#aa flight status

[usa-news2424]

American Airlines ‘technical issue’-

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[callofthxvoid]

Please welcome BEATRIX "TRIXIE" VOS (SHE/HER) to Huntsville, WV. They are a 32-year-old VISITOR who lives in TOWN. You may see them around working as a NURSE AT HUNTSVILLE HIGH. They are looking for FOX VOS, their BROTHER, and CHANDLER VOS, their SISTER. Poor unfortunate soul. We'll see if they survive.

quick facts

Title: The Flight Risk

Name: Beatrix Kendra Vos

Nickname: Trixie, Trix (by Lance), B (by Ven)

Date of Birth: November 22, 1991

Age: 32

Place of Birth: Definitely Somewhere

Hometown: Also A Place That Exists

Languages: English, Spanish

Faceclaim: Skyler Samuels

Pronouns: She/Her

Sexuality: Pansexual

Relationship Status: In a relationship with Lance Cerulli

personality

Myers-Briggs: ISFP - The Adventurer

Enneagram: Type Four - The Individualist (4w3)

Moral Alignment: Chaotic Good

Occupation: Nurse at Huntsville High

Role: Gatherer

[+] adventurous, generous, empathetic, patient [-] conflicted, inconstant, thrill-seeking, self-sabotaging

Character Inspirations: Dr. Emma K. Kurtzman (No Strings Attached), Elaine "Lainey" Dalton (Sleeping With Other People), Bridget Vreeland (The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants)

background

TW: Alcoholism, Parental Neglect

Born the second of three children to neglectful, alcoholic parents, Trixie has spent her whole life feeling torn between two sides of herself that seem impossible for her to reconcile with each other. On one hand, her early childhood was defined by being the careless, accident-prone little sister who always needed help from her big brother Fox, because she was always the one messing up. On the other hand, she simultaneously found herself stepping up to be the responsible, nurturing older sister to her little sister Chandler—especially after a blowup between their dad and Fox resulted in the former getting arrested and the latter being going into a second chance program.

At the time, Trixie was barely going into middle school, and her teenage years played out in much the same fashion. She had good grades, but she spent way more time in detention than any other honours student at her school did. She refused to drink or take drugs, but she was almost notoriously promiscuous, known for rarely (if ever) saying no to a hookup. After graduating, she attended community college to get an associate's degree in nursing, while she made a living getting paid under the table to work at a dive bar that was a popular concert venue for underground bands.

Trixie was on the precipice of having her life together when her older brother went missing during a job. At the time, she had just qualified as a nurse, was working her first job at a local hospital, and had been in a committed relationship since college. Her boyfriend was a nice, stable person from a nice, stable family, and while he was incredibly good to her, she always felt like there were things that she couldn't share with him—like she always had to hide her messy side, or the parts of her life that weren't as pretty. When he proposed, she had a small meltdown about the whole thing, freaked out and turned him down, and has not been in a serious relationship since.

Life carried on, and she continued working as a nurse while making friends from all walks of life. Among them was Lance Cerulli, whom she met while directing him to an AA meeting after he was admitted to the hospital she was working at; so when he told her that he was going to Huntsville for a fresh start, and she realised that was the same area that Fox had gone missing in, she had no qualms about deciding to accompany him on the road. And yet, despite having now spent two years in a place where her old problems hardly seem to matter, Trixie finds herself stuck in the same dilemma she has always been in—torn between the part of herself that wants to grow up and settle down and the one that recoils at the very thought of doing anything like that.

misc

She classifies herself as straight edge and has xXx tattooed on her left wrist. She also has two other tattoos - the first is her siblings' birth dates in roman numerals on her ribs and the second is a stylised lance going up the back of her right ankle.

She is an avid runner. She will figuratively and literally run from her problems.

[markeeting]

What Should I Know Before Flying with American Airlines?

Introduction

Flying with American Airlines (AA), one of the largest carriers in the United States, offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, understanding their policies, services, and tips for navigating your journey can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable flight. If you’re wondering American Airlines what can I bring, this guide covers everything you need to know, from booking tips to in-flight services and baggage policies, to help you prepare for your trip.

For personalized travel assistance and exclusive deals, visit DialAirFares to simplify your booking process.

Key Points to Know Before Flying with American Airlines

1. Ticket Classes and Fare Options

American Airlines offers several fare options to suit different budgets and preferences:

Basic Economy: The most affordable option but with restrictions like no seat selection and limited carry-on allowances.

Main Cabin: Standard economy fare with seat selection and a carry-on bag included.

Premium Economy: Wider seats, extra legroom, and enhanced dining options.

Business Class: Premium seating, priority boarding, and access to lounges.

First Class: Ultimate luxury for domestic and select international routes.

Tips:

Review fare inclusions before booking to avoid surprises.

If flexibility is important, opt for Main Cabin or higher fare classes.

2. Baggage Policies

Understanding American Airlines’ baggage policies can save you time and money:

Carry-On:

One carry-on bag and one personal item are included in most fares (except Basic Economy on select routes).

Ensure your bag fits the size requirements (22 x 14 x 9 inches).

Checked Bags:

Fees start at $30 for the first bag, with additional fees for oversized or overweight luggage.

Elite status or credit cardholders may qualify for free checked bags.

3. In-Flight Services

American Airlines provides various amenities to enhance your journey:

Entertainment: Seatback screens and free streaming options through the AA app.

Wi-Fi: Available on most flights for purchase.

Meals: Complimentary snacks and beverages on domestic flights, with meal service on longer or international routes.

Seating Comfort:

Standard seats offer reasonable legroom, while Premium Economy and Business Class provide additional space and comfort.

4. Loyalty Program: AAdvantage

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is one of the most robust frequent flyer programs:

Earn miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping.

Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

Elite status tiers (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) offer perks like priority boarding, free upgrades, and extra baggage allowances.

5. Navigating American Airlines’ Hubs

American Airlines operates major hubs in cities like:

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): The largest hub with extensive domestic and international connections.

Charlotte (CLT): A key hub for flights across the eastern U.S.

Miami (MIA): Specializes in flights to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL): Offer extensive domestic and transatlantic routes.

Tips for a Seamless Journey

Book Early

Early bookings often come with better pricing and more seat options.

Check-In Online

Save time by checking in through the American Airlines app or website 24 hours before departure.

Be Aware of Seat Selection

Basic Economy fares do not allow complimentary seat selection, so consider upgrading if sitting together is a priority.

Download the AA App

Use the app to manage your booking, access boarding passes, and monitor flight status.

