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Re-Post In the midst of a maple shortage, one artisan is giving big brands a run for their money!

Extra, extra! Get your maple syrup today. This small artisan business is doing reasonably well despite the global shortage in Quebec that has them digging into their reserve. 

Extra, extra! Get your maple syrup today. This small artisan business is doing reasonably well despite the global shortage in Quebec that has them digging into their reserve. 

Meet Ralph Morse, a local artisan in Cooperstown, New York, who is revolutionizing the maple market. Hidden within the woods outside of the baseball birthplace lies a small maple production run by one man. Together they make various types of syrups, salts, butter, gummies, and even woodwork. To be as sustainable as possible and care for the forest, their products are causing even a bigger roar! From restaurants to local boutiques and farmer’s markets, Ralph’s Cooperstown Mapleworks is making it hard to believe that there’s a global shortage. 

Ralph makes pure gold! He is a one-person show who can tap quite a few acres of maple trees and works way over 1,000 gallons of sap/maple a season! He also has a running system of boiling, reverse osmosis, and sustainable practices. 

Every product is straight from his backyard, the woods filled with blue tubes connecting every maple tree with the main production machinery. Ralph’s practices are strictly sustainable, from ensuring the forest is healthy by cutting down harmful trees to keeping it clean and prosperous. The wood cut down is later used to fuel the machines that power up his whole maple production.

 Absolutely nothing gets thrown away. And even the maple that might be a different color, flavor, or too hard can be used for products such as maple salt or gummies!

Ralph's products are booming, from boutiques to restaurants purchasing from him exclusively in massive amounts. So much so that, he is almost sold out for the winter season. “You can tell the difference between store-bought maple that is made from corn syrup and sugar and literally zero maples! It’s gross. We use Ralph’s maple, salts, and butter for our restaurant!” Said Julian Gialanella, owner of The Blue Mingo Grill in Cooperstown cult restaurant. With so much abundance, what exactly is causing the global shortage? 

Ralph is doing great for a small business, unlike the situation in Quebec. According to the Québec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP), Quebec produces 72% of global maple. Unfortunately, this year was much warmer than usual. “In 2021, an early thaw caused the sap to start flowing simultaneously across the province, and unusually warm temperatures in April brought the harvest season to an abrupt halt. Maple producers are at the mercy of Mother Nature.”- Stated the QMSP. But don’t worry. Your waffles or dry rubs will still be savory and sweet! Canada is making 7 million more tree taps to help offset the adverse effects of 2021. 

Despite the shortage and demands, Ralph is expanding his business by building an even bigger building on his property to tap even more trees! ”Now I am building a new sugar house, expanding, and buying new equipment, so it’s that growth process.” Said Ralph as he slaps a bourbon barrel for one of his maple products. Ralph is slowly but surely growing his business and showing New York how sweeter and more sustainable his various kinds of maple syrups and products are than a big corporation!

And, if you are in Cooperstown or have a credit card, you can get all of your sweet needs met in person or online by the Cooperstown Mapleworks!

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QR Codes- Unlocking New Levels of Luxury Sales

Magazines such as Vogue include QR codes within their pages to build a bridge for readers to buy items quickly. 

Magazines such as Vogue include QR codes within their pages to build a bridge for readers to buy items quickly. 

At first glance, QR codes might seem like odd black cubes, but did you know they offer a whole world of possibilities? A simple scan with your phone or a smart device can open web pages and applications. And in Vogue’s case, it can show you where to buy the trendy pieces of the week or learn more about designers like Balenciaga and their efforts toward human rights

About the QR Code

Hubspot says, “ A QR code works similarly to barcodes at the supermarket. Each QR code consists of black squares and dots representing different information pieces. When scanned, the unique pattern on the barcode translates into human-readable data. This transaction happens in seconds.” 

These codes have been used for ages. With the current pandemic, everyone has been implementing them as a new approach to business and emotionally connecting to you. The information gathered from this transaction also helps brands with sales and conversion rates.  

