This week DHS Secretary Napolitano signed an agreement with Bermuda that paves the way for general aviation flights to be prescreened before leaving Bermuda so that they can be treated as domestic flights upon arrival in the U.S. Not only will the passengers and crew be screened before departure, but also aircraft will be checked for radiological and nuclear threats. According to DHS, preclearance of general aviation flights from Bermuda will start once the appropriate facilities and equipment are in place.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Flight to Israel Diverted to Boston
Friday night a Delta Airlines flight from JFK to Tel Aviv was diverted to Boston's Logan Airport after an "unruly" passenger tried to enter the cockpit. It is being reported that the Israeli national, who was subdued by fellow passengers, seemed to be suffering some sort of panic or anxiety attack.
By:
Progress
On 01:25
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Presidential Plane Flight Causes Scare in New York City
This morning people in lower Manhattan, Staten Island and across the Hudson River in New Jersey got a scare when a Presidential 747 and an F-16 fighter made an unannounced flight over the region. The low-flying airplanes set-off a panic that led to the evacuation of dozens of offices. Fortunately the incident was nothing more than a Defense Department-staged photo opportunity over the Statue of Liberty. However, many people including NYC Mayor Bloomberg are very upset they weren't told about the flyover in advance.
While the Mayor was in the dark prior to this morning, Newsday reports that the FAA says the NYPD, the city's 311 and 911 operation centers, the New Jersey State Police and some other agencies, were all told in advance about the photo op.
By:
Progress
On 01:19
SAFRAN Buying Majority Stake in GE Homeland Protection
Anonymous let us know that Europe's SAFRAN is going to acquire 81% of GE Security's Homeland Protection business for $580 million. Both BODs have approved the sale, which is now subject to regulatory approval. SAFRAN decided to make this move in order to become a global player in airport security solutions.
The Homeland Protection business will become part of SAFRAN's Defense Security division, and its headquarters will stay in Newark, CA.
By:
Progress
On 01:18
Swine Flu Pandemic Declared a Public Health Emergency
DHS Secretary Napolitano announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will declare a Public Health Emergency today in response to the growing outbreak of Swine Flu in the United States. As of today there are 20 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the U.S.
By:
Progress
On 01:13
FAA Puts Airplane/Bird Strike Data Online
United States — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally made its Bird Strike Database available to the public. The records include data on airplane/bird collisions from 1990 through 2007. The online database is accessible from the FAA's Airport Wildlife Hazard Mitigation home page.
By:
Progress
On 01:11
U.S. and Bermuda Agree on General Aviation Preclearance Security
This week DHS Secretary Napolitano signed an agreement with Bermuda that paves the way for general aviation flights to be prescreend before leaving Bermuda so that they can be treated as domestic flights upon arrival in the U.S. Not only will the passengers and crew be screened before departure, but also aircraft will be checked for radiological and nuclear threats.
According to DHS, preclearance of general aviation flights from Bermuda will start once the appropriate facilities and equipment are in place.
By:
Progress
On 01:10
Customs Agency Seminar for International Trade Community
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is holding a seminar on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Tuesday, April 28 in El Paso, Texas.
ACE is the commercial trade processing system developed by CBP to facilitate trade while strengthening border security.
ACE is the commercial trade processing system developed by CBP to facilitate trade while strengthening border security.
CBP says that the target audiences for the ACE information seminar includes importers, customs brokers, service providers, and international sea, rail, air and truck carriers.
By:
Progress
On 01:09
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Will the Island of Love reunite?
Greetings from the the Republic of Cyprus where clear signs of summer are in the air and I have already reverted to wearing short sleeve shirts.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the divide in Northern Cyprus last weekend elections were held. The resounding winners were the UBP, spearheaded by Dervis Eroglu, who was actually a former Turkish Cypriot ‘Prime Minister’. His party won 44.06% of the vote, giving them an outright majority in the 50-seat parliament. With contrasting fortunes, the ruling Republican Turkish Party (CTP) who are aligned with the current Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, took just 29.25% of the vote, thus becoming an early Political consequence of public discontentment due to a weakend economy in addition to the perception of ongoing international isolation.
Subsequently, this vote was nothing short of significant defeat for the CTP and also personally for the credibility of Talat, who only last year proactively started peace talks with the Cypriot Republic leader President Demetris Christofias.
The UBP advocates a two-state settlement on Cyprus and are reported to be at odds with the present federal model now being discussed by Talat and Christofias. As UDP party now controls parliament, it may give Talat less room for manoeuvre in the existing complex talks that are filled with emotion and delicate topics.
Talat did make a statement that the peace talks would not be affected and the UBP said it did not seek to scupper negotiations. However, clearly there is concern, especially as the UDP have already requested more direct involvement in the process.
A source in the UBP said: "We are most definitely going to send a representative to the talks with Talat, and this is something that Talat has accepted." Diplomats say the Talat-Christofias talks offer a glimmer of hope that the conflict can be resolved. They are both viewed as moderates and are ideologically rooted in the left.
Greek Cypriots want a deal to be an evolution of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus they run, rather than the union of two states. The events of the weekend could well affect the outcome of talks and the future of the the divided Island. Cyprus has so much Tourism potential and if the Island is unified it may once again rise to be the king of the Mediterranean.
Happy World Day!
Grant Holmes
Editor, Perpetual Traveller
Meanwhile, on the other side of the divide in Northern Cyprus last weekend elections were held. The resounding winners were the UBP, spearheaded by Dervis Eroglu, who was actually a former Turkish Cypriot ‘Prime Minister’. His party won 44.06% of the vote, giving them an outright majority in the 50-seat parliament. With contrasting fortunes, the ruling Republican Turkish Party (CTP) who are aligned with the current Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, took just 29.25% of the vote, thus becoming an early Political consequence of public discontentment due to a weakend economy in addition to the perception of ongoing international isolation.
