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Resolved Question: PLEASE VERIFY THIS INFO FOR ME. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS FRAUD!!!!!!!!!!?

HELLO, How are you? I have seen your resume(CV),you are welcome to my home here in the UK, but what i really need is someone who can take care of kids.Actually I need two nannies.Truly,I need a foreign Nanny either male or female .I knew that there are a lot of Nannies in UK here but is just that i need an Nanny from outside that is caring,loving,motherly care and well determined that can take good care of my kids for me .Hopefully you will be my kid's Nanny and do according to your words.I don't play with my kids at all because they are the apples of my eyes,i worked because of them and i can pay so much on them. My advice to you is that you should be involved in the expenses to reach here in United Kingdom and i shall be responsible for refund for every expenses made by you immediately you get here. Why I said so is that i have paid for 2 Nannies in the past months which they did not come to my home but went to somewhere else and that is why I vowed that any Nannies that i will employ,will be involved in the expenses,just for me to be sure that you will not do like the past Nannies and yo u are ready to work with my family here in UK because I don't want someone who don't care about kids because i cherish my kids alot.I will give you assistance in the expenses.The total cost of securing papers(UK VISA,WORK PERMIT,UK IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) is 2650 Pounds Sterling.So I will shoulder 2450 Pounds while you will shoulder 200 Pounds Sterling.Hope you are ok with this. I will be responsible for your air ticket. The reasons why I wanted you shouldering that amount is: :Due to the signed agreement I have with the British consulate office due to what the other nannies I shouldered every expenses for did to me by going to another direction....I thought the travel agency had deals with them.so I charged the matter to the British consulate office here in London but later discovered that the travel agency never had deals with them. At this point I was made to sign an agreement that any nanny I will employ as a foreigner will be involved in the expenses but will be refunded back his or her money immediately him or her arrives UK here in London. Hope you are ok with this. The British consulate office told me they will compensate me by approving visa and papers to any application of nanny in respect of my file to their office . So you have 100 % assurance of coming over to work for me in London. Don't worry about the United Kingdom,it's a nice place to stay and which I hope you will enjoy staying here with my family and you will have the access to internet In fact i have a personal PC at home for myself but my kids usually play games on their own PC, i will get you a computer to start using for your own use..All expenses made by you will be refunded immediately you get here. The travel agency will get visa for you and will be directly responsible for all the documentations, including Visa, Working permit, and the verifications of your identity in collaboration with the Home office. Because of the current terrorism in the United Kingdom, your documents will be properly verified by the home office. They will apply for visa on your behalf in the UK Home Office here in United Kingdom and when the visa is ready the UK Embassy in your country,will call on you,so that they can endorse the visa on your original passport.Just follow any instructions i give you because that will make things a reality. The duties I'm looking for are as follows: 1-Supervise breakfast with the children in the morning and get them off to school (Collect my 2KIDS of ages 4yrs(daughter/Tracy) and 5yrs(son/Mikel) old from school at 3.40pm.) 2-Some Housework/washing/ironing as required on a daily basis 3-Supervise homework, music practice and fun activities or take children to after school activities. 4-Prepare and cook an evening meal for everyone at about 6.30-6.45 Up to two evenings child minding per week. 5-Weekends and Bank holidays would be free that there will not be much duties to carry out. 6-Occasional weekend work would be offered by prior negotiation. I normally leave for work at 7.00am and get back at around 6.30pm although some flexibility is useful. I am offering a live in position with full board (we eat well in this house!) 1-Separate Toilet and Bathroom. 2-TV,different type of video machines. 3-Personal computer already Internet on. e.t.c for you and i will make sure everything goes on well with you and with my kids. If you don't mind I can arrange for you any language school and school if you wish. My offer for you for a week is 950 pounds sterling and i will provide your accommodation e.t.c. Best regards, Francombe Jordan +447011182738, Parsons Green in Fulham,SW6 United Kingdom London N.B The contract is 4 years renewable type. You can travel for vacation to your home town during the kids holidays. Your vacations air tickets will be handled and taking care of by mTo kevin: what do you mean NO? more

Resolved Question: Air travel and TMJ?? Help!?

I am going on a 2 week trip to a foreign country very soon and I of course need to take a plane lol. I have TMJ and I have never been on a plane, but I hear that it makes your ears pop. So I am afraid it may affect my jaw in some way. Sometimes my jaw causes my ears to pop, nothing serious, just a little pop. I am really scared that it may cause something bad to happen to my ears or my jaw...should I be worried? can something serious happen?? Are there any tips to help prevent anything from happening to my jaw/ears on the plane?? Thank you so much in advance!I am a 19 years old more

Resolved Question: I can I go to college in a foriegn country?

Okay so I want to have a career in engineering. I want to get into robotics or aeronautics. So far I have two plans for each field. I am half Japanese, I cannot speak the language fluently but I know enough. I figured since the Japanese are one of the leading countries in technological innovation. If I wanted to get into robotics, how would I be able to go to a college in Japan? I would like to go to an english speaking college, is that possible? Since I know some Japanese and Im surrounded by Japanese people and it's culture already I figured it would be easy for me to pick up the language if I was to go to japan. If that doesn't work out I would probably join the United States Air Force and become a flight technician or something. My dad was an air plane mechanic in the Air Force and I already know how air planes and missles work basically. Also because of the Air Force my dad was able to go to japan and that's where he met my mom. The military would help pay for my college and I would get to travel right? So what should I do to be able to get into engineering? How can I study abroud? I'm still in high school so what are some ways I can prepare for my future? Would having a 4.0 GPA help me to get a scholarship for being able to study in a foreign country? more

Resolved Question: Am I wrong in thinking the Pope, should put off his visit to Scotland,until the crunch is over?

As a Catholic am I wrong in thinking that way? I don't think the tax payers can afford it. Pope's Visit Could Cost £12 Million The Pope will begin his visit in Scotland in September The cost to the Government of the Pope's visit this year is set to rise by up to £4 million. Lord Patten of Barnes, the Prime Minister's special representative for the Papal visit, says the previous £15 million estimated non-police costs of the visit had under-estimated the 'complexity and sophistication' of a visit combining both state and pastoral elements. He says the Government contribution - previously estimated at £8 million - was now reckoned to rise to between £10 million and £12 million. "We now reckon that on the Government side that we will have to make a larger commitment even though we have driven down the costs of some elements of the visit," he told a news conference. "We reckon now that the costs, apart from policing, will be somewhere between £10 and £12 million rather the £8 million or so that we were previously calculating." The Pope will begin his visit in Scotland, where he will meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at Holyrood Palace before travelling to Glasgow, where he will hold an open-air mass at Bellahouston Park. The four-day event, between September 16 and September 19, will be the first State Visit by a Pope to Britain. Lord Patten adds that he believed the Church would also have to raise more money for the visit. He was speaking as more details of the visit were revealed at the Foreign Office. more

Resolved Question: FILIPINOS, about your very first plane ride, was it for a domestic or an international destination?

My theory is for most Filipinos, their first air travel brings them to a foreign country (usually to work or to join a petitioning fiance(e). It is only after having gone abroad that they would find the time and the inclination to tour local destinations (during occasional balikbayan trips). Why is that? If I'm wrong, do tell.Not really sure if that's a theory or a hypothesis. I'll play if safe and say "my observation is...." more

Resolved Question: I would like some help with this, there are a lot of things that need work. Help please?

Many years ago in an untamed exotic place where veiled and silent nomad tribes rode camels over dunes, and bits of quartz-stone glittered like diamonds and gold nuggets when lit up by jaundiced moons, whispers circled and sparked great fear in the wanderer's hearts, establishing legends in their culture, telling of inhuman creatures who devoured souls, leaving but flesh for flocks of vultures. Many a quest began in hopes of scouring the scourge, and many brave men quavered, to return, their families shamed. Some vanished with no word, whether fled or dead with courage, the whispered tales were embellished and the fiends were named: They were the djinn, the soulless, the dervish in the sands. They stole the future from the children and left no fabric unrent. Many centuries had passed since they came to these lands They were chaos in the desert, the unholy elementals, the most horrific of all nightmares with powers like minor gods. One man saw their ability as limitless potential , and he undertook a plot to gain wealth by coercion and fraud. He had the glass-blower create bottles, intricately etched, and he wrapped them up in skins and he packed his camel for his quest. He rode across the expanse where the driest lands stretched across from each horizon, until the moon was sliver-crest. He laid out a tapestry that told stories by the hundreds, and chanted in a melodious and confidently audible voice, the wind began to stir and the air spirits thundered, but he did not break song; as if he dared rejoice! The djinn were there, invisible, yet growing in their rage! They argued amongst themselves about killing the stranger Who was this intruder? He was mortal, and no mage. He ended his song, stood with no heed paid to his danger. He spoke to them about a place that he had found while traveling that would give the seeker that which he desired, no matter what it be! Was his tapestry unraveling, he wondered, would he achieve to what he aspired? Yet, the djinn were listening, the winds had grown still in the night. So he continued with the woof and warp he wove for them with words. He told them that the place was hard to find until the sun's full light, guessing that for their kind, the sun was unpleasant, barely endured. He pulled out a bottle, finely crafted, and with a flourish, pulled the cork, The scent of rare, rich spices filled the air and drew them near. He had paid the glassblower quite a sum for his skilled work, and, as he knew he had the undivided attention of every ear he explained that he had made for them luxurious journey-keeps, to take them in haste with pleasant surroundings to that magical place, and that they would then have time to form wishes while asleep, and he would hear their stories which would bring his family from disgrace. The djinn were completely enamored of the storyteller's weaving, and one by one he corked the bottles, placed them in his pack; and though he knew a tinge of guilt as he was leaving, he left, tossing bottles at random, in the dunes without looking back. He took the final bottle to his master, an alchemist and trickster, who sold it to the sultan's enemy for half of the palace treasure. The Sultan, expecting to be cheated by yet another impotent elixer, discovered the results of apathy and was choked until he died, to his displeasure. The djinn was a raging storm, destroying all, the mess of the slaughter! Nothing went untouched! He kept at it all day! But the storyteller and the alchemist knew djinn would not travel across water; they climbed aboard their newly purchased ship and sailed far far away. While basking sometime later on some foreign tropical shore, a native servant came rushing at them with a bottle from a different land It opened up the hole to hell and they fell, evening up the score; then the djinn smiled at the native, who still held the bottle in hand. He granted the man three wishes, which were simple and when done, he asked the man to please let him rest in the bottle until he was prepared to seek out his captured fellows, in the dunes from whence he had come, and the native smiled and did his will, for of this spirit he was not scared. The moral? If you make wishes without noble deeds and benign will, the devil already owns you, and will return to collect on the deal. But if you have no deceit within your heart, fear not. there is great reward in the things that are not sought. more

Resolved Question: I need help chosing an Air Force Career?

I need help!!! I want to pick a career that will allow or requires me to travel! I was thinking of being a linguist but I do not know much about it! What other careers are there that requires traveling or being stationed in a foreign country? more

Resolved Question: Technology Poll: Would the world be better off if all modern technology had never been invented?

