American-US Air merger: Integration will be painful

Dennis Schaal, Skift.com , Skift ? ? ? 1 day

Get ready for a possibly painful, problem-ridden, and prolonged merger of American Airlines and US Airways if the deal goes through.

But, some could argue that on the positive side, at least the paint job and uniform issues likely have been settled.

The integration of the two airlines, with all of the labor, technological and logistical issues to sort out, will undoubtedly take years, and the stakes are extremely high, as United-Continental?s bumpy track record in their merger highlights.

Getting a handle on integrating US Airways? and American Airlines? pilots, flight attendants and other labor groups will be an overriding issue, as former American CEO Robert Crandall and numerous analysts point out.

Pilot deal could ease some of the pain
Although the details aren?t publicly known, the pilots unions at American and US Airways have made significant progress toward a framework if their respective boards seal the deal.

The potential complications are exacerbated, however, because at US Airways itself, two pilots groups still exist, a legacy of the 2005 AmericaWest-US Airways merger, so there has been a lack of a true melding more than seven years after that acquisition.

?US Airways and America West pilots still aren?t integrated, almost a decade later,? says Scott Hamilton, managing director of aviation-consulting firm Leeham Co. ?Pissed-off employees can screw up a merger for years. See Texas Air Corp. as the worst example.?

A big job without reservation
In early March 2012, United abandoned its decades-old Apollo reservations system and migrated to HP?s SHARES platform, which had been handling Continental for years. Four months later, in July, United?s flights notched just a 64.1 percent on-time arrival rate in as problems persisted with the reservations systems transition, although United recently seems to have moved past the worst of it.

The problems have been so acute that United CEO Jeff Smisek recently made a plea for straying business travelers to return to the airline.

That serves as a warning to the management of a merged American Airlines-US Airways: a botched merger can alienate your most important customers and really screw up the bottom line for a long time to come.

The relatively problem-free Delta-Northwest merger and migration may serve as a case study for American and US Airways to emulate, in some respects, at least.

Delta moved the Northwest PARS reservations system to Deltamatic, both of which were operated by Travelport?s Worldspan unit, at the end of January 2010, and there is now a single revenue management system for the combined airlines.

Beyond the nuts and bolts of getting the technology right, Delta did a great job of retaining key people from Northwest and sharing best-practices and procedures across both airlines, says Henry Harteveldt, travel industry analyst at Hudson Crossing.

On the other hand, Continental ran the show in the United-Continental merger, and was dismissive of a lot of what United was doing, including its Economy Plus seats, which the merged United eventually adopted.

?There was a huge amount of arrogance on the part of Continental Airlines,? Harteveldt says.

A little from column A, a little from column B
American Airlines is by far the larger of the two airlines, but US Airways has been the more profitable and scrappy carrier. All signs point toward Doug Parker and Scott Kirby, US Airways CEO and president, respectively, heading the new American Airlines, with a role for current American Airlines CEO Tom Horton likely a sticking point and being negotiated.

Some reports have speculated that Horton may emerge as the chairman of the merged airline.

US Airways currently runs on the HP SHARES reservation system, the same basic system that United uses, and it?s likely in the event of a merger that US Airways would migrate to SabreSonic, which hosts American Airlines? reservations. Before it merged with AmericaWest in 2005, US Airways used Sabre so this would be a homecoming of sorts.

Parker and Kirby, if they are heading the combined American Airlines-US Airways, would be wise to take the best of from US Airways, including their skills in turning a profit, and also take advantage of American?s superior attributes, including technology infrastructure and marketing prowess.

Harteveldt believes that the merger of the two airlines could take up to four years to complete after the transaction closes.

Hamilton of Leeham Co. recalls that both US Airways and American have experience in mergers, although American ?screwed up? mergers with Reno Air (1999) and TWA (2001).

Those blunders, coupled with American?s decision not to file for bankruptcy right after September 11, 2001, as competitors did, ?have fueled labor discord among pilots and flight attendants to this day,? Hamilton argues.

Says Hamilton: ?US Airways has been through this before and so has American so hopefully there should be lessons learned.?

That?s if the much-hyped merger becomes a reality.

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Copyright 2013, Skift.com

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/travelkit/american-us-air-merger-integration-will-be-painful-1B8286467

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Bulging Biceps and Rock Hard Abs: The Fitness Fantasies of the ...

