Mariner

Many U.S. citizens -- especially first time international travelers --, are very surprised to learn that immigration inspectors at U.S. airports also require U.S. citizens to go through inspection upon their return from abroad.

Officers of the Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) are charged with maintaining U.S. national security and border integrity, keeping tabs on what people (and goods) are coming and going. CBP officers, stationed at various air-, land-, and seaports examine travellers seeking entry into the United States. When, in the course of a traveller's review, a CBP inspector is satisfied that an applicant for admission to the U.S. is a citizen of the United States, that examination, for entry purposes, is terminated.

Admissibility issues contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) are applicable only to non-U.S. citizens. Consequently, the examination of a person claiming to be a United States citizen is limited to matters required to establish present citizenship. Once CBP is satisfied the person being examined is a U.S. citizen, the examination is over.

CBP, howevr, has legal authority to temporarily detain a U.S. citizen under reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in illegal activity. If probable cause to arrest the U.S. citizen cannot be developed within a reasonable period of time, the person must be released.

One issue that arises frequently is that of dual-nationality. Although the United States does not formally recognize "dual nationality"; many other countries do. It is not unusual to encounter a United States citizen (even native born) possessing more than one nationality (i.e. more than 1 passport). For example, a child born in the United States to a foreign national may, under the laws of that country, be entitled to its parent's citizenship and be included in the parent's passport, particularly when the person is a young minor, not yet having his/her own passport. Under certain circumstances, that document may be used for identification and entry, if presented in conjunction with a birth certificate or other evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Even an expired United States passport can be shown to CBP as evidence of citizenship, as long as there is no indication that the passport holder has relinquished his/her U.S. citizenship.

A spouse, minor child, or minor unmarried sibling may be included on the passport of a U.S. citizen if such spouse, child, or sibling is also a U.S. citizen. In a situation where a passport is required for travel, a passport is valid for the reentry of the dependent only if accompanying the principal passport holder. A dependent may, however, present such a passport as evidence of citizenship when returning from a place where no U.S. passport is required.

If CBP is satisfied that the person is a United States citizen, even though the person may not be able to show a passport or other evidence of citizenship, CBP will advise the individual of the necessity of having a valid U.S. passport. Technically CBP would be waiving the general passport requirement for the Department of State. Other common documents that may help to establish United States citizenship include the following:

1) A Certificate of Naturalization,

(2) A Certificate of Citizenship,

(3) Citizen's identification cards (Forms I-179 or I-197),

(4) State Department Certificates of Identity and Registration (Forms FS-225 and FS-225A),

(5) The U.S. Coast Guard Mariner's Document indicating U.S. nationality ("Z-card"),

(6) Birth Certificate showing a place of birth in the U.S. accompanied by good identification, and

(7) Baptismal certificates or other forms of secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Please note that according to government sources, most documented false claims to U.S. citizenship will be carrying birth certificates, baptismal certificates, or both. These documents can often be most easily obtained, altered, or manufactured.

With white (and even red) sand for building sand castles and open green spaces for running and playing, PEI is a child's dream vacation spot. This island, which enchanted Anne in "Anne of Green Gables," still delights children from around the world. If a child is an 'Anne' fan, the magical story captured their heart but the pure beauty of the province will make a lasting memory and unforgettable impression.

Summer fun for kids can be just simple things - camping on the beach or a campfire and marshmallow roast. With a child's soaring imagination, a family walk on the beach can yield buried treasures and a bicycle ride on a scenic path always brings new adventures. Nothing stirs a child's sense of wonder more than a visit to an island lighthouse.

After all, kids and water are synonymous with summer fun. This tiny island paradise provides the warm ocean. All that's missing is your kids - for the paddling, swimming, and every water activity under the sun.

Every child will enjoy the fun-filled theme parks. Ride the PEI Miniature Railway at Elmira (one of seven museum and heritage sites) which also features one of Canada's largest model train collections. Try out a game of miniature golf at Mariner's Cove Miniature Golf or River of Adventure Mini Golf - both family-friendly facilities located in charming Cavendish. An annual 'Anne of Green Gables Children's Festival' (August 21-August 22, 2010), held at Green Gables House, always charms the kids.

Going 'Above and Beeyond' will thrill the kids. The whole family can enjoy an 'Above and Beeyond' hot air balloon ride where everyone drifts with the prevailing winds over the hills, forests, and streams of this "Gentle Island." A unique way to see this beautiful province!

The 'Wax World of Stars' in Cavendish is fun for adults and kids. When classics like Snow White, Pinocchio, and Alice await, children are bound to have a good time. They can pose with Donkey and Shrek for that memorable photo.

