reprinted from Howe & Hutton law firm newsletter, Chicago IL
The New York Sun ran an editorial in September of 1897 entitled, “Is There a Santa Claus” in which the editor replied to his reader, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” The famous editorial reappears nearly every year in numerous publications. Just as well known is the classic 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street.” Both captured the spirit of the holiday season. The Miracle on 34th Street was the trial judge’s ruling in court that Kris Kringle was the “real Santa Claus.” Much can be debated about the legal arguments presented, both in the original version of the film and the 1994 remake.
But Santa has been embroiled in a number of other legal issues including home invasion, disorderly conduct, impersonation, even challenges to parking tickets. While the U.S. Government has never recognized any person as “the real Santa Claus,” the U.S. Supreme Court has considered whether the image of Santa Claus is secular or religious.
The consensus seems to be that Santa without obvious religious symbols is a fair representation of the holiday season. Whether you think there really is a Santa Claus or some other suitable symbol for the holiday season, we wish you happy holidays and look forward to better times in the year to come.
Pothos: Travel news, travel industry updates, corporate and business travel
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Airline passenger rights bill passed
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) yesterday issued a new rule that significantly strengthens protections afforded to airline passengers, including the establishment of a three-hour time limit after which U.S. airlines must allow passengers to deplane delayed domestic flights. The rule also requires airlines to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of an aircraft being delayed.
The new rule also:
• Prohibits airlines from scheduling chronically delayed flights, subjecting those who do to DOT enforcement action for unfair and deceptive practices;
• Requires airlines to designate an airline employee to monitor the effects of flight delays and cancellations, respond in a timely and substantive fashion to consumer complaints and provide information to consumers on where to file complaints;
• Requires airlines to display on their website flight delay information for each domestic flight they operate;
• Requires airlines to adopt customer service plans and audit their own compliance with their plans; and
• Prohibits airlines from retroactively applying material changes to their contracts of carriage that could have a negative impact on consumers who already have purchased tickets
The new rule also:
• Prohibits airlines from scheduling chronically delayed flights, subjecting those who do to DOT enforcement action for unfair and deceptive practices;
• Requires airlines to designate an airline employee to monitor the effects of flight delays and cancellations, respond in a timely and substantive fashion to consumer complaints and provide information to consumers on where to file complaints;
• Requires airlines to display on their website flight delay information for each domestic flight they operate;
• Requires airlines to adopt customer service plans and audit their own compliance with their plans; and
• Prohibits airlines from retroactively applying material changes to their contracts of carriage that could have a negative impact on consumers who already have purchased tickets
Fully booked Continental Air touches down in Fiji
It was a fully-booked Continental Airline flight that touched down at Nadi International Airport on Saturday.
On board were 120 passengers including journalists and two airline directors who travelled from Guam to Nadi.
Nadi is a new destination for Continental, accessable on flights from their hubs in Guam and Hawaii
On board were 120 passengers including journalists and two airline directors who travelled from Guam to Nadi.
Nadi is a new destination for Continental, accessable on flights from their hubs in Guam and Hawaii
US, UK protest India's new tight tourism rules
Britain and the US have lodged a diplomatic protest with India after the government in Delhi introduced rules barring tourists from returning to the country within two months of any visit.
The new visa rules, which also apply to other foreign nationals, are apparently a reaction to the arrest in the US of a Mumbai terror suspect, David Coleman Headley, who had entered India on a multiple-entry visa.
The British high commission in Delhi has urged the Indian government to rethink the policy, which is expected to hit tourists planning to use India as a base for touring the region.
It will also be a blow to thousands of Britons living in India on long-term tourist visas. Many foreigners living in India prefer to use tourist visas rather than go through the complicated process of trying to secure a visa that would grant them the right to residency.
The new visa rules, which also apply to other foreign nationals, are apparently a reaction to the arrest in the US of a Mumbai terror suspect, David Coleman Headley, who had entered India on a multiple-entry visa.
The British high commission in Delhi has urged the Indian government to rethink the policy, which is expected to hit tourists planning to use India as a base for touring the region.
It will also be a blow to thousands of Britons living in India on long-term tourist visas. Many foreigners living in India prefer to use tourist visas rather than go through the complicated process of trying to secure a visa that would grant them the right to residency.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Starwood upgrades hotels worldwide!
I normally am not the type of person to mince words. I say honestly what is on my mind. Starwood, being one of my two favorite chains, really needed this. I was at the Starwood in Rio 3 years ago and wallpaper was literally peeling off the lobby walls!
I am so intrigued to hear of W's financial demise. I always felt that they (meaning the hotel's culture and thus the people that worked there) were snobbish and acted to big for their britches.
Check out this nice Starwood Sheraton promo video!
http://www.starwoodpromos.com/sheratonvideo/
I am so intrigued to hear of W's financial demise. I always felt that they (meaning the hotel's culture and thus the people that worked there) were snobbish and acted to big for their britches.
Check out this nice Starwood Sheraton promo video!
http://www.starwoodpromos.com/sheratonvideo/
Thursday, December 17, 2009
flu season & meeting planning
If you have been reading the papers & watching TV, you know this coming flu season promises to be the end of civilization as we know it. The H1N1 "swine flu" has government officials and medical experts on high alert. A presidential panel of experts believes that in a worst case scenario this winter, the swine flu could infect one-half of the population, hospitalize up to 1.8 million people, and cause as many as 90,000 deaths. Needless to say, an outbreak would cause massive attrition and possibly the cancellation of many meetings and conferences. Does your meeting contract protect you from liability if you need to cancel in such a circumstance? Just about every hotel and convention center contract has a "force majeure" clause, but the common flu is almost never 'severe enough to rise to the level of a force majeure event, and most meetings go on as planned even if the country is having a worse-than-average flu season. In most years, if you tried to cancel a meeting on the grounds that many of your attendees were afraid to attend for fear of catching the flu, venues would laugh at you and then demand that you honor the contract. Even industry attorney experts do not believe Force Majeur would apply for a contagion like the flu, but, do you all remember "Legionaires Disease"? On the other hand, the common flu seldom causes governments to shut down school systems and cancel other public events like the swine flu may be poised to do in the coming months. So this year may pose a new set of circumstances in which people decide to cancel their planned attendance at a conference. If enough of these cancellations occur, the meeting sponsor may need to cancel the entire event, and that's when the parties will start to examine whether the force majeure clause was broad enough to cover this circumstance. A good working relationship with the hotel is the first line of cooperation in such a circumstance. The next key to protecting yourself is to ensure that your force majeure clause has more than just the standard language covering "acts of God" and goes on to specifically cover "disease or epidemic." That phrase should be enough to give you a fair amount of protection, although if you wanted to put a fine point on the issue, you could make the clause more specific and state: "disease or epidemic, including swine flu, SARS, avian flu, or any other disease causing more than 20 percent of attendees to not attend." Expect some push back from the facility as a 20% loss of attendance prior to the event would be hard to prove ... that's where POTHOS vendor relationships & contract negotiation skills would be hard at work for you. We have a proven track record with existing clients and stand ready to help your organization too. Call us to learn more.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Bogus airline surcharges become the norm
I thought this article was particularly relevant;
From news source
Blackbookmag.com
By Bryce Longton Nov 18, 2009
Airlines are sticking it to passengers all the way around these days. Baggage fees seem to be here to stay, seats in coach are shrinking in size, and some airlines are booting off passengers for even thinking about possibly getting sick. On top of all that, there is something super-sneaky going on in the fine print of the "fees" that some airlines (Delta/Northwest, I'm talking to you) are charging on top of normal ticketing prices.
First there was the “holiday fee,” and now it seems there is the random-whenever-I-want ”Peak Travel Day” fee. This bogus “Peak Travel Day” fee will not show up named as such, but it will be folded into the price of your ticket. There are now 30 of these PTD’s in 2010, with fees ranging in cost from $10 for peak travel days like March 7-8 for the Oscars, and $50 for peak travel day February 8 for the Super Bowl. Note: it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling because of these events or not, the prices stand higher. Other peak days like March 14 ($30) don’t seem to make much sense, unless they’re counting the annual Portland Curry Festival as a bang-up event. Next thing you know the airline industry will be in cahoots with Hallmark creating new fake holidays to jack up prices around. The tiny silver lining to this phony fee is the fact that they’re published, allowing savvy fliers to avoid the days, or at least decide that it’s worth it to travel on the peak days. For those of you on a budget, stick to flying on off-peak days in general, which tends to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
From news source
Blackbookmag.com
By Bryce Longton Nov 18, 2009
Airlines are sticking it to passengers all the way around these days. Baggage fees seem to be here to stay, seats in coach are shrinking in size, and some airlines are booting off passengers for even thinking about possibly getting sick. On top of all that, there is something super-sneaky going on in the fine print of the "fees" that some airlines (Delta/Northwest, I'm talking to you) are charging on top of normal ticketing prices.
First there was the “holiday fee,” and now it seems there is the random-whenever-I-want ”Peak Travel Day” fee. This bogus “Peak Travel Day” fee will not show up named as such, but it will be folded into the price of your ticket. There are now 30 of these PTD’s in 2010, with fees ranging in cost from $10 for peak travel days like March 7-8 for the Oscars, and $50 for peak travel day February 8 for the Super Bowl. Note: it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling because of these events or not, the prices stand higher. Other peak days like March 14 ($30) don’t seem to make much sense, unless they’re counting the annual Portland Curry Festival as a bang-up event. Next thing you know the airline industry will be in cahoots with Hallmark creating new fake holidays to jack up prices around. The tiny silver lining to this phony fee is the fact that they’re published, allowing savvy fliers to avoid the days, or at least decide that it’s worth it to travel on the peak days. For those of you on a budget, stick to flying on off-peak days in general, which tends to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Virgin Airlines Special
Currently, Virgin Atlantic has a special offer. If you fly in a qualifying class between Sep 15 and Nov 30, 2009, you will receive up to $300 worth of American Express®-branded reward cards.
Call POTHOS to book your next Virgin flight!
Call POTHOS to book your next Virgin flight!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
a report from Florianopolis BRASIL
Why come here? Well, for me, I was invited by the Santa Catarina Government as a meeting planner to see what the city has to offer. What did that really mean? Nothing. No one has shown me a single thing; activity, tour, reason to come. So, upon some of my own investigations, here is what I have learned
1. The hotel has only two good business hotels. One is a Brasilian local brand and the other a Sofitel. I should have stopped there and known better than to book. I never trust the local brands.... too inconsistent, and the Sofitel sure got off on the wrong foot with me at check in! I entered lobby at 11am to be told my room is ready but check in is 2pm and if I wanted to access room now, there would be a half day charge. Half day!? They made the one sin for me... offering a service that has no cost to them and then wanting to charge for it. Did they know I was here at request of Sanata Catarina government, certainly they did. I should have stayed asleep in Sao Paulo. My blood pressure started rising.
2. The Sofitel is a updated property; the beds are comfortable, shower is ok, room is small but comfortable. The breakfast in the restaurant is sad. All in all, not a luxury property as branded but ok.
3. The taxi cab ride from the airport to Floripa (the center city) was expensive! More than Sao Paulo or Rio. The ride was long but also the taxi meter started at double the price. I thought this was just unique to airport but when I went to dinner last night, I realized that is the starting rate for all taxis.
4. They have 1 good churrascaria; Ataliba (www.churrascariasataliba.com.br) but it doesnt hold a candle to what you find in Rio.
5. The city center is not really walkable. No beach, just a beautiful bay lapping on a rocky shore. Great scenery, nice walking paths along the water, no swimming.
6. I like big cities and I like small villages. The first because of the number of activities and choices and the second to get a feel for the life away from the bulk of tourism. This is neither. It is in between with nothing of interest that I know about.
So, why come to Florianopolis? Don't. Go to Rio, the Amazon, Salvador.... so many other exciting places in Brasil!
I am ready to leave now. Too bad I have no time left to stop in Rio and end on a high/happy note, but I have to head home and back to the office. Rio will have to wait for a few months.
1. The hotel has only two good business hotels. One is a Brasilian local brand and the other a Sofitel. I should have stopped there and known better than to book. I never trust the local brands.... too inconsistent, and the Sofitel sure got off on the wrong foot with me at check in! I entered lobby at 11am to be told my room is ready but check in is 2pm and if I wanted to access room now, there would be a half day charge. Half day!? They made the one sin for me... offering a service that has no cost to them and then wanting to charge for it. Did they know I was here at request of Sanata Catarina government, certainly they did. I should have stayed asleep in Sao Paulo. My blood pressure started rising.
