little box underneath to confirm that you've given substantial and right information.

3. Check/confirm your email.

The SSS will send an insistence email with an enlistment interface/enrollment connect.

You have to peruse your email as fast as time grants in light of the fact that the connection will slip by in five days. You should rehash the enlistment steps when it slips.

Check your spam envelope if you haven't got any email from the SSS.

Proceed with the accompanying phases of your SSS number online application by tapping/tapping on the connection.

4. Supply the vital information.

Round out the fields from the "Essential Information" portion up to the "Recipients Information" section on the enlistment page.

5. Review/Check your information.

Twofold check your subtleties as the screen will show an outline of your information to ensure they're done and right.

In making changes to your information, essentially click the "Past" button at the lower some bit of the page. This will manage you to the pages you as of late rounded out, and subsequently, you can adjust any misguided/wrong section.

6. Produce your SSS number.

Snap/click the "Create SSS Number" button once you're sure everything is worthy.

The structure/form will show an assertion of successful enlistment, including your SSS number. You can print your SSS number quickly given that you have a printer open at the present time.

An insistence email with individual record structure and SSS number slip joined will similarly be sent to you. You can in like manner print the associations and certification messages.

Have your life partner sign before their name on your printed singular record structure if you'll enlist as a non-working companion. The mark will be your endorsement that your mate perceives your SSS cooperation/participation.

7. Present the necessities/prerequisites at any SSS branch.

Your SSS number is transitory and it will get changeless after you have introduced the important files to the SSS branch.

You will in like manner need to present the printed copies of your SSS number slip and individual/individual record structure.

See that the transitory SSS number never terminates however; you can have it changed to enduring at whatever point. It's optimal to adjust to the requirements promptly to welcome the points of interest/advantages of having a lasting SSS number.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE!

[paulbenedictblog]

%news%

New Post has been published on %http://paulbenedictsgeneralstore.com%

News top stories daily news hot topics Reino Unido abandonará la UE este mes

News top stories daily news hot topics

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Image copyright UK Parliament

Image caption The moment an amendment is passed by MPs delaying Brexit

The authorities says this is able to perchance well push forward with efforts to jog its Brexit deal, no matter a vital setback to its plans.

Boris Johnson had to query the EU for an extension to the UK's 31 October exit date afterMPs backed a jog to prolong approval of the dealon Saturday.

However Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab mentioned he used to be confident ample MPs would encourage the deal subsequent week, and Brexit would serene happen by the minimize-off date.

Labour, on the opposite hand, has mentioned this is able to perchance well encourage moves to build the deal to a referendum.

No 10 mentioned the PM sent "Parliament's letter" to Brussels - unsigned - and accompanied it with a 2d letter - which used to be signed - explaining why he believed a prolong would be a mistake.

The authorities has vowed to press forward with the legislation - the Withdrawal Settlement Invoice (WAB) - to put into effect the Brexit deal subsequent week.

News top stories daily news hot topics Why has the PM asked for one other extension?

Having reached a new Brexit take care of the EU closing week, the high minster had intended to carry it to Parliament and query MPs to approve it in a so-called "meaningful vote".

On the opposite hand, within the vital Saturday sitting within the Commons for 37 years, MPs as an alternative voted in favour of an amendment withholding approval of the deal till your complete obligatory legislation to put into effect it had been passed.

Tabled by Tory MP Sir Oliver Letwin, the amendment used to be intended to win sure Mr Johnson would alter to the terms of the so-called Benn Act designed to place away with any risk of a no-deal exit on 31 October.

Below that act, Mr Johnson had till 23: 00 BST on Saturday to ship a letter inquiring for a prolong to the UK's departure - one thing he did, albeit with out his signature.

News top stories daily news hot topics Boris Johnson's Brexit deal

Image copyright AFP

ANALYSIS: Probabilities of agreement serene genuine, says Laura Kuenssberg

IN BRIEF: What took space on Saturday?

EXPLAINED: How one other prolong would work

IN GRAPHICS: What occurs now?

News top stories daily news hot topics How has the authorities reacted?

Mr Raab told the BBC's Andrew Marr stutter that "notwithstanding the parliamentary shenanigans, we appear to have now the numbers to win this through".

