One of the most difficult tasks when moving to a new home is the removing of pianos and grand pianos. These items have large sizes, they are extremely heavy while easy to damage at the same time and have their own specifications. Moving of a piano or a grand piano should be carefully planned beforehand. It is highly recommendable in case you want to keep the piano in a perfect shape without any damages not to try to move it by yourselves at all but to hire a man and a van company, specialising in moving large items.

If you have a grand piano under no circumstances should you move it by yourselves even from one room to another even using its wheels. These wheels usually have a decorative purpose, they are small, not properly placed according the grand piano weight and get deformed as time passes. If you try to move your grand piano with their help the result will probably be a broken piano’s leg. And believe us, its repair is really expensive, far more than you will spend if you decide to hire specialists to move it. However, it you insist on moving the piano or grand piano by yourselves, there are a few tips for making this task more effortless (as much as it is possible) while preserving the piano undamaged. First, you should disassemble the legs of the piano or the grand piano (if this is possible, of course), then pack them very good in foil (or what material you find will best preserve your possessing) in order to prevent it from scratching and then put the remaining part of the piano on a cart that is especially designed for moving pianos or grand pianos. When you do this you will see if there is a need to put it on one side for security reasons, in order to avoid damages.

Of course, even if you decide on moving this enormous item without the help of a man and a van company, you should be aware of the fact that you will need at least two more people (besides you) to successfully do the job. The number might even increase up to eight depending on the piano/grand piano weight and size.

The most dangerous part when moving a piano or grand piano are undoubtedly the stairs. Because of its weight, inconvenience to hold and the fact that it is an item difficult to balance it is very easy for things to get out of control which may lead to really unpleasant consequences. That is why we strongly suggest that you do not decide on doing this heavy task by yourselves and hire a professional company to do it for you.

One thing is for sure – not everyone can move pianos and grand pianos. There are even professionals from the man and a van companies that refuse to take this appointment because they find it too difficult. These are not the companies you should be worried of, there are others whose staff does not have the required skills and still decide to do the job for you. A job that is very likely they will not be able to complete. That is why you should remember one very important rule – always check the company you are about to hire before actually hiring it. Trust us, this will save you a lot of efforts and time.

So its that time of the year again, where putting off gift-buying for friends and family becomes a daily occurence.  Gadgets are always a good fit for just about anybody, and we ourselves just incorporated tablets into our everyday business processses, so we defintely vouch for them.  A popular technology-oriented website named Gizmodo just ranked some of the top tablets on the market, follow the link below for a more detailed breakdown.

1. iPad 4
2. Google Nexus 10
3. Kindle Fire HD 8.9
4. Microsoft Surface RT

http://gizmodo.com/5967880/the-best-full-size-tablet

Moving overseas is a milestone in anyone’s life and can be quite exciting. It allows you be completely immersed in a new culture, language, cuisine and custom. The most common reason for a move abroad is work. But some either go to support their families or for a change in their lives. Moving internationally takes more preparation than a domestic one. You will need to complete legal documents that are dependent on your stay and the country you are moving to.

Visas and Other Immigration Requirements – Before making a move, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the country you are moving to. Most countries will require foreigners to obtain a visa for living in their country. Depending on your circumstances, they may also require additional paperwork. If you are moving because of a job opportunity, the company you are working for can help you fulfill the immigration obligations of that country by providing letters of support and sponsoring your visa. If you are working remotely or need to find a job first, you may have to enter through a tourist visa then apply for a permanent one later on.

Packing for an International Move – That manner in which you pack will be dependent on your situation and the length of your planned stay. Obviously, if you are planning to stay there for an extended period of time, you should invest in moving most of your valued items. If you are staying for only a short time, you can get away with packing only your essentials. Necessities such as toiletries, clothes and most kitchen items can be purchased overseas. Having less items will also make travelling less loaded and stressful. When you are packing your items, you should also consider the amount of new belongings that you would have acquired for your return trip.