2. The Sofitel is a updated property; the beds are comfortable, shower is ok, room is small but comfortable. The breakfast in the restaurant is sad. All in all, not a luxury property as branded but ok.
3. The taxi cab ride from the airport to Floripa (the center city) was expensive! More than Sao Paulo or Rio. The ride was long but also the taxi meter started at double the price. I thought this was just unique to airport but when I went to dinner last night, I realized that is the starting rate for all taxis.
4. They have 1 good churrascaria; Ataliba (www.churrascariasataliba.com.br) but it doesnt hold a candle to what you find in Rio.
5. The city center is not really walkable. No beach, just a beautiful bay lapping on a rocky shore. Great scenery, nice walking paths along the water, no swimming.
6. I like big cities and I like small villages. The first because of the number of activities and choices and the second to get a feel for the life away from the bulk of tourism. This is neither. It is in between with nothing of interest that I know about.
So, why come to Florianopolis? Don't. Go to Rio, the Amazon, Salvador.... so many other exciting places in Brasil!
I am ready to leave now. Too bad I have no time left to stop in Rio and end on a high/happy note, but I have to head home and back to the office. Rio will have to wait for a few months.
Monday, November 2, 2009
swine flu, bird flu, SARS......
Seems like I have survived them all. I have not (yet) caught any kind of bug his season. Good German DNA, strong immune system, I dont know...... It is certain that I have the Delta32 DNA variant which means somewhere along my biological lineage, my ancestors survived the plague in Europe. It is scientifically proven if you have D32 you tend to be more resilent.
I have been on 8 flights in 10 days and am VERY conscious about people sneezing, coughing, wheezing and alike. As a matter of fact, in Chicago airport, I actually "jumped" slightly when person sat near me that was obviously sick and started hacking and sneezing. I promptly moved seats. But not much you can do on an airplane. I know I am tempting fate as I write this because the travel gods will get me going home! :)
I do find one thing interesting.... all we hear about stay home and away from groups if your sick; people have to go to work for income, airlines still charge a $150 penalty to change plus difference of airfare. All the chatter we make about trying to isolate if we are sick to prevent or arrest the spread; like closing schools and such, we are not taking the most obvious actions.
I believe in empirical data. I will not question the virus is out there and many are sick, some very ill or pass away. But how many vs. population percentage? You have to wonder, people fall ill and die of many things. When the numbers exceed anything previous like the plague in Europe and consume double digits of the population, then it will be serious to me.
I have been on 8 flights in 10 days and am VERY conscious about people sneezing, coughing, wheezing and alike. As a matter of fact, in Chicago airport, I actually "jumped" slightly when person sat near me that was obviously sick and started hacking and sneezing. I promptly moved seats. But not much you can do on an airplane. I know I am tempting fate as I write this because the travel gods will get me going home! :)
I do find one thing interesting.... all we hear about stay home and away from groups if your sick; people have to go to work for income, airlines still charge a $150 penalty to change plus difference of airfare. All the chatter we make about trying to isolate if we are sick to prevent or arrest the spread; like closing schools and such, we are not taking the most obvious actions.
I believe in empirical data. I will not question the virus is out there and many are sick, some very ill or pass away. But how many vs. population percentage? You have to wonder, people fall ill and die of many things. When the numbers exceed anything previous like the plague in Europe and consume double digits of the population, then it will be serious to me.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
No Smoking please, anywhere
and the list just keeps getting longer; bars, restaurants, hotels and now rental cars! Starting in October, Avis & Budget have made their cars 100% smoke free. If you dare light up, you will be facing a $250 extra cleaning charge. I would want to rent that car because it is my experience rentals cars are filthy almost 100% of the time anyway. My biggest pet peeve; windex the windows! and I dont even want to tell you what I have found under the seats. It makes me insane to pay $50 or $60 a day and have a dirty car. I am more understanding is it is $15 a day. For that kind of savings, I will stop at a store and buy windex & paper towels to clean it myself.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Medellin, COLOMBIA
In my previous post, I mentioned I have been to Medellin recently. This was my second trip to Colombia in a year; Medellin and Cartagena the first time. I was not yet blogging during my first trip so I will try to summarize all of my reflections
1. The tourist infrastructure in Cartagena is fine. This is a nice Carribean beach city with a long history. The original city is walled as it was a big pirate target for all the gold there waiting to go back to Spain. Its orginal name as Cartagena das Indias because it was discovered while enroute to find a western route to India! The hotels are nice & unique, especially the Sofitel & the Charleston Santa Teresa. The are also many old houses of the very rich from the 17th & 18th century that are small unique B&B's. You can rent the whole place! The food is very good. Contact me if you want to go to Cartagena; POTHOS can provide the perfect experience as I am now well educated in the destination.
2. Medellin is not quite ready for the tourist masses but non the less, dont think of this city as unwelcoming or unsafe. It is in transition.
3. The currency exchange here is the longest most involved process I have ever been thru at the airport currency exchange! They copy your passport and finger print you! I was alittle disturbed by that as who knows who might steal my identity! Now I will worry when I enter the US that my passport will alert that I am a Nigerian business man committing bank fraud by transferring $2M of cash from a recently deceased relatives fortune from International oil that is in a bank in Ghana of which I will give some American that I never met 10% to manage the electronic transaction in secrecy and send the rest back to me. hahaha
4. When I was in Medellin, the entire city (at least the part I was in) had no city gas supply. This made restaurant food choices interesting, but the people were resilent. They cooked in electric stoves, portable gas bottles and the inconvenience was only a slight disruption of some menu items not being available.
5. Four Points by Sheraton is not what you would expect in the US! I am certain this hotels used wood boards with sheets on top for mattresses and hay & sand filled pillows. I have never been on something so "firm" since boyscouts. And, dont be put off that there are no lights on in the hotel foyers, etc. I think that is their way of saving energy.
6. When in Colombia, do your best to eat typical & native food. It was difficult for me to get the hotel to recommend restaurants and they commented on safety. Well, they didnt mean physical safety except for stomach upset. I did not want to be in Colombia and eat Italian and Fondue, so, my journey began. Close to the hotel I found a small stall restaurant that made the perfect hamburger. You added your own "salad", meaning pickles, slaw, onions, etc. The meat was very very good and the bun soft. I had 4 of them over 3 days! Good snack. My friend Nicolas and his friend Carlos took me to the restaurant Triada for the second time (I was there last year too). It had good food and excellent Sangria but Nico did a better job the second night as we went to a more typical food restaurant across the street from the Intercontinetal Hotel. I had a bean "soup" that had many items including pork cracklins. The Sangria & beer was good here too but even better was the seat.... on a patio deck outside. Here I should mention that Colombians do not like spicey food (this is not Mexico) but that doesnt mean they dont have it. Nico went to the bar and brought a small bowl of a hot pepper mixture for my soup which was a delicious compliment.
Lastly I should mention the airport inspection process at departure. Be prepared to be inspected, every inch of you & your belongings. If you are the type of person that is frustrated with US TSA, this will be sure to make you insane. I think every Federal agency is there; police, military, special investigators, etc. Your bags will be disected and every piece of your belongings taken out, touched, put back in and then taken out and inspected again later...... even though you checked your bag into the airline and had no access to it! Your person will be touched several times, Xrayed, re-screened and I am really not exaggerting when I say it is about 8 levels of check and re-check. Just arrive the airport early and relax into the process. I dont know why it is so intense. I have to wonder what is the percentage of drugs smuggled in someone's suitcase? Probably almost zero. Heck, I started to "feel" guilty with all the inspections! Is my aspirin ok? How about my daily vitamins?(which the police did pick up the bottle, shake it and asked me what it was, lol)...
Colombia... the only risk is wanting to stay! (as their government tourism slogan goes). Or maybe the risk is in leaving? :)
1. The tourist infrastructure in Cartagena is fine. This is a nice Carribean beach city with a long history. The original city is walled as it was a big pirate target for all the gold there waiting to go back to Spain. Its orginal name as Cartagena das Indias because it was discovered while enroute to find a western route to India! The hotels are nice & unique, especially the Sofitel & the Charleston Santa Teresa. The are also many old houses of the very rich from the 17th & 18th century that are small unique B&B's. You can rent the whole place! The food is very good. Contact me if you want to go to Cartagena; POTHOS can provide the perfect experience as I am now well educated in the destination.
2. Medellin is not quite ready for the tourist masses but non the less, dont think of this city as unwelcoming or unsafe. It is in transition.
3. The currency exchange here is the longest most involved process I have ever been thru at the airport currency exchange! They copy your passport and finger print you! I was alittle disturbed by that as who knows who might steal my identity! Now I will worry when I enter the US that my passport will alert that I am a Nigerian business man committing bank fraud by transferring $2M of cash from a recently deceased relatives fortune from International oil that is in a bank in Ghana of which I will give some American that I never met 10% to manage the electronic transaction in secrecy and send the rest back to me. hahaha
4. When I was in Medellin, the entire city (at least the part I was in) had no city gas supply. This made restaurant food choices interesting, but the people were resilent. They cooked in electric stoves, portable gas bottles and the inconvenience was only a slight disruption of some menu items not being available.
5. Four Points by Sheraton is not what you would expect in the US! I am certain this hotels used wood boards with sheets on top for mattresses and hay & sand filled pillows. I have never been on something so "firm" since boyscouts. And, dont be put off that there are no lights on in the hotel foyers, etc. I think that is their way of saving energy.
6. When in Colombia, do your best to eat typical & native food. It was difficult for me to get the hotel to recommend restaurants and they commented on safety. Well, they didnt mean physical safety except for stomach upset. I did not want to be in Colombia and eat Italian and Fondue, so, my journey began. Close to the hotel I found a small stall restaurant that made the perfect hamburger. You added your own "salad", meaning pickles, slaw, onions, etc. The meat was very very good and the bun soft. I had 4 of them over 3 days! Good snack. My friend Nicolas and his friend Carlos took me to the restaurant Triada for the second time (I was there last year too). It had good food and excellent Sangria but Nico did a better job the second night as we went to a more typical food restaurant across the street from the Intercontinetal Hotel. I had a bean "soup" that had many items including pork cracklins. The Sangria & beer was good here too but even better was the seat.... on a patio deck outside. Here I should mention that Colombians do not like spicey food (this is not Mexico) but that doesnt mean they dont have it. Nico went to the bar and brought a small bowl of a hot pepper mixture for my soup which was a delicious compliment.
Lastly I should mention the airport inspection process at departure. Be prepared to be inspected, every inch of you & your belongings. If you are the type of person that is frustrated with US TSA, this will be sure to make you insane. I think every Federal agency is there; police, military, special investigators, etc. Your bags will be disected and every piece of your belongings taken out, touched, put back in and then taken out and inspected again later...... even though you checked your bag into the airline and had no access to it! Your person will be touched several times, Xrayed, re-screened and I am really not exaggerting when I say it is about 8 levels of check and re-check. Just arrive the airport early and relax into the process. I dont know why it is so intense. I have to wonder what is the percentage of drugs smuggled in someone's suitcase? Probably almost zero. Heck, I started to "feel" guilty with all the inspections! Is my aspirin ok? How about my daily vitamins?(which the police did pick up the bottle, shake it and asked me what it was, lol)...
Colombia... the only risk is wanting to stay! (as their government tourism slogan goes). Or maybe the risk is in leaving? :)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Avianca experience
Happy Halloween (or Day of the Dead if your so inclined).
I am traveling and realized it has been way to long since I just wrote some musings and thoughts about my travel experiences. So, over the course of next few days, I will punch out a few small blogs.
I want to start with my Avianca experience from Miami to Medellin.
I took Avianca last year and seem to remember they had old MD80/88's (which I fear those "T" tail airplanes after the AS crash off the CA Coast and is one reason I refuse to fly American). Well, they dont have the MD80's anymore.
This airplane, from & to Medellin was a brand spanking new Airbus A320. I mean I dont think it has been in service or off the assembly line more than 6 months. The seats are so very ergonomically comfortable, coach was almost tolerable.... now if only they widen the seats and realize that less than 30% of the population can not comfortably sit in a 16" wide seat!