He mentioned there have been "many folk within the EU" who've been "deeply heart-broken" about an further prolong to Brexit and urged MPs to "win on, win it in the course of the Rental of Commons, and jog on."

Media playback is unsupported on your instrument

Media captionForeign Secretary Dominic Raab says he is confident the UK will leave the EU on 31 October

His colleague, Michael Gove, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, accused of us that backed the Letwin amendment of voting "explicitly to try and frustrate this direction of and to bound it out".

He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday "now we have got a deal that permits us to leave" on 31 October, however the authorities would now triggerOperation Yellowhammer- its contingency opinion to take care of a no-deal Brexit - on yarn of there used to be no suppose the EU would grant an extension.

The authorities is decided to query for an further meaningful vote on Monday,presenting MPs with a binary different to approve or oppose the deal in precept.

On the opposite hand, this is able to perchance well additionally be as much as Commons Speaker John Bercow to utilize whether to enable that vote.

BBC Deputy Political Editor John Pienaar says the pondering at Westminster is that Mr Bercow is rarely any longer going to allow a re-speed of the vote.

He says to "ask of an correct row about that", adding that the Speaker has been clear within the past that he sees no motive to repeat a debate "correct on yarn of the loser would no longer take care of losing".

News top stories daily news hot topics What is Labour asserting?

Labour had planned to vote against Boris Johnson's deal - even supposing a pair of rebels would probably have backed it - arguing it would be unfriendly for the economy, jobs, workers' rights and more than just a few areas take care of the ambiance.

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer accused the high minister of "being childlike" by sending a 2d letter to the EU contradicting the vital stipulated by the Benn Act.

He told Andrew Marr his win together would seek to amend the deal when the WAB is introduced to Parliament, shall we express by annoying a UK-huge customs union with the EU and single market alignment.

Media playback is unsupported on your instrument

Media captionLabour's Keir Starmer says Boris Johnson has been "childlike" with his unsigned letter

He mentioned Labour would peek ways to quit a ways from "a trapdoor to no-deal on the head of 2020" - some critics of Mr Johnson's agreement scare there usually are no longer any provisions to quit a no-deal exit on the head of the transition duration if no free commerce agreement has been reached with the EU.

Sir Keir additionally mentioned his win together would beef up an amendment requiring the deal to be put to 1 other referendum.

He mentioned he believed that will perchance well presumably in all likelihood be tabled by a backbencher, but insisted: "It be obtained to jog encourage to the public."

Organising one other public vote would utilize no longer lower than 22 weeks, in line with consultants on the Structure Unit at University College London (UCL), and Sir Keir permitted that form of timescale used to be moderately priced.

A authorities additionally can not correct utilize to protect a referendum. As an different, a majority of MPs and Lords would must agree and vote in the course of the guidelines, and there would probably be deep divisions over the wording of the quiz, the series of alternatives on the pollpaper and the voting machine.

Lucy Powell, Labour MP for Manchester Central, told Sky News "those advocating a 2d referendum know the numbers usually are no longer there". The PM's deal used to be "now vulnerable to jog", she continued, adding that subsequent few days and weeks "are our final likelihood to form Brexit".

News top stories daily news hot topics What in regards to the EU?

EU Council President Donald Tusk has acknowledged receipt of the UK's extension seek files from and mentioned he would consult EU leaders "on how to react".

Ambassadors from the 27 EU worldwide locations met for approximately 15 minutes in Brussels on Sunday morning and continued the ethical direction of of ratifying the Brexit deal on the EU facet.

The EU's Chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, told diplomats the passage of the Letwin amendment didn't imply that the deal had been rejected.

Media playback is unsupported on your instrument

Media captionSir Oliver Letwin: Brexit deal "is rarely any longer excellent but this is able to perchance well fabricate"

Mr Letwin himself told the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday his amendment used to be "an insurance protection policy" and now it had passed, he would give his plump beef as much as the high minister's deal.

All 27 EU worldwide locations must conform to any extension to Brexit, and French President Emmanuel Macron has already signalled he believed a new Brexit extension used to be no longer correct for anybody.

