Volume 5, Issue 7

August 2011Volume 5, Issue 7

Inside this issue:

Burns and Roe Selected for 650 MW Combined Cycle Project

1

Burns and Roe Awarded Engineering Contract for Hudson Transmission Project

2

The Fire at Los Alamos - A First Hand Account 3

2011 New York Ragnar Relay 8

Safety Topic of the Month: Hydration 13

Your Employee Assistance Program 14

Leisure Spotlight: There are Moments I Remember ....

15

26th Annual NJ Oktoberfest at Crystal Springs Resort

16

Dept. of State Issues Updated Worldwide Travel Caution

18

Drink of the Month 21

Burns and Roe Team Selected for 650 MW Combined Cycle Project

The team of Burns and Roe and PCL Industrial Construction has been selected by Panda Power Funds to engineer and construct a 650 MW Combined Cycle power plant in Temple, Texas on a 250 acres site. The power island will be provided by Siemens, and the major equipment will consist of two Gas Turbine generators, two Heat Recovery Steam Generators, and one Steam Turbine generator.

Burn and Roe will be the prime subcontractor under PCL and will be responsible for the engineering and design of the balance of plant and procurement of the balance of plant equipment.

The plant is projected to begin commercial operation in June, 2014.

The Burns and Roe Project Manager is Dennis Chianese and the project will be executed out of our Mt. Laurel Office.

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Burns and Roe Awarded Engineering Contract For Hudson Transmission Project

by Ivan Yung Mechanical Engineer

Burns and Roe has been awarded a contract to provide engineering services for the Hudson Transmission Project. The Project will provide a high voltage direct current back-to-back link to connect the power supply networks of New Jersey and New York through a high-voltage cable link installed under the Hudson River.

Burns and Roe, as a subcontractor, is involved with the electrical converter station which will be constructed in Ridgefield, NJ, where 230 kV-AC power from the PJM grid will be converted to DC, and then back to 345-kV AC for New York’s system. Burns and Roe’s scope of services for this project consists of civil engineering design of the converter station as well as the station’s auxiliary electrical and mechanical systems.

The Burns and Roe Project Manager is Bernadette Lafond.

Burns and Roe was involved in a similar project a few years ago with the Neptune project, which was successfully completed and provides a high voltage direct current link between New Jersey and Long Island that transmits 660 MW at 500 kV.

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The Fire At Los Alamos - A First Hand Account

by Mike ZaydensCSA Designer

On April 17 2011, I stepped out from the airplane after landing in New Mexico. This was the day I started my work in Los Alamos.

The first month I lived in a hotel in Santa Fe. Every morning I would drive 20 miles to the Burns and Roe office in Los Alamos and every night I would drive 20 miles back to my hotel. After a month, I decided to find a place of shelter closer to the office to save gas and time. In one week, with the help of my boss, Anand, I had found an apartment that fit my conditions. Soon enough, I had happily moved into my new place in Los Alamos. The business trip continued as usual.

Editor’s Note:

The following is an account of the fire at Los Alamos, as seen through the eyes of Burns and Roe’s Mike Zaydens, who has been on assignment there.

Smoke emanating from the fire at Los Alamos

Once a month we could fly to New Jersey for a few days and then go back to Los Alamos. At the end of June, my son graduated high school. (I would like to personally congratulate him.) On June 21st I flew to New Jersey and on June 27th, I came back.

On June 27th, around 4 pm, my plane smoothly landed in Albuquerque Airport. As usual I went to long term parking, took my car and began my 90-mile trip to Los Alamos. I was driving and thinking about the near future: What I would do in the evening for dinner - cook for myself or go to “Subway” and grab myself a big, foot-long sandwich and a tall cup of cold Pepsi. Both