Shaping the fashion industry

The QR code is undoubtedly changing the industry in many ways. The whole client journey starts digitally. Brands who offer extra incentives such as scanning a code to view more about a show, buying a product with one click, or learning more about a garment (Gabriela Hearst Spring/Summer 2020 Collection); can create a positive effect on the business and the viewer/customer as well. 

Vogue Business states that: “ Post-purchase data collection is key. Philippe Model’s end-to-end blockchain is set to migrate to OpSec Insight, where lists of verification registrants can be downloaded and analyzed. Customization is our goal. We’re essentially building a digital atelier.”

QR codes are trending, and everyone from top restaurants and boutique hotels to your favorite designer is using them to make your experience with their product even more special.

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Diabetes Awareness & Prevention Tips

Did you know that the risk of a shark attack is 1 in 11.5 million people, whereas the risk of prediabetes is 1 in 3 adults!?

Did you know that the risk of a shark attack is 1 in 11.5 million people, whereas the risk of prediabetes is 1 in 3 adults!?

37.3 million people have diabetes — that’s 11.3% of the U.S. population. Around 283,000 Americans under 20yrs old have been diagnosed with diabetes, and in 2019 alone, diabetes was the cause of death in over 282,801 people. With these shocking numbers, it is time to work together for a better, healthier future! 

What is diabetes?

According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes is “a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to your health because it's an important energy source for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's main source of fuel.” 

The chances are that if you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use the insulin well enough. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose (sugar) and goes into our bloodstream. It then signals the pancreas to release insulin that lets blood sugar be used as energy. Too much sugar in your blood can cause vision loss, kidney issues, and heart disease. 

Causes & symptoms of diabetes

Each type of diabetes is different and caused by diverse factors.  

  • Prediabetes: You might not have diabetes yet, but your average blood sugar levels might be slightly higher. You might be at risk if you are overweight, 45yrs or older, have certain genetics, and are sedentary. However, it is not impossible to regress it and prevent Type 2. 

  • Symptoms include: Prediabetes shares the same symptoms as Type 1 & 2; however, your skin can darken around the knees, elbow, and knuckles as well. 

  • Type 1 Diabetes happens when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. 

  • Symptoms include Increased thirst & urination, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, breath smells fruity, stomach pain, and trouble paying attention or breathing. 

  • Type 2 Diabetes: One of the most common types. You can develop Type 2 by being overweight, having physical inactivity, and having insulin resistance. Your genes can also be a factor. 

  • Symptoms include: These are the same as Type 1 with the inclusion of slow healing sores, frequent infections, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, and/or darkened skin around the neck and armpits. 

  • Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy due to massive hormonal and lifestyle changes. The hormones produced by the placenta contribute to insulin resistance which can happen when the pancreas doesn't make enough of it. 

  • Symptoms include: While some symptoms include the same listed for Type 1 and 2, you can also experience nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and yeast infections.

Diabetes Prevention Tips: 

  • Choosing healthy foods like plants & healthy fats.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Get regular exercise & physical activity. 

  • Avoid sugary foods & drinks. 

  • Don’t smoke. 

  • Find more resources.

Treatment Options

Mayo Clinic states, "Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin, or both.” 

When to see your doctor

The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening with diagnostic tests for type 2 diabetes for all adults age 45 or older and for the following groups:

  • People younger than 45 who are overweight or obese and have one or more risk factors associated with diabetes.

  • Women who have had gestational diabetes.

  • People who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

  • Children who are overweight or obese and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors.

  • Share your concerns about diabetes prevention with your doctor. He or she will appreciate your efforts to prevent diabetes and may offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.

If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, click on this link to find valuable tools, resources, and support.

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Re-Post This May, get moving for Physical Fitness & Sports Month!

