Valuable advice from Economical Insurance before you go

WATERLOO, ON, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - If you are going to be away from home during March break, Economical Insurance offers some important tips to protect your property so that you have a worry-free vacation.

About The Economical Insurance Group Founded in 1871, The Economical Insurance Group is one of Canada's largest property and casualty insurers, with $1.7 billion in premiums and $4.6 billion in assets. Based in Waterloo, this Canadian-owned and operated group services the insurance needs of more than one million customers through 19 branches and service offices across the country. In 2010, Economical announced its decision to become the first federally-regulated mutual property and casualty insurance company to demutualize. Economical is currently reviewing strategic options and will submit a comprehensive demutualization strategy for mutual policyholder approval after the federal government's completion of regulatory development.

The Economical Insurance Group's member companies include: Economical Mutual Insurance Company (including Western General Farm Division), Waterloo Insurance Company, Perth Insurance Company, The Missisquoi Insurance Company, Federation Insurance Company of Canada, Family Insurance Solutions and The Mattei Companies.

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Going away for March break?

by Edythe Jensen - Mar. 4, 2012 09:28 PM The Republic | azcentral.com

A Chandler mother's crusade against unsanitary restaurant playgrounds has prompted proposed changes to Maricopa County's health code.

"This is a giant step in the right direction," said Erin Carr-Jordan, 37, a mother of four with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology.

She has been working with Supervisor Fulton Brock and other county officials on the wording of the potential regulations, which would expand the county's oversight of restaurant-cleanliness inspections to include play areas. They also would require sanitized cleaning of those areas after every shift, detailed cleaning protocols, permanent signs encouraging children's hand washing before meals and immediate closure of the play areas "when vomiting and/or fecal accidents occur."

Woman fighting bacteria banned from McDonald's

But getting those changes into law isn't a sure thing. The approval process takes months, Brock is leaving office at the end of the year and a candidate for another supervisor's seat is president of the Arizona Restaurant Association.

Carr-Jordan is getting support from the county's public-health director, Dr. Robert England.

"It's just common sense. You don't want to facilitate something that's going to make kids' hands filthy dirty right before they handle food," he said. "But we also don't want to do anything that discourages physical activity. For some, this is the best playground equipment available."

England said he hasn't read the proposed health-code changes but would support "reasonable" play-equipment-cleanliness requirements.

The mother's outrage started about a year ago when she took her then-3-year-old son to a Tempe McDonald's. He asked to go on the slide and Carr-Jordan followed him.

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Restaurant play-area health rules could loom

Wanganui Mayor Annette Main today thanked all those involved in the response to Saturday's weather bomb.

"It has been a fantastic response from the emergency services and contractors who have worked with our Emergency Operations Centre over the weekend," Mayor Main said.

"Although the bad weather has now passed, there are still some significant issues to deal with in the coming days and weeks. The major concerns are restoration of power to the Kai Iwi bores and to people in our community. We know that there are some rural areas in our district which don't have power and that Powerco is working to restore power as soon as possible."

Infrastructure and Property Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens said Wanganui District Council's infrastructure staff are working hard with Powerco and Tenix to restore power to No. 1 and No. 3 bores at Kai Iwi.

"We were relieved to have No. 2 bore back on line late Sunday morning but our supply is still under pressure without the other two Kai Iwi bores feeding the reservoirs," Cr Stevens said.

"We urge all city consumers to reduce their water use until we can get the reservoirs up to a good level. To help with this, we have reduced water pressure for the city supply which some consumers will notice. The water is likely to be discoloured but it is safe to use and drink. There is a total ban on hosing and sprinkling until further notice."

Sewage in waterways and at beaches will remain an issue for some days. No-one should swim in the Whanganui River and at beaches for the next few days. Sewage issues are likely to affect Mowhanau for the remainder of the week.

Civil Defence Controller Kevin Ross said the Emergency Operations Centre had worked well over the weekend, in association with the Fire Service, Police, contractors, Powerco and Tenix.

"To give people an idea of the huge scale of this event, the Fire Service in Wanganui dealt with 66 major property damage or 'life at risk' events between 6.00am and 2.00pm on Saturday," Mr Ross said.

"On top of that, there were 41 calls about trees and powerlines which the Fire Service passed on to other agencies.

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Wanganui water use remains a concern

Mar 1 2012

Passengers on the stricken cruise ship Costa Allegra have finally stepped on to dry land after enduring three days at sea without power.

British High Commissioner Matthew Forbes was at the port of Victoria in the Seychelles to greet the 31 UK citizens who were among the 627 passengers aboard the Italian vessel.

The Britons and the other passengers had had to contend with dismal conditions on board after a fire in a generator room on Monday knocked out all power on the vessel.