Subsequently, this vote was nothing short of significant defeat for the CTP and also personally for the credibility of Talat, who only last year proactively started peace talks with the Cypriot Republic leader President Demetris Christofias.
The UBP advocates a two-state settlement on Cyprus and are reported to be at odds with the present federal model now being discussed by Talat and Christofias. As UDP party now controls parliament, it may give Talat less room for manoeuvre in the existing complex talks that are filled with emotion and delicate topics.
Talat did make a statement that the peace talks would not be affected and the UBP said it did not seek to scupper negotiations. However, clearly there is concern, especially as the UDP have already requested more direct involvement in the process.
A source in the UBP said: "We are most definitely going to send a representative to the talks with Talat, and this is something that Talat has accepted." Diplomats say the Talat-Christofias talks offer a glimmer of hope that the conflict can be resolved. They are both viewed as moderates and are ideologically rooted in the left.
Greek Cypriots want a deal to be an evolution of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus they run, rather than the union of two states. The events of the weekend could well affect the outcome of talks and the future of the the divided Island. Cyprus has so much Tourism potential and if the Island is unified it may once again rise to be the king of the Mediterranean.
Happy World Day!
Grant Holmes
Editor, Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 06:13
HEATHROW: UK’s worst Airport
London Heathrow is the busiest airport in the world and the letters LHR are instantly recognizable to any frequent traveller. Yet, as often is the case in life, the busiest does not mean the best! A recent survey by consumer Watchdogs has branded Heathrow along with Gatwick and Stansted as the worst in the United Kingdom.
Interestingly all these airports have one significant thing in common, they are operated by the best described as shameful BAA; so much for the monopoly! Dissatisfaction with BAA run airports has been common knowledge amongst the British and the poor international frequent transit passengers for some years now. However, now there is proof for this general feeling, following a customer satisfaction survey involving 9,000 people that was carried out by the consumer watchdog Which? Subsequently the findings are not surprising, with complaints varying from the dreaded “Long Queues” at security to “long waiting times” for flights, poor food quality, not enough time for shopping (a consequence of long queues) and the general treatment from security, which can range from patronizing to condescending.
Terminal 1 finished rock bottom of the Which report? The west London airport's Terminals 2, 3, and 4 were the next least-popular amongst those polled. London Gatwick's two terminals (North & South) only finished just above the Heathrow terminals, so the BAA performance state of affairs is pretty miserable. As reported earlier in the year by Perpetual Traveller however, T5 scored well for shopping & eating and is overall a significant improvement from T1, T2, T3 and T4, though too little, too late for the consumers to stomach.
Communication in the form of Signs and flight details were considered poor at Heathrow Terminals 1-4 and also at Manchester's Terminal 1 and at Coventry airport.
Southampton Airport, which is the hub of low cost airline Fly Be, scored the best of the seven airports operated by BAA with an overall score of 71% . Top of the crop all things considered with an overall score of 80%, was Blackpool airport, with London City airport (78%) second and Doncaster Sheffield (formerly Robin Hood) coming in third place with 76%.
So what does the Monopoly of BAA actually own and operate? Well here is the list of passenger unfriendly BAA controlled airports in alphabetical order…
· Aberdeen Airport
· Edinburgh Airport*
· Glasgow International Airport
· London Gatwick Airport*
· London Heathrow Airport
· London Stansted Airport*
· Southampton Airport
* This denotes the airports BAA are currently Selling
For clarification of the Which report, here are the 10 best operated airports in the UK, which clearly indicates what a poor job BAA are doing…
10 BEST
1. Blackpool airport - Annual passengers: 439,200 - Best feature: Check-in, food outlets, airside amenities, return waiting times, experience Worst feature: Shops Score: 80 per cent
2. London City
3. Doncaster Sheffield
4. Exeter
5. Southampton (BAA operated)
6. Humberside
7. Norwich
8. Bournemouth
9. Inverness
10. Durham Tees Valley
10 WORST
1. Heathrow Terminal 1 (BAA operated) Annual passengers: 14.3 million Best features: None Worst features: Time and distance, shops, return waiting time, experience Score: 31 per cent
2. Heathrow T4 (BAA operated)
3. Heathrow T2 (BAA operated)
4. Heathrow T3 (BAA operated)
5. Gatwick South (BAA operated)
6. Gatwick North (BAA operated)
7. Stanstead (BAA operated)
8. Manchester
9. London Luton
10. Glasgow Prestwick
In conclusion, the Which report clearly identifies that the BAA Monopoly has occurred for too long now and the passengers that are forced to endure the BAA operated airports (being the UK’s most strategic) are sick and tired of the long queues, poor passenger services, almost perpetual building works, patronizing and rude check-in experiences, overly strict regulations, condescending security control checks and poor services.
The good news is that BAA will ultimately be forced by the body that oversees Monopolies and Mergers to sell off Gatwick, Edinburh and London Stansted. This will create some urgently required competition and hopefully increases standards.
There is however a long way to go before we can expect to receive a quality airport experience in the principle airports of the United Kingdom!
Sharon Mckinley, Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
Interestingly all these airports have one significant thing in common, they are operated by the best described as shameful BAA; so much for the monopoly! Dissatisfaction with BAA run airports has been common knowledge amongst the British and the poor international frequent transit passengers for some years now. However, now there is proof for this general feeling, following a customer satisfaction survey involving 9,000 people that was carried out by the consumer watchdog Which? Subsequently the findings are not surprising, with complaints varying from the dreaded “Long Queues” at security to “long waiting times” for flights, poor food quality, not enough time for shopping (a consequence of long queues) and the general treatment from security, which can range from patronizing to condescending.