Whether staying home or going out into the world, staying physically fit has never been easier!  Now more than ever, keeping healthy is a priority.

Whether staying home or going out into the world, staying physically fit has never been easier! 

Now more than ever, keeping healthy is a priority. Daily physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. With the pandemic, many of us have become relatively stationary. However, you can find activities that will help you depending on your age, abilities, shape, size, and ethnicity/culture! 

Keeping active can help improve your brain health, help you keep a healthy weight, keep diseases at bay, maintain strong bones and muscles, and improve your neurological, behavioral, and mental health. 

Staying active

With the pandemic forever ongoing, staying active can be challenging but more crucial than ever before! Sedentary lifestyles can create additional stress on our bodies and minds. Therefore, physical activity can serve as a relaxation technique, combat depression, lower the risk of heart problems, lower blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and promote a better life during uncertain times. You don’t have to join a gym or buy fancy equipment to be healthy. 

Here are some ways to stay active, whether inside or out! 

  1. Sign up for our ProWellness online fitness & wellness program: Wellness Program participants can benefit from a variety of activities such as exercises, meditation sessions, ergonomic exercises, and health talks to enrich your daily life. All the activities are presented by ZOOM in live sessions. To learn more about our exclusive wellness offerings and value-added programs for clients, such as our ProWellness virtual wellness program, please contact benefits@fulcroinsurance.com or your Account Executive. 

  2. Get walking! Walk for 30min with a friend, your dog, or adopt one. Walking can help your mood and heart health. 

  3. Set your fitness goals. A perfect way to stay organized and self-accountable is by making a plan and following it. 

  4. Go outside! Discover new nature trails with your bike, while jogging, or with friends. Even gardening and mowing count as staying active. 

  5. Play sports. Sports such as golf, yoga, swimming, horseback riding, or bowling can be therapeutic and adaptive to your abilities

  6. DeskFit. If you are spending 8hrs days working from your desk, you might want to try these beneficial exercises from NASA’s DeskFit. 

  7. Community outreach. Help the community around you to stay active by spreading messages on social media. 


Aside from being physically active, don’t forget to drink a lot of water, know your limits, and eat your daily fruits and veggies. Devoting time to your body will give you energy, health, and overall increased happiness! In addition, you can help your employees be healthy and accountable for their health with this pledge.

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The best-hidden Speakeasies in the U.S

Can you keep a secret? You can only go in through a hidden passage or the correct password, but once you are in, the real journey starts. Enter an otherworldly experience hidden in plain sight and enjoy the best drinks.

Here are some tips on how to know the correct password and get the best drinks! 

Can you keep a secret? You can only go in through a hidden passage or the correct password, but once you are in, the real journey starts. Enter an otherworldly experience hidden in plain sight and enjoy the best drinks. These hidden bars, aka speakeasies, will transport you to the times of prohibitions, adventure land, spooky romantic settings, and more! Speakeasies might be exclusive, hard to find, and hard to get in. Luckily, Andiago is here to show you around and give you tips on how to get in. Just don’t tell everyone! 


Dirty Laundry, St. Petersburg, FL

From the outside, it may appear you are standing outside a cute laundromat that happens to have yummy pastries, small sandwiches, and coffee. This clever decoy hides one of the trendiest speakeasies in St. Pete’s! Take a look around and spot a sign that says “Talk Dirty to Me,” and pick up the pay phone. You will need to enter a code that might be given to you when you go in or whispered to you randomly. Once you dial the code, you will be transported into a beautiful Havana cocktail lounge with a nightly DJ, Cuban cocktails, and a fun night! Also, DL offers brunch, food options, and fantastic coffee.


Williams & Graham, Denver, CO  

Who doesn’t love a good bookstore? Especially one with a deliciously hidden secret! The only way to get into the speakeasy is by scanning through the bookshelves and finding the right book. You might want to pull on a book named Savoy which will slide the bookcase open like a mystery movie. W&G has the most original cocktail menu, 60 classic cocktails, and over 500 bottles worldwide. Their food by Chef Grant Bushkuhl is just as unique and wonderful as the drinks menu. 