Bravo Avianca!
I am traveling and realized it has been way to long since I just wrote some musings and thoughts about my travel experiences. So, over the course of next few days, I will punch out a few small blogs.
I want to start with my Avianca experience from Miami to Medellin.
I took Avianca last year and seem to remember they had old MD80/88's (which I fear those "T" tail airplanes after the AS crash off the CA Coast and is one reason I refuse to fly American). Well, they dont have the MD80's anymore.
This airplane, from & to Medellin was a brand spanking new Airbus A320. I mean I dont think it has been in service or off the assembly line more than 6 months. The seats are so very ergonomically comfortable, coach was almost tolerable.... now if only they widen the seats and realize that less than 30% of the population can not comfortably sit in a 16" wide seat!
Bravo Avianca!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Restraints on airlines’ anarchical behavior
On October 9, 2009 the US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a guidance letter asking airlines to modify and regulate their policy for reimbursement for lost, damaged and delayed baggage. The objective is to eliminate airlines’ arbitrary limits on reimbursements and basically their attitude to pay “when they feel like it.” The DOT does not give any limits in their notice, they state an airline “shall not limit its liability for provable direct or consequential damages.” In essence, the DOT opinions the airlines should pay for all expenses which are the result of the baggage loss, damage or delay (up to $3,300 per passenger). The airlines have 90 days from the date of the notice to amend their policies.
Source: by eTN staff writer, October 13 (published October 14)
Source: by eTN staff writer, October 13 (published October 14)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Strategy! Strategy! Strategy!
One of the most valuable lessons the corporate world learned from the military is to think and act in a strategic way. For instance, Captain B. H. Liddell Hart defines strategy as “"the art of distributing and applying military means to fulfill the ends of policy." Carl von Clausewitz is a little more aggressive by explaining strategy as “the employment of battles to gain the end of war."
No matter where strategic thinking comes from, it is THE word nowadays. One important element of strategic entrepreneurship is creating strategic alliances in order to be successful.
Liz Goodgold offers a few insights into “Lessons to Be Learned for Creating Successful Strategic Alliances”:
1. Get the Right Partner - A good fit is a business that has the same target, offers a complementary product or service, or even is in the neighborhood. It should also be a person or partner that you like, trust, and respect.
2. Agree on the Terms - Before inking the deal, take a moment to agree on start dates, deal stoppers, remuneration for each party, etc. Remember: the devil is in the details.
3. Ensure a "Win" for Your Customer - If you are a building contractor, for example, teaming up with a real estate agent is a win for you both and the customer as well! Should repairs or renovations be needed, you are the immediate reliable and recommended resource. And here is one retail promotion I have often seen that I think is a mistake: Making your customer visit 7 different neighborhood stores and get a stamp in order to receive a free gift. Ugh! Too much work without enough benefit.
4. Develop Metrics for Measurement - It is important to determine the best criteria with which to measure your success. It could be the number of click throughs, phone calls, queries, or coupon redemption rates.
Source: "by Liz Goodgold, branding expert, author, and speaker. Sign up for her FREE Brand Finale newsletter with valuable information at www.redfirebranding.com."
No matter where strategic thinking comes from, it is THE word nowadays. One important element of strategic entrepreneurship is creating strategic alliances in order to be successful.
Liz Goodgold offers a few insights into “Lessons to Be Learned for Creating Successful Strategic Alliances”:
1. Get the Right Partner - A good fit is a business that has the same target, offers a complementary product or service, or even is in the neighborhood. It should also be a person or partner that you like, trust, and respect.
2. Agree on the Terms - Before inking the deal, take a moment to agree on start dates, deal stoppers, remuneration for each party, etc. Remember: the devil is in the details.
3. Ensure a "Win" for Your Customer - If you are a building contractor, for example, teaming up with a real estate agent is a win for you both and the customer as well! Should repairs or renovations be needed, you are the immediate reliable and recommended resource. And here is one retail promotion I have often seen that I think is a mistake: Making your customer visit 7 different neighborhood stores and get a stamp in order to receive a free gift. Ugh! Too much work without enough benefit.
4. Develop Metrics for Measurement - It is important to determine the best criteria with which to measure your success. It could be the number of click throughs, phone calls, queries, or coupon redemption rates.
Source: "by Liz Goodgold, branding expert, author, and speaker. Sign up for her FREE Brand Finale newsletter with valuable information at www.redfirebranding.com."
Monday, October 12, 2009
“To pee, or not to … pee”
Was that Shakespeare’s real question?
Joking aside, it is the bitter question travelers might have to face in the near future.
The Japanese Airline ANA has come to the conclusion that passengers’ excrements negatively impact the airplane’s weight and therefore increase the fuel costs per flight. Expert minds gathered and came up with the creative idea of asking passengers to pee before they fly. ANA is putting up signs at the airport gates asking passengers to use the bathroom before they board the flight. Since signs are not enough there will even be “loo attendants” making sure that all of the “potential pee-ers” get rid of their load.
There will be a four week trial and if effective, ANA will implement the new bathroom policy. The nice thing about the airline industry is if something works out everybody else follows. So don’t be surprised when airlines will excuse future bathroom fees with the buzzwords par excellence, “Go Green!”
Source: FastCompany.com - “Airline Asks Passengers to Pee Before Flying to Save Energy” by Ariel Schwartz
Joking aside, it is the bitter question travelers might have to face in the near future.
The Japanese Airline ANA has come to the conclusion that passengers’ excrements negatively impact the airplane’s weight and therefore increase the fuel costs per flight. Expert minds gathered and came up with the creative idea of asking passengers to pee before they fly. ANA is putting up signs at the airport gates asking passengers to use the bathroom before they board the flight. Since signs are not enough there will even be “loo attendants” making sure that all of the “potential pee-ers” get rid of their load.
There will be a four week trial and if effective, ANA will implement the new bathroom policy. The nice thing about the airline industry is if something works out everybody else follows. So don’t be surprised when airlines will excuse future bathroom fees with the buzzwords par excellence, “Go Green!”
Source: FastCompany.com - “Airline Asks Passengers to Pee Before Flying to Save Energy” by Ariel Schwartz
Monday, October 5, 2009
a report from Kansas City
I was in KC for the 3rd time in my career for meetings Friday and learned alot about the city and surrounding areas. Here are some of my musings. (I thought we had enough days of my news pieces, so, now some observations and fun)
1. LAND! - something we don't have alot of in CA. The freeways are not congested and although I was baffled at the left merge ramps, driving there was a pleasure.
2. Custard - Sheridan's local custard shops are not to be missed. wow.... how good can ice cream get? I had "Pumpkin Concrete" where the mix in a whole slice of pumpkin pie to vanilla custard. I am still on a sugar boost from that and it has been 3 days! :)
3. KCMO (Kansas City Missouri) is not to be confused with KCKS (Kansas City Kansas) - The best parts of downtown are on Missouri side. The Kansas side is mostly the suburbs.
4. Kansas City Airport - the building is old, small and not appealing although its size has advantages of speed. The car rental building is terrific - beautiful and huge! Plan an extra 20 min just to walk from the car return to shuttle buses.
5. The Argosy Casino Hotel is not to be missed for a meal! - this place has the best steak house and casino buffets I have seen outside of Vegas. Really very delicious and reasonable food. The sleeping rooms are comfortable too!
1. LAND! - something we don't have alot of in CA. The freeways are not congested and although I was baffled at the left merge ramps, driving there was a pleasure.
2. Custard - Sheridan's local custard shops are not to be missed. wow.... how good can ice cream get? I had "Pumpkin Concrete" where the mix in a whole slice of pumpkin pie to vanilla custard. I am still on a sugar boost from that and it has been 3 days! :)
3. KCMO (Kansas City Missouri) is not to be confused with KCKS (Kansas City Kansas) - The best parts of downtown are on Missouri side. The Kansas side is mostly the suburbs.
4. Kansas City Airport - the building is old, small and not appealing although its size has advantages of speed. The car rental building is terrific - beautiful and huge! Plan an extra 20 min just to walk from the car return to shuttle buses.
5. The Argosy Casino Hotel is not to be missed for a meal! - this place has the best steak house and casino buffets I have seen outside of Vegas. Really very delicious and reasonable food. The sleeping rooms are comfortable too!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Face it! It has to be Face-to-Face!
How often have we heard that technology is going to replace to a large extent face-to-face meetings? However, tech gurus forgot to add a key variable to the equation, the human factor. Even though a lot of meetings can/could be held via web- and video-conferences, virtual meetings, etc. we should never underestimate one of our most basic needs, the desire to connect personally with other people.
Recently, Forbes Insights published an article proving how essential face-to-face meetings are. They surveyed over 750 business executives about their meeting and travel preferences and their opinion about the effectiveness of different meeting methods.
One of the core outcomes is that executives prefer in-person meetings as it allows them to better understand the client/partner by connecting not just on a business but also social or rather personal level. Hence it is easier to build and strengthen relationships.
Another key finding is that certain topics and issues can’t be dealt with effectively in virtual meetings. Such meetings lack factors like persuasion, leadership, engagement, attention and decision-making. It is very hard to find a consensus as web- or videoconferences don’t help creating trust, recognition and in general “to get a feeling” about something.
The entire report can be looked up under:
Forbes Insight report: Business meetings: The case for face-to-face
Hospitalitynet.org 29 Sep 2009
Recently, Forbes Insights published an article proving how essential face-to-face meetings are. They surveyed over 750 business executives about their meeting and travel preferences and their opinion about the effectiveness of different meeting methods.
One of the core outcomes is that executives prefer in-person meetings as it allows them to better understand the client/partner by connecting not just on a business but also social or rather personal level. Hence it is easier to build and strengthen relationships.
Another key finding is that certain topics and issues can’t be dealt with effectively in virtual meetings. Such meetings lack factors like persuasion, leadership, engagement, attention and decision-making. It is very hard to find a consensus as web- or videoconferences don’t help creating trust, recognition and in general “to get a feeling” about something.
The entire report can be looked up under:
Forbes Insight report: Business meetings: The case for face-to-face
Hospitalitynet.org 29 Sep 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Business Travel, not an expense but a money maker!
Recently, the U.S. Travel Association released a study conducted by Oxford Economics, a worldwide renowned provider of economic analysis forecasts and consulting advice. The study is called “The Oxford Economics Study: The ROI of Business Travel.”
This study has come to the conclusion that business travel creates additional revenues. A few of the key findings are:
· First and foremost, executives and business travelers estimate a 28 % loss of current business without face-to-face meetings. Furthermore, they estimate that about 40% of their prospective customers are converted to new ones with in-person meetings compared to 16% without such a meeting.
· The majority of business travelers stated that 5-20% of their new customers were the result of tradeshow participation.
· Very interestingly, executives state that in order to achieve the same outcome of incentive travel, an employee’s total base compensation would need to be increased by 8.5%.
· Calculation showed that for every dollar invested in business travel companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue and $3.80 in profits.
· Another interesting outcome is that a reduction of business travel can reduce profits for years. It would take more than three years for profits to recover.
· Global picture: According to the research 10% increase in business travel spending will result in an increase of the US GDP of 1.5-2.8%
For years we have been preaching at POTHOS how important face-to-face meetings are. Finally, this study confirms that not everything can be done in the cyberspace.
For more info about this study please visit www.ustravel.org.
This study has come to the conclusion that business travel creates additional revenues. A few of the key findings are:
· First and foremost, executives and business travelers estimate a 28 % loss of current business without face-to-face meetings. Furthermore, they estimate that about 40% of their prospective customers are converted to new ones with in-person meetings compared to 16% without such a meeting.
· The majority of business travelers stated that 5-20% of their new customers were the result of tradeshow participation.
· Very interestingly, executives state that in order to achieve the same outcome of incentive travel, an employee’s total base compensation would need to be increased by 8.5%.
· Calculation showed that for every dollar invested in business travel companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue and $3.80 in profits.
· Another interesting outcome is that a reduction of business travel can reduce profits for years. It would take more than three years for profits to recover.
· Global picture: According to the research 10% increase in business travel spending will result in an increase of the US GDP of 1.5-2.8%
For years we have been preaching at POTHOS how important face-to-face meetings are. Finally, this study confirms that not everything can be done in the cyberspace.
For more info about this study please visit www.ustravel.org.