Handling Financial Concerns – It will be necessary to open a local bank account especially if you will be receiving a salary during your stay. It would be best to find banks that have branches in both your home country and the country you are moving to. Prior to moving, you need to have enough money saved to support at least two months of your stay in the new country. Check with your bank to make sure that your debit cards and credit cards can be accessed in the country you are moving to. If you have a debit card PIN that has more than four digits, it is most likely inaccessible. You should also inform your bank and credit company of your move to prevent your accounts from being frozen due to suspicious activity.

Other Things to Remember – To prevent any problems, you may have to change your address with your local bank and other financial institutions. If you need to keep a U.S. address, you can use a service called Earth Mail which receives your mail for you and alerts you through e-mail. You can also have this service scan your mail, shred the mail, hold it or ship it to your new address.

Moving to a new place can be fun and exciting, but it can also be quite a chore. Here are some ideas to help take the stress out of moving.

Make a List
First and foremost, make a list. There is no better way to organize your move and make sure nothing is forgotten or left until the last minute. You can add to the list as you go and check things off as you complete them. When moving day comes, you know it's all taken care of.

Start Packing Early
Once your move is a sure thing, you can start packing items that will not be of use for a while. This keeps you from having to rush through your packing and things getting broken in the process. You can take your time gathering packing supplies (like free boxes from a local retail store) and take your time labeling the boxes to make it easier on yourself when it comes time to unpack.

Choose the Right Size Moving Truck
If you are using a truck rental service, make sure you choose the right size truck. Too large of a truck means higher rental fees, more gas used and trying to fix your belongings so that they are not falling and sliding around while driving. If you're truck is too small, well... it's pretty obvious that won't work. Most rental companies will tell you how many rooms each truck is equipped to move. 

Reserve Your Truck Early
To avoid having to settle for a truck that doesn't fit your needs, reserve your moving truck early. Also, if you have a little wiggle room on dates, you can check the truck rental rates for different dates to get a better deal. For example, some truck rentals are cheaper in the middle of the week, some are cheaper at different times of year. You also want to compare prices on trailers or ways to haul extra vehicles.

Check Into Professional Movers
Movers usually charge by the hour so if you've already got your boxes packed and your truck in the driveway, this is not such an out-of-reach option. This is especially good for people who cannot possibly move all of their furniture alone and whose friends decided not to show up and help on moving day (we've all got one ofthose friends, don't we?). 

Schedule Utilities to be Switched Over
If you wait until the last minute to call the power, water, cable and phone companies, there is a good chance they will have to schedule a future date to connect and disconnect services at both your old and new residence. This means you could get to your new residence and find yourself without these services for days or even weeks and find yourself stuck paying for these services in a place you no longer live. Avoid this inconvenience. You can always change the date if your moving plans change.

Most of all, relax and plan ahead. Happy moving!

Are your household goods worth more than 60 cents per pound?

You are relocating soon. You have qualified several movers. You have received your estimates and chosen your professional mover. Congratulations, your due diligence should result in a stress free move.

There is at least one more important factor you need to evaluate and be prepared to make a final decision on. That factor is known as "Declaration of Value", "Declared Valuation" or "Limitation of Liability" in the moving industry and more specifically on the mover's bill of lading. (The bill of lading is the contractual agreement that you enter into with the mover.)

The moving company you have qualified and ultimately chosen is most certainly insured. But insured means he carries workers compensation, automobile liabily, general liability and cargo insurance. (These are are mandatory minimum policies that your mover should have in place.) However, none of these insurances protect the items a/k/a your possesions that the mover actually packs or moves for you.

When moving with a professional moving company you will be required to place a dollar value on your possessions. Free and included with most movers' pricing is a value of only 60 cents per pound per article. This by itself is usually grossly inadequate. I would equate this extremely limited valuation with no insurance or self insurance. (Please note: Declared Valuation is technically NOT insurance, but rather a limitation of the moving company's liability.) Most movers will offer a variety of increased declared valuation options, such as, depreciated and full replacement valuation.

The following information derives from The Massachusetts Movers Association Consumer Affairs Committee and is specifically relevent to all persons moving within the state of Massachusetts who utilize the services of a professional moving company that are members in good standing of the Massachusetts Movers Association. (Although this information is representative for a general understanding throughout the moving industry, please consult with your moving company directly to understand any differences that may affect your individual relocation situation.)