On the opposite hand, BBC Europe editor Katya Adler mentioned if the different used to be a no-deal Brexit, the EU used to be no longer vulnerable to refuse - even supposing it would must know what any extension used to be for - a daily election, one other referendum, or merely slightly more time wished to jog Brexit-linked legislation?

News top stories daily news hot topics Would possibly perhaps well well presumably this all cease up in court?

Honest weeks after the Supreme Court docket dominated Mr Johnson's prorogation of Parliament used to be illegal, some counsel his attempts to undermine the Benn Act with a 2d letter would possibly perchance perchance well presumably peek him encourage there again.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell urged the PM also can very effectively be "in contempt of Parliament or the courts". That used to be echoed by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, even supposing he refused to be drawn on any court action this week.

Scotland highest court, the Court docket of Session, is as a result of fulfill on Monday to utilize show camouflage of the matter. It used to be asked earlier this month to ticket a letter gratifying the terms of the Benn Act on the high minister's behalf if he failed to manufacture so, but judges delayed giving a ruling to enable the political debate to play out.

The SNP's Joanna Cherry pointed out that the authorities gave an project to the court no longer to frustrate the act, butshe mentioned "now arguably that is what he has executed".

The authorities insists it has complied with the requirements of the Benn Act.

News top stories daily news hot topics What's the Withdrawal Settlement Invoice?

The UK needs to jog a law to put into effect the withdrawal agreement - the phase of the PM's Brexit deal that would utilize the nation out of the EU - in UK law.

It has to genuine the backing of a majority of MPs and mates, and a vote for the Brexit deal itself is rarely any suppose of a vote for the legislation required to put into effect it.

The invoice offers ethical quit to any agreed transition duration and fulfils requirements on the rights of EU electorate within the UK after Brexit. This would possibly perchance occasionally additionally enable ministers to win "divorce payments" to the EU foreseen under the most contemporary deal.

MPs will probably be in a scheme to vote on amendments - adjustments or add-ons - to the invoice, shall we express stipulating Parliament's characteristic within the ruin relationship negotiation, or for the deal to be put to a referendum.

If the authorities can not win the WAB through Parliament the default ethical scheme is that the UK can not ratify the deal, and so would leave on 31 October with out a deal. On the opposite hand, that relies on no extension past that date having been already agreed with the EU.

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[keepingupwithfundies]

Weird question but do you think fundies only have sex in positions where the man is on top?

Hm…. good question! I know, JB and Michelle gave Josh the book “Love Life” by Ed Wheat to read before his wedding night. On FreeJinger, I found an awesome review by CynicMom and there was a chapter talking about sex. Unfortunately, sex positions are not mentioned. But I thought, missionary was the only acceptable way?? (Annie)

Chapter 6: SEX

Finally the juicy stuff.  For a book written by a conservative Christian in 1980 this book is shockingly explicit.  The first half of this chapter is pretty good.  Sex should get better over time and be something to look forward to.  It’s amazing, an experience of tremendous thrill leading to fulfillment.  He pimps his Intended for Pleasure book a great deal.

The three parts of sex are desire, excitement, and orgasm.  Fear and hostility are two chief inhibitors of the desire phase.  Sexual anxiety impairs excitement.  Excessive self-consciousness will short-circuit the orgasm phase.

Best quote of the book so far:  He saw a couple who was complaining of the wife’s inability to enjoy sex.  It became apparent that the real problem was a seething hostility on the wife’s partâ€.  MAYBE THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT

To have a positive sexual relationship with your mate you need “(1) correct medical information; (2) a biblical understanding of sex that dispels false fears and inhibitions; (3) the right personal approach to sexual lovemaking in your own marriage.† He seems in favor of comprehensive sex-ed!  He goes on about how the Victorians were too inhibited!  Referencing 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 he says that BOTH spouses must submit to each other, give authority to each other, and not withhold sex!