Obviously we all need to use it, and there's no turning back now. Pros to technology: Availablity of information through books, media, internet. Medical reseach has saved lives, transportation/travel is much easier, mass distribution of food, the world is much more a "global village". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cons: Threat of nuclear war, reliance on foreign oil (in most countries), environmental damage (air and water), processed foods that are killing us, plastics that never bio-degrade, short attention span due to TV, internet, mental issues due to isolation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does anybody else wonder if we're so far from a state of nature, that we've sealed our own doom?@ I DJ WEDDINGS - by modern let's just say things invented since America became a country - 1776 for a nice even number. more

Resolved Question: African Air Force pilots?

My question revolves around the air force pilots of Africa (no kidding?). particularly nations in central Africa.I was curious as to who actually flies the aircraft there. If we take the Chadian air force for example, it was primarily stocked by French pilots back in the day and equipped with relatively modern equipment. I'm wondering if the pilot stock has changed any since those days? The equipment has changed to more of a turboprop light trainer fleet that has been converted (probably a pretty rudimentary job) into attack roles. What is the current profile of an air force pilot in central Africa? Born native? or from a foreign country? affluent family? race? etc. Also, I'd be pretty keen to hear of any people from a first world country who have joined a Central African air force or something simmilar or anyone who knows a story or knows someone who has. I'm quite intrigued to how you would go about joining one of these air forces if possible at all? Surely the entry requirements would be rather lax? And they would jump at the chance to get a western pilot on board? Of course they may be filled with western pilots already? (NOTE* I'm not actually thinking about joining or traveling to one of these places. You would have to be insane to jump into one of those death traps (referring to the aircraft there), but I'm curious how it would go down in theory) Thanks in advance for all the answers.. more

Voting Question: What do you think of my tv script?

' means the narrator or what verb she is doing ___________________________________________________________________________________ ---"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love--- Oooooh, mommy!!!! We got a package!!!! Ok, hun, go and get it. Ok, mom. Make sure you bring it in here before you open it. Ok!!!!! ' as she gets the package, she bring it in the house' Get the sicccors!! cut cut cut; BOOM!!!!! The bomb blew up a mile circufronance of the bomb source. CRIMINAL MINDS THEME SONG THERE WAS A BOMING IN NEW TORK EARLIER THIS EVENING. THERE WAS AN ESTIMATED 100 KILLED IN THIS BOMB. THEY MANAGED TO GET A NOTE FROM THE BOMBER THAT WAS IN A STEEL CAPSUL. IT SAID " THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED. UNTIL THEY HAVE MADE SUSCESS THERE WILL BE A BOMBING EVERY 10 HOURS. " THE AUTHORTIES HAVE SAID THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 HOURS AGO.WE HAVE 3 HOURS UNTIL 100 PEOPLE GET KILLED.BOARD THE PLANE IN AN HOUR.------COMERCIAL BREAK-----.SINCE THERE IS BOMBS, WE WILL HAVE TO WERE SPRCIAL CLOTHES.THEY ARE IN THE BACK OF THE PLANE. ** FLIPS OPEN BADGE, FBI.THIS IS AGENT MORGAN,REID,JENNIFER,PRENTISS,AND ROSSI, WE ARE HERE TO INVESTAGATE THE BOMBINGS. COULD WE SEE THEM? NYPD: YES ITS A VERY LARGE AREA. WE ARE HERE TO INVESTAGATE THE BOMBINGS IN THE NEW YORK AREA. COULD WE SEE THEM? NYPD: YES, IT IS A LARGE AREA, SORTA LIKE A DESERT. --BREAK-- AT THE SCENE- JEUS, THIS IS A BAD DUDE. BAU: AGREEDED. RING RING, RING RING: HELLO? THERE HAS BEEN ANOTHER BOMBING. WHERE? NEAR THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.OK, THANK YOU. *HANGS UP* THERE HAS BEEN ANOTHER BOMBING NEAR THE EMPIE STATE BUILDING. HOW FAR IS IT? 10 MILES NORTH OF HERE. LETS GO!!! ' AS THE TEAM TRAVELS TO THE SCENE' GEEZ, I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE!!! I KNOW, ME EITHER. THIS IS ALMOST SCIENTIFICLY IMPOSSIBLE. SEE NEWTONS LAW OF FORCE APPLIED SAYING THAT THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FRICTION BETWEEN AIR AND THE OBJECT. NOT IN THIS CASE, HE ONLY MAKES HIS BOMB THAT SIZE FOR A REASON. HE ADDS URNIANIUM RODS ABOUT 5KG ABOVE THE AVERAGE BOMB IS SUPPOSED TO BE. ENGLISH PLEASE? I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND A SINGLE WORD YOU SAID. BIG BOOM BIGGER THEN USUAL BOOM, THANKS BETTER NOW. THE CORNER TELLS US THERE WAS A NOTE SAYING THAT THE NEXT STOP WILL BE A BIG BUILDING AND THEN OFF TO SOMEWHERE, AND LEAVING AT ANY AIRPORT. THEY ALSO SAID THAT A CONGRESSMAN DIED. WE ARE READY TO GIVE THE REPORT WE ARE HERE TO DISCUSS THE BOMBINGS THAT HAVE BEEN GOING ON. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A TERRIOST. HE HAS LIVED HERE HIS ENTIRE LIFE IN THE AND HE NEVER LEAVES HIS HOME. HE WAS LIKELY WATCHING 9/11. HE ALWAYS CARRIES A BACKBACK AND HE WORKS FOR UPS. HE ALSO HAS HANDS ON URIANIUM RODS WHICH ARE NUCLEAR, AND SO THAT MEANS HE IS FOREIGN. ANY QUESTIONS? NYPD COP: THAT IS A QUARTER OF NEW YORK, YES BUT THAT SIZES IT DOWN A LOT TOO. HE ALSO ASKS FOR MONEY~*~ THANK YOU EVERYONE, ***ALL UNITS, BOMBING EXACTLY 50 YEARDS AWAY FROM EMPIRE BUILDING*~*. WE AREN'T GOING TO ANYMORE SCENES. WE CAN WORK FROM THE OFFICE FROM NOW ON. REID, WHERE IS 10 MILES AWAY FROM THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING AT IN ALL DIRECTIONS? THE AIRPORT, LIBERY OF STATUE. OH MY GOD HE IS GOING TO THE AIRPOST. GOOD WORK REID. ROSSI, GET GARCIA TO ORDER ALL THE SWAT TEAM UNITS IN THE CITY. GOT IT SIR. TELL THEM TO SURROUND THE AIRPORT AND TELL THEM TO SPREAD APART THERE SHOOTING DISTANCE MINUS 10. GARICA, ALSO ALERT ALL AIRLINES AND MANAGERS OF THE AIRPORT THAT WE WILL BE RAIDING THE AIRPORT. YES SIR. MORGAN AND REID GO THROUGH THE FRONT, ROSSI AND PRENTISS GO THROUGH THE ROOF, AND ME AND JJ WILL HEAD THE BACK WAY. GARCIA, GET ALL REPORTS ON UPS DRIVERS THAT HAVE A PRIVATE FLIGHT TODAY. WE GOT MATT AHAMADALIA, JASON GEIDON, LISA MILLER AND ROBBERT MCARTNETARY. THEN CHECK WHO DELIVERS IN THE BOMBS AREA. JASON GEDION SIR. FLIGHT 141 LEAVES IN 2 MINUTES. EVERYONE, TO FLIGHT 141. EVERYONE. GO GO GO GO GO. WE JUST MISSED IT!!! MAYBE HE WASN'T ON IT? YES, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN ON IT. BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK TEAM, LETS PACK UP AND GO HOME. GIVE THIS ONE A BREAK AND REST. JACK, HAILY, I'M HOME!!! HAILY: ALREADY? JACK:DADDY!!!!!!! HI BUDDY. LETS GO OUT TO EAT TONIGHT? HOW ABOUT THAT? JACK: SURE! WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? jack: HARD ROCK CAFE!!!!! OK, GO UP AND GET READY. HOTCH: HEY HONEY, KISS, I'M ONLY HOME FOR A LITTLE WHILE. THE UNSUB IS STILL ON THE LOOSE. 'THEY DROVE TO THE CAFE' HELLO, THERE FOLKS, WHAT CAN I GET YOU? JACK: A STEAK WITH FWENCH FWIES. FOR YOU SIR? I WANT A ROLLED OVR PIG WITH FRENCH FRIES. FOR YOU MAAM? I WANT A CHEIF SALAD. OK, COING RIGHT UP!! RING RING, RING RING. HELLO? I AM WATCHING YOU, I WILL KILL YOUR FAMILY RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW WITH A GUN IF YOU DON'T GIVE UP ON THIS CASE. *GRABS O more

Resolved Question: Will air ticket prices to Thailand drop anytime soon?

What with the new political unrest situation, and the Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs advising not to travel to Thailand unless absolutely necessary, do you think the prices in airfare for a one-way ticket to Bangkok from Vancouver will be lowered? Right now, I'm looking at CAD$544 for a one way flight in September or October. more

Resolved Question: Why fly with EgyptAir based on reviews they inspect before posting? If you want to know the truth, read on...?

To all of you thinking about flying with Egypt Air, I would like to make sure you think very very carefully before you book with this airline!!! My mother in law was stuck in Cairo as all UK airports were closed from Thursday 15 April 12:00 due to the volcanic ash; she was due to arrive Thursday afternoon. Staff in Cairo were so unhelpful, not caring about a poor old lady travelling on her own worried about not being able to get to the UK to see her son. This seemed to be the case with all passengers; lack of communication, guidance and effort seemed to be the biggest frustrations. They were put into the most amazing hotel on Thursday night only to be kicked out onto the streets of this foreign country by the hotel the day after telling the passengers that Egypt Air would only fund ONE night and that they need to leave. I myself always look for cheaper travel options and have previously considered flying with Egypt Air; sadly I was the person that recommended the airline to my mother in law based on the price. Walking the streets alone back and forth to and from the airport with all her luggage asking every single person for help yet Egypt Air were just as unhelpful and unwilling to go even an inch further than what they're paid to, what happened to taking some pride in your work? Broke and not knowing where she will be sleeping on Friday night and even if she'll be able to get to the UK she ended up flying back home abused and battered throughout her journey. We will in a few weeks time pay for another ticket through A DIFFERENT AIRLINE. I don't care how much cheaper Egypt Air is to any big parastatals out there, you can at the end of the day not put a price on having a peace of mind knowing that even if you don’t get from A to B, that you’ll be taken care of either way. I also spoke to their UK office, this experience could mostly be prescribed as RUDE and unhelpful, but also a “don’t care” attitude, ironically I phoned through to their sales department. I’m sorry I wasted even more money thinking that I would get anything more out of the UK office than the treatment they received in Cairo. I will go to the ends of the earth to notify every single person I know that Egypt Air is no more than a glorified bus, they’re very willing and happy to take your money when you get on, but couldn't care less if you fall out of the window while on your journey!! I am embarrassed for ever recommending them to somebody I know, this will never happen again!!! They don't deserve the honor of flying anybody anywhere no matter what they charge!!! more

Resolved Question: What do you think about this?