Arrive Early

For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before departure; for international flights, arrive three hours early.

Why Choose American Airlines?

Extensive Route Network

AA connects travelers to over 350 destinations worldwide.

Flexible Options

A wide range of fare classes and services to suit different travel needs.

Reliable Operations

Despite its size, American Airlines maintains strong on-time performance metrics.

Premium Lounges

Access to Admirals Club lounges for Business Class travelers or members.

Real-Life Example

Scenario: Business Trip to London

A traveler booked a Business Class ticket from New York to London.

Benefits included:

Priority check-in and boarding.

Lie-flat seating for a restful journey.

Access to premium lounges at JFK and Heathrow.

The traveler appreciated the seamless booking process and in-flight amenities, making the trip productive and stress-free.

How DialAirFares Can Help

DialAirFares provides:

Expert advice for booking American Airlines flights.

Tailored solutions for complex itineraries.

Access to exclusive deals and promotions.

Conclusion

Flying with American Airlines can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re familiar with their policies, services, and loyalty programs. By planning ahead and leveraging the tips in this guide, you can make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

[janatours]

Middle East Tours 

Middle East Tours offer travelers the chance to explore ancient historical sites like Petra in Jordan and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Visitors can also experience the vibrant bazaars and traditional cuisine in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally, a trip to the Middle East wouldn't be complete without a desert safari in the Arabian Peninsula, where you can experience Bedouin culture and enjoy the stunning desert landscapes.

 dubai Tours Packages  often include visits to iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Other popular stops include the Dubai Mall, featuring a vast array of shopping and entertainment options, and the Desert Safari, offering a thrilling experience of dune bashing and traditional Arabian activities.

turkey day tours packages offer an unparalleled journey through the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Turkey. Guests can explore ancient ruins, vibrant bazaars, and stunning natural wonders like Cappadocia's fairy chimneys. Each tour is carefully curated to provide an authentic experience, including traditional Turkish cuisine and cultural performances.

morocco tours packages often include popular destinations such as the bustling markets of Marrakech and the stunning Sahara Desert. Visitors may also explore the ancient city of Fes with its historic medina, and the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Additionally, many tours offer the opportunity to visit the coastal city of Essaouira, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene.

One Of Our Middle East Tours

13 Nights -14 Days Egypt & Jordan Holiday Packages

Explore the splendors of 13 Nights / 14 Days Egypt & Jordan Holiday Packages, Experience the rich cultural heritage with Jordan Travel Package, Try Egypt and Jordan Combined Travel Package, Enjoy a tour from Cairo to Petra Jordan, scout Cairo attractions, Live a different atmosphere with amazing Nile view Between Luxor & Aswan, Explore the beauty of nature with Egypt to Petra, Embark on a fantastic trip visiting the highlights of Jordan. Explore Mount Nebo, Madaba, and the Dead Sea.

Day 1:

Upon arrival at Cairo airport, you will find our representative waiting for you with a sign with your name after that you will visit the most famous Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley temple then transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 2:

Pick up from the hotel and start a full-day tour to visit Memphis the first capital in ancient Egypt to visit the open air Museum and the colossal statue of king Ramses II after that drive to Sakkara to visit the first Pyramid built in history the Step Pyramid then visit the private tombs of the high officials to see the daily life scenes after that drive back to the hotel and overnight.

Day 3:

Pick up from the hotel to visit the Egyptian Museum to see the famous collection of king Tutankhamen and the other collections then drive to Old Cairo to visit Islamic and Coptic Cairo, the Hanging church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque after that drive to Khan El Khalili the famous bazaar after that drive back to the hotel.

Day 4:

Pick up from the hotel early morning and transfer to Cairo airport to take the Domestic flight to Luxor, arrive in Luxor and meet our guide then start a full-day tour to visit the West bank, Valley of the Kings “we will Enter3 royal tombs” then visit the temple of Queen Hatshepsut temple at Dier El Bahari and the colossi of Memnon then transfer to the valley of the Queens to visit the famous tomb of the Queen Nefertari  the most beloved wife from King Ramses II then transfer back to the cruise ship for embarkation, lunch, and dinner at the cruise ship and overnight.

Day 5:

Pick up from the cruise ship by our guide and start a full-day tour to visit the most famous Karnak temple the largest temple in the World after that transfer to visit Luxor temple then transfer back to the cruise ship,  after lunch the cruise ship start to sail toward Esna, reach Esna and cross the famous Esna Lock then sail again toward Edfu, reach Edfu, and overnight in Edfu.

Day 6:

Pick up from the cruise ship and visit the Edfu temple of God Horus after that back to the cruise ship, sail toward Kom Ombo, and reach Kom Ombo to visit the temple shared between the 2 Gods Sobek and Haroris after that transfer to the cruise ship, sail again toward Aswan, reach Aswan and overnight.

Day 7:

Pick up from the cruise ship and start a full-day tour to visit the famous Aswan High Dam, and Philae temple of Goddess Isis then drive to visit the unfinished obelisk after that drive back to the cruise ship and overnight.

Day 8:

Pick up from the hotel early morning and transfer to Abu Simbel to visit the great temple of King Ramses II and the small temple of his beloved queen Nefertiti after that  drive back to Aswan, arrive in Aswan, And transfer to the hotel in Aswan for check-in and overnight.

Day 9:

Pick up from the hotel and start a full-day tour to visit the famous Nubian Village to see the real Nubian Lifestyle then visit the Botanical garden to see a very famous collection of rare birds and plants after that transfer to Aswan airport to take the domestic flight back to Cairo, arrive at Cairo airport then transfer to the hotel in Cairo and overnight.

Day 10:

Pick up from the hotel early morning and drive to the second capital of modern Egypt Alexandria to visit the Great-Roman monuments, the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa,Pompey’s pillar then visit Montazah gardens And King Farouk palace after that transfer to the library of Alexandria which contains more than 8 Million books After that visit Citadel of Qaitbay and the Mosque of Abu El Abbas after that drive back to Cairo,arrive in Cairo and transfer to the hotel overnight.

Day 11:

Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Cairo airport to take an international flight to Amman-Jordan, Arrival at  Queen Alia International airport, where you will be met by our representative to help you through formalities, then transfer to Amman for a City Tour of Amman, which includes Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and Grand Husseini Mosque, and King Abdullah Mosque & Folklore Museum. Proceed to Jerash one of the best preserved roman outposts in the world, known as the Pompeii of the East for its extraordinary state,  Visit Umm Qais, then head back to your hotel in Amman for a drop-off.