WHAT ARE MY CHOICES?

OPTION A: 60 CENTS PER POUND PER ARTICLE

This is minimum coverage, and you pay no extra. If your goods are damaged or lost, the Mover's maximum liability to you under this option is 60 cents per pound per article. If your goods are damaged or lost, you will be entitled to recover the lesser of the decrease in value of the item lost or destroyed, or 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the lost or damaged article.

In any event, no matter what happens, if your goods are damaged or lost, the Mover's maximum liability to you under this option is 60 cents per pound per article. Example: 10 pound chair x 60 cents = $6.00. You would be allowed a maximum of $6.00 for that particular chair. To choose this option, you must, in your own handwriting, write the letter "A" in the box on the bill of lading, and sign and date below.

OPTION B:  DECLARED LUMP SUM VALUE

Under this option, you declare a lump sum value for your entire shipment, subject to a minimum of $1.25 per pound times the weight of your shipment (you may declare more, but not less). For example, if your shipment weighs 10,000 pounds, the lump sum value would be $12,500 (10,000 x 1.25). That amount will be the Mover's maximum liability to you. Ask the Mover about the charge for this coverage. If there is a claim, the Mover is not obligated to write out a check to you for the entire declared shipment value! Each damaged item will be repaired, replaced, or a cash settlement may be offered, according to its depreciated value, not to exceed the shipment's declared value (in this example the declared value is $12,500). The Mover will apply depreciation to any claim made under this option.

This is the option which will apply if you do not select any option. If your signature does not appear in the valuation section of the bill of lading, the Mover will automatically apply option "B," and the Mover will charge accordingly.

Example: 4,000 pound shipment @ $1.25 per pound = $5,000 of declared value.

Any damaged item will be reasonably repaired, replaced, or a cash settlement may be offered, at the option of the Mover. Remember, the Mover will charge for this option.

OPTION C:  FULL REPLACEMENT VALUE

Full "replacement" value protection is non-depreciated coverage. Not all Movers offer this option. This option provides for the repair or replacement of the item, whichever is less, to restore the piece to its condition immediately before the loss.

This option is based on a minimum declared value of $4.00 per pound (you may declare more but not less). The Mover will not apply depreciation under this option.

Example: 4,000 pound shipment @ $4.00 per pound = $16,000 of liability coverage.

Remember, ask the Mover about the charge for this option.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

Not all Movers offer this option. Your Mover can arrange for transit insurance coverage in the amount you specify. A Certificate of Insurance should be provided to you. You may be able to choose either depreciated or "full replacement" insurance; be sure to ask if there is a deductible. You may also want to check your own homeowner's policy to see if it provides coverage.

Not all Movers can give you a Certificate of Insurance. This is not Movers' liability, but an agreement between a licensed insurance company and you. There will be a charge for this coverage.

WHAT IF I DON'T CHOOSE ANYTHING?

If you don't make any notation on the bill of lading, the Mover's maximum liability to you under the tariff is $1.25 times the weight of the total shipment. Example: Your shipment weighs 10,000 pounds x $1.25 = $12,500 value. It works the same way as a declared value (see Option B). This is depreciated value, not replacement coverage. Unless the Movers' tariff provides otherwise, there will be a charge for this coverage.

WARNING:

The above information represents a summary of each option. It is not intended to address all of the issues or provisions of the movers' liability. Nor is an employee or sales representative authorized to make recommendations as to the type of coverage or the amount of coverage you may require. You should consult an appropriate insurance or other professional to assist you in this decision.

POINTS TO REMEMBER...