Please Don’t Tell (PDT)- New York, NY

This secret bar is a New York staple in the underground. The only way to get in is by heading over to Crif Dogs, a trendy hot dog place on St. Mark’s Place. Once there, a wall will slide out with a red phone. Pick it up to get in. PDT ranks as one of the few best speakeasies globally! And while it is super classy and highly mysterious, you can have some of the best drinks and hot dogs if you please. Reservations are highly required to be able to enjoy their signature drinks.

Midnight Cowboy, Austin, TX

One of the oldest and most historical speakeasies in Austin is known as a former brothel masqueraded as an oriental massage place. MC embraced the building's history and decided to continue it as a secret bar set in the prohibition era. At first, you might think this is just a massage parlor, but if you go inside, you need to locate a red light bulb that glows. However, you will need to buzz a button with the name "Harry Craddock" outside a blank door. Inside, the speakeasy has delicious Tikki-inspired drinks, wonderful staff creations, and curations. Reservations are strongly suggested. 


The Pawn Shop, San Francisco, CA

This hidden tapas bar is everything your heart and soul desire! This pawn shop dates back to the 1900s. You will need to go to 996 Mission Street and find a golden phone to get inside. When you pick up the phone, you will chat with a shady-sounding person. Once inside, you’ll discover an incredible Cuban art deco-inspired bar. Aside from its neon lights and ornaments, the tapas-style cuisine and curated wines will take you away. We suggest reservations for big groups.

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A sustainable approach to engine building and aeronautics

From sustainable fuels, engines, and more, reducing the environmental footprint is now more attainable than ever in aviation.

From sustainable fuels, engines, and more, reducing the environmental footprint is now more attainable than ever in aviation.

Today, numerous aerospace and aviation companies are adopting greener technologies with new systems utilizing hydrogen fuel and more innovative practices overall. For example, electrified aircraft propulsion systems are proving to be incredibly beneficial despite the challenges and applied technologies necessary to make them work. Likewise, more sustainable techniques are starting to be implemented to successfully develop aviation electrification, minimize fuel burning, and in turn, lower emissions and costs for the industry.

According to A Review of Concepts, Benefits, and Challenges for Future, Electrical Propulsion-Based Aircraft, the aerospace industry consumes well over 276 million tons of jet fuel and produces around 2.7% of CO2 emissions yearly while flying. Additionally, the demand for fuel is estimated to grow by approximately 4.8% annually; by the year 2050, it is predicted that we will see a 60% plus increase in air travel miles with a 38% increase in energy usage and over 209 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Though the subsequent environmental damage associated with these numbers is incredibly concerning, the restructuring of efficient technology, the use of new propulsion techs, decarbonization, and other green technologies, are bringing increasing promise to a more sustainable world.

Engine maintenance

Unsurprisingly, jet engine producers and maintenance crews always look for ways to reduce costs and repairs. Engines are a significant part of the airplane and having to maintain and/or repair one can result in pricey outcomes. In turn, many engine maintenance companies are adopting new methods to strengthen engines and increase their life cycles while also helping decrease ecological and environmental impacts. For example, new technologies and product developments such as the NASA and Pratt & Whitney Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core are improving engine combustors with cleaner energy.

“In order to meet the Aviation Climate Action Plan’s carbon emissions goals, future single-aisle aircraft engines will have to be able to burn sustainable aviation fuels,” said Tony Nerone, HyTEC project manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “HyTEC’s role is to develop these small core engine combustors that are more efficient, more durable, and able to use sustainable aviation fuel without compromising the engine performance and while providing significant emissions benefits.”

Engine building

Companies such as Rolls Royce are leading a new way of creating Civil Aerospace engines, pledging to have fully compatible engine types in 2023. To keep up with environmental standards, their engines help planes fly on blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and are over 98% recyclable.

