Maui nō ka ʻoi

"Maui is da best."

Photos from friends who celebrated a birthday and New Year's Day on Maui. Aloha nui loa, y'all!

Strong wind downs plane, birds fall from the sky, Grand Ole Opry cancelled

NASHVILLE - An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing Monday morning after a passenger lit a match to disguise the odor of flatulence, authorities said.

Other passengers reported the odor of burned matches, but the woman was not forthcoming when asked about it.

The Dallas-bound flight was diverted to Nashville after several passengers reported smelling burning sulfur from the matches, said Lynne Lowrance, spokeswoman for the Nashville International Airport Authority.

All 99 passengers and five crew members were taken off and screened while the plane was searched and luggage was screened.

The FBI questioned a passenger who [after "lengthy questioning," - from a safe distance] admitted she struck the matches in an attempt to conceal a "body odor," Lowrance said. She had an unspecified medical condition, authorities said.

"Of course, she was scared and embarrassed but all the passengers had to disembark, all the luggage had to be searched, a canine team was brought in, and about three hours were consumed in sorting out the situation."

"It's humorous in a way, but you feel sorry for the individual as well," she said. "It's unusual that someone would go to those measures to cover it up."

The flight took off again, but the woman was not allowed back on the plane. The woman, who was not identified, was not charged in the incident.

Passengers are permitted four books of paper safety matches on a plane but cannot light them during flight, Lowrance said.

"I've had calls from people all over the country about this," she said. "And I don't have the answer to this problem."

• American Airlines flight downed by flatulence

Go Greyhound

Secret threat-screening scores raise civil liberties concern

WASHINGTON - Without notifying the public, federal agents for four years have assigned millions of international travelers, including Americans, computer-generated scores rating the risk they pose of being terrorists or criminals.

The travelers aren't allowed to see or directly challenge the risk assessments, which the government intends to keep on file for 40 years.

• Report: Travelers' patterns under scope
• Homeland Security: Automated Targeting System

Some or all data in the system can be shared with state, local and foreign governments for use in hiring, contracting and licensing decisions. Courts and even private contractors can obtain data under certain circumstances.

"It is simply incredible that the Bush administration is willing to share this sensitive information with foreign governments and even private employers, while refusing to allow U.S. citizens to see or challenge their own terror scores," Leahy said. This system "highlights the danger of government use of technology to conduct widespread surveillance of our daily lives without proper safeguards for privacy."

"I have never seen anything as egregious as this," said Kevin Mitchell, president of the Business Travel Coalition, an advocate for business travelers. It's "evidence of what can happen when there isn't proper oversight and accountability."

"What's going on here is the terrorist scoring of U.S. citizens which really should have been left on the shelf after TIA was canned," said Mark Rotenberg, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Jayson Ahern, a Customs and Border Protection assistant commissioner, said the agency intends to eventually enter data for all border-crossers in the ATS database.

Government officials asserted that creating a vast database over time on travelers — including those who are law-abiding — will help analysts build models of normal and suspicious behavior. Ahern said there are 309 million land and sea border crossings and 87 million air border crossings each year — more than 95 percent for lawful reasons.

• See How it works

Airport X-rays reveal passengers' bodies

WASHINGTON — The federal government plans this month to launch the nation's first airport screening system that takes potentially revealing X-ray photos of travelers in an effort to find bombs and other weapons.

Transportation Security Administration screeners at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will test a "backscatter" machine that could vastly improve weapons detection but has been labeled a "virtual strip search" by the American Civil Liberties Union. Backscatter can show clear images of nude bodies.

• Report: TSA's revealing X-ray screening raises privacy concerns
• TSA: Backscatter technology and your personal privacy
• EPIC: Backscatter X-ray technology
• AS&E, Inc: X-ray systems
• Video: Z Backscatter Van (ZBV)
  

Travel abroad, you're on your own

Over 6,000 American civilians are killed overseas each year.

