Columbia Conflict Continues

According to reports on 2 October 2006, leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group have sent a letter to the Colombian government, in which they express their willingness to initiate peace talks. The rebels, however, stated that the talks would begin once the swap of kidnap victims for jailed rebels takes place and once the government demilitarizes the municipalities of Florida and Pradera, both located in the Valle del Cauca department, as well as the departments of Caqueta and Putumayo. Other conditions requested to begin the talks include the discussion of a free trade agreement and an extradition treaty with the United States and the purge of the military, among other issues. Although the FARC has expressed its willingness to engage in peace talks, the government is not likely to cede to all of the group's demands, which is why it is unlikely that the 42-year conflict will be resolved in the near future.

Russia/Georgia Conflict

Russia reportedly ordered the closure of all transport links with Georgia -- including air, rail, road and sea links, as well as postal service -- for an unspecified period of time on 2 October 2006 in the latest escalation of a dispute between the two countries that began with the arrests of several Russian military officers on 27 September for charges of espionage. Air traffic will reportedly cease on 3 October, while it is not known when the other closures will take effect. Meanwhile, in an apparent effort to decrease tensions, Georgia stated on 2 October that it would hand over the four Russian officers it has in its custody to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE has stated it will return the officers to Moscow.

Falwell Calls Hillary Clinton The Devil

RICHMOND, Va. - The Rev. Jerry Falwell acknowledged on Sunday saying that if Hillary Rodham Clinton were the Democrats’ presidential nominee in 2008, it would motivate conservative evangelical Christians to oppose her more than if the devil himself were running.

Falwell said in a telephone interview that his comments to several hundred pastors and religious activists at the “Value Voter Summit” conference were “totally tongue-in-cheek.”

“I certainly hope that Hillary is the candidate,” Falwell said at a breakfast session Friday in Washington. “I hope she’s the candidate, because nothing will energize my (constituency) like Hillary Clinton,” he said. “If Lucifer ran, he wouldn’t.”

This from the Clinton camp was sort of interesting.

Clinton press secretary Philippe Reines said Sunday, “Working for someone who believes in the Golden Rule, we’re not going to engage in such vitriolic discourse — but it seems that a new low has been reached in demonizing political opponents.”

So Hillary finds vitriolic discourse distasteful, eh? Well that certainly didn’t stop her from fund raising with Harry Belafonte, who once called President Bush the “greatest terrorist in the world” while down in Venezuela supporting Hugo Chavez’s socialist revolution.

I guess vitriol does have a place in politics for Hillary, as long as it is aimed at her political opponents.

Also, funny how this somewhat dumb comment from Falwell gets all sorts of press yet people like Cindy Sheehan and Belafonte telling the world that the President is worse than Osama bin Laden gets scant attention.
via

US Eases Ban on Air Travelers Carrying Liquids

WASHINGTON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - The United States said on Monday it was partly easing its ban on liquids and gels in carry-on bags on airline flights, a policy imposed last month after authorities in London said they foiled a plot to bomb U.S.-bound flights.

Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries of 3 ounces (90 ml) or less in a small clear-plastic bag, the Transportation Security Administration said. They also may carry on drinks and other items purchased in the secure areas of the airport.

Lip gloss and hand lotion will no longer be confiscated by airport screeners. Those items will be checked over and placed in bags for passengers to carry aboard, if they clear security, a Homeland Security official said.

"After the initial, total ban, we have learned enough from the U.K. investigation to say with confidence that small, travel size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers," said Assistant TSA Secretary Kip Hawley.

"We have also taken additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure area onboard," Hawley said.

The Department of Homeland Security banned liquids and gels on flights in August after the British government arrested at least 24 people and foiled what it said was a plot to simultaneously blow up several U.S.-bound airliners using liquid explosives.

Superdome Tour

The Superdome Post-Katrina:



The Superdome renovation - which included everything from extensive roof repair to sanitizing every seat - cost $185 million: $116 million from FEMA, $41 million from the Superdome Commission, $15 million from the NFL and $13 million from the state.

The FEMA money came from funds to cover uninsured losses to state property, which is separate from funds used to reimburse individual homeowners. The Superdome is one of nearly 1,000 state-owned facilities that will receive assistance.

"This money could not have been spent in the neighborhoods," Thornton noted.

Roy Mouledous, vice president of the Broadmoor Construction Management Agency that oversaw the project, said 30 of the Dome's 35 sub-contractors were locally owned.

"We need jobs and this generated construction jobs," Mouledous said.

Abysmal as the conditions became, Thornton believes the Superdome "saved 30,000 lives" in the evacuation.

"Some would have been in their attics or rooftops," he said.

The renovation isn't complete, just football-ready. The Monday night game is only one event in the long process of hurricane recovery. In stark contrast to the Superdome, the Dominion Tower stands vacant next door, its windows still shattered. The nearby Hyatt Hotel has yet to reopen.

"The symbolism can't be overstated," Thornton said. "The citizens have lost so much, the last thing they wanted to lose was their football team and their stadium. If we can rebuild this place, there's hope for the neighborhoods."

A Tour on Sept. 11, 2006:

Baghdad Bomb Targets Holiday Shoppers

BAGHDAD, Iraq, 09/24 - A car bomb ripped through crowds of shoppers stocking up before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, police in Baghdad said Saturday.


At least 28 people were killed and 26 others hurt in the blast at a market where people were buying gasoline and other supplies in the Baghdad Shiite stronghold of Sadr City.

Shiite Muslims will start to observe the Ramadan holiday starting Sunday, while the holy month begins Saturday for Sunnis.

People carried survivors out of the narrow, muddy streets toward ambulances in the aftermath of the attack at about 10 a.m.

College student Dhiyaa Ali told AP he found bodies and blood everywhere when he ran to help after hearing the explosion from his home.

The bomb was placed in a barrel near a gasoline tanker where people were lining up to buy fuel.

Space Travel Can Be a Dangerous Adventure

The effects of weightlessness on the human body were evident today at a welcome home event for the crew of Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Amid the festivities at Ellington Field, Houston, astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshn-Piper fainted twice. Both times she appeared confused just before her legs began to buckle. NASA officials and fellow crew members quickly braced her fall and helped her to the ground.

Despite being a little red-faced, Stefanyshn-Piper remained in good spirits.

"Boy, if that's not a little embarrassing," she said, according to the Associate Press.

Stefanyshn-Piper is among the six member Atlantis crew that returned Thursday after a 12-day long stay in space to add a solar array to the International Space Station.

Experts say Stefanyshn-Piper's fainting spell is not unusual....
Read On....

Sri Lanka Travel Warning Upgraded

The Foreign Office is advising Britons against all travel to the north and east of Sri Lanka.
They also said Britons in these areas should "leave at the first available opportunity".

Fighting between government forces and the Tamil Tiger insurgents in these areas is fierce.

The FO had already warned visitors that there was a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka, with an increasing risk of Britons and other foreigners being caught up in attacks.

Israel On Alert

Reports emerging on 21 September 2006 indicate that Israeli security forces will be on the second highest level of alert for Rosh Hashana -- the Jewish New Year -- and the upcoming holidays, in light of warnings of terror attacks. Thousands of additional police, border police and soldiers will be deployed to guard transportation depots, places of entertainment and other public gathering places. Police officials have urged citizens to stay alert during the holiday season.