• Your Mover will do the best job possible and try to avoid any loss or damage. Accidents do happen, so remember:
• The "Bill of Lading" is your contract (receipt) with the Mover. Both parties should sign the "Bill of Lading" in the appropriate places and agree to its terms and conditions.
• In determining the value you declare, you should consult an appropriate insurance or other professional to assist you in this decision.
• The examples given in this brochure represent the minimum amount that must be declared; you can go higher but not lower.
• Be aware of the coverage option you chose at the time of the move and do not expect the Mover to change the coverage "after the fact." Your signature on the bill of lading and the option you select under Declaration of Value will determine your coverage.
• If your goods are going into storage at a licensed storage warehouse, different coverages and contract terms may apply.
• Be sure you have a copy of the bill of lading and (if applicable) inventory. Be sure any damage is noted on the bill of lading and (if applicable) inventory.
• At the time of delivery, you or your agent must make notations on the bill of lading (or inventory, if applicable) showing any exceptions regarding the condition of the goods.
• Keep the damaged article and packing material for inspection (it will help substantiate your claim). It may be possible to replace pieces (such as glassware or china).
• The burden of proof is on you, the customer, to show loss or damage to your property.
• All claims must be filed in writing within 15 days of the move. (Call your Mover's office if you need a claim form). Remember, the longer you wait to file your claim, the more difficulty you may have in recovering your losses.
• All of the movers' charges must be paid prior to the mover processing your claim.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE:

Before you choose an option for loss and damage protection, give some serious thought to the value of your possessions. The time to consider coverage is before the move. Your selection of a valuation option on the bill of lading is confirmed by your signature.

Mover's liability for loss or damage varies depending on how you release the shipment to the Mover. Generally, your goods are not automatically covered for loss or damage during the move; you must declare on the Bill of Lading the type of protection you desire.

You should make sure that the Mover clearly explains the options that you have and the cost of each type of protection that the Mover makes available before the day of packing or moving.

Your coverage can be either "valuation" (which is like self-insurance by the Mover) or "insurance" (in which case you should receive from the Mover a Certificate of Insurance issued by an insurance company). Unless you choose full replacement insurance, your coverage will be for depreciated value.

Packing of fragile items. Any item that is packed by owner (P.B.O.) is generally not covered for damage unless the box is physically damaged.

Under Massachusetts Movers Association tariff, you may choose one of the options described in this brochure; the extent of coverage is based on the option you select.

PROVISIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS

LAW GOVERNING LIMITATION OF

LIABILITY OF MOVERS AND WAREHOUSEMAN

(M.G.L.C. 106, §7-309). Duty of Care; Contractual Limitation of Carrier's Liability.

A carrier who issues a bill of lading whether negotiable or non-negotiable must exercise the degree of care in relation to the goods which a reasonably careful man would exercise under like circumstances. This subsection does not repeal or change any law or rule of law which imposes liability upon a common carrier for damages not caused by its negligence.

Damages may be limited by a provision that the carrier's liability shall not exceed a value stated in the document if the carrier's rates are dependent upon value and the consignor by the carrier's tariff is afforded an opportunity to declare a higher value or a value as lawfully provided in the tariff, or where no tariff is filed he is otherwise advised of such opportunity; but no such limitation is effective with respect to the carrier's liability for conversion to its own use.

Reasonable provisions as to the time and manner of presenting claims and instituting actions based on the shipment may be included in a bill of lading or tariff.

(M.G.L.C. 106, §7-204). Duty of Care; Contractual Limitation or Warehouseman's Liability.

A warehouseman is liable for damages for loss of or injury to the goods caused by his failure to exercise such care in regard to them as a reasonably careful man would exercise under like circumstances but unless otherwise agreed he is not liable for damages which could not have been avoided by the exercise of such care.

Damages may be limited by a term in the warehouse receipt or storage agreement limiting the amount of liability in case of loss or damage, and setting forth a specific liability per article or item, or value per unit of weight, beyond which the warehouseman shall not be liable; provided, however, that such liability may on written request of the bailor at the time of signing such storage agreement or within a reasonable time after receipt of the warehouse receipt be increased on part or all of the goods thereunder, in which event increased rates may be charged based on such increased valuation, but that no such increase shall be permitted contrary to a lawful limitation of liability contained in the warehouseman's tariff, if any. No such limitation is effective with respect to the warehouseman's liability for conversion to his own use.

Reasonable provisions as to the time and manner of presenting claims and instituting actions based on the bailment may be included in the warehouse receipt or tariff.

I'm Moving! That's great, I think.

The time has come! For one reason or another, you need to relocate your home or office. Hopefully, this is great and exciting news for you. However……Often anxiety may have over taken you. But fear not, this blog will help you deal with the situation at hand and the many questions you probably have:

• Is it better to move yourself or hire a professional mover?
• How does one choose a moving company?
• How does one get the best estimate for their true relocation costs?