A national park, as well as provincial and private parks, provides campsites and all kinds of activities for children. Mill River Provincial Park holds a Kids Day (July 9, 2010). Besides daily programming and supervised swimming, four of the larger parks - Mill River, Jacques Cartier, Cedar Dunes, and Cabot Beach - offer a full slate of interesting and educational programs. Cabot Beach has a large day-use area with playground equipment, an activity centre with children's programs, and a naturalist on staff who provides guided nature walks. Kids and adults can learn about the local area - its wildlife and marine life as well as the region's trees and plants.

If families do not want to camp in the parks, they can always stay in one of the many comfortable PEI cottages and hotels. Every area in PEI has children's events as well as fun festivals for the whole family. Wherever a family travels in this 'clean and green' province, they will always find a children's playground.

Nautical baby bedding is natural choice for those interested in creating a distinctly masculine space for a son while tapping all of the joyous energy that accompanies the use of a theme that features plant and animal images. Decorators should be forewarned that they will probably agonize over the many delightful styles available to them as they begin to plan their little sailor's nursery.

Given the fact that water scenes play an essential role in any nautical theme, blue figures prominently in most maritime motifs for the nursery. Those who wish to build a seaside sanctuary for their little boy realize right away that they can opt for any number of accent colors for both walls and furniture and are free to add other decorative touches, like shelves filled with shells and model boats.

Baby boy bedding is never easy to shop for, given the many options available now, but deciding on a maritime theme at the start will prevent you from feeling especially overwhelmed. Nautical themes for the nursery favored by parents who want more traditional decor include classic designs featuring baby-safe quilts that use the famous Mariner's Compass block.

Shoppers who want to create a loud splash will navigate their way to scores of whimsically rendered maritime designs with a single query. Most nautical crib sets highlight merry scenes of sailboats bobbing on a calm azure sea, surrounded by wheeling gulls. Better yet, both traditional and modern interpretations of the nautical theme often make use of richly textured micro-suede, which adds depth to the design.

Like watching the ebb and flow of the ocean itself, searching for nursery gear online can become a bit hypnotic after a time, but eventually most wise parents rouse themselves enough to worry about the costs associated with buying quality crib bedding. If you feel torn between your budget and your desire to properly decorate the nursery, keep in mind that loving decorators everywhere grapple with this question as well.

Crib sets are a wonderful way to fashion an entire nautical themed room without watching a restricted budget sink like a stone. Most of these very cost effective ensembles retail for under a few hundred clams, and bundle together all essential linens. Larger collections add matching accessories like window coverings, which extend the nautical theme throughout the room, providing a safe and peaceful harbor for your beloved little mariner.

There are five factors that determine whether or not you have obtained a safe and secure anchorage. It is important that the mariner not overlook any of these five factors when anchoring their boat. Failure to observe even one of them could result in serious consequences to the mariner.

The first factor one must consider is seabed. Is the seabed made up of rock, soft mud, hard clay or some combination of all of them? Consulting your chart for the area will provide the answer allowing you to choose the best anchor based on the type of bottom. Hard mud or clay provides the best holding ground. If you cannot determine the type of seabed a larger plow or claw anchor should be used.

The second factor to consider is wind, sea and ground swell protection. The best anchorage will provide for protection from wind and sea from at least three sides. In areas where the wind is steady choose an anchorage that protects from the most dominant wind. If in an area where the winds are constantly shifting find an anchorage that will protect you after the wind shifts. Finally if large ground swells are encountered plan to let out more rode to accommodate them.

The third factor to consider is tides and current. You need to know the tidal range in the area wherein you are anchoring in order to correctly calculate scope. This is easily accomplished by consulting a tide-table for your location. If in an area of shifting currents it is best to set two anchors.

The fourth factor for consideration is swinging room. Are other boats in the anchorage using one or two anchors? In areas where current shifts of 180 degrees are experienced two anchors will keep the boats swing to about one boat length. Remember on one anchor a boat will swing in a circle with a diameter of twice the amount of rode that is out. And, finally stay clear of any boat which you feel is not anchored adequately.

Factor number five is drag indications and bearings. To check for dragging do the following: with a strain on the anchor stick your arm out and place the back of your hand on the rode. If you feel any vibration your anchor is dragging. When you are anchored securely take a bearing on a prominent object on shore. Record the bearing on your log and check it often with the bearing remaining the same you are securely anchored.