In another development, Jerusalem police officials have designated separate streets for Muslims and Jews during the peak hours of Friday prayers to avoid clashes during the Jewish holiday period and Ramadan. According to this arrangement, Muslims will be allocated Hagay Street, which crosses the Old City from south to north, whereas the Jews will be allocated Shalshelet Street, which crosses the Old City from west to east. Because the Jewish month of Tishrei will coincide with the Muslim month of Ramadan starting this weekend, Israeli officials fear that clashes are likely to break out between the tens of thousands of Jewish and Muslim worshippers in the Old City of Jerusalem. Israeli officials also anticipate a record number of Jewish visitors to the city where an estimated 1 million people are expected to arrive at the Western Wall on Sukkoth alone.

Perspective (Choose a Photo)

This is the first in a series of "Life In Perspective" photo comparisons.
Check back each day or so for a new one.

Home or abroad.....which photo tugs at your heartstrings or angers you the most?
They are certainly both disturbing, but the perspective is your own.
Well?


Kevin Carter’s photo of a vulture waiting for a child to die in Sudan.



A Homeless child walking the streets in Dallas, Texas.

Warning Against Thailand Travel Issued

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- The United States has urged Americans to reconsider any travel to Thailand while Britain told its citizens living there to stay in their homes, after the Thai military toppled the country's prime minister in a coup.

Japan and Australia advised citizens to be extremely careful in the Thai capital, where tanks surrounded government offices, and to avoid political rallies or concentrations of military personnel.

"In light of the very uncertain political situation and apparent military-led takeover of the government, we strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand until the situation is clarified," the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

It asked those already in the capital to stay at home, and monitor the media.

The U.S. Embassy, in an e-mail to its citizens living in Thailand, said that while there had been no reports of violence in the overnight coup, Americans should "monitor the situation closely, avoid any large gatherings and exercise discretion when moving about the city."

"At this point, we are not advising Americans to leave Thailand; however, Americans planning to travel to Thailand may wish to carefully consider their options before traveling until the situation becomes clearer."

Britain's Foreign Office, in a notice on its Web site, warned that movement in the capital may be curtailed due to the imposition of martial law that came as Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York attending the U.N General Assembly.

Japan and Singapore issued similar notices through their Foreign Ministries that urged nationals to remain in "safe" locations in the capital and avoid places of potential disturbances, such as the palace and government buildings.

South Korea advised its citizens against visiting Thailand, saying the situation remains "volatile."

New Zealand also warned its citizens in Thailand to be careful when moving around the city.

"Don't go sightseeing around government buildings. If a curfew is imposed -- and there is talk of a curfew -- then it should be respected," Ambassador Brook Barrington told Radio New Zealand in Wellington.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was assessing whether to change its advisory for Thailand.

Madonna Cleared For Space Travel

Madonna received permission to travel into space from the Russian Space Agency in spite of opposition from the parliament, according to mirror.co.uk.
Calling the singer by her given name, a spokesman for the Russian Space Agency said that "taking into account her good physical preparedness and financial capabilities, the dream of [Madonna] Louise Ciccone for space flight could be realized in 2009." Places for tourist spatial flights organized by the agency can be booked until the end of 2008.
On Wednesday, a Russian deputy submitted the request asking for the examination of the possibility for the organization of a flight for Madonna to a vote. The artist had expressed her wish to fly on the International Space Station during the first concert she held in Moscow on Tuesday. Forty-two deputies supported the request while 252 voted against it.
Madonna, 48, has numerous opponents in Russia because of her use of Christian symbols in the concerts of her tour for the promotion of her album "Confessions on a Dance Floor." The singer was harshly criticized by the Russian Orthodox Church in the press and before the concert numerous Orthodox people protested against the diva.

10 Stingrays Killed Since Irwin's Death

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) _ At least 10 stingrays have been killed since "Crocodile Hunter'' Steve Irwin was fatally injured by one of the fish, an official said Tuesday, prompting a spokesman for the late TV star's animal charity to urge people not take revenge on the animals.

Irwin died last week after a stingray barb pierced his chest as he recorded a show off the Great Barrier Reef.

Stingray bodies since have been discovered on two beaches in Queensland state on Australia's eastern coast. Two were discovered Tuesday with their tails lopped off, state fisheries department official Wayne Sumpton said.

Sumpton said fishermen who inadvertently catch the diamond-shaped rays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but the practice was uncommon. Stingrays often are caught in fishing nets by mistake and should be returned to the sea, Sumpton said.

Michael Hornby, the executive director of Irwin's Wildlife Warriors conservation group, said he was concerned the rays were being hunted and killed in retaliation for Irwin's death.

"It may be some sort of retribution, or it may be fear from certain individuals, or it just may be yet another callous act toward wildlife,'' he said.

He said killing stingrays was "not what Steve was about.''

"We are disgusted and disappointed that people would take this sort of action to hurt wildlife,'' he said.

Stingrays are usually shy, unobtrusive fish that rummage the sea bottom for food or burrow into the sand.

They have a serrated spine up to 10 inches long on their tails, which they can lash when stepped on or otherwise frightened.

The spines emit toxins that can kill many small creatures and cause excruciating pain in humans. Few people have died from the poison, but the spines can badly tear flesh and the wounds are prone to infections, including tetanus.

Hornby said people should treat stingrays with caution, but "there is still no need to ... kill or mutilate these important animals.''

World's Largest River Cruise Ship American Queen to Debut on Mississippi River

On March 9, 2007, the crown jewel of river cruising, the elegant American Queen, makes her debut as the flagship vessel for Majestic America Line. In 2007 the American Queen will cruise the mighty Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, showcasing our nation's rich tapestry of breathtaking natural beauty, distinct regional cultures and vibrant history for an extraordinary American experience guests will treasure for years to come. Named the flagship not just for her size (she's the world's largest river cruise ship), but also her grace and casual elegance, the American Queen joins five other ships in the Majestic America Line fleet plying America's great rivers and coastal waterways in 2007 including the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen, Queen of the West, Empress of the North and Executive Explorer.

The American Queen features 46 specially designed journeys in 2007, exploring America's rivers, while calling on fascinating and historic ports along the way. Itineraries include the beloved and once again vibrant city of New Orleans, La. in the south to historic St. Paul, Minn., the boyhood home to American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, in the north. Aboard the American Queen, cruising the rivers provides a completely unique way to experience the heart and soul of America on the waterways that helped shape this great country with the flexibility to cruise from three to seven nights, in extraordinary places, at a wide variety of price points.
Read On...

Cruise Lines Welcome Kids

Q . I have a 16-year-old I'd like to take on a cruise. Can you give me information on ocean liners that accommodate teens?

A . With more than a million children sailing each year, your daughter will hardly contract cabin fever -- or teen ennui.

"Many cruise lines have programs onboard that cater to kids, from toddlers to teens," says Robert Sharak, executive vice president of Cruise Lines International Association ( www.cruising.org), which represents the major cruise lines. "With the camps or organized activities, the kids get together in a supervised atmosphere with children their own age."

Most cruise lines have children's programs; even Carnival's party-hearty Fun Ships organize Club O2 for ages 15 to 17. Many programs, which are included in the price, provide teens with a separate space where they can hang out sans parents, as well as activities such as scavenger hunts, disco parties and casino nights.

"With morning, afternoon and night programs, parents can have three or four hours at a time to themselves," says Else Daniels, a cruise specialist with Vacations at Sea in D.C. (202-686-7447), singling out family-friendly Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity and Princess. "Then they meet for meals and compare notes."

To winnow down the choices, Sharak says to approach a cruise like any other vacation, with a roster of questions. On that checklist: where you want to go (Caribbean, Alaska or Mediterranean), what you want to see and do (snorkel, view wildlife, tour European capitals), when you wish to travel (May to September for Alaska or the Mediterranean, anytime for the Caribbean) and what your budget is. Also consider the demographics of the cruise line or destination. For example, luxury lines such as Seabourn often attract older crowds, as do Alaskan cruises.