Terminal 1 finished rock bottom of the Which report? The west London airport's Terminals 2, 3, and 4 were the next least-popular amongst those polled. London Gatwick's two terminals (North & South) only finished just above the Heathrow terminals, so the BAA performance state of affairs is pretty miserable. As reported earlier in the year by Perpetual Traveller however, T5 scored well for shopping & eating and is overall a significant improvement from T1, T2, T3 and T4, though too little, too late for the consumers to stomach.
Communication in the form of Signs and flight details were considered poor at Heathrow Terminals 1-4 and also at Manchester's Terminal 1 and at Coventry airport.
Southampton Airport, which is the hub of low cost airline Fly Be, scored the best of the seven airports operated by BAA with an overall score of 71% . Top of the crop all things considered with an overall score of 80%, was Blackpool airport, with London City airport (78%) second and Doncaster Sheffield (formerly Robin Hood) coming in third place with 76%.
So what does the Monopoly of BAA actually own and operate? Well here is the list of passenger unfriendly BAA controlled airports in alphabetical order…
· Aberdeen Airport
· Edinburgh Airport*
· Glasgow International Airport
· London Gatwick Airport*
· London Heathrow Airport
· London Stansted Airport*
· Southampton Airport
* This denotes the airports BAA are currently Selling
For clarification of the Which report, here are the 10 best operated airports in the UK, which clearly indicates what a poor job BAA are doing…
10 BEST
1. Blackpool airport - Annual passengers: 439,200 - Best feature: Check-in, food outlets, airside amenities, return waiting times, experience Worst feature: Shops Score: 80 per cent
2. London City
3. Doncaster Sheffield
4. Exeter
5. Southampton (BAA operated)
6. Humberside
7. Norwich
8. Bournemouth
9. Inverness
10. Durham Tees Valley
10 WORST
1. Heathrow Terminal 1 (BAA operated) Annual passengers: 14.3 million Best features: None Worst features: Time and distance, shops, return waiting time, experience Score: 31 per cent
2. Heathrow T4 (BAA operated)
3. Heathrow T2 (BAA operated)
4. Heathrow T3 (BAA operated)
5. Gatwick South (BAA operated)
6. Gatwick North (BAA operated)
7. Stanstead (BAA operated)
8. Manchester
9. London Luton
10. Glasgow Prestwick
In conclusion, the Which report clearly identifies that the BAA Monopoly has occurred for too long now and the passengers that are forced to endure the BAA operated airports (being the UK’s most strategic) are sick and tired of the long queues, poor passenger services, almost perpetual building works, patronizing and rude check-in experiences, overly strict regulations, condescending security control checks and poor services.
The good news is that BAA will ultimately be forced by the body that oversees Monopolies and Mergers to sell off Gatwick, Edinburh and London Stansted. This will create some urgently required competition and hopefully increases standards.
There is however a long way to go before we can expect to receive a quality airport experience in the principle airports of the United Kingdom!
Sharon Mckinley, Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 05:54
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
India Launches All-Weather Imaging Satellite
India successfully launched two satellites Monday aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). One of which, the ANUSAT, is an experimental communication micro-satellite built by India's Anna University. The second satellite is the Israeli-built RISAT-2. And while some reports (here, here) peg this as a "spy satellite", Madhavan Nair, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has denied the device would be used to monitor borders and fight terrorism.
By:
Progress
On 23:34
Marine Arrested at Airport with Gun, Ammo, Bomb Materials
A U.S. Marine Corporal was arrested at Boston's Logan Airport on Sunday after an undeclared semiautomatic handgun, ammunition and "bomb-making materials" were discovered in his checked luggage during a layover from Las Vegas. The gun would have been legal had it been stored properly and the Marine declared it when he checked in at McCarran Airport, but he didn't do this. However, the various items being described as "bomb-making materials" cannot be taken on a commercial airplane.
By:
Progress
On 23:33
Jamaica Plane Hijacking Over, Everyone Safe
On Sunday a gunman took the crew and passengers of a CanJet airliner hostage at Jamaica's Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The suspect surrendered Monday morning and was arrested. The gunman is being described as a "mentally challenged" 20-year-old. He initially boarded the plane, took everyone hostage, and then demanded money and trip a to Cuba. He eventually released the passengers and continued to hold 5 or 6 crewmembers until this morning.
By:
Progress
On 23:32
Australia: Not Kidding, Snakes on a Plane!
On Tuesday (4/14) a Qantas jet had to be grounded in Melbourne because four baby Stimson's Pythons went missing. The reptiles escaped from a container in the Boeing 737-800's cargo hold. The snakes were not found so the plane was fumigated and put back in service.
By:
Progress
On 23:31
Peru: Peruvian Indians Seize Airport Over Land Protest
EFE reports that Peruvian Indians have occupied the airport in Atalaya and vowed not to leave until President Alan Garcia hears their demands about water and land regulations. The police claim the number of protesters is about 350, while a group representing the Indian community tells EFE it is more like 2000.
By:
Progress
On 23:30
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Mexico: Anti-Aircraft Weapon Seized by Police Near U.S. Border
According to an AFP report, Mexican police have seized what is described as an "anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on a van" and other heavy weaponry from a house on the Mexican side of the border with Arizona.
By:
Progress
On 23:22
France: Basque Terrorists Planned to Shoot Down Spanish King's Aircraft
The Basque separatist group ETA had plans in 2004 to shoot down a plane or helicopter carrying Spain's King Juan Carlos with a surface-to-air missile. French counterterror forces discovered a number of CD's that year which detailed elements of the plot, which also had Spanish ministers as potential targets. Also discovered was a spent missile casing that may have been used in a test firing.
By:
Progress
On 23:21
Somalia: Mortars Fired at U.S. Congressman's Plane in Mogadishu
U.S. Rep Donald Payne (D-NJ) was in Mogadishu, Somalia today on the first visit by a high-ranking U.S. official in years. While his plane was leaving the airport militants fired a number of mortars. The incident is being described as an attack targeting the Congressman.
