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IN THE KNOW FOR for JAN/FEB 2022
DISASTER IN TAMPA BAY THE 1980 TRAGEDY THROUGH A MERCHANT MARINE’S LENS There are ordinary days you remember forever, but in many cases, it’s the days of tragedy that are deeply imprinted in our minds.
Imagine you’re on a Greyhound bus, when, suddenly, the road ahead disappears and you feel the bus falling. That’s what happened on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on that fateful day. A ship named the Summit Venture had struck the supporting column of the bridge, causing a large span of road to collapse into the water. Several cars, trucks, and a Greyhound bus went off the remaining roadway, cascading into the water below. The event killed over 35 people, with only one survivor. It’s almost unbelievable how Wesley MacIntire, a World War II veteran and sole survivor of the Tampa Bay tragedy, pulled through; however, he had dozens of witnesses. MacIntire, driving a pickup truck, had driven off the bridge as many prior unfortunate vehicles had done. However, the truck bounced off the bow of the Summit Venture, and into the water. Due to the amount of force, MacIntire was actually ejected from his truck onto the ship’s deck while the truck continued over the side without him. Who now would think, after all that, that he would sustain only minimal injuries? But he did. The Summit Venture’s crew pulled him safely from the water. What had been an ordinary trip turned into an unforgettable one. It took a few days for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to remove the obstructions to clear the channel for use. Once clear, we were the first ship to pass through the channel, leaving one with a very eerie feeling in their stomach. Wesley MacIntire lived until he was 65, before passing away in 1989 due to bone cancer. According to news reports, he drove to the bridge every year until his death. Although he has passed, like many families and working maritime individuals who’d experienced this incident, I’ll never forget that unfortunate day.
In early May of 1980, I had command of the American tanker S.S. Virgo. While at sea, we received orders from Apex Marine to proceed to Hess Oil Terminal in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Our objective was to fully load #6 fuel for St. Pete Power & Light, a large power generating plant in Tampa, Florida. On May 1, we arrived and commenced loading at Hess. We departed in the late evening on the same day. As we departed for St. Croix, I gave orders to the ship’s officers to sail northwest, just south of Puerto Rico, and then west — this was to follow the southern shore, in order to protect the ship from heavy sea conditions in the Atlantic. Heavy rollers (waves) were pummeling Puerto Rico’s northern shores, so the southern route was a better option for our westward track. As we passed Cuba and the island of Hispaniola, we were harassed — as usual — by Cuban gunboats. Remember, the U.S. and Cuba were on especially unsettling terms at this point of history. One might expect that this would be the most difficult part of the journey, but in fact, they stayed clear as I reminded them we would take no prisoners (although I guaranteed them a fine Christian burial should they try to board the ship). With the gunboats gone, we continued sailing along the west coast of Florida. At sunrise of May 8, a specialized Tampa Bay pilot — familiar with the local conditions in Tampa Bay — boarded us to guide us to the dock of the power plant. On May 9 with the pilot onboard, we were in the process of undocking when he received a phone call. He was told “stand fast,” do not undock, explaining a problem had occurred with an incoming ship in the Lower Tampa Bay waters channel.
–Captain Lance
Until we heard the exact news, there was no way to predict the magnitude of what had just occurred.
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STUFF YOURSELF AND YOUR WALLET With Meal Prepping
Have you ever intended to eat healthy meals throughout the week, but as the days went on, you either ran out of time or patience and picked up unhealthy eating habits? We’ve all been there, but if you find yourself falling into this routine regularly, you might want to give meal prepping a chance. Meal prepping has gained popularity over the past few years, and social media has been flooded with images of fitness gurus’ meal- prepping habits. To properly meal prep, you need to plan and shop for your meals in advance. You then need to cook all of your meals for the week and store them for easy access. This way, you won’t be tempted to eat fast food or other unhealthy options since your meals will already be prepared and ready to eat.
While there are many benefits to meal prepping, there are three that stand above the rest.
you would have spent cooking on hobbies or relaxation since your meals will already be cooked and prepared. It’s a great way to make more time for yourself. YOU’LL BE EATING HEALTHIER. Eating out at restaurants, especially if it’s fast food, can be quite unhealthy. You may find yourself putting on weight if you’re eating out every other day. By meal prepping, you can introduce more home-cooked meals into your diet. You can choose healthier foods, and your portion sizes will be limited since the food is already made. This way you won’t overeat, and you can enjoy fresh and delicious meals every day of the week.
YOU’LL CUT FOOD COSTS. Eating out at restaurants several days a week can get incredibly expensive. Even fast food can quickly burn a hole in your pocket. By going to the grocery store and getting the ingredients to prepare your meals in advance, you will be saving money. And you will never ask yourself, “What should I have for dinner tonight?” YOU’LL SAVE TIME. Our days are already hectic and busy enough, and more often than not, cooking after working or running errands seems like just another chore. With meal prep, you can spend the time
Break Out of the Mold
How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat Mold Growth
Mold — it’s great on blue cheese, but not in our homes.
The best way to spot mold growth in your home is to regularly examine such places, including your shower or bathtub, under sinks, and your basement or garage. However, mold can grow anywhere, so watch for the following signs:
Mold is a subset of fungus, growing primarily as a spore. It’s not an animal, plant, or type of bacteria; instead, mold (and other fungi) is its own species. As scientifically fascinating — and useful in penicillin form — as mold is, it can be very dangerous in your home. Mold growth can cause allergies, skin and eye irritation, lung problems, frequent headaches, immunity issues, and even cystic fibrosis.