The ship is part of the Costa Cruises fleet which included the Costa Concordia, which hit rocks and turned on its side off the coast of Italy in January, claiming 32 lives.

No one was injured in the fire earlier this week on the Costa Allegra but the vessel, which was sailing from Madagascar towards the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, had to be towed by a French fishing vessel.

Passengers endured extreme heat and were reported to have been living on bread and cheese, with no electricity or washing facilities.

The Seychelles Red Cross set up several tents at Victoria to assist passengers while tour operators waited with buses ready to take passengers to either the airport or a Seychelles resort. The process was expected to take several hours.

It is understood around 370 passengers have opted to stay in the Seychelles with the rest being flown to Rome. Travel agents flocked to the port, waiting to help passengers ashore.

Guillaume Albert, head of Seychelles-based Creole Travel Services, said: "The focus of the operation is to get them a warm meal and a shower. I think the happy ending is the people coming off the boat."

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UK & World News: Allegra passengers reach dry land

British passengers have spoken of the awful conditions on board after they finally disembarked from the stricken cruise ship Costa Allegra.

A fire on the Italian vessel in the Indian Ocean on Monday left it without power and needing to be towed to the Seychelles where the ship arrived on Thursday morning.

The 31 Britons among the 627 passengers had to contend with no lights, no air conditioning, toilets that would not flush and very basic provisions, with some surviving on a bread-and-salami diet.

The ship is part of the Costa Cruises fleet including the Costa Concordia, which hit rocks and turned on its side off the coast of Italy in January, claiming 32 lives.

Looking tired and dishevelled, passengers on the Costa Allegra finally stepped on to dry land to be met by travel agents, the Red Cross and Seychelles island officials.

There was no power at all, British passenger Derek Adams told the BBC. The loos packed up. They just filled up and were smelling more and more. There were no lights. It was OK for those with portholes, but elsewhere it was pitch black.

Some of the Britons will be staying on in the Seychelles at Costa Cruises expense, while others will join other passengers on flights to various European cities where they will get connections home.

British High Commissioner Matthew Forbes, who was among those meeting the ship, told the BBC: I think everyone is OK now and looking forward to having a little comfort for a few days.

One passenger told how she had existed on white bread and salami morning, noon and evening. Speaking to BBC News, she went on: Believe me, I dont want to see another salami for a long time.

She said passengers had been sunbathing on deck when suddenly there was terrible black smoke and passengers had got their lifejackets and assembled at their muster stations. The passenger said things were not very well organised to start with but later on, everything had been fine.

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Allegra passengers reach dry land

Exhausted passengers cheered and clapped as liner docked Ship's 1,049 crew and guests had been at sea without power for three days 'I don't want to see salami again', says woman who was only fed the meat

By Arthur Martin

Last updated at 2:45 PM on 1st March 2012

The stricken Costa Allegra cruise ship finally reached the Seychelles' main port today, after three days at sea without power.

Exhausted passengers, who had been forced to stay out on deck since a fire knocked out the ship's power supply on Monday, half-heartedly cheered and clapped as the liner reached Victoria, on the island of Mah. As they stood on firm land, they looked angry and disorientated.

Tour operators waited with buses ready to take some of the guests, who have eaten only emergency rations and washed with bottled mineral water for the last 72 hours, to nearby hotels.

Scroll down for video...

Exhausted: Costa Allegra passengers stared out at land as they finally reached the Seychelles this morning

Exhausted: Pictures taken by passengers on board the Allegra show exhausted guests asleep on deck

Left luggage: Passengers from the Costa Allegra cruise ship look for their baggage after arriving at Victoria's harbour

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Costa Allegra: After three days at sea, 1,049 passengers told they must share just TWO showers

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Not only is Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F - News)showing leadership in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of its vehicles, but the company is also being recognized for its greenhouse gas leadership in manufacturing as well. Today, Ford received a Climate Leadership Award at the inaugural United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leadership Awards Ceremony and Conference. Ford was the only automobile manufacturer to receive an award.

Ford was recognized with a Goal-Setting Certificate for its publicly stated manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal, which is part of the company's global manufacturing CO2 strategy. Ford had previously established vehicle CO2 goals based on its contribution to achieving 450 ppm atmospheric CO2 concentration. Applying this stabilization goal to its manufacturing operations helped the company develop its stated goal of 30 percent reduction per vehicle built between 2010 and 2025.

"Emissions reduction is a key element of Ford's approach to sustainability and we plan to build on our accomplishments moving forward," said Andy Hobbs, director, Environmental Quality Office. "This Climate Leadership Award is a symbol of the dedication our employees have made to become a leader in reducing manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions."