Last night I watched a TV Documentary about teenagers who had booked their summer holidays on a Greek Island. It was the usual story of sun, sea, sand, sex and the obligatory sojourn to the STI clinic. However, amongst all the booze cruises, vomiting and horrific initiation games came an almost hidden strand of thought that I found particularly interesting. Physical Ideal verses eat a Meal For many years now there has been an observation that the media portrays an idealised image for women to aspire to. From Heroine Chic to the bootylicious curves of Beyonc, there are definite ideals of attractiveness. We absorb these subconsciously and, rightly or wrongly, aspire to achieve for ourselves. Magazines scream out at you from newsagents stands telling you about the latest look that you can achieve. When you then read the article inside the magazine and realise all the maintenance that the look involves, you know that you will probably end up spending a lot of money and a lot of time shaving, plucking, dying, sticking and styling to look the way that you want. I would often think (slightly enviously), as I glued in hair extensions, painted my nails and applied fake tan, that if I was a man then I wouldn't have to worry about this kind of thing. However, from what I'm starting to observe, this is no longer the case. Grecian Gods One perfectly coiffed young man appearing in the documentary declared that he waxed every part of his body excluding his legs because and I quote, "The ladies like it don't they?" It seems that gone are the days where men wouldn't be seen dead visiting a beauty salon. The modern man plucks his eyebrows, straightens his hair and books in for a manicure and spray tan. The cover images of Men's Health Magazine show hairless, tanned creatures with enormous biceps and washboard stomachs. It seems that aspirational aesthetics is no longer simply a feminist issue. "I'll have a Pint of Your Best Whey Protein My Good Fellow!" Feeling under pressure to have the kind of body that other men envy and women salivate over, male gym memberships are currently rocketing in number and the sales of whey protein shakes are noticeably increased. Health and fitness suddenly isn't enough, muscle bulk and low body fat is now the craved-for ideal. The positive offset of this wanted aesthetic is that young people are seriously thinking about their health and fitness. In a society that on the other hand is suffering from a huge obesity epidemic, this can only be a good thing. The key is to be sensible about what you want to achieve and how you plan to go about it. When joining a gym, always book at least an initial consultation with a personal trainer so that they can advise you on the safest way to achieve your ideal physique. Also, never skip your equipment induction; it is required for a reason. It may seem like a cheap option to research on the internet and lift home weights, however, learning to lift weights correctly and the best protein powders and health supplements to use is extremely important to avoid accidents and injury.

Chris Michaels is a frequent contributor for Supplement Warehouse and has written many articles pertaining to all things regarding bodybuilding, supplements and equipment especially on such subjects as making the best of your whey protein powders and shakes.

Source: http://www.articleswide.com/article/15996-Bulging_Biceps_and_Rock_Hard_Abs_The_Fitness_Fantasies_of_the_Modern_Man.html

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CENSORED NEWS: Mohawk Nation News 'Don't Join the Military'

Don't Join the Military

Mohawk Nation News

?

DON?T JOIN MILITARY?

MNN.? Feb. 7, 2013.? Do not join the Canadian or US military.? Europeans have a strategy of putting Indigenous People in the galley of the ships to seek their fortunes and world domination agenda.? You should not help these monsters make holes in the hulls of our ancestral canoes to try to get control over the whole river of life.??

First, corporations create poverty and desperation among our people.? The youth have to either commit suicide with drugs and alcohol. Or the government suggests an honorable way out.? ?Defend your country?, ?Be a hero?. They need cannon fodder for their illegal wars.??

APTN recruitment ads for $DND.

Once you slap on that uniform, you belong to them. They are recruiting? you to commit the same crimes that they committed against us.? Middle Eastern people are not our enemies.??
You will be made to kill dark skinned people and steal their land and resources.? The weapons you fire are designed to kill the victims and to contaminate you so you have an early death.? They want to cut down on medical bills and pensions.? You don?t even know the greedy bankers you are fighting for.?
After centuries of genocide they want you to fill up their armies to die on their sinking ship.? You may be ordered to kill your own people, men, women and babies!? Our mind, body and energy are tied to our land.? You are going to be told lies to make you hate the people you are going to be ordered to slaughter.? Many of you will die.??

