The Spinrota blog has recommended another fine book by a British author. Graham Greene’s “The Heart of the Matter” is truly memorable. Although this novel could be considered old, I found the character’s struggle with morality and religion quite fresh. Most importantly, the reader will learn more about the brutality in Africa. Such understanding is essential if Africa is ever to join the party.
August 30, 2006
August 29, 2006
BA to Passenger – Haven’t a Leg to Stand On
British Airways lost the artificial leg of a woman athlete flying from New Zealand to Amsterdam. They told her not to worry, however, because her bag is one of 20,000 sitting at Heathrow. This, of course, left her without a leg to stand on at her athletic competitions for the disabled. Sorry for the poor attempt at humour, but it does highlight the misery inherent in losing our rights for carry-on bags.
August 28, 2006
Something to Count On
I, for one, am in need of a change in climate. These dog days of summer must surely end soon. Until then, I offer a brief glimpse of cooler days with this Haiku by Basho. I hope that you can feel the chill in the air.
August 27, 2006
Amadeus Market Share Now Exceeds 30%
In spite of their worries caused by American Airlines and others, Amadeus is quite positive about growing their business. They still plan to migrate more core software to an open architecture based upon LINUX and UNIX. Airlines are the chief paying customer of this GDS, and they report new content deals with KLM and US Airways. Etihad and EqyptAir are new users of Amadeus’ Customer Management Solution.
August 26, 2006
Love Notes
I found this interesting site (Love Notes) on the history of Love Field in Dallas. Dallas has a long history in aviation and Love Field has been a part of much of it. As the stronghold of Southwest Airlines and Braniff before that, this downtown airport may become another relic. Airline consultants like Bruce Nobles and Dallas Businessman Nicholas Bredimus might need to add a few more minutes or hours to their travel times.
August 25, 2006
Passenger Privacy Rights Eroding
The New York Times is reporting on further demands by law enforcement for access to complete PNR data – for everyone, not just terror suspects. Privacy advocates fear the worst. Terrorists will be forewarned, of course, so they won’t make suspicious bookings. So, we lose another freedom whilst we swear to never give in to terror. Losing the right to travel or being afraid to travel sounds to me like “giving in”.
August 24, 2006
Delta and IBM in 7 Year IT Deal
As previously discussed, Delta was looking to outsource more IT work as they prepare to emerge from bankruptcy. They had asked approval from the court for actions that could cut 200 jobs, most likely in their subsidiary Delta Technology. Today they have announced that a seven year contract has been let to IBM. Delta expects to realise significant savings over the life of the agreement.
August 23, 2006
Fellow Pommies
The Australians call the Brits, Pommies. And there is one Pommie author that captured the spirit of the Australian land like none other. Bruce Chatwin (guys from OZ would also call him a Poofta) wrote a wonderful travel book, “The Songlines“, and immediately became the center of criticism. It is great, epic journey recorded by a very talented writer. Pack a copy in your carry-on before your next trip downunder.
August 22, 2006
German Firm to Provide Chips for US Passports
If you have read Hasbroucks blog as suggested, you may be following the controversy regarding RFID chips in passports. The technology has had a few snags beginning with the initial sponsorship by the curious organization, ICAO. Human rights watchers have been watching. Now, a new set of critics is likely to emerge in response to a German firm tapping into US Homeland Security.
August 21, 2006
An Airline Joke, or Two
Thought you might like a break to enjoy a joke or two. First, there is the tale of Johnny’s tantrum on the airplane. If that hit the spot, then try reading this story about the blonde flying to New York. I’m searching for some sources of good airline humour and will add permanent links when I find them. Now, back to business…