Daniels recommends the Caribbean, because of its vast number of diversions, from exploring Mexican ruins to snorkeling in the Cayman Islands. Also remember that this is a family vacation, so you don't need to enroll your teen in every shipboard activity. While the programs are optional, family ties aren't.

Andrea Sachs
Washington Post

Road Trip? Make It Premium Unleaded!

Volcanoes Video

An interesting video, with a pretty cool soundtrack.....

Striptease Heats Up Global Warming Event

washingtonpost.com: SYDNEY -- A saloon-style striptease at an Australian government-sponsored conference on global warming left some scientists and government officials hot and bothered.

The show was cut short and organizers issued an apology after some delegates at the Australia and New Zealand Climate Forum's dinner in Canberra walked out during what was intended as a lighthearted break from the weighty business of rising temperatures.

In this photo released by Maria Ramsden, Rebecca Gale, who led the team of dancers from Miss Kitka's House of Burlesque at an Australian government-sponsored conference on global warming in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006. The show was cut short and organizers issued an apology after some delegates at the Australia and New Zealand Climate Forum's dinner in Canberra walked out in disgust at what was intended as a lighthearted break from the weighty business of rising temperatures. (AP Photo/Maria Ramsden)

New Bird Discovered in India

An amateur bird-watcher has found the first new bird species to be discovered in India in over 50 years, experts say—a vibrant babbler at home in felled forests.
No specimen was taken, because "we thought the bird was just too rare for one to be killed," said Ramana Athreya, the bird's discoverer, in a statement.

An astronomer by trade, Ramana photographed Bugun liocichlas in the hills of the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China.
Full Article Link

Snakes On a Plane Safety Video

Snakes On A Plane instructional Pre-Flight Safety Video......

Ruins of Orkney

A two minute tour of ancient crypts, cairns, castles, and churches, the tour is set to music from the biggest Gaelic band in Scotland: Run Rig.

WORLDHOTELS Launches Southeast Asia Historic Route Package

WORLDHOTELS is offering guests the opportunity to discover the cultural heritage of three of Southeast Asia’s most historically interesting destinations by visiting three unique WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection properties in Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore in an exciting new Southeast Asia 'Historic Route' package.

The tour starts or finishes with a trip back in time to Singapore’s legendary Goodwood Park Hotel. Set in a lush tropical garden the Goodwood Park was built in 1900 and all effort has been made to preserve the hotel’s unique original colonial architecture and interior design. The hotel is also ideally located near to the shopping mecca of Orchard Road.

The special package price of SGD255 (approximately US$162 excluding taxes) includes accommodation for either singles or couples in a Deluxe room with breakfast. An optional dinner in the hotel’s famed Chinese restaurant, Min Jiang can be added for the full experience.

Next stop is Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Here, guests stay at the recently opened Angkor Palace Resort & Spa, the only resort style hotel in the city featuring a modern day adaptation of traditional Cambodian architecture, spread over an impressive 11 hectares of lush landscape. After visiting the temples, guests can rejuvenate body and soul the ancient Khmer way with a 55 minute aromatherapy massage at the resort's Kainnora Spa.

The special package price is US$160 (single) or US$200 (double) and includes accommodation in a superior room, daily breakfast, three-course set dinner featuring Khmer cuisine and a 55-minute aromatherapy massage.

Finally, the exotic tour ends at the luxurious Furama Resort Danang, Vietnam’s first luxury resort set on the famous and unspoiled China Beach in Vietnam.

The resort is at the epicenter of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ancient city of Hue, the old Silk Road trading port of Hoi An, the spiritual centre of the Champa civilization, My Son, and the mystical Phong Nha Caves. Excursions to these sites can be conveniently arranged by the Furama. Alternatively guests can just laze on the sandy white beach or explore the underwater world by going scuba diving, or even do an open water diving course.

The package is priced at US$394 (excluding tax and service charges) and includes two nights accommodation in a garden view room for two, daily breakfast, a cyclo tour to nearby Danang with a tour guide and one anti stress facial and a deluxe manicure at the Furama's beauty salon.

For more information on this exceptional historic route package please visit http://www.worldhotels.com/

Cambodia "Killing Fields" a Tourist Mecca

2 million people died as a result of genocide on this land, and it is expected that 1.6 million visitors will pony up big money to take a closer look.....

The 'genocide trail' covers Tuoi Sieng, Choeing Ek and the latest addition, Anlong Veng, Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot's last stronghold.

Pol Pot's shabby grave and a towering stack of his victims’ skulls are drawing a growing number of tourists, curious to see for themselves evidence of Cambodia's macabre regime.
Said Roberto Rossano, a tourist from the UK after visiting Choeung Ek, "The sight of these skulls absolutely shocks you, and it is just a fraction of what they did."

"Cambodia is known to the world for two things - Angkor Wat and the killing fields,” said Youk Chhang, from the US-funded research center, The Documentation Center of Cambodia on Khmer Rouge atrocities.
Chhang plans to turn his center into a museum, along the lines of Berlin's Jewish museum, which displays Nazi concentration camps and Holocaust sites.
Read On...

9 Wonders, 23 Days....$70,000

(Dubai pictured above)
Abercrombie & Kent will take you around the globe on a private jet with 48 other travelers to visit nine world wonders.....for a hefty price, of course.
The "Nine World Wonders" itinerary is:

1. The pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala, which are the remains of an ancient Mayan civilization.

2. The giant stone monuments on Easter Island.

3. Australia's Sydney Opera House, considered one of the most beautiful modern buildings in the world.

4. The temples and ruins at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

5. Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar (Burma), which is plated with solid gold, inlaid with jewels, and surrounded by woodcraft and mosaics.

6. The Taj Mahal in India.

7. Dubai, where mosques and traditional markets stand side by side with modern skyscrapers, hotels and malls.

8. The ancient stone buildings and ruins in the "Lost City" of Petra, Jordan.

9. The Pyramids of Egypt.
http://www.abercrombiekent.com/

Scientists Discover Why H5N1 Is So Lethal to Humans

The H5N1 strain of bird flu, which has claimed the lives of at least 241 people worldwide, is much more severe than ordinary human flu viruses. Now scientists believe they have discovered why that is the case.
The explanation lies in the patient's viral load and the subsequent inflammatory response, say researchers from the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in an article published in Nature Medicine.

Early diagnosis and effective treatment with antivirals -- such as Tamiflu and Relenza -- to prevent an intense cytokine response ought to be the primary focus of clinical management, they advised.

Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry, such as domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys, or surfaces contaminated with secretion or excretions from infected birds, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Top 10 Family Restaurants

Looking for Healthy Eating Destinations and Articles?
See our special edition HERE



Miriam Arond, Child magazine's editor in chief, tells us "With childhood obesity becoming an alarming trend in our country, we felt a survey like this would be helpful and necessary for both parents and children. Child followed a comprehensive and rigorous methodology to find the healthiest, family-friendly restaurant chains in the country by examining criteria such as the nutritional quality of the menu, the smoking policy, contributions to children's charities, and much more."

Survey Methodology:

For the Child magazine survey, over 125 children's menus of the largest full-service, sit-down chains were reviewed. Each menu was initially evaluated on these basic criteria: whether it contained at least two to four nutritional entrees, included a vegetable besides french fries and offered milk among its beverage choices. Only 20 menus (about one out of six restaurants) met these minimum requirements.