Monday, September 21, 2009
LuggageLimits.com
One method used by airlines to increase revenue (or let's say make up for their financial mismanagement) is to charge fees for checked luggage. Over the past year airlines have revised their fees, changed the number of bags which can be checked in for free, cut the weight limits, etc.
It is almost impossible to keep up with the changes and additional fees collected. Every single time you go on a flight it is important to check the new luggage policies as they change on an ongoing basis.
As always when there is a need/problem somebody comes up with a solution. In this case a COMPLIMENTARY solution is provided by www.LuggageLimits.com. On the website you can find a so called "Check Your Limits" calculator. By entering the airline you are flying with and the departure and arrival airport you can easily look up the luggage restrictions/limits.
Within a few seconds you get the answers you need. We have tried this tool out and compared the results with the information on the airlines' websites; it has been accurate every single time.
Although the website has an internet based airfare booking widget, we still recommend travelers to use a professional travel agent such as POTHOS. Why? Beyond luggage limits there are many other restrictions and rules which can turn into significant costs if you don't know about them and how to play around such "traps."
It is almost impossible to keep up with the changes and additional fees collected. Every single time you go on a flight it is important to check the new luggage policies as they change on an ongoing basis.
As always when there is a need/problem somebody comes up with a solution. In this case a COMPLIMENTARY solution is provided by www.LuggageLimits.com. On the website you can find a so called "Check Your Limits" calculator. By entering the airline you are flying with and the departure and arrival airport you can easily look up the luggage restrictions/limits.
Within a few seconds you get the answers you need. We have tried this tool out and compared the results with the information on the airlines' websites; it has been accurate every single time.
Although the website has an internet based airfare booking widget, we still recommend travelers to use a professional travel agent such as POTHOS. Why? Beyond luggage limits there are many other restrictions and rules which can turn into significant costs if you don't know about them and how to play around such "traps."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Mexico; good or bad choice for a destination?
For many months now, all we are hearing about is the violence in Mexico. The reports are not unforunded. The border towns such as Juarez and Tijuana are nearly battlefields. This violence has affected some tourists but is not centered in tourist areas. The imporant note is that this violence is not found in the interior/colonial/tourist ctities such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Merida and such. There is still petty theft problems in Mexico City but as long as you are using reputable, licensed providers.... you would not experience a problem. The best way to guard against this is to use a experienced travel agency. and maybe chose some private services so you are not left to find taxis or hire guides on the street.
It is also important to note that the Dollar/Peso exchange rate has become favorable to the Dollar by 30% in just teh past 12 months. I can remember last eyar with it was 10 to 1 and now it is 13 Pesos to 1USD> this makes the upscale hotels, restaurants and services a terrific value. Additionally, there is no sales tax for meetings in Mexico. This accounts for an extraordinary 15% savings.
In being mindful or budgets and corporate expenditures, Mexico might just be a much better value than most US cities.
It is also important to note that the Dollar/Peso exchange rate has become favorable to the Dollar by 30% in just teh past 12 months. I can remember last eyar with it was 10 to 1 and now it is 13 Pesos to 1USD> this makes the upscale hotels, restaurants and services a terrific value. Additionally, there is no sales tax for meetings in Mexico. This accounts for an extraordinary 15% savings.
In being mindful or budgets and corporate expenditures, Mexico might just be a much better value than most US cities.
Friday, August 28, 2009
CARMAX
I had my first experience this week interacting with CARMAX (http://www.carmax.com/). This business was started in 1996 and deals in used cars and mechanical service. I sold a car to them. The process was structured, easy and they provided a very fair offer. I am impressed. This seems like car selling & buying as how it should be; value, courteous, clean/convenient store & efficient.
I dealt with a sales consultant in San Diego named Craig Church. If you plan on buying used car at any CARMAX, I would recommend calling him. He explained to me that all the stores work as one unit. His mobile is 858.967.4357
I dealt with a sales consultant in San Diego named Craig Church. If you plan on buying used car at any CARMAX, I would recommend calling him. He explained to me that all the stores work as one unit. His mobile is 858.967.4357
Hotel observations, NBTA & airline news
These last two weeks have been very busy with travel & events.
I will try to summarize a few "musings";
1. The Holiday Inn that shares a building with FEMA in DC is interesting. After the rent a cop, armed security frisk you, check under your car, under your engine hood & trunk, you get the privilege of paying $30 to park! The breakfast buffet is super expensive and gives you little more than what a Residence Inn provides for free. However, they have a very nice BBQ lunch in a center outdoor courtyard on Thursday's. It seemed as popular with local workers as with hotel guests.
2. The Four Points on K Street in DC does seem much from the outside but it has very good staff, especially Doria the convention services manager, Norma in sales and Mark in banquets.
3. The National Business Travel Association annual conference in San Diego was again the epitome of excellent planning but the San Diego convention center served cold lunches. That was disappointing to say the least. This conference does not offer breakfast's so, in essence, there was no hot food. The conference was very sparsely attended by buyers but the speakers were exciting; Jay Leno & President Bill Clinton.
4. The airlines are again raising their checked baggage fees, AGAIN. Enough with the nickel & diming please? The overheads will be bursting at the seems as people know if they bring onboard a huge bag, they can gate check it at no charge.
I will try to summarize a few "musings";
1. The Holiday Inn that shares a building with FEMA in DC is interesting. After the rent a cop, armed security frisk you, check under your car, under your engine hood & trunk, you get the privilege of paying $30 to park! The breakfast buffet is super expensive and gives you little more than what a Residence Inn provides for free. However, they have a very nice BBQ lunch in a center outdoor courtyard on Thursday's. It seemed as popular with local workers as with hotel guests.
2. The Four Points on K Street in DC does seem much from the outside but it has very good staff, especially Doria the convention services manager, Norma in sales and Mark in banquets.
3. The National Business Travel Association annual conference in San Diego was again the epitome of excellent planning but the San Diego convention center served cold lunches. That was disappointing to say the least. This conference does not offer breakfast's so, in essence, there was no hot food. The conference was very sparsely attended by buyers but the speakers were exciting; Jay Leno & President Bill Clinton.
4. The airlines are again raising their checked baggage fees, AGAIN. Enough with the nickel & diming please? The overheads will be bursting at the seems as people know if they bring onboard a huge bag, they can gate check it at no charge.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Travelers Stranded at Stansted After Ryanair Gaffe
News story posted Aug 3rd on Travel Agent Central.
I think it speaks volumns for the airline not wanting to provide customer service and just pushing everyone to not have nay contact (i.e. check in online, etc). Lesson learned; You get what you pay for, but also the second lesson here is as customers, we should demand service. Not just accept no service of lack of it. If a business makes decisions you dont agree with, stop doing business with that company!
____________________________________________
Hundreds of travelers missed their flights from Stansted yesterday after Ryanair failed to open enough check-in desks.
The low-cost carrier is being blamed for only opening 11 check-in desks for 255 fights on what is one of the busiest weekends on the holiday calendar.
About 500 passengers had to find alternative flights or cancel their vacations altogether, and some, including those with young children, were sleeping in the terminal. Police officers at the terminal were called upon to ease the mounting tension and help out with coordinating the queues.
The chaos has called into question the airline’s policy of encouraging passengers to check in online, and saying it plans to scrap check-in altogether from October.
Ryanair subcontracts its check-in desks to Swissport, but neither was available for comment last night.
I think it speaks volumns for the airline not wanting to provide customer service and just pushing everyone to not have nay contact (i.e. check in online, etc). Lesson learned; You get what you pay for, but also the second lesson here is as customers, we should demand service. Not just accept no service of lack of it. If a business makes decisions you dont agree with, stop doing business with that company!
____________________________________________
Hundreds of travelers missed their flights from Stansted yesterday after Ryanair failed to open enough check-in desks.
The low-cost carrier is being blamed for only opening 11 check-in desks for 255 fights on what is one of the busiest weekends on the holiday calendar.
About 500 passengers had to find alternative flights or cancel their vacations altogether, and some, including those with young children, were sleeping in the terminal. Police officers at the terminal were called upon to ease the mounting tension and help out with coordinating the queues.
The chaos has called into question the airline’s policy of encouraging passengers to check in online, and saying it plans to scrap check-in altogether from October.
Ryanair subcontracts its check-in desks to Swissport, but neither was available for comment last night.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Forrester Study Finds More Frustration with Travel Websites
As you read this article, please remember; POTHOS is a great travel agency that is available for corporate or liesure clients.
_________________________
Forrester Research issued a new study, “Using Digital Channels to Calm the Angry Traveler,” by Henry Harteveldt, that reports there are 15 percent fewer travelers who enjoy using the web in 2009 than there were in 2007. Just one in three online travelers in the U.S. feels that travel websites do a good job presenting travel choices, down from 39 percent in 2008. A slightly greater percentage of travelers who are fed up with travel websites may be returning to use traditional travel agents.
According to Harteveldt, travelers feel that they, and their business, are taken for granted by travel websites. “Travelers -- both business and leisure -- are frustrated, confused, and annoyed,” he writes in the report. “They’re unhappy with the way the channels they’re asked to use are designed and configured. They’re not sure what they’re actually buying, because travel organizations’ focus on generating revenue has come at the expense of the selling and customer engagement process. And travelers say the service they receive is inadequate.”
According to the report, more travelers express interest in using offline travel agencies. In a 2008 Forrester survey, 23 percent of U.S. online leisure travelers stated they would consider using a good offline travel agency if they could find one. This year that’s up to 26 percent in 2009. “That more travelers would consider using a less convenient channel reflects their growing frustration with the confusing, uninspiring experiences found on most travel websites,” the report says.
To reverse travelers’ dissatisfaction and avoid having them abandon the web in favor of other, more expensive offline channels, the Forrester report says travel eBusiness professionals must rethink their approach to travel eBusiness. To reverse this trend and re-engage travelers, travel eBusiness professionals must recognize that travel eBusiness is comprised of four continuous phases supported by the five pillars of merchandising, context, engagement, value, and customer appreciation. The report says to expect travel eBusiness professionals to be asked to become more involved with customer data strategy and for global distribution systems (GDSs) to evolve into more useful global merchandising systems (GMSs).
There are 130.3 million online travelers in the U.S. and another 127.7 million in Europe, representing 87 percent of U.S. travelers and 73 percent of European travelers, respectively. As a result, the report says, travel organizations, especially commercial enterprises like airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel agencies, must pay more attention to the eBusiness processes and experiences they deliver to their customers. For information on ordering the full report, call Forrester at 617-613-6000, email forrester@forrester.com or visit www.forrester.com
_________________________
Forrester Research issued a new study, “Using Digital Channels to Calm the Angry Traveler,” by Henry Harteveldt, that reports there are 15 percent fewer travelers who enjoy using the web in 2009 than there were in 2007. Just one in three online travelers in the U.S. feels that travel websites do a good job presenting travel choices, down from 39 percent in 2008. A slightly greater percentage of travelers who are fed up with travel websites may be returning to use traditional travel agents.
According to Harteveldt, travelers feel that they, and their business, are taken for granted by travel websites. “Travelers -- both business and leisure -- are frustrated, confused, and annoyed,” he writes in the report. “They’re unhappy with the way the channels they’re asked to use are designed and configured. They’re not sure what they’re actually buying, because travel organizations’ focus on generating revenue has come at the expense of the selling and customer engagement process. And travelers say the service they receive is inadequate.”
According to the report, more travelers express interest in using offline travel agencies. In a 2008 Forrester survey, 23 percent of U.S. online leisure travelers stated they would consider using a good offline travel agency if they could find one. This year that’s up to 26 percent in 2009. “That more travelers would consider using a less convenient channel reflects their growing frustration with the confusing, uninspiring experiences found on most travel websites,” the report says.
To reverse travelers’ dissatisfaction and avoid having them abandon the web in favor of other, more expensive offline channels, the Forrester report says travel eBusiness professionals must rethink their approach to travel eBusiness. To reverse this trend and re-engage travelers, travel eBusiness professionals must recognize that travel eBusiness is comprised of four continuous phases supported by the five pillars of merchandising, context, engagement, value, and customer appreciation. The report says to expect travel eBusiness professionals to be asked to become more involved with customer data strategy and for global distribution systems (GDSs) to evolve into more useful global merchandising systems (GMSs).