• • •
An earthy smell on a substance or in a room Rapid discoloration or warping on a wall or item
A growing stain
HOW TO PREVENT IT The best way to attack mold is to create an environment in which it can’t grow. Start by eliminating moisture. Fix leaks immediately and never let wet clothing items or towels sit for a long time. Manage the humidity in your home with a properly functioning HVAC system, too. This will circumvent any potential moisture buildup. And when cleaning, utilize products that are designed to target mold growth, which will attack spores before they appear to the naked eye.
If you notice mold growth or want to prevent it, it’s imperative that you act. Consider this your go-to guide.
WHERE MOLD GROWS Mold is resilient, and to make matters more complex, some experts estimate there may be more than 300,000 different varieties! However, there are common household types that tend to grow in equally common places. For instance, Alternaria mold thrives in damp, dark places, like under the sink. Meanwhile, Penicillium mold grows around water damage, like where your water heater may have leaked.
For more details on how to remove and prevent mold growth, consult with a mold specialist.
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LANCE: 716-912-9939
DREW: 716-946-3598
According to the latest data, scammers and telemarketers make 1,528 robocalls to Americans every single second. No wonder they’re driving us all crazy! Some of these calls are legitimate reminders about doctor’s appointments and payment plans, but around 55% of them are just nuisances — and we can’t rely on the government to stop them. If you’re sick of hearing about “your car’s extended warranty” or the “student loans” you paid off 40 years ago, try these five tips to cut down on robocalls and outwit scammers. 1. Explore your carrier’s free tools. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer services to cut down on scam calls. Some of them are free and/or come with your phone, but others you have to pay for or activate. If you have Verizon, for example, you can download the “Verizon Call Filter” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit your carrier’s website or call them to learn about the tools they offer. 2. Download an ad blocker. For extra protection, you can download a separate ad blocker from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Hiya is a free app that will give you caller ID and block spam calls, and Nomorobo is an award-winning option that’s free for landlines and costs $1.99 per month for cellphones. 3. When in doubt, let it ring out. If you don’t recognize the number calling, don’t answer. You can always call back if they leave a legitimate voicemail. 4. Suspect spam? Hang up. So, you accidentally answered a spam call. Whether it’s a person or a robot on the line, hang up immediately! Even saying your name or the word “yes” could set you up for identity theft. 5. Handle voicemails with care. If you get a suspicious voicemail, never call the number or visit the website given by the caller. Instead, Google the company or agency they claimed to be with and call that number. If the real agency has no idea about the call, you’ve just escaped a trap. By taking all five of these steps, you can protect yourself and your wallet from Ponzi schemes, identity thieves, and annoying telemarketers. For even more specific advice, visit AARP.com and search “The Definitive Guide to Reducing Robocalls.” PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY AND KICK SCAMMERS TO THE CURB 5 Ways to Deal With Annoying Robocalls
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast Inspired by DiabetesStrong.com
Ingredients • 2 chicken breasts • 2 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed • 2 canned artichoke hearts, chopped • 4 tsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 10 large basil leaves, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 365 F. 2. Cut a slit lengthwise to create a pocket in the middle of each chicken breast. Place the breasts on a baking sheet. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, basil, and garlic. 4. Divide the mixture in half and stuff each chicken breast pocket. Using toothpicks, seal the edges of the pockets. 5. Season the chicken with curry, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. 6. Remove the toothpicks and serve with rice, potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables!
Quote of the Month
“Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” Henry David Thoreau
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INSIDE This Issue
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A Tragedy Through a Merchant Marine’s Lens
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3 Major Benefits of Meal Prepping Your Go-To Guide to Combating Mold!
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Handle Robocalls Like a Pro Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast
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Humpback Whales: The Heroes of the Sea
THE HEROES OF THE SEA HUMPBACK WHALE SAVES SCIENTIST
In the movie “Cast Away,” we see a whale notifying Chuck Noland of a nearby ship. The whale continuously sprays him with water to get his attention. Although this is a fictional story, what happened in “Cast Away” isn’t just movie magic. There are real-life stories about whales helping people in need.
whales and have never had a whale so tactile and so insistent on putting me on his head, belly, or back, and most of all, trying to tuck me under his huge pectoral fin … I was sure that it was most likely going to be a deadly encounter.” Hauser didn’t know the whale wanted to protect her until she returned to her team’s research vessel. This is when she noticed the tiger shark creeping nearby. This isn’t the first time a humpback whale has intervened to help another creature. In fact, the humpback’s altruism has been well-documented over the years to show how they benefit other species at their own cost. In 2009, Robert Pitman took a photo of a humpback cradling a seal while rolling out of the water. The whale had protected the seal from a group of killer whales. Pitman, a marine biologist, has analyzed 115 interactions with humpback whales and concluded that they will travel long distances in order to prevent killer whales from attacking, regardless of what type of animal the killer whale is pursuing. Whether this behavior is out of instinct, accident, or altruism, they have saved the lives of many aquatic animals and people. They are the heroes of the sea!
In 2018, a marine biologist, Nan Hauser, was swimming in the waters off the Cook Islands when she noticed a 50,000-pound humpback whale near her. For 10 minutes, Hauser swam around the whale
while it nudged her with its head, bumped her with its belly, and swiped at her with its fins. At first, Hauser thought the whale was trying to attack her. But actually, it protected her from a 15-foot-long tiger shark on the other side of the whale.
Hauser told the Daily Mirror, “I’ve spent 28 years underwater with
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DREW: 716-946-3598
LANCE: 716-912-9939
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