Looking out at the queer night sky, James asked himself if it seemed worth it... the incredible effort, day after day, not to get ahead - not even to find his way home - but simply to survive. This world he found himself on was unparalleled in beauty, even compared to earth. It had a certain appeal, the endless fields, the tall misshapen trees, the soft brown dirt, the crystal clear water... it was more beautiful than anything he'd ever seen and yet, to James, experiencing this intense beauty came at a price that he'd never have voluntarily paid: He'd never be able to see his native earth again. He reached down, swirling his index finger in the soft, brown dirt. He studied his surroundings, attempting to create a map in the dirt. There was no real reason to do so, it wouldn’t matter where he was or where he ended up… there was nothing special about any part of this planet – nothing he could truthfully call home. No family or friends, no home, no pets… nothing to attach him to any part of this world. James threw a small pebble into the stream to his left, observed the direction it traveled, and began to walk the opposite way. He needed to find a place to camp out and fix dinner and decided it would be a good idea to stay near the stream so he wouldn’t have to carry water over a distance. Traveling during the night was a necessity on this planet. Even in cooler conditions (it reached a staggering 112 F just a few days prior) James would not be able to hide from the beastly creatures that roamed in the day – creatures that could best be described as a mix between a bear and a tiger with some bird-like qualities. The night was not particularly safe either, with what appeared to be owls the size of large dogs swooping down at a moment’s notice – the only indication of their presence being the whoosh of air that accompanied their flight. Still, he managed to survive. Day after day, scrounging for any meat or edible plant he could find, hanging on for dear life – alone. James looked at his watch. Its glass face was cracked and it didn’t keep time but habits die hard and, though it didn’t work, it was a reminder of the world he so longed to see again. He looked at the sky, located the brightest moon, and calculated how many hours would pass before day would come again. In his three months on the planet he had watched the brightest moon, which he named ‘Extrarius Luna’, meaning foreign moon, and discovered that it followed a consistent path along the sky. “Three hours ‘till dawn. I guess I’d better dig myself a place to sleep.” He grunted as he pulled out the shovel he had made from hewn stone and a strong tree branch. “What I really need to make is a pick-axe… that would speed things up a bit.” James pushed the shovel deep into the ground and flung the dirt to the side. It wasn’t particularly hard work because the ground was so soft but it was work he resented. He resented everything about the planet, including any enterprise he undertook on its surface. He stopped and took a break after a half hour of labor because of the heat and involuntarily began sifting through the freshly disturbed dirt. Something sharp cut his finger and, after yelling a profanity, he looked down to see what it was. “What in the world…” his voice trailed off as he realized the significance of what he had discovered. “It can’t be… Well, I guess it can be, but…” he looked down at the object as if it were sacred. WHOOSH An owl, or rather its other-worldly counterpart, swooped down, narrowly missing James’ head. James pocketed the object and leaped into the hole, piling dirt on himself as quickly as he could. The bird of prey let out a cry, attempted to snatch him once more, and soared back into the air. Once the flying menace was out of sight, James decided on the name for this world… contemptus terra – Despised Land. more

Resolved Question: Airport Security Poll/Survey?

Hello everyone, I have to have forty people take a 20 question poll/survey on airport security and I would really appreciate it if you could just post your answers as a reply and Age, Gender and Ethnicity if you could. Thanks in advance. ~Charlie 1) Are the new increasing airport security procedures right for America? a) Yes b) No c) It doesn’t need to happen d) It should have happened a long time ago 2) Have you avoided the airport because of the lengthy and somewhat extreme security process? a) Yes b) No c) No, however have thought about it 3) From 1 to 10, rate how safe you feel when flying or in the terminals before your flight. a) 1-2 b) 3-4 c) 5-6 d) 7-8 e) 9-10 4) Should pilots or government officials be allowed to carry concealed weapons onboard? a) Yes, it is important for the safety of the people and the plane b) Yes, it will prevent the high-jacking of planes c) No, security is secure enough d) No, it may cause potential risk 5) How many air marshals should be present on every domestic/international flight? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4 or more 6) How much control should the airport security have over us, the people? a) Total control b) Somewhat control c) No control 7) On a scale from 1 to 10, how safe do you feel in an airport/flight? a) 1-3 b) 4-6 c) 7-8 d) 9-10 8) How many years of training/experience do you think an air marshal needs to protect flyers? a) 1-2 b) 3-4 c) 5-6 d) 7 or more years 9) Have you ever felt uncomfortable while going through security at an airport? a) No, it is for good measure and safety b) Yes, I felt violated at some points 10) Do you believe that we should be forced to undergo full body scans? a) Yes, it is a necessity b) Yes, because it will make people feel more safe c) No, it is a waste of time and money d) No, I feel violated when this happens 11) Should all people be put up to a full body scan regardless of age, gender, or race? a) Yes, it will add more security b) No, it will slow down the process 12) Have you, or someone you know personally, ever been selected for a full body scan? a) Yes b) No¬ 13) Do you feel that it is necessary to take your shoes off before you walk through the metal detector? a) Yes, because it will reduce the threat of terrorism b) Yes, because it will make more people fee safe c) No, it is completely unnecessary d) No, metal detector should pick up any foreign objects inside everyone’s shoes 14) Have you ever been randomly selected to be searched farther than a metal detector? a) Yes b) No 15) Should you be able to take food purchased from outside the airport, into the airport? a) Yes, I hate paying ridiculous prices inside the airport when I can buy them cheaper outside b) No, it is a security factor that should be taken seriously 16) Is it right to have 12 Islamic countries be classified as high risk in security relations? a) Strongly Agree b) Agree c) Disagree d) Strongly Disagree 17) Are the new airport security measures unjustly targeting Muslim travelers? a) Strongly Agree b) Agree c) Disagree d) Strongly Disagree 18) Is it a violation of your personal rights to have your bags searched when traveling from country to country? a) Yes b) No c) It is for the safety of the people, so I don’t mind. 19) When entering the United States from any other country, should there be search dogs sniffing out all bags? a) Yes, I feel safer knowing there will be dogs there b) No, it is unnecessary because of the scanners they will go through 20) Have you or anybody you know ever had anything confiscated even though you think it should not have been? a) No b) Yes more

Resolved Question: Is my short story any good?

Here is a little short story I had to do for English Homework. I already posted the same story, but I mucked it up, and pasted the wrong bits. Again, please please be brutally honest! BTW, in case anyone gets technical, this is about an earthquake that never happened! Amongst the rubble. I was running faster than I thought I could possibly run, adrenaline pumping through my veins like I was on some kind of illegal steroid. My legs were moving by their own accord. My feet burned, my throat seared, my head ached, but I did not care. How could I? I was by no means fit, and I had never run this steadily, or this long before. I kept waiting for the moment when my over working lungs would finally pack in, from all the smoke, and filthy air I was greedily inhaling, but it did not come. I wouldn’t let it. I felt a foreign fire in my soul, which seemed to fuel my long exhausted engine. Hope was keeping me going. Hope, yes, but also terror. Terror of what I may find, or indeed, may never find, if I did not keep running. I would have been a lot easier to travel, had the buildings not all collapsed. Mounds and mounds of concrete, and the destroyed remains of the buildings that had stood there proudly, just hours a go, littered the streets, or what used to be the streets… Cries of agony and the unnerving sounds of slow, painful death were erupting from all sides of me. I didn’t dare look too long at anything. It was like a nightmare, only I couldn’t wake up. This was real life. This was actually happening. My whole world had been destroyed- literally. I wanted to lie down in a darkened room, and cry. But I could not. I had a job to do. The job did not have a ‘praising’ attached to it, nor money, nor anything. The reward, if I was to succeed, were two lives. Two lives of which I could not bring myself to live on, without. My mother’s strong voice, that had spoken only minutes before, rang louder in my head, than the warning sirens that were still screaming-pointlessly, may I add. “Dehlahi. Ya’ll got to go find them. Please Dehlahi, do it for your Father, do it for them, do it for me.” My mother was dead. My father was dead. My sisters were all I had left. It seemed as if I had been running for hours- long, painful, heartbreaking hours, but when I looked behind my shoulder, I wanted to slap myself. I was only four small streets away from where I had begun my ‘epic journey’. I needed to get all the way to the other side of Portmore, (a beautiful- or what used to be a beautiful city in Jamaica,) and I felt as if I would never get there. If only the earthquake hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have had to dodge so much, and run whilst watching where my feet were going. Then again, if the freakin’ earthquake hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be having to go anywhere in the first place. I turned blindly round a sharp corner, and thwacked painfully into someone. My elbows and knees flowed relentlessly with hot, sticky blood, and my forehead felt as if someone was carving symbols on it with a blunt razor. I looked up gingerly, bracing myself for the hard booted, well-aimed kick that was sure to be presented to me generously. To my surprise, a handsome, ivory faced, kind looking young man, held out his muscled arm, which was all but concealed by his khaki uniform, except for his leathery hands, and forearms. My face grew hot with embarrassment as I pulled myself up with it. I had never seen a white man in Portmore before, and I almost felt stupid as my sleeve rolled up, exposing my dark, unremarkable Jamaican complexion that evreyone here wore. He spoke in such an accent that I had only heard on my radio. His English was fluent and velvety, and I wanted very much to ask where he had come from, but I couldn’t find my voice. “I’m so sorry ma’am, are you quite hurt?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned. His eyes were the brightest of blue, and seemed to sparkle in the non-existent sunlight. He was beautiful, but he almost frightened me. I had always been good at looking people straight in the eyes, but the shocking colour of his eyes made it hard. I was used to soft, deep brown. “Yes, Sir, I just didn’t see where I was going. I’ll go now Sir.” I took one last look into his glorious eyes, and turned to start running. I had completely forgotten about what I had to do, and I felt unbelievably awful. The people that I dearly loved could be dying, and here I was, gawking at some pretty white man. Ugh. I am beyond selfish. “Excuse me ma’am, I’m sorry, but you have to come with me. I am a Soldier from the British Army, and I have to gather every live person on this Island, and take you to a safety shelter, where the helicopters will land and take you all to the hospitals near about” He spoke in such a professional manner, that I couldn’t help but take him seriously. “But I can’t Sir! I have to find my sisters!” my voice sounded week, and frail, and annoyed me tremendously. “It’s orders ma’am. I’m sorry, but you have to come with me. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be out of this goddamn hell hole!” “I can’t Sir! I can’t! I have to go now! Take the little boy over there instead, he is dying, and is only a boy! Please!” My voice sounded pitiful, but he still listened. “Suit yourself ma’am, but try not to die. Stay safe” He said sadly, and quickly saluted to me, before sprinting over to the particular pile of rubble, where the little boy I had indicated, lay crying and groaning wordlessly, half berried in the muck. I turned on my heels and began running again, promising myself that I would not stop again, until I reached my sisters. The eerie evening transformed from the devastatingly beautiful peachy sky, to an ugly, dim light. Still, my worn, stinging feet plodded steadily on. If only I had thought to bring shoes- I guess I hadn’t known that there would have been any need for running trainers!I stopped at least four times, and I shamefacedly admit, that I had broken the promise to myself. But it was only at the expense of the poor people I saw on the way. One of the times I had to stop, I deliberately shooting an old woman with a gun that just lay on the street. She had been bleeding horrifically; there was no way she would have survived. I hated what I had done, but I had put her out of her misery. I ran quickly round yet another quirky bend, and with a gasp of joy, mixed in with sheer horror, I stopped running. This was the place where their childminder lived. Her flat was in what had used to be the cellar. I walked briskly forward, shaking as I assessed the awful situation. My sisters, even before the earthquake, had been below ground level. They were buried somewhere deep beneath all of the concrete and mess. They were almost definitely dead. And there was nothing I could do. I searched desperately around where I was standing, helplessly lookingor someone to come and help. Of course, there was nobody. They were all in the stupid shelters, waiting for the blessed helicopters. Just as I was about to start digging, a rustling had me spinning round to see where the noise had come from. Unable to believe what I was seeing, I simply stood there, my eyes filling with uncontrollable emotion. There, amongst the rubble, bloody faced, and so dirty she could plant potatoes on herself, sat my little sister, Nagali, only three years old. I marched over to where she sat, cross-legged, and touched her tenderly on her tiny, delicate shoulder. She did not look up; she simply carried on gazing at the little bundle in her arms, which, to my great relief, turned out to be my youngest sister, Roulei, only six months old. Unable to fight with words, I sat down next to her, and pulled her, and baby Roulei, onto my lap. I stroked Nagili’s filthy black braids, and gently caressed baby Roulei’s cheek. It was stone cold. Nagili turned round, herher beautiful, large chocolate brown eyes, wide and distraught, bore into mine. A single tear streamed down her face. more

Resolved Question: Was the Stimulus Bill the biggest waste of money or did we need to know how fast it takes fish to get drunk?