Each of these menus was sent to five nutrition experts for evaluation. Their scores were averaged and counted as 75% of a restaurants grade. The remaining 25% came from child-friendly activities-from balloons to birthday clubs-in addition to its smoking policy, contributing to children's charities and schools, and access to high chairs, booster seats, and diaper-changing tables in both the men's and women's restrooms.

THE LIST:

1. Legal Sea Foods: (U.S. locations: 28 in DC, FL, MA, MD, NJ, NY RI, VA)

2. Mimi's Cafe: (US Locations: 80 in AZ, CA, CO, FL, KS NM, NV, OK, TX, UT)

3. Red Lobster: (US Locations: 649 in every state except AK, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)

4. The Melting Pot: (US Locations: 70 in AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI)

5. The Old Spaghetti Factory: (US Locations: 40 in AZ, CA, CO, GA, HI, IN, KY, MO, MN, NV, OH, TN, UT, WA)

6. Benihana: (US Locations: 71 in AK, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI)

7. Ruby Tuesday: (US Locations: 702 in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV)

8. Chili's Grill & Bar: (US Locations: 868 in every state except MT)

9. Elephant Bar Restaurant: (US Locations: 28 in AZ, CA, CO, KS, MO, TX)

10. (Tie) Bertucci's: (US Locations: 89 in CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA) & Chevys Fresh Mex: (US Locations: 114 in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, LA, MD, MN, MO. NJ, NV, NY, OR, SD, UT, VA, WA)

Swimming Lesson?

Cruise Ship Sinks

More crazy video footage to help you with the decision to Fly or go on a Cruise for your next vacation.
Passengers aboard the cruise ship Oceanos begin to panic when the ship starts sinking.
To make matters worse, the captain and most of the crew have already abandoned ship, leaving them to die.

Plane Crashes (Video)

A compilation of various plane crashes.
This really makes you want to get on board an airline for your next trip, doesn't it?
It's got a cool music track as well, but I'll be questioning every dollar of my airfare from here on out!

Bikini Queen Shows Modern Side of Pakistan

A prize-winning bikini competition contestant who claimed to represent Pakistan, sparking some outrage in the Muslim country, says she wanted to project the nation as a modern one.

Officials in Pakistan, which does not hold beauty pageants, said Thursday they were investigating how Texas-based Mariyah Moten, 22, entered a "Miss Bikini" pageant in China last month as a Pakistani contestant.

Pakistan-born Moten, who holds an American passport, won a "Best in Media" title for being the most photographed and interviewed contestant, media reports said.

"I have broken all the barriers, and in the coming years there will be other Pakistani contestants who will carry this title," Moten, described by Pakistani media as the country's first bikini queen, told the Times of India newspaper.

"My intention was to project Pakistan in a very modern way."

Moten was born and brought up in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Her family moved to the United States eight years ago and she is now based in Houston.

Pakistani authorities said they might take up the issue with China, and might also withdraw from Moten privileges offered to people of Pakistani descent such as visa-free travel to Pakistan.

Moten, who said she might consider a career in the Pakistani film industry, was undeterred by the criticism.

"The hardliners are basically people who impose their thoughts on others, and we are not affected by people like them.

"It is actually very amusing how they are always so ready to react," the daily quoted her as saying.

Uganda Diary

"West Wing" Actress and IMC volunteer, Melissa Fitzgerald, shows us some of International Medical Corps's work in Kitgum, Uganda.

Overheard On a Flight out of LaGuardia

Overworked Flight Attendant:
"In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will be released from the overhead above your seat. After the screaming subsides, please place the oxygen mask around your nose and mouth. If you are traveling with a child or an adult who is acting like a child, place your mask on first before attempting to help put theirs on."

Australia Asks: "Where The Bloody Hell Are You?"

AUSTRALIA'S $180 million "Where The Bloody Hell Are You?" tourist promotion is part of a dud run for Australia in the world travel market, according to industry players.

"We need to do something to address it and in a concrete way or, quite seriously, I could be driving trucks in a couple of years," said John Milanese, whose Melbourne-based Mr John Tours takes Japanese tourists down the Great Ocean Road and to see Phillip Island penguins.

In Tokyo, the sales manager of Qantas Holidays Japan, Brad Crump, said that the number of travellers to Australia in August — traditionally the peak month for the Japan market — was "way down" on previous years.
Read More....

Groups Seeks to End Cuba Travel Ban

HAVANA - U.S. law blocks most travel to communist-led Cuba, but the Caribbean nation will be represented next week at an international travel show in Orlando.

A U.S.-based group known as the Travel Industry Committee on Cuba will promote travel and business links with the neighboring island at a convention Sunday through Tuesday, spearheaded by the American Society of Travel Agents, the world's biggest travel agent group.
Full Article...

The Steve Irwin Blame Game- Stop It!

I felt compelled to post this after seeing hundreds of viewpoints and supposed experts give their take on the death of Steve Irwin this past week.
One particular post from a respectable blog clinched it for me.
The Discovery Channel Killed Steve Irwin

Let me start out by saying that I follow Calcanis' blog religiously, as it always seems to offer something that matters to me in my daily internet and blogging travels.
In this case, Jason has written a well-thought out "Op-Ed" on the merits of Steve Irwin and the life he led before meeting his demise by one fell swoop of a stingray spike to the heart.

The problem I have with this article in particular is the fact that it was written AFTER Steve's death. Tantamount to bandwagon jumping, sports fans.
How many of us here have scuba-dived among stingrays ourselves?
Being a travel related blog, many of our readers likely have.
Does this behavior make us irresponsible, or worse yet- reckless?
Last I checked, there were no Discovery Channel cameras following me around the Baja Peninsula, yet I choose to spend time recreating there regardless.

Why specifically bring up this article in the first place?
Because Jason chose that particular subject line to get a point across that has little to do with the reason Mr. Irwin is no longer among the living.
A crocodile did not eat him.
A child was not torn from it's father's arms and swallowed whole.
Snakes didn't decide they had seen enough of this guy's antics and just drag him back to their lair some fine day.
Do I agree with the premise of the article's content?
You bet I do, almost to the letter.
It's the "intent" that I feel perpetuates one common denominator on the blog reports:
The Blame Game.

Think about it.
If somebody (or something) needs to be blamed for Steve Irwin's death- blame the stingray.
An incredibly talented man ran into some incredibly bad luck when the world least expected it.
Could have been you, me or any number of divers on this planet, and the world would never have known it.

If there is a lesson we all can take with us in this whole ordeal it's this:
Taunt the crocodiles,snakes and reptiles long enough, and a stingray is bound to get you in the end.

What say you?

The Extreme Tourist: Afghanistan

This is the first in a series of "Extreme Travel" destination articles.
If you have experienced some rather unusual trips of your own, feel free to share them here with a comment!

Travel to Afghanistan contains an inherent amount of risk, and should not be regarded in the same manner as a traditional backpacker's destination. While the security situation in the country was good under the Taliban regime, the Karzai administration has struggled to impose central control on the regions, and ISAF remains largely confined to Kabul and its immediate environs. There has been a return to warlordism in large parts of the country, and certain areas susceptible to banditry or armed instability. Afghanistan is also one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world. As such, all potential travellers should take steps to reduce their chances of exposing themselves to risk.

Always check the current situation on the ground before entering the country. The best sources are news services and those who have recently visited Afghanistan. News websites are listed under links; also see also Afghanistan Information Management Service (AIMS) and ReliefWeb, which offer security information, such as the weekly World Food Programme Weekly Situation Report. For those working in Afghanistan, the Afghanistan NGO Security Office (ANSO) in Kabul can provide security briefings. Those staying long-term in Afghanistan may also find the ECHO publication Generic Security Guide for Humanitarian Organisations useful, which can be downloaded from their website.