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options were good. I could not choose which one, but I was not worried. I had only driven 10 miles and I could think about my options for another 80 miles. Suddenly my pondering and cheerful mood was disrupted by my phone’s ringing: my wife was calling me, “Michael stop! Michael you have to come back home or you have to stay at some hotel away from Los Alamos. The area all around Los Alamos is up in flames, the entire town was evacuated. This is all on the news.” I was not ready to stop. I have not yet finished deciding what would be better: to get a sandwich or to cook. Also, if I were to go stay at a hotel, I not only needed an available hotel, but also my clothes for few days. I had in my luggage only a photo camera and laptop but they not substitutes for clothing. All my clothes were in Los Alamos. I continued to drive to Los Alamos. Ten miles after my wife’s call, I received a call from

my landlord, “Michael, where are you? You cannot go to your apartment in Los Alamos because of the mandatory evacuation. All the highways and roads leading into Los Alamos are blockaded by the Police.”After her call I thought again where I have to go, how could I get clothes and what should I have for dinner. My head was full of these problems, but the car continued to travel towards Los Alamos. As I was nearing Santa Fe, I began to see a lot of cars parked on the shoulder. Drivers and passengers were stepping out of their cars and looking towards the north. Towards the north was Los Alamos and heavy smoke rising to the sky. After seeing the smoke, I immediately felt the smell of fire coming into the car from my open windows. In order to reach my apartment I had to drive 30 more miles, but I did not know what to do this because of the fierce sight and smell. However,

More views of the fire at Los Alamos

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the easiest answer for me was to just continue driving. As I kept on driving, I saw more people. Some were taking pictures, some were just watching, and some were talking about this horrifying view. Three miles before reaching Los Alamos I saw, at the bottom of a hill, at a gas station many police cars and barriers, yet the road was still open. I continued on the highway. At Los Alamos airport, there was a National Guard check point. They looked at me but didn’t stop me.

Near my building, Trinity Drive was closed by a National Guard check point. A big military truck blocked the drive so that there was only a small gap that would allow one car at a time to pass. Before this check point I took a right and in 5 seconds I was parked. I was not filling in as James Bond trying to infiltrate a secure area; I was filling in as Michael who needed clothes. I stepped out and looked around. Los Alamos was completely changed. The town was empty. All the citizens had left the city. All pets were gone. All stores and businesses were closed and lights were off. The

apartment buildings around were dark and quiet. Only emergency vehicles broke this silence with their lights and very loud sirens. A very distinct and sharp smoke replaced the fresh air. This smell was not like a smell from a fireplace; this smell was a mix of burnt grass, burnt wood from different trees, and burnt earth. Heavy gray and yellow smoke was filling the whole town up. The scene was similar to a Spielberg movie about a horrible alien in the city. In this case, the alien was a fire.

When I entered my apartment, I felt the same smell inside that was wreaking havoc outside. By this time it was already 6 p.m. and I decided to spend the night in this “Spielberg” town. I closed all the windows tightly in my apartment.

As soon as I settled down into my apartment, my stomach began to rumble; I was hungry, but I no longer had to think about what I should eat because the Subway sandwich and cold cup of Pepsi were out of

Helicopters used to fight the fire at Los Alamos

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the question. After eating my home-cooked dinner, I turned on my laptop and began to read the news about the fire that was occurring practically in my backyard. The fire situation was extremely serious because the fire was moving pretty fast towards the Los Alamos National Laboratory complex. At this point I went to bed with this heavy thought. During the night I had a dream about a foot- long Subway sandwich with a tall cup of cold Pepsi.

In the morning I woke up to a loud noise. I stood up and went to the window: it was a nice, sunny morning with blue skies and just a few small clouds. However, this picture quickly faded into a gray and yellow fog. I still smelt the same pungent odor of fire. In the sky were helicopters. Their sound had awaken me. They had joined the battle against the fire. As I looked from the window, a few fire engines and police cars rushed impetuously to the field of battle. They were able to do this as there was no traffic and no one on the street. I quickly left the window to shower, shave, brush my teeth, and eat a quick breakfast. I packed what I would need for a few days, stuffed it into my car and went on my way to Santa Fe. I passed both National Guard check points at a slow speed through the small gap which the National Guard left. They again carefully looked at me and inside the car but did not stop me from

continuing. I slowly passed the police check point on the bottom of a hill. They also did not stop me. Passing that checkpoint, I rushed to the Santa Fe hotel where I had lived the first month I was on assignment. The hotel looked as if it was completely full, but thankfully the woman that was working at the front desk remembered me and found me a room. This room was available only during the evening. By this time, the smell of the fire was filling up Santa Fe, though the smell was not as bad as it was in Los Alamos.

