How to Take Care of Your Backyard

When you have a backyard in your home, it’s crucial that you take care of it. The last thing you are going to want is a patch of overgrown mess behind your property. Not only will this look bad, but you won’t be able to use it to its full advantage either. When guests come over you’ll be embarrassed about the look of your yard, and the longer you leave it, the harder it will be to tidy. 

Many people don’t really know how to take care of a backyard. They may never have had one before, or perhaps someone else always looked after it in the past. It could be that you don’t have a ‘green thumb’ and you’re just not confident in yard work. However, it isn’t so difficult to keep your yard looking neat and tidy and usable. Here are some tips. 

Get Help

The first thing to do when you have a backyard that needs taking care of is to work out which jobs you can do yourself and which you are going to need professional assistance with. It will depend on your level of physical fitness, your budget, and how much time you have. You could get a gardener in to do all the work, or you might just want a tree company Lake Mary to come in and ensure the trees in your yard are safe and tidy. 

This is the first step you should think about when you want to take care of your yard. Once you know what you need to do and what someone else can do, you can determine a plan of action to get it all completed in a reasonable time frame. 

Keep it Clear 

It’s easy for a backyard to become full of debris and trash over time. If you’re renovating the interior of your home, for example, your yard could be where you store your equipment and everything that really needs to go to the dump. Or it might be that you have children and they leave their toys and games all over the lawn. 

The debris in your yard might not even be manmade. Leaves that fall can turn into mulch and become slippery and unsightly, so making sure you rake them up and remove them is important. 

The clearer your yard is, the more enjoyable it will be. Even if you don’t do anything else to it, keeping the trash out of your yard is a good idea.  

Use Fertilizer 

If you really want to take care of your yard then using fertilizer to ensure the plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables, saplings — or anything else you might choose to plant outside — grow well is a great option. 

Fertilizer gives your backyard the right amount of extra nutrients that it can’t get elsewhere, and this stimulates growth. To have your backyard looking its best, fertilizer is always going to work for you, and it’s cheap too — if you can speak to a farmer or stables about collecting their horse manure, you might even get it for free. 

If you’re interested in knowing more about turf suppliers in Melbourne make sure you visit Lilydale Instant Lawn.

Here’s The List Of Countries You Should Consider Living In

Gambling is a favorite pastime in countries around the world. The activity is still restricted in many countries across the globe, but many countries have liberal gambling laws. In fact, in some cities and countries, gambling is a main driver of the local economy.

United Kingdom

From a player’s standpoint, the UK is a great place to gamble. However, UK casinos must adhere to strict rules and regulations to be licensed by the UK’s Gambling Commission (its regulatory body). 

Gambling is a favorite pastime of those living in the UK, and players enjoy the benefit of not having to pay taxes on their winnings. There are numerous land and online casinos to choose from, and as long as the Gambling Commission licenses the operator, you can be confident that the games are fair, and you won’t be scammed out of your money.

If you like gambling, the UK is a great place to live.

Australia

Like the UK, gambling is a popular pastime in Australia. And also like in the UK, winnings aren’t taxed. The casinos pay taxes. 

Australia is home to many renowned casinos, including Sydney’s Star City Casino and Melbourne’s Crown Casino. The Crown Casino is enormous, spanning two city blocks. It boasts three hotels and two restaurants (including one owned by Gordon Ramsay).

If you live for the glitz and glam of gambling, then Australia is a great place to call home.

Macau

Also known as the “Monte Carlo of the Orient,” Macau is a hotspot for casino tourism and known for its gambling culture. There are more than 30 casinos in Macau, and six of them rank among the 20 biggest in the world. 

Online gambling can also be had in this culturally diverse area of the globe.

For gamblers who love the excitement of it all, Macau is the place to be.

The Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is one of the most respected authorities for online gambling licenses. The country issued its first license in 2001, and is largely considered one of the best in the industry. In fact, the Isle of Man’s licensing authority has been whitelisted by the UK’s Gambling Commission. The Commission is satisfied with their standards and process for issuing licenses to operators.

To protect players, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission ensures that all licensed operators:

  • Have systems in place to protect the funds of players.
  • Have a bank guarantee, so if the operator cannot pay its players, the bank will.
  • Hold deposits and winnings in a secure location that’s governed by the Isle of Man’s laws.
  • Establish a trust fund that controls how cash enters and leaves the operator’s bank account.
  • Are audited by an independent organization to ensure the fairness and randomness of their games.

