IT’S TIME FOR MARDI GRAS

Yes party party party. It’s said Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons.

On March 2, 1699, French Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville landed about 60 miles south of New Orleans. He named this land ‘Pointe du Mardi Gras (now known as Mobile, AL). In 1703 the 1st Mardi Gras was celebrated in this country.

Today Mardi Gras celebrations are held in Mobile, New Orleans and other cities around the world.

The final day of the celebrations, better known as ‘Fat Tuesday’ this year will be February 17.

Don’t worry if you miss it there’s always be next year starting on January 29, 2016 with ‘Fat Tuesday’ on February 9. So book your rooms early.

I also want to make sure you know there are many other Carnival celebrations held around the world in New York, Bahamas, Rio, Europe to name a few. So if you have a desire to visit other celebrations just let us know. Call Deborah at 773 577-3945 or email Deborah.ccnewsmedia@gmail.com
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CCNEWS MEDIA FUNDRAISER

CRUISE THE NORWEGIAN GETAWAY
October 17—24, 2015- From Miami, Fl with ports of call to St.Thomas, Tortola and Nassau.
Cruise prices starting at $813.00 per person based on double occupancy.
Pre hotel stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Miami Airport South—Blue Lagoon price per room is $139.00 plus tax.

For more information call 773 577-3945 or email Deborah.ccnewsmedia@gmail.com

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GET YOUR PASSPORT NOW

Are you aware of the ‘Real ID Act of 2005’? http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs
Because several states are not in compliance (including Illinois) for various economic reasons, your travel though airport security will or can take a little longer if the only identification you carry is your State Government issued Drivers License. If you travel using your passport it makes for a smoother transition.

I believe everyone; even children should have a passport. Applications can be found at your local post office or on line at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html This site has so much valuable information about traveling for children traveling with or without parents, students traveling abroad, traveling with pets, LGBT travelers and travelers with disabilities both across the United States, its territories and other countries.

REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. REAL ID implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation urging the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

DHS is implementing REAL ID through a period of phased enforcement over the next several years. In particular, the date for implementing the prohibition on boarding aircraft travel will be set after an evaluation of earlier phases and will not occur sooner than 2016.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
In this ever-changing world, it is important to maintain vigilant and recognize when a threat may be present. Citizens play a pivotal role in reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities, which may help prevent or deter an attack in places frequented by all of us.

TSA counts on the traveling public to report unattended bags or packages, individuals in possession of a threatening item, a person trying to enter a restricted area or similar suspicious activities at airports, train stations, bus stops and ports. Suspicious behavior and situations must not be based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation or personal beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions or associations.

The Department of Homeland Security “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign focuses on raising public awareness on suspicious activities, behaviors or situations that may suggest acts of terrorism or terrorism-related crimes.

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority created the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign and licensed the use of the slogan to the Department of Homeland Security in 2010. To further expand this initiative, the Department of Homeland Security has partnered with local law enforcement agencies, transportation systems, universities, sports leagues, and local and state governments across the nation to continue confronting threats in our communities.

To report any suspicious activity, contact local law enforcement authorities.

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To get more information Contact Deborah at Deborah.ccnewsmedia@gmail.com

By CCNM

I have functioned as a Business and Media Consultant over the past sixteen years and spent many years developing my capacity to function in our ever evolving use of technology, communication, education and training.