US recruitment of Buffalo Soldiers to murder Indians.

The cartels have decided that some of us are meant to die.? We will need you during the hardest times that are coming.??
You are needed at home.? We are helpless without our protectors.? Our nationalism is to care for our families and lands.?
The bankers? motto is: ?Your life is yours to give and for us to take?.??
Our grandfather?s said that each boy, inside their minds, has two wolves constantly fighting each other. One black one. One white one. The grandson asks, ?Which one wins, grandpa?? The grandfather says, ?The one you feed?.??
As Buffy Ste-Marie sang ?He?s the Universal Soldier, and he really is the blame.? But his orders come from far away no more.? They come from him and you and me. Oh, brothers, can?t you see, this is not the way we put an end to war?.?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyNLN-cKsp8

MNN Mohawk Nation News kahentinetha2@yahoo.com? For more news, books, workshops, to donate and sign up for MNN newsletters, go to www.mohawknationnews.com? More stories at MNN Archives.? Address:? Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0

Source: http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2013/02/mohawk-nation-news-dont-join-military.html

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Free Ice Break Iced Coffee Milk Drink (500ml) outside Freshwater ...

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Source: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/93315

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Ocado underlying earnings rise, loss at pretax level

LONDON (Reuters) - British online grocer Ocado met forecasts with a 20 percent rise in underlying earnings, though the firm still made a loss at the pretax level.

Ocado, whose range includes products supplied by upmarket grocer Waitrose , also said on Thursday its second distribution centre in Dordon, Warwickshire, central England, was on track to open by the end of February, and remains on budget.

The firm reckons the centre will eliminate capacity issues and lead to further efficiency gains.

Ocado made earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 33.5 million pounds in the 52 weeks to November 25.

That was in line with analysts' consensus forecast and up from 27.9 million pounds in the previous year.

Gross sales rose 11.4 percent to 716.2 million pounds. They were up 14.2 percent in the six weeks to January 6.

However, Ocado made a pretax loss of 0.6 million pounds.

Founded in 2000 by three former Goldman Sachs bankers, the firm is yet to make a profit at the pretax level.

Many of Britain's grocers are finding the going tough, despite their focus on essential goods, as consumers have been hit by below-inflation wage growth and austerity measures.

However, the online food market is growing fast and Ocado has polarised opinion.

Fans point to rapid growth in online grocery sales, its state-of-the-art distribution centre and high customer service ratings.

Sceptics, however, doubt its model of filling orders from central depots will ever be as profitable as online operations at grocers like Tesco and J Sainsbury , which mostly pick orders in stores.

Shares in Ocado, which listed at 180 pence in 2010, have risen two-thirds over the last three months. The stock closed at 104 pence on Wednesday, valuing the business at 601 million pounds.

Ocado is regularly touted as a bid target for Marks & Spencer as well as Wm Morrison , as neither chain has a significant online grocery business.

(Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ocado-underlying-earnings-rise-loss-pretax-level-075132173--finance.html

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Yemen demands Iran halts support for insurgents

SANAA (Reuters) - Yemen's president has asked his Iranian counterpart to stop backing armed groups on its soil after coastguards seized a consignment of missiles and rockets believed sent by the Islamic Republic, a government official said on Thursday.

Iran has denied any connection to the weapons, found aboard a vessel off the coast on January 23 in an operation coordinated with the U.S. Navy.

But government official Abdel-Rashid Abdel Hafez said President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi had contacted Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to demand Tehran stop smuggling in weapons.

Hafez gave no further details of the message.

"This is the most dangerous arms shipment being smuggled to Yemen," Yemeni Deputy Interior Minister Abdel-Rahman Hanash told Reuters.

"It contained anti-aircraft missiles, C4 high explosives materials which only a few countries in the Middle East possess."

Yemen, a majority Sunni Muslim country, said last week the vessel had been loaded in Iran.

Officials in Washington have said the shipment was believed to have been from Shi'ite Muslim Iran and destined for insurgents, likely to be Shi'ite Houthis mainly based in northern Yemen.

Yemeni state television on Wednesday showed Interior Minister Abdul Qader Qahtan and National Security Board head Ali al-Ahmadi inspecting the weapons including 122 mm Katyusha rockets, anti-aircraft Strella 1 and 2 missiles, RPG launchers, explosives materials and Iranian-made night vision goggles.