The Commission also conducts random audits to ensure player funds are protected. Additionally, they investigate player complaints and monitor the advertising, policies and activities of operators.

With so many player protections in place, the Isle of Man is a great country to live in if you love gambling and are concerned about protecting your money.

Panama

Although it’s a smaller licensing jurisdiction, Panama takes a relatively liberal stance when it comes to gambling. The banking industry is gambling-friendly, and the government doesn’t meddle too much in the affairs of operators.

Anyone who wants to run a gambling operation in Panama can submit an application and undergo an inspection. In addition to a criminal background check, an inspection will also check the fairness of the games and analyze the business processes.

Licensed operators must have enough cash on hand to honor all of their obligations. In addition, financial transactions must be recorded and available for review at a moment’s notice.

Panama allows all of the most common forms of gambling, including casinos, poker, sports betting racing betting, and more. 

Italy

Gambling is legal in Italy – both in person and online. There are more than 160 casinos licensed by the AAMS. Italians also have the freedom of playing at a foreign casino without worry.

While you may have to pay taxes on your winnings, Italy is still a favored country for those who love gambling. Plus, when you’re not playing a game of chance (or skill), you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious food and friendly people.

France

With more than 300 casinos throughout the country, France is a popular destination for casino tourism. Gambling laws are more relaxed than in other European countries, and sports betting is a favorite activity of the locals.

High rollers love to gamble in France. Many of the country’s prominent cities, including Cannes and Paris, are home to casinos that attract wealthy players from across the globe. Poker is another popular gambling activity in France. There are more than 170 poker tables throughout the country, and some have extremely high stakes.

Monaco

Don’t let its small size fool you – Monaco is the sporting and recreational hotspot of Europe. In addition, Monte-Carlo is world-famous for its jaw-dropping casinos, particularly the Casino De Monte-Carlo. 

The small independent state is also home to international sporting events, including the Monaco Grand Prix, European PGA tours and the European Poker Tour Grand final.

Gambling is a major contributor to the state’s economy. If you’re a wealthy gambler lover, Monaco may just be the right place for you.

Singapore 

Singapore is a tiny island country with one of the world’s strongest economies. The country is home to two large casinos that are world-famous: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. The Marina Bay Sands casino is one of the largest and most expensive casinos on the planet. It has more than 2,500 gaming machines. 

If you love gambling and want the chance to play at one of the biggest casinos in the world, then you may want to move to Singapore.

Summary

If you’re a fan of gambling, these countries are some of the best to live in. Along with favorable gambling laws for players, they also have some of the best casinos in the world. 

If you’d like to find out more about migration agents head over to Australian Migration Agents.

Melanotan 2 – A Comprehensive Guide

The melanotan 2 canada is a new and magnificent way to improve your body. You can only imagine what it can do to you (partially because there are not enough scientific studies and partially because melanotan can give you an almost infinite list of benefits). Intriguing, right? Let’s look at it closer.

What Are Peptides 

Melanotan 2 as melanotan 1 and others like them are peptides. Again, they are not steroids, however, they can give you the same boost as steroids. Peptides is a relatively new invention. Long story short, steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, and peptides are chemical versions of natural amino-acids. Amino acids in turn are organic compounds that contain amino and carboxyl functional groups, along with a side chain (R group) specific to each amino acid. The elements present in every amino acid are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. In addition sulfur is present in the side chains of cysteine and methionine, and selenium in the less common amino acid selenocysteine. More than 500 naturally occurring amino acids are known and almost twenty thousand and its mixes exist for any purpose.  

What is Melanotan 2

As you can probably already guess, melanotan 2 canada is a peptide, a synthetic analogue of natural melanocortin. Melanocortin is also a peptide that stimulates the synthesis of melanin and determines the tanning of the skin. Melanin and Melanocortin are present in our body not only to give our skin a beautiful brown tone, but protect it from skin cancer. So melanotan 2 canada is not only a potent thing with a half-life of minutes but also quite an interesting thing which can really change your life. 