45: Testing how to control private home appliances in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts from an off-site computer ($800,000) 44: Repainting a rarely-used bridge in North Carolina ($3.1 million) 43: Renovating a desolate Wisconsin bridge that averages 10 cars a day ($426,000) 42: 4 new buses for New Hampshire ($2 million) 41: Repaving a 1-mile stretch of Atlanta road that had parts of it already repaved in 2007 ($490,000) 40: Florida beauty school tuition ($2.3 million) 39: Extending a bike path to the Minnesota Twins stadium ($500,000) 38: Beautification of Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard ($1.1 million) 37: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival ($10,000) 36: Developing the next generation of supersonic corporate jets in Maryland that could cost $80 million dollars each ($4.7 million) 35: New spring training facilities for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies ($30 million) 34: Demolishing 35 old laboratories in New Mexico ($212 million) 33: Putting free WiFi, Internet kiosks and interactive history lessons in 2 Texas rest stops ($13.8 million) 32: Replacing a single boat motor on a government boat in D.C. ($10,500) 31: Developing the next generation of football gloves in Pennsylvania ($150,000) 30: Pedestrian bridge to nowhere in West Virginia ($80,000) 29: Replacing all signage on 5 miles of road in Rhode Island ($4,403,205) 28: Installing a geothermal energy system to heat the "incredible shrinking mall" in Tennessee ($5 million) 27: University in Minnesota studying how to get the homeless to stop smoking ($230,000) 26: Large woody habitat rehabilitation project in Wisconsin ($16,800) 25: Replacing escalators in the parking garage of one D.C. metro station ($4.3 million) 24: Building an airstrip in a community most Alaskans have never even heard of ($14,707,949) 23: Bike and pedestrian paths connecting Camden, N.J. to Philadelphia, Penn. when there's already a bridge that connects them ($23 million) 22: Sending 10 university undergrads each year from North Carolina to Costa Rica to study the rainforests ($564,000) 21: Road signs touting stimulus funds at work in Ohio ($1 million) 20: Researching how paying attention improves performance of difficult tasks in Connecticut ($850,000) 19: Kentucky Transportation Department awarding contracts to companies associated with a road contractor accused of bribing the previous state transportation secretary ($24 million) 18: Amtrak losing $32 per passenger nationally but rewarded with windfall ($1.3 billion) 17: Widening an Arizona interstate even though the company that won the contract has a history of tax fraud and pollution ($21.8 million) 16: Replace existing dumbwaiters in New York ($351,807) 15: Deer underpass in Wyoming ($1,239,693) 14: Arizona universities examining the division of labor in ant colonies (combined $950,000) 13: Fire station without firefighters in Nevada ($2 million) 12: "Clown" theatrical production in Pennsylvania ($25,000) 11: Maryland town gets money but doesn't know what to do with it ($25,000) 10: Investing in nation-wide wind power (but majority of money has gone to foreign companies) ($2 billion) 9: Resurfacing a tennis court in Montana ($50,000) 8: University in Indiana studying why young men do not like to wear condoms ($221,355) 7: Funds for Massachusetts roadway construction to companies that have defrauded taxpayers, polluted the environment and have paid tens of thousands of dollars in fines for violating workplace safety laws (millions) 6: Sending 11 students and 4 teachers from an Arkansas university to the U.N. climate change convention in Copenhagen, using almost 54,000 lbs of carbon dioxide from air travel alone ($50,000) 5: Storytelling festival in Utah ($15,000) 4: Door mats to the Department of the Army in Texas ($14,675) 3: University in New York researching young adults who drink malt liquor and smoke pot ($389,357) 2: Solar panels for climbing gym in Colorado ($157,800) 1: Grant for one Massachusetts university for "robobees" (miniature flying robot bees) ($2 million)http://a11news.com/1404/stimulus-waste-list/ http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/After-a-flurry-of-stimulus-spending_-questionable-projects-pile-up-8474249-68709732.html http://hannity.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/03/12/waste-102-the-final-list/ http://projects.propublica.org/tables/stimulus-investigationsThe Iraq War has not cost 3 trillion, The Iraq War and Afghanistan War combined has cost 1.05 trillion and Im not sure where you get your information but funding for the War was not under the Stimulus bill. http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home more

Resolved Question: Is service tax on air travel in India applicable to foreign travels also?

Indian Finance Minister has announced in the proposed budget that air travel will come under service tax . Then what happens to those who have already bought tickets for foreign travel after 1st April 2010 ? more

Resolved Question: Military travel question?

Looking to join the military and I am interested in both the travel and leadership experience. I have been reading that the Navy is the best for travel at sea. However, I've also been seeing that the Air Force travels a bit as well and spends more time on the land and in foreign countries. I am very much interested in traveling and serving my country at the same time and thus cannot see a better oppurtunity that the military. I am thinking of doing Military Police in the branch that I choose - will that allow me a better chance being deployed abroad? (Excluding Iraq and Afghanistan - I am already aware of my possiblities of being sent to those places) Any suggestions and first hand experiences would be greatly appreciated. East 10 ptsYeah, I know that. By travel I mean go to other parts of the world i.e. deploy. more

Resolved Question: When travelling from India, where can I buy Visit USA air travel coupons?

I heard that foreign tourists visiting USA can buy coupons/passes in their country for domestic flights within USA. Apparently these are much cheaper than the normal fares. I plan to take my family to USA this summer, and wanted to know how and where I can buy these coupons. more

Resolved Question: Foreign passport to travel within the US?

I was reading some past posts and noticed that you can travel by air within the US with only a foreign passport? Is that all you need? Wouldn't the security agents ask for a US visa or green card? more

Resolved Question: How much do air hostesses get paid?

I know there are some benefits like free travelling with your family. Money wise how much are they paid( do they sometimes receive foreign currency?) and what other benefits are there? In this country how many years must you train to be one, too? more

Resolved Question: Any ideas for a unique username?

I'm looking for a simple yet unique username but am completely dry on ideas. I like stars, the sky, photography, traveling, flowers, music, seasons especially Spring, philosophy, the ocean, fresh air, tranquility, foreign languages, toast with raspberry/apricot jam, Vienna, Austria, Asia, chocolate, inspirational quotes, art and fashion. My initials are TP and I was born on September 19 and have lived in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Any ideas? Your input is greatly appreciated! more

Resolved Question: Can I use a British passport for air travel within Canada?

I will be visiting Toronto for a week and then plan on flying from Toronto to Vancouver and then back again to Toronto. Is a foreign passport accepted on domestic Canadian flights? more

Resolved Question: In which branch are you likely to do more foreign travel?

Out of all the military branches; army, air force, navy, marine, & national guard, are you the most likely to do the most travel, say to places like Japan, Korea, etc? more

Resolved Question: Does my birth chart say anything about foreign travel or romance/marriage with foreigners?

http://www.astro.com/tmpd/chhgfileaW7pah-u1225022545/astro_w2at_01_christine_boyd_hp.26369.30401.gif SunScorpio 4.31 AscendantLibra18.39 MoonVirgo0.47 IIScorpio14.14 MercuryScorpio27.37 IIISagittarius16.48 VenusScorpio17.18 R IVCapricorn25.38 MarsAquarius11.14 VPisces0.53 JupiterPisces13.11 R VIPisces28.08 SaturnSagittarius7.57 VIIAries18.39 UranusSagittarius19.54 VIIITaurus14.14 NeptuneCapricorn3.34 IXGemini16.48 PlutoScorpio7.11 MidheavenCancer25.38 LilithGemini27.08 XIVirgo0.53 Asc nodeAries20.45 XIIVirgo28.08 The planetary positions in the houses express the facts relative to destiny. Planets in the houses SuninAscendant MooninMidheaven MercuryinII VenusinII MarsinIV JupiterinV SaturninII UranusinIII NeptuneinIII PlutoinAscendant LilithinIX Asc nodeinVII SunSextileMoon 3.44 25 SunSextileNeptune0.57183 SunConjunctionPluto2.40484 MoonSquareMercury3.10-80 MoonTrineNeptune2.4772 MercuryTrineMidheaven1.5960 VenusTrineJupiter4.0661 MarsSextileSaturn3.1835 MarsSquarePluto4.03-34 MarsTrineAscendant7.254 JupiterSquareSaturn5.15-17 JupiterTrinePluto6.0034 UranusSextileAscendant1.1541 NeptuneSextilePluto3.388 1007-131876 Sign types & asteroids Signs masculine3 Signs of fire2 Signs feminine7 Signs of earth2 Signs cardinals1 Signs of air1 Signs fixed5 Signs of water5 Signs mutable4 ChironGemini21.30 R CeresScorpio8.09 PallasLibra16.16 JunoSagittarius19.35 VestaAries8.02 R FortuneSagittarius22.23 South nodeLibra more

Resolved Question: Guam - cabotage rules?

I am planning to go to guam but the travel agenct told me that if my last flight was from the states, and if I used a foreign airline I must use american airline (any kind) to go to guam. They said this is cabotage rule. But I can't find any american airline going from ICN to GUM, what I could find is I take Korean or Asian air to Japan and from Japan I can take continental. I wonder if from ICN to Japan is ok to use a foreign airline.(layover) then go to guam with american airline (continental) Does anyone know about this? more

Resolved Question: Ahh Starbuck you've done it again?