A short wave radio is useful for staying in touch with the news while travelling inside the country. Acquiring a working knowledge of recent Afghan history, local customs and a basic understanding of Islam is also to be highly recommended before travelling. Since 2002, many countries have re-opened their embassies in Kabul. It is worth registering your presence in the country with them, even though they can only provide the most limited consular assistance.

The security situation varies widely across the country, with some areas better than others. The lack of general countrywide security is a result of the failure of the international community to expand their mandate outside Kabul after the fall of the Taliban, and the continued support offered to warlords by the USA. The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) has produced an excellent paper Minimal Investments, Minimal Results: The Failure of Security Policy in Afghanistan which analyses the failure of security provision in the country - published in June 2004 its conclusions are still relevant. Another useful paper is NGO Insecurity in Afghanistan, published in April 2005 by CARE and ANSO.

As a general rule, the eastern and southern provinces of Afghanistan - the Pashtun heartland - should be regarded as extremely high-risk areas for foreigners. Helmand, Oruzgan, Zabol and large parts of Kandahar provinces are the nexus of continued fighting by Taliban remnants, despite US-Afghan army operations and Kabul's efforts to bring some Taliban back into the fold. Kunar, Laghman, Nangahar, Logar, Paktia and Paktika provinces should likewise be regarded as largely off-limits, due to supporters of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and the proximity to the Pakistan border, where sympathy for al-Qaeda and resentment of the government runs high. These areas are also prone to unpredictable unrest, such as the violent anti-American protests in several Pashtun towns and cities in May 2005.

Bomb attacks and kidnapping of foreigners has increased in Kabul since mid-2004.

The north is generally more stable. Taliban activity is not an issue here, but a more pervasive lawlessness is. Despite the success of the UN's disarmament programme in decommissioning heavy weapons, the country is awash with small arms, and disbanded militias can still present a problem as supporters of local strong-men and enacting banditry. Badghis province in the northwest is the most persistently problematic province for security, and the NGO Medecins Sans Frontieres withdrew completely from Afghanistan after the murder of five of their staff in Badghis in early 2004.

More detailed security information for specific regions is provided on the relevant pages. Even where areas are listed as stable, unexpected or opportune incidents can still occur, and the lack of central state control can mean a lack of trustworthy law enforcement in even the calmest of regions. Again, the need to seek reliable sources of information before travelling should be stressed.

Landmines
Afghanistan is littered with landmines- never walk off the beaten path. If locals avoid a particular area, so should you. Take a guide and don’t walk alone in unknown areas. When travelling by road, stay on the road when answering the call of nature. As well as mines, there is a risk from unexploded ordnance (UXOs), including bomblets dropped by US forces in the 2001-2002 air campaign. A visit to the Landmine Museum run by OMAR (Organisation for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation) in Kabul is highly recommended.

Remember, landmines are laid to be invisible.

In Afghanistan, rocks are marked with red paint to signify dangerous areas or known minefields. The rocks are repainted white when the area is cleared. However, not all areas are marked. Landmines and UXOs can be found in the following places:

Unused footpaths and tracks, verges of roads, around culverts and bridge abutments, alongside walls (particularly damaged buildings, around wells and water access points, in irrigation channels, around (abandoned) military posts and destroyed vehicles.

DO NOT touch or move interesting/unknown objects, leave well-worn paths or tracks, or walk in unknown areas without a local guide.

DO seek information on local mine problems and take a local guide, retrace you steps out of a suspect area when possible, stay alert to telltale signs for landmines and UXOs. Trust your judgement and don’t follow others blindly.

If you see a landmine or UXO: stop, stay calm and think. Shout a warning to others near you, and turn around and retrace your steps slowly and exactly. Once on safe ground, mark the danger area with a line of rocks and inform the nearest NGO demining office or authorities immediately.

(Landmine guidelines reproduced with thanks to the Essential Field Guide: Afghanistan.)

General Health
A malaria risk exists in regions of Afghanistan under an elevation of 2000m. June to November is the primary transmission season, and although the disease is mainly found in rural areas, a high risk exists in the cities of Kandahar and Jalalabad where agricultural and residential areas overlap. Kabul lies above the malarial zone. Take anti-malarial precautions where necessary. Diarrhoea is also a risk when travelling - carry oral rehydration salts and do not assume water is safe to drink unless treated to make it so. Depleted uranium (DU) weapons were used on a large scale in Afghanistan by the US army, which may present a large-scale future health risk for the population.
VIA LINK

Are You Safe On A Cruise Ship?

Disturbing tales about cruise vacations are more common than we'd like. Numerous passengers have disappeared from cruise ships, including George Smith IV, whose family is currently suing Royal Caribbean. The Crown Princess tilted sharply on one of its first voyages, injuring dozens of guests, and the Star Princess caught on fire, destroying balconies on several decks. Last year, modern-day pirates attacked a Seabourn ship off the coast of Somalia.

All of these scary incidents lead holidaymakers to wonder: Am I safe taking a cruise vacation?

The answer is a conditional yes. In today's uncertain world, you can never be completely safe anywhere. Going on a cruise does not put you in greater peril than does any other vacation. But, the responsibility ultimately falls to you to protect yourself and your interests while onboard.
FULL ARTICLE...

Passport Delays Loom for Short-Hop Cruisers

Don't wait much longer to get a passport if you're planning a winter cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico.


Industry watchers such as Mike Driscoll expect delays at passport offices in the weeks leading up to Jan. 8, which is the day new government rules take effect. The rules require all cruisers to carry passports, even on three-day trips.

Previously, many itineraries required that the passenger have only a driver's license and birth certificate.

"There could be a surge in applications come January," says Driscoll, editor of Cruise Week newsletter. "By the time October rolls around, cruisers booked for January who don't have a passport likely will require expedited service, which doubles the cost."
READ ON...

Sex On a Plane- For $299?

Looking for more Wacky and Weird News?

Visit Our FORUM!


Georgia corporate pilot Bob Smith has a soaring sideline: helping couples join the infamous "mile-high club." For $299, he'll take a frisky twosome past 5,280 feet in a Piper Cherokee 6 fitted with a mattress. The hour-long flights out of Carrollton, Ga., have lured couples from as far as New York. Smith, 51, shares stories of highflying whoopee with USA TODAY's Kitty Bean Yancey.

Q: Who goes on these flights?

A: Couples from 18 and 19 up to their 60s. I've taken between 75 and 100 in five years. I've had people fly in from New York, New Jersey and Miami just to do the mile-high club. It's a lot easier (for them) than getting in the bathroom of a 737.

Q: Do men or women usually book the flights?

A: About 75% of the flights are booked by women. I've tried to figure that out, and I guess if the guy suggested it to a woman, he would be afraid she'd think he was some kind of pervert. But if the woman suggests it, the man thinks she's hot.

Q: But your plane is small. Aren't people embarrassed to fool around with you there?

A: No. I've got a curtain up so I can't see what's going on, and I wear a headset. But I guess the ones who want to (take a mile-high flight) aren't the inhibited type anyway.

Q: Don't you have to interrupt them to tell them when you're going to land?
READ ON....

Travel Gossip Home Page

Growing Demand for End-to-End Travel and Expense Management Solution

Recent findings from an independent survey by Aberdeen Group, Inc. reveal that 26 percent of respondents plan on adopting an end-to-end travel booking and expense reporting solution within the next two years.

