A Round-Up of Airline Screw-Ups
Floods in Iowa Force Thousands From Homes
Boeing Gets Serious With Algae
Proposal Seeking to Help Disabled Concerns Some Businesses
Opening of New State Park Receives Praise, Concern
A ROUND-UP OF AIRLINE SCREW-UPS – Upgrade Travel Better
Airlines are piling on the fees, reducing benefits and making it even more difficult to redeem those pesky frequent-flier miles. Let’s go through a summary of some of the Though American Airlines was the first to charge for the first checked bag, United and US Airways are doing the same. American Airlines is charging a $5 booking fee if you want to get your ticket online; US Airways charges “award ticketing fees” that reach $30 for U.S./Canada tickets, and $40 for international itineraries, and that doesn’t include the “award processing fees.” Soft drinks are no longer free with some airlines, and the price of booze is up to $7 with US Airways. (Proverbial cash register sound effect here.)
Link: Upgrade Travel Better
BOEING GETS SERIOUS WITH ALGAE - Wired
Boeing has joined scientists, academics and industry types to found the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO). With the industry suffering from out-of-control fuel costs, Boeing, the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets, is using its heft to push for algal fuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. “Boeing recognizes that algae biomass holds tremendous potential for use as jet fuel, and it fits into our plan to guide aviation towards commercially viable and sustainable fuel sources,” said Billy Glover of Boeing, who co-chairs the ABO steering committee.
Link: Wired
FLOODS IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA FORCE THOUSANDS FROM HOMES - Associated Press
Record-breaking floods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa have forced 25,000 people from their homes and immersed 1,300 city blocks beneath grimy, reeking water. The floodwaters have even reached the second floors of some buildings. Though thousands of people have been allowed to return to their homes, due to safety concerns, many people are not allowed to go back. Police Chief Greg Graham said there is a “zero tolerance” policy for those who attempt to return before areas have been cleared. “It’s for their safety and security of their property and the property in the area,” explained Graham. “They will be forced to leave.”
Link: Associated Press
PROPOSAL SEEKING TO HELP DISABLED RAISES CONCERNS – The New York Times
The Bush administration soon will propose new rules that would offer disabled persons greater access to tens of thousands of swimming pools, golf courses, stadiums, theaters, hotels and retail stores. According to the Census Bureau, more than 51 million Americans have a disability, and almost two-thirds of them have severe impairments. The new proposal would affect aspects like the location of light switches and the height of service counters. After a five-month review, The White House approved the proposal. It will be published this Tuesday for 60 days for public comment. Curtis L. Decker, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network, expresses concern over the proposal: “Safe harbors make us very nervous. A small business could spend the requisite amount of money and still not be accessible.”
Link: The New York Times
OPENING OF NEW STATE PARK RECEIVES PRAISE, CONCERN – USA Today
In over a decade, Washington opens its first new state park. Located on the southwest shore of Camano Island, Cama Beach State Park was featured in this month’s issue of Sunset, and the very day the magazine hit newsstands, 400 reservations were made. Although state Senator Mary Margaret Haugen calls it a “jewel,” not everyone is thrilled about the opening of the park. In 2005 human remains and other Native American artifacts dating back 1,600 years were found, causing the Tulalip Tribes to revoke their support of the park.
Link: USA Today
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