Melanotan 2 was first synthesized at the University of Arizona as a protection against skin cancer (since the melanin pigment has a protective function, blocking out ultraviolet rays). Scientists found that natural melanocortin has a short half-life, so it cannot be used as a drug, so it was decided to modify its formula to increase the stability of the molecule. After synthesizing and screening a large number of substances, the peptide [Nle4, D-Phe7] -α-MSH was found, which was approximately 1000 times more potent than natural melanocortin. It was later named Melanotan 2 and was patented. And this is how our little buddy was born.

Melanotan 2 Effects

Along with obvious benefits like tanning, because melanotan 2 canada affects our skin and protects it from skin cancer, it can also give you reduced hunger. Moreover, along with reduced hunger you also get less fat in your body, some research showed that your preferences in food can positively change. Consequently, if you eat less fat and sweet food you get blood sugar regulation which has a good influence on your overall state and mood. Another huge plus is increased libido. One may think, where is skin and where is penis? However, everything is connected, my friend. On such micro levels we can’t even imagine. Some say that melanotan can also improve impulsive and addictive behavior. We can conclude that it is positive from each side and quite a multipurpose thing to use. 

How To Take  

First thing to notice is that melanotan 2 is an injectable peptide (so as the most part of them). That is why you will definitely need syringes, a new one for each injection, you can use insulin syringes, alcohol swabs so everything needs to be as sterile as possible. You will also need sterile water so you can mix melanotan with it. It can not be sold premixed due to its potency. Melanotan dosage ranges from 100 mcg to 1 mg.  However, this is something you will need to work out yourself, since everyone is different, there is no standard dose that will fit everyone. People have different weights, skin types, preferred tan levels and also some people respond to drugs better than others. 

Side Effects

However, no one is perfect. So even melanotan 2 has its own side effects. For example you can experience an increase in blood pressure usually after the 1st – 3 injections, then the body gets used to the drug and this side effect disappears. Therefore, people suffering from high blood pressure should be wary of the drug. When using the drug, mild nausea and discomfort in the abdomen may occur. This is due to the fact that the drug is able to affect the digestive tract. With this side effect, it is recommended to lower the dosage and inject at night before bed. Freckles may also appear in places where melanin accumulates. In order to prevent this side effect, it is recommended to moisturize the skin and reduce both the frequency of injections and the dosage of the drug by 30-40%.

Conclusion

If you are keen on something new this thing is definitely for you. If you start using melanotan you can not only gain a good looking tan and healthy body but also help to carry out new scientific research on you. 

If you’d like to know more about Melbourne vein clinics make sure you visit Australian Vein Clinics.

Kahuna Casino: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Players


Kahuna Casino, an online casino, has become a favorite among Australian gamblers due to its vast selection of games, generous bonuses, and top-notch customer service. Launched in 2018, it has consistently provided a secure and entertaining platform for casino enthusiasts across Australia. But what sets Kahuna Casino apart from its competitors? Let’s dive into the details.

The History and Licensing of Kahuna Casino

Kahuna Casino made its debut in the world of online gaming in 2018 and is operated by Mountberg B.V., a company based in Curaçao. This casino holds a gaming license from the Government of Curaçao, which ensures that it meets international standards for fair play and player protection. 🎮

Having the backing of such a license means you can enjoy your gaming experience knowing that Kahuna Casino takes both security and fairness seriously.

Games Galore: A Treasure Trove of Options

Kahuna Casino boasts an impressive library with over 1,000 games. These games come from well-known developers like NetEnt, Betsoft, and Play’n GO, offering something for everyone.

Popular Game Categories

  1. Table Games: Classic options such as Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker, with variants like European Roulette and Multi-Hand Blackjack, make Kahuna Casino an ideal place for table game fans.
  2. Online Slots: From classic fruit machines to adventurous themed slots, you’ll find something that piques your interest. Developers like Microgaming and Play’n GO ensure high-quality graphics and seamless play.
  3. Live Casino: Get the full casino experience with real-time live dealer games. Evolution Gaming powers these exciting sessions of Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, and Live Baccarat, allowing you to enjoy a genuine casino vibe from your home.

Whether you enjoy spinning the reels of online slots, challenging the dealer in Blackjack, or interacting with real-time dealers, Kahuna has you covered.