Additionally, the use of 3D printing and Additive Layer Manufacturing is allowing certain airplane engine parts to be created with less waste while also cutting down production times. An example is the Pearl 10X engine. On the other hand, the modified A380 from Airbus will be tested using a hydrogen-powered engine that can potentially bring lower-emission fuels to air travel. This plane is one of the largest passenger planes, with enough room for liquid hydrogen tanks and more.

Hybrid electric and water-enhanced turbofans

A current European Union-funded project has big aero engine companies such as MTU Aero Engines, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, and Airbus working together. The companies aim to create two leading engine techs: hybrid electric and water-powered turbofans. This technology will help engines be more efficient, have electric taxiing, takeoff boost, and much more.

According to Simple Flying: “The second part of this puzzle is the water-enhanced turbofan or WET for short. Based on a gas turbine and under development by MTU Aero Engines, the WET uses residual heat from exhaust gasses to vaporize water in the engine. The vapor is injected into the combustor, which MTU says has the power to significantly drive down nitrogen oxide emissions. Alongside this, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and contrail formation are all reduced.”

Sustainable fuel
Likewise, Boeing is working to make fuel more sustainable and affordable with a

hydrogen-powered plane. Through successful test flights, Boeing has already proven that choosing more sustainable fuels over petroleum jelly can work and transform the current climate change situation. Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend — the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications. To meet the aviation industry’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050, airplanes need the capability to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels well before then.

In conclusion, new and more sustainable technology and alternative materials are constantly and successfully being used to address current environmental challenges and socio-economic issues associated with the aviation industry. These new developments are not only benefitting aerospace businesses but the world as a whole.

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How data sciences and AI are transforming airline operations

These have been pivotal years for data, AI, and machine learning in engineering and airline operations. A great transformation is underway. Are you ready?

These have been pivotal years for data, AI, and machine learning in engineering and airline operations. A great transformation is underway. Are you ready?

Airline operations, such as boarding, are trying to keep up with current demands by adopting more advanced tech for daily tasks. Technology has changed airline operations as a whole, including how companies interact and communicate with customers. Everyone involved in flying and data science creates and executes strategic decisions and workflows. Likewise, access to real-time data is helping pre and post-flight operations such as ticketing, luggage check-ins, boarding, and other aspects of transportation be more efficient—improving the customer experience while also benefiting profit margins.

What are data science, machine learning, and AI?

Data science is a process of developing systems that can gather and analyze information to help people solve problems and challenges. On the other hand, machine learning is a branch of data science that focuses on using data and algorithms to imitate how humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy. You can find machine learning in Netflix, smart home systems, Nest, monitor health systems, and healthcare.

According to Rice University, “AI is a sub-discipline of computer science focused on building computers with flexible intelligence capable of solving complex problems using data, learning from those solutions, and making replicable decisions at scale.” Therefore, AI is used to create and learn patterns from data which then is used to develop predictive models. Data scientists use AI to understand data more comprehensively for better decision-making.

Revenue management and flight routes

One of the ways in which the magic of these new technological advancements is being put to work is in revenue management (RM). RM uses data to determine how to sell products at a fair cost, in the right places, and at the right time—based on customer behaviors and market targeting. AI also helps to decide on destinations and adjusts flight prices accordingly; thus, assisting the airlines to not only stay competitive but in helping give their customers what they want.

Flight routes are another way to take advantage of these tech tools. Scientist Konstantin Vandyshev from Transavia’s Revenue Management department stated that: “To define air routes, specialists have to analyze data and make decisions based on the insights. When researching a demand for a destination among different customer groups, they can rely on such data sources as search history and macroeconomic factors (e.g., GDP).”