This is what I started and California will take back the state from radical environmentalists. November elections will see a lot of this hoax just disappear and guess what the world will still be here going through its natural processes. Hopefully this will end these radicals reign for a long time. (12-20) 04:00 PST Copenhagen - -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and a swarm of California officials came to the U.N. climate summit last week to brag about their state's accomplishments and show foreigners that it is the cutting edge of U.S. action to curb emissions. But like President Obama, they got caught in a train wreck of discord in the 13-day meeting that ended Saturday, as the 193 nations present agreed only to "take note" of a U.S.-brokered, nonbinding statement of intentions that glossed over the world's differences on who should shoulder which responsibilities in the fight against climate change. The diplomatic clash set up a catch-22 for California. The inconclusive results of the climate negotiations have made the state's leadership in climate policy all the more important. California's aggressive actions on auto emission standards, renewable energy, building weatherization and solar panels are encouraging other states and cities in the United States and around the globe to plunge ahead with their own similar policies. But the stalemate in Copenhagen may also increase the political risk in California, where resistance to the state's climate policies is gathering force. "A train wreck always raises concerns," said Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills (Los Angeles County), who wrote the state's landmark climate-change law in 2006 and was one of the state's leaders in Copenhagen. "It fuels the argument that because of the recession we can't move forward," she said. "The opposition has used the recession to try to do a general rollback, and they may do that here with this." Pavley and other state officials worry that failure of the U.N. climate negotiations will embolden opponents who hope to roll back California's climate policies in next year's election. Ballot measure Conservatives, led by Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda (Yuba County), Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Granite Bay (Placer County), and anti-tax advocate Ted Costa, have submitted to the attorney general an initiative for the November ballot that would freeze the state's compliance with its own climate mandate, the 2006 law known as AB32. GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman has pledged to suspend compliance with the law immediately if elected. "People who are trying to use AB32 in next year's election will use any negative result out of Copenhagen," said Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, the powerful agency that is drawing up the web of regulations that will enforce the bill. "They already believe they've caught something they can use to get people to the polls." California officials have been traveling to climate summits and other diplomatic venues for several years to boast about their track record. By nearly any standard, their pride is well earned. The state is viewed far and wide as a leader in climate policies such as AB32. In the past year, Schwarzenegger has signed several climate agreements with foreign state, provincial and municipal governments, including: -- An agreement with 10 other states in Brazil, Indonesia and the United States to work jointly to protect tropical forests, possibly creating tradeable offsets for California's cap-and-trade program. -- A partnership with the U.N. Development Program to offer technical assistance to Africa for low-carbon development. -- A partnership with Jiangsu Province in China to share policy know-how and to cooperate on technology. It is the first state-level agreement between China and the United States to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But the crucial phase comes next year, when the air board must release its plans to implement AB32, which is intended to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. "If this conference does not get a strong agreement, some will say that Copenhagen has failed, that we talk grandly but we are fooling ourselves," and that much like in the fairy tale, the emperor has no clothes, the Republican governor told a news conference Tuesday. "Perhaps the real success is to give us the opportunity to think differently again. Perhaps the success comes in realizing that something different needs to be done and in fact is already being done." Many experts agree. "AB32 is a real leadership issue," said Peter Miller, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council in San Francisco. "Now that the federal process has slowed, California is more important. It's the same here in Copenhagen. If the forward movement slows, there will be more weight on the sub-national actors." Some studies show that approximately half the overall U.S. emisGreen eggs, they are already out of money. Next year the state will again be short by 21 billion. There is no more help coming, the state will go broke as it should. The average state worker now makes twice as much money as the private sector and the liberals have turned it into a real mess. more

Resolved Question: Do you need a passport to travel from Los Angeles to mexico?

This what I found: CRUISE TRAVEL The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Passport Requirements became effective June 1, 2009, for land and sea borders. While the WHTI requires a valid passport for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port. Recent guidance received from the Department of Homeland Security indicates the documentary requirements under WHTI for “closed loop” cruises are not limited to cruises that travel only to contiguous territories or adjacent islands. This means U.S. citizens calling on ports in Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize will also be exempt from the passport requirement. U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport, but will need proof of citizenship such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) as well as a government-issued photo ID. Children are also required to bring proof of citizenship, and if 16 and over, a photo ID is also required. Canadian and Bermudian citizens are required to have a passport for air, land and sea travel, including all Carnival cruises. Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking “closed loop” cruises, we strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Having a passport will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency. If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port (such as our Alaska cruises and Hawaii cruises) a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required if you are traveling on any of our Europe cruises. For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov U.S. Alien Residents need a valid Alien Resident Card, Non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a valid, unexpired U.S. Multiple Re-entry Visa, if applicable. more

Resolved Question: Do I need a transit visa for Moscow Domodedovo airport?

Hi guys, I am flying from Australia to Italy on the 16th of January and I will be changing flights at Domodedovo airport. Stop over is about 6 hours. Do I need a transit visa? Some people say yes but on the russian consulate's website i found this "Transit visa permits to travel through the Russian territory without stay depending on your tickets, it is issued for up to 72 hours, if you travel by air, or for up to 10 days, if using other means of transportation. Foreign citizens have the right to pass through the territory of Russian Federation without a transit visa in the following cases: - if they make a non-stop air flight over the territory of the Russian Federation; - if they make an international air flight and a transfer in a Russian airport provided they have due documents to enter the country of destination and a air flight ticket with an indicated date of flight from the Russian transfer airport within 24 hours upon arrival (but for emergency landing). - if they reside in a country, that has signed a non-visa agreement with the Russian Federation. " What do you think? Thanks! more

Resolved Question: Could you help me with my history?

31. The clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to stretch its delegated powers to cover many other subjects is known as the elastic clause. A. True B. False 32. Since the beginning of the U.S., only one president has resigned from office. A. True B. False 33. The president has the power to appoint cabinet members and judges. A. True B. False 34. The legislative branch is the interpreter of the country's laws. A. True B. False 35. From where does Congress gets its power limitations? A. Article I, Section 9. B. The Preamble. C. Article I, Section 8. D. The President. 36. The Senate and House of Representatives have passed different versions of an air pollution bill. The kind of committee that would most likely be formed to work out a compromise would be a A. standing committee. B. select committee. C. conference committee. D. subcommittee. 37. Regulatory Commissions A. are independent of the executive departments. B. make rules but cannot enforce them. C. have exactly the same function as independent agencies. D. are headed by chairpersons elected by the people. 38. Which of the following is NOT an officer-training school that is supervised by the Department of Defense? A. U.S. Military Academy at Westpoint B. U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis C. Virginia Military Institute D. U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut 39. Where are impeachment trials held? A. House of Representatives B. Supreme Court C. the Senate D. state court 40. Which of the following limits on the powers of Congress ensures that people will get a trial before receiving a prison sentence? A. Passing Ex Post Facto Laws B. Granting Titles of Nobility C. Passing Laws that violate the Bill of Rights D. Passing Bills of Attainder 41. What does it mean when we say the President is the Commander-in-Chief? A. He appoints Supreme Court Justices and federal judges, grants reprieves and pardons, and has power of commutation. B. He secures friendly relations with foreign governments and signs treaties. C. He is the symbol of the United States, greets foreign visitors, travels to foreign countries. D. He is the head of all U.S. armed forces and can send military forces abroad. 43. Who called the position of vice president "the most insignificant" office ever invented? A. George Washington B. John Adams C. James Madison D. George Bush 44. Executive departments A. are strictly outlined in the Constitution. B. are permanent departments established by the framers. C. can be established, reorganized, or eliminated by Congress. D. have become increasingly insignificant since the early 1900s. 45. Only the President can declare war. A. True B. False 46. If Congress is not in session and the President does not sign the bill within 10 days, it does not become a law. A. True B. False more

Resolved Question: What are the preparations to be done for my first foreign tour to Bangkok/Pattaya and Singapore during Dec. 09?

We are travelling to Bangkok/Pattaya/Singapore during Dec 09 for 10 days. We are travelling abroad for the first time. Need guidance on Weather/ Clothes to carry/Packing restrictions on Air Travel/Precautions on foreign soils. We are travelling in group and hotel and Travel arrangements are already done. Please give your inputs for my preparationsWe all are coming from Mumbai and all are Indian residents. All our Travelling / lodging / Breakfast / Dinner expenses are already paid. We have to incur only LUNCH expenses and SHOPPING expenses individually. How much USD i should carry for LUNCH expenses for 4 nights stay in Thailand and 4 nights stay in Singapore ? more

Resolved Question: Math help? Don't just give me the answer, please explain!?

suppose you are the director of purchasing for a large commercial airline company. several years ago, anticipating significant growth in the air travel industry, you placed orders totaling $2100 million to purchase new aircraft that would seat a total of 4500 passengers. some of the aircraft were boeing 747's that cost $200 million each and seat 400 passengers and boeing 777's that cost $160 million each and seat 300 passengers. others were european airbus a321's that cost $60 million each and seat 200 passengers. at the time you were instructed to buy twice as many US manufactured aircraft as foreign aircraft. (a) given the selection of three aircraft, how many of each type of aircraft did you order?the amount of passengers is relevant because it says they have to seat 4500 people. But I think your way works regardless. more

Resolved Question: Am I the only one finding the Islam a religion of peace idea impossible to buy anymore?

Not counting the losses in the wars or the recent shooting at Fort Hood I looked at the attacks on the USA. Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979 – 8 dead us service members Beirut, Lebanon, Embassy, 1983 63 dead 17 American 120 wounded Beirut, Lebanon, Marine Barracks, 1983 241 US service members dead Kuwait, US Embassy, 1983 5 dead (no Americans) 80 wounded Lockerbie, Scotland, Pan-Am Flight 103 to New York, 1988 259 kiled 189 american First New York World Trade Center attack, 1993 6 Americans killed 100 wounded Day of Terror Plot, 1993 (An Islamic enemy cell operating in New York City planned to blow up simultaneously the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, the George Washington Bridge, the UN, and the New York FBI office in lower Manhattan, all in New York City. An FBI informant inside the enemy cell monitored the plot, enabled its prevention, and enabled successful prosecutions of 12, including Islamic enemy Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman. The enemy plot was thwarted. ) Kuwait, Attempted assassination of President Bush, 1993 Manila Air Bomb Plot, the "Bojinka Plot," 1994 (In Late 1994, enemy Islamic forces operating in the Philippines were building bombs they planned to place and remotely detonate on twelve US carrier jumbo jets in a single 48-hour period as they flew from the Far East to the US. A fire in the building housing the bomb building activity thwarted the plot. Three enemy forces were arrested in three foreign countries, brought to New York for trial, and are now serving life imprisonments without the possibility of parole. Had the plot succeeded, it is estimated about 4,000 people would have died, and worldwide air travel would have been disrupted for months, having a major impact on the global economy.) Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Khobar Towers Military complex, 1996 20 killed 19 American 372 wounded Nairobi, Kenya, U.S. Embassy, 1998 213 died 12 were American Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, U.S. Embassy, 1998 11 died 85 wounded included some Americans Los Angeles International Airport, California, 1999 (December 14, 1999, an Islamic, Algerian soldier was arrested while crossing from Canada into Washington State with 130 pounds of explosive chemicals and four homemade timing devices. His plan was to detonate a bomb at Los Angeles International Airport on the evening of December 31, 1999 Aden, Yemen, USS The Sullivans, 2000 (On January 3, 2000 enemy Islamic suicide bombers attempted an attack against the USS The Sullivans in port at Aden, Yemen. The attempt failed because the explosives to be employed were too heavy for the suicide boat and the boat sank long before striking The Sullivans. Apparently the bomb-boat sunk with no notice to anyone except the bombers.) Aden, Yemen, USS Cole, 2000 17 killed 37 wounded. 9-11-2001 approx 3000 killed, the exact number will never be known except by God. The only common thread - Islamic criminals. more

Resolved Question: Replacement of lost passport?