With a selection this vast, it’s clear Kahuna Casino caters to players of all preferences. 🎰

Bonuses and Promotions That Keep on Giving

One of the most attractive features of Kahuna Casino is its robust promotion scheme, offering lucrative bonuses to new and regular players alike.

As you can see, Kahuna Casino pulls out all the stops with its bonuses. New players can benefit from a generous welcome package, while loyal players enjoy continuous rewards through weekly promotions and a loyalty program.

 

Secure and Convenient Payment Options

Managing your funds at Kahuna Casino is easy, thanks to a variety of payment methods. Australian players can use:

  • Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard
  • E-wallets: Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz
  • Cryptocurrency: Yes, even Bitcoin for tech-savvy players! 🪙
  • Bank Transfers: For larger withdrawals

 

 

 

Wagering Requirements: Fair and Transparent

As with most online casinos, Kahuna Casino imposes wagering requirements on its bonuses. The standard is a 30x playthrough on the bonus amount, which is relatively fair by industry standards. Players must meet these requirements before cashing out their winnings from bonuses.

Kahuna Casino typically processes withdrawals within 1-3 business days, depending on the method you choose. With a minimum deposit of AU$10, it’s accessible for all players.

Mobile Play: Gaming on the Go

Kahuna Casino is fully optimized for mobile play. Whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, there’s no need to download an app – just open your browser, and you’re ready to play. The games run smoothly on mobile, ensuring you won’t miss out on the action when you’re on the move.

Security and Fairness at Kahuna Casino: No Compromise

At Kahuna Casino, player security is a top priority. The site employs advanced SSL encryption technology to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that both your personal data and payment details are fully protected. Additionally, Kahuna Casino uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to guarantee fair and unbiased outcomes in all its games. Whether you’re playing at Kahuna Casino 777 or accessing your account via Kahuna Casino login, you can rest assured that your experience is both secure and fair.

Customer Support: 24/7 Help When You Need It at Kahuna

If you need assistance, Kahuna Casino’s customer support team is ready to help 24/7 through live chat and email. Whether you’re facing issues with Kahuna Casino login, have questions about bonuses, or need help navigating Kahuna Casino net, their responsive team is there to resolve any problems quickly. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new player or a returning fan of Kahuna Casino 777, support is always within reach.

Responsible Gambling at Kahuna Casino: Play Safe, Stay in Control

Kahuna Casino encourages responsible gambling by offering tools to help you stay in control of your gaming. Whether you’re logging in through Kahuna Casino net or using the Kahuna Casino 777 platform, you can set deposit limits, activate cooling-off periods, or self-exclude if necessary. Plus, Kahuna Casino provides links to professional support organizations for players who might need assistance.

 

 

 

In conclusion, Kahuna Casino offers a fantastic gaming experience for Australian players, combining an extensive game library, attractive bonuses, and solid customer service. With its secure environment and fair play policies, it’s a casino worth checking out.

FAQ

Can I use Bitcoin at Kahuna Casino?

Yes, Kahuna Casino accepts Bitcoin for both deposits and withdrawals.

What are the wagering requirements for bonuses?

The standard wagering requirement is 30x the bonus amount.

Is there a mobile app for Kahuna Casino?

No, but you can play directly from your mobile browser on both iOS and Android.

What is the minimum deposit at Kahuna Casino?

The minimum deposit is typically AU$10.

How to utilize safe gambling to make the most of your pastime

When you hear the word “gambling”, the first thing that probably comes to mind is stressing over something you staked on. But it doesn’t have to be like that. In fact, it shouldn’t be like that for anyone.

Gambling is a form of entertainment, and if you do it responsibly, it can easily be a favorite pastime. With safe gambling practices, you are bound to enjoy it because everything will be under control. But not everybody sees it that way, and we understand. That is why we have written this piece. We’ll talk about the practical strategies you can use to build safe gambling habits, allowing you to enjoy it as a pastime. Read on, learn and enjoy.

What is safe gambling?

To start with, many “gamblers” don’t know the concept of safe gambling. So, what is it? It is when you bet responsibly, such that you don’t see gambling as a way to make money. Instead, it is purely a form of entertainment. With more US states beginning to legalize online gambling, many people will deviate from doing it safely, and that is not good enough.