He then gives a series of pretty awesome specific advice, much of it directed at husbands:

1. Don’t have sex without love2. Criticism hinders emotional closeness3. Spouses should show that they love their spouses in multiple ways other than sex (he lists a bunch)4. Everyone should have before-foreplay technique5. Husbands are reminded to:

a. Arouse their wives emotionally as well as physicallyb. Make sex last at least twenty minutes of slow build-upc. Not just make a rush to an orgasmd. Not to feel like a failure if he can’t make a woman orgasm (she doesn’t always need one and will tell you if this is the case) (he should listen to his wife omg!)e. Don’t arouse your wife mechanicallyf. Don’t get hung-up on making your wife achieve orgasm.  Instead just want to please her and give her enjoyment (!)g. “Provide manual stimulation for his wife to have another orgasm after intercourse†if she desires it (!) (emphasis mine)h. Be sensitive to your wife’s preferences (!)i. Don’t be too deadly serious

Overall there’s a lot of positive stuff in that list.  A woman’s orgasm is treated as equality important as a man’s!  Communication is emphasized!  This chapter is why hard-core fundies reject this book.

Now for the weird stuff.  There’s an awful lot of women need romance, men need respect in this chapter.  No biblical justification of course.  Did you know that highly orgasmic women had fathers who were not passive toward them  [who] set standards and well-defined rules for their daughters protection?  And that you can give her what she may have needed from her father?  Did you know that all the data gathered seems to suggest that orgasmic capacity in woman is often tied to her feeling concerning the dependability of her relationship with her husband?

Finally, what if there are problems?  If a wife is indifferent to her husband she should respond positively to his sexual advances anyway.  What if a husband is indifferent to his wife’s advances?  She “should answer the following:  Do you respect your husband’s leadership as a man, as the head of your home, as the father of your children, and as your lover?  Have you misused your sexual relationship in the past?  Have you used sex as a tool of manipulation?  Have you been dishonest with him [or] battered his sexuality through hostility?  Basically regardless of the problem the wife is enjoined to attend to her husband more.  He also recommends sharing in warm personal Bible study and prayer together as great pre-foreplay. 

He ends with a long story about how it can damage a man and an entire relationship if the wife almost never (or never) orgasms.  He goes on and on about this.  If I were reading this as an impressionable teen I would be strongly inclined to start faking it to prevent these horrible problems.

[almorganfiction]

Up Top - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – Kaptured

1 Hour, 32 Minutes

One of the masked figures pointed a razor sharp spear at Gulliver’s neck as the others continued chanting (cha-sam, cha-sam, cha-sam). He cleared his throat overdramatically.

‘Ladies and gentlemen! I am Chief Christopher of the Chasm!’ He paused for his company to give him a brief applause. ‘It looks like we’ve caught ourselves some geese, all ready to cook. Chief Gulliver of the Wingspans what do you have to say for yourself?’ He spoke like a game show host.

‘Not got the foggiest, really,’ Gulliver answered, looking down at the spear.

‘Alright then, should have known from the very start that you’d be a dead end, perhaps your team mates have brought the wisdom with them instead.’ He looked at Maple. ‘Ceri! If you’d be so kind as to point your weapon- are those nun-chucks? They look fan-tastic! Yeah. Just threaten Mr Suit over here.’

One of the masked figures waved makeshift nun-chucks around awkwardly. They were made up of led pipes and a metal chain. Maple didn’t step out of line, but it was more to do with the spear at Gulliver’s throat than the threat of blunt force trauma.

‘So,’ Christopher addressed Maple, ‘I see no feather, you’re not with these guys, are you? I can’t tell what you’re supposed to be. Ah, I bet you’re with the Magicians, you can’t trick me that easily!’ He smiled sinisterly. ‘Making alliances now, are you? You should know that’s not allowed.’

‘No,’ Maple defended himself. ‘I’m actually from-‘

‘He is with us,’ Maggie jumped in. ‘I told him not to keep the feather in his pocket but he didn’t listen. Dropped it down below.’

‘Doesn’t look like a bird to me,’ Christopher murmured suspiciously. ‘Isn’t that your theme?’

‘He’s a penguin, of course,’ Maggie improvised.

‘Oh yeah? What’s your name “penguin”?’

‘He’s named after the sound a penguin makes.’

‘A honk?’