The Burns and Roe office in Los Alamos closed. Many of my co-workers flew back to New Jersey for this time period, but I decided to stay at the hotel. I had no doubt what I would do for my first lunch. Yes, I went to Subway. I ordered a big pastrami sandwich with all the vegetables they had on Italian bread. I asked for it to toasted with dressing, vinegar and oil. The smell was terrific. I added a tall cup of dramatically cold Pepsi to my sandwich order. I found a seat near the window and started to eat my sandwich. As I looked out the window while eating, I started thinking about how a small occasion can change our life. Maybe during the weekend some tourist or camper had left a glass bottle in the forest. Maybe this bottle worked as a glass lens and started the fire. A five-cent bottle and careless man could have easily changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people. I had previously visited forests near Los Alamos many times. They were very, very dry.

Panoramic view of the fire at Los Alamos

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There was not a single drop of rain in more than three months. It looks as if you can start a fire in the forest by touching a twig; it seemed as if the heat from your hand would be sufficient to start a fire. But I had finished the sandwich and I stopped thinking about this. During the second day of my hotel stay, I found a telephone number of the evacuation headquarter office. Thereafter, every morning precisely at 7 a.m., I would call the office and ask about Los Alamos reopening, and every day I got an answer “NOT YET”. I wanted to stay at my apartment, because at least in my apartment I was a temporary owner; in a hotel I was just a guest. Every day I read on the web about the fire battle. The information was very worrying. The firefighters could not contain the fire area and the fire was spreading. On July 3, as usual, at 7 a.m. I called the evacuation headquarter asking about “When”. On that day the headquarters very politely asked me to wait. In few minutes I heard “Los Alamos will be reopening at 8 a.m.” I was in a hurry. I wanted to go back as soon as possible. I took my stuff, loaded it in the car, checked out of the hotel and in 15 minutes was on my way to Los Alamos. I was one of the first along the highway that led to Los Alamos. I rushed to return to my apartment. I did not know why I was in such a rush. Near the gas station, where I saw many police cars on the first day, there was a very well organized National Guard check point. There were tents, barriers, military trucks and huge piles of boxes with bottles of drinking water. The guards saw me and waved in a friendly

manner. They were in high spirits after having won the battle with the fire. I had the same elated feeling too. Los Alamos won this battle. I waved back to them. To get to Los Alamos, I have to climb up the high mountain by the snake road. I was on this road and speeded up. I was going about 45 miles per hour completely ignoring the speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Suddenly, above the observation point I saw a police car. I reduced my speed, but it was too late; the police officer has seen me speeding already. Fortunately, he was also in high spirits. He was the conqueror of the big battle with the fire and he did not want to fine anybody. The officer waved me by. I was so happy and continued at 25 miles per hour to climb to Los Alamos. At Los Alamos airport where the second National Guard check post was located, the barriers were removed; the road was open completely in both directions. The guards greeted me with happy smiles. I did not need an explanation. This greeting meant for me – “Welcome to town, Los Alamos was rescued.” I responded, “Thanks guys”. A few days later I saw my landlord Mary. She said: “Michael, I called you to tell you about the mandatory evacuation. It means the town was closed. First, you should not be in town. Second, the smoke is very harmful for one’s health.” I said, ”Ok, if I could not be here, why did the National Guard and police let me in?” She looked at me silently for what seemed like 3 minutes and said: “You resemble our chief fire inspector… I am going to Subway. Would you like me to get you something?”

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Some people may think of a nonstop 200 mile run through the hills of New York as some kind of bizarre punishment, something only to be attempted by those with questionable judgment and a strange enjoyment of self-injury. While I do not completely disagree, I can say that completing such a race can be very gratifying and dare I say – fun?