By:
Progress
On 23:20
Uganda: Navy Divers Find Plane Wreckage in Lake Victoria
Service members from the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) have located the wreckage of a Ilyshin II 76 aircraft that crashed in Lake Victoria on March 9. The Soviet-era aircraft was carrying tents and water purification units to Mogadishu from Entebbe International Airport when it went down with 11 people onboard. There were no survivors.
By:
Progress
On 23:19
Israeli Fighters Intercept Delta Jet Approaching Israel
Israeli fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday to intercept an incoming Delta Airlines jet from NYC that failed to respond to air traffic controllers at Ben-Gurion Airport. The fighter pilots were able to communicate with the Delta pilot using visual signals and determined that there was a problem with the Delta jet's communication system. The Delta airplane landed without incident.
By:
Progress
On 23:15
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Greetings from the West coast of Cyprus
Greetings from the West coast of Cyprus in the town of Paphos, which by all reports is feeling the effects of the global recession more than anywhere else on the Island of love.
Firstly the Real Estate situation is nothing short of drastic here. During the boom time over the last 5 - 10 years the property market was fueled by overseas residents (predominantly English) that purchased mainly for an investment or holiday home. This gave traction to the market and the established property Developers were joined with fly by night Developers that jumped on the bandwagon. Everyone thought that the boom would last forever! Some investors purchased to flip properties before they were even built and it appears that such over-confident risk taking has now taken its toll in the light of the global recession. Today, Paphos is full of empty Real Estate offices, there a number of small developers in financial trouble, many of the economicly beleaguered British either cannot afford to make payments or they are desperate to sell. What makes matters worse is that the banks are hiking interest rates, completely contrary to European trends and and in the face of euro interest rate decreases. This makes it somewhat complex to obtain new credit from any bank in Cyprus at anything like a reasonable rate, which is bad news for the Developers who are in dire straights and desperate to sell. In parallel, the Government is slow to process title deeds for owners, which creates a situation of insecurity. The current climate in Cyprus and Paphos in particular has reached a point whereby the British Government is warning its citizens of the risks of purchasing property in Cyprus. We can only hope that the Cypriot Government, Banks and Developers take heed and change the status quo.
The other challenge of Paphos is the outlook for the coming Tourism season, which at best will be a 10% drop in business and at worst a disaster. The reality will most likely be somewhere in between. The writing is on the wall however, because here we are at the weekend of the European Easter and the resort is anything but as busy. Lets hope that things pick up during Greek Easter next week. The true acid test however will be the volume of Tourists in high season (July / August / September) and here initial forecasts are bleak.
Meanwhile the very last thing that Paphos needs is a bad reputation, but unfortunately aggressive time-share touts have now resorted to using their pressure tactics towards unsuspecting Guests physically inside some of the higher quality hotels along the Paphos seafront as what can only be described as a desperate bid to drum up new business. A number of complaints from hotel guests and visitors alike to Paphos complained to the Tourism Board and commented they would never come back. An emergency meeting to discuss the situation was recently held at the Paphos Town hall. Lets trust that urgent steps will be taken to stop the behaviour of the Time Share Touts soon, which reflects the dark side of Tourism.
What about the Guests themselves? Are they perfect? Perpetual Traveller focuses this weeks feature article on the world's best and worst Tourists. Meanwhile the summer cruising season is about to kick start and we bring you the interesting article of Fjording around, compliments of La Dolce Vita. Alternatively Hypo Global looks at the topic of earthquakes, following the recent event in L' Aqula.
Happy Easter to all readers
Grant Holmes
Editor, Perpetual Traveller
Firstly the Real Estate situation is nothing short of drastic here. During the boom time over the last 5 - 10 years the property market was fueled by overseas residents (predominantly English) that purchased mainly for an investment or holiday home. This gave traction to the market and the established property Developers were joined with fly by night Developers that jumped on the bandwagon. Everyone thought that the boom would last forever! Some investors purchased to flip properties before they were even built and it appears that such over-confident risk taking has now taken its toll in the light of the global recession. Today, Paphos is full of empty Real Estate offices, there a number of small developers in financial trouble, many of the economicly beleaguered British either cannot afford to make payments or they are desperate to sell. What makes matters worse is that the banks are hiking interest rates, completely contrary to European trends and and in the face of euro interest rate decreases. This makes it somewhat complex to obtain new credit from any bank in Cyprus at anything like a reasonable rate, which is bad news for the Developers who are in dire straights and desperate to sell. In parallel, the Government is slow to process title deeds for owners, which creates a situation of insecurity. The current climate in Cyprus and Paphos in particular has reached a point whereby the British Government is warning its citizens of the risks of purchasing property in Cyprus. We can only hope that the Cypriot Government, Banks and Developers take heed and change the status quo.
The other challenge of Paphos is the outlook for the coming Tourism season, which at best will be a 10% drop in business and at worst a disaster. The reality will most likely be somewhere in between. The writing is on the wall however, because here we are at the weekend of the European Easter and the resort is anything but as busy. Lets hope that things pick up during Greek Easter next week. The true acid test however will be the volume of Tourists in high season (July / August / September) and here initial forecasts are bleak.
Meanwhile the very last thing that Paphos needs is a bad reputation, but unfortunately aggressive time-share touts have now resorted to using their pressure tactics towards unsuspecting Guests physically inside some of the higher quality hotels along the Paphos seafront as what can only be described as a desperate bid to drum up new business. A number of complaints from hotel guests and visitors alike to Paphos complained to the Tourism Board and commented they would never come back. An emergency meeting to discuss the situation was recently held at the Paphos Town hall. Lets trust that urgent steps will be taken to stop the behaviour of the Time Share Touts soon, which reflects the dark side of Tourism.