Only 2% of these cases are ever resolved.

If you run into trouble while traveling or conducting business in a foreign country, the U.S. embassy is not likely to provide the assistance you might expect.

The Albert Lima family, of Tampa, is sharing their personal experience in the new documentary, My Father's People:

On February 8th, 2000, at 11:30 pm, the phone rang, bringing the worst news I could ever imagine. My father, my hero, Albert Lima was dead. Murdered in the most horrible way possible, by people he had trusted and supported way above and beyond the call of duty.

In 1991, when a Honduran family struggling to regain control of their family business sought his help, he didn't hesitate. He had the know-how to help, and as fellow Latinos, their success was his success. These were, after all, his people.

Initially believing that Albert Lima had been kidnapped, the family sought assistance from the U.S. embassy in Honduras. Their nightmare was just beginning.

Watch a news report and the documentary trailer here.

One of the goals of the producers of My Father's People is to bring awareness to the situation that all Americans face when they encounter tragedy overseas.

Only through action by our elected government can the needed changes take place which will make sure that there isn't a story like ours to tell again.

We ask you to sign our petition to show your support for our efforts. Once the signatures have been collected, we will forward them to the appropriate representatives.

Plan your next getaway with SkyHigh Airlines

I did.

Browsing their website was such a realistic experience, I feel like I landed already.

Sure, a different airline would have promised more, but there's something to be said for truth in advertising.

While I dab my face with a cool towelette, why not plan your own trip with SkyHigh?


Start your tour with. . . Complete Vacation Packages.

VOICES OF SKYHIGH:

- At SkyHigh Airlines, sure we're indifferent. But it's a genuine indifference. That's the key.

- I have no people skills. But I do like animals. So I just pretend my passengers are livestock.

- Some people call it "lost luggage." But we like to say, "if you love something, set it free. If it comes back, well, that's pretty good."

CNN Money ranks real estate opportunities

Downtown Lakeland, October 2006

According to CNN Money, "the real estate slump could get worse before it gets better. But these 10 markets offer great opportunities for those who have the patience to buy and hold."

1. Panama City, FL
2. Vero Beach, FL
3. Bridgeport, CT
4. Lakeland, FL
5. McAllen, TX
6. San Luis Obispo, CA
7. Wilmington, NC
8. Manchester, NH
9. Ft. Collins, CO
10. Atlanta, GA

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Thursday the U.S. economy was pulling past a sharp housing-sector downturn....

"There are early signs of stabilization," Greenspan said of the U.S. housing market, although he added: "It's not over."

"Most of the negatives in housing are probably behind us," Greenspan said. "The fourth quarter should be reasonably good, certainly better than the third quarter."

Remove the fear of flying

If we're serious about making the skies both friendly and safe, the solution is simple -- demand that all passengers shuck their shoes, socks, and every stitch of clothing at the terminal gates. What better way way to quash the fear of hidden explosives in the wide blue yonder? Show the world that Americans can win "the war on terrorism" by soaring buck-nekid through the spacious skies above amber waves of grain.

Hand each passenger a fluffy beach towel at boarding, roll out the three-martini in-flight lunch, and conduct a few bars of "America the Beautiful" to inspire pride. (If you don't know the words, hum. Come on, don't be shy -- most of us are not trained vocalists, after all.)

Sure, the initial expense could be scary to the timid, cut-and-run crowd, but what's the cost of freedom? And think of the long term benefits... the smiling faces... the fellowship... the love on a grand scale.

Bombing the hell out of non-threatening countries ain't working, folks. Isn't it time we think "outside the box" and take real freedom to new heights? Put safety first ... and your best cheek forward.

Just call it Flying for Freedom.

Florida legislators love billboard bucks

"A bill that has made its way through the Florida House and Senate by wide margins would subject cities and counties to litigation and fines if they commit the offense of obstructing the 'view zones' of billboards along the public roadways with tree clutter.