This is Balwant Singh Garia, an Indian national living and working in Thailand for last 14-15 years, having a respectful job in Bangkok. On May 17, 2009, I had a misfortune of having my computer, air ticket, cash and passport stolen by taxi driver at the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. I was leaving for England on a business trip on that fateful day. Having secured a valid police report and photocopies of my passport and other necessary documents, I approached the Indian Embassy for issuance of a new passport, in the last week of May 2009. My job requires frequent traveling to other countries like Europe & U.S.A to secure business for the company. Without a passport and unable to travel for business for the company, my well paying job is at stake. I am married to a Thai national and have a growing up daughter of 5 years. As the mother is not living in Thailand, I also have to take care of my daughter singly. My daughter is a Thai national. If I leave Thailand to India than no one is there to look after the child. I Will not be allowed to reside in Thailand without a proper passport & visa and not be able to take care of my young daughter. My present visa to stay in Thailand expires soon. It’s been nearly more than 5 months since I made a request for issuance of a new passport but I am yet to receive a satisfactory reply from the officials at Indian Embassy in Bangkok. I even have been told that it could take months or years before a new passport could be made which I find very disturbing. I, being an Indian citizen feel quite disappointed and discouraged to find myself in this helpless situation in a foreign country. I think the embassy officials are under a false impression that this is my third passport that has been LOST where as the fact is that my two earlier passports were DAMAGED & NOT STOLEN OR LOST. All previous passports are in my pocession. I am trying to call the responsible officer looking after my case but all the time I am being told by his secretary to call later. I have sent emails to passport issuing authority in New Delhi but so far I haven't recieved any responce from them. Anyone there has any idea what should I do in this situation? B.S. Garia A proud Indian National more

Resolved Question: What do you think of my writing?

I am participating in NaNoWriMo this year and am really anxious.I love to write and have always dreamed of being a published author some day. This is the beginning of my story and I would love to know what other people think. What can I improve on? Is it even good to start with, or should I just start over? I'd really appreciate some honest feedback. ******************* Casey dragged herself up from the grassy hill as a second clap of thunder rumbled all around her. The sky was quickly growing darker, winds gusting and the once white clouds now pregnant with rain. How long had she been lying staring up at the rolling clouds, her mind wandering in circles about the upcoming events? Marriage, a new baby; everything was about to change. She smiled to herself and rubbed her stomach absently, her feet following the path as the first drops of rain began to fall. There was a chill in the air as a droplet slid down her neck and along her spine, causing her to shiver. A gust of wind blew her dark curls around her flushed cheeks and across her eyes obscuring her vision. Wiping the hair from her brow as the rain began a steady pace, she felt another chill rise within her; one that had nothing to do with the weather. A flash of lightning illuminated the darkening path before her and she froze in her steps, a scream caught in her throat. Her eyes were wide with horror as they took in what was blocking the trail that led to her home. Her home, that she shared with her husband and was preparing for their daughter. She knew in that moment she would never see her home or her husband again; these were her last moments. Her lids fluttered lightly as she slept and Donovan, watched her carefully, the rise and fall of her chest steady as the rain pounding on the roof of his home. She'd lost a lot of blood, her skin still held a chalky pallor, but she would live. He would have left her there on the forest floor for others to find, but noticed she was with child and thought of Arienne instantly. Was it foolish of him to take in the young woman without informing anyone of her whereabouts? Of course it was, but he couldn't just leave her there to die. A rustle of blankets turned his attention toward her bedside and he was surprised to see her awake, her eyes squinting at the bright lights. She looked around for a moment, trying to place her surroundings and when she focused her eyes on him, she startled and flinched back into the pillows on the bed. She jerked the covers flush to her body, as if they could create a barrier between her and the stranger in the room. Donovan moved slowly, handing her a tall glass of water with a straw in it, not wanting to startle her. He gave a soft smile, the feeling of which was foreign to his face and he knew it would seem forced. It was. He hadn't smiled in years and doing so now, was only to gain the woman's trust. She just sat there and stared, her eyes traveling from his to the glass of liquid and back again. Questions filled her eyes and she opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again, eying him warily. Slowly, she extended a hand toward the water and pulled it back to her lips. Sipping the liquid slowly, she peered over the edge of the glass at him, the silence becoming unbearable. more

Resolved Question: please correct my english pls?

Hey guys I am writting this research paper and here is the introduction, please correct my english. Also it it go idea to include those in the introduction? what else should I or shoul i not include in the introduction of research paper? Will it be wise move to make Province “Busan” the new capital of Korea? Under this research title, this project was done to answer the research question. The main plot was to investigate whether province “Busan” is suitable to be Korea’s new capital. It was clear that the question of moving the whole city to another place made many to think whether this move would worth or even right move to make. As this is very complicated and controversial, the question was not easy to answer with just YES or NOs therefore further exploration is done and varies factors were looked at. Busan is the one of the 5 provinces of Korea and is located south part of Korea. More geometrically it is located right in middle of the country. Would this have been the main factor that attracted people’s idea of movement plan? Or was there more? To answer such hidden questions, the factors of location, resource, availability were looked up closely. Location wise, it was no better than the current capital as it is located right in centre which means more travels had to be made by varies groups of the whole nation and would make it even harder for the living of whole population as Korea is the country that base their living on imported goods from foreign countries, such as Russia china, Japan. In the case of resource, it was more targeted for the availability of the land and the fresh air since the whole city population is facing pollution problem every winter which nothing is been done to solve pollution issues. As a result of looking at the main factors that thought to be the main attraction to this province, it was concluded not to move the city to “Busan” as it is not suitable for the whole city to settle there as a result of cost of the movement that would cause or harm the country as a whole. more

Resolved Question: Now that you've had time to think about it, are you impressed with THE GREAT ONE, Barack Hussein Obama?

and how deftly he handled the Chicago Olympic 2016 success? Obama's Olympian Gamble Collapses Fri Oct 2, 2009 12:15pm EDT * Overnight dash to Copenhagen fails * Setback to Chicago, Obama's hometown * Obama was flying home to Washington when he got the news By Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama's politically risky Olympics gamble failed to bring home the gold on Friday, with the Olympics committee's refusal to grant the 2016 Summer Games to his hometown Chicago. The president, whose even-tempered personality has earned him the nickname "No Drama Obama," broke from that mold to make an overnight dash from Washington to Copenhagen to personally lobby for Chicago. Obama and his wife, Michelle, had taken their star power to the Danish capital to make Chicago's case, ignoring the carping from Republican opponents who charged it was a bad time to go with foreign policy challenges in Iran and Afghanistan and the U.S. Congress bogged down in a domestic healthcare debate. "I'm asking you to choose Chicago. I'm asking you to choose America," Michelle Obama told committee members. Her husband said, "If you do, if we walk this path together, then I promise you this: The city of Chicago and the United States of America will make the world proud." All that was for naught as Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, a decision that brought gasps from the Chicago contingent at the Copenhagen meeting. The Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Steele, was unsparing in his criticism in a statement issued before the decision was announced and on a day when the U.S. jobless rate rose to 9.8 percent, a 26-year high. "As President Obama travels to Copenhagen to bring the Summer Olympics to his hometown seven years from now, Americans back home are increasingly concerned they won't have a job seven months from now as they see more and more of their neighbors and friends lose jobs today," Steele said. BAD NEWS Obama had originally planned not to go but changed his mind when it was clear that other leaders wanting their countries to host the 2016 Games would be there. The Democratic president got the bad news as Air Force One flew him back to Washington, where just about every move he makes goes under a partisan microscope. While more Republican criticism was likely, it was unclear whether the failure would have a lasting impact on Obama's political image. His job approval rating has stabilized at slightly above 50 percent after dropping about 10 points over the summer. University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato said he believed the issue would not linger. "It's a classic political hullabaloo that will fade quickly," he said. "I think it actually points up a problem the Republicans are having, which is focusing the unhappiness and disagreement they have with Obama. In politics you have to be able to complain about the right things." (Editing by Howard Goller) © Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. Users may download and print extracts of content from this website for their own personal and non-commercial use only. Republication or redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and its logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Thomson Reuters group of companies around the world. http://www.reuters.com/article/olympicsNews/idUSN0232140920091002 Marvin Carash more

Resolved Question: please correct this essay.?

Hello. This is Chan. I'm Korean. I tried to write this essay. I'm learning Enlish and I think I made lots of mistakes on the essay. Please correct it with your comment for me. Thank you so much. 40 years hence what will happen in the world and in Korea? Unification of South and North Korea. South Korea and North Korea will bring a country under a single authority. But the gap between the South and the the North will be too far in the fields of language, culture, industry, economics, social system and so on. Moreover there will be many foreigners in South Korea and they will already have constituted a community. Of course there will be some troubles among them sometimes. North Koreans normally will be poor and hard to be adapted to capitalism. So it can make them social weak people. South Koreans also will undergo the problem to share a pie of wealth. Success in launching the manned spacecraft to the moon based on 100% Korean technology. Korea will be one of the highest technological countries in the world. It will be showed in the trade and economics. Korea will sell lots of cars, ships, submarines, airplanes, helicopters, all kind of high technology articles and household electronic appliances like a television, laptop, pc, air-conditioner etc. The extension of the average life span. 40 years hence people will live longer than now. Medical technology will develop much higher. People will lengthen the average span of life till 120 years old. Grandparents also can work, exercise and enjoy their lives healthily. The aging society already began but the aged will live same as a member of a community. 40 years after I’m 67 years old. But I will be still healthy, strong, positive in my life. I may be traveling in the world or I may be working in Korea after finishing my world travel. I will have worked for an international body in foreign countries. After I retire my work, I will travel in the world. I will take lots of pictures and write my diary. I will share my story with my friends and readers. I will make my life more abundant. more

Resolved Question: Will you allow Gov't to use your tax dollars to help non-working minorities receive basic health care?

You should not be able to answer this question without first knowing WHY they are non-working...they may be underage, elderly, or disabled and cannot work. Also you cannot forget that minorities ARE citizens and this might be any minority, Greeks, Albanians, Swahili, Swedes... The minority in question at any moment - might be you. As it stands your tax dollars are going to fund things like WAR, trips to MARS, a Hadron Collider, Sarah Palins wardrobe, Congressional Representatives trips to foreign countries so they can cheat on their wives. Most people in government jobs ride when they can walk, fly when they could drive and go visit foreign countries when ever the excuse allows...They travel to exotic locals on our dime when really they could in most cases screw their secretary right there in the office. Where is the justified outrage over these types of spending in this recession? Wouldn't it be wise to make sure the people around you, and the people around them, are screened for this or that as necessary and given shots immunizations and medicines as needed? Do you think you can seal everyone off from yourself? WE ALL BREATHE THE SAME AIR. IT IS IN ALL OUR BEST INTERESTS TO KEEP IT CLEAN (in more ways than one)Parties change...yeah good luck with the socialism. And by the way, science is my religion but FOR, and not at the expense of, human life. I am a liberal? When you assume you make an ass out of you and ...you.Volleyball ...I heard that!Boozette...sounds like you are hitting the Booze a little hard there girl, or guy or whatever you think you are when you're sober.u bin ca... You are not getting it are you?Lady O You teach school? Now I am really worried. Anyone can be a minority. If there are fewer of them than the other group - they are "the minority" for purposes of the example. Yes Swedes can and are a minority here in America. Someone can be white and Swahili or black and a Swede. You knew that right?Locksmith..I know it is terrible. I feel so sorry for white people. They just never get a chance in this world. Not.gov of and for...Time for you to find another country where you will be happy.Dem Pat I wish I could comment but I really have no idea what you are trying to mumble out onto the page. Cut the pills in half. more

Resolved Question: leaving to japan on an air force assignment, culture/standard questions?

i am an american in the US air force leaving to japan in a few months, its my first time traveling to a foreign country and i dont know what to expect really. what should i do to prepare? (besides learn some of the language) any cultural norms i should be aware of? anything else you have to add? more

Resolved Question: Are private jets OK as long as congresspeople are using them?