Day 12:

Pick up from your hotel in Amman and depart to get some free time on the Dead Sea Shore the Public beach. Then onto Mukawir for a visit following the road to Mount Nebo where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. Afterward, head to Wadi Jadid for an overview and then to Madaba where you will visit Saint George’s church and see the incredible mosaic of the Holy Land. Transfer to your hotel in Madaba for a drop-off.

Day 13:

Pick up from Madaba Hotel and head to The “Red-Rose” City Petra. The world wonder is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans. The entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1km in length, After the Siq, you will be facing the Treasury, and then proceed to the Roman-style theatre. Get into your private car and around the city of Petra to see the Bedouin lifestyle there and then see the overviews of Wadi Musa.

Day 14:

Check out from Petra Hotel then transfer to Queen Alia International Airport by our representative to help you with the final airport formalities.

The mentioned tour itinerary include the following:

Private English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide.

Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.

Transportation with private A/C van to all the mentioned sites.

The service of meet and assist at the airports.

5 Nights hotel accommodation with B/B bases.

4 Nights accommodation Nile view cabin at a 5-star deluxe cruise ship with full board bases.

1 Night hotel accommodation at Aswan with B/B bases.

3 Nights hotel accommodation at Amman with B/B bases.

Domestic flight tickets Cairo / Luxor – Aswan / Cairo.

International flight tickets Cairo / Amman one way.

Service charge and tax.

The tour itinerary not include the following:

Visa Entry to Egypt.

Optional tours

Any other items not mentioned.

Tipping Kitty.

 For more

·        Middle East Tours: https://bit.ly/3DRteL1

·        Egypt Packages: https://bit.ly/3TgGpvV

·        WhatsApp: https://wa.me/201143320224

         Email: info@janatoursegypt.com

[fire-for-effect]

WEAPONRY OF THE FOUR CLASSES

BREACHER, GUNNER, SCANNER, TECHNICIAN

Primaries

BREACHER

-BR-92 Assault Carbine

:Basic fully automatic Carbine supplied by the Solar Coalition. Fires 7.62 rounds at about 450 RPM. Very basic but undeniably reliable and consistent, clearing swarms of Cloud Infected with relative ease while still being versatile enough to take on more specialized foes.

-SHOT-12 Pump Action Shotgun

:Pump action shotgun with a capacity of 8 shells. Designed for close quarters but can hit with mild effectiveness at medium ranges as well thanks to increased powder loads. Fires 10 Gauge shells with around 8 pellets each. Insanely effective at shredding Armour at close range and dealing with special enemies, but struggles more with swarm clearing.

-OD-1N Heavy Rifle

:Fully automatic rifle firing .308 Rounds at about 300 RPM. Hits much harder then the BR-92, being much more effective against special enemies with bonus damage to weak points and Armour. Rounds have a 30% chance to pierce targets on hit, increasing the weapons effectiveness against swarms ever so slightly.

GUNNER

-AUTOMAG Autocannon

:Fully automatic machine gun with a medium rate of fire, but dealing bonus damage to Armour. High damage and projectile speed but low mag size (for the class). Fires from a large box filled with belts which are fed through an automatic feed mechanism.

-SMRT-7 Light Machine Gun

:Belt-fed Machine gun with a high rate of fire. Feeds belt from a side mounted drum. High tec Rounds deal increased damage and have different properties depending on any status effect an enemy had applied (Fire, Shock, Freeze, etc.)

-'Dreadbringer' Heavy Machine Gun

:Large belt-fed Minigun which feeds directly from an ammo pack on the Gunner. Doesn't reload, but will overheat after sustained fire, forcing the heat to be vented before firing can resume. Overheating too many times will make the barrel unstable and therefore unsafe to fire, requiring barrel replacement.

SCANNER

-SR-S Marksman Rifle

:High caliber, semi-auto rifle with a medium rate of fire. Fires high damage percing rounds which also embed nodes into first hit enemie, marking them for other players to track through materials. Marked enemies take increased damage to weak points.

-'RailNail' Automatic Railgun

:Full auto, low rate of fire Railgun which fires large Nailgun like projectiles which pierce enemies and deal high damage. Very good burst accuracy but spread increases dramatically during sustained fire. Can be charged a short time to fire a magnetically charged round which deals shock damage to any enemy caught in its flight path

-ARCH-9 Hazardous Munitions Launcher

:Fires Micro Missiles from a side mounted magazine. Missiles are charged via a conductor in the barrel to be attributed with one of a few element types. Low damage but applies status effects very easily.

TECHNICIAN

-SCMG-MK3 Submachine Gun

:Very high rate of fire bullpup SMG. Fires low damage rounds at blistering speeds, almost as fast as the Dreadbringer Minigun. Can tear through hordes and close range targets, but horrible spread at a distance means the chance of hitting medium to long range targets with any degree of effectiveness is virtually non existent.

-F3 Submachine Gun

:High rate of fire SMG with a diagonally mounted magazine. Fires with decent accuracy, making it a lot more versatile than the SCMG. Bullets have a 25% chance to cause shock damage on hit.

-'Conductor' Electricity Discharger

:Large industrial battery jumpstarter menat for on-board use, now retrofitted to be aa makeshift weapon. Fires a constant stream if electricity which arcs between enemies. Highly affecive against robots or other mechanical enemies. Can be charged briefly to fire a large slow moving orb which travels in a straight line. Any enemy within line of sight of the orb (and also in range) will take constant damage from the orb shocking them until they either leave range or the orb hits something.

[americanflyhigh]

American Airlines Group Travel - Make Booking to Get Flight Deals

Experience hassle-free group travel with American Airlines group travel. Explore our group booking fare options for seamless travel.

For AA Group Booking👉 https://rb.gy/nfj6io

americanairlines #groupbooking #groupmeeting #grouptravel #sealesstravel #bestbuddy #aagrouptravel #policy #fee #refund #status #flighttickets #booknow

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The learned helplessness of Pete Buttigieg

The apocalyptic airline meltdown over the Christmas break stranded thousands of Americans, ruining their vacations and costing them a fortune in unexpected fees. It wasn't just Southwest Airlines' meltdown, either - as stranded fliers sought alternatives, airlines like AA raised the price of some domestic coach tickets to over $10,000.

This didn't come out of nowhere. Southwest's growth strategy has seen the airlines add more planes and routes without a comparable investment in back-end systems, including crew scheduling systems. SWA's unions have spent years warning the public that their employer's IT infrastructure was one crisis away from total collapse.

