REVIEW UPDATE – KODAK SCANMATE i920/i940 Scanner Review

The Scan Man has some up close and personal experience with the Kodak i920/i940.

i940 with Documents

The scanner is far faster than you would expect from its small size.  The footprint is tiny and this is truly small enough to carry to appointments or on a business trip.  I find the image quality to be excellent.  Utilizing Kodak Smart Touch to pre-configure up to 9 pre-sets, you can scan just about anything.  For the small business person, it is very good for handling business card scanning.  The scanner has a small tray that will hold up to 20 cards.  As of this moment (software included with scanners changes all the time), Presto Biz Card reader software is included for free and it works efficiently with the scanner.  Presto Biz Card Reader normally retails for $69.95.

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being best, this scanner rates a 9.  This is a Modern Image recommended Best Buy.

Kodak Document Imaging to be spun off

Since Modern Image utilizes a lot of Kodak document imaging equipment and software, the Scan Man has been carefully following the bankruptcy process for Kodak.  It has been announced that Kodak document imaging will be spun off to the Kodak UK pension plan for $650 million in cash/non cash considerations, but more importantly to Kodak, it settles $2.8 billion in debt.  Kodak document imaging emerges from the Kodak empire in a great position, and the remaining Kodak will emerge from bankruptcy this year.  Read more from the New York Times:

Kodak Spinoffs Clear the Path for Emergence From Bankruptcy

Antonio Perez, Kodak chief, said its imaging units would be spun off to a pension plan.

BY MICHAEL J. DE LA MERCED  Kodak said on Monday that it would spin off its document and personal imaging units to its British pension plan for $650 million in cash and noncash considerations, a move that paves the way for Kodak’s exit from bankruptcy protection.

Kodak had been seeking to sell off the two imaging operations. Two weeks ago, Eastman Kodak announced a plan to sell its document imaging business to Brother of Japan for $210 million, with the provision that it could revisit the deal if it could sell both units together.

Now the bankrupt film pioneer has struck an even more advantageous deal after a protracted sales process.

More important, the pension plan will settle its bankruptcy claim of $2.8 billion, paving the way for the company to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States. On Tuesday, Kodak plans to file a draft plan to emerge from bankruptcy.

“In one comprehensive transaction, Kodak will realize its previously announced intention to divest its personalized imaging and document imaging businesses and settle its largest legacy liability,” Antonio M. Perez, Kodak’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.

The company had filed for bankruptcy protection in January 2012 and has been selling off various assets since then. In December, Kodak reached an agreement to sell 1,100 digital imaging patents to a consortium of technology companies for $525 million, far less than expected. But as part of that sale, Kodak retained a license to use the digital imaging portfolio patents in its future businesses, and for those businesses that it is selling.

Kodak is being advised by Lazard and the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. The pension plan was counseled by Hogan Lovells.

A version of this article appeared in print on 04/30/2013, on page B3 of the NewYork edition with the headline: Kodak Spinoffs Clear Path For Exit From Bankruptcy.

EFFICIENCY — A NEW VIEW

The Scan Man has a guest blogger this week, Mr. Gerhard Schwandt. Gerhard is CEO of Management Partners International and he is the Efficiency Coach Plus.  Learn more about Gerhard:  http://www.efficiencyexperts.us/

EFFICIENCY  –  A NEW VIEW

Before Gerhard

I have found that any business owner or executive will handle their areas based on the way that they see or are able to observe those areas. That’s almost one of these “duh” statements.

I invite you to look at it a bit closer, though.  The way you view your business, your office, your area is based on you education, your experience and your training. So, if you are able to add some new way of looking at those areas you are apt to see things in a different way and so become able make positive changes.

Has it ever happened to you that you learned something new about it and that made you look differently at your area? I hope this has happened to you, because than you already understand a bit better what I mean.

After Gerhard

Let me invite you to participate in a little practical:  After you have read this or when you have the next available time, 10 minutes or more, walk into your area like you have never been there before and start questioning why things are done the way done.

Remember this will only work if you are being someone at that moment who has never set foot into the area before.

You might see things now that when you question them from this new point of view that do not seem very efficient. Well, if you can see that they are not that efficient, than you can also figure out a simpler way to make them more efficient.

Go ahead and try it out and let me know what you’ve come up with.

I’m looking forward to your feedback.

Contact Gerhard Schwandt at info@mpint.us and (703) 547-8402.