‘Absolutely.’ Maggie cursed herself for thinking a penguin made a whoop sound, which would have made a better name than- ‘Honky. Honky the Penguin.’

‘Well well, I suppose that does make sense. I’m a little disappointed, to be frank, I thought we might have caught you breaking rules,’ Christopher said, the tone of suspicion lifting from his voice. ‘Right then, I don’t think we’ve got anything of interest here, just hand over your goods and-‘

‘Hang on!’ Maple shouted, much to the dismay of his companions. ‘That’s a terrible name! Down below “honky” means-‘ Maple stopped himself suddenly, about six syllables too late.

Chief Christopher raised his eyebrows. ‘Aha!’ he cried, making Gulliver flinch and shield his head. ‘Down below? My ears are not deceiving me, are they? You have brought me something most interesting!’

Maggie glared at Maple.

‘Carl!’ Chief Christopher pointed a finger dramatically at one of the others. ‘We’re taking this further. If you please, take Caitlin and prepare the Pit of Numerous Spikes. Everyone else, round ‘em up!’

Two of the Chasm underlings ran back the way they came, the rest twirled their lassos. Chief Christopher kept his spear at Gulliver’s neck.

A lasso landed around Maple and tightened, tying his arms to his sides. The same happened to Po and Maggie.

‘And, if you could just tie yourself up,’ Christopher said, handing a rope to Gulliver. ‘Then we’ll be ready to go!’

As Gulliver tied himself up, the two Chasm members who had run off came back carrying an child’s paddling pool. They placed it down on the rooftop and threw in a handful of spiky metal objects that Maple vaguely remembered being toys called ‘Jacks’.

‘Here it is folks! The Pit… Of Numerous Spikes!’ Chief Christopher announced, arms stretched out. ‘Now begins the interrogation, we’ll play a game of trivia for it! Loser gets dunked in the pit! Are you ready, folks?’

Christopher beamed at them. Nobody said anything.

‘What’s wrong guys? Not digging the concept? You don’t look scared or excited.’ This wasn’t entirely true, Gulliver alone was both, but the rest were unimpressed.

‘Well,’ Maple said, risking speaking out of turn again. ‘It’s just not that much of a threat, I mean it’ll hurt but… it probably won’t hurt a considerable amount. I stepped on a plug once, that really hurt. Maybe a kiddie pool full of plugs would-‘

‘There is a plug, it’s how they let the water out.’

‘No, an electric plug.’

‘That would electrocute everyone in the pit, though.’

‘Not if there’s not any water- that’s not the point, I’m just saying little spiky toys aren’t much of a-‘

‘Yeah I’m gonna stop you right there and double down a little. How about instead of dunking you in the pool- uh, pit- I just chop off a hand for every wrong answer? (No passes either, I mean seriously, house rules just drag out the game for everyone).’

Maggie gave Maple another lethal glare. Maple was sure that’s what a spider’s eyes would look like if you mashed them all into one pair. He continued speaking anyway, knowing if he kept digging he’d possibly dig a hole deep enough that he could just start a new society of underground people who weren’t trying to cut off anybody’s hands.

‘Well, cutting off our hands doesn’t really fit your theme,’ he advised. ‘Dropping us into something- that does.’

‘What do you mean, exactly?’

‘You’re the Chasm. You drop people into stuff, like chasms.’

‘Chasms?’ Christopher thought for a moment. ‘Oh! No no no, we’re not Chasm with a “C”, we’re Kazzam. With a “K”. Two “Z”s’

The Wingspans broke out in a hushed “ohh” of realisation. Chief Kristopher continued.

‘Did you think this entire time that we were all about dropping people from high places? Wow, now that I think about it, we do that quite a bit. Nah, we’re all about show business. KAZZAM!’ He performed a crude, quite embarrassing jazz hands as he said this.

‘Well, to be fair it was Chief Po that said-‘

Maple’s eyes widened suddenly. The look on Kristopher’s face made it clear to Maple that this time he had dug himself into a cave filled with poisonous snake-bat hybrids.

‘Chief Po?’ Kristopher asked. ‘Now that brings up even more questions.’ He leaned and stared at Maggie. ‘You must be the Chief, then. Seems to me that you’ve been taking the lead.’

