Who is Frank Cotton?

You may notice yet another political banner on the right hand side advertising for Frank Cotton for President. I came across an offer I could not refuse. Post a banner on your blog or website and they will send you a copy of the new novel by Mark LaFlamme Dirt: An American Campaign. After contacting them, they said yes, they would send me the book in Hungary, so I put a banner on the blog.

Today, the book arrived, but I could not remember seeing the banner lately and when I looked, it seems to have disappeared. So guilt and gratitude for getting a free book persuaded me to replace the banner and write this post. Along with the book, there was a campaign button, bumper sticker, and poster. All are displayed in my office at the university to confuse and confound my students.

I have not read the book as it did just arrive today, but I will submit a review once I have. It does look intriguing.

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Education of Candidates

Educational background of the Presidential candidates Barack Obama: Occidental College - Two years. Columbia University - B.A. political science, majored in international relations. Harvard - Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude Law Degree Joe Biden: University of Delaware - B.A. in history and B.A. in political science. Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Law Degree John McCain: United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 of 899 Sarah Palin: Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A in journalism

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Malev in Trouble

Budapest Airport worried about Malev Airline downsizing

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Budapest, September 24 (MTI) - Budapest Airport, the company that runs the city's Ferihegy International Airport, is worried about the downsizing of Hungarian Airlines Malev, as it generates the lion's share of traffic at the facility, wrote Wednesday's nationwide daily Nepszabadsag. Malev is owned by a company called AirBridge, which is part of a Russian consortium called Air Union. Financier Boris Abramovich, who has a 49 percent stake in AirBridge, has lost his majority hold in Air Union, which is being bailed out of a financial hole by a Russian government-owned corporation called Rostechnology. Rostechnology plans to expand the union, now including five airlines, by adding another five. No one is quite sure how Malev fits into the picture, but one-third of the company's 300 pilots received layoff notices on Monday, wrote Nepszabadsag. The pilots' union, Hunalpa, has charged management with dilettantism, claiming that multiple mistakes have been made, including termination of several long-haul flights. Hunalpa officials say that the company needs a well-capitalised investor, and tell of an unnamed Middle Eastern airline that is interested in Malev. Moscow analysts, however, say that Malev will not change hands. The contract with AirBridge prohibits a resale without the permission of the Hungarian government, but that is not the case for stocks in the company. Analyst Oleg Panteleyev of Aviaport acknowledged that a review of Abramovich activity was a theoretical possibility. Should the Abramovich brothers be found responsible for the Air Union's financial hole and required to pay compensation, AirBridge might become part of a compensatory package, said Panteleyev, adding, however, that he saw little practical chance of this, wrote Nepszabadsag.

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Penis-shaped Lollipop Strikes Again - Pestiside.hu

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Presidental Debate

It was not my intention to wake up for the first Presidential debate. I had planned to catch it in reruns or wait for the book to be released, and then a more entertaining movie that would surely follow. However, at 3:00 am, something woke me and I could not get back to sleep. I decided to watch it live. Although I thought Barack Obama looked, acted, and presented himself as presidential, I have to say I was disappointed with McCain's performance. The first question, the economy showed what many pundits have harped on for months; the economy is not his cup of tea. Rather than come forth with some critical thoughts that he should have garnered when he 'postponed' his campaign to return to Washington to fix the crisis, he floundered. What was all of the rhetoric about his flying to the capital to save the day, when he could not answer the question without pulling out old solutions and digging up Reagan's grave for answers to another failed economist. After watching the debate in its entirety, I spent another hour or so listening to the commentators' responses. It surprised me when some of the Republican panel members admitted that McCain's performance not only did not produce a slam dunk for him, it did not even make the waters warmer. Some Republican talk show host, whose name slips my early morning memory, said he was disappointed in the McC's answers and actually gave a great deal of credit to Obama for his responses. Score a big one for our side. The highlight for me was when Wolf Blitzer interviewed Joe Biden. When they were finished, Wolf said he would have loved to have had Sarah Palin on for equal time. Cooper Anderson who was present, loudly and clearly said "Don't hold your breathe on that one." I burst into laughter.

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Budapest Airport Security System

Budapest Airport has completed the installation of its new passenger security systems. As a result, the passenger security screening process has been significantly accelerated and queues at Ferihegy have been spectacularly reduced, or have disappeared completely.

The use of the new X-ray machines and archway metal detectors (AMDs) has increased the system’s throughput by 25-30 percent. Queuing has been eliminated completely during off-peak hours, whilst the screening of hand baggage and clothing now takes a maximum of fifteen minutes during peak periods, instead of half an hour, as previously. During the busiest summer season, one security channel screened up to 200 passengers an hour instead of the earlier 160.