The Travel and Entertainment (TandE) Expense Management Report focuses on the challenges companies face in efficiently managing TandE expenses, which, according to Aberdeen, account for approximately 8 percent to 10 percent of total operating expenses, on average.
READ MORE...

Brazil Alert

Tensions in Bolivia remain high as residents of the eastern provinces of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija prepare to launch a 24-hour strike on 8 September 2006. Reports indicate that coca growers, farmers and other supporters of President Evo Morales have stated that they are willing to take up arms against opponents and to defend the current administration. Meanwhile, the armed forces will launch an investigation into the groups organizing the strike.

The protest action has been called to demand respect for the Constitution and the Constitutional Assembly's law, as well as the honoring of the results of the 2 July referendum, in which locals of these provinces voted for greater independence from the central government. The threats of a strike did not suffice to halt the approval of the assembly's law by members of the ruling party.

U.S. Ignoring Carribean During War on Terror?

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning yesterday said the United States is ignoring the security threats facing the Caribbean region and Trinidad and Tobago may have to consider shifting its LNG exports away from the US to emerging markets in Latin America.

Addressing the inaugural British Gas energy luncheon at the Hilton Trinidad, the Prime Minister said TT remains very concerned about regional security and about the fact that the US’ emphasis on combating global terrorism has placed its war against drug traffickers “on the backburner.”

Manning added that South American drug cartels have not reduced their activities in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US and “we are now seeing a heightened use of Caribbean countries as transshipment centres” as drugs move from South America to the US and Western Europe.
READ MORE...

Travel Warning For Jordan

Foreign embassies are urging citizens not to travel inside Jordan after a deadly shooting spree which injured a New Zealand woman.

A Briton was killed and four other tourists were wounded by gunman Nabil Ahmad Jaoura, who was angry at Western support for Israel's military offensives in Lebanon and Gaza.

Travellers are being told to increase their security awareness, particularly in areas popular with Westerners.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says there is a high risk to personal security, and is advising travellers to take extra care at Jordan's borders with Israel and Iraq.

MFAT is recommending against tourist and non-essential travel to the area.

Pirate Attack on Luxury Cruise Liner

ABC News Reports-
As the Seabourn Spirit (pictured at left) pulled into the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean today, passengers recounted how the ship's captain outran and outmaneuvered the pirates.

"There were two boats altogether, and we tried to run one over and took zigzag evasive measures, and then just blasted out to sea to outrun these guys," said Ray Albers, a passenger onboard the luxury yacht. "And we succeeded."
Related VIDEO- High Seas Dangers

Top 25 Smartest Cities in the U.S.

If you equate education with intelligence, then the smartest city in the United States is Seattle - 52.7 percent of its residents age 25 or older have completed a bachelor's degree or higher.

Seattle's also been ranked as the most literate city in the United States by Central Connecticut State University, beating out Minneapolis, Washington and Atlanta. That rating was based on such things as the number of booksellers, libraries and newspaper circulation - as well as educational attainment.

Many brainy people have flocked to the Seattle area to work in what's called the "knowledge economy." Companies headquartered there and in surrounding towns, including Microsoft, Amazon, Cray, Washington Mutual and Costco, all use heavy doses of information technology. Even another of the area's biggest employers, old-line Boeing, is also a glutton for technological solutions. Source:
http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/29/real_estate/brainiest_cities/

1.)Seattle WA
2.)San Francisco CA
3.)Raleigh NC
4.)Washington DC
5.)Austin TX
6.)Minneapolis MN
7.)Atlanta GA
8.)Boston MA
9.)San Diego CA
10.)Lexington-Fayette KY
11.)Denver CO
12.)Charlotte NC
13.)Portland OR
14.)St. Paul MN
15.)San Jose CA
16.)Colorado Springs CO
17.)Honolulu HI
18.)Oakland CA
19.)Pittsburgh PA
20.)New York NY
21.)Albuquerque NM
22.)Anchorage AK
23.)Omaha NE
24.)Nashville-Davidson TN
25.)Columbus OH

Australia Cruise - Expert Guide

Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe- inspiring beauty. From grand cities to ancient coral reefs, there is no end of star attractions in the land of Oz and the best way to see them is to book yourself on an Australia cruise.

Sydney and its world famous harbor is a good starting point for an Australia cruise, although it is of course possible to start at other Australian ports, and also at ports outside of Australia. For instance, you could join the US to Australia leg of a round-the-world cruise at Los Angeles and find yourself in Sydney, Australia 30-days later. From Sydney you could depart on a smaller cruise around Australia and/or New Zealand.

Cruise routes around Australia normally concentrate on port stops along the East and North coasts. Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville and Darwin are the main ports of call, with cruise durations typically of between 7-10 days. From Darwin, a few cruise lines offer services westwards towards Broome. Cruises along the southern and western coasts are less popular. Here, the main ports of call are Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. A port stop in Tasmania is also incorporated into many an Australia cruise, as are ports of call in New Zealand, such as Auckland and Dunedin, and sometimes ports of call in Indonesia.

So, what great treasures await those who adventure to Australia on a cruise? Sydney, Australia's capital and the jewel in the crown of Australia's south-east coastline, offers a whole host of sightseeing opportunities just on its own. Sydney harbor, the Opera House, Bondi Beach and Watson's Bay are among the top attractions. Sydney is also bursting with museums, fine restaurants and excellent shopping facilities. Two hours outside of Sydney is the world renowned Hunter Valley wine region, where you can sample some of Australia's finest wines.

Further to the North, the Gold Coast - one of the world's hottest surfing locations - and the city of Brisbane await. In Brisbane you will have many shore excursions to choose from, including boat trips up the Brisbane River and a bushwalking experience in Brisbane district's forests.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's main attractions. You can dive the reef to experience its full glory, join a snorkeling tour of the reef or see the reef from the air. There are also opportunities for landward adventures into the great Australian outback.

Cairns offers a further experience with the Great Barrier Reef, as well as beautiful sandy beaches, while Darwin - one of the hottest coastal regions in Australia during the summer - is another great place in which to relax under the hot Australian sun.

Looking for Cruise information?
Go to http://www.azcruises.com/ to find out all you need to know about taking your dream Australia Cruise vacation.

Irwin's Manager Describes Video Footage

Irwin's manager John Stainton said Irwin was being videotaped diving on a reef off Australia's northeast coast for a television show.
He told Australia's Network 10 that Irwin managed to pull the barb out of his chest but said it was too late, as the poison had already entered his body.
Irwin then went into cardiac arrest, news reports said.
Stainton described the footage of his friend dying as "terrible."

"It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him (in the chest), and he pulled it out and the next minute he's gone," Stainton said. (

"That was it. The cameraman had to shut down (after that)," Stainton said. Stainton will talk more about the footage on "Larry King Live" tonight at 9 ET.

Watch Stainton describe Irwin's last moments, and various other videos, including how a Stingray strikes:
CNN VIDEOS

Great Croc Hunter Salutes Irwin

Khalid Hassen, who had shot dead more than 17 000 African crocodiles in a hunting career, which had spanned over four decades, said: "I'm very upset to hear about it. I know that he led a dangerous life, but it just doesn't seem right that a fish should kill him... It is an unfitting death for him.
"I'm a hunter, I'm a killer"
Hassen, a successful Malawian businessman, had probably killed more crocodiles than anyone else, but he said he had huge respect for Irwin and his non-lethal methods of trapping the big reptiles.

Hassen, who hunted at night by boat with a heavy calibre rifle in the waterways of southern Malawi, where dozens of peasants are attacked each year by man-eating crocodiles, said: "He was a conservationist and I'm a hunter, I'm a killer."
Full Article

Australia Travel- Living On the Reef

The majestic coral structures that make up the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef extend over 2,500 kilometres. It has the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth.
Watch A Video Here

Australian Eagle Ray

An Eagle Ray filmed in the south-east of south Australia.