Toward the end of 2010, some friends and I received an email advertising a road race in upstate New York called the Ragnar Relay. The race was billed as “A winding, 200(ish) mile running relay event in New York like you’ve never experienced”. The race encourages its participants to wear team costumes, decorate their vans and submit videos of their race. Awards are given for the top teams in all of these categories, in addition to the obvious awards for fastest teams. After initially

2011 New York Ragnar Relayby Chris Pesce CSA Engineer

My leadoff leg at the starting line

discussing the idea as a joke, we decided (against our better judgment and after a few beers) to actually register and assemble our own team. A number of us had been running on and off throughout the year, and were looking for a new challenge to keep us running through the winter.

The race itself is a non-stop relay; with one runner at a time carrying the baton (a snap-on wristband) through the roads and trails of New York State. Each typical relay team consists of twelve runners, who all run in a fixed order. Each runner runs three legs during the course of the race, for a total of 36 legs. The entire race takes roughly 25 to 30 hours to complete from start to finish. Runners are divided into two vans which shuttle the runners between exchanges and provide water, encouragement and even light (during the nighttime

Volume 5, Issue 7

Brian Urgo shows off his van decorating prowess.

The team focusing before the race

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legs) to the active runner. Some teams opted to run the race entire race with only six runners. It made us feel good that there were people crazier than us out there.

The twelve-person team we assembled included three runners from Burns & Roe; Myself, Brian Urgo and Tom Ruggiero. We also talked Chris Dimaano into being our full-time van driver so we wouldn’t end up with an exhausted runner driving us into a ravine somewhere. The other team members included runners from a wide range of athletic and professional backgrounds, including one professional photographer who can be credited with taking some of the amazing photos seen here (http://www.catini.net). Some had never run before, while others had already completed full marathons and had been running much of their lives. I was somewhere in the middle, having run a number of short 5k and 10k races over the years for fun, but nothing longer than a half marathon, so this was going to be a challenge. Once we had assembled the team, our first task was agreeing on a name.

After hundreds of rejected ideas and numerous votes on the issue, the selected name was a very tongue -in-cheek “Going Commando” with a military theme. Plans were drawn up for the camouflage-style costumes and van decorations in true engineering fashion. Brian Urgo built a formidable-looking set of rocket launchers to be mounted to our rental vans, constructed from cardboard boxes and empty rolls of plotter paper. Washable spray paint completed the effect. Thankfully, law enforcement did not hassle us during our travels. The rocket launchers may have dissuaded them. Custom camouflage shirts were also designed using an online custom shirt retailer. If you can’t win, at least try to look good losing, we thought.

With all of the planning and logistics required, it was almost too easy to forget the most important part of preparing for the race; Running, running and more running. The race website gave an intermediate training plan that recommended training up to nearly 45 miles per week, which was met by most of the team members

A typical exchange point. Yes, the runner beside me is wearing a tutu.

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Luxurious sleeping accommodations

with laughter. Not going to happen. For each of us, it came down to how little we think we can train and still have a decent chance of surviving the thing. The answer varied between team members, but by the end of the training schedule everyone was running a lot with most of us running more than we had ever run before.

The difficulty of each leg of the race varied from an easy 1.9 miles to a very hilly 10 miles, and each runner had to complete 3 legs in roughly 24 hours. Even the runner with the “easiest” legs would run a total of almost twelve miles, while the unlucky runners (such as myself and Tom) with the harder legs would be running over twenty miles of hills within one day’s time. This meant that hard training was mandatory, and the snowy winter made this even more difficult. Waiting for warm weather to start training was not an option. Personally I hate treadmills and tried to get out on the road as much as weather permitted.

So after months of training, planning and spending entirely too much money for the privilege of potentially hurting oneself, the morning of the race arrived. We were up around 3:30am and both vans were quickly

loaded and on the road up to the start line in Bethel, NY. Upon arrival, we immediately began sizing up the competition. There were around 200 teams of runners, so there was a lot of competition. Most had very little in the way of decorations on their vehicles. We have the van award in the bag, I thought. The other team outfits we saw included professional wrestlers, superheroes, pirates and pretty much everything in between although most people just wore typical running gear.