Partner Profile – Paxton Record Management

Our Storage Partner in Washington DC

Paxton Van Lines has  a rich history of residential and office moves in the Washington DC area, reaching back more than 60 years.  When Modern Image evaluated partners to store physical boxes of paper, Paxton Record Management was a natural fit.

Records Storage

Since 1988, Paxton Record Retention has been providing Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC businesses and organizations with high-quality, cost effective records management services.   Our commercial record centers can provide your company with a cost-effective option for storing and managing information, records and files. Whether in paper form, microfilm or tape media, the commercial record center at Paxton offers secure, state-of-the-art facilities for indexing, bar coding, storing and retrieving records.   Storing records with a commercial records center should not consume your valuable time. At Paxton, retrieving files is as easy as “1, 2, 3.” 1. Call us with the records you want to retrieve… 2. The record is immediately located and pulled… 3. The record is delivered to you.   At Paxton, we work with you, to provide you with the peace of mind of knowing your documents are safe. Our commitment, experience and dedication to customer service make Paxton the ideal choice to act as your partner with all your records management needs.   Our dedication to service is what sets us apart from our competition   Highly professional team members focused on quality customer service. All our employees pass an extensive background check, are insured, trained and uniformed.   Our Inventory management system – we can track every box, file and document with precision with our state-of-the-art records management system.   24-hour document access availability with access to our emergency hot line number your documents are always at your fingertips.   Standard Next day service – we offer 24 hour turn around time on our standard service request with options for same day service and two hour emergency RUSH service.   Retention schedule management allows clients to destroy and manage the destruction of their records in the appropriate time.   Our team can manage and inventory the contents of our client’s boxes and create an accurate database of your records and allow online access through RsWeb.net.   At Paxton Record Retention, we pride ourselves in our customer service. In 2005, Paxton Record Retention was evaluated by Dun & Bradstreet and received a score of 95 (out of 100) in their Open Ratings system. This evaluation is based on existing client references and it places Paxton at the highest level within the Special Warehousing and Storage industry.   Here are a few ways we focus on our customers • All calls are answered by our local associates during normal business hours. No voicemail, pages, or automated attendants. • We provide 24 hour access to your files • Clients can have online access to their record inventory through RsWeb.net • Guaranteed Emergency service delivered to your doors within two hours. • We can assist with record inventory, reporting, additional storage or any customized services as needed.   For more information contact Paxton Record Retention at: 703-764-3300.  http://www.paxton.com/services/records-management/

Product Announcement – Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 – No PC necessary

Fujitsu recently announced the new ScanSnap iX500.  The Scan Man likes this because it makes it possible to truly scan directly to the cloud with no effort.  Read the announcement from Fujitsu and a review from Boing Boing.

Fujitsu Unveils Its Next Generation ScanSnap iX500 Desktop Scanner Incorporating “PC-Less” Scanning to Mobile Device Functionality

Control and Access Documents From the Palm of Your Hand With Your Smartphones and Tablets; Instantly Send Documents to the Cloud for Easy Organizing and Sharing

Sunnyvale, CA, January 7, 2013 — Fujitsu, the market leader in document imaging scanners, today introduced the newest addition to its award-winning ScanSnap product lineup – the next generation ScanSnap iX500 featuring built-in Wi-Fi connectivity giving customers the ability to scan directly to their Android™ and iOS compatible devices 1. Additionally, the ScanSnap iX500, for PC and Mac users, is enhanced with faster scanning speeds, a new advanced feeding system, an intelligent and customizable Quick Menu, and functionality allowing users to easily scan to cloud-based services such as Evernote, Google Docs™, Dropbox, SugarSync and Salesforce.

Equipped with a revolutionary “GI” image processer 2 inside the scanner, the ScanSnap iX500 is now empowered for today’s ever-increasing on-the-go lifestyle and mobile professional. Now, users can instantly scan and transmit PDF or JPEG files, such as contracts, receipts, bills, invoices and business cards, to their mobile devices without the use of a computer.

Utilizing the free “ScanSnap Connect” app on their mobile device or tablet, ScanSnap users achieve a whole new level of convenience in scanning; literally from the palm of their hand. With a simple push of a button, documents are scanned and saved to their mobile device ready to view, share or send to their favorite cloud service. The “ScanSnap Connect” app can be downloaded in the Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store and can be used with Android compatible tablets and smartphones running OS 2.23 and both the iPad and iPhone running iOS 4.3 or later.

