Travel Log: September 2004 Archives

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Artists Formerly Known as Cat Stevens on U.S. No-Fly List

One of his most popular songs may be "Peace Train," but apparently the U.S. government isn't so sure that Yusuf Islam's intensions on airplanes may be so peaceful. Better known as Cat Stevens, the former pop star who changed his name when he converted to the Islamic religion more than 25 years ago, Islam was denied entry to the U.S. and his flight recently diverted after his name was added to a no-fly list of those suspected of terrorist ties. Details via Associated Press. We can only wonder what Bea Arthur would think.

Rick Bruner | September 23, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (2)

ueuFlorida Tourism Board Launches Ad Campaign

The Sun Sentinel reports Florida's tourism group, Visit Florida is spending $2 million on a campaign carrying the tagline, "We're Still Here. Naturally," to get tourists to come back to the state after it was ravaged by hurricanes. The group has asked Florida lawmakers to authorize an additional $30 million but requests may be met with complaints from others who say the state needs all the money it has to put itself back together again.

Steve Hall | September 22, 2004 | Featured Destinations | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Iraqi Airways Flies Again

Reuters reports:

Iraq's national carrier Iraqi Airways will resume international flights on Saturday after 14 years of being grounded by war and sanctions.

The airline said it will launch scheduled flights to neighbouring Arab countries Syria and Jordan twice a week.

Rick Bruner | September 17, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Is That Terrorism in Your Pants, or Is the TSA Just Happy to See You?

Expect security checks at airports to get even more invasive as the Transportation Security Authority recently approved tighter guidelines. USA Today reports and Boing Boing doesn't mince words.

Rick Bruner | September 17, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Florida Pets Abandoned by the Thousands Amidst Storms; Northwest Arranges for Inter-State Adoptions

With Florida being battered by hurricane after hurricane, one community getting left out in the rain — literally — are pets. Many folks are unable or unwilling to make proper arrangements for their cats and dogs with evacuations, ruined homes and other circumstances, and as a result animal shelters are desparately overwhelmed with abandoned pets.

Don't say airlines are all about the bottom lines. In a heartwarming good-citizen gesture, Northwest Airlines is generously offering to fly dogs out of Florida at no cost. (But what about the kitties? Not sure.)

Diane Albers, president of Florida Association of Kennel Clubs, is coordinating this inter-state rescue effort. (The AKC reports getting hundreds of purebreds turned in every day along with mixed breeds.) Have a heart and adopt wet fury friend. Call Ms. Albers at the Florida AKC at 1 800 597-2987.

Rick Bruner | September 13, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (8)

Bahamas Back In Business After Frances

According to the Mercury News, resorts in the Bahamas fared better than expected following hurricane Frances. Most resorts on Nassau and Paradise are open with cruise lines and the Nassau International Airport open as well. Sandals Royal Bahamian is planning to reopen September 25 and SuperClubs Breezes will reopen September 30.

Grand Bahama was hit the hardest with several resorts not reopening until October or November.

Steve Hall | September 12, 2004 | Featured Destinations | Permanent link | Comments (1)

Couple Races Around State to Avoid Hurricane And Get Married

When you travel to Florida, it's usually filled with expectations of warm, relaxing days spent basking in the sun on the beach. Not so, as the Miami Herald reports, for Amanda Killbrew and John Loper who had traveled to Florida's Captiva Island for a Sunday wedding just before hurricane Frances unleashed its wrath.

Now, the couple is using their planned honeymoon vacation to travel the state in search of a hurricane-free zone to get married. As these "happily ever after" stories go, the hotel in which they had planned to stay in the first place, the Sheraton Yankee Clipper in Fort Lauderdale, has decided to offer the couple an all-expenses-paid wedding and honeymoon suite for this Saturday as the couple tries to tie the knot again — that is unless hurricane Ivan decides to step in. Perhaps these hurricanes are sending a message to the couple?

Steve Hall | September 9, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (2)

Traffic Getting Worse Around United States

The Texas Transportation Institute released its annual Urban Mobility Report today (complete report here). It confirmed what it's is obvious to see from a drive to work every day: traffic is getting worse. Specifically, the press release reports:

• Annual delay per peak period (rush hour) traveler, which has grown from 16 hours to 46 hours since 1982,
  
• Annual financial cost of traffic congestion, which has ballooned from $14 billion to more than $63 billion since 1982 (as expressed in 2002 dollars), and
  
• Wasted fuel, totaling 5.6 billion gallons lost to engines idling in traffic jams.

1. Los Angeles-Long Beach
   
2. San Francisco-Oakland
   
3. Washington, D.C.
   
4. Dallas-Ft. Worth
   
5. Houston
   
6. Chicago
   
7. Boston
   
8. Detroit
   
9. Miami
   
10. New York City

Rick Bruner | September 8, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (3)

UK Travelers Bound For Florida Out of Luck

Because of the pending wrath of hurricane Frances, icWales reports British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook Airlines are among the many UK based airlines who have canceled flights to and from Florida. As many as 6,000 Britons may be affected by the cancellations. On the heels of hurricane Charley, Francis is predicted to pack similary similarly wolloping walloping winds of 145 MPH.

Steve Hall | September 3, 2004 | News | Permanent link | Comments (4)

Putting the Pleasant in Pleasanton

Chuck and Loretta Aydelotte's real estate site promises, "Let Us Show You The Secret To Pleasanton Real Estate."

I think I've spotted it. It's out the window of the third picture down on this web page.

Rick Bruner | September 2, 2004 | Featured Destinations | Permanent link | Comments (0)