But successive administrations have failed to act on those warnings. Under Obama and Trump, the DoT was content to let "the market" discipline the monopoly carriers, though both administrations were happy to wave through anticompetitive mergers that weakened the power of markets to provide that discipline. Obama waved through the United/Continental merger and the Southwest/AirTran merger, while Trump waved through Virgin/Alaska.

While these firms were allowed to privatize their gains, Uncle Sucker paid for their losses. Trump handed the airlines $54 billion in covid relief, which the airlines squandered on stock buybacks and executive bonuses, while gutting their own employee rosters with early retirement buyouts:

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-05-04/airlines-got-the-sweetest-coronavirus-bailout-around

Incredibly, the airlines got even worse under the Biden administration. In the first six months of 2022, US airlines cancelled more flights than they had in all of 2021, while the airlines increased their profits by 45% - and kept it, rather than using it to pay back the $10b in unpaid refunds they owed to fliers:

https://www.economicliberties.us/press-release/economic-liberties-releases-model-legislation-to-eliminate-airlines-liability-shield/

Dozens of state attorneys general - Republicans and Democrats - wrote to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, begging him to take action on the airlines. After months without action, they wrote again, just days before the Christmas meltdown:

https://www.levernews.com/state-officials-warned-buttigieg-about-airline-mess/

For his part, Secretary Buttigieg claimed he was doing all he could, trumpeting the order to refund fliers as evidence of his muscular regulatory approach (recall that these refunds have not been paid). He assured Americans that the situation "is going to get better by the holidays."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FlD6fHq8-g&t=145s

But the numbers tell the tale. Under Buttigieg, the DOT "issued fewer enforcement orders in 2021 than in any single year of the Trump and Obama administrations."

https://www.economicliberties.us/press-release/economic-liberties-releases-model-legislation-to-eliminate-airlines-liability-shield/

As the crisis raged, enraged fliers and opponents of unchecked corporate power blamed Buttigieg. So did opportunistic, bad-faith Republicans looking to score political points. The "liberal" media lumped all this criticism together, insisting that Buttigieg had done everything in his power and declaring it unreasonable to expect the Transport Secretary to prevent transportation catastrophes:

https://www.levernews.com/the-partisan-ghost-in-the-media-machine/

Buttigieg's defenders trotted out a laundry list of excuses for the failure, ranging from the nonsensical to the implausible to the contradictory - Pete's Army continued to claim that the aviation meltdown was the weather's fault, even after Buttigieg himself went on national TV to say this wasn't the case:

https://twitter.com/GMA/status/1608075800254767105?s=20&t=wmaJq3OWU0r0e6TS9V-9sA

Buttigieg is the Secretary of a powerful administrative agency, and as such, he has broad powers. Neither he nor his predecessors have had the courage to wield that power, all of them evincing a kind of learned helplessness in the face of industry lobbying. But there is a difference between being powerless and acting powerless.

To see what a fully operational battle-station looks like, cast your eye upon Lina Khan, chair of the FTC, another agency that has a long history of dormancy in the face of corporate power, but which Khan has transformed - not through ideology, but through competence. Khan - and her fellow Biden administration trustbusters Jonathan Kantor and the recently departed Tim Wu - have an encyclopedic knowledge of their powers, and they haven't been shy about using them:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/18/administrative-competence/#i-know-stuff

Over the Christmas break, even as the airline industry was stranding Americans far from their families, Khan proposed a rule to ban noncompete agreements, which are widely used to prevent low-waged workers like fast-food cashiers from quitting their jobs and seeking better pay from competitors:

https://mattstoller.substack.com/p/antitrust-enforcers-to-ban-indentured

These are, as Matt Stoller writes, a form of indentured servitude, used by private equity crooks to lock in their workforces. "30% of hair stylists works under a non-compete, as do 45% of family physicians." Noncompetes destroy the livelihoods of workers who start their own businesses, too: "One comment to the FTC came from a graphic designers for signage who was bankrupted by a lawsuit from her control-hungry former boss and a small town judge":

https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2019-0093-0015

Noncompetes are a scourge, and there should be bipartisan agreement on this. If you're a Democrat who believes in labor rights, noncompetes are manifestly unfair. But that's also true if you're a Republican who believes in competition and the power of entrepreneurship.

Nevertheless, noncompetes have trundled on, with neither Congress nor the administrative branch showing the courage to act - until now. Khan's proposed rule bypasses Congressional inaction by invoking powers that she already has, under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Section 5 gives the FTC broad powers to prohibit "unfair methods of competition" - an incredibly broad power to wield, and one that the FTC hasn't bothered to use since the 1970s (!):

https://casetext.com/case/national-petroleum-refiners-assn-v-f-t-c

Which brings me back to Secretary Buttigieg and the airlines. Because Chair Khan isn't the only federal regulator with these broad powers. As David Dayen writes for The American Prospect, "the Department of Transportation has the exact same authority":

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/ftc-noncompete-airline-flight-cancellation-buttigieg/

Under USC40 Section 41712(a), Buttigieg has the power to unilaterally ban transportation industry practices that are "unfair and deceptive" or "unfair methods of competition." Per the DOT's own guidance, this provision is "modeled on Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act":

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title49/pdf/USCODE-2020-title49-subtitleVII-partA-subpartii-chap417-subchapI-sec41712.pdf

The are a lot more recent examples of the DOT using this power than there are of the FTC using its Section 5 authority, like the Tarmac Delay Rule. But as Robert Kuttner writes, the airlines reneged on their end of the $54b bailout, slashing staffing levels and failing to invest in IT modernization - examples of the "unfair and deceptive" practices that the DOT could intervene to prevent:

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/ftc-noncompete-airline-flight-cancellation-buttigieg/

As Dayen writes, "The definition of 'deceptive' is 'likely to mislead a consumer, acting reasonably under the circumstances.' If the airline scheduled a flight, took money for the flight, and knew it would have to cancel it (or, if you prefer, knew it would have to cancel some flights, all of which it took money for), that seems plainly deceptive."

This is the same authority that Buttigieg used to fine 5 non-US airlines (and Frontier, the tiny US carrier that flies 2% of domestic routes) for cancelling their flights - his signature achievement to date. But as Dayen points out, this authority isn't limited to taking action after the fact.

The DOT can - and should - act before Americans' flights are canceled. It can use its authority under 41712(a) to "say that the cancellation itself is an unfair and deceptive practice and issue a fine for each canceled flight." It could "promulgate a rule saying that cancellations due to insufficient crews, or due to dysfunctional computer scheduling systems, are unfair and deceptive, with stiff fines for each violation."