Hanash said that while the investigation into the shipment was still under way, it was certain that the weapons were destined for an insurgent group. He did not name the group.

A source at Hadi's office said the arms were destined for Houthi rebels.

STRAINED TIES

The discovery of the shipment will likely further sour ties between Tehran and Sanaa, already strained over charges that Iran was working with separatists in the south and Houthi rebels in the north to further destabilize Yemen as it tries to rebuild after two years of political upheaval.

Yemen said in July it had rounded up a spy ring led by a former commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guard, according to the state news agency Saba.

Washington also believes Iran was working with Yemeni insurgents to expand its influence at the expense of Yemen's Gulf Arab neighbors, according to comments by the U.S. envoy to Sanaa published in the pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper last year.

Iran has denied interfering in Yemen, a U.S. ally in its fight against al Qaeda militants.

The Houthi movement, named after the tribe of its leader, says it represents the claims of Zaydi Shi'ite Muslims who ruled Yemen for more than 1,000 years. Most Iranians follow a different Shi'ite sect but Yemeni officials say Houthis have traveled to Iran's seminary city of Qom for indoctrination.

Houthis have survived repeated government attempts to crush them. They fought a brief war with Saudi Arabia in 2009 after their conflict with Yemeni forces spilled across the border.

(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by William Maclean and Oliver Holmes)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-demands-iran-halts-support-insurgents-131809500.html

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AP sources: Pentagon extending benefits for gays

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The military is poised to extend some benefits to the same-sex partners of service members, U.S. officials said Tuesday, about 16 months after the Pentagon repealed its ban on openly gay service.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has not made a final decision on which benefits will be included, the officials said, but the Pentagon is likely to allow same-sex partners to have access to the on-base commissary and other military subsidized stores, as well as some health and welfare programs.

Panetta must walk a fine, legal line. While there has been increased pressure on the Pentagon to extend some benefits to same-sex partners, defense officials must be careful not to violate the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA. The federal law forbids the federal government from recognizing any marriage other than those between a man and a woman.

An announcement is expected to come in the next several days. Officials discussed the plan on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly speak about internal Pentagon deliberations.

Pentagon press secretary George Little declined to comment. Other officials made it clear that there are still last-minute legal discussions going on to determine the details.

Officials said the military likely will require that some type of document be signed to designate the military member's partner as a legitimate recipient of the benefits. The same-sex partners are also expected to be issued some type of identification card that would give them access to the military installations and programs.

Panetta's decision comes as he nears the end of his tenure as Pentagon chief and on the heels of President Barack Obama's broad call for equal rights for gays during his inaugural speech.

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law ? for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well," said Obama, who also has supported gay marriage.

Also, just days ago, a woman married to a female Army officer at Fort Bragg was invited to become a full member of the North Carolina base's officers' spouses club after initially being denied. The Marine Corps has also said that any spouses clubs operating on its bases must admit same-sex partners.

Last year, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation that would extend same-sex benefits to spouses of veterans and service members. He argued that with gays serving openly in the military, their spouses should receive the same benefits.

Under his measure, the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs Department would have to recognize any marriage that has been recognized by a state, the District of Columbia, commonwealths or territories. Nine states and the District of Columbia now allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

"Building on the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,' this is another big step toward full equality in the military. No individual should be deprived of the benefits they have earned simply because of who they have married," Smith said Tuesday.

Advocacy groups called on Panetta to take substantive steps and grant full benefits that are available under the law.

"Considering DADT was repealed well over a year ago, our families have waited far too long for the Defense Department to extend benefits to same-sex military spouses," said Stephen Peters, president of the American Military Partner Association, which advocates for gay and lesbian military families. "No military family should suffer because of outdated regulations. For the sake of our families, we hope for substantive action and look forward to hearing from Secretary Panetta on exactly what benefits will be extended."

The repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military took effect in September 2011, and since then the Pentagon has been reviewing policies and procedures to see what military benefits can be opened to same sex partners without violating DOMA.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of DOMA in June, but advocacy groups have argued that there are a number of administrative steps the Pentagon could take to treat same-sex military couples more fairly.

___

Lolita C. Baldor can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lbaldor

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-02-05-US-Gays-in-Military/id-5c38559ebb69423c82d55dffa22e023e

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