Let’s look @ each of these questions, individually.

Is it better to move yourself or hire a professional mover?

To me this is a NO BRAINER! Unless you are a college kid that picked your belongings out of the trash, under NO circumstance should you ever move yourself. First of all, try finding a friend who IS available to help you move. Guaranteed every one of your friends will have some commitment that they just can’t break, otherwise they would just love to help you. Secondly, financially it can be a disaster as well. By the time you pay for the rental truck, the mileage, the fuel, the insurance, the rental equipment, the pizza, the beer, etc. you probably spent as much as the professional moving company would have cost. But even if you did save a small amount of cash, you did so only after your wasted time, definite sore back (and muscles you never knew you had), possibly damaged homes and possessions, and maybe even a strained relationship or two. Think about it I am right, this is a NO BRAINER, hire a professional its truly worth the expense.

How does one choose a moving company?

Finding movers is easy. But choosing the right one requires a little more effort than just Googling “Movers” or calling the biggest ad in the phone book. The key and the most important thing to do is to QUALIFY the moving company.

The best way to find a professional mover is through a referral from a trusted friend or business colleague who has used the moving company recently and or has a long term relationship with the company. If a positive referral is not possible, (some of your friends and colleagues may have had only negative experiences, this will tell you who NOT to hire), then you must qualify the moving companies on your own.

Ask specific questions;

• How long has the company been in business? Look for companies that have been around for a substantial amount of time, 10+ years; longevity in business in a positive attribute.
• What is their physical address? Legitimate companies have at least one real address where they have an office, park their trucks, possibly have a storage warehouse and would be more than happy to allow you to visit.
• Do they own their own trucks? If not, eliminate them. Some quality companies do utilize rental trucks when extra busy or to handle overflow, but, NONE run exclusively with rental trucks.
• Are they licensed? They should be or disqualify them. Most states require movers to be licensed to work within the state and the federal government requires movers to be licensed to perform moves across state lines.
• Are they insured? If not, eliminate them. Any company you hire must be insured. They need worker’s compensation, automobile, general liability and cargo insurance in place at a bare minimum
• Can they provide references? Not canned ones from their friends, but real ones from recent customers who had relocation needs similar to yours.
• Are they members of any industry organizations? Most states will have moving organizations like The Massachusetts Moving Association, there are National Associations like The American Moving and Storage Association. Membership in these organizations is just one more positive attribute to factor in when qualifying your potential moving company.
• Are they members of any consumer advocate groups? Many professional moving companies are members of groups like the Better Business Bureau. This alone does not qualify the company but is yet another positive attribute and most likely an insight to the company.

Getting all the right answers to the above questions will allow you to be comfortable in knowing that the professional moving companies you are considering are truly qualified and eligible for your consideration.

How does one get the best estimate for their true relocation costs?

Over the phone and email estimates do serve a purpose. They allow you to see how a company calculates their charges and what a company’s rates are. But these are general estimates, usually based on industry averages for number of rooms, weight of shipment, etc. If you have qualified the mover, find their rates and cost calculations reasonable, then you can stop here if you want. You will NOT know what your final cost will be but you should still be happy with the services of a true professional company that you qualified.

For the MOST ACCURATE COST ESTIMATE, you should ask for an on-site COST ANALYSIS. Then follow these simple guidelines:

• Schedule your favorite three of the moving companies that you have already qualified.
• Do NOT schedule them at the same time and do NOT disclose the names of the other movers to the estimator.
  • You want the estimator to have his/her own ample time to answer your questions and evaluate your relocation needs AND to not have his estimate influenced by his/her competitor’s presence.
• Provide each estimator with the same exact description of your relocation needs and you will receive “apples to apples” estimates
• If you need to make changes, notify all 3 estimators of your changes AFTER the initial cost analysis.

What type of estimate do you want?

There are several options, and which is best varies by individual circumstance. After choosing the type of estimate you want, request the same type of estimate from all 3 estimators. Back to the “apples to apples” thing again.