Maple glanced at the real Po but he was staring down at his feet, refusing to engage.

‘That’s right,’ Maggie said confidently. ‘What of it?’

‘Oh my good friend, I do believe you know full well what of it!’ Kristopher boomed. ‘Perhaps you should be our contestant for this evening!’

‘It’s not the eve-‘

‘Please! No speaking until you’re ready to answer my questions! Starting now, any wrong moves will lose you an appendage!’

Kristopher theatrically pointed a finger at Maggie, his other hand raised into the air, fingers splayed.

‘Question number uno!’ He pulled his hands in and started reading off an invisible card. ‘True or false: it is against rooftop law to declare a chief who is not the eldest of the gang.’

‘True,’ Maggie answered.

‘Well, judges, what do we think?’ Kristopher turned to the rest of his group. They started clapping.

‘No, you’re supposed to show the placards- ugh, forget it.’ He snapped back into his presenter persona. ‘Congratulations! That is indeed the correct answer! Take a look at the crowd! They love you!’

The other Kazzam members held up placards with green ticks on them.

‘No, no that’s not… that was- that-‘ he groaned quietly and then bounced back into a wide grin. ‘Moving on then! Question numero trois!’

‘That’s not-‘ Maple started, he saw Maggie eye him angrily but couldn’t help himself. ‘Two is “deux”.’

‘Deux?’ Kristopher questioned.

‘Yeah, deux.’

‘Don’t “yeah, duh!” me! You aren’t exactly in a position to be giving attitude!’

‘No, no I was just saying-‘

‘Question number two!’ Kristopher bellowed. ‘Do you have any idea how much trouble the Wingspans will be in when I tell the Market they’re harbouring a Belower!?’

‘Quite a lot,’ Maggie stated through gritted teeth.

‘Quite a lot indeed!’ Kristopher declared, almost abandoning the game-show pretence entirely. ‘Now then, are you ready for the final question? All or nothing!’

‘Yes.’

‘Here it is! Buzzers at the ready, folks!’ He smiled sickly. ‘What, if anything, will the Wingspans give to the Kazzam to keep their dirty little secrets? Try not to dawdle now! Time’s a-wasting!’

There was a long pause. A few seconds dragged out tenfold. ‘You can take our supplies. We’ve got three sacks full of bags.’ Maggie offered.

‘Oof! That’s a wrong answer! We can already take whatever you have. Tell you what, we’ll let you off that one, what else you got?’

‘What do you want? We don’t have anything else.’

‘She’s using a hint, everybody! Let’s see here… how about… you tell us where “Wingspan Alpha Base 1-Omega Colin Position Delta” is situated? No hints this time!’

‘We can’t tell you that. Who knows what you’d do?’

‘Oooh! That’s definitely a wrong answer! Judges, one of you has a sharp enough blade to cut through bone, right?’

‘Fine. Do it. I’m not betraying my gang.’ The situation didn’t seem to phase her. She spoke as if she was telling a fast food employee that there were no straws left.

‘Give it a few centimetres and you might.’

One of the “judges” brought over a rusty axe head.

‘How nasty!’ Chief Kristopher chuckled. ‘Now, untie one of her hands. Let’s say the left, don’t want her completely out of the game!’

‘I’m left handed.’

‘Oh well! I guess this is a bit of a setback, in that case.’

The “judge” loosened the ropes and freed her right hand. She didn’t correct him. He pulled her over to a nearby chimney and rested her hand on it, the wrist just hanging over the edge.

‘Viewers be advised, this is most certainly not going to be pretty. On my command.’

The “judge” raised the axe head about a foot above Maggie’s wrist.

‘Ready.’

Maple turned to Po. He was now looking the complete other way.

‘Set.’

Gulliver had turned pale. His eyes were fixed on Maggie’s arm.

‘Chop!’

[georgecmatthews]

Five things to watch in August

We are officially in the “dog days of summer” (in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway). This nickname comes from the rising of Sirius (the “Dog Star”), but it has become synonymous with the uncomfortable heat of late summer. Technically, the “dog days” end on August 11, but most people apply the term to the entire month. This week, I look at five issues that I expect to impact markets throughout the sweltering “dog days” and beyond.