"Apparently, in Tallahassee they believe that what draws millions of visitors to Florida each year are lots of cheesy roadside ads touting time-shares and thrill rides, not the scenic natural beauty that some local governments try to promote with highway beautification efforts.

"It's no joke. Rep. Randy Johnson, R- Celebration, spoke in favor of the bill, saying that Florida's tourism industry 'depends on billboards, not trees'." (Lakeland Ledger editorial)

_____
Looks to be the perfect "slam dunk" for the governor's veto, doesn't it? But we're in Florida, folks. It all depends upon his majesty's mood -- or "devious plan" -- when the bill hits his desk.

With apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, here's a little poem to reflect the legislature's attachment to their lobbyist bosses. Will the governor be joining them?

How do I love thee?
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee for the size, the breadth and height
Thy billboards may soar; yet lose not sight
Of the reach of thy contributory grace.
I love thee to the dawn of everyday's
Most urgent need, by sun and neon-light.
I love thee openly, forget what's wrong or Right;
I love thee purely, as I seek thy Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
Along the roadside, with politician's faith.
I love thee with a love that dare not choose
A scenic view, -- I love thee as the breath,
The feeding hand, the blood of life! -- for, lest I should lose,
I shall but love thee more with each tree's death.

More on the legislation . . .

• Palms take bow to billboards
• Billboard lobbyists' bill goes to governor
• Conserve and Protect Florida's Scenic Beauty

Don't park on the grass

23 cars burn at Lakeland fly-in

LAKELAND -- On a hot day Thursday, 23 drivers got plenty more heat than they bargained for at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In: Their cars in a parking lot were torched by fire.

The fire started about 12:45 p.m when the catalytic converter of a Maserati ignited the dry grass beneath it, said Frank Bass, a Lakeland Fire Department investigator.

_____

Story with photos: 23 Cars Caught in Flames at Fly-In

Lee County launches cross-Atlantic feud

Ignorance thrives in the 'gunshine' state

FORT MYERS -- Lee County school officials said they were concerned about terrorism when they decided to keep a high school band from marching in a London parade, but now angry British officials are telling travelers that Fort Myers is no safe haven, either.

Local tourism officials fear the dispute could cost Lee County millions in lost tourism dollars, and even Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has commented on the dispute. - Lakeland Ledger


In 2005, Lee welcomed 199,332 European visitors, of which 40 percent were from the U.K.

British parade officials, angered by Lee schools' claim that London is dangerous, have fired back by warning Brits that Fort Myers is no safe haven, either, and perhaps they should think twice before visiting here.

D.T. Minich, executive director for the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, believes what started as a disappointed band could spawn a cross-Atlantic spat with devastating impacts on local tourism, including the potential for losing millions in tourism dollars.

"It's not a Fort Myers thing; it's a U.S. vs. U.K. thing," Minich said. "We're a great destination, the exact type of destination that European travelers want.

"The school board's opinions certainly don't reflect the tourism industry's opinions. It's embarrassing."

Everyone from heartbroken band students to tourism officials to Britain's consular general in Atlanta have questioned the rationale in canceling the trip. School officials stand by their decision, though, even refusing a free trip to London to review the city's security and anti-terrorism procedures.

That flat-out refusal to reconsider, or even talk, is what's ticking off British authorities. The parade, which is supported by London city leaders and the country's top government officials, issued a scathing statement Friday to The News-Press; British media are expected to publish the note Monday.


"Here is an educator that seems to delight in the knowledge that he is ignorant of the facts," said Robert Bone, the parade's executive director.

Schools superintendent James Browder says he will not be pressured when it comes to student safety and is encouraging Fort Myers High's band to find a comparable event within the safe borders of the U.S.

The same district executive team has approved student trips to New York City and Washington, D.C., but Browder says our government has taken the proper steps to ensure safety of Americans.