Both of these were within Buttigieg's power months ago, when the State AGs begged him to take action to prevent the mounting epidemic of cancellations. Both of these are within his power now. Heads of federal agencies are among the most powerful people in the world and they can use that power to materially improve the lives of the American people.

Just ask Lina Khan.

Image: Gage Skidmore (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/49560191032

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

[Image ID: A vector drawing of a man slumped at a desk with his face on his laptop. The man's face has been replaced with that of Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He has a DOT logo on his shoulder. There are also DOT logos on a coffee-cup on the desk and behind the desk, on the wall.]

[just-kateblr]

I fly a fair bit for work. I try to concentrate on using Delta to maximize FF status and mileage perks. Sometimes I can't fly Delta, but have found Southwest and United to have reasonable experiences for passengers. None of these airlines are perfect, but they are so much better than American Airlines. I've had more problems, delays, missed connections, and lousy service on AA than on the previous 3 airlines combined. They are the worst.

Last night, I missed my connecting flight. We had a delay leaving because of a mechanical issue. We were forced to wait on the tarmac at our destination for 45 minutes because they didn't have the ground crew to fit us into a gate. I missed my flight by 5 minutes. Of course, some of this is what air travel in the US in Summer 2022 looks like, but when you've had problems with 75% of flights on one airline, you start to suspect that it is more than bad luck.

[authortobenamedlater]

Whee, let’s all spill opinions! I have many here now that I’ve finished the series.

The Stevens kids had it rough, really. Their mom and dad were astronauts. They lost a friend at a young age. Gordo and Tracy got divorced and had individual problems AND died at the same time. The kids’ surrogate family, the Baldwins, were hardly the picture of stability either. All this before Danny even got out of college.

Jimmy, I think, dealt badly with the fallout and stumbled into a crowd that preyed on his vulnerability. If at least one of his parents had been around, he probably would have been OK.

Danny though. Strap in because I HAVE OPINIONS.

Danny was trouble from the getgo. Losing his parents definitely didn���t help matters but he was getting into trouble long before that AND we later find out he was setting Shane up to take the fall. So like. Danny has some sociopathic leanings and was gonna have problems no matter what.

More opinions.

Danny never should have been allowed to fly. Mental health problems are a one-way DQ on a flight medical. That’s why Dani broke her arm in S2, so the NASA flight surgeon wouldn’t yank Gordo’s status. Danny has been in AA and has a history of conduct problems. This alone would have bounced him from Annapolis, Stevens name or not. This guy is a walking conduct unbecoming an officer charge. And that’s just the stuff his superiors would know about.

Danny should have been grounded before he could even think about being a pilot never mind an astronaut. Yes, Ed was too lenient, but it shouldn’t have even been Ed’s decision. The flight surgeon’s job is to keep people like Danny from endangering themselves and others.

However, this is a drama, and dramatic license is a thing. I do think the show may have taken this a bit too far though.

As you said @castalyne, all the characters on For All Mankind mess up and have to face the music for their decisions. I’m curious how this will look with Danny and Jimmy next season.

Danny and Jimmy are the worst of both their parents.

[nice-bright-colors]

And As An Added Bonus:

I’ve also dug up my old AA (American Airlines) No. and switched all that information over from my old work email and company credit card along with Hertz.

Now, all I need is:

A) more work with travel plans

B) destinations where SW or AA fly to

C) perhaps some payment on invoices so my cc isn’t maxed out

D) steady income would be nice

E) enough time to keep my status level on SW (just one more flight), get frustrated and pissed off enough with AA…and subsequently start all over again on Delta.

Extra Special Bonus Points - for not going to the liquor store today.

[janatours]

Middle East Tours

Middle East Tours offers a variety of guided tours throughout the region, allowing travelers to explore ancient ruins, bustling markets, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're interested in the history of Egypt, the culture of Jordan, or the beauty of Turkey, our experienced guides will ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Middle East.

 dubai Tours Packages often include visits to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking views of the city. Travelers can also explore the Dubai Mall, which features a vast array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Additionally, many packages include a desert safari experience, where visitors can enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin-style dinners.

turkey day tours packages offer unique experiences that allow travelers to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Turkey. From exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus to enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, these tours provide unforgettable adventures. Additionally, guests can savor traditional Turkish cuisine and participate in local festivities, making each trip truly special.

morocco tours packages  often include visits to the vibrant city of Marrakech, known for its bustling souks and stunning gardens. Travelers can also explore the ancient city of Fes, famous for its medieval architecture and rich history. Additionally, many packages offer excursions to the breathtaking Sahara Desert, where visitors can experience camel rides and overnight stays in traditional Berber tents.

One Of Our Middle East Tours

13 Nights -14 Days Egypt & Jordan Holiday Packages

Explore the splendors of 13 Nights / 14 Days Egypt & Jordan Holiday Packages, Experience the rich cultural heritage with Jordan Travel Package, Try Egypt and Jordan Combined Travel Package, Enjoy a tour from Cairo to Petra Jordan, scout Cairo attractions, Live a different atmosphere with amazing Nile view Between Luxor & Aswan, Explore the beauty of nature with Egypt to Petra, Embark on a fantastic trip visiting the highlights of Jordan. Explore Mount Nebo, Madaba, and the Dead Sea.

Day 1:

Upon arrival at Cairo airport, you will find our representative waiting for you with a sign with your name after that you will visit the most famous Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley temple then transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 2:

Pick up from the hotel and start a full-day tour to visit Memphis the first capital in ancient Egypt to visit the open air Museum and the colossal statue of king Ramses II after that drive to Sakkara to visit the first Pyramid built in history the Step Pyramid then visit the private tombs of the high officials to see the daily life scenes after that drive back to the hotel and overnight.

Day 3:

Pick up from the hotel to visit the Egyptian Museum to see the famous collection of king Tutankhamen and the other collections then drive to Old Cairo to visit Islamic and Coptic Cairo, the Hanging church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque after that drive to Khan El Khalili the famous bazaar after that drive back to the hotel.

Day 4:

Pick up from the hotel early morning and transfer to Cairo airport to take the Domestic flight to Luxor, arrive in Luxor and meet our guide then start a full-day tour to visit the West bank, Valley of the Kings “we will Enter3 royal tombs” then visit the temple of Queen Hatshepsut temple at Dier El Bahari and the colossi of Memnon then transfer to the valley of the Queens to visit the famous tomb of the Queen Nefertari  the most beloved wife from King Ramses II then transfer back to the cruise ship for embarkation, lunch, and dinner at the cruise ship and overnight.