Speeding up the boarding process

Many airports and airlines use AI to speed up the boarding experience and defuse chaos. For example, Southwest Airlines is using data science to help with their boarding process by collecting real-time feedback and monitoring boarding through trial and error; in other words, monitoring the boarding process according to who boards first and the speed at which they do so. How are passengers behaving, what is causing specific triggers, and what solutions can be implemented to fix any potential delays immediately?

Delta is another airline that has rolled out a fantastic biometric system to scan passengers' faces and match them with border control databases. These self-service solutions can create a safer and faster flow in the boarding process.

According to Analytics Vidhya, "In 2018, U.S. passenger airlines were losing on an average of $74.29 per minute due to delays. The U.S. Department of Transportation calculated that delays caused by plane servicing accounted for 5.8 percent of all delayed flights." However, by using real-time information, airline employees can monitor how long processes such as fueling, cargo, catering, and other operations take and help evaluate how to proceed more efficiently and speedily.

Other uses of AI and data

Not only are these incredible tech tools helping speed up the boarding process and the operations mentioned above, but they’re also aiding in monitoring fuel consumption by collecting information from each flight and performing a deep analysis to help identify saving and efficiency opportunities. Likewise, air traffic control automation is a computer program that plays a hand in air safety by automating rudimentary air traffic control planning and decision-making functions, allowing airlines to plan, make decisions, and act on them more successfully.

Lastly, maintenance can rack up costs incredibly fast and cause costly delays. However, by implementing data solutions and predictive analytics, support teams can determine problems faster and find solutions more efficiently, thus, reducing long-term expenses associated with such maintenance.

Briana Brownell, CEO of PureStrategy Inc, states: “I see many opportunities! For instance, to optimize operations, including adding, changing, or removing routes, setting flight times, pricing, and product offerings. Ultimately, success is driven by having a deep understanding of different customer segments and where new market opportunities exist.”

It’s no secret that the world is changing with incredible vigor with the help of data science and machine learning alike, speeding up and automating operations. These cognitive technologies help us make sense of data and streamline areas such as maintenance, customer service, internal operations, tasks, and airline management, amongst others. And they are just getting started.

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Aviation advancements: A year in review

From safety to new systems, infrastructures, tools, engines, and more, 2022 was an incredible year for aviation growth.

From safety to new systems, infrastructures, tools, engines, and more, 2022 was an incredible year for aviation growth.

Indeed, 2022 was an excellent year for aviation advancements and general aviation technology, with some of the biggest winners in the industry being businesses. Likewise, we saw numerous companies fighting for sustainability, working with AI, and optimizing airports to be smarter using bioptics and greener products, methods, and systems.

Avionic Tech
Over 30 new products and methods were introduced in the industry, significantly benefiting general aviation operators; among the most popular were new aircraft systems, flight operation analysis, and optimized connectivity in planes. For example, the Astronautics AeroSync is one of the most groundbreaking tools in general aviation. Launched in 2022, this new Wireless Airborne Communication System provides data and health monitoring for operators and in-flight cabin connectivity for passengers alike.

Avionica's miniAID new aircraft interface device is also making great waves! According to the Vice President of Products and Services, Scott Ridge, the interface “Allows two-way connectivity from your connected aircraft to your Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), with the wireless built in and the cellular built in, this connects your EFB to the aircraft operational data. A very specific application that is often used is an aircraft moving map.”

New Certification

This year, new advances in air mobility also had a tremendous impact on the aviation industry’s eVTOL developers and the companies behind the planes. With new rules and regulations established by the FAA, the certification pathway for an eVTOL aircraft changed, now placing them under Section 21.17, previously created for a special class of power-lifted aircraft such as sailplanes and drones. Under this section, pilots will have to change certifications and undergo additional training.

Sustainability

Hydrogen has been all the rave lately. With many companies such as Rolls Royce conducting tests with electric and hydrogen aircraft flying, we are now closer to creating more sustainable engines and fuel that will lower costs and help bring a more green approach to aviation.

