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June 22, 2008 - FLIR Systems' Launches Navigator II Thermal Imager
June 9, 2008 - Recreational Boaters to be
Taxed by Feds
April 30, 2008 - Human Interest Article
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June 22, 2008: FLIR SYSTEMS’ LAUNCHES NAVIGATOR II THERMAL
IMAGER
Portland,
OR – New from FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR), the Navigator II thermal
imager features a new color viewing palette, a programmable Home button and FLIR’s
exclusive Accu-Point position and control display feature which insures that
operators will always know where the camera is looking.
Navigator II gives boaters the ability to navigate safely at night and through
light fog, smoke and haze. Unlike night-vision devices that need visible light
to make an image, the Navigator II features the latest thermal imaging
technology, providing clear imagery in total darkness by sensing the subtle
differences in heat that are around us all the time.
Housed in a rugged, waterproof enclosure, the Navigator II provides a
wide-angle image that boaters can watch on virtually any monitor or multi-function
display that has a video input. Hazards to navigation like channel markers,
shipping lane traffic, outcroppings of land, pilings, bridges, nearby vessels,
floating debris and people in the water are easy to see even in total darkness.
Navigator II is the easiest FLIR camera to use – ever. Its
joystick control affords simple operation of the pan and tilt features, and a
second joystick can be added, allowing control of the Navigator II from two
locations on the boat. Two new color palettes provide images everyone will
enjoy.
FLIR has leveraged the same rigorously tested thermal imaging technology
found in FLIR’s military systems into its Navigator II. “Thermal imaging is
fast becoming an indispensable tool for recreational boating navigation and safety,”
said Lou Rota, vice president of Maritime Sales at FLIR Systems. “Now even the
most budget-minded boater can utilize the same thermal imaging technology used
by mega-yacht owners and the military.”
About FLIR Systems:
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and
marketing of thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems for a wide variety
of imaging and thermography applications including intelligence, surveillance,
reconnaissance, navigation, border patrol, industrial security, condition
monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, and
building diagnostics. FLIR Systems is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with
service and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Visit the company's website at www.FLIR.com.
June 9, 2008
Recreational Boaters to be Taxed by Feds
The following is a copy of an
e-mail sent to my Senator Charles Schumer
Consider its content, if you agree
with the conclusion, send a similar letter or e-mail to your Senator asking
that they support the Clean Boating Act of 2008
sponsored by Senator Nelson. When Approved, Recreational
Boater and Fisherman be exempt from this new tax law, (FWPA see below)!
www.schumer.senate.gov
Dear Senator Schumer
I know
you and many other Senators are supporting the Clean Boating Act of 2008
sponsored by Senator Nelson. Passage of this Act would exclude the Recreational
Boating and Fishing Community from being taxed under the Federal Water
Pollution Act (FWPA), which is coming into effect very soon.
As
President of The Foundation for Safe Boating and Marine Information, I am very
close to the problems facing the environment. For years foreign freighters have
been discharging their bilge water in and near our waterways, including the
Great Lakes bringing contaminants and poisoning to our clean waters.
It is
not the Recreational Boater who is poisoning our clean waters. The people this
new law will penalize are the very same people who fish these waters, eat the
fish and have their families swim in these same waters.
During
the 1980's The Foundation has been fighting the EPA. The EPA wanted to dredge
Newark Bay and in their infinite wisdom drop the dioxin found there in Newark
Bay in our local waters.
The
Foundation was and is a leader along with many Sport Fishing Associations,
Yacht Clubs and alike, that have been instrumental in educating the boating
public as to preserving and protecting the Marine Environment.
I can
say that our efforts, along with many other organizations, have been successful
in our desire to educate the Recreational Boating Public to value a clean
environment. The Citizen Recreational Boater and Fisherman is not the cause
this tax is designed to influence, they are the victims.
Please
consider the impact the boating public and the recreational industry has gone
through these last three years. To say it was bad would be an understatement.
This year it has been a catastrophe, both for the vendors and for the public!
If you
would like more details as to what is really happening, I would be most pleased
to go into detail for you. The entire industry, the recreational boating and
fishing and all support services are in extreme difficulty, any additional tax
or penalty would be very harmful.
Since
1984, I have been and I am very close to the problems facing the solution for a
clean environment. THIS TAX IS A NUSANCE TAX AFFECTING THE SMALL BOATER AND
WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY BENEFIT TO THE ENVIRONMENT, BUT WILL HURT THE PUBLIC AND
THE ECONOMY.
Please
do something to exclude the recreational boating and fishing community from
this law.
Respectfully, Gus Savaros
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April 30, 2008
Human Interest Article
By Gus Savaros
After last winter (2007) I
got tired of being used by the big oil interest. It was at that time that I
decided to change my oil heating system to gas. It was not that my system was
not operating efficiently or that my oil provider had not performed properly,
by the way, I have had only one oil company supplier since we converted from
coal to oil. It is simply I felt I was under the control of foreign companies
for my supply of oil and I didn't like it.
What I did then was the
smartest thing I have done in a long time. I contracted a plumber to convert my
steam heat system from oil to gas. The work was to be done after I used up most
of my tanks oil. I estimated by October of the year I would be ready for the
change over. The plumber started work on the replacement piping so the
conversion could be completed easily in one day including tank removal. The oil
company, which normally makes deliveries on its own schedule, was instructed to
discontinue delivery service, that didn't happen and they made a delivery of
oil. I did not want to go into the cold months without having a proven gas
system in place. I worked out a deal with the oil company to stall the
installation as long as possible and then they would remove what ever was still
in the tank and issue a for what ever was used. They acted pretty decent about
the problem, but then again I was a very good account for a very long time.
Besides all the benefits of
gaining space in the basement, the cleanliness of gas, having new equipment and
not having to worry about deliveries, I was totally pleasantly surprised when I
got my first gas bill. When I got my second gas bill I was really happy.
I calculated by gas
consumption and charges and determined I could probably pay for the entire new
installation from the saving of my heating bill alone in just three years. I was
one happy camper.
Now I started to think about
energy use and consumption and how I could reduce my emissions footprint.
I started completely
shutting down my computer when it was not in use. I saw a $30.00 a month reduction in my electric bill. I was motivated. Now, I decided to
start shutting down completely my TV when it was not in use and that includes
the time when we are all sleeping, I figured if this was good, then I would
shut off the light in a room when it was not in use. I am really looking forward
to receiving my next electric bill to see how much I saved and if I contributed
to lowering energy use and reducing our so-called foot print. Just imagine, if
we could get the 100 million households in this country to make an effort to
reduce energy consumption, we all could save money and make a positive effect
on the environment. I forgot to tell you, I lowered the temperature of my hot
water heater and didn't even notice a difference.
My next step is to plant
something that will help, go lighter on acceleration of my both car and boat
and finally try to walk a little more than just jumping into the car.
I you ever meet me, I will
probably have a green thumb, foot and hand, try it, it works.
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