If you are an avid gambler already, here is a checklist for you to know if you are on the right track:

  • Betting beyond your time and financial limits: If you are betting when you are meant to be doing something else, chances are you are getting into an unhealthy addiction. As for finances, make sure you are not staking with money that you cannot afford to lose.
  • Emotional decision making: If gambling is entertainment for you, you’ll be detached from it. That way, your betting decisions won’t be influenced by emotions; rather, they will come from a place of calculated risk.
  • Understanding the game of chance: As much as many don’t like to admit it, gambling is a game of chance. So, you can’t have a 100% win rate. Occasionally, you’ll get it wrong, and that’s fine. Just make sure you’ve come to terms with that.

Ways to implement safe gambling as a pastime

Now that we’ve established what safe gambling looks like, how do you go about it? Let’s talk about it.

Setting limits

In this case, we are referring to both financial and time limits. Before you start gambling, make sure you have a predefined amount that is allocated to it. That way, you are not risking funds that are meant for your day-to-day living.

At the same time, you also need to set a maximum loss limit for each session. Since losses are inevitable, you must be prepared. And if you hit that limit at any time, be disciplined enough to respect it. Then for the reverse case, you must also have a win limit. Once you win a certain amount, be disciplined enough to call it a day.

Then beyond financial limits, you must also have a time allocation. By this, we are referring to pre-planned gambling sessions – they must be deliberate. 

Choose a safe and reliable platform

Playing your favorite real-money games should be done on licensed and regulated platforms. This is to ensure that all your sessions are fair and safe, providing a healthy environment for you. Moreover, reliable platforms usually have responsible gambling tools to help you stay on the right track.

For those who don’t know how, here are some things to look out for when identifying safe and reliable platforms:

  • License: A valid license from a reputable body such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is a must. Any platform without a license is a no-go area.
  • SSL encryption: SSL encryption is a way to safeguard you during your gambling session. You can always cross-check this with the padlock icon next to the website address on your browser’s address bar.
  • Reviews and ratings: Nothing is better than practical reviews and ratings from fellow players who use the platform. Search for legit player reviews and read the detailed ones to get unfiltered opinions.

Understand the role of luck and skill

Although gambling is referred to as a game of chance, not everything is 100% dependent on luck. There are also some casino games that are games of skill. So, if you don’t like to leave the fate of your results in the hands of random number generators (RNGs), you should invest in games of skill.

These games of skills are poker, blackjack and sports betting (to some extent). The outcome of these games depends mainly on your knowledge, skills and strategy. But if you want something that is purely reliant on luck, go for the likes of slots, roulette and lotteries.

Knowing the difference between luck and skill-based games is very important because it helps you to set realistic expectations. That way, you’ll be less frustrated about the outcome of any session. It will also help you to accept losses as part of the game.

Know when to stop

As simple as it may seem, many gamblers don’t know when to stop. This is very important because sometimes, it is better to step back and do nothing. If you don’t, you can find yourself chasing losses and betting more than you planned. Such individuals can end up turning to gambling as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety and even financial problems.

If you are going down that rabbit hole already, it is not too late. Here are things you can do:

  • Use self-assessment quizzes to gauge your gambling habits, helping you to know where you stand.
  • Use self-exclusion, cool-off periods and deposit limits available on your gambling platform.
  • Seek support from services like Gamblers Anonymous and BeGambleAware to combat addiction.
  • Remember that seeking help is a responsible decision, and it is never too late.

Wrap up

Now, you’ll agree with us that gambling can be an enjoyable event that you use as a pastime. It doesn’t have to be something stressful or mentally taxing if you approach it the right way. Remember that it should be something you do for fun, and not as a source of income. With this mindset and utilizing the pointers we provided, you’ll be in for a good time.

How to give U.S. manufacturing a makeover

By Jonathan Webb

American manufacturing is staging a comeback. More companies are building new facilities stateside or expanding existing ones.

The biggest headwind? Companies are struggling to fill positions on — and off — the factory floor.

There are three simple ways manufacturers can bring the talent they need on board. First, sell potential workers on their enterprises while they’re still in school. Second, make opportunity for advancement a priority. Third, design a workplace that appeals to blue-collar and white-collar workers alike.

America is home to nearly 400,000 manufacturing facilities, an increase of 11% since 2019. E-commerce, which makes up one-fifth of retail sales, requires three times more industrial space than brick-and-mortar retail.