“There’s a simple reason why ScanSnap is the top selling personal scanner on the market today – it continues to offer the most intelligent, powerful scanning tools to keep up with the growing demands of our customers,” said Scott Francis, senior vice president of marketing, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. “The ScanSnap iX500’s built-in GI processor allows you to scan and save optimized PDFs to your mobile device without the need for a PC, while its advanced productivity features allow consumers and business professionals to be even more productive and paperless anywhere, anytime. All of this functionality provides customers with the highest performance personal scanning experience combined with extremely easy operation. The iX500 truly pushes the performance bar to a new level.”

Powerful, Intelligent and Fast
The ScanSnap iX500, enhanced with USB 3.0 connectivity, provides the same easy-to-use one-button scanning and advanced imaging technology that customers have come to expect with ScanSnap, while also providing consumers and business professionals additional intuitive productivity features that no other document management company offers. New and innovative features of the ScanSnap iX500 include:

• Faster Scanning Performance: Utilizing the increased power of its engine and “GI” image processor, the iX500 can create PDF files at speeds of up to 25 double-sided color pages per minute (300dpi, color) — that’s 25 percent faster than its predecessor.
• Advanced Document Feeding System: Inheriting the superior paper feeding technology driving the higher-end scanners from Fujitsu, the iX500 achieves exceptional feeding reliability using enhanced “Separation Roller” technology to maximize feeding reliability across an even wider range of documents and scanning situations.
• Customizable Quick Menu: For additional convenience and flexibility, the ScanSnap Quick Menu is fully customizable and automatically appears after scanning providing a quick and easy way to send those scanned documents to several popular “Scan-To” applications. Furthermore, the Quick Menu incorporates new intelligence that anticipates the appropriate application while keeping users in the driver’s seat for easy and faithful disposition of content.
• “ScanSnap Folder”: Stay in the moment and extend the power of one-button scanning into virtually any Windows application, even in the cloud, with the “ScanSnap Folder” function. This easy but powerful feature essentially replicates ScanSnap as a Windows folder which the user can open from their favorite software and web applications4 allowing them to scan into it without making complicated setting changes in ScanSnap or their application. It’s the ultimate in “Scan there!” versatility.
• Cloud Services Support: Users can scan documents directly to Evernote, Google Docs, Dropbox, SugarSync and Salesforce Chatter from their Mac or PC, giving them even more flexibility to store, share and access their paperwork. Whether it is scanning contracts, bills, invoices, or business cards on the road or using a PC in one place and a Mac in another, consumers have the necessary tools to be even more productive and paperless virtually anywhere.

Additional Productivity Features
The ScanSnap iX500 comes with software for PC and software for Mac so users who use both can optimize their ScanSnap for either platform. In-box software includes:

• ScanSnap Manager (PC & Mac): Provides PC and Mac users one button searchable PDF creation, access to intelligent features and custom scan settings (profiles) for simple operation with sophisticated results.
• Scan-to Functions (PC & Mac): Offers users a flexible way to manage PDF, searchable PDF and JPEG files, providing them with an easy way to scan to a folder, attach scans to an email, send scans to a printer, as well as to a variety of cloud-based repositories like Evernote, Dropbox, and others.
• Efficient Business Card Scanning (PC & Mac): PC users can capture a business card, extract the information automatically and export it to Outlook, Excel®, Salesforce and other contact management software. While Mac users can conveniently scan their business cards and export the contact information directly to Address Book or Outlook for Mac.
• ScanSnap Organizer (PC): Offers PC users a convenient way to store, manage and view PDF and JPEG files as well as perform post-scan editing, keyword entry and searchable PDF conversion.
• ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap (PC & Mac): ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap™ allows users to be productive by quickly transforming their paperwork into editable Word®, Excel and PowerPoint files at the push of a button.
• Intelligent and Convenient Document Processing: Comes loaded with a full suite of intelligent scanning features, such as automatic paper size and color detection, automatic de-skew, orientation, and blank page detection & deletion, and the ability to scan a document up to 34 inches long, to support a wider range of documents. The Scanner is also equipped with a 50-page automatic document feeder (ADF).
• Paper to Digital at the Push of a Button:The ScanSnap iX500 comes bundled with Adobe Acrobat X Standard for PC allowing users to quickly transform their paperwork into editable documents at the push of a button.
• Post Scan OCR for Mac Users: The ScanSnap iX500 comes bundled with ABBYY Fine Reader Express for Mac which quickly turns any scanned paper document or PDF file into editable and searchable formats while keeping the original layout intact.
• Rack2-Filer Smart (PC): Rack2-Filer Smart comes bundled with the ScanSnap iX500 Deluxe model and enables PC users to organize their digital files into graphical e-binders and virtual cabinets.