Apparently so. Remember all of the finger wagging politicians giving the bankrupt auto company CEOs the business about flying in private jets? Ooops, I guess it's OK for leaders of the bankrupt U.S. government to buy a new fleet and tote around. Why do you people keep voting for these assholes? WASHINGTON -- Congress plans to spend $550 million to buy eight jets, a substantial upgrade to the fleet used by federal officials at a time when lawmakers have criticized the use of corporate jets by companies receiving taxpayer funds. The purchases will help accommodate growing travel demand by congressional officials. The planes augment a fleet of about two dozen passenger jets maintained by the Air Force for lawmakers, administration officials and military chiefs to fly on government trips in the U.S. and abroad. The congressional shopping list goes beyond what the Air Force had initially requested as part of its annual appropriations. The Pentagon sought to buy one Gulfstream V and one business-class equivalent of a Boeing 737 to replace aging planes. The Defense Department also asked to buy two additional 737s that were being leased. .Lawmakers in the House last week added funds to buy those planes, and plus funds to buy an additional two 737s and two Gulfstream V planes. The purchases must still be approved by the Senate. The Air Force version of the Gulfstream V each costs $66 million, according to the Department of Defense, and the 737s cost about $70 million. Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said the Department of Defense didn't request the additional planes and doesn't need them. "We ask for what we need and only what we need," he told reporters Wednesday. "We've always frowned upon earmarks and additives that are above and beyond what we ask for." Congress turned harshly critical of companies that fly executives on private jets in the weeks following the government bailout of banks and auto makers last year. General Motors, Chrysler LLC and Citigroup Inc. were among those caught in the cross hairs of angry lawmakers. The House Appropriations Committee says the new purchases are designed to replace seven aging and more expensive business jets. The net impact is one additional plane owned by the federal government and a substantial increase in its passenger capacity. Ellis Brachman, a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee, said the changes were part of "Congress's normal oversight responsibility" to make sure "the troops have everything they need." The 737s, known as C-40s by the military, are designed to be an "office in the sky" for government leaders, according to Air Force documents describing the plane. The plane is configured with all first-class leather seats, worktables, two large galleys for cooking and a "distinguished visitor compartment with sleep accommodations." Congress plans to buy eight new jets, at a cost of $500 million, to help accommodate growing travel demand by congressional officials. WSJ's Brody Mullins reports. .Mr. Brachman said Air Force's passenger planes were mostly used by military officials, the White House and other members of the Executive Branch. Over the past five years, 44% of the use of the planes has been for the military, 42% for the administration and 14.5% for members of Congress, Mr. Brachman said. A Wall Street Journal analysis of congressional records found that foreign travel by members of Congress and aides was increasing. Last year, House members spent about 3,000 days overseas on taxpayer-funded trips, up from about 550 in 1995, according to the Journal's analysis. Lawmakers disclosed they spent about $13 million traveling the world last year, a tenfold increase since 1995, when travel records first were made available electronically. The travel costs are covered by an unlimited fund created by a three-decade-old law. .This month, for example, 11 separate congressional delegations will swing through Germany. House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio is leading five other lawmakers on a trip around the world. Sen. Richard Shelby (R., Ala.) is taking a group of senators and their spouses to Europe for three weeks. A spokesman for Mr. Boehner said he couldn't comment on the trip for security reasons. A spokeswoman for Mr. Shelby said the same. Most travel must be approved by congressional committees. Once approved, the lawmaker who is leading a delegation can decide whether to fly on a commercial airline or to request a business jet from the Department of Defense. Lawmakers typically fly on military jets, where members of the Armed Services carry bags and take drink orders. When flying on military jets, lawmakers are permitted to bring along spouses at no cost. When there are too many requests for military planes, the speaker of the House or the Senate majority leader decides who gets to go. Two House employees work full time to organize overseas trips. There is often a shortage more

Resolved Question: delta airlines complain?

Delta Air Lines, This letter is to complain about the quality of service (or lack thereof) my family recently received from your airline and in particular, from one of your customer service representatives by the names of Marina Velkojvic . On August 3rd my wife and infant daughter “ Meriam Sourial” arrived at John F. Kennedy airport scheduled to fly to Cairo direct on flight 84 to Cairo . Upon arrival at the airport, and after spending more than one hour in line to check in, plus another 30 minutes to be cleared by security and just prior to boarding, we learned that their flight was overbooked. Although my friend’s wife who did check in the same time my wife did , she got the chance to have a seat in the plane. Inexplicably, my wife and infant daughter were singled out by Marina Velkojvic and told by her that she could not board and that they could be booked on another flight to Cairo that day. Ms. Velkojvic suggested that my wife fly overnight via Air France which would have a layover in France for about 4 hours. My wife respectfully explained that this wasn’t a feasible option because she was traveling with an infant and that a direct flight (such as flight 84) would be best for her. At this point I was about to exit the parking garage when my wife called me and I immediately returned to the gate to see what else could be done. I personally spoke with Ms. Velkojvic and explained that waiting for 4 hours to catch a connecting flight in Paris with an infant child was just not an option we could accept. It was at this point that Ms. Velkojvic became unprofessional, rude and threatening. She raised her voice and clearly said in a condescending tone heard by everyone within 10 feet of us – “I can’t do anything more for you and I don’t have the time for you, decide now what you want or I’ll call the cops”. This statement was completely and utterly shocking. I must be honest when I say that I had no other feeling aside from complete astonishment overcoming my entire being at this point. I could not (and still do not) understand how a trained reservation agent could expect a woman with an infant child to accept a layover of 4 hours in a foreign country. Does this seem rational? Where exactly is the common sense in this request? Couldn’t she have asked a man traveling alone to perhaps accept the layover connection? Realizing that I was dealing with a completely inept and emotionless person, I asked Ms. Velkojvic where I could retrieve my luggage. She responded heartlessly with “look for it downstairs”. As I began to walk away I asked Ms. Velkojvic how I could secure a refund and she handed me a piece of paper with your 1-800-221-1212 number on it. I also asked for my ticket to be returned and she refused to give that to me. At that point, I asked for her name and ID and informed her that I would be filing a formal complaint with the airline and she said that they’re not allowed to give their name to anyone. I began to walk away when, several (not one or two, but close to six people) came up to me and provided me with her name. Needless to say, your customers are more caring then your staff. I called the number provided by Ms. Velkojvic as I waited to retrieve my luggage when the customer service representative on the phone explained that the customer services counter could provide me with a voucher for the refund. At 2:00 am and nearly 6 hours after my wife should have left, I spoke to Sheyla Cacao about my refund. After explaining my problem to her several times Ms. Cacao gave me a voucher for $954.10 instead of $1,020.00. I asked Ms. Cacao to explain this (since my wife’s ticket was $815 and my daughter’s was $205) . Furthermore, I was told that my luggage was not there and that they’d need to give me a luggage claim ticket (JFKD52630) so that it could be delivered to me within 24 hours and until now I didn’t get my all baggage. I left terminal 3 at nearly 4:00 am in the morning having to pay parking fees of $70. Needless to say, I was quite frustrated and remain quite angry about the entire experience. I expected a much higher level of service from your airline, and I am truly quite disappointed. Airlines are, by virtue of the business they’re in, an extension of the hospitality industry. Planes (irrespective of the carrier) are a dime a dozen and it’s the customer service that differentiates the carriers. Because I don’t wish this experience to happen to any of my loved ones, I will be informing my friends and family about this incident. The experience was difficult and frustrating, more

Resolved Question: I'm seriously considering joining the air force?

Many people have told me that the air force is a good idea. Including my dad, who was in the navy for years. I'm going into my last year of high school and i had wanted to go to college, but i didn't know what for. Lately I've been thinking of doing something in the medical field, but i don't have the money or grades, and plus i want to travel, i want to get as far away from home as possible, i wanted to do something that will let me go to foreign countries. So that's why I've really taken this air force thing into consideration. but don't really want to fly planes or end up going to war though, i just want to be able to do something with my life, but i don't want to make a decision I'll regret. I need some advice from someone.plus im out of shape, but im average weight and everything, I've been trying to start working out because i wanna play sports (for the first time) this year. Do they do some sort of training thing in the air force that requires you to get in shape? I'm a bit paranoid.Not that i WONT do it, i just wanna know what im getting myself intomy sister (who was in the army) has given me the go-aheadok i guess i'll do that then...my future looks bleak again more

Resolved Question: Is a foreign prize subject to income tax?

Specifically, a foreign vacation prize (foreign lodging and/or air travel) that's provided by an American company/contest. more

Resolved Question: Is this teaser for my fantasy novel any good?