Chasing an Australian Bull Ray

Chasing a large (6ft across) Bull Ray in the south-east of South Australia.

Divers Feed Stingrays

Stingray City at Grand Cayman Island is known as the world's best 12 foot dive where scuba divers get to feed friendly stingrays.

Black Blotched Stingrays Swimming

Encounter a school of some 20 black blotched stingrays (Taeniura meyeni) at Burma's Black Rock.

Stingrays Fight For Food

2 Stingrays fighting over a tasty catfish!

New State Dept. Warning On Sudan

The U.S. State Department issued the following Travel Warning with regard to the continued threat of terrorism in Sudan, which reads in part: "This Travel Warning for Sudan reminds U.S. citizens of the continued threat of terrorism in Sudan and stresses the importance of obtaining proper travel documents before attempting entry into any part of the country. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued for Sudan on 6 February 2006. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area where there is a continuing buildup of Government and rebel military forces and where violence has increased significantly.

The Department continues to remind travelers that the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or Western interests.

As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds. Sporadic fighting instigated by militias is often reported in the southern parts of the country. Travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum is potentially dangerous. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile state. As a result of violence and banditry, the United Nations has declared many parts of Darfur "No-Go" areas for UN personnel.

Due to the potential for banditry and general lawlessness in rural areas, land travel at night should be avoided….Failure to possess the appropriate travel documents and permits can result in the traveler's arrest and detention for multiple crimes, including illegal entry, publication of false information, and espionage. If convicted, sentences range from deportation to life in prison or the death penalty…"

Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter Dies

View Videos of Stingrays HERE

Looking for Wildlife Discussions? Visit Our Wildlife Forums and Register to join in the discussions today!


Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.
News Articles

STAY TUNED on our Big City Travels Homepage for a SPECIAL STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE

FOOTAGE of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin being fatally gored by a stingray has been handed to police, according to media report.

The Australian reports that the footage shows that Irwin was swimming above a 2.5m stingray before it turned on him.

"The ray stopped and turned and that was it," boatowner Peter West, who viewed the footage afterwards, is quoted as saying in tomorrow's edition of The Australian newspaper.

"Something happened with this animal and made it rear and he was in the wrong position at the wrong time and if it hit him anywhere else we would not be talking about a fatality," Mr West says in the report.

The larger-than-life Irwin, 44, was off Port Douglas in far north Queensland, filming for his daughter Bindi's TV series.

Tonight his manager admitted he always feared that Irwin would meet his "demise" while working with the wildlife he loved.

But John Stainton said although Irwin got into plenty of "close shaves" with his antics involving various dangerous animals over the years, his star charge never feared death.

"You think about all the documentaries we've made and all the dangerous situations that we have been in, you always think 'Is this it, is this a day that maybe is his demise?'," he said in Cairns.

"We've been in some pretty close shaves.

"(But) nothing would ever scare Steve or would worry him. He didn't have a fear of death at all."

Mr Stainton, who was producing the underwater documentary, said Irwin died instantly.

He said Irwin had gone "over the top of a stingray and a stingray's barb went up and went into his chest and put a hole into his heart''.

Mr Stainton said Irwin had been rushed back to his research vessel at Batt Reef but had not regained consciousness despite desperate attempts to revive him.

"We got him back within a couple of minutes to Croc One, which is his research vessel,'' Mr Stainton said.

"We tried to quickly trip back to Low Isle where we were going to meet the emergency rescue people to do immediate and constant CPR, try and resuscitate him back into life.

"When we got there it was probably ten to 12, and by 12 o'clock when the emergency crew arrived they pronounced him dead.

"It's likely that he possibly died instantly when the barb hit him, and I don't think that he ... felt any pain.''

Mr Stainton, an old friend who has worked with Irwin for years, added that the star had been looking for "things that can kill you in the sea".

"We were in the Cairns, Port Douglas area shooting a documentary for Animal Planet called Ocean's Deadliest, which was basically looking at things that can kill you in the sea," he said.

"This morning Steve decided to shoot a couple of segments for a new TV show that he's doing with his daughter Bindi, and with the cameramen went out onto the reef ... to film a segment on stingrays.''

It is not believed Bindi, eight, was on the reef trip.

Paramedics flown to the boat found Irwin had a puncture wound to the left side of his chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Top 100 Angriest Cities in the U.S.

A study conducted by Men's Health magazine has found that Orlando, Fla., ranks No. 1 on a list of the angriest cities in the nation. "Orlando has never been a strategic military target, and yet the folks there are furious," the magazine said.

The magazine looked at the percentage of men with high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and FBI rates for aggravated assaults, as well as workplace deaths from assaults and other violence.

Those numbers were compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Traffic congestion data were also a factor.

Orlando was joined in the top 10 by three other Florida cities -- St. Petersburg, Miami and Jacksonville.

Top 25 Angriest Cities

1. Orlando, Fla.
2. St. Petersburg, Fla.
3. Detroit
4. Baltimore
5. Nashville, Tenn.
6. Wilmington, Del.
7. Miami
8. Memphis, Tenn.
9. Jacksonville, Fla.
10. St. Louis
11. Chicago
12. Tampa, Fla.
13. Jackson, Miss.
14. Albuquerque
15. Charlotte, N.C.
16. Dallas
17. Houston
18. Tucson, Ariz.
19. Indianapolis
20. Wichita, Kan.
21. Birmingham, Ala.
22. Providence, RI
23. Durham, N.C.
24. Altanta
25. Washington, D.C.
Full 100 List

5 Things I Hate About Europe!

As the label above indicates, this is the "Your Voice" category of the Travel Gossip blog.
Comment here by telling us 5 things that really, really irk you about Europe- especially if it is Travel related.
Have fun with it!

5 Things I Love About Europe!

As the label above indicates, this is the "Your Voice" category of the Travel Gossip blog.
Comment here by telling us 5 things that really, really makes one fall in love with Europe- especially if it is Travel related. Have fun with it!

Do You Feel Safe?

Please take a moment to respond to the Poll in the right column.
We're interested in knowing how safe you feel when you travel.
After taking the Poll, be sure to click on the "Map" feature to see where others are from, and how they voted.
We might be surprised at the results.
As well, we'd like to hear your stories and comments regarding this- so let's have them! ; )

A Luxury Travel Blog

Interested in posh hotels, locations, cruises and the like?
Check out this Luxury Travel Blog I happened upon today.
As this is our first posting in the "Travel Links" category, you can help us out by commenting with some of your favorite travel blogs!

Significant Dates for September

SIGNIFICANT DATES

1 September

Eritrea: Anniversary of the Start of the Armed Struggle
France: The Fête d'Automne, a major arts and film festival, opens in Paris and continues until December.
Libya: National Day (Commemorates the 1969 overthrow of King Idris I, which led to the establishment of a republic.)
Mexico: State of the nation address by outgoing President Vicente Fox (Protesters in Mexico City have announced their intention to disrupt the address, which is Fox's last.)
Mexico: State Of Union Address (National holiday)
Slovakia: Constitution Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Taiwan: Launch of indefinite protest rally in Taipei's New Park to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian.
Uzbekistan: Independence Day (All government offices, businesses and many shops close)

3 September

France (Lille): La Braderie (Street festivals in Lille. Occurs annually on first weekend in September.)
San Marino: Foundation Day (Public holiday)
Qatar: Independence Day (from Britain in 1971. Offices and businesses close; street celebrations organized.)
Russia: Anniversary of Beslan hostage crisis (Commemoration events scheduled)

4 September

Vietnam: National Day (Government offices and businesses close.)