BA purchased twelve new state-of-the-art X-ray machines and AMDs this spring for €3.5 million. Passenger security screeners are currently working with the new devices at all three of Ferihegy’s terminals. There are five new machines operating at Terminal 2A, four at Terminal 2B and three at Terminal 1.

The new systems now in use at Ferihegy are currently rated as the most sophisticated in Europe, since these models only appeared on the market last year.

No dangerous objects or materials remain concealed from the latest models by manufacturer Smiths Heimann. The machines are also quicker and more reliable than their predecessors. (For more information on the new devices, see the Notes to editors section below.)

Experience shows that significantly fewer passengers have to remove their shoes or have their clothing searched, since the AMDS, equipped with twenty transceivers, operate with a very low margin of error. This not only enhances security, but also comfort and the mood of passengers.

BA plans to introduce so-called “discretion booths” for departing passengers undergoing security screening at Terminal 2. These are screens equipped with upholstered seats, where passengers can remove their shoes in greater comfort and wait until their footwear is returned to them following screening. The cabins have already been procured; BA is currently training staff for the new process and is acquiring the necessary permits from authorities.

“The new equipment passed the test with flying colors,” said Budapest Airport CEO Jost Lammers. “As a result, we were able to process traffic during the summer peak season seamlessly. We are able to carry out the required security checks reliably, comfortably and much quicker than previously, thereby saving a lot of time for our passengers.”

“The upgrading of passenger security systems is part of Budapest Airport’s comprehensive modernization program aimed at making Ferihegy the most successful airport in Central Europe.”

Not much competetion if only in CE.

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easyJet adds Paris/Orly-Budapest route

Budget airline easyJet is adding a daily flight between Paris/Orly and Budapest on November 17.

Tickets are already available from the airline's website from Ft 6,600 including all taxes and fees.

easyJet aims to expand its 6% market share in Hungary, said Peter Voets, marketing director for the CEE region. The airline also connects Budapest to Geneva, Berlin, Dortmund, London/Luton, and London/Gatwick.

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Tim Russert - We Miss You R.I.P.

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International Medical Corps Matched With Top 25 American Express Members Project Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children

Hi again, Ryan I just wanted to follow up on the email I sent you last week. My organization, International Medical Corps, was nominated to be one of the Top 25 in American Express' Members Projects, "Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children." Our project was chosen out of 1,190 projects and is now eligible to receive up to $1.5 million to help feed hungry children, but the voting ends next Tuesday and we need your help to spread the word. I've put together this blogger friendly web release explaining everything. http://internationalmedicalcorps.smnr.us/ If you are able to post something on Budget Nomad - US Ex - Pat on the Move, please send me the link, it would really help and could potentially save many lives. At the minimum, please vote for "Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children." Please let me know either way. Many thanks. Chessia -- Chessia Kelley, International Medical Corps ckelley@imcworldwide.org http://imcworldwide.org

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Plastic Logic eBook Reader

I want one Santa. Plastic Logic eBook Reader

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Sarah Palin: Myth vs. Fact - Rolling Stone Magazine