American manufacturers will have 3.8 million new jobs to fill in the next decade. They’re already struggling to fill 1.9 million roles today. The two biggest reasons? A skills gap and a shortage of applicants.

Companies need to evangelize, early and often, by dispatching employee-alums to colleges, vocational schools, and business schools to tout their compensation packages, opportunities for advancement, and advantages of their facilities.

Next-level engagement can include partnering with schools that have proven good sources of talent to ensure students are getting the skills companies need — from supply chain to warehouse management. Nearly 95% of manufacturers surveyed by Deloitte had at least one such partnership.

Some things that manufacturers perceive as disadvantages in recruiting can actually end up being strengths. Many young people are enticed by big-city life — until they encounter the cost of living. Manufacturers in small towns and exurbs can cite their locations as a quality-of-life asset. In the age of next-day delivery and streaming services, many young people can access the goods and entertainment they want without enduring the high price of urban housing.

Manufacturers can also tell potential hires they offer faster advancement than other employers. Six in 10 workers who left their job in 2021 did so because they couldn’t advance.

The manufacturing workforce offers tremendous opportunity for young people. Manufacturing and warehousing rank among the top industries with workers over 55. Nearly 3 million jobs will be opening up because their current occupants will be retiring. Young people who want to climb the corporate ladder quickly will have the chance.

Once new hires report to work, companies can offer thoughtful workplace design that fosters interaction and keeps them engaged with colleagues.

The days of a cubicle farm overlooking a factory floor are over. Research indicates that training rooms, café areas, and collaborative spaces keep employees productive and excited about coming to work.

One large manufacturer in Illinois created a “Main Street” social corridor in the middle of its technology team’s office. Employees from all departments sought out the collaborative space, even preferring it to their own desks.

The American manufacturing workforce is on the cusp of a generational turnover. In order to survive, firms need to prioritize recruiting young people, showing them opportunities for advancement, and creating workplaces that people want to come to.

A simple legislative fix will improve mobility for Americans in wheelchairs

By Chris Collin

It’s been 16 years since a motorcycle accident paralyzed me from the chest down.

But today, I can work and live independently, thanks to a revolution in wheelchair technology.

Unfortunately, not everyone in my position has access to the top-flight titanium or carbon fiber wheelchairs that have changed my life. That’s in part because Medicare — and the private insurers that follow its cues — don’t always cover them.

That needs to change. The millions of Americans who need a wheelchair to get around, to work, to live our lives deserve no less.

My first wheelchair was a heavy aluminum-framed one. Today, I use an ultralight, smooth-riding carbon fiber wheelchair. I don’t know how I managed beforehand.

To appreciate the difference the composition of a chair makes, consider two scenarios. Wheelchair users who drive must cope with the problem of getting our chairs into and out of our vehicles — in my case, without the use of abdominal “core” muscles or leg strength.

A standard chair can weigh 30 pounds or more for the frame weight, but additional accessories are needed to fit the consumer. The newer technology of titanium or carbon fiber may weigh less than half that.

The alternative, of course, is staying home.

Now consider road shock. Imagine swinging an aluminum tube, a titanium rod, and a carbon fiber composite at a tree trunk. With the aluminum, you feel pretty much the full extent of impact as vibration in your arms. With titanium, that’s reduced to a minor vibration. With carbon fiber’s crisscrossed filaments, you barely feel a thing.

Medicare only covers the cost of heavier, “standard” aluminum chairs.  If beneficiaries want one of the new, lighter models, they have to pay for it upfront themselves. That can cost around $5,000, and in many cases much more when you add the options that make the chair a fit for you.

The wheelchair supplier then applies for Medicare reimbursement at the standard level of 80% of the cost of an aluminum chair — which, of course, is less than the cost of an upgraded wheelchair.

After Medicare reviews and processes the claim, the supplier reimburses the beneficiary for his 20% copay — which, again, is based on the lower-cost aluminum chair.

That reimbursement process can take months. It requires submission of medical orders and wheelchair manufacturer attestations. That delay imposes a heavy burden on many disabled Americans.

It’d be great if Medicare and private insurers covered the most advanced wheelchairs since these chairs are deemed by professionals as medically necessary.

Failing that, they should at least allow people to pay only what they owe in cost-sharing and would eventually receive as a reimbursement, rather than having to wait months for a rebate.