The most common types of estimates are as follows:

• OPEN ENDED
  • Final cost is NOT KNOWN, cost is subject to fluctuate based on circumstance, such as actual time or actual weight. Most experienced estimators will be able to pin point your cost with their cost analysis, but leave it open ended when there are unknown variables, (information that you can not provide), involved
• NOT TO EXCEED
  • Final cost is NOT KNOWN, but there is a MAXIMUM COST set in writing. Cost can be lower than, but can not exceed, the written maximum cost provided.
• FLAT RATE
  • Final cost is a specific dollar amount that is known in advance and will not fluctuate. This type of estimate is also known as a GUARANTEED BINDING ESTIMATE.

Hopefully this blog will have reduced any anxieties you may have had concerning your relocation needs. I truly hope that your relocation is great and exciting news for you. Best of luck at your new home or office!

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF AN OFFICE REMOVAL The reason why most businessmen are dealing with office relocation is most certainly expanding the financial successes or getting out of a crisis. Whatever the reason is, it is a bold and risky move which has the potential of shooting the company up and down depending on how good the newly chosen offices of the company are located. The business relocation, unlike the normal home one is proved to be thoroughly successful only after the business starts growing in its new home. However, the business relocation is not all about the choice of the spot, it is also about the office itself and the new comforts and improvements it will stand out with over the old offices. This article will briefly instruct you on the main issues you should be careful with when dealing with an office removal.

2. THE COMPLEXITY OF THE BUSINESS RELOCATION Remember that the business relocation can’t be completed by an average person who is not an engineer or a specifically skilled electrician. The office removal should be performed by an entire crew of people that are in possession of specific skills, training and experience to complete the job as perfectly as possible. So the conclusion is that if you want to make business relocation your best and in all honesty, only option is getting in touch with the office removal services of a moving company. There is no other team of professionals that can do it better or at least one that is not as easily affordable and reachable. A common trick each office removal team do is to do the entire office removal throughout the weekend so that the process of work remains uninterrupted.

3. ADVANTAGES OF THE OFFICE REMOVAL SERVICES By hiring a moving company to handle your business relocation you will certainly feel that you have made the right decision especially when you get assured with your own eyes in the professionalism and the speed of the working crew. They are quick, precise and very rarely they happen to be imperfect in their job. All the difficulties, all the noise and the stress are absorbed by the moving company staff. Your involvement in the process is almost none. You just need to inform the moving company of the way in which you want your new offices to be constructed and equipped. After all, in order to help you need knowledge about cables and electrical systems and much more the likes of which only the moving company staff is in possession of. Office removal is not tiring or exhausting at all but it is an insanely nervous and difficult to suffer through because essentially it is a new chapter in the history of the business.

4. YOUR OBLIGATION DURING THE RELOCATION Always remember that you have one simple obligation throughout the whole moving process and that is your usual one-keeping the business going. Leave all the technical stuff, all the necessary materials and planning to the moving company. What you should take care of is your business. For instance, make sure that all of your employees will manage to cope with the drastic change in the business and if they don’t make sure you find people who can replace them. Leave all the packing, the installation, the transportation and the other heavy work to the moving company offices. Trying to help them would only slow them down. In conclusion, the best way to do an office removal is by contacting a moving company. They are the most secure, the most efficient way of quickly finishing your move.

VETERAN'S DAY 2012

Today is Veteran’s Day. Please take some part of your day to remember and honor all the men and women, passed and present, who have selflessly served our country. They truly deserve our recognition, thanks and praise.

We just had a presidential election, with diametrically opposing viewpoints. No matter which side you were on we can all celebrate the fact that it was a peaceful election. There was no gun fighting, murders or anarchy involved. This is a testament to our country, our democratic process, our basic freedoms and our way of life. NONE of this would be possible if not for all the veterans who have served this country, home and abroad, and answered the nation’s call each and every time they were needed.

Make this more than just another weekend; today, honor the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women. Go out of your way to acknowledge every veteran you know or come in contact with and just say, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!”