1. Progress toward more US fiscal stimulus

I believe it is incredibly urgent for Congress to pass a stimulus package. However, given the developments of the last several days, there may be less incentive for Congress to act quickly.

First of all, we got a jobs report that exceeded expectations, with 1.8 million jobs created in the US in July.1 This alone could take away a sense of urgency from the fiscal negotiations. And then on Saturday, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders and memorandum meant to serve as something of a substitute for the Phase 4 fiscal package, given that talks have stalled.2 The orders include:

An extension of federal unemployment benefits, which is one of the elements of the Phase 4 stimulus package that Democrats and Republicans have been fighting over; the Democrats want to keep the benefit at $600 per week while Republicans want it reduced to $200 per week. This executive order reduces the benefit from $600 to $400 per week, with 25% of the amount to be funded by states.

An extension of the student loan deferral program.

The implementation of a payroll tax holiday through the end of 2020. This means that companies would not have to pay taxes withheld for employees earning less than $100,000 per year. The intention is that employees would get to keep the amount that would otherwise be withheld (although there is no way to ensure that this money would go to the employees). However, that creates a logistical nightmare for companies that would then need to withhold a much larger sum from employees at the start of 2021 (unless the deferral is made permanent). This payroll tax holiday includes a deferral of normal payroll payments into the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. This could create even bigger problems in that it threatens the viability of Social Security and Medicare by removing significant funding.

The orders also encourage government agencies to assist homeowners and renters in preventing evictions until “the economy has stabilized.” While the sentiment is welcome, this particular order is rather vague and toothless.

Needless to say, some of these executive orders are expected to be quickly challenged in the courts, given that they arguably usurp Congress’ powers to tax and spend. And so negotiations will continue, but I believe Republicans will feel less urgency to reach a compromise with Democrats, as they have been given cover by the Trump administration’s executive orders and the better-than-expected July jobs report.

Ultimately, I do believe Congress will arrive at a deal, and I think that would be modestly positive for stocks. It may also increase fears about inflation and rising budget deficits, which means that gold is likely to rise further and the US dollar is likely to weaken more, in my view.

2. COVID-19 infections

We need to see signs that the US has the virus under control. Right now, it appears that the worst may be over in Florida, Arizona, and other states that were seeing a rapid spread of the virus just a few weeks ago. However, it appears that infections are now rising rapidly in some Midwest states. Moreover, as children go back to school, I worry that we could see resurgences across the country, so we will want to follow the situation closely.

We also need to see that other countries, including South Africa, India, and Brazil, have been able to successfully control the virus. Michael Ryan of the World Health Organization has warned that South Africa might foreshadow similar outbreaks in other African countries. It is good to see swift reaction by countries such as Australia and the Philippines in terms of locking down areas where infections are on the rise, but I worry about some countries that lack the health care infrastructure or willingness to combat the virus. British philosopher Bertrand Russell once said that “The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.” It is clear that cooperation is necessary today to stamp out the virus, but it appears to be an elusive goal in countries like the US. If the virus is not brought under control, at least in the US, I expect gold to continue to strengthen and the US dollar to continue to weaken. Stocks should have support given the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) extremely accommodative policy, although I expect secular growth and defensive stocks to outperform cyclical stocks if the virus is not controlled in the US.

3. US-China tensions

I have warned for some time that tensions between the US and China would rise as we get closer to the US presidential election this November. And it seems that the situation gets worse every week. Last week, President Trump announced that he would sign an executive order forcing a Chinese company to divest its US operations of TikTok — a video app that is very popular in the US (I know this firsthand as the mother of a 14-year-old girl). Thus far, China has been very restrained in its reactions to the US, but I don’t know how much longer that could last.

The good news is that Chinese consumers do not appear to be punishing US companies for the US-Sino tensions. We learned from US companies’ earnings calls in recent weeks that China has been a real bright spot for many multinational companies. One luxury goods maker described China as a good countervailing force to all the headwinds in other parts of its business, and the chief operating officer of another company described China as offering “a model of recovery, stabilization and then growth.”3 It is clear that the economic recovery in China is well underway, having tamped down the COVID-19 pandemic, and that multinational companies are benefiting from that. Let’s hope nothing changes that.