Congress needs to pass legislation to provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs. In the House of Representatives, that legislation is H.R. 5371, or the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023.

This issue is personal for me in another way. After my accident, I went to work for a company that makes the lighter, more durable wheelchairs that have given me a new lease on life. I’ve made it my mission to ensure that others who need wheelchairs can experience what I have.

I still like to ride a motorcycle — modified to suit my needs, of course. I’m also a ski instructor and an avid bicyclist. Our national commitment to allow people with disabilities to make the most we can of our personal circumstances is exemplary. This simple, cost-free legislative change to Medicare’s rules would make an outsized contribution.

Chris Collin is a regional sales manager at Motion Composites, a company that designs and manufactures ultralight wheelchairs, and is also a wheelchair user himself. He uses a carbon fiber framed wheelchair as his everyday chair. This article originally ran in RealClearHealth.

From The CNBNews Archives, Year 2006

When winter was really winter

DECEMBER 1914

(PhillyHistory)(December 2006)–Local meteorologists forecast an exceptionally snowy winter for Philadelphia in 2006-07. As this prediction looms in the minds of the city’s residents, the thought of snow is likely the last thing they want to contemplate. This sentiment probably echoed through the streets of Philadelphia in 1914, especially with the promise of spring just around the corner.

Yet, on the evening of March 2, 1914, and stretching into the early hours of March 3, the snow became the sole focus of conversation among locals. A powerful storm rolled in from the Atlantic Coast, bringing with it a blanket of white that transformed the city. The storm wreaked havoc in New York and Camden and blanketed Philadelphia in heavy, wet snow, creating a picturesque but challenging winter scene. As the snow continued to fall, it became clear that both the beauty and difficulties of winter had once again taken center stage in the lives of Philadelphians.

PIRATES DEN DESTROYED BY FIRE

North Broadway and Essex Street, Gloucester City, NJ

(December 13, 2006)

Screenshot 2024-12-19 at 20.11.23

The above photo shows the fire, while the bottom photo reveals the damage.  

GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. (December 13, 2006) -A Gloucester City seafood restaurant and bar stands in ruins this morning after a devastating fire swept through it overnight, leaving two individuals hospitalized. The inferno ignited at the Pirates Den shortly after 12:30 a.m., engulfing the structure located on the bustling 300 block of North Broadway. This establishment, owned by Brian Cohan, was previously known as Ferry’s Seafood Restaurant.

Firefighters bravely battled the intense flames during a challenging three-alarm response. The inferno caused substantial damage to the restaurant and resulted in one firefighter requiring hospitalization for injuries sustained while combating the fire. Additionally, a patron trapped inside the building was rushed to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Despite the valiant efforts of emergency crews, who worked tirelessly for over two hours to bring the fire under control, the cause of the blaze remains a mystery. The scene is one of heartbreak for the community that fondly remembers the restaurant’s warm atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes.

READ MORE, CLICK LINK

A LOOK BACK AT DECEMBER 2006

General Assembly Calls for Federal Probe on Drone Sightings

(TRENTON) — In light of recent drone activity in New Jersey the General Assembly today adopted AR173 urging the federal government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the increasing number of unidentified drones reported in New Jersey airspace. The resolution highlights the growing concern among residents, local officials, and law enforcement about the nature and purpose of these unmanned aircrafts, which have been observed in over a dozen counties, including near critical infrastructure and military installations. “The unexplained presence of these drones threatens our security and our peace of mind,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Burlington, Camden). “This is not just about unusual sightings – it’s about protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding military installations, and ensuring the safety of millions of New Jersey residents. The federal government must act decisively, transparently, and with all deliberate speed to uncover the truth. “ Over the past several weeks, reports of mysterious drone sightings have increased across New Jersey, alarming communities and raising questions about potential security risks. Compounding these concerns are recent incidents involving lasers being pointed at passenger planes, jeopardizing the safety of travelers and crew. Additionally, air medical services have reported difficulties landing safely due to drone activity, putting critical medical operations and lives at risk. These escalating dangers highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation. Despite the federal government’s assertions that many of these reports are likely lawful manned aircraft operations and that no national security threat has been substantiated, military and law enforcement officials have fueled widespread concern among New Jersey residents, prompting the General Assembly to act. “We cannot allow speculation and uncertainty to erode public trust,” Greenwald continued. “Without clear information, fear and confusion will continue to grow, undermining the sense of safety that every resident should feel in their own community.” The Federal Aviation Administration has now begun issuing temporary flying restrictions (TFRs) in multiple cities across New Jersey, for “security” reasons.