Sarah Palin's credentials as a "reformer" are nothing but spin. She has continually sided with Big Oil, lobbied to increase pork spending, raised money for one of the nation's most flagrant pork barrel abusers, and mismanaged public funds through her own neglect and ineptitude. Here's a guide to separating myth from fact. THE MYTH: "She took the luxury jet that was acquired by her predecessor and sold it on eBay. And made a profit!" — John McCain, at a campaign stop in Wisconsin THE FACTS: No one bought the jet online. It was eventually sold through an aircraft broker — at a loss to taxpayers of nearly $600,000 - to one of her largest campaign contributors, who is reportedly now seeking $50,000 in taxpayer money to pay maintenance costs. THE MYTH: "I told the Congress 'Thanks, but no thanks' on that Bridge to Nowhere." — Sarah Palin, convention speech THE FACTS: Supported the infamous pork project in her 2006 run for governor, even after Congress had killed the bridge; derided its opponents as "spinmeisters." Reversed her stance a year later — but kept the money, doling out the $223 million in federal funds to other pork projects throughout the state. THE MYTH: "We ... championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress." — Sarah Palin, convention speech THE FACTS: As mayor, employed a lobbyist who also worked for Jack Abramoff to secure $27 million in pork spending for Wasilla — more than $4,000 per resident. In her two years as governor, requested $453 million in earmarks. Alaska ranks first in the nation for pork, raking in seven times the national average. Alaska ranks number one in federal spending per resident ($13,950) but sits at number eighteen in taxes paid per resident ($5434), meaning all of us taxpaying non-Alaskans spend $8500 per year on each and every resident of Palin's model of "rugged self-sufficiency". THE MYTH: "I found ... someone who stopped government from wasting taxpayers' money." — John McCain, introducing Palin THE FACTS: Signature accomplishment as mayor: building a $15 million hockey arena that plunged the city (whose annual budget is just $20 million) into debt. She broke ground on the project without finalizing the city's purchase of the land, with the resulting fiasco leading to years of litigation and forcing taxpayers to pay six times the original market price for the property the city ended up seizing from a private citizen using eminent domain. This cost Wasilla an additional $1.3 million — roughly $200 per resident. Palin funded the project by pushing a special referendum that raised the city sales tax by 25 percent. City hall records show the referendum was passed by just twenty votes. THE MYTH: "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems — as if we didn't know that already." — Sarah Palin, convention speech THE FACTS: Apparently Ms. Palin did not know that just the month before: "I beg to disagree with any candidate who would say we can't drill our way out of our problem." — Sarah Palin, July 2008 THE MYTH: "We began a nearly $40 billion natural-gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence." — Sarah Palin, convention speech THE FACTS: With federal approval years away, not a single section of the pipeline has been laid. State could end up paying the pipeline's contractor $500 million — even if it never breaks ground on the project. THE MYTH: "She's from a small town with small-town values." — Fred Thompson, convention speech THE FACTS: Wasilla and the surrounding valley were recently named the "meth capital of Alaska", with 42 meth labs busted in a single year. Charles Wohlforth, in a Frommer's travel guidebook on Alaska, described Wasilla as "the worst kind of suburban sprawl of highway-fronting shopping malls and gravel lots." THE MYTH: Palin has "taken on the political establishment in the largest state of the union." — Fred Thompson, convention speech THE FACTS: Served until 2005 as director of fundraising group associated with indicted senator Ted Stevens. Citizens Against Government Waste is a frequent critic of Stevens' affinity for pork and keeps a list of his projects. Ted Stevens has taken criticism for a wide variety of positions and actions taken in the Senate. He placed a secret hold on a bill that would allow easier accountability and research of all federal funding measures, and supported pork barrel projects such as the Gravina Island Bridge and the Knik Arm Bridge (collectively known as the "Bridges to Nowhere"). In December 2003, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Stevens had taken advantage of lax Senate rules to use his political influence to obtain a large amount of his personal wealth. According to the article, while Stevens was already a millionaire "thanks to investments with businessmen who received government contracts or other benefits with his help," the lawmaker who is in charge of $800 billion a year, writes "preferences he wrote into law" that he benefits from. On July 29, 2008 Stevens was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven counts of falsely reporting gifts. The charges relate to renovations to his home and to more than $250,000 worth of gifts he has allegedly received from VECO Corporation. The indictment followed a lengthy investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for possible corruption based on his relationship with Bill Allen, an oil service company executive, who has pleaded guilty to bribing Alaskan legislators, including Stevens' son, former State Senator Ben Stevens. THE MYTH: "She's fought oil companies." — John McCain, introducing Palin THE FACTS: Collected $13,000 in campaign contributions from oil and gas lobbyists, including Exxon, BP, Shell and Chevron. BP was a major sponsor of her inaugural ball. THE MYTH: "She's been to Kuwait. She's been over there. She has been with her troops. The National Guard that she commands, who have been over there and had the experience." — John McCain, highlighting Palin's national-security credentials THE FACTS: Never had a passport before 2007, when she made a brief photo-op trip to visit her son's batallion in Germany and Kuwait. Claimed to have visited Ireland, but this was a refueling stop and she never got off of the plane. Has never been to Iraq, and has not met a single foreign head of state. THE MYTH: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending." — Sarah Palin, convention speech THE FACTS: As governor, sought travel reimbursement for 312 nights she spent in her own home!!! Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/23140513/the_truth_about_sarah_palin

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Bragging Time

I have used blogs with students for a few years now with great results. This semester, I am teaching a new program within the department that I created. It is Journalism, Creative Writing, and Academic Writing. For three classes, I am using blogs. Students have to post weekly. For the Introduction to Journalism class, I handed out a list of twenty questions. They had to find someone they did not know and interview the person using at least six of the questions. My Critical Thinking and Analysis class had to read the full book Ella Minnow Peas by Mark Dunn. It is a fantastic book that is adaptable to many classroom situations stimulating metaphoric thinking. After they finished the book, they had to write a letter to the author sharing their thoughts and feelings. The Race and Ethnicity in the US class had read three articles of White Privilege. For their first blog assignment, they had to take one article and compare it to the class discussion. Now I may be prejudiced, but I think that for new university students whose native tongue is not English, they did an exceptional job. I am very proud of them. Each class can post until the Monday at 5:00 pm after their last class. The hourglass in each signifies that they missed their deadline. If you would like to check out their blogs they are here. Journalism - http://elteintrojournalism.blogspot.com Critical Thinking - http://criticalthinkinganalysis.blogspot.com Race and Ethnicity - http://raceethnicityjourmalism.blogspot.com Any comments will be posted on the respective blog for students to view.

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