A leader in greenhouse gas reductions and reporting

Ford has been a leader in facilities-related greenhouse gas and energy-use reductions, and public reporting of greenhouse gas emissions:

On the way to the goal

Ford plans to achieve its goal through a variety of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction technologies, including:

About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

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Ford Recognized With Climate Leadership Award

LA MESA In front of a packed crowd that included many La Mesa Downtown Village business owners, a school superintendent and a handful of village property owners, the City Council on Tuesday discussed itself as a property owner in the proposed Property-Based Business Improvement District for the village.

The issue of the citys involvement has many locals concerned. The city of La Mesa is one of the largest property owners in the village. If the proposal passes, the city would act as administrator of the district.

You as a legislative body have the final say, said Ed Henning, the citys hired PBID consultant.

Under the proposal, local property owners would make annual payments to the city to support maintenance and marketing of the village area.

La Mesa City Manager Dave Witt said that in fiscal 2012-13, the impact to the citys General Fund to pay the proposed assessment would be just over $60,000. The assessment could increase as much as 5 percent a year for the first five years of the tax.

The proposed district would be voted on by 133 property owners. It includes 182 parcels, mostly along La Mesa Boulevard and some surrounding blocks.

If approved by the majority of the owners, the initial tax would amount to a total of $378,100. The money would be used to keep sidewalks and streets clean with power washing; for landscape maintenance; and for village enhancement, promotion and marketing. The bulk of that amount, $100,000, would be for marketing.

Some opponents, such as business owners Deena While, Craig Maxwell and Bill Jaynes, wore large stickers that said: No PBID/Save Our Village.

Greg Houska, who owns property at Fourth Street and La Mesa Boulevard, said he would have to pass on the tax charges to his tenants, something he said he did not want to do.

The services you mentioned, I expect that from my city; I dont expect to pay more for that, Houska said. Whats going to help this city is the end of the recession.

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La Mesa council discusses Business Improvement District proposal

The second month of 2012 is almost over already. A few days ago it was blowing snow and we received quite a few inches. Now this morning the sun is shining bright and the mercury on our thermometer is almost 40 degrees.

I will probably take advantage of the weather and wash some coats while we do laundry. I like to hang the laundry outside to dry when it is nice like this.

Another job that needs to be done again is washing the windows. With the sun shining on the windows, I can really see the dirt. The rain and blowing snow tend to leave their mark on the windows. We will see how far we get, though, as Elizabeth has to go to her job today. She enjoys the little children she cares for during the week.

Yesterday we attended church services in our district. There were a lot of women and children missing due to sickness. The benches were still filled, though, with visitors from other church districts and communities. Some of my dads cousins were there, so it was nice to get to visit with them.

Daughter Susan would like to thank you for the encouraging comments on her column last week. A friend printed the comments from the website so she could read them. She is still taking Minnie on her daily rides.

Last week daughter Elizabeth and I accomplished a lot of sewing. I sewed sons Benjamin and Joseph each a new navy jacket and pants to wear to church. They were pretty excited yesterday morning to wear their new outfits.

I sewed the outfits on my old black-colored head Singer sewing machine. My mother had one just like it and it did not often need repair.

My other sewing machine is almost 10 years old. It usually works pretty well, but it has been giving me some problems this last while. I oiled it and cleaned it, but so far cannot figure out what the problem is. I probably will end up giving our friend Terry a call to take a look at it.

Elizabeth sews on her own sewing machine, which was a Christmas gift from her friend Timothy. I would like to trade mine in sometime for one like she has. Hers is a free-armed and those are very nice to do hemming and mending.

We also were sewing pillows. Elizabeth cuts out the pieces and sews the pieces together. Then I sew the ruffles on the edges and the front and back together. Elizabeth also sews the inside pillow and stuffs it with pillow stuffing.

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The Amish Cook: Weather determines which chores to do

BRUSSELS, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The following are mergers under review by the European Commission and a brief guide to the EU merger process:

APPROVALS AND WITHDRAWALS

-- Chinese company TPV Technology Ltd to acquire Dutch electronics group Philips' television business (approved Feb. 24)

NEW LISTINGS

-- Italian foodservices provider Avenance, a subsidiary of French group Elior, to acquire of French peer Gemeaz Cusin (notified Feb. 22/deadline March 28)

-- Singapore Technologies Engineering to acquire a 50.1 percent stake in aircraft engine washing business EcoServices which is now solely owned by United Technologies Corp (notified Feb. 21/deadline March 27/simplified)

-- German commodities trader Cremer to acquire a 50 percent stake in German investment firm L Possehl (notified FEb. 17/deadline March 23/simplified)