AI and machine learning

Perhaps one of the most fun changes in aviation being applied worldwide is Artificial Intelligence. AI and other such technology are helping the overall security, check-in routines/procedures, retail, parking, and more. On the manufacturing side, these new technologies can help find engine issues/failures timely, and error-free while also helping with durability, creating better pieces, and reducing both time and costs. At the same time, machine-automated solutions can make designing and maintaining planes even better.

Smart airports and self-service

Smart airports or semi-smart ones are here! The pandemic pushed us to adopt new solutions to help keep passengers, pilots, and our crews safe. For example, if you are traveling through some airports, you might see self-service kiosks with facial recognition and biometrics, such as CLEAR.

CLEAR's innovative identity technology powers faster, easier, and more secure identification process experiences at hotels, stadiums, and offices, amongst others. With CLEAR, you only have to identify yourself with a boarding pass and fingerprint/iris identification. The TSA PreCheck also offers a faster and more convenient security check by omitting the steps of removing your shoes, coats, laptops, and whatever else you have on you.

While all these changes were absolutely groundbreaking, the aviation industry is always moving faster than light producing new tools/technologies. It is safe to say that since 2020 (known as the worst year for the industry) to now, several of the issues that plagued the industry, the impact of the pandemic, and user/passenger demands have significantly been resolved.

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Important things you need to know about One Pilot

To have two pilots or one pilot? That is the question. In this latest dilemma, airlines are pushing to cut costs and operations in very concerning ways.

To have two pilots or one pilot? That is the question. In this latest dilemma, airlines are pushing to cut costs and operations in very concerning ways.

In the early days, a pilot could count on 4 other crew members assisting them in the cockpit. Fast forward to now, technological advances have shrunk the operations down to 2 pilots and, quite possibly, even just one. Airlines and other regulators express their needs and explain how a one-pilot model will lower costs and solve crew shortages. It will also put all the pressure and responsibility on one person. With many countries asking the UN to change global aviation safety rules, issues of safety and stress are a significant concern.

Many airlines and companies are pushing to have one pilot instead of 2 in the cockpit when flying commercial. Though many believe this will cut costs, many pilots are expressing concerns about the amount of stress that comes along with this. What does this new bill mean, and how will it affect operations? Here’s a deep dive to help you understand, prepare, and consider the risks/challenges.

What is the one pilot model?

One Pilot model or Single Pilot (SPO) operation is an important development in modern aviation technology operations. According to Single Pilot Operations In Commercial Cockpits by Paul L. Myers III and Arnold W. Starr JR, The SPO mode is a reduction from two pilots to one pilot, which no longer can interact, monitor, confirm, and make decisions between pilots. With the development of IT technology, the logical automated processing capability and the performance of aircraft systems have been effectively enhanced, but human-to-human decision-making based on knowledge, perception, experience, and cognition during flight has stayed the same. Thus, relying solely on the single pilot's independent cognition, behavior, and competence does not meet the safety requirements set out by I0CAO.

With fuel, labor prices, pilot salary increases, and even staffing problems, the critically acclaimed SPO could save airlines some money.

The Concerns

Changing from a collaboration of two pilots to one single pilot can drastically increase the workload that two pilots should carry out. Specific controls, set-ups, and processes might be complicated and only possible to perform with two pilots. The SPO model adoption will need to cover or create an efficient and high-quality operation to eliminate any differences, response times, flight awareness, and decision-making for one pilot to perform effectively.

In addition, the circumstances below will need to be addressed:

●  When a pilot becomes incapacitated or unconscious and unable to respond to voice alerts, it can cause tragic consequences.

●  Cockpit surveillance

●  Establish air-ground communications and decisions.

●  Complex failures and problem-solving

●  Check and balance

Obstacles to consider

While we have come so far in automation, the technology that helps us fly can only do as it is told. Therefore, the automation will have to act as another human pilot and respond promptly and without errors to the pilot. You could program a computer to do specific tasks, but it cannot handle human cognitive functions. Automation failures can increase the workload again for pilots and break any confidence in the systems, becoming a stressor and getting in the way of how the pilot thinks, operates, and reacts.