"The chance of it happening here is less likely than somewhere else," Browder said. - News Press

UPDATE, April 4: If parade organizers aren't able to sway Browder, they'll either seek to bring over Fort Myers students on an unsanctioned trip, or find a replacement band. Another Florida band already has offered to go in lieu of Fort Myers.

Browder on Monday declined an interview request from The News- Press, and also rebuffed another attempt to meet with parade officials, either on British soil or on Browder's turf.

Lee schools communications director Joe Donzelli said succinctly about Browder, "He's done with this issue" and moved on to other subjects.
(Lee snub of parade gets world attention)

10 great places to discover the 'hidden' Florida

USA Today recently published ten "unspoiled" areas of Florida. The list is a good beginning, but by no means exhaustive.

• The Panhandle
• The Big Bend
• Gainesville and towns south
• Highway A1A through Nassau and Duval counties
• Deland, Lake Helen, Cassadaga
• Lakeland
• Pinellas County
• Stuart
• The Redland
• Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail

Here's a sample of the descriptions provided by author Herb Hiller to USA Today reporter Anne Goodfriend:

The Panhandle

This region of northern Florida is "typified by State Road 2, aka Hog and Hominy Road," Hiller says. You'll see old, steam-driven grist mills and "still-operating general stores where you can buy county newspapers no one ever heard of." Among its highlights is the old Chautauqua town of DeFuniak Springs with its Victorian architecture. In Falling Waters State Park, the state's highest waterfall pours up-side down into a sinkhole: "You stand and look down at it, not up."

[Photo: Cedar Grove Church is on Hog and Hominy Road in Holmes County. The church was built on land donated by my great-grandparents about 1895.]

Read the rest of the USA article here . . . .

• Discover hidden Florida
• Visit Florida.com

(HT to Empirical Polk.com)

Britishness: Can you pass the test?

Here's a bit of fun from BBC News:

The government is launching the citizenship test for foreigners who want to become British. If you want the passport, then you'll have to read Life in the UK, a special book, and sit a 45-minute test on society, history and culture.

But do you know what it is to be British? The following very unofficial questions are based on information in the official book - let's see how well you do...

Can you pass a citizenship test?

Jolly good! I qualified for citizenship -- and a seat in Parliament! So how soon can I be sworn in?

Shhh... don't tell anyone: Tony may try to block my joining "Cousin" George Galloway as another critic of Blair's Iraq policy. (My great-grandmother was a Galloway, a US descendant of Scottish immigrants.) George Galloway is the MP who embarrassed US Senator Coleman before the eyes of the world last year.

Galloway, an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq, called the Senate panel's investigation the "mother of all smokescreens" used to divert attention from the "pack of lies" that led to the 2003 invasion. [....]

"These people think they can smear people without them having the right to speak back and this time I got that right and I knocked them for six," he told reporters before leaving the U.S.

He said after his appearance before the Senate panel Tuesday that his accusers had little credibility "outside of Washington."

(Galloway: I won Senate showdown)

Thinking Southern

In browsing the blogs this morning, I was reminded by JPW, over at Alabama Ass Whuppin', of the Associated Press series on the South that ran last year:

• Definition of South, Southern is changing
• Many blacks take pride in Southern roots
• A Dixie contradiction - great literature amid illiteracy"
• Yes ma'am, Southerners take pride in politeness
• Country comedy is an evolving tradition

Stitchery by Ethel Wright Mohamed
Double Springs Sacred Harp Singing

These articles provide an interesting introduction to today's South and a few of its traditions. Off the top of one's head, any native of the "deep South" can think of a slew of additional topics, but I'll add these essentials to any discussion of Southern life:

• the food -- smother-fried chicken and milk gravy, hominy grits, buttermilk biscuits, turnip greens and collards, cornbread hoecakes, swamp cabbage, file gumbo and jambalaya, oysters on the half shell, fried okra (and just about anything else), mayhaw jelly, key lime pie, sweet potato meringue pie, Mississippi mud cake ... (but I'm getting hongry so I'll move on to the next list);