Day 5:

Pick up from the cruise ship by our guide and start a full-day tour to visit the most famous Karnak temple the largest temple in the World after that transfer to visit Luxor temple then transfer back to the cruise ship,  after lunch the cruise ship start to sail toward Esna, reach Esna and cross the famous Esna Lock then sail again toward Edfu, reach Edfu, and overnight in Edfu.

Day 6:

Pick up from the cruise ship and visit the Edfu temple of God Horus after that back to the cruise ship, sail toward Kom Ombo, and reach Kom Ombo to visit the temple shared between the 2 Gods Sobek and Haroris after that transfer to the cruise ship, sail again toward Aswan, reach Aswan and overnight.

Day 7:

Pick up from the cruise ship and start a full-day tour to visit the famous Aswan High Dam, and Philae temple of Goddess Isis then drive to visit the unfinished obelisk after that drive back to the cruise ship and overnight.

Day 8:

Pick up from the hotel early morning and transfer to Abu Simbel to visit the great temple of King Ramses II and the small temple of his beloved queen Nefertiti after that  drive back to Aswan, arrive in Aswan, And transfer to the hotel in Aswan for check-in and overnight.

Day 9:

Pick up from the hotel and start a full-day tour to visit the famous Nubian Village to see the real Nubian Lifestyle then visit the Botanical garden to see a very famous collection of rare birds and plants after that transfer to Aswan airport to take the domestic flight back to Cairo, arrive at Cairo airport then transfer to the hotel in Cairo and overnight.

Day 10:

Pick up from the hotel early morning and drive to the second capital of modern Egypt Alexandria to visit the Great-Roman monuments, the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa,Pompey’s pillar then visit Montazah gardens And King Farouk palace after that transfer to the library of Alexandria which contains more than 8 Million books After that visit Citadel of Qaitbay and the Mosque of Abu El Abbas after that drive back to Cairo,arrive in Cairo and transfer to the hotel overnight.

Day 11:

Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Cairo airport to take an international flight to Amman-Jordan, Arrival at  Queen Alia International airport, where you will be met by our representative to help you through formalities, then transfer to Amman for a City Tour of Amman, which includes Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and Grand Husseini Mosque, and King Abdullah Mosque & Folklore Museum. Proceed to Jerash one of the best preserved roman outposts in the world, known as the Pompeii of the East for its extraordinary state,  Visit Umm Qais, then head back to your hotel in Amman for a drop-off.

Day 12:

Pick up from your hotel in Amman and depart to get some free time on the Dead Sea Shore the Public beach. Then onto Mukawir for a visit following the road to Mount Nebo where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. Afterward, head to Wadi Jadid for an overview and then to Madaba where you will visit Saint George’s church and see the incredible mosaic of the Holy Land. Transfer to your hotel in Madaba for a drop-off.

Day 13:

Pick up from Madaba Hotel and head to The “Red-Rose” City Petra. The world wonder is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans. The entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1km in length, After the Siq, you will be facing the Treasury, and then proceed to the Roman-style theatre. Get into your private car and around the city of Petra to see the Bedouin lifestyle there and then see the overviews of Wadi Musa.

Day 14:

Check out from Petra Hotel then transfer to Queen Alia International Airport by our representative to help you with the final airport formalities.

The mentioned tour itinerary include the following:

Private English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide.

Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.

Transportation with private A/C van to all the mentioned sites.

The service of meet and assist at the airports.

5 Nights hotel accommodation with B/B bases.

4 Nights accommodation Nile view cabin at a 5-star deluxe cruise ship with full board bases.

1 Night hotel accommodation at Aswan with B/B bases.

3 Nights hotel accommodation at Amman with B/B bases.

Domestic flight tickets Cairo / Luxor – Aswan / Cairo.

International flight tickets Cairo / Amman one way.

Service charge and tax.

The tour itinerary not include the following:

Visa Entry to Egypt.

Optional tours

Any other items not mentioned.

Tipping Kitty.

 For more

·        Middle East Tours: https://bit.ly/3DRteL1

·        Egypt Packages: https://bit.ly/3TgGpvV

·        WhatsApp: https://wa.me/201143320224

         Email: info@janatoursegypt.com

[gel0p]

Japan S2, Day 5!

(Editor’s note: Please note that this was originally written back in November 2019, right after the actual trip. Some details have been updated, but the overall content remains the same.)

——

For our next Kyoto destination, we visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple!

The back of the main gate. :)

This is the cleanest shot I could get; any cleaner and I would have to crop one of the statues on either side. >_>

From a different angle.

A nearby bell!

Three-story Pagoda :) Thank god they have lightning rods, because the weather turned sour a few minutes later.

Before that happened though, I went through the Zuigu Hall! Photography isn’t allowed, but I sneaked one photo of the inside anyway for you guys (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)

Get it? :))

Seriously, it’s pitch black inside. That’s just a 5-second rendition in MS Paint, but that is in fact everything you will (or won’t?) see once you’re down there. Keep holding on to the Buddhist beads (like the instructions say) and you’ll eventually get through.

After about 5 minutes of walking, you’ll see a faint light above the Zuigu Stone. Again, I didn’t photograph it, so please just google what it looks like :v

Finally back outside!

You can see Kyoto Tower from a distance!

Aaaaand it finally started raining.

Quite heavily, too.

Once the rain slowed down (it hadn’t stopped yet!), I braved it and pushed forward to the central (rear?) section of the temple. There’s an entrance fee, though.

Once inside, you’ll find these stairs going to the love stone!

The love stone!

The other love stone. You’re supposed to, uhhh…

Just read the instructions okay? :)) I didn’t try it. Not interested. XD

Zoomed in for your convenience :P

Moving forward, here’s the pagoda dedicated to safe childbirths. :) I was stuck in the rain. ;^;

When the rain finally stopped, I prcoeeded to Otowa waterfall! I only googled just now what it’s called. ^_^; You can drink the water from it! I did. :P

More kids trying to catch water to drink.

I’m including this random onee-san for the lulz. ^o^

And we’re done with Kiyomizu-dera! I made my way through Sannenzaka for my next destination.

I got hungry though (skipped breakfast - again!) so I ate some delicious shumai!

More pictures of Sannenzaka.

(Editor’s note: Man I’d love to photograph this again once ‘rona is over. ...But then there’d be more people again... ugh)

I think this is already Ninenzaka?

I passed by this flight of stairs. I didn’t climb them though.

I was losing interest in photography at this point because of the shitty weather (I had to hide my camera, you see). I’m not sure if this is still Sannenzaka or Nene no Michi. :(

“Life is living you right now.”

What...?