The History of Veterans Day:  (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey) 

     “After four years of carnage in Europe, the giant cannon finally fell silent.  At 11:00 am on 11 November 1918 (the eleventh hour, of the 11th day, of the eleventh month) the Allies and Germany signed an armistice.  The Great War, The World War, The War to End War mercifully ended.  The whole world rejoiced.  Thereafter the eleventh day of November became Armistice Day in most of the western world.  In Canada it became known as Remembrance Day.

      In the United States, Congress officially recognized Armistice Day in 1926.  Twelve years later it became a national holiday.  Unfortunately, three decades and two wars later America realized that world order had been equally preserved by veterans of World War II and the Korean War.  So, in 1954 Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President, signed an act which changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

      In 1968 (the flower-power generation was hard at work again) Congress changed the day of observance to the fourth Monday in October.  Veterans Day had temporarily become just another long three-day weekend.  The reason for the holiday had been forgotten by many.  Fortunately, the public outcry rose steadily over the next ten years.  Finally bowing to public pressure, Congress reversed itself in 1978.  The eleventh day of November again became the day on which Americans observe Veterans Day.

      By law, Veterans Day is set aside to honor our nation's military veterans both living and dead, who served in time of war.  The focal point for national observance is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.  At 11:00 am on 11 November, a color guard that includes all military services executes "Present Arms."  The President of the United States lays a wreath upon the tomb, steps back, and salutes.  A bugler plays Taps.  A grateful nation has not forgotten.”

Happy Birthday, Marines! Semper Fi!

Today is a celebration of the glorious past and present of an amazing American institution. Let’s all take sometime today to recognize the men and women who make up that institution and are willing to sacrifice everything to protect the USA, her citizens and her ideals.

US Marine Birthday historical facts;

Marine Corps Birthday:  (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey) 

   “All U.S. Marines are gung-ho.  But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune.  In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

   Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps.  It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps.  Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

   Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it.  In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance.  The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground.  At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

   The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925.  First class Marine Corps style, all the way!  Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials.  Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern.  Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

   Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own.  In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances.  For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present.  The second piece goes to the youngest Marine.  Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

   Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today.  Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November!  This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country.  Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.”

Today, please join me in the celebration of the 237^th birthday of the US Marine Corps!

For more on the Marine Corps’ birthday and a look at serious issues that hang over the Marine Corps' future: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/11/10/happy-237th-birthday-to-the-u-s-marine-corps/

It is time for you to move. And you have decided to go with a removal company. Moving house takes more effort - both physical and mental – than people may think. In addition to the stress of actually moving, which can be traumatic for many, aspects such as packing boxes in a good way under time pressure and throw them into or onto a car would be stressful to anyone. So that is why you need to plan everything in advance even before you think of hiring. You should make a plan on what day you move and how much is needed to be done before that day. Who is able to help you, family or friends? What will you be able to do yourself and what not? For example, you can, with some help from your friends, sort all your things. Part the more delicate items from your more firm ones and save lots of the movers (and your) time. When you have done everything that you can do yourself, it is time for some extra help not to make the moving a pure nightmare. To hire a removal company that is well experienced to handle these particular situations will take lots off your shoulders.

So, the decision has been made and all you need now is a removal company to come to take you and your things to your new home, but where to start? How do you know what removal company is the best and what should you look at when choosing? Worry no more. This article will help you step by step.

Before you decide to choose between different companies, make sure that you are critical. These are your belongings and you want them to be handled with great care. So make a list that each company should pass before even taking it into consideration. One idea is to narrow down your choices to your local moving companies since a cheaper one far away may charge you for their fuel. Research the companies online and see what previous clients have said about them and make sure you meet the person that is responsible – if they are established, they will pay you a visit and let you ask about everything that you might be unsure of. Now, when the online research is done and you have a few finalists, you should take time and meet them all, let them inform you about their services and what they can do for you. You need to write down some questions not to forget anything. Some things might be the level of insurance, references, payment options, policies etc. When you have met them all you should know by now which one you are going to go with.

This is no time to be money-conscious, this is your home we are talking about and we want everything to go as smoothly as possible, so make sure that you go with the removal company that you feel most comfortable with. You should go after reputability, reliability, your gut feeling and quality. The price here should of course not be unbelievably high but not too good to be true either. In most of those cases you will end up disappointed.