After a quick safety training session, our start time was upon us. I was the leadoff runner, so the pressure was on me to put in a good showing. I started along with a dozen or so other runners, none of whom looked particularly slow, so I knew it would be a fast start. I had originally planned on taking it easy for my first leg since I had two harder legs to run later, but after the starting horn went off that plan went out the window. The course was hilly but adrenaline helped me finish my first 5.8 miles in a faster-than-planned 46 minutes. I knew I would pay for that later, but it felt great at the time. The rest of the team followed in succession. Some of the hills were so steep the van struggled to climb them. Overall the scenery was pretty spectacular at times, although pain and sweat did blur much of it.

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The team wearing their medals proudly at the finish line

Cheering on the other runners was a staple of the race. Camaraderie was really impressive between all the teams and helped keep everyone going through some really tough legs. As night fell, we put on our head lamps, tail lamps and reflective gear to start the second set of runs for our van. These night runs included legs through downtown Poughkeepsie and New Paltz, some on pitch black trails, and one leg crossing the Hudson River on the “Walkway over the Hudson”, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge.

Having finished our second set of runs, we set off to try and sleep in a parking lot at one of the exchanges. Some

opted to sleep outside in sleeping bags, while others toughed it out in the van. After an hour or two of sleep, we were back on the road for our final runs. Fatigue and lack of sleep made these the most challenging legs but in the end the entire team finished strong with final time of 29 hours and 25 minutes, averaging just a hair under 9 min/mile pace.So we did not win the race, and due to some chicanery and obvious bribing of the judges we somehow also lost the best van and costume awards. In spite of this, and the fact that walking was difficult for a few days after the race, I’m sure that the team will be reborn in some form for another of the upcoming relay races. Recruiting for next year’s team will be starting soon…

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It’s summer time and the weather’s hot (at least for those in the Northern Hemisphere)! As we head outdoors to enjoy the sun after a brutal winter, keep in mind that you should properly hydrate yourself.

When we’re exposed to a hot environment, the body self-regulates to prevent overheating. This is accomplished by sweating which cools down the body as the sweat evaporates. However, sweating reduces the body’s water level; when we are dehydrated (low water levels) our normal bodily functions are adversely affected.

Signs of dehydration include flushed skin, light-headedness, fatigue and a dry cough. If you suspect that you are getting dehydrated, get out of the hot environment and seek medical attention. To prevent dehydration, people should prescribe to the following regimen:

Active people should drink at least two cups (16 fluid ounces) of water one to two hours before an outdoor activity. For every 10 to 15 minutes that you are outdoors, you should consume five to 10 fluid ounces of water. After coming back from outdoors, you should drink more water (approximately two cups).

Remember to properly hydrate if you’re going to enjoy the outdoors!

Safety Topic of the Month: Hydration

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Volume 5, Issue 7

There are Moments I Remember . . .

We’ve all had a special moment in our life when we know – at the very instant we’re experiencing it – that it will be remembered for the rest of our lives. After all, it is said that life is remembered in moments and not in minutes.

I recently experienced that phenomenon at the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay, an intimate and exclusive hideaway in the center of untouched natural landscapes that stretched from a dramatic seacoast to enchanting highland forests. During my nightly strolls, I noticed that the air was so clear of pollution and artificial light that I felt as if I was blanketed with a million stars. I marveled at how close the stars seemed to be and how the cloudy traces of the Milky Way could be seen with a naked eye. I marveled at how small and humble I felt on this small speck of green and blue earth that we call home.

A stay at a Four Seasons Resort can do that to a person. From the moment you walk through the lobby, your senses are open to fresh, bright and inspiring new experiences. Perhaps it’s the warm welcome by the staff or the cold towel waiting to refresh you upon your arrival. You will find that every nuance at a Four Seasons property is well-thought out and designed to delight the senses and soothe the soul.

Although unique from one another, each Four Seasons property shares a devotion to perfecting the travel experience by combining personalized 24-

Leisure spotLight

hour service, authentic, elegant surroundings and meticulous attention to detail. Four Seasons currently manages 85 hotels and resorts in 35 countries. Three of the newest locations are The Four Seasons Resort, Vail, Colorado; the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane; and the Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech.