I brought my camera out again - because we’re almost at Maruyama Park!

(This is unfortunately not the same Maruyama in Aya’s name)

Aa, ii ne ii ne!

We’re back to photographing, babeh!

Maruyama Park!

A zoomed in version of the sign.

And this is to zoom... even further... beyond...

The bridge at the entrance of the park!

(Editor’s note: Photo blog entry)

Geisha? Tourist? I can’t remember D:

Failed attempt at artistry, LOL

Monument inside the park.

The entrance to Chion-in! I didn’t go inside anymore though.

And that was Higashiyama! I snapped this photo on my way to the train station.

Pokemon Center Kyoto! Hello Kawaramachi!

… I didn’t buy anything though. :))

The entrance to Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, inside the Kawaramachi shopping district. Again, I didn’t go inside anymore.

ANIMATE KYOTO! MY PEOPLE!

At this point I just went around looking for otaku goods, and thus marks the end of my journey around Kyoto. :) I’m not yet done with my adventures in Japan though!

(Editor’s note: Technically there was one more Kyoto destination.. but it’s not a place people would normally associate with “Kyoto”)

This giant-ass crab was moving @_@

SEE? THE CLAWS HAVE CHANGED POSITION D:

I passed by a BIG BOSS Music shop, and knowing them, I knew they’d have one of these :))

The things I’d do for that Sayo guitar.

I’m back at the same river from the night before! Without wanting to pee this time. :P

I actually went back a bit to have some Gyuudon at Matsuya. That day I also learned how to use an ordering machine at most shops. ^_^  Itadakimasu!

Day 5 in Japan S2, complete! ^_^

<< Day 4 . . . Side Quest: Oregairu Kyoto Field Trip >>

Skip to Day 6 >>

[calzona-ga]

Amelia Shepherd finally got some closure.

Grey's Anatomy dedicated an entire hour to the Derek-less Shepherd family this week in an episode titled "Good Shepherd," where an impromptu and long overdue New York City reunion between Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), mom Carolyn (Tyne Daly), and sisters Nancy (Embeth Davidtz) and Kathleen (Amy Acker), the latter of whom has often been mentioned but never seen, drudged up Amelia's past inhibitions and personal battles during an explosive conversation around the dinner table. (The fourth Shepherd sister, Liz, portrayed by Neve Campbell in season nine, was "out of town.")

Ever since her Private Practice days, Amelia has been the definition of tumult -- with her share of failed romances (her recent divorce from Owen), battles with substance and alcohol abuse, and health problems (her brain tumor in season 14) keeping everyone on their toes. And as the youngest Shepherd sibling, she was often seen as the baby of the family, with her late brother, Derek (Patrick Dempsey), taking responsibility as her unofficial caretaker following their dad's death when they were kids. Those factors, mixed with Amelia's lack of communication with her family over the years, compounded her sisters' perceptions that she was still the "black sheep" of the family, no matter how successful she became or the strides she took to improve upon herself.

But a deep heart-to-heart between Amelia and her mom in Central Park provided the answers she had been seeking about her error-prone, directionless past. "Do you think I sabotage my relationships? I don't know how to love?" Amelia asked, after coming clean to her family about her divorce from Owen (Kevin McKidd) -- and her mother's response was both heartbreaking and illuminating. "Every time you fell down, you got up and came back stronger... You weren't afraid of it. And that's what made you -- out of all the kids -- the most like your father," Carolyn said, explaining that it was difficult to be around her youngest daughter following Papa Shepherd's death, hence why she handed the reins over to Derek. "You deserved a mother... and it is my biggest regret."

Following the episode, ET spoke with Scorsone for a breakdown of the Amelia-centric hour, reuniting the Shepherd family members (and finally meeting Kathleen!), Amelia's romantic future with Link (and if Owen is still in the picture) and the touching Central Park moment between Amelia and Mama Shepherd.

ET: When did you know that you were going to get a standalone hour dedicated to Amelia's story? Caterina Scorsone: One of the nice things of having an Amelia-centric episode was a lot of stuff that was developed when Amelia was a regular character on Private Practice. There was a lot of backstory that we learned about her on Private Practice that some Grey's fans haven't seen. Getting to go back and encounter her family of origin, as opposed to the family that she's built in Seattle, is great. You kind of get to see a little bit of where she came from and where she fits into her family dynamic.

You've been playing this character for almost a decade now, and I feel like the theme of this episode is a lot about Amelia confronting her past and her place in the family -- that many of them still look at her as the "black sheep." You really see Amelia work through this with her sisters and her mother, especially. Right, although she's encountering the behavior that triggered a lot of her childhood stuff to come up. I think one of the things that's beautiful about it is I think it's a really relatable, universal story -- maybe it's a bit more extreme in Amelia's case. Often we grow up and we encounter new ideas and we have new experiences and we change and evolve into a different person [than] when we were a child or when we were surrounded by our childhood dynamics. But I think there's a part of most people that doesn't notice the change happening, so when they go back to see their family at holiday times, they have an opportunity to excavate some of the dynamics that formed who they became and some of the dynamics that led to them wanting to change that dynamic. It's a beautiful opportunity to see somebody working through therapy. She's like, "Wow, I think I'm a different person but these are the conditions that formed the person that I became."

One of the most beautiful moments was Amelia's conversation with her mom, Carolyn, in Central Park, where they hash out their nonexistent mother-daughter relationship... Ugh! Tyne Daly is unbelievable. I'm so grateful that I got to work with her. That was the part of doing the standalone that made me most excited and nervous. I couldn't believe that I was going to have an opportunity to work opposite Tyne Daly. (Laughs.) Because I've been playing Amelia for so long and I've known Tyne played my mom -- I've seen all of the footage of her with Derek [in the season five episode, "Sympathy for the Devil"] -- and she was a big part of my backstory even when I was playing scenes without Tyne. Whenever I would do scenes about her, I would picture Tyne as my mom as Amelia -- whenever I had to remember something or telling a story. She was an active part of my creative life. So when Tyne walked into the lobby of the hospital where we did our first scene and I saw her, I burst into tears! (Laughs.)