What about the Guests themselves? Are they perfect? Perpetual Traveller focuses this weeks feature article on the world's best and worst Tourists. Meanwhile the summer cruising season is about to kick start and we bring you the interesting article of Fjording around, compliments of La Dolce Vita. Alternatively Hypo Global looks at the topic of earthquakes, following the recent event in L' Aqula.
Happy Easter to all readers
Grant Holmes
Editor, Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 15:54
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Fjording Around
From Oslo to Svalbard, a magic tour on the heels of the Vikings, in between huge glaciers and Swiss-style villages .One Norway,many Norways. There’s a land covered with conifers and birches, endless woods reaching far into the Northern wastes, and countless streams and waterfalls. And there’s the famous land of fjords, dramatic and spectacular, thanks to impressive clefts cutting in the coast like wounds,sheer rocks plunging straight into the sea,covered in green forests and moss. Fjords are a marvel of nature,and serve as a kind of brand logo for the country even though in fact they are only to be found in the southwestern region,between Stavanger and Ålesund.The word fjord, however, is used to describe the whole of Norway’s coast, which is just as majestic and marked by gulfs and bights which are just as impressive. The best way to discover the magic of the fjords is by sea, starting from the capital, Oslo, which is itself on a 100-km long fjord (Oslofjord) and has many attractions: set between sea and green hills, it stretches into parks and gardens through which appear, now and then, low-rise buildings. After a tour of the main attractions such as Karl Johans Gate, a long, tree-lined avenue running through the city centre with impressive buildings, fashionable shops and ever-crowded restaurants, you get back ashore for Kristiansand, a nice town showing on its central square, Torget, rows of ancient wood and stone-built houses.
There is also an interesting folklore museum, Vest-Agder Fylkesmuseum, in the northeastern part of the city.After doubling Norway’s southern tip, you will travel for a few hundred kilometers until you reach Bergen, Norway’s second city, the fjord capital on the gulf of Vagen, a few kilometers away from Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord (200 kilometers). This magnificent city will charm you with its medieval wooden houses,as bizarre and colourful as toyhouses: they are now shops and restaurants with their own special atmosphere. Most of them are to be found in the Bryggen area, on the east side of Vagen harbour, a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.In the same area the Bryggens Museum houses the world’s largest collection of rune stones with magic and eroticcarvings. The coast between Bergen and Trondheim runs across thousands of gulfs set between sheer rockfaces on which lie lovely wood-built towns and villages such as Molde: the so-called “city of roses” as it is known thanks to the vegetation that reaches from the city centre into the surrounding area.
By:
Progress
On 09:00
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Authorities Uncover Plot to Export Aircraft Parts to Iran
The U.S. Justice Department announced Monday that an Iranian national, who is a legal U.S. resident, has been arrested and charged, along with ten other defendants, with participating in a conspiracy to illegally export U.S.-made military aircraft parts to Iran.
By:
Progress
On 23:14
Canadian Plane Thief Wanted to Die
Late last night (4/6) police apprehended the Canadian man who stole a Cessna 172 in Ontario, flew it across several U.S. states and landed in Missouri. According to a Missouri State Trooper who appeared on "Good Morning America" this morning, the thief, Yavuz Berke, 31, wanted the F-16s following him to shoot him down. The guy wanted to commit suicide but didn't have the "courage" to do it himself.
By:
Progress
On 23:13
United Kingdom: Fuel Problem Forces Super Puma Landing on Offshore Rig
A helicopter transporting offshore oil workers over the North Sea had to make an emergency landing Monday (4/6). The BBC reports that a Super Puma operated by CHC made a "precautionary landing" on the Safe Caledonia rig after reporting a fuel problem. Last Wednesday a Super Puma flown by Bond Offshore crashed off the coast of Scotland killing all 16 people on board.
By:
Progress
On 23:12
Indonesia: 24 Dead in Indonesian Military Plane Crash
An Indonesian military airplane crashed into a hanger today (4/6) killing all 24 people on board. The plane, a Fokker 27, was trying to land at an airport in Bandung in West Java during a heavy rainstorm.
By:
Progress
On 23:10
North Korea Claims Rocket Launch Successful
North Korea followed through on its threat to launch a rocket Sunday (4/5). The secretive communist state claims it was successful and that the payload, a communications satellite, is now orbiting Earth. However, both the U.S. and South Korean militaries say this is simply not true and that all three stages of the rocket fell into the ocean.
By:
Progress
On 23:09
Monday, 6 April 2009
North Korea Claims Rocket Launch Successful
North Korea — North Korea followed through on its threat to launch a rocket Sunday (4/5). The secretive communist state claims it was successful and that the payload, a communications satellite, is now orbiting Earth. However, both the U.S. and South Korean militaries say this is simply not true and that all three stages of the rocket fell into the ocean.
By:
Progress
On 03:40
Japan Gov't Issues False Statement About North Korea Launch
Japan — As if tensions over North Korea's imminent rocket launch/missile test aren't high enough, the Japanese government inaccurately released a statement earlier today that North Korea had in fact launched a rocket. The error was the result of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force being confused about radar information, a Defense Ministry official said.
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told the media "We caused a great deal of trouble to the Japanese people. This was a mistake in the transmission of information by the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces."
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told the media "We caused a great deal of trouble to the Japanese people. This was a mistake in the transmission of information by the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces."
Kyodo News agency reports that the government released the information at 12:16 p.m. local time via its email-based Em-Net emergency information system. And then retracted the statement 5-minutes later.
By:
Progress
On 03:39
Spy Satellite Battle - Pentagon vs. Intel Community
United States — The White House will soon be briefed on the options the U.S. has for pursing future secret intelligence-gathering satellite technology. And it should come as little surprise there are two camps with decidedly different opinions, with the Pentagon on one side and the Intelligence Community (IC) on the other.