Pricing & Availability
The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 is available now for $495 (U.S. list) through Fujitsu authorized resellers and mail order catalogs. The ScanSnap iX500 Deluxe Bundle is now available for $595 (U.S. list).

Additional Supporting Resources
For more information about Fujitsu ScanSnap visit:

• ScanSnap iX500 Product Page: http://scanners.fcpa.fujitsu.com/scansnap11/iX500.html
• ScanSnap Community: http://scansnapcommunity.com
• Follow @ScanSnap on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ScanSnap
• Become a fan of ScanSnap on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ScanSnap
• Android and iOS device support:
  http://www.fujitsu.com/global/services/computing/peripheral/scanners/ss/feature/ssca.html

1 The ScanSnap iX500 and mobile device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to allow scans to be sent to the mobile device. 
2 The “GI” processor was developed by PFU Limited and is equipped with a dual-core CPU-mounted processor supporting Wi-Fi and USB3.0 interfaces. 
3 Fujitsu does not guarantee that ScanSnap Connect will work on all devices running Android OS 2.2 / iOS 4.3 or later. Please check the ScanSnap Android and iOS device support page for the latest information.
4 ScanSnap Folder is a Windows only function and is intended for cloud services and software applications capable of data uploading/attachment of PDF and JPEG files.

The Fujitsu Service Advantage
The Fujitsu ScanSnap scanner comes standard with a 1-year depot limited warranty. Additionally, the Advance Exchange™ service offering, the Fujitsu overnight replacement program, provides the customer a replacement scanner prior to shipment of any malfunctioned scanner back to Fujitsu. The Advance Exchange offering is available for $99 covering 12 months. For more information about Fujitsu services, contact a Fujitsu distribution partner or service sales at 800-301-9475 or visit 
http://www.ImagingService.com.

Review from Boing Boing:

ScanSnap iX500: a great scanner gets even better

Mark Frauenfelder at 4:33 pm Mon, Jan 14

For the last several years I’ve been using a Fujitsu S1500 ScanSnap scanner to digitaly store all my paper documents. As I’ve said before, the ScanSnap truly was a life changer for me. I had no idea that a sheetfed scanner could be so convenient, fast, and reliable. It accepts up to 50 sheets of paper, scans both sides, performs optical character recognition on the text, and uploads the records to Evernote (or other cloud service such as SugarSync, Google Docs, or Dropbox). It automatically detects if the document is in color, and determines the page size and orientation. It discards blank pages. It also has an ultrasonic sensor that can detect and warn you if more than one sheet goes through the scanner at the same time.

At CES this year Fujitsu announced its newest model, the ScanSnap iX500. Fujitsu sent me an evaluation unit, and I’m impressed with the improvements on a product I already loved. The iX500 represents the sixth generation of the ScanSnap line and it’s as close to being a perfect scanner as I can imagine.

The first improvement is speed. I was perfectly happy with the S1500′s 20 double-sided pages per minute (PPM) rate. AT 25 PPM the iX500 is 25% faster, but the most notable difference is the vastly reduced latency between the new model and the earlier one. When you press the scan button the paper almost immediately goes through the scanner. The previous model had a slight delay between each sheet of paper, but this one has no discernible delay. The pages whip through without pause.

One of the major enhancements to the iX500 is its much-touted wireless conductivity. You can now scan a document by installing an app on your iOS or Android device and touching the scan icon on the device’s display. The ScanSnap will convert the document to a PDF or JPEG that goes directly to your iOS or Android mobile device, even if your computer is turned off. I can’t say that I will use this feature frequently, but it may come in handy if I need to scan something and run out the door with it on my mobile device.

The iX500 also has a new feeding and paper separation system that was originally developed for Fujitsu’s high-end industrial scanners. It has two gripper wheels instead of one, and from my experience so far, papers seem to go through more smoothly, and I have not yet encountered a paper jam.

At $467, the iX500 doesn’t come cheap. But when I think of how much time I’ve saved by not having to file and look for paper documents, it’s a great deal.

ScanSnap iX500

Partner Highlight – NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers

The Scan Man’s favorite partners belong to NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers.  Modern Image is a NAPO Corporate Partner.

The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) was founded in 1985 to promote awareness of the organizing industry, educate the public about the field of professional organizing, and encourage the education and development of member organizers.

Currently, NAPO includes more than 4,200 members.