The room was dark; violins sounded a brooding chorus in the rosy haze of the wax candles. The man sat behind the oaken desk, parchment and leather folders lay scattered about its surface, he sat with fingers pressed against his aching head. He looked upon the plans laid out before his eyes but could not keep focus, as the musicians in the corner hastened the tempo of their ominous composition his mind swelled with thoughts of the past. Ice, snow and cold were the never waning memories of his betrayal. Tossed out into the stormy night by those of his own blood; rage coursing through his veins alongside the bitter cold. Vengeance danced constantly upon his conscious hours, teasing, taunting, tempting him to return and exact a harsh fate on those deserving. Former friends and family stared with icy expressions to match that of the tempest as he was ripped from home and hearth and exiled into the relentless gale that haunted the high mountains. No shoes to guard his feet, nor tunic or trousers to lessen the effects of the paralysing wind, a dark cloak was all he was granted and that did little in way of protection. His current headache gained intensity and hot flashes seared his vision, the isolation plagued him for weeks, months, like a foul taste in the mouth preventing any joyful sensations. This had occurred years in the past but the memories remained fresh in mind, one seldom forgets traumatic experiences the like of which drives sane minds to madness. His goal lingered in the depths of his mind but nothing could be done to achieve it. Alone and wandering amongst the snowy mountains; insanity’s grip tightened with his realization of deaths speedily approach. Something had to be done about the injustices he suffered but with no one aware of his plight it seemed as though he would die alone and unavenged. Starvation had almost reeled him in to its master; death. But it would appear his tomb lay not among the snow and stone for a single city lay at the feet of the mountainous ranges. Added to his already mounting migraine was the thunderous beat of his heart pounding in his ears, and still he allowed the musicians to sound their instruments in the gloom. He walked amongst men, pretending but never being of their kind. There in that city came to him the means to attain revenge and also a greater purpose. He travelled to lands foreign and unknown to seek out those willing to aid his cause, evermore he experienced rejection and was labelled a great many tittles even the crazed had not qualified for. His current condition grew worse, his migraine transformed into something of unexplainable agony and his heart beat as if to pierce a hole in his very chest. His long forgotten acquaintance, rage, made an unexpected return, he raised a hand high in the air and the noise vanished, the musicians dispersed and the man was once again alone. As persecution grew strong so did his resolve, he would attain these wild fantasies of his, for beneath the fabled stories of old remained a shred of fact long tainted by men whose history slowly slipped into oblivion. His quest drove him to return to the very mountains he was exiled to, but he did not trouble or let his arrival be made known to his vile enemies. For within the tallest of the stony goliaths rested the first phase of his wild plans, the smallest of objects which held a power long forgotten and kept so for good reason. The items atop his desk fluttered and swirled, the desk itself shook fiercely and grew in temperature. The second phase took place not long after the first, the construction of a mighty host was no mean task. For his ideas and imaginings were pure lunacy and no one would acknowledge his existence let alone pay heed to his ramblings. But he had yet another plan to gain the allegiance of those needed, it was indeed successful. The room boiled and fiery light sprung forth from the drapes and fabrics, he paid no attention for his mind dwelled ever still on the past. All ran smoothly until the time dawned for the third phase of action, the simplest and effortless of all phases, yet the only to evade his grasp and threaten ruin on all he had created. The flames circling about and engulfing the chambers had not licked an inch of his flesh, higher and hotter they grew. A ruler he sought, not just any but that of the ancient blood, they carried power that no mortal man could dream of, but they had lost their rank in history and few remained, unaware of their heritage. His temper slipped beyond the borders of control and he stood amongst the flames and shouted to his lungs fullest capacity, a single name. Everard. more

Resolved Question: Global warming. Is it caused by us or a natural cycle of the Earth and, can we stop it?

It is reported that there are over 100 new 'green' taxes ready to be employed by western governments. Are we being fooled or what? More tax on cars, petrol (sorry America, gas) and air travel. More Motorway tolls and taxes on food, drink & other goods will increase, especially if imported. Here, in the England, we are being told, by our lame duck discredited socialist government, that we can expect our electricity costs to climb even higher than the already exorbitant amounts charged, because we must fund new power sources, such as wind-farms etc. Nothing wrong with these ideas but why should we, the people, foot the bill when electricity companies (all owned by foreign companies) cream off the profits of the recent price hikes when fuel has gone down considerably. The US has a president who talks a good deal but seems to be short on action. He has an answer (and a long one at that) for everything. Will the US allow him to put into force these new taxes to pay for his grandiose plans?You say here is the science Lin but the article starts with this quaification; Most scientists agree that global warming is caused by human activity.I guess my point is that when we look back throughout history, there is was and always will be, some 'orrible disaster waiting to strike us down. When England was occupied by the Romans, parts of Scotland were used to grow grapes. Me! I do not believe the earth is flat, as MOST scientists used to believe, I do not believe Einstein's thought that, 'God does not play dice', when referring to Quantum physics and I do not believe we can prevent the natural cycle of our Earth. more

Resolved Question: Is it just "playing politics" with the Obama Birth Certificate?

Seems like if this was Bush, it wouldn't be an issue... Find it amusing that Obama shows proof he was born in Hawaii, and it is never good enough for these right-wingers, when Bush was never questioned by this same group... For example, in regards to desertion from the military of our former president. That was apparently "no big deal." Is quitting and neglecting responsibility becoming synonymous with being a republican now-a-days? Why else would these same conservatives not care that Bush's record was originally not released, and then ultimately "not fully released" when what’s been shown is that he had almost definitely deserted from the military, as Bush missed his last 9 months of service. If your father is not a wealthy Senator at the time, that can hold serious consequences for most of us. From the Air Force guideline: 1.3. When Unauthorized Absence Begins and Ends. An unauthorized absence starts when a member is absent from where he or she is ordered or otherwise required to be present. For an unauthorized absence of 24 consecutive hours or less, classify as “failure to go” instead of “Absence Without Leave” (AWOL). For an unauthorized absence of more than 24 hours and less than 30 days, classify as AWOL. An unauthorized absence ends when the absentee or deserter returns to military control. 1.4. Required Actions. Table 1.1. is a comprehensive list of actions to be taken upon realization of an unauthorized absence. Even if you expect the absence may be excused, immediately take the actions listed in Table 1.1. 1.5. Classify a member as a deserter who: 1.5.1. Has been AWOL for 30 consecutive days. If the absence lasts through 2400 on the 30th consecutive day, change the absentee's status to deserter at 0001 on the 31st day (On the 10th day during times of emergency or war declared by the President or Congress). 1.5.2. Is AWOL for any amount of time and meets any of these criteria: 1.5.2.1. Is under the duty or travel restrictions that DoD 5200.2-R/AFI 31-501 imposes. 1.5.2.2. Has had access in the past 12 months to top secret information or other classified information that requires special access authority (see paragraph 2.2.7.). NOTE: Do not classify a person who appears to be more a casualty as a deserter solely because the person has had access to classified material described herein. 1.5.2.3. Has gone to, or stayed in, a foreign country and, while there, has asked for or taken any type of asylum or resident permit from that country or its governmental agencies. 1.5.2.4. Has action pending on a previous unauthorized absence that has not been completed.Monster B - I have no doubts to his legitimacy as a result of anything the right-wingers have been trying to stir up.... maybe it's because of the hypocrisy that eminates from their supporters, but this just looks like yet another of their little con games... Just as the ideas they try to propogate regarding "taking away guns," or "he's a Mulsim," I mean, enough already. We know that a lot of the hard-right in this country aren't that bright and will believe anything, but for the rest of us, there comes a point where enough is just enough. more

Resolved Question: Help being kicked out of the house?

So I'm 18 and I have very good grades in school and was planning on going to the University of Illinois next year. I have never gotten in trouble with the law except that recently I crashed my car into the curb (not too major damage). Unfortunately my mom has gone overboard once again and thinks im not responsible enough to go to college and don't respect her enough to live with her so she is kicking me out. I have sat down and told her that I am going to repair the car myself and pay for everything but she is still mad and would rather me get lost than go to college. I'm planning on her changing her mind and letting me back because I have apologized and have never gotten in serious trouble but I want to make a more long term and stable plan for the future. I have a couple grand in the bank and a part time job at a restaurant and am seriously looking for a 2nd job at a computer repair shop. I am wondering what my options are. I am going to stay at a friends house for a few days but that cant be permanent. What I have thought of so far: A. get a student loan and try to get into a local college on scholarship since I have great grades and SAT scores. B. Join the air force (was planning on doing rotc with plan a or just enlisting). C. Travel to France on the money I have and join the French Foreign Legion (always what I wanted to do but seems too fantastical) D. Your opinions. Thanks more

Resolved Question: First time travelling through air, step by step guidance on what to do at airport?

hi everyone, This is my first ever travel to a foreign country through air. So, I need a step by step guidance on what to do at airport. During transits, while changing planes and while at the destination(port of entry). My air route is from kathmandu to bankok,thailand. then from bankok to los angeles int airport.Here, Ill have about 8 hrs of transit.and then from here ill depart to salt lake city int airport, Utah..... Could anyone plz help me with this....? The date is arriving fast I need help as soon as possible.. Plz tell me what to do starting from entering the airport gate..... more

Resolved Question: Which English "esay" is more formal?

1)I have recently heard that you are going on holiday to Majorca, Spain as I have visited the island many times, I shall recommend some lovely places you can visit while you’re on your stay. It’s a pleasant island with friendly people and I hope you enjoy it. I have stayed at many hotels but so far the best was probably Panoramic Hotel in Alcudia, apart from their outstanding service, great entertainment and an excellent range of food, the hotel is also situated in a nice secluded cove, this is a great hotel to stay at when you need to chill out and relax. If you’re looking for nice large pools and spacious rooms with air conditioning, you may want to try the Clumba Mar hotel, Can Pica Fort as it have great pools, one of which have just been built, this is a very lively fun hotel. For the restaurants, I recommend a lovely restaurant called Monaco, in Can Pica Fort, it has an excellent menu, serving fine Spanish cuisine examples of the fine food includes fresh grilled squid, large grilled sardines and of course there’s also Spain’s national dish paella. There is also a wonderful cafe/restaurant called Oasis on the beach front of Can Pica Fort, it has wonderful entertainment and also serves a large variety of Spanish dishes and drinks. There are many fantastic restaurants/cafes in Majorca and I highly recommend you try them out. Although they have delicious Spanish cuisine, I wouldn’t advise you to eat foreign food in Majorca as they seem to be more experienced their Spanish dishes. You may wish to visit the market that travels around Majorca which visits most of the resorts and sells a range of clothing, leather goods, arts and crafts etc. In Spain you may want to avoid shopping at around 2-4pm as the Spanish like to have their fiesta between those hours. I have also been to a giant carting track in Majorca, this is the biggest cart track in the whole of Majorca, it is very fun and it also has a lovely cafe very near it. If you’re looking for a fun time I highly recommend you come and try this cart track out. Have a pleasant time. 2)I have recently heard that you are going on holiday to Majorca, Spain. I have visited the island many times and I am happy to recommend some lovely places for you to visit during your stay. This island is occupied by pleasant and friendly people and I hope you will enjoy your vacation. I have stayed at many hotels but so far the best was probably Panoramic Hotel in Alcudia, apart from their outstanding service, great entertainment and an excellent range of food, the hotel is also situated in a nice secluded cove, this is a great hotel to stay at when you need to chill out and relax. If you’re looking for nice large pools and spacious rooms with air conditioning, you may want to try the Clumba Mar hotel, Can Pica Fort as it has great pools, one of which has just been built, this is a very lively fun hotel. For restaurants, I recommend a lovely restaurant called Monaco, in Can Pica Fort. This restaurant has an excellent menu, serving fine Spanish cuisine. Some examples of the fine food include fresh grilled squid, large grilled sardines and of course there’s also Spain’s national dish paella. There is also a wonderful cafe/restaurant called Oasis. It is located on the beach front of Can Pica Fort. The Oasis Restaurant has wonderful entertainment and also serves a large range of Spanish dishes and drinks. There are many fantastic restaurants/cafes in Majorca and I highly recommend that you try them out. Although all of the cafes and restaurants have delicious Spanish cuisine, I would not advise you to eat foreign food in Majorca. Majorca seems to offer more Spanish dish specialties. You may wish to visit the market that travels around Majorca.The market visits most of the resorts and sells a range of clothing, leather goods, arts and crafts etc. In Spain you may want to avoid shopping between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The Spanish like to have their siesta between those hours. I have been to the giant carting track in Majorca. This is the biggest cart track in the whole of Majorca. This is very fun! There is a lovely cafe very near the area. If you’re looking for a fun time I highly recommend you come and try this cart track out. if u want (for a better chance of best answer) you can mix them up to make the most formal one... THANK YOU!! more