There are 130.3 million online travelers in the U.S. and another 127.7 million in Europe, representing 87 percent of U.S. travelers and 73 percent of European travelers, respectively. As a result, the report says, travel organizations, especially commercial enterprises like airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel agencies, must pay more attention to the eBusiness processes and experiences they deliver to their customers. For information on ordering the full report, call Forrester at 617-613-6000, email forrester@forrester.com or visit www.forrester.com
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
news piece about TSA and our constitutional rights
"Airport searches are the most common encounters between Americans and law enforcement agents. That's why it is so important for TSA agents to do the job they were trained to do and not engage in fishing expeditions that do nothing to promote flight safety," said Ben Wizner, a staff attorney with the ACLU National Security Project. "It is, of course, very important to ensure the safety of flights and keep illegal weapons and explosives off planes. But allowing TSA screeners to conduct general purpose law enforcement searches violates the Constitution while diverting limited resources from TSA's core mission of protecting safety. For the sake of public safety and constitutional values, these unlawful searches should stop."
On March 29, 2009, Steven Bierfeldt was detained in a small room at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and interrogated by TSA officials for nearly half an hour after he passed a metal box containing cash through a security checkpoint X-ray machine. Bierfeldt was carrying the cash in connection with his duties as the director of development for the Campaign for Liberty, a political organization that grew out of Congressman Ron Paul's presidential campaign.
Bierfeldt was detained and questioned as he returned home from a Campaign for Liberty event transporting proceeds from the sale of tickets, t-shirts, stickers, and campaign material. Bierfeldt repeatedly asked the agents to explain the scope of their authority to detain and interrogate him and received no explanation. Instead, the agents escalated the threatening tone of their questions and ultimately told Bierfeldt that he was being placed under arrest. Bierfeldt recorded the audio of the entire incident with his iPhone.
"I do not believe I should give up my constitutional rights each time I choose to travel by plane. I was doing nothing illegal or suspicious, yet I was treated like a potential criminal and harassed for no reason," said Bierfeldt. "Most Americans would be surprised to learn that TSA considers simply carrying cash to be a basis for detention and questioning. I hope the court makes clear that my detention by TSA agents was unconstitutional and stops TSA from engaging in these unlawful searches and arrests. I do not want another innocent American to have to endure what I went through."
"Mr. Bierfeldt's experience represents a troubling pattern of TSA attempting to transform its valid but limited search authority into a license to invade people's privacy in a manner that would never be accepted outside the airport context," said Larry Schwartztol, a staff attorney with the ACLU National Security Project. "Just as the Constitution prevents the police on the street from conducting freewheeling searches in the hopes of uncovering wrongdoing, it protects travelers from the kind of treatment Mr. Bierfeldt suffered."
TSA officials have the authority to conduct safety-related searches for weapons and explosives. According to the ACLU's lawsuit, TSA agents are using heightened security measures after 9/11 as an excuse to exceed their search authority and engage in unlawful searches that violate the privacy rights of passengers. The lawsuit also charges that unconstitutional searches and detention by TSA agents have become the norm.
The ACLU's lawsuit was filed against Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which has authority over TSA. It was filed in federal court in Washington, DC.
Attorneys on the case are Wizner, Scott Michelman and Allen Hopper of the ACLU, Art Spitzer of the ACLU National Capital Area and cooperating attorney Alan Gura of Gura and Possessky, PLLC.
On March 29, 2009, Steven Bierfeldt was detained in a small room at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and interrogated by TSA officials for nearly half an hour after he passed a metal box containing cash through a security checkpoint X-ray machine. Bierfeldt was carrying the cash in connection with his duties as the director of development for the Campaign for Liberty, a political organization that grew out of Congressman Ron Paul's presidential campaign.
Bierfeldt was detained and questioned as he returned home from a Campaign for Liberty event transporting proceeds from the sale of tickets, t-shirts, stickers, and campaign material. Bierfeldt repeatedly asked the agents to explain the scope of their authority to detain and interrogate him and received no explanation. Instead, the agents escalated the threatening tone of their questions and ultimately told Bierfeldt that he was being placed under arrest. Bierfeldt recorded the audio of the entire incident with his iPhone.
"I do not believe I should give up my constitutional rights each time I choose to travel by plane. I was doing nothing illegal or suspicious, yet I was treated like a potential criminal and harassed for no reason," said Bierfeldt. "Most Americans would be surprised to learn that TSA considers simply carrying cash to be a basis for detention and questioning. I hope the court makes clear that my detention by TSA agents was unconstitutional and stops TSA from engaging in these unlawful searches and arrests. I do not want another innocent American to have to endure what I went through."
"Mr. Bierfeldt's experience represents a troubling pattern of TSA attempting to transform its valid but limited search authority into a license to invade people's privacy in a manner that would never be accepted outside the airport context," said Larry Schwartztol, a staff attorney with the ACLU National Security Project. "Just as the Constitution prevents the police on the street from conducting freewheeling searches in the hopes of uncovering wrongdoing, it protects travelers from the kind of treatment Mr. Bierfeldt suffered."
TSA officials have the authority to conduct safety-related searches for weapons and explosives. According to the ACLU's lawsuit, TSA agents are using heightened security measures after 9/11 as an excuse to exceed their search authority and engage in unlawful searches that violate the privacy rights of passengers. The lawsuit also charges that unconstitutional searches and detention by TSA agents have become the norm.
The ACLU's lawsuit was filed against Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which has authority over TSA. It was filed in federal court in Washington, DC.
Attorneys on the case are Wizner, Scott Michelman and Allen Hopper of the ACLU, Art Spitzer of the ACLU National Capital Area and cooperating attorney Alan Gura of Gura and Possessky, PLLC.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Study says SB, DVBE utilization strengthens economy
Excerpt and information taken from DBEgoodfaith.com newsletter:
In recent years, the State of California's small business (SB) and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) programs, which aim to increase the utilization of these firms through various measures, has been accused of diluting the public works market and weakening the state's economy. A new study by two scholars at California State University, Sacramento challenges this assumption and claims that SB and DVBE utilization on state contracts is beneficial for California's economy.“The incremental value of the State’s awarding contracts to SBs and DVBEs is positive, resulting in tremendous net new job creation, creation of net new Gross State Product, net new labor income for California employees, and indirect business taxes,” the study concludes.One of the studies findings highlighted in a California Department of General Services (DGS) press release is that SBs and DVBES produce roughly 50 percent more economic activity per dollar than larger firms.In addition to crunching data, the professors' surveyed SB and DVBE firms, revealing correlations between bid attempts and bid success. “Bid success seems to be a function of the number of applications made. For example, 56.9% of the respondents who have bid two to five times have been successful at least once, and 85.4% of the respondents who bid for at least six contracts have been successful at least once,” states the study.Just over 60 percent of California's SBs and DVBEs have tried to obtain state contracts. Each year, the DGS attempts to contract at least 25 percent of all state contracts to SBs and 3 percent to DVBEs.The survey also revealed why more SB and DVBE firms have not competed for contracts. In the survey responses, over a quarter of the firms indicated that they were not aware of bid opportunities with the state. Still, an overwhelming majority of respondents – 76 percent - want to bid on state contracts.The studies results may have several implications for contractors and suppliers. First, it supports the continued existence of California's SB and DVBE programs. Second, it may spur the Department of General Services to better advertise the programs and the benefits of SB and/or DVBE certification. Third, the state may implement SB and DVBE goals more stringently on contracts. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.2 percent of all employers in the State of California and employ 52.1 percent of the state's private-sector labor. As a result, “small businesses account for almost all of the economic growth the State has witnessed since 1975.”
To read the full study, visit: http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/PIO/SB/SmallBusinessStudy.pdf
In recent years, the State of California's small business (SB) and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) programs, which aim to increase the utilization of these firms through various measures, has been accused of diluting the public works market and weakening the state's economy. A new study by two scholars at California State University, Sacramento challenges this assumption and claims that SB and DVBE utilization on state contracts is beneficial for California's economy.“The incremental value of the State’s awarding contracts to SBs and DVBEs is positive, resulting in tremendous net new job creation, creation of net new Gross State Product, net new labor income for California employees, and indirect business taxes,” the study concludes.One of the studies findings highlighted in a California Department of General Services (DGS) press release is that SBs and DVBES produce roughly 50 percent more economic activity per dollar than larger firms.In addition to crunching data, the professors' surveyed SB and DVBE firms, revealing correlations between bid attempts and bid success. “Bid success seems to be a function of the number of applications made. For example, 56.9% of the respondents who have bid two to five times have been successful at least once, and 85.4% of the respondents who bid for at least six contracts have been successful at least once,” states the study.Just over 60 percent of California's SBs and DVBEs have tried to obtain state contracts. Each year, the DGS attempts to contract at least 25 percent of all state contracts to SBs and 3 percent to DVBEs.The survey also revealed why more SB and DVBE firms have not competed for contracts. In the survey responses, over a quarter of the firms indicated that they were not aware of bid opportunities with the state. Still, an overwhelming majority of respondents – 76 percent - want to bid on state contracts.The studies results may have several implications for contractors and suppliers. First, it supports the continued existence of California's SB and DVBE programs. Second, it may spur the Department of General Services to better advertise the programs and the benefits of SB and/or DVBE certification. Third, the state may implement SB and DVBE goals more stringently on contracts. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.2 percent of all employers in the State of California and employ 52.1 percent of the state's private-sector labor. As a result, “small businesses account for almost all of the economic growth the State has witnessed since 1975.”
To read the full study, visit: http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/PIO/SB/SmallBusinessStudy.pdf
Sunday, June 28, 2009
more US airline shenanigans
Does this ever stop?
Please allow me to catch you all up on the latest airline changes that will affect you;
1. many carriers have increased their airport baggage fees by $5, justifying this by allowing you to pay in advance by checking in online
2. some EU carriers are considering charging for toilet privileges
3. I have taken more than a dozen flights in past 3 months. They are all 100% full and the airport are packed but yet I continue to read about reduced load and therefore the carriers are reducing their capacity; recently by 4% which now means about 12% for the year.
4. An overall increase in using aircraft that have deferred maintenance issues. Some are small like an AV system being inoperative so no movies or sound system is available but some may be an items such as an inoperative window defroster.... not important in Phoenix but very important in Denver.
5. Last week, United announced that it will discontinue to allow some travel agencies to issue United tickets on their plate (or specifically, the merchant account used when agencies issue a ticket in our global distribution system). This limits the agency to the type(s) of payment it can receive for a United ticket and will increase costs to the consumer.
Why should #5 bother the traveling consumer & corporate travel account? Because it is the beginning of what could amount to a fundamental shift in the payment of merchant service fees; the cost paid to a bank for the use of your credit card, from the merchant (in this case the airline) to the consumer. That would amount to a 4% increase in fees. The travel industry has been speculating the airlines might try this since 2006 and now it seems like a small litmus test is here. To put this in perspective, think of everytime you use a credit card; retail store, grocery store, etc. Now, think about a 4% administrative cost added to your bill each time you want to use that credit or debit card.
Historically, the traveling public and corporate accounts have been "sheep" about accepting changes by the airlines that have amounted to rapidly increased costs and reduction in service while their management report losses but take very large compensation packages and bonuses. Will this be one more time we will just lay down and take it?
Please allow me to catch you all up on the latest airline changes that will affect you;
1. many carriers have increased their airport baggage fees by $5, justifying this by allowing you to pay in advance by checking in online
2. some EU carriers are considering charging for toilet privileges
3. I have taken more than a dozen flights in past 3 months. They are all 100% full and the airport are packed but yet I continue to read about reduced load and therefore the carriers are reducing their capacity; recently by 4% which now means about 12% for the year.
4. An overall increase in using aircraft that have deferred maintenance issues. Some are small like an AV system being inoperative so no movies or sound system is available but some may be an items such as an inoperative window defroster.... not important in Phoenix but very important in Denver.
5. Last week, United announced that it will discontinue to allow some travel agencies to issue United tickets on their plate (or specifically, the merchant account used when agencies issue a ticket in our global distribution system). This limits the agency to the type(s) of payment it can receive for a United ticket and will increase costs to the consumer.