EXTENSIONS AND OTHER CHANGES

None

FIRST-STAGE REVIEWS BY DEADLINE

FEB 29

-- Russian machine manufacturer OJSC Power Machines and Japanese electronic products company Toshiba Corp to set up a joint venture (notified Jan. 25/deadline Feb. 29/simplified)

- PetroFina, which is part of French oil major Total , to acquire a 35 percent stake in petrochemicals producer Fina Antwerp Olefins from U.S. oil company ExxonMobil , giving it full control of the company (notified Jan. 25/deadline Feb. 29/simplified)

MARCH 5

-- Japanese tractor maker Kubota to acquire Norwegian peer Kverneland (notified Jan. 30/deadline March 5/simplified)

MARCH 13

-- Miner Anglo American to acquire sole control of diamond firm De Beers (notified Feb. 7/deadline March 13/simplified)

MARCH 15

-- Private equity firm Cinven to acquire legal support services company George Topco (notified Feb. 9/deadline March 15)

MARCH 16

-- Japanese investment bank Nomura to acquire Dutch life and property insurer Delta Lloyd's life insurance and asset management businesses in Germany (notified Feb. 10/deadline March 16/simplified)

-- Commodities and animal feed producer Forfarmers to acquire sole control of Dutch peer Hendrix from Dutch animal and fish feed producer Nutreco Nederland B.V.(notified Feb. 10/deadline March 16)

-- Private equity firm Sun Capital to acquire chemicals company Elix (notified Feb. 10/deadline March 16/simplified)

-- British Airways owner IAG to acquire Lufthansa's British unit bmi (notified Feb. 10/deadline March 16)

-- Spanish builder Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas and Mitsui Renewable Energy, which is a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Mitsui, to acquire joint control of FCC Energia (notified Feb. 10/deadline March 16/simplified)

MARCH 19

-- Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp, Austrian consumer goods producer Tchibo (Austria) Holding GmbH, investment vehicle ML Participacoes, investment company Paraguacu Participacoes and investment vehicle Friele Brazil AS to acquire joint control of coffee producer Ipanema (notified Feb. 13/deadline March 19/simplified)

-- German oil trader Mabanaft Marquard & Bahls to acquire German bunker trader and supplier Bominflot (notified Feb. 13/deadline March 19)

MARCH 21

-- Luxembourg-based chemicals distributor Ravago and Dutch peer Barentz Europe to set up a joint venture (notified Feb. 15/deadline March 21)

-- French oil major Total and Russian gas producer Novatek to set up a joint venture (notified Feb. 15/deadline March 21/simplified)

-- Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co Ltd, Sanyo Special Steel Co Ltd and India's Mahindra Ugine Steel Co Ltd to set up a joint venture to be called Navyug Special Steel (notified Feb. 15/deadline March 21/simplified)

MARCH 22

-- The Carlyle Group, Axel Paeger and investment firm Quadriga Capital IV to acquire joint control of hospital operator AMEOS (notified Feb. 16/deadline March 22/simplified)

-- French building materials group Saint Gobain and Turkish glass manufacturer Trakya which is a subsidiary of Sisecam, to acquire joint control of TRSG Autoglass Holding, which will in turn acquire Russian glass importer Automotive Glass Alliance Rus ZAO (notified Feb. 16/deadline March 22/simplified)

MARCH 26

-- U.S. conglomerate United Technologies Corp to acquire U.S. aircraft components maker Goodrich (notified Feb. 20/deadline March 26)

APRIL 25

-- German sugar company Suedzucker to acquire a 25 percent stake in British commodities trading company ED&F Man (notified Sept. 19/deadline extended for the second time to April 25 from March 30)

APRIL 26

-- U.S. healthcare company Johnson & Johnson to acquire Swiss medical devices maker Synthes Inc (notified Sept. 27/deadline extended for the second time to April 26 from April 2 after the companies provided concessions)

JUNE 4

-- Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione to acquire Italian state-owned ferry group Tirrenia (notified Nov. 20/deadline extended to June 4 from Jan. 18 after the Commission opens an in-depth probe)

GUIDE TO EU MERGER PROCESS

DEADLINES:

The European Commission has 25 working days after a deal is filed for a first-stage review. It may extend that by 10 working days to 35 working days, to consider either a company's proposed remedies or an EU member state's request to handle the case.

Most mergers win approval but occasionally the Commission opens a detailed second-stage investigation for up to 90 additional working days, which it may extend to 105 working days.

SIMPLIFIED:

Under the simplified procedure, the Commission announces the clearance of uncontroversial first-stage mergers without giving any reason for its decision. Cases may be reclassified as non-simplified -- that is, ordinary first-stage reviews -- until they are approved.

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EU mergers and takeovers (Feb 24)