Travel and Living

Wednesday, November 20, 2002

9:43 PM Posted by Admin
A Passionate Flight Attendant
By Glenn Van Ekeren
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome aboard United Airlines flight number 548, direct from Palm Springs to Chicago."

Wait a minute! My mind starts racing. I know it's early in the morning, 6:50 a.m. to be exact, but I was sure this flight went to Denver.

"Now that I got your attention," the voice continues, "my name is Annamarie and I'll be your first flight attendant today. Actually, we will be in route to Denver, so if you were not planning to go there, now would be a good time to get off the plane."

I breathe a sigh of relief as Annamarie continues: "Safety is important to us so please take out the safety card in front of you and acquaint yourself with it. Come on everybody, take out those brochures and wave them in the air!"

Seventy percent of the passengers chuckle and do as they are told, 20 percent aren't awake yet, and the other 10 percent are sourpusses.

"In the event that we mistakenly land in a body of water, a decision must be made. You can either pray and swim like crazy, or use your seat as a flotation device."
About half of the 20 percent start to emerge from their stupor. "We will be serving breakfast in flight this morning. On the menu I have eggs Benedict and fruit crepes - not really, but they sound good to me. However, the flight attendants will be offering you a choice of an omelet or cold cereal."

By now, even a few of the sourpusses are venturing a smile. Thanks for an enjoyable flight, Annamarie. And thank God for flight attendants who are passionate about their jobs!

Monday, November 11, 2002

9:55 PM Posted by Admin
Featuring video stories about countries and cultures rarely seen on American TV, this PBS companion site offers a deeper understanding of "globalization." Video journalists document clashing values and societal changes that happen both too fast and too slowly in less explored corners of the world. In addition to video, the site features a wealth of articles, interviews, factoids, historical analysis, timelines, and links to help viewers understand different perspectives. Follow a Romanian expat's return to his old haunts in the land of Dracula. Watch how Internet access affects children in India, and see what happens when TV comes to the remote kingdom of Bhutan. Learn about international weapons dealers in Sierra Leone, and hear about a multinational consortium leasing the rain in Bolivia. Explore the site by place or story -- either way, you'll find these powerful tales help make the world a smaller place.

9:55 PM Posted by Admin
This site illustrates what happens when good buildings go bad. Sure, the site is the demolition industry's "worldwide source for news and information on building implosions, blowdowns and all other types of structural blasting projects." In that respect, it accomplishes its goal of providing an informational resource for professionals. But in addition to those worthy pursuits, the explosive content provides an entertaining forum for those of us who don't know the difference between dynamite and RDX. The Photos section features demolitions of sports stadiums, public housing developments, hotels, and more, while Blasts from the Past chronicles unique and challenging projects from around the world. If you're looking for more action than a still photo can provide, check out the Cinema Explosif', a collection of the "finest in explosive cinematic adventures." Because when it comes down to it, who doesn't like to watch a good implosion?