5 September

Germany: Anniversary of 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack.

6 September

Bulgaria: Unification of Eastern Rumelia with Bulgaria in 1885.
Mexico: Last day election officials have to declare a president-elect or annul the election (The naming of Felipe Calderon as president will likely cause an escalation of his opponent's protests taking place in Mexico City, the capital.)
Pakistan: Defense of Pakistan Day.
Swaziland: Independence Day.

7 September

Brazil: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Mozambique: Victory Day.

8 September

Macedonia: Independence Day (Public holiday. Most offices and businesses close.)
Malta: Victory Day (Public holiday; government and business offices closed.)
Christianity: Nativity of the Virgin Mary.


10 September

Belize: St. George's Caye Day (Commemorates the victory over the Spaniards in the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798.)
Gibraltar: National Day (Public holiday in Gibraltar; government and business offices closed)
Montenegro: Parliamentary elections

11 September

Chile: Revolution Day/Anniversary of the 1973 coup led by Augusto Pinochet (Violent demonstrations may occur in Santiago and other cities)
Ethiopia: Ethiopian New Year.
Gibraltar: National Day observed (Government offices and businesses closed)
Pakistan: Anniversary of death of Quaid-i-Azam, founder of Pakistan (Public holiday)
Spain: Catalonia Day (Catalonia only)
United States: Anniversary of 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots/hotspots.asp#127583

Hurricane John (Mexico) Update

Hurricane John continues to move toward the Baja Peninsula on 1 September 2006. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, John has strengthened to a Category 3 storm. At 0800 UTC, it was located at 21.8°N, 108.8°W, which is approximately 100 mi/161 km southeast of Baja. The storm is moving northwest at 10 mph/8.6 kt and has winds of 115 mph/100 kt. John is expected to bring heavy rains and strong waves, and landslides are expected to occur. Hundreds of tourists have evacuated the Baja Peninsula and long lines have been reported at Los Cabos International Airport (MMSD/SJD) as travelers attempt to evacuate. More than 10,000 local residents have been evacuated from the area.

(TSA) Travel Tips For Labor Day Weekend

Holiday travel. Business trip. Honeymoon. Family vacation. No matter where you’re going, air travel is an essential part of your trip. The TSA says they are dedicated to getting you there.
Not without making relatively certain you are not doing anything deemed to be sketchy in today's fragile travel environment, however.

Here are some handy links to better serve your holiday travel needs:

Air Travel

The Screening Experience

TSA Travel Assistant

Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Transporting Special Items

Traveling with Children

Travel Safe, Travel Secure

Prohibited Items

Traveler Identity Verification Program

10 Most Dangerous Places On Earth

PART 1 of a Series


At first glance, one would immediately think Iraq, Israel, West Bank, Iran, etc....
When you stop to think about it, however- there are many places on Earth that the uninitiated would probably never think of as being quite dangerous to exist in or travel to. By browsing this site you'll see that every single day brings some horrific and startling news of bombings, social unrest and general chaos in seemingly interesting and beautiful places to travel.
Granted, quite a few of them are probably quite nice,but at what point do we distinguish between outright dangerous, and simply a place to remain vigilant with a watchful eye?
Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on this!

How would one begin to categorize the term "Dangerous"?

Social Unrest?
Governmental instability?
The number of volcanoes?
The number of active volcanoes ?
The number of people who have died in both earthquakes and volcanoes?
Propensity for Hurricanes and/or Tsunamis?
High Crime Rates?

How are you going to make your decision?

Here are just a few shocking factors to consider in this first part of a series we'll be adding to every couple days this month:

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be melted by volcanic lava? How about experiencing an earthquake and feeling your legs start to turn into jelly? Well, in Seattle and Western Washington it has been more common than you might think. Currently there are 10 major volcanoes, both active and extinct. In Washington a great volcanic eruption could occur from the gigantic Mt. Saint Helens which killed 57 people throughout the years. Many people have also died by taking the risk of skiing or boarding and climbing various snow covered mountains in the region while they are considered dangerous. If you thought volcanoes were bad- wait till you hear about Washington’s earthquakes. During the past 125 years there have been over 20 damaging earthquakes!

JAPAN
Home of sushi, Hello Kitty, the bullet train, and some of the world’s deadliest natural disasters. There are around 90 active volcanoes and numerous dormant volcanoes. There are about 6-10 eruptions a year. The famous Mt. Fuji erupted 200 years ago, lasting three days with subordinated lava flow and small pyroclastic flow. The Unzen volcano was also a deadly one. The volcano collasped in 1792, killing 14,300 people and causing a unexpected tsunami. Two earthquakes happened this year, ranging from around 5.0- 5.1 magnitude. The major erathquake that destroyed one- third of Tokyo and most of Yokohama. It was an 8.3 magnitude one, killing 143,000 people. Another dangerous one - a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Kobe Japan, killed 5,200 and injured 26,800 people.

SUDAN
On 30 August 2006, Sudanese security officials began seizing laptop computers from persons entering the country as part of new security measures in Khartoum. Security sources are claiming the laptops are searched and returned within one day in an effort to keep pornographic films and photographs from entering the country. Aid workers, businessmen, journalists and U.N. officials are concerned about sensitive and confidential information being put in jeopardy.

TAIWAN
Dozens of protesters gathered outside of the legislative building in Taipei on 31 August 2006 to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian. There were no reports of violence or injuries at the protest. There are increasing calls for Chen's resignation and one anti-government group is expected to launch an indefinite protest on 1 September in New Park, which is located near the Presidential Office. The American Institute in Taiwan issued a Warden Message on 30 August concerning upcoming protests.

To be continued........

Bombs Rock Thailand

As many as 22 bombs exploded near simultaneously inside of commercial banks in the southern province of Yala at approximately 1130 local time on 31 August 2006. The bombs, many of which were detonated remotely via mobile phone, were hidden inside of garbage cans, newspaper stands, women's handbags, books and folders. Others were placed in ATM booths or near customer seating areas. The attacks affected 22 of the province's 30 banks; 10 bombs exploded in the city of Yala, five exploded in Betong district, two in Yaha, one in Bannang State and one exploded in Raman district. At least two people were killed and 40 others sustained injuries. Suspected Muslim separatists are thought responsible for the attacks, and police officers have arrested at least two people.

Police officials reportedly received prior intelligence that a large-scale attack would occur on 31 August, as it is the anniversary of the founding of Bersatu -- the United Front for the Independence of Pattani -- which is an umbrella organization for various ethnic Malay rebel organizations; security had reportedly been increased throughout Thailand's southern provinces in response to the threat. Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered a probe into possible security lapses. All banks in Yala province have been closed as a result of the attacks and it is not known when they will reopen, particularly as the extent of damage sustained at the affected bank branches is not known. Security has also been increased in Songkhla's Hat Yai district in an effort to prevent attacks.

Labor Day Festivals Galore!

Fodor's editors are, as you might expect, a well-traveled lot, and they've picked their favorite end-of-summer parties from coast to coast -- from small-town affairs to big city blowouts!
CLICK HERE!

The Drive: A Tour of New Orleans

The Drive is a driving tour through the most devastated neighborhoods in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. This is the trailer to The Drive: Lakeview. It provides a sample of what's included in the entire segment that's currently in post-production. The Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans was not devastated by hurricane force winds so much as by the flooding caused by the breached 17th Avenue Canal and London Avenue Canal Levees.