Guest Opinion: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

BY BRAD HADFIELDJoe Shoen, CEO of U-Haul, has had enough.As MSM reported on November 21st, U-Haul filed a complaint in the US District Court of Arizona against Public Storage. The action is designed to protect U-Haul’s right to continue its use of the color orange and the word ‘orange’ when promoting and marketing its storage business. This comes after Public Storage demanded U-Haul discontinue use of the color, whether on doors, signage or in marketing and promotional materials, despite the fact that it has been using it since 1945.U-Haul orange 1945Shoen sat down with MSM to discuss the complaint and what it could mean not just for U-Haul, but every owner and operator in the self-storage industry.“[Public Storage] started this about four years ago,” says Shoen. “We tried to talk with them numerous times, but effectively got the brush off. It got to the point where we had no choice but to file a complaint and hope a federal district judge will make a common sense decision.”The complaint states that U-Haul believes Public Storage has “engaged in a multi-faceted and corrupt campaign to wrongfully appropriate rights in the use of the color and word ‘orange’ in connection with self-storage services and to assert such rights against U-Haul, its sister companies, its dealers, and licensees.”“Orange is a standard color in self-storage,” explains Shoen. “Claiming exclusive rights to the color, whether on doors, buildings, or marketing materials is egregious, and if they can get a registration they’ll enforce it and everyone, not just U-Haul, is going to have to change. A small operator with 500 unit doors? You’re going to have to pay to replace or repaint them. That is going to be an expensive undertaking.”To support the notion that orange is a general self-storage color, and not a color only associated with Public Storage, Shoen says the company has turned over to the court evidence of at least 800 self-storage operators that use the color orange on their doors. “That’s just what we’ve gathered in a few weeks,” he adds. “I believe there are many, many more.” A quick search of stock photography also confirms the prevalence of the color orange within the industry; there are hundreds of stock photos showing orange doors and buildings – none of which are specific to Public Storage.

orange doors

“U-Haul alone has 5,000 independent dealers who are also self-storage operators. These aren’t big operations; maybe one to three facilities. They aren’t in a position to fight this, so we have to settle this matter once and for all and get a judge to say, ‘Stop this, this color can be used by any self-storage facility across the board.’”

U-Haul’s complaint further states that Public Storage is so determined to monopolize the color and/or the term ‘orange’ that it has fabricated use of trademarks containing the word and knowingly filed fraudulent evidence of trademark use with the USPTO. As evidence, U-Haul has turned over examples of website pages in which Public Storage retroactively added slogans and marks centered around the word and color orange to existing pages, captured images of it, and then removed them. “It was only done to tell the judge they’d used it, but it was there for maybe four weeks,” states Shoen. “They’ve also clearly been manipulating Wikipedia and AI so that orange appears to be attributed only to public storage. It’s all so dishonest, and I don’t think it’s wise to fib to the judge.”

As a family company – Shoen’s children Stuart, Sam, and Royal all work for U-Haul – Shoen feels they have more in common with smaller operators than one might think, which is another reason he’s standing up to Public Storage. “If they get what they want and take control of this color, this will affect everyone in the industry and they’ll begin to fall like dominoes. It’ll cause a serious disruption, and we can’t allow it to happen. So we’re fighting for the little guys too, because they can’t push back against this like we can.”

That said, Shoen says he’d still love to hear from them, and he addresses them directly: “Listen, we’re not asking for anything, and we’re certainly not going to ask for help with attorney’s fees; we’ve got that covered! We just think all of us should stick together as a group and say, ‘We all have a right to this color.’ This will show the court that we’re in this together, and that this has far-reaching effects outside of just U-Haul.”

Shoen encourages anyone concerned about the case, and their own use of the color orange, to reach out to him directly and has provided his email address and cell phone number. joe@uhaul.com

602-390-6525

MSM previously reached out to Public Storage for comment but did not receive a response.

View our original story on this complaint:

U-Haul Files Complaint Against Public Storage Over Orange Branding