(Nat Hentoff)

Membership in the National Association of Professional Organizers is made up of organizers who provide hands-on organizing, consultants, speakers, trainers, authors and manufacturers, distributors and sellers of products used for organizing.

The Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter is one of 35 chapters of NAPO located throughout the United States.

If you are curious about working with an Organizer, here’s a few questions:

What should I think about before calling for help?

To determine what is right for you and your situation, ask yourself these questions. You may not know the answers yet, but organizers you contact can help you determine the answers –

• If organizing is a means to an end, what is the end you want to reach?

• What areas are causing the biggest obstacles in the way of your goals?

• Is the disorganization chronic – you try, but standard systems don’t work for you?

• Is the lack of order unusual – due to a life-changing event?

• Is most of the problem due to things that are two-dimensional — papers, magazines and books?

• Is it three-dimensional things – clothes, toys, videos, kitchen gear, etc.?

• Do you need overall space planning and a storage layout structure plan first?

• Do you need hands-on help working through every step of the process?

• Do you need ongoing telephone coaching for time management?
• Do you have ADD?

If you are interested in an introduction to a Professional Organizer, please contact me directly andy@modernimageusa.com.

Scanned Document of the Day – Emancipation Proclamation’s 150th

The Scan Man’s final Scanned Document of the Day for 2012 is the Emancipation Proclamation.  From WTOP, here’s a great story about the history of the Proclamation plus information about tonight’s midnight viewing at the US National Archives in Washington DC.

To view the actual scanned Emancipation Proclamation

By BRETT ZONGKER
Associated Press

Scanned Emancipation Proclamation

WASHINGTON (AP) – As New Year’s Day approached 150 years ago, all eyes were on President Abraham Lincoln in expectation of what he warned 100 days earlier would be coming _ his final proclamation declaring all slaves in states rebelling against the Union to be “forever free.”

A tradition began Dec. 31, 1862, as many black churches held Watch Night services, awaiting word that Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation would take effect amid a bloody Civil War. Later, congregations listened as the president’s historic words were read aloud.

The proclamation would not end slavery outright and at the time couldn’t be enforced by Lincoln in areas under Confederate control. But the president made clear from that day forward that his forces would be fighting to bring the Union back together without the institution of slavery.

Lincoln issued his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862, after the Battle of Antietam, announcing that if rebel states did not cease fighting and rejoin the Union by Jan. 1, 1863, all slaves in rebellious states or parts of states would be declared free from that date forward.

This year, the Watch Night tradition will follow the historic document to its home at the National Archives with a special midnight display planned with readings, songs and bell ringing among the nation’s founding documents.

The official document bears Lincoln’s signature and the United States seal, setting it apart from copies and drafts. It will make a rare public appearance from Sunday to Tuesday _ New Year’s Day _ for thousands of visitors to mark its anniversary. On New Year’s Eve, the display will remain open past midnight as 2013 arrives.

“We will be calling back to an old tradition,” said U.S. Archivist David Ferriero, noting the proclamation’s legacy. “When you see thousands of people waiting in line in the dark and cold … we know that they’re not there just for words on paper.

“On this 150th anniversary, we recall those who struggled with slavery in this country, the hope that sustained them and the inspiration the Emancipation Proclamation has given to those who seek justice.”

The National Archives allows 100 visitors at a time into its rotunda, where the Emancipation Proclamation will be displayed along with the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. On the busiest days, 8,000 people file through for a glimpse of the founding charters.

Performances and re-enactments are scheduled to continue throughout New Year’s Day. The U.S. Postal Service will unveil a new Emancipation Proclamation stamp as well.

This special display is just one of many commemorations planned in Washington and in churches nationwide to mark the anniversary of Lincoln’s actions to end slavery and end the Civil War.

President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, where the 16th president spent much of his time and where he began drafting the proclamation, is displaying a signed copy of the document through February. It also will host its own New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Library of Congress will display the first draft handwritten by Lincoln. It will be on display for six weeks beginning Jan. 3 in the library’s exhibit, “The Civil War in America,” which features many personal letters and diaries from the era.

Also, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture just opened its newest exhibition, “Changing America,” to recount the 1863 emancipation of slaves and the 1963 March on Washington for Civil Rights. It includes a rare signed copy of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that ultimately abolished slavery.

The Watch Night tradition also continues at many sites Monday night.

In Washington, the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, where abolitionist Frederick Douglass was a member, will host a special 150th anniversary service.

History lovers say this is a chance to remember what the Emancipation Proclamation actually signified.