Why should #5 bother the traveling consumer & corporate travel account? Because it is the beginning of what could amount to a fundamental shift in the payment of merchant service fees; the cost paid to a bank for the use of your credit card, from the merchant (in this case the airline) to the consumer. That would amount to a 4% increase in fees. The travel industry has been speculating the airlines might try this since 2006 and now it seems like a small litmus test is here. To put this in perspective, think of everytime you use a credit card; retail store, grocery store, etc. Now, think about a 4% administrative cost added to your bill each time you want to use that credit or debit card.
Historically, the traveling public and corporate accounts have been "sheep" about accepting changes by the airlines that have amounted to rapidly increased costs and reduction in service while their management report losses but take very large compensation packages and bonuses. Will this be one more time we will just lay down and take it?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
grats, tips and service charges; a manifesto
I understand our nation/culture expects certain hourly wage jobs to earn gratuities & tips for a job well done or going above & beyond in service. But, there is the key point for me; going above & beyond recognition..... not a gratuity for simply doing the job as stated.
The gratuity rate rule of thumb used to be 10%. Slowly, it crept up to 15% and 20% and now, in some hotels exceeds 22%! In the last 10 - 15 years, I would say that I have noticed a slow progression to this being an expectation rather than a judgement and that expectation is now not only from the hourly employee but from the company that is artificially offering low wages to the worker expecting them to make up the difference in gratuities.
I am tired of this trend! I am tired of reaching into my wallet for every single person that comes in contact with me. It feels like panhandling.
My manifesto; businesses should stop putting worker wages on the backs of the public and pay staff a reasonable wage for the job without depending on gratuities. A gratuity should simply be a bonus. Businesses that are adding them to your dinner check or hotel bill without you choosing have just crossed the line from gratuity (discretionary) to service charge (mandated) and then it should be a taxable item. Additionally, what if the gratuity is added to the our bill but the service was horrible? Should we feel obligated or should we challenge it? I always chose to challenge.
Lastly, if I am paying a gratuity as part of my contract; dinner bill, hotel fees, etc..... I expect then to be paid to the worker.... not pooled and allocated after the business (hotel) takes a cut and then other servers get to equally share. Again, this violates the service recognition part of offering the gratuity; I was served by the dinner staff and my server should receive it and not the lunch staff whom I never met and certainly never provided service to me.
My final solution would to just drop gratuities and tips entirely from our culture / cultural expectation. Pay living wages, hold staff to service standards as expectation of the job and recognize above and beyond service differently... not using compensation. This would make for happier employees and more comfortable situations when we come in contact with service staff.
The gratuity rate rule of thumb used to be 10%. Slowly, it crept up to 15% and 20% and now, in some hotels exceeds 22%! In the last 10 - 15 years, I would say that I have noticed a slow progression to this being an expectation rather than a judgement and that expectation is now not only from the hourly employee but from the company that is artificially offering low wages to the worker expecting them to make up the difference in gratuities.
I am tired of this trend! I am tired of reaching into my wallet for every single person that comes in contact with me. It feels like panhandling.
My manifesto; businesses should stop putting worker wages on the backs of the public and pay staff a reasonable wage for the job without depending on gratuities. A gratuity should simply be a bonus. Businesses that are adding them to your dinner check or hotel bill without you choosing have just crossed the line from gratuity (discretionary) to service charge (mandated) and then it should be a taxable item. Additionally, what if the gratuity is added to the our bill but the service was horrible? Should we feel obligated or should we challenge it? I always chose to challenge.
Lastly, if I am paying a gratuity as part of my contract; dinner bill, hotel fees, etc..... I expect then to be paid to the worker.... not pooled and allocated after the business (hotel) takes a cut and then other servers get to equally share. Again, this violates the service recognition part of offering the gratuity; I was served by the dinner staff and my server should receive it and not the lunch staff whom I never met and certainly never provided service to me.
My final solution would to just drop gratuities and tips entirely from our culture / cultural expectation. Pay living wages, hold staff to service standards as expectation of the job and recognize above and beyond service differently... not using compensation. This would make for happier employees and more comfortable situations when we come in contact with service staff.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
AF flight 447
It is always devastating to hear of the loss of an airliner. As a private pilot, I am also very interested to know the exact reasons why. The Discovery or Nat Geo channel has many shows that gives airline accident causes post the event and I always try to watch those shows. In this case, it was a A330 (newer, heavy passenger jet) that last reported some equipment failures and electrical losses. As with all newer aircraft, Airbus makes a quality airplane with many redundancies, but it is a glass cockpit. If this aircraft lost all electrical, it would be very difficult for the pilots to deal with that for a prolonged period. The aircraft systems depend on inputs and these inputs are driven by electrical sources. It wasn't well know that an A330 took a 1000ft nose dive, in recent months, for no apparent reason and then recovered. It was later discovered that the computers were reacting to bad input data. (you know the adage, good info in, good info out and visa versa). I was on a TAP Air Portugal flight from Lisbon to Newark on May 10 and, in our descent over NY, we hit strong buffeting winds. The aircraft rolled, pitched and the tail sank and rattled. All of this while we were in a turn lining up for landing. All the girls around me, about 4 of them, were clutching and using the air sick bags. The cabin erupted in screams and the planed seemed out of control. I knew that it could handle stresses many many times worse than this but it does always cross my mind; are the computers flying, are the pilots, how ready are the pilots to react to something catastrophic.
No pilot boards an aircraft expecting to fail at his or her job of safety and we, the passengers, depend on manufacturers, pilots, airline management, safety personnel and a host of activities that are meant to keep checks and balances in place and keep us safe.
We should all be attentive to know what were the catastrophic failures that lead to the loss of AF447 and do what is necessary to avoid them in future flight. Learning from terrible lessons thios way is what has lead us to the air safety we have today.
No pilot boards an aircraft expecting to fail at his or her job of safety and we, the passengers, depend on manufacturers, pilots, airline management, safety personnel and a host of activities that are meant to keep checks and balances in place and keep us safe.
We should all be attentive to know what were the catastrophic failures that lead to the loss of AF447 and do what is necessary to avoid them in future flight. Learning from terrible lessons thios way is what has lead us to the air safety we have today.
Friday, May 29, 2009
are airline's recanting thier "nickel & dime" strategy?
Airline's reduced and eventually eliminated travel agent commissions more than a decade ago. They then treated agents like a hated neighbor that was more of a problem than a help to their business model; and in many cases still do treat us poorly. They started pushing to booked tickets on internet sites like Orbitz and Expedia and then on their own sites. Using the internet as their virtually cost free distribution source seemed like a wise idea, but what happens when all those passengers need service to the ticket? Airport ticket counters reduced staff and services and are so overwhelmed just bag tagging & addressing late/mis-connect aircraft, they flat out refuse to help with anything else. Don't even think of asking to issue a ticket for future travel!
Pay for bags, pay for seat assignment, pay for blankets, pillows, food, drinks (which some airlines tried and then back pedaled on). The airlines will say all these charges are adding revenue to their bottom line. However, British Airways recently reported their worst annual losses since 1987 and see no sign of recovery! They are the latest in a long string of carriers that loose millions every month. Yet, other airlines are profitable. When I look at the list, I perceive that I see a little karma.
Now, I can't help but to wonder if they are not recanting the positions a bit. Last week, Delta started a time limited commission program for their "preferred" (read: highest volume) agencies in New York for all flights from New York. Sounds to me like someones airplanes were a little empty and needed to turn on a sales force. I am reading that some of the group and meeting departments that provided volume discounts that were eliminated in recent years are being reinstated.
Are we heading back to the model where the airlines see that agents are helpful and should not be poorly treated?
I know in my business, if I had a sales force that paid for their own existence and all I had to do was commission them on sales closed, that would be a gift!
Pay for bags, pay for seat assignment, pay for blankets, pillows, food, drinks (which some airlines tried and then back pedaled on). The airlines will say all these charges are adding revenue to their bottom line. However, British Airways recently reported their worst annual losses since 1987 and see no sign of recovery! They are the latest in a long string of carriers that loose millions every month. Yet, other airlines are profitable. When I look at the list, I perceive that I see a little karma.
Now, I can't help but to wonder if they are not recanting the positions a bit. Last week, Delta started a time limited commission program for their "preferred" (read: highest volume) agencies in New York for all flights from New York. Sounds to me like someones airplanes were a little empty and needed to turn on a sales force. I am reading that some of the group and meeting departments that provided volume discounts that were eliminated in recent years are being reinstated.
Are we heading back to the model where the airlines see that agents are helpful and should not be poorly treated?
I know in my business, if I had a sales force that paid for their own existence and all I had to do was commission them on sales closed, that would be a gift!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
SHAME on Bank of America!
I would call on every business owner and consumer to immediately stop using Bank of America and protest their business practices.
I had my first challenge with BofA on 2003 when I presented my meeting planning company 5 year strategic business plan and their analysts determined that my business, being meeting planning was by default categorized as travel and that was a class C risk. The regional Vice President explained to me that a class C risk is the same as pornography and BofA does not do business with such companies.
Ok, how many small start up businesses have a business plan, are educated and participate in the professionalism if their industry? I was furious, promptly closed my accounts and went to a bank that recognized my small business, embraced me and my business success; California Bank & Trust.
Yesterday, BofA did it again. They sent me a credit card promo offer which I called to ask about on May 15. May 18 they promptly and without factual evidence to support the decision, changed my credit card terms. This is just 9 months after they took a similar action by closing a credit card account because it had a zero balance and I hadn't used it in a few months.
What are they thinking? They are a text book example of why banks need regulations like President Obama's credit card legislation and Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 (S. 235/H.R. 627). The credit card industry must be reformed to protect Americans from abusive banking & lending practices.
I had my first challenge with BofA on 2003 when I presented my meeting planning company 5 year strategic business plan and their analysts determined that my business, being meeting planning was by default categorized as travel and that was a class C risk. The regional Vice President explained to me that a class C risk is the same as pornography and BofA does not do business with such companies.
Ok, how many small start up businesses have a business plan, are educated and participate in the professionalism if their industry? I was furious, promptly closed my accounts and went to a bank that recognized my small business, embraced me and my business success; California Bank & Trust.
Yesterday, BofA did it again. They sent me a credit card promo offer which I called to ask about on May 15. May 18 they promptly and without factual evidence to support the decision, changed my credit card terms. This is just 9 months after they took a similar action by closing a credit card account because it had a zero balance and I hadn't used it in a few months.
What are they thinking? They are a text book example of why banks need regulations like President Obama's credit card legislation and Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 (S. 235/H.R. 627). The credit card industry must be reformed to protect Americans from abusive banking & lending practices.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
better hotel food
I have had several recent experiences that has given me great hope; that hotels are taking the quality of F&B seriously. I have many bad food memories and they all make me sad because it is an area that should shine, create buzz and happy attendees but has an overwhelming negative effect if it is forgotten and allowed to languish. Pools of grease, moldy pastries, bad quality, no taste...... and I have always said, and recently wrote for Conference magazine an articles where I ask "why can't group/banquet kitchen make good food"? I have several experiences in the past few months that make me wonder if my dream has come true. The Marriott Irvine CA has very good food coming from banquets and the Marriott Griffin Gate also is putting out really good selections. The Irvine hotel has delicious breakfasts such as Seal Beach and a unique chicken wellington on its group menu's. The Griffin Gate chef makes outstanding soups, sliders and fried green tomatoes. So, there might be good news out there. Maybe hotels are starting to hire chef's that know that flavor and quality in food should not be a surprise but an expectation. Or maybe they are just setting Tivo for the food network which is inspiring new ideas. Either way, we are the winner!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
American Idol finale highs & lows
I was in Lexington KY and not sure I would be able to catch the show. Luckily, I made it back to my room at the Marriott Griffin Gate in time to catch the last hour; and what an hour it was. Queen, Cindi Lauper and the best part of the evening..... AI wanted the best and it got the best....... KISS! But, what the heck happened to America's voting? I thought I time warped back to the second term election of Bush all over again and much of America collectively lost their minds. Adam Lambert was the best singer and should have won. Oh well, even as second, his talent will give him the momentum to supercede Kris Allen. Don't get me wrong, Kris was good but should have been number 3. At the end of the day, the one that uses AI as a launching platform to a successful music career is the litmus test to the real winner and we all will see a lot of more of Adam Lambert!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
TSA Secure Flight requirements - May 15, 2009
Starting May 15th, all air travel bookings must include full name, exactly as it is stated on the ID planned to be used at the airport, gender and date of birth. This means that if your middle name is spelled out on your drivers license or passport, your ticket must be booked in accordance with how your name is displayed on the ID you will use.