Sources tell AviationWeek that the White House could be briefed as early as next week about the IC's desire to acquire "high-end technology and larger satellites for the electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) collection mission", and the Pentagon's push for "medium-class satellites in a lower orbit".
By:
Progress
On 03:38
Air Force Chooses New Nuclear Command HQ
United States — After a series of nuclear weapons-related mishaps in 2007 and 2008 the U.S. Air Force decided to create one command to be responsible for the Air Force's nuclear assets. Called the Global Strike Command, it provisionally stood up in January 2009, and now it has a likely home - Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
On April 2, the Air Force informed Congress that Barksdale had been selected as the preferred choice for the AFGSC's home base. An environmental impact study must be completed next, before the final decision is made.
On April 2, the Air Force informed Congress that Barksdale had been selected as the preferred choice for the AFGSC's home base. An environmental impact study must be completed next, before the final decision is made.
AFGSC is scheduled to stand up this September.
By:
Progress
On 03:37
German Firms Admit Spying on Workers
The German unit of aircraft manufacturer Airbus has admitted to spying on its employees between 2005 and 2007. Former management at Airbus ordered that the banking details of the entire German staff (about 20,000 people) be reviewed and compared to those of Airbus suppliers. No irregularities were found.
This revelation comes on the heels of another case of corporate surveillance in Germany. The head of Deutsche Bahn, the country's national rail operator, resigned this week amidst a scandal that finds the company snooped through thousands of employees' emails looking for leaks of sensitive information, as well as workers being critical of Deutsche Bahn.
By:
Progress
On 03:35
No Survivors from North Sea Helicopter Crash
United Kingdom — Yesterday a Super Puma helicopter operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters crashed into the North Sea. There were no survivors. The helicopter was returning to Scotland from a BP oil platform when it went down with 2 pilots and 14 oil workers. Eight bodies have been recovered.
From Telegraph.co.uk:
From Telegraph.co.uk:
"Divers are now trying to locate the wreck of the chopper to recover other bodies which are likely to be trapped inside and to locate the black box flight data recorder which will provide essential evidence to air accident investigators."
By:
Progress
On 03:34
Thursday, 2 April 2009
TOP TEN EVENTS IN APRIL 2009
Spring is in the air and love is all around or is it? Despite some encouraging rhetoric from the G20, the onset of spring is about the best news we are likely to hear from the mainstream media. There is more to life however than financial markets, terrorists, the credit crunch and the G20 talks that seems to dominate the international news.
All around the world there are wonderful events taking place, so if you still have a job, there could never be a better time to travel or buy a car for that matter, as one never knows what is around the corner, so enjoy life whilst you can.
Having said that, certain annual Events are in some places at least is in question. Take the small town of Manzanares el Real for example, where the residents in this small town of central Spain voted in a referendum to cancel their annual bullfighting Festival, because of the economic crisis. The move was actually proposed by the Mayor on the grounds that the event would divert resources from other important municipal services. The outcome has caused an outcry among supporters of bullfighting though and the debate continues.
So here are the Top 10 ten events that are occurring across Planet Earth in April 09…
The Philadelphia Film Festival 26th March – 6th April 2009
The Philadelphia Film Society is pleased to bring to the city of Philadelphia the 18th Philadelphia Film Festival, which has become one of the leading Film Festivals in the Eastern United States and this year is no exception. Featuring over 260 films, screening at 6 venues around the city, the 2009 Festival promises once again to electrify film lovers of all tastes. The event presents films from a varied number of countries and as always this year’s Festival will be hosting several special events, receptions and programs attended by our Festival goers, VIP’s and award winners, over the 12 day Festival bash.
Further information: www.phillyfests.com
Wembley Stadium, London, England World Cup 2010 Qualifier: 1st April 2009
England plays Ukraine at Wembley in this qualifying match for the 2010 World Cup.
This is a crunch game for England who heads their World Cup Qualifier table. The England team possesses arguably the best player in the world at the moment, Stephen Gerrard. Certainly the British Premier League is the best competitive professional football league in the world, however until recently the players have not been able the emulate the quality of the league. It’s taken an Italian Coach to put the England team in shape and fans all over the country will be willing on the team at the new impressive Wembley Stadium to secure a place at the 1210 World Cup finals in South Africa. Come on you Boys in White!
Further information: http://www.england2010.co.uk
Aintree UK Grand National 2nd April – 4th April 2009
The National is one of the highlights of the entire sporting year in the UK and the race captures the imagination of millions around the world, thanks to its ability to consistently produce thrilling finishes and heart-warming stories, as horse and rider try to conquer the mighty Aintree fences.
Further information: www.aintree.co.uk
New south Wales Australia National Trust Festival 2009 ‘Our Place in Space – Under the Southern Cross’ 4th April – 19th April 2009
Welcome to the 2009 National Trust Festival, designed to celebrate cultural heritage
by being part of one of the longest-running community Festivals in New South Wales.
The Festival theme this year is ‘Our Place in Space - Under the Southern Cross’. It encompasses hundreds of fantastic events across metropolitan and regional NSW. The National Trust established the Heritage Festival 289 years ago to remind people to care about their built, environmental and cultural heritage. These concerns remain as relevant today as they were then. The National Trust continues to advocate for the conservation of our cultural heritage and historic landscapes, and they continue to rely on outside support to achieve these goals.
Further information: www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au
Naviglio Grande, Milan, Italy Fiori e Sapori 5th April 2009
Spring Festival, which sees over 200 florivivaisti from all over Italy participating. Beautiful flower displays transform Milan's historical Naviglio Grande into a carnival of fragrances and colors during the sensorial Fiori e Sapori (Flowers and Taste) experience. The annual flower and gardening show attracts cultivators and retailers from all over the country. It’s open from 9:00 am until sunset.