Lastly, the biggest obstacle to consider is whether passengers are willing to accept one pilot flying with possible help from a not-so-perfect system. With so many countries asking for regulations to be changed and saying one pilot is as safe as two, an imminent change in automation technology needs to be developed before replacing an expert second human pilot.

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The burrito and its yummy history!

As a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, there is much more to the burrito than meets the eye.

Like an iceberg, the burrito has so many deep layers of goodness drenched in salsa and history.


As a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, there is much more to the burrito than meets the eye. With so many choices available, from breakfast burritos, bean, and cheese, meats, wet ones, Juarez burritos, and more, it can be hard to choose just one or know why they all contain certain fillings. Why is it called “little donkey,” and why does a burrito have french fries in it and not rice?

The History

No one knows for sure who created the burrito, but what we do know is that it was built in the 20th century in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, or Sonora. A few stories narrate how Juan Mendez, a vendor in Chihuahua, invented the burrito while the Mexican Revolution was happening. Mendez would wrap food inside a tortilla and transport the food on his donkey. He found out that not only was this a great way to store food but a great way to eat it.

Other stories talk about people traveling the Sonora desert and inventing the burrito as an easy way to travel with food on top of their donkeys. The burrito was very slim and easy to carry!

Lastly, the burrito might have been invented in the streets of Ciudad Juarez by a street vendor. This vendor would sell his burritos to school kids, making it easy for them to eat food wrapped up in a burrito.

The ultimate burrito guide

Oddly enough, the burrito didn't make its way to the U.S. until the 1950s! Migrant workers would take burritos since they were easy to make and carry around. As the burrito made its way around the borderlands and through the U.S. slowly, it began to adapt and change to local cultures. In California, they wrap the burrito in foil and load it with fries, and overstuff it with corn, meat, salsa, pastrami, and so many other ingredients, known as the Mission burrito invented by El Faro in San Francisco. Meanwhile, in Texas, the burritos kept their traditional rice, beans, veggies, meat, cheese, and a side of guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, and lettuce.

A burrito you eat in Cuidad Juarez might differ from the one you eat just across the border or in another city. You can even find the vegan version!

Traditional- A lot of taste in simplicity! It is much smaller and more classical, with only a handful of ingredients such as beans, meat, and cheese.

●  Mission- Overstuffed and overjoyed! This baby from SF has a giant tortilla filled with meat, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeno, and more! This super burrito can weigh 1.76 pounds!

●  California- Together with SF and New Mexican culture, this burrito came to life. With marinated chicken and beef, crunchy fries, cheddar cheese, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, additional rice, etc., you get a very big meal to keep you going!

●  Wet- All the yummy traditional ingredients layered/covered with a green and/or red chili sauce, cheese, and cream.

●  Breakfast- Created in the 1970s in California, this hearty breakfast favorite is the best way to start your day. It includes eggs, bacon, chorizo, potatoes, cheese, and chili sauce.

The best places for a burrito

Burritos Crisostomo- Whether you are in El Paso, Texas, or next door in Juarez, Mexico,

these are the best beastly big burritos you will ever have. Made with the best and freshest ingredients and family-run.
El Faro- As mentioned before, El Faro in San Francisco, California, is a must-try if you

love burritos! They are the original makers of the Mission burrito.
Rito’s Mexican Food- Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this fantastic little Mexican restaurant was established in the 70s. This family-owned restaurant has the best Mexican recipes for every single dish, not just the burrito! They have the freshest ingredients, a colorful establishment, and the friendliest staff.

Whatever burrito you might go after, Andiago is here to help you conquer it by showing you the best places to eat them. So get your friends and family and go forth to tackling the historical and delicious burrito.

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