• the drinks and libations -- ice tea, Kentucky bourbon, scup'non wine, blackberry wine, 'shine (stump water, mountain dew, white lightnin' -- each geographical area has its own claim to originality, quality and potency) ...;




• the music -- the blues, bluegrass, mountain, Texas swing, "sol-la-fa" Sacred Harp gospel (with dinner on the ground, naturally) ...;




• the language -- "You're barking up the wrong tree, buddy; so call off the dawgs er I'm a-fixin' to kick. yore. ass."

Run off to Swampwater . . .

. . . and see what a difference sea level makes

Swampwater, Florida

"In the great comedy of human endeavor, where enterprise, government, art and science converge, the pillar of achievement, seeking to rise above man's greed, delusion and stupidity, provides a guiding...did I ever tell you that I was born with antlers?...I'm hungry now, I want a sandwich."

• Col. Addison "Damp Powder" Swarth-Waither, founder

Way down upon the Suwannee

Home for the holidays...
one of the views along the way.

Click on image to enlarge.

Mule Day: A kick in the grass

34th Annual Mule Day
November 3 - 4, 2006
Calvary, Georgia

(just north of Tallahassee and Quincy, Florida)

As the air is turning cool in Southwest Georgia, a small town on the crossroads of GA. 111 and 179 comes bustling to life, a handful of Lions Club members meet at the Lions Den to make ready for the Annual Mule Day festivities held each year on the first Saturday in November. Only about 200 people call Calvary home, but on this day Calvary's population grows to 60,000 to 90,000 (count does not include mules). There's a parade, lots of arts & crafts, cane grinding and syrup making. Come early and stay all day.

Why is the US still so dependent on gasoline?

In Brazil, drivers can pay $4 a gallon for gas -- or they can plunk down half that for homegrown fuel. And the most popular new cars accept either one.

Flex-fuel cars are all the rage in Brazil where they have captured the new car market since they were introduced in March 2003.

Because of decades developing alternative fuel, Brazil, a country larger than the continental United States with a population of 186-million, boasts an infrastructure of 29,000 gas stations that offer everything from 25 percent ethanol-blended gasoline, known as "gasohol," to straight alcool (pronounced alko-oll).

This means huge savings for Brazilian consumers. Alcohol costs on average about half of gasoline, selling for barely $2 a gallon. Car buyers also receive an annual tax credit on alcohol cars, which have cleaner tailpipe emissions.

Brazil is now almost impervious to the instability of gasoline supplies that has bedeviled the United States in the aftermath of two massive hurricanes and the war in Iraq.

Gas pump prices seem stuck around $3 a gallon, but most U.S. drivers have little choice beyond regular, unleaded or premium.

"There is a lot we can learn from Brazil. They are doing great things," said Gal Luft, an alternative energy advocate at the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, a think-tank in Washington, D.C.

You can read the complete story here: Ethanol: Is it the answer?

Just the ticket...Vienna, please.

Scores of naked or scantily clad people wandered the museum, lured by an offer of free entry to "The Naked Truth," a new exhibition of early 1900s erotic art, if they showed up wearing just a swimsuit -- or nothing at all.

With a midsummer heat wave sweeping much of Europe, pushing temperatures into the mid-90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius) in Vienna, the normally staid museum decided that making the most of its cool, climate-controlled space would be just the ticket to spur interest in the show.

Peter Weinhaeupl, the Leopold's commercial director, said the goal was twofold -- help people beat the heat while creating a mini-scandal reminiscent of the way the artworks by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka and others shocked the public when they first were unveiled a century ago.

"We wanted to give people a chance to cool off, and bring nakedness into the open," he said. "It's a bit of an experiment. Egon Schiele was a young and wild person in his day. He'd want to be here."