We are proud to announce that Directravel is now one of a select group of designated agencies in the Four Seasons Preferred Partner Program. This is an exclusive, invitation-only network of high-end travel consultants from around the world. As a member, Directravel has proved its dedication to providing our clients with a premium level of service and it shares the Four Seasons commitment to exceptional quality. As such, clients who book a Four Seasons stay through Directravel benefit from this partnership by receiving all sorts of value added services and amenities. Here are some examples:

• Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom• Lunch for two once during stay• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in• Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and Directravel and the amenities that are being extended• Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings

From Bora Bora to Whistler, British Columbia, there’s a Four Seasons property for every adventurer. Let us help you find your own special moment.

For further information or to request a brochure, please contact our Leisure Specialists at vacations@dt.com.

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26th Annual NJ Oktoberfest at Crystal Springs ResortSaturday, September 17, 2011 12pm-9pm

Hang on to your lederhosen! It’s NJ Oktoberfest time! Join in the fall family fun at Crystal Springs Resort for the 26th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 12pm-9pm, held rain or shine. The famous award-winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra will provide the musical entertainment, featuring all the popular polka favorites. This will be an event not to be missed with fun for the entire family including:

Lumberjack Contest • Pie Eating Contest • Golf Scramble • Carnival Games • Pony Rides • Magic Show •

Enjoy great German beer and feast on your favorite Bavarian treats like: Knockwurst • Roasted Suckling Pig • Weiswurst • Black Forest Cake • Strudel •

Bring your family and friends to Oktoberfest, one of the best NJ Fall Festivals, on the Minerals Field, Route 94- Vernon, NJ. Free Admission! $5 Parking Fee Per Car Contact 973.827.2222 for more information.

“Oktoberfest Survival Package at Minerals Resort & Spa” - Hang on to your lederhosen! It’s Oktoberfest time! Oktoberfest Survival Package Includes:

Accommodations at Minerals Resort & Spa on Saturday, • September 17 20 tickets per person good towards food & beverage at the • Oktoberfest Oktoberfest “Survival Pack” with a complimentary souvenir • beer mug, a bottle of water and a packet of travel Advil! Complimentary 2pm check-out ($50 value) • Unlimited access to Minerals Sports Club including 7 indoor/• outdoor heated pools, 70+ weekly fitness classes, yoga & more!

Minerals Resort & Spa offer deluxe guestrooms, luxury guestrooms, presidential suites, and spacious slopeside and golfside condominiums and reservations can be made by calling 973.827.5996, ext. 2.

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“Oktoberfest Survival Package at Grand Cascades Lodge” - Hang on to your lederhosen! It’s Oktoberfest time!

Oktoberfest Survival Package Includes:

Accommodations at Grand Cascades Lodge on Saturday, September 19 • 20 tickets per person good towards food & beverage at the Oktoberfest • Oktoberfest “Survival Pack” with a complimentary souvenir beer mug, a bottle of water and a packet of • travel Advil! Complimentary 2pm check-out ($50 value) • Complimentary use of Resort Shuttle to Minerals • Unlimited access to the Biosphere Pool Complex with indoor freeform pool, waterslide, hot tub, steam room • and sauna Unlimited access to Minerals Sports Club including 7 indoor/outdoor heated pools, 45+ weekly fitness • classes, yoga & more!

Please be advised that the Oktoberfest is being held at Minerals Resort & Spa - approx. a 5 minute drive from Grand Cascades Lodge. Complimentary shuttle is included. Grand Cascades Lodge offers premium guestrooms, studio suites, 1- and 2-bedroom suites & reservations can be made by calling 973.827.5996, ext. 2.

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The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated January 31, 2011, to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. The Department of State believes there is an enhanced potential for anti-American violence given the death of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011. Current information suggests that Al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including during holidays.

U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Extremists have targeted and attempted attacks on subway and rail systems, aviation, and maritime services. In the past several years, these types of attacks have occurred in cities such as Moscow, London, Madrid, Glasgow, and New York City.

Current information suggests that Al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. European governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attack, and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions. In the past several years, attacks have been planned or occurred in various European cities.

