These critters — 2 different species — have found a home in Paris and throughout France. One (comments from a “pollination” ecologist) species is gruesome and hunted down; the other revered and pampered — not sure how one “pampers” a bee — have to ask the French?
Two years ago the Boston Globe revealed that the TSA was following ordinary Americans and taking notes on their habits and behaviors for a file, even though they hadn’t been flagged as threats, for a program called “Quiet Skies.” The TSA denied they were doing this.
At the time over 5000 people had been targeting, including “star WNBA player Courtney Vandersloot; a working flight attendant; a business executive; and a law enforcement officer for another federal agency” and included people approved for PreCheck and officially deemed by the agency to be low risk. Air Marshals would be assigned to follow these people and even note their bathroom use.
If you’ve traveled to the Mid-east you may be surveilled in the airport. Passengers who “fidget, use a computer, or have a “jump” in their Adam’s apple” have their activities recorded minute-by-minute during travel, with observations by armed undercover agents sent back to TSA.
The Quiet Skies behavior list includes whether a subject is “abnormally aware of surroundings” such as observing boarding gate from afar, looking at reflection in storefront windows, boarding last, changing clothes or shaving in the airport or on a plane (better not use airline pajamas!). They record whether or not you sleep on the plane.
I think you would want to “ask TSA” the “why” on this program???
YUP — ride sharing giants Uber+Lift are showing signs of life — both report domestic ride share users are about 50% back to pre PANDEMIC numbers — let’s see what happens between now and year end? TC suggestion: get to know your favorite ride share driver and his personal email and phone — some comfort in using the same driver each time!!!
I guess — certain smaller Colorado cities (like Breckenridge) are testing beer delivery by Reindeer pulling a sleigh filled with your favorite brew! Couple of requirements: enough snow on the ground so the Reindeer team can pull the sleigh; minimum order requirements (a keg would qualify), being in a good semi sober mood for some holiday cheer!!! On Donner, On “what his name?” ….and no more tasting Rudolph!!!
Thai Airways is currently in bankruptcy restructuring and suffering from the pandemic’s reduced demand and borders that are closed to tourism. The airline is looking for revenue anywhere it can find some. They’ve opened a restaurant so you can eat plane food on the ground. And they’re promoting deals for use of their flight simulators with an instructor, too. Most airlines keep their simulators fully occupied with pilot training, and occasionally make time available on a promotional basis for a large amount of frequent flyer miles or big cash donations to charity. Thai’s prices start at just $383. And you’ll have to travel to Bangkok to try the experience!!!
YUP — need to move quickly around town or the neighborhood — hop on to the new BroomStick Flyer and sweep around at 37 mph!!
https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/broomstick-scooter-inspired-by-harry-pot-idUSRTX891QY
Do you fancy a refreshing sip of South Korean poo wine? How about Icelandic sheep dung smoked whale testicle beer? No? Maybe a dash of spit-fermented wine is more to your taste? We’ll let you decide because these drinks, and more, are part of a new exhibition at the Disgusting Food Museum in Sweden. Bottoms up!
Yup — One of Americas “worst” airlines is now serving John Wayne Airport in Orange County — 3 times weekly with flights — when they operate — to Oakland — and maybe soon to add Las Vegas. Although fares low — everything is extra — from printing a boarding pass to seat assignments — the TC says “ keep your distance” and fly with a carrier more in tune with reasonable customer service!!!
DELTA is committing to keep middle seats empty on all flights — for now — including the upcoming holidays — and until the end of March. Tip of the TC “Good Guy” hat to Delta for stepping up and encouraging safe air travel for the next few months — how come the other carriers can’t “follow the leader?”
TC says “No” to American’s 737 seating plan and no to flying anyone’s 737 MAX for now … AND AMERICAN NO SEAT SPACING AND COMFORT — NO, NO TICKET FOR US! (Thanks Gary for keeping us all updated on some of the “spacing tricks” some airlines are using to shove more people on their planes!)