Travel agents (and all other booking sources) will be required by the Federal Government to collect this data. The Secure Flight program will be phased in over 2009 and there is some "flexibility" built into the system, as reported by the TSA, for people get used to this requirements.
Please see the link below for more information;
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/faqs.shtm#traveler_faqs
Travel agents (and all other booking sources) will be required by the Federal Government to collect this data. The Secure Flight program will be phased in over 2009 and there is some "flexibility" built into the system, as reported by the TSA, for people get used to this requirements.
Please see the link below for more information;
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/faqs.shtm#traveler_faqs
Sunday, May 10, 2009
farewell to Barcelona
Boy, am I glad to be gone! Let me start by saying (if you didn´t read it from earlier posts), you will be pick pocketed or have something stolen from you here. Everyone, and I mean everyone advises you about the rampant petty theft and professional bands of thieves. It still it seemed like every 3 hours I was meeting or hearing about someone victimized. An elderly couple at hotel had bag stolen at airport, then his wallet lifted, another guy had $750EUR taken from fanny pack, yet another had purse opened, objects stolen, and neatly zippered closed. GEEZ.
I took the city tour, the Gaudi tour and the Montserrat tour from the Barcelona Guide Bureau as recommended by hotel. These were all they offered and all were 3 or 4 hours. Only about an hour was actual guiding and the rest was time on own to explore. When we asked to do something like go into a museum, the guide explained there is not enough time. So, my suggestion to anyone going to Barcelona, dont bother with group tours available in city....... call POTHOS to book a private car & guide. Then, you can have as much time as you want and see more with explanations. Montserrat seemed awesome but after standing in queue for 45 minutes to see the monastery, all the time left was walking to bus. More than half of the site we did not have enough time to see. And if you are really adventurous, stay in one of the Benedictine Monk "cells" that they have set aside for travelers. Their Order requires them to give lodging to anyone who knocks the door and at $15EUR for the night, I think it would incredible to spend the night there.
My final thoughts; Las Ramblas heaves with throngs of people, Catalonia (the area Barcelona is) does not believe it should be part of Spain - 10% of the country population is here and about 50% of its tax base from tourists, going above & beyond is a hospitality sentiment not known, the food is flavorless and expensive and Gaudi´s works.... while a notable artist & architect, is not as earth shattering as they build it up to be.
So, not a must see/stop destination for me. I would rather not be on cat like alert 24/7 for the next attempted theft.
I took the city tour, the Gaudi tour and the Montserrat tour from the Barcelona Guide Bureau as recommended by hotel. These were all they offered and all were 3 or 4 hours. Only about an hour was actual guiding and the rest was time on own to explore. When we asked to do something like go into a museum, the guide explained there is not enough time. So, my suggestion to anyone going to Barcelona, dont bother with group tours available in city....... call POTHOS to book a private car & guide. Then, you can have as much time as you want and see more with explanations. Montserrat seemed awesome but after standing in queue for 45 minutes to see the monastery, all the time left was walking to bus. More than half of the site we did not have enough time to see. And if you are really adventurous, stay in one of the Benedictine Monk "cells" that they have set aside for travelers. Their Order requires them to give lodging to anyone who knocks the door and at $15EUR for the night, I think it would incredible to spend the night there.
My final thoughts; Las Ramblas heaves with throngs of people, Catalonia (the area Barcelona is) does not believe it should be part of Spain - 10% of the country population is here and about 50% of its tax base from tourists, going above & beyond is a hospitality sentiment not known, the food is flavorless and expensive and Gaudi´s works.... while a notable artist & architect, is not as earth shattering as they build it up to be.
So, not a must see/stop destination for me. I would rather not be on cat like alert 24/7 for the next attempted theft.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Espana means Espace
If you look past the areas that are hundreds of years old and look at just the things built/planned in the last 20 years, this country really allows for alot of room! The Madrid Airport is so large (terminals and runway) that it would make any USA airport planning commission envious and Barcelona has the same theme. I can honestly see why Barcelona needs so much with the volume of cruise ships coming & going from this port. These are not the smaller ships this are the new really super big ones! And what is really intriguing is the space is used! Las Ramblas, a wide pedestrian avenue in Barcelona is packed all day long! There are dozens of airline choices and the flights are full!
I should make one correction though... you need not look at just the last 20 years. If the planning of parks/housing tracks by Gaudi at the turn of the century are any indication, they meant to have alot of space as soon as the walls of the old city were destroyed. And on that note, I will just comment that I really do not like the artistic work of Gaudi. I join the ranks of those that just don't see the same passion as some others. And about that Gaudi cathedral here, you know the one they have been building for 127 years, alrighty already. Enough. Yuck.
I should make one correction though... you need not look at just the last 20 years. If the planning of parks/housing tracks by Gaudi at the turn of the century are any indication, they meant to have alot of space as soon as the walls of the old city were destroyed. And on that note, I will just comment that I really do not like the artistic work of Gaudi. I join the ranks of those that just don't see the same passion as some others. And about that Gaudi cathedral here, you know the one they have been building for 127 years, alrighty already. Enough. Yuck.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
10 things I can tell you about Spain
1. It seems like the Franco government is still at work; why have machines that employ 2 men for efficiency when you can hire 20 to do the job! There are Armies of street sweepers with push brooms!
2. Spaniards like to drink and get drunk! This is evidenced in the fact that even McDonald's serves beer!
3. When you're told something will happen at a certain time, even if in writing, it is only a loose target that they hope to get close to. You must allow alot of latitude for "it will happen when it happens" is the motto. It is Spain. (An actual response I got at hotel front desk today).
4. They will get close to you and I mean in your personal space. For Americans, this can be alarming. For Spaniards, casually touching whether on Metro or giving kisses "hello" is a way of life. And be careful, it is also an opportunity to pick pocket you.
5. Spain is a tobacco company dream. Everyone smokes. I can already feel the second hand smoke COPD beginning and I have only been here 3 days!
6. The Chinese seem to own almost every small store; mini mart and quickie shop.
7. There is a reason why Europeans are skinny; who can afford to eat here?
8. Want to see how small airlines can make seats & install them on aircraft? Book Air Europa. If you drew a straight line down from the back of the seat in front of you, there would be about 2" of leg room. You will never curse a CRJ again. (Ok, well maybe that's not true)
9. Soccer (aka football) here is a religion. Do not get in between a TV and soccer hooligans watching a game and whatever you do, do not wear Manchester United colors! You will be killed and your body will be with Jimmy Hoffa's.
10. You will be attempted to be pick pocketed in Spain. Forget crime in Rio de Janeiro or anywhere else. This place is capital of petty theft.
2. Spaniards like to drink and get drunk! This is evidenced in the fact that even McDonald's serves beer!
3. When you're told something will happen at a certain time, even if in writing, it is only a loose target that they hope to get close to. You must allow alot of latitude for "it will happen when it happens" is the motto. It is Spain. (An actual response I got at hotel front desk today).
4. They will get close to you and I mean in your personal space. For Americans, this can be alarming. For Spaniards, casually touching whether on Metro or giving kisses "hello" is a way of life. And be careful, it is also an opportunity to pick pocket you.
5. Spain is a tobacco company dream. Everyone smokes. I can already feel the second hand smoke COPD beginning and I have only been here 3 days!
6. The Chinese seem to own almost every small store; mini mart and quickie shop.
7. There is a reason why Europeans are skinny; who can afford to eat here?
8. Want to see how small airlines can make seats & install them on aircraft? Book Air Europa. If you drew a straight line down from the back of the seat in front of you, there would be about 2" of leg room. You will never curse a CRJ again. (Ok, well maybe that's not true)
9. Soccer (aka football) here is a religion. Do not get in between a TV and soccer hooligans watching a game and whatever you do, do not wear Manchester United colors! You will be killed and your body will be with Jimmy Hoffa's.
10. You will be attempted to be pick pocketed in Spain. Forget crime in Rio de Janeiro or anywhere else. This place is capital of petty theft.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
farewell to Lisbon Portugal, hello Madrid Spain!
The hotel I was staying in Lisbon, the Ritz Four Seasons (http://www.fourseasons.com/) had large, quiet spaces and was tranquil. The hallways are three times the size of a "normal" hotel and the rooms are just huge! The service attitude was impeccable although I must admit that servers being too proactive about watching your next bite of food to ask if there is something else you want/need before you have even taken the last bite or sip is alittle disturbing. There is good attentive service and then there is service that is just too much. It had me on edge. The guide we had in Lisbon was fantastic and certainly one of the top 5 ever for me. Her name was Sonia Santos. I would certainly book her for any future groups/needs. I will tell you honestly that the food in Portugal was not so interesting; no spices or intriguing flavors. We had great soup and simply prepared seafood. I had a few very good meals; Casino Estoril for duck confit, Villa Italia, but most importantly was Tavares restaurant (http://www.tavaresrico.pt/) I am a steak snob, liking only very good filet. I have found only a few restaurants that get my "beef" attention; Chicago & Manhattan, any Morton's, Ruth Chris or alike but this restaurant just took the EU cake for me. Dating back to the 18th century... yes, that would be 1784! The interior was awe-inspiring, like being royalty at Versailles (ok, I know, different country but you understand). I can not encourage anyone visiting Lisbon enough to take one very fine meal here.
Now, I am here in Madrid as a stop on my way to Barcelona. All first time experiences. The Hilton Airport hotel does not look like much from the outside but the sleeping rooms are very comfortable and hip with all glass bathrooms (the rooms are not meant to be shared by co-workers or platonic friends unless you have a triste planned). I don't think I will get to see many sights here as the stop is too short and I really needed to rest & recover from the very long days in Portugal. I will come back though, I can already sense that. I like Madrid (except the attempted pick pocketing on the Metro. Glad I wore pants with snaps).
Now, I am here in Madrid as a stop on my way to Barcelona. All first time experiences. The Hilton Airport hotel does not look like much from the outside but the sleeping rooms are very comfortable and hip with all glass bathrooms (the rooms are not meant to be shared by co-workers or platonic friends unless you have a triste planned). I don't think I will get to see many sights here as the stop is too short and I really needed to rest & recover from the very long days in Portugal. I will come back though, I can already sense that. I like Madrid (except the attempted pick pocketing on the Metro. Glad I wore pants with snaps).
Monday, May 4, 2009
a report from Lisbon
My time is not my own here, so, I don't get to explore. However, bits & pieces about the city are coming to light. It has seemed almost deserted here the last few days due to the bank holiday of May 1 and the weekend. This is Monday, so, I will be interested to see the city at a regular business hum. I am most intrigued to learn that in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was the Portuguese (and Spanish) that explored most of the world; Brazil, Africa, India, even to Japan. And the English, French & Dutch were pirates, not going as far until later in time. Historical "spin"? Maybe. But, look at the map of discovery dates and compare with the other European nations. Lisbon has some museums that look terrific although I will not have a chance to see them; Military museum, Navy museum, cloisters and cathedrals. We did run in and out of a coach museum.... and I don't mean handbags! These carriages all from the 16th thru 19th centuries were stunning. What a great venue for a party! ( http://www.museudoscoches-ipmuseus.pt/ or http://www.muselius.com/portugal/lisbon/museu-nacional-dos-coches) We have had an ever so brief overview of the Jeronimo cathedral (http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/english/index.html) and the castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Saint_George). I am interested to learn that this country was occupied by everyone from Romans or Muslims and a dictatorship up until the 80's when it joined the EU. There are stark contrasts here; some buildings are old and dilapidated, run down, falling down and graffiti everywhere and others that, even though old are well taken care of. No skyscrapers here, I think the tallest building is 20 something floors. It is hot, well into the 80's.... I think about 87 today. Time to find some more shade.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
a report from Estoril Portugal
A note on some experiences; the hotel I am staying, the Palacio Estoril (http://www.palacioestorilhotel.com/) is a grande old dame, 76 years old! James Bond filmed a movie here in the 80's and it has a very Bond-ish quality. I can imagine CIA, KGB & all the other spy organizations here. Yesterday, I was stunned and facsinated by a extraordinarily beautiful old palace home; Quinta da Regaleira (http://www.cultursintra.pt/). The gardens were just magnificent. In the afternoon, we took lunch at the Grande Real Villa Italia (http://www.granderealvillaitaliahotel.com/) or (www.lhw.com/granderealvillaitalia) which is just the perfect combination of new chic, hip, comfortable and stunning hotel with the recovered estate houses of the deposed Italian King Umberto II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umberto_II). At supper, we were at the Hotel Tivoli Palacio de Seteais in Sintra (http://www.tivolilisboa.com/hotels-portugal/destination/hotels-in-sintra/hotel-palacio-seteais/list.aspx). I was sitting looking at the entrance door of restaurant and my jaw dropped when I notice Mike White (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_White_(scriptwriter) walk in. You would recently know him competing in the Amazing Race 14 with his Dad, Mel, but he is also an accomplished screenwriter with the credit of one of my favorite movies, "School of Rock" with Jack Black. We asked the waiter if he would come over to say hello and he did. Very very nice gesture on his part and we all appreciated it so much. I forgot to ask for my picture with him, but I did get to express appreciation for his creative work.