Credible information indicates terrorist groups also seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. For example, Iraq remains dangerous and unpredictable. Attacks against military and civilian targets throughout Iraq continue. Methods of attack have included roadside improvised explosive devices, mortars, and shootings; kidnappings still occur as well. Security threat levels remain high in Yemen due to terrorist activities there. The U.S. Embassy has had to close several times in response to ongoing threats by Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). U.S. citizens as well as other Westerners have been targeted for attack in Yemen. U.S. citizens have also been the targets of numerous terrorist attacks in Lebanon in the past (though none recently) and the threat of anti-Western terrorist activity continues to exist there. In Algeria, terrorist attacks occur regularly, particularly in the Kabylie region of the country. In the past, terrorists have targeted oil processing facilities in both Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Department of State Issues Updated Worldwide Travel Caution

July 26, 2011

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The events of the last few months in many countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, and Syria, have resulted in civil unrest and large-scale protests and demonstrations. The situation in Libya remains volatile and dangerous and the threat of violent military and terrorist operations remains high, even in opposition-controlled areas. U.S. citizens are warned that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violent clashes. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations and riots can occur with little or no warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of a demonstration.

A number of Al-Qa’ida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around Africa. Since the July 11, 2010 terrorist bombings in Kampala, Uganda, for which the Somalia-based, U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility, there have been increased threats against public areas across East Africa. The terrorist attacks of August and September 2010 against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and African Union (AU) peacekeeping forces in Somalia, as well as the bombing of hotels and minibuses in Somalia, highlight the vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks in East Africa and around the world. Additionally, the terrorist group Al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has declared its intention to attack Western targets throughout the Sahel (which includes Mali, Mauritania, and Niger). It has claimed responsibility for kidnappings, attempted kidnappings, and the murder of several Westerners throughout the region, including southern Algeria.

U.S. citizens considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there has been a notable increase in armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by pirates. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters.

The U.S. government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys and maintain good communications at all times. U.S. citizens traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise-ship company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hijacking incidents. Commercial vessels should review the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s suggested piracy countermeasures for vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden, which can be found at http://www.marad.dot.gov/

The U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia may also be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. government facilities, U.S. citizens, or U.S. interests. The presence of Al-Qa’ida and its affiliates [Taliban elements, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. government’s list of Foreign Terror Organizations (FTOs), poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens in the region. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and ability to attack targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are not limited to, vehicle-born explosive attacks, improvised explosive device attacks, assassinations, carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults, or kidnappings.

Such attacks have occurred in a number of South Asian states, including Pakistan, where a number of extremist groups continue to target U.S. and other Western citizens and interests, and Pakistani government and military/law enforcement personnel. Suicide bombing attacks continue to occur throughout the country on a regular basis, often targeting government authorities such as police checkpoints and military installations, as well as public

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areas such as mosques, and shopping areas. In Afghanistan, remnants of the former Taliban regime and the Al-Qa’ida terrorist network, as well as other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)/NATO military operations, remain active. There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping and assassination of U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. There is an increased threat of terrorism in India. Terrorists have targeted public places in India frequented by Westerners, including luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas.

Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qa’ida, the Islamic Jihad Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are active in the Central Asian region. Members of these groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and attacked U.S. government interests in the past. Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings.

TRAVELING ABROAD SAFELY

Before You Go

The Department of State encourages U.S. citizens living overseas or planning to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). When you enroll in STEP, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. Enrolling will also make it easier for the Embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date; it is particularly important when you enroll or update your information to include a current phone number and e-mail address.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad”.

U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department of State continues to develop information on potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, such as Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, Country Information, and country specific Messages and Emergency Messages, all of which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/. Stay up to date by bookmarking our website or downloading our freeSmart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

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Volume 5, Issue 7

Burns and Roe75

w w w . r o e . c o m

Inor BarakaJeannie ChanBeverly ChlebowskiJerry DutreuilRoya GhazizadehErin SteigingaBob NilanJohn OstroskiGennadiy SverzhinskiyIvan Yung

Editorial Committee

800 Kinderkamack RoadOradell, NJ 07649

www.roe.com

Drink of the MonthBy Ivan Yung

Mechanical Engineer

Golden Cadillac1 part Liquore Galliano1 part Crème de Cacao1 part Fresh Cream

Shake all ingredients in shaker with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass and enjoy!

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