Further information: http://www.giraitalia.it
Scotland Melrose Sevens 126th Tournament 11th April 2009
On Saturday 11th April 2009 the Melrose Rugby Football Club will host its 126th tournament. In the heart of the Scottish Borders the biggest and best of the Scottish Borders Rugby Sevens events returns once again. Melrose is the birthplace of the Rugby Sevens and is a must-see event for any rugby fan. Melrose Sevens draws thousands of spectators every year to see rugby played at its traditional home.
Further information: www.melroserugby.bordernet.co.uk
Bangkok Songkran (Thai New Year) – 13th April - 15th April 2009
Songkran (สงกรานต์) is the most important feast for Thai people. Often called 'water' festival’, Songkran is the ancient New Year's Day happening occurring in mid-April. Officially now the official New Year's Day actually happens on the 1st January. In Bangkok, the Buddha image "Buddhasihing" is brought out from the National Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace. During the Thai New Year parade Buddha statues are settled on cars. People sprinkle holy water on the statue to purify it.
Further information: www.thaiworldview.com
Jinghong, China The New Year Water-Splashing Festival 13th - 15th April 2009
Interested in doing something different? How about participating in the Jinghong water splashing Festival? The Dai people of Xishuangbanna celebrate New Year with a Buddhist water-splashing Festival. The 3-day event, centered in the town of Jinghong, features dragon boat races, traditional Dai dances and the bizarre activity of public drenching.
Further information: www.travelchinaguide.com
Singapore World Gourmet Summit 19th April - 2nd May 2009
The Singapore Tourism Board and Peter Knipp Holdings will host the seventh annual World Gourmet Summit, which will showcase the best of Singapore’s culinary scene along with some of the world’s truly finest Chefs. Guests can sample these stars' creations on “Gourmet Safari” tours of the city’s unexpected places to dine. Other events will include an awards luncheon, Gourmet BBQ, Bordeaux wine tasting and culinary workshops. Lasting for over 2 weeks, summit activities will take place at various venues and restaurants throughout town.
Further information: www.worldgourmetsummit.com
Seville La Feria de Abril 28th April - 3rd May 2009
Seville's best party with traditional dress, parades, dancing and wild parties in a gorgeous environment. The fair officially begins at midnight on Tuesday, and runs 6 days, ending on the following Sunday. During past fairs, however, many activities have begun on the Saturday prior to the official opening. Each day the fiesta begins with the parade of carriages and riders at midday, carrying Seville's leading citizens which make their way to the bullring, the La Real Maestranza, where the bullfighters and breeders meet. For the duration of the fair, the fairgrounds, a vast area is on the far bank of the Guadalquivir River, are totally covered in rows of casetas (individual decorated marquee tents which are temporarily built on the fairground). Some of these casetas belong to the prominent families of Seville, some to groups of friends, clubs, trade associations or political parties. From around 9 at night until 6 or 7 in the following morning, at first in the streets and later only within each caseta, you will find crowds partying and dancing "Sevillanas", drinking Jerez sherry, or manzanilla wine and eating tapas.
Further information: www.andalucia.com
All around the world there are wonderful events taking place, so if you still have a job, there could never be a better time to travel or buy a car for that matter, as one never knows what is around the corner, so enjoy life whilst you can.
Having said that, certain annual Events are in some places at least is in question. Take the small town of Manzanares el Real for example, where the residents in this small town of central Spain voted in a referendum to cancel their annual bullfighting Festival, because of the economic crisis. The move was actually proposed by the Mayor on the grounds that the event would divert resources from other important municipal services. The outcome has caused an outcry among supporters of bullfighting though and the debate continues.
So here are the Top 10 ten events that are occurring across Planet Earth in April 09…
The Philadelphia Film Festival 26th March – 6th April 2009
The Philadelphia Film Society is pleased to bring to the city of Philadelphia the 18th Philadelphia Film Festival, which has become one of the leading Film Festivals in the Eastern United States and this year is no exception. Featuring over 260 films, screening at 6 venues around the city, the 2009 Festival promises once again to electrify film lovers of all tastes. The event presents films from a varied number of countries and as always this year’s Festival will be hosting several special events, receptions and programs attended by our Festival goers, VIP’s and award winners, over the 12 day Festival bash.
Further information: www.phillyfests.com
Wembley Stadium, London, England World Cup 2010 Qualifier: 1st April 2009
England plays Ukraine at Wembley in this qualifying match for the 2010 World Cup.
This is a crunch game for England who heads their World Cup Qualifier table. The England team possesses arguably the best player in the world at the moment, Stephen Gerrard. Certainly the British Premier League is the best competitive professional football league in the world, however until recently the players have not been able the emulate the quality of the league. It’s taken an Italian Coach to put the England team in shape and fans all over the country will be willing on the team at the new impressive Wembley Stadium to secure a place at the 1210 World Cup finals in South Africa. Come on you Boys in White!
Further information: http://www.england2010.co.uk
Aintree UK Grand National 2nd April – 4th April 2009
The National is one of the highlights of the entire sporting year in the UK and the race captures the imagination of millions around the world, thanks to its ability to consistently produce thrilling finishes and heart-warming stories, as horse and rider try to conquer the mighty Aintree fences.
Further information: www.aintree.co.uk
New south Wales Australia National Trust Festival 2009 ‘Our Place in Space – Under the Southern Cross’ 4th April – 19th April 2009
Welcome to the 2009 National Trust Festival, designed to celebrate cultural heritage
by being part of one of the longest-running community Festivals in New South Wales.
The Festival theme this year is ‘Our Place in Space - Under the Southern Cross’. It encompasses hundreds of fantastic events across metropolitan and regional NSW. The National Trust established the Heritage Festival 289 years ago to remind people to care about their built, environmental and cultural heritage. These concerns remain as relevant today as they were then. The National Trust continues to advocate for the conservation of our cultural heritage and historic landscapes, and they continue to rely on outside support to achieve these goals.