It was an amazing day.
It was an amazing day.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
reporting from Newark, NJ
The Days Inn, Newark airport - avoid it at all costs. Don't go, don't recommend, just stay away. Even at $79.99 a night it is almost too awful to bear. Ilan, I thought, you told me in October, we were staying at a Marriott!
This Days Inn hotel is a nightmare and it is not just because I am a jaded business traveler (I don't think). Let me explain - I called for hotel shuttle from P4 hotel shuttle pick up area at EWR as the hotel does not send the shuttle on a routine (this *is* a airport hotel mind you). I saw the Marriott portfolio properties, Wyndam, even Howard Johnson's shuttle 3 times before I finally called again. The front desk is staffed by what seems to be a loud, angry, "my way or the highway" type woman whom obviously never heard about hospitality & friendliness, but ok....., the shuttle arrived 50 minutes after my call. The driver seemed almost as unhappy and was busy drinking his soda while we negotiated tight highway ramp turns at full speed, got to hotel to be scolded about what payment do I want to provide - cash or charge (who pays for hotels in cash?). Anyway, my room & tax was suppose to be hosted so I advised that maybe she had a billing form; to wit, I got a quick, "NO"! Ok. I will solve that tomorrow, so, provided my DC card and went to room. Is this hotel 40 years old? I hate bathrooms in the guest room area, old polyester comforters (didn't know they still made them and REALLY don't want to know who has been doing what on it since the last washing. I will toss it on the floor) and rocks with pillow cases on them. Alright still, busy day catching up on email so at 8pm I realized I had only the small nibble they give on the plane so I went to find food. There is nothing within walking distance. Not one quickie mart, fast food joint or anything. Only a very overpriced on property restaurant. So, feeling trepidation, I entered. Who is the waiter? The hotel manager! I am not kidding..... that is what his name tag said. I ordered iced tea. I was thirsty so I asked for a carafe so he isn't running back and forth (although I was only person in restaurant). He advised iced teas are purchased by the glass. Only hot coffee and tea are all you can drink. Now, wait a minute; isn't hot tea the same as iced tea but with ice? I didn't want to fight it but I think this may be then only restaurant in America that does not provide complimentary iced tea refills. Now, menu prices..... $18.95 for spaghetti and that was the daily special! I think not. I know Gordon Ramsay, Paul Dean or Bobby Flay are not in the kitchen nor are likely to show up for a throw down of Days Inn spaghetti . So, a $8.95 pizza it is. The manager/waiter brought the pizza but did not offer more water, I had to get the crushed red peppers and parm cheese shakers from salad bar...... and the 15% gratuity was included on my check as mandatory! I am a table of one and they have the nerve to mandate a gratuity. Isn't a grat for exceptional service?
I am just glad I will be seeing several professional friends tomorrow I have not seen since October and we will spend the next 5 days enjoying ourselves; good food, good wine and good company. Wish you were here Hanson!
This Days Inn hotel is a nightmare and it is not just because I am a jaded business traveler (I don't think). Let me explain - I called for hotel shuttle from P4 hotel shuttle pick up area at EWR as the hotel does not send the shuttle on a routine (this *is* a airport hotel mind you). I saw the Marriott portfolio properties, Wyndam, even Howard Johnson's shuttle 3 times before I finally called again. The front desk is staffed by what seems to be a loud, angry, "my way or the highway" type woman whom obviously never heard about hospitality & friendliness, but ok....., the shuttle arrived 50 minutes after my call. The driver seemed almost as unhappy and was busy drinking his soda while we negotiated tight highway ramp turns at full speed, got to hotel to be scolded about what payment do I want to provide - cash or charge (who pays for hotels in cash?). Anyway, my room & tax was suppose to be hosted so I advised that maybe she had a billing form; to wit, I got a quick, "NO"! Ok. I will solve that tomorrow, so, provided my DC card and went to room. Is this hotel 40 years old? I hate bathrooms in the guest room area, old polyester comforters (didn't know they still made them and REALLY don't want to know who has been doing what on it since the last washing. I will toss it on the floor) and rocks with pillow cases on them. Alright still, busy day catching up on email so at 8pm I realized I had only the small nibble they give on the plane so I went to find food. There is nothing within walking distance. Not one quickie mart, fast food joint or anything. Only a very overpriced on property restaurant. So, feeling trepidation, I entered. Who is the waiter? The hotel manager! I am not kidding..... that is what his name tag said. I ordered iced tea. I was thirsty so I asked for a carafe so he isn't running back and forth (although I was only person in restaurant). He advised iced teas are purchased by the glass. Only hot coffee and tea are all you can drink. Now, wait a minute; isn't hot tea the same as iced tea but with ice? I didn't want to fight it but I think this may be then only restaurant in America that does not provide complimentary iced tea refills. Now, menu prices..... $18.95 for spaghetti and that was the daily special! I think not. I know Gordon Ramsay, Paul Dean or Bobby Flay are not in the kitchen nor are likely to show up for a throw down of Days Inn spaghetti . So, a $8.95 pizza it is. The manager/waiter brought the pizza but did not offer more water, I had to get the crushed red peppers and parm cheese shakers from salad bar...... and the 15% gratuity was included on my check as mandatory! I am a table of one and they have the nerve to mandate a gratuity. Isn't a grat for exceptional service?
I am just glad I will be seeing several professional friends tomorrow I have not seen since October and we will spend the next 5 days enjoying ourselves; good food, good wine and good company. Wish you were here Hanson!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Swine flu
The sky is not falling yet but if you listen to the news outlets, we are all doomed. I think our great President Obama put it best this morning; "we should monitor this but not panic". As with other planners, I am having SARS flashbacks. Many of the Mexican deaths are people that did not seek or have access to proper medical care. While we do need to be aware that viruses mutate and become resistant, I think only those that are otherwise susceptible to medical problems; those with other infections and compromised immune systems or the elderly really need to put up a red flag. All of the rest of us should just be cautious as we are during a regular flu and cold season.
These websites are unbiased (meaning they don't report the news for ratings) and will communicate the facts without the drama;
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://urgent.internationalsos.com/default.aspx
http://www.who.int/en/
These websites are unbiased (meaning they don't report the news for ratings) and will communicate the facts without the drama;
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://urgent.internationalsos.com/default.aspx
http://www.who.int/en/
Thursday, April 23, 2009
An award from the US Small Business Administration!
POTHOS has been award the San Diego CA and Imperial County CA Disabled Veteran Business of the year.
http://www.sdchamber-members.org/smallbusinessawards.htm
The official announcement is at the luncheon May 27th so I hope I am not mis behaving by letting the cat out of the bag, but, I received the letter today and just had to blog about it. I am so proud!
http://www.sdchamber-members.org/smallbusinessawards.htm
The official announcement is at the luncheon May 27th so I hope I am not mis behaving by letting the cat out of the bag, but, I received the letter today and just had to blog about it. I am so proud!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
a report from Lexington KY
The first email I saw this morning was Delta's CEO speculating that in the near future, airlines will charge travel agencies for access and to book airline tickets. With all due respect to Richard Anderson, Delta's CEO and Gerard Arpey, Americans CEO..... this is ridiculous. Travel agent's and agencies are a sales lane for them. Would a sales person pay the company for the privilege of being able to sell their products and services. Of course not. Sales people are to be compensated for their work, not provide payment for selling. These airlines loose millions a quarter and look for whatever line item they can to recover these losses. Maybe the correct line item is management labor?
I learned something last night. I really only like filet mignon for a piece of beef. I tried a kobe beef strip steak, that seemed very well prepared and presented with blue cheese an lovely wine reduction, but just couldn't get past all the fat. Two bites and I was done trying to cut around all that fat to get at the lean meat.
I also learned quite a bit about Kentucky Bourbon from a representative of Woodford Reserve Distillery (http://www.woodfordreserve.com/). Very interesting history and tasting lessons, but my final opinion is; personally, I still don't care for the taste of bourbon.
And a final thought, when you might be visiting the Lexington Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lexky-griffin-gate-marriott-resort-and-spa/) don't forget to look for restaurant server Kathy for great service and don't miss the sliders, fried green tomatoes and creme brulee!
I learned something last night. I really only like filet mignon for a piece of beef. I tried a kobe beef strip steak, that seemed very well prepared and presented with blue cheese an lovely wine reduction, but just couldn't get past all the fat. Two bites and I was done trying to cut around all that fat to get at the lean meat.
I also learned quite a bit about Kentucky Bourbon from a representative of Woodford Reserve Distillery (http://www.woodfordreserve.com/). Very interesting history and tasting lessons, but my final opinion is; personally, I still don't care for the taste of bourbon.
And a final thought, when you might be visiting the Lexington Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lexky-griffin-gate-marriott-resort-and-spa/) don't forget to look for restaurant server Kathy for great service and don't miss the sliders, fried green tomatoes and creme brulee!
Monday, April 20, 2009
A beginning......
I have done my best to try to avoid blogging. I thought I just didn't have the time for something that I couldn't see as directly beneficial. I have read the blogs of others and enjoy reading the stories of their thoughts & experiences.
Recently, I was asked again to write an article and, while it took me a while to get motivated, once I started I was on a roll and my 500 - 800 word article was over 2500 words. I guess I had something to say. The article had to be reduced for size to fit the magazine space and I felt that my personality was lost in that literary reduction.
In my daily professional contacts, I seem to come into contact with interesting people that make me want to speculate. I have wanted to have a forum in the professional industry organizations be able to discuss the wins, the losses and the "headscratchers". MPI has not listened to that need, so, for the these reasons, I think it is time I start to write a blog.
For the most part, I will try to keep this interesting..... for me, and maybe a reader. I see it as a kind of therapy; so I am not cocooned. I might muse about a meal or a hotel or airline experience. I will also tell the naked truth about businesses I come into contact with and their conduct; be it good and more importantly, bad. I have so wanted and needed a forum to tell about bad behavior and wrongs that I see & experience every day. We except bad behavior because we have become sheep. There was a great article about how we, the traveling public, accept the hassles of travel; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30210457/. I thought this was a terrific article.
As I come across interesting professional bits like this as well as my own musings, I am now happy I have a forum to share. I will endeavor to post here as often. I just cant help but to wonder; "will anyone be reading?"
Recently, I was asked again to write an article and, while it took me a while to get motivated, once I started I was on a roll and my 500 - 800 word article was over 2500 words. I guess I had something to say. The article had to be reduced for size to fit the magazine space and I felt that my personality was lost in that literary reduction.
In my daily professional contacts, I seem to come into contact with interesting people that make me want to speculate. I have wanted to have a forum in the professional industry organizations be able to discuss the wins, the losses and the "headscratchers". MPI has not listened to that need, so, for the these reasons, I think it is time I start to write a blog.
For the most part, I will try to keep this interesting..... for me, and maybe a reader. I see it as a kind of therapy; so I am not cocooned. I might muse about a meal or a hotel or airline experience. I will also tell the naked truth about businesses I come into contact with and their conduct; be it good and more importantly, bad. I have so wanted and needed a forum to tell about bad behavior and wrongs that I see & experience every day. We except bad behavior because we have become sheep. There was a great article about how we, the traveling public, accept the hassles of travel; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30210457/. I thought this was a terrific article.
As I come across interesting professional bits like this as well as my own musings, I am now happy I have a forum to share. I will endeavor to post here as often. I just cant help but to wonder; "will anyone be reading?"
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