Lincoln wrote in part: “I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward, shall be free.”

He went on to say the military would recognize the freedom of slaves, that freed slaves should avoid violence and that freed slaves could enlist in the U.S. armed forces. It did not immediately free a single slave, though, because Lincoln didn’t have the power to enforce the declaration in the Confederacy. Still, many slaves had already been freeing themselves, and the document gave them protection, said Reginald Washington, an archivist of African-American history at the National Archives.

“It was a first, important step in paving the way for the abolishment of slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment,” he said.

It also brought “a fundamental change in the character of the war,” Washington said. “With the stroke of Lincoln’s pen, a war to preserve the union had overnight become a war of human liberation.”

The proclamation became a symbol of hope for nearly 4 million slaves and a confirmation that the war should be fought to secure their freedom, said Washington, who is retiring from the Archives after nearly 40 years. Some historians and scholars have come to view to proclamation as one of the most important documents in U.S. history.

The final proclamation has been rarely shown because it was badly damaged decades ago by long exposure to light. After it was signed at the White House, it was kept at the State Department for many years with other presidential proclamations. In 1936, it was transferred to the National Archives.

Records show it was displayed between 1947 and 1949 in a “Freedom Train” exhibit that traveled the country. Then it was shown briefly in January 1963 to mark the 100th anniversary of its signing.

It wasn’t until 1993 that the Emancipation Proclamation has been shown more regularly to the public. In the past decade, it has been shown in 10 other museums and libraries nationwide for no more than three days at a time to limit its exposure to light. A 2011 exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., that was open around the clock drew lines amounting to eight-hour waits to see the document.

Conservators rotate which of the five pages are shown to limit their light exposure. In Washington, they will display pages two and five, which is Lincoln’s signature page. High-quality copies are shown in place of the other original pages.

“It’s rarely shown, and that’s part of our strategy for preserving it and making it accessible,” said Catherine Nicholson, an archives conservator. “Our goal is to keep its current condition so that it can be enjoyed not only by people today, but by future generations.”

VIEWING SCHEDULE

150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation
The National Archives will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with a special display of the original document in the East Rotunda Gallery. The commemoration will include extended viewing hours, inspirational music, a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and family activities and entertainment for all ages.

Document for Today, December 10th: “Regulations Governing Mountain Climbing Expeditions in Nepal – Relating to Yeti”

From the US National Archives “Document for Today” collection, Today’s document describes what to do in the event you are on a climbing expedition in search of Yeti, AKA the Abominable Snowman.  The scanned document is below.

From the Records of the Agency for International Development, this copy of a Foreign Service Despatch from the American Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, summarizes the Nepalese Government’s regulations concerning any proposed mountain climbing expeditions in search of “YETI.”

Today’s Document from the National Archives

The Scan Man always finds new and interesting documents for you.  The Document for Today, December 3rd: Message from Commander, Air Technical Information Center to Commander, Air Defense Command reporting the sighting of an unidentified flying object.  This document is contained within the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) archives on the National Archives website under a special section for “Project Blue Book“.

Message from Commander, Air Technical Information Center to Commander, Air Defense Command reporting the sighting of an unidentified flying object with sketch of location, 12/03/1957; Project Bluebook #5415; Records of Headquarters U.S. Air Force (Air Staff); Record Group 341; National Archives and Records Administration

From the records of the Air Force’s “Project BLUE BOOK,” this message dated December 3, 1957, references the sighting of an “unidentified aircraft” by the pilot of an Air Force F-86 in the skies over Joliet, Illinois on November 27. From 1947 to 1969, a total of 12, 618 sightings were reported to Project BLUE BOOK. Of these 701 remain “Unidentified.”

More about the records of Project BLUE BOOK…

My Favorite Historical Documents: Elvis Presley’s letter to President Nixon

The Scan Man likes to share his favorite historic scanned documents and photos.  The relationship between President Nixon and Elvis Presley has always been interesting to me.

From the US National Archives:

Page one of Elvis Presley’s handwritten letter to President Nixon; Document R-013 re Elvis-Nixon meeting, found in White House Central Files: Subject Files: EX HE 5-1; Nixon Presidential Materials Staff; National Archives and Records Administration.

On the morning of December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley personally delivered a letter to the northwest gate of the White House. Written on American Airlines stationery, the five-page letter requested a meeting with President Nixon. Presley intended to present the President with a gift of a World War II-era pistol and obtain for himself the credentials of a federal agent in the war on drugs.
Read more in When Nixon Met Elvis…