Further information: www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au
Naviglio Grande, Milan, Italy Fiori e Sapori 5th April 2009
Spring Festival, which sees over 200 florivivaisti from all over Italy participating. Beautiful flower displays transform Milan's historical Naviglio Grande into a carnival of fragrances and colors during the sensorial Fiori e Sapori (Flowers and Taste) experience. The annual flower and gardening show attracts cultivators and retailers from all over the country. It’s open from 9:00 am until sunset.
Further information: http://www.giraitalia.it
Scotland Melrose Sevens 126th Tournament 11th April 2009
On Saturday 11th April 2009 the Melrose Rugby Football Club will host its 126th tournament. In the heart of the Scottish Borders the biggest and best of the Scottish Borders Rugby Sevens events returns once again. Melrose is the birthplace of the Rugby Sevens and is a must-see event for any rugby fan. Melrose Sevens draws thousands of spectators every year to see rugby played at its traditional home.
Further information: www.melroserugby.bordernet.co.uk
Bangkok Songkran (Thai New Year) – 13th April - 15th April 2009
Songkran (สงกรานต์) is the most important feast for Thai people. Often called 'water' festival’, Songkran is the ancient New Year's Day happening occurring in mid-April. Officially now the official New Year's Day actually happens on the 1st January. In Bangkok, the Buddha image "Buddhasihing" is brought out from the National Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace. During the Thai New Year parade Buddha statues are settled on cars. People sprinkle holy water on the statue to purify it.
Further information: www.thaiworldview.com
Jinghong, China The New Year Water-Splashing Festival 13th - 15th April 2009
Interested in doing something different? How about participating in the Jinghong water splashing Festival? The Dai people of Xishuangbanna celebrate New Year with a Buddhist water-splashing Festival. The 3-day event, centered in the town of Jinghong, features dragon boat races, traditional Dai dances and the bizarre activity of public drenching.
Further information: www.travelchinaguide.com
Singapore World Gourmet Summit 19th April - 2nd May 2009
The Singapore Tourism Board and Peter Knipp Holdings will host the seventh annual World Gourmet Summit, which will showcase the best of Singapore’s culinary scene along with some of the world’s truly finest Chefs. Guests can sample these stars' creations on “Gourmet Safari” tours of the city’s unexpected places to dine. Other events will include an awards luncheon, Gourmet BBQ, Bordeaux wine tasting and culinary workshops. Lasting for over 2 weeks, summit activities will take place at various venues and restaurants throughout town.
Further information: www.worldgourmetsummit.com
Seville La Feria de Abril 28th April - 3rd May 2009
Seville's best party with traditional dress, parades, dancing and wild parties in a gorgeous environment. The fair officially begins at midnight on Tuesday, and runs 6 days, ending on the following Sunday. During past fairs, however, many activities have begun on the Saturday prior to the official opening. Each day the fiesta begins with the parade of carriages and riders at midday, carrying Seville's leading citizens which make their way to the bullring, the La Real Maestranza, where the bullfighters and breeders meet. For the duration of the fair, the fairgrounds, a vast area is on the far bank of the Guadalquivir River, are totally covered in rows of casetas (individual decorated marquee tents which are temporarily built on the fairground). Some of these casetas belong to the prominent families of Seville, some to groups of friends, clubs, trade associations or political parties. From around 9 at night until 6 or 7 in the following morning, at first in the streets and later only within each caseta, you will find crowds partying and dancing "Sevillanas", drinking Jerez sherry, or manzanilla wine and eating tapas.
Further information: www.andalucia.com
By:
Progress
On 09:16
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Greetings from Exotic Manila
Exotic greetings from Manila, otherwise known as the American capital of Asia. Its here in the Philippines that the greatest national export is actually people, which is not surprising with their excellent service attitude and work ethic. There are approximately 3 million overseas workers, however thousands of Philippino's are returning home after in their droves after being laid off in the Middle East (especially Dubai), Macao and other parts of the world. The demand from the Cruise Industry is lowering too and once again its becoming a recruiters market. By Government law, each Philppino is required to send home at least 80% of their salary. This ruling, along with Visa processing. Documentation, airport taxes, Certification on necessary training and tax on recruitment / handling agencies helps to drive the national economy. Subsequently the country feels this global recession in different ways to us in the west.
Meanwhile, according to IATA, the Airline Industry is in serious crisis and it does not take an economist to work out why. The world banking crisis is making the risk of a major airline failure more likely because carriers will not be able to access funding for a rescue if they fall into trouble. The situation is so dire that the Director General of IATA."Airlines actually said “we are now in a very weak situation - they (Airlines) have debt of $170 billion so we are in a much worst position - we don't have cash,". It appears that its only a matter of time before another Airline or two goes down.
Changing the focus to the brighter topic of the “Top Ten” Events around the world in April. Hypo Global takes a quick look at the G20 from the perspective of BRIC countries and we have more from La Dolce Vita and Cyprus Events.
Grant Holmes, Editor Perpetual Traveller
Meanwhile, according to IATA, the Airline Industry is in serious crisis and it does not take an economist to work out why. The world banking crisis is making the risk of a major airline failure more likely because carriers will not be able to access funding for a rescue if they fall into trouble. The situation is so dire that the Director General of IATA."Airlines actually said “we are now in a very weak situation - they (Airlines) have debt of $170 billion so we are in a much worst position - we don't have cash,". It appears that its only a matter of time before another Airline or two goes down.
Changing the focus to the brighter topic of the “Top Ten” Events around the world in April. Hypo Global takes a quick look at the G20 from the perspective of BRIC countries and we have more from La Dolce Vita and Cyprus Events.
Grant Holmes, Editor Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 10:36
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