By observing these five factors you will be safely anchored. You will keep your boat from going adrift and possibly ending up on the rocks or crashing into another boat in the anchorage. And, you may take satisfaction in the knowledge that you have taken all of the steps that mark you as a responsible and prudent mariner.

Hybrid electric vehicles, such as hybrid pickups, are considered to be among the most fuel-efficient modes of transport. Automobiles equipped with the latest hybrid electric technology feature a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The best thing about this electric motor is that it can be modified or configured for a variety of purposes, such as boosting and improving the performance of fuel economy, and providing electrical power to alternative loads such as energy tools.

Greater Gas Mileage

Hybrid pickups and other electric vehicles are normally propelled by internal combustion engine just like conventional automobiles. In hybrids however, the energy that is usually lost or wasted during car processes like braking and coasting are converted to a potential source of car power. This energy is stored in the car's battery and will only be utilized by the electric motor when needed.

What then is the function of an electric motor? It is primarily used to provide support to the engine when the car is accelerating or traveling up a slope. Under low-speed situations, the electric motor gives assistance to the internal combustion engine because it is less efficient.

Unlike other traditional electric vehicles, hybrid pickups do not need to be plugged to an external electrical outlet or resource for the battery to be recharged. Instead, regenerative braking and gasoline are what most hybrid pickups need to fully operate.

New Hybrid Pickups and Cars

For next year, several hybrid pickup and car manufacturers have already released their brand new products or models. Here are some of them:

First is the Ford Escape Hybrid, a sports utility vehicle having a 4-cylinder engine and a CVT or continuously variable transmission, all available on both four-wheel and front-wheel drives.

Another type of hybrid pickup or vehicle that will be available next year is the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid, it is also a sports utility vehicle that has 4-cylinder engine. The only difference is that its CVT or continuously variable transmission is available only in four-wheel and two-wheel drive.

Also joining this list is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, another sports utility vehicle that has a four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission both available in the four-wheel and front-wheel drive. The features of this particular hybrid pickup are almost the same as the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Lastly, Lexus LS 600h L is a mid-size hybrid pickup or car designed to have an eight-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is one of the most anticipated car releases because of its state-of-the-art features. However, this particular hybrid pickup and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid are both not yet certified by IRS so it means that they are not yet eligible for credits in terms of taxation or tax payments.

Related Hybrid News

Almost three years ago, Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger authorized the law in California to allow all car lanes to be opened for hybrid pickups or gasoline-hybrid vehicles that can reach distances of up to forty-five miles per gallon, which draws a specific technical demarcation. However, only a relatively small number of hybrid vehicles qualify for this 45 mpg rule as of this time.

This includes the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. Hybrid pickups produced by Ford and those of General Motors missed the cut being employed by this law because they can only reach distances of thirty-six miles per gallon. Overall, this caused a certain constraint on other hybrid automobile products - but it is also an incentive for them to lift their game in future releases.

The Pilot Pen Corporation was founded in 1918 under the name of the Namiki Manufacturing Company in Japan. At this moment in time the country of Japan was opening up to European techniques and many pen manufacturers were setting up business in the country. Pilots founder Ryosuke Namki, a mechanical engineer and a teacher at the Tokyo Merchant Marine College, was both won over by the ingenuity of these writing instruments. Namki used his engineering experience to produce his first range of continuous flowing fountain pens.

Ryosuke Namki set up a partnership with Masao Wada and the company was born. To pay homage to the sea, their other shared interest, the two partners named the brand Pilot, the name for a mariner who guides ships through dangerous or congested waters.

The company name has changed a few times over the years but it is now the Pilot Corporation and has offices around the world.

Pilot makes a wide range of pens including fountain, roller ball and ballpoint, with roller ball and ball point also available in disposable. Pilot has become an industry leading in the world of writing instruments and has some very popular styles from their wide product range. One of the most popular ranges is the Capless which is a retractable range of fountain pens. Here is just an example of the range available:

Pilot Capless

The Pilot Capless range is a very popular range of pens that are retractable fountain pens. These are great for everyday use and are ideal as gifts as they come in a range of colours and finishes.

Pilot Falcon

The Pilot Falcon range is a classic range of fountain pens available in a number of colours and finishes. One of the unique points about this pen is that the nib is flexible which helps offer fluidity to anyone's writing style.

Pilot Fermo Capless

Just like the revolutionary Capless range, this is also a retractable range of beautiful fountain pens. This range come in some finer finishes perfect for the boardroom.

Pilot has come along way since their formation in 1918, they have continually moved with the times to produce cutting edge writing instruments. Pilot look set to carry on with their strong brand well into the future.