It is worth noting that the US might want to ratchet up tensions with countries beyond China. The rationale would be that it is politically expedient to pursue “trade fairness” in an election year, but the US does not want to anger China so much that it hurts the US economically, so it may prefer to turn to other countries, especially Germany.

My key takeaway is that recent Chinese stock weakness may represent a buying opportunity given China’s ability to control the virus and its improving economic prospects.

4. The US dollar

The US dollar continues to weaken, having lost about 10% of its value since peaking in March.4 Its drop has accelerated in recent weeks with the US budget deficit widening and infections rising in the US.

This has been a true reversal of fortune: Early in the pandemic, as the infection raged in China and Europe, investors flocked to “safe havens” in the US such as Treasuries, causing the US dollar to strengthen. However, since then Asia and Europe have largely been able to control the virus while the US hasn’t, raising concerns about the US’ longer-term growth prospects, which in turn has pushed the US dollar lower.

Also helping push the dollar lower has been massive Fed stimulus. And there are also growing concerns about the ability of the US dollar to retain its incredible privilege as the preeminent reserve currency of the world, which may have added to dollar weakness on the margins. Massive US deficit spending has also placed downward pressure on the US dollar. Recall that less than two weeks ago, ratings agency Fitch maintained its triple-A rating for US debt but downgraded its credit rating outlook for the US from stable to negative because of the country’s deteriorating public finance situation.

There is a silver lining. Continued US dollar weakness may prove to be positive for US companies with exposure to revenue outside the US, as their pricing becomes more competitive with a weaker dollar. This could in turn be a positive for US stocks.

5. Joe Biden’s vice-presidential pick

Former Vice President Biden is expected to announce his choice of running mate this week. I don’t think the choice of a running mate usually matters much, but it’s certainly interesting and takes us away from the monotony that can set in during the “dog days” of summer. (Personally, I’ve been without power or Internet for more than five days thanks to a tropical storm that came barreling through our region, and I would love a good glossy magazine story about the VP pick’s childhood and family). But seriously, the VP pick doesn’t matter until it does. I am reminded of 1972, when Senator Thomas Eagleton was removed as a VP candidate because it was discovered that he had had electroshock therapy and was deemed unsuitable to be a “heartbeat away” from the presidency. And 2008 was another notable year for VP news, when some voters refused to vote for Senator John McCain because they worried that his running mate was too inexperienced and uninformed to be on a ticket with a 72-year old man (which actually seems quite young by today’s standards).

I think the VP pick will matter this year, given Biden’s age and the reality that he has so much to lose by making a mistake in his choice. However, my key takeaway is that this should not have an impact on markets (although of course, specific components of a Biden platform could have implications for specific industries).

Footnotes

1 Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

2 Source: The Wall Street Journal, “What’s in Trump’s Executive Actions on Coronavirus Aid—and What’s Not,” Aug. 9, 2020

3 Source: The Wall Street Journal, “China Becomes a Refuge for US Companies After Overcoming COVID-19,” Aug. 7, 2020

4 Source: Bloomberg, L.P., “Dollar Sends Warning That U.S. Is Losing Its Grip on the Virus,” Aug. 3, 2020

Important information

Blog header image: Good Vibrations Images / Stocksy

All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss.

In general, stock values fluctuate, sometimes widely, in response to activities specific to the company as well as general market, economic and political conditions.

An investment in emerging market countries carries greater risks compared to more developed economies.

Fluctuations in the price of gold and precious metals may affect the profitability of companies in the gold and precious metals sector. Changes in the political or economic conditions of countries where companies in the gold and precious metals sector are located may have a direct effect on the price of gold and precious metals.

The opinions referenced above are those of the author as of Aug. 10, 2020. These comments should not be construed as recommendations, but as an illustration of broader themes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions; there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations.

from Expert Investment Views: Invesco Blog https://www.blog.invesco.us.com/five-things-to-watch-in-august/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-things-to-watch-in-august

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