When Carolyn conceded that she wasn't there for Amelia when she needed her in her formative years, that was truly heartbreaking. Have you thought about how differently things could have turned out for Amelia had her mom taken the reins more as a parental figure? Absolutely. In that moment, Amelia's mom [stepped] up as a mother and took care of Amelia's inner child and said, "Listen, you weren't given what you needed at the time when you were forming your ability to attach. I was not there." There was an absence. In terms of psychology and attachment theory, Amelia went through some incredible trauma at a formative time -- she was 5 years old and she was sitting in that store and she witnessed her father murdered in front of her. After that, her mom -- from what she says in this episode and from what I established in my backstory on Private Practice -- her mom, because of her grief, wasn't able to mirror Amelia and be present for Amelia in the ways that would have helped her process that trauma. That trauma was guided in her body and in her amygdala [nerve tissue in the brain responsible for emotions, survival instincts and memory] and created this fight or flight response that wasn't cured. I think that she probably had a viron that was predisposed to addiction, but I absolutely think that the body attachment and the trauma that she witnessed at such a formative age was a big part of the road that her life ended up going down for a long time.

It's Amelia's strength that, despite all that trauma and broken attachment, she was able to overcome and go to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and create relationships and go to med school and start getting back to medicine and have friendships. Her mom was big enough to admit her part in that piece and still be available as a mother. It's a powerful story. Nobody does things perfectly, but when you're able to look at them and talk about them, and forgive them and yourself and others, that's a pretty good job that you're doing there.

We've met the other Shepherd sisters, Nancy and Lizzie, before, but it's pretty stunning that it took until season 15 for Kathleen to finally be introduced. What did it mean to be able to have a full picture of the Shepherd family with Amy Acker now in the mix? Amy Acker is such an incredible actress. She's so talented, she's so funny and as a person, she's so kind and lovely. I had a blast working with her. I hope that she comes back and plays with us more. Working with her and Tyne and Embeth was incredible, and I'm so happy to have a complete picture in my creative, imaginative mind about Amelia's family. We're also so lucky to work with Chris -- he's so great in the episode and so funny. It was just a wonderful time. And Bill D'Elia, who was the director, and Julie Wong, who was the writer; I just feel super lucky to have this experience.

You haven't shared a scene yet with Neve Campbell, who plays Lizzie.I know! She has to come back! (Laughs.)

Shifting gears, Amelia and Link's blossoming relationship has been a pleasant surprise. Did you see them coming as a couple? What is their long-term future? I didn't see it coming. It kind of a twist that Krista [Vernoff] came to me about, she was like, "We want to try this. You're going to go back to New York and he's going to be there." Chris Carmack is a super talented guy and so it's been fun to play with him. The chemistry is really good and there's been a lot of fun, comedic beats that we've been able to play, which has been a really refreshing turn for Amelia. A lot of what she's been going through were fun at times, but there was a lot of heaviness with the Betty storyline. This has been a little bit of a reprieve from that. In terms of long-term, I honestly don't know. We're doing some fun stuff, but I also think that "Omelia" is such a beautiful and rich relationship; Kevin [McKidd] and I love working together too. We're just trying to stay as present and open and as available for what flows through [the writers'] pens. Both relationships are really interesting and fun to play for me, so I'm trying to be in acceptance of whatever lands at my desk in the next script.

Amelia and Owen have been back and forth over the years; they're currently divorced, co-parenting baby Leo and at the same time, Owen is expecting a child with Teddy. Should we be closing the door on Amelia and Owen? What do you think their relationship status should be when it all comes down to it? I would never say they're over for good. They do have so much history and they've shared so much pain and they both have their wounds and they've witnessed each through those. At this point, it's extremely complicated and they've reached a bit of an impasse at this point in their lives. At least where it stands right now, they're taking a step back and taking a breath and trying to figure it out. They can't keep ramming their heads into this wall right now, but they're just so beautiful together and their bond is so deep that I think it would be impossible for them to being nothing. They're going to either be incredibly cordial to each other or one day, they'll find each other again. I don't know. But what I can tell you is, as actors, Kevin and I adore each other and we love working together, so [maybe the writers] decide they are buddies, co-parenting babies in this new, structured way. Or could they end up re-finding each other and end up living happily ever after?

[elisaminimeneghini]

Padova Serie A 2019

Because I haven’t updated my blog in a while, here’s the latest “news” about team Italy.

- Giorgia Villa injured her middle finger in Jesolo (I read in the papers that it was broken and needed a 3 week rest period) and also hurt her ankle in training (no idea about the extent, they made it sound like just a bump but you never know with them). This is why she “only” competed bars at the latest Serie A (hit and scored really well, the routine is just way too long and her form isn’t great nowadays). I think the plan is to send her to Euros regardless.

- Asia and Alice D’Amato both competed DLOs and DTYs. Asia still has consistency issues with her floor routine (hands down on one pass)

- Elisa Iorio competed her DTY again (usual low landing, I hope they didn’t rush her so they could count 3 DTYs despite Giorgia not competing sigh). She also upgraded bars which now features a badass Ricna - Pak - Maloney - Stalder half - Ezhova - Chow half (!!!) connection

- Desirée Carofiglio has her Dowell back and also went for a Nabieva on bars (it was pikey and she didn’t catch it, but I still love her endlessly).

- Carlotta Ferlito once again hit the hell out of her two events (BB and FX) confirming her rock-solid status.

- Martina Maggio competed AA again and brought back the 1.5 yurchenko on vault (knees were soft in flight).

- A few gymnasts went back competing after injuries/time off at the latest Serie A meet, among them Federica Macrì (legend), Maria Vittoria Cocciolo, and Giada Grisetti (did a yurchenko layout on VT and a watered down but solid UB).

- Universiade will be held in Naples, Italy, this year (July 3-7) which means Italy will likely send a team. To my knowledge, the gymnasts from the NT currently attending university are Lara Mori, Martina Rizzelli, and Carlotta Ferlito, so they are likely to be selected for this (and they would make a pretty decent and well-balanced team, considering Martina is a VT/UB person and Carlotta a BB/FX person).

[fanficparker]

My Home (Part 13)

Peter Parker x Reader

Part 13… Y/n Y/ln 

Word count: 1.27 k words

A/n: Tell me if you want to get added to the TAGLIST of My Home! For more parts see ‘MASTERLIST’ in my profile description! Taglist in the reblogged post. Tell me if you wanna get added :)

"Don't you ever do that again... without a lot of good practice first!"

With that, I started my training with Peter Parker a.k.a. the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. Our training would include one hour of meditation daily so that I enhance my control of the ring, two-hour combat practice per day, in which I ranked number one...............from the bottom.

"Come on Y/N, punch this wooden statue as hard as you can, become the Hulk and smash it..." Peter groaned in his super cute voice. Groaning isn't his call. "You wooden piece, you're gonna yell in pain!" I screamed as confidence rushed in my veins in the form of adrenaline. "HULK SMASH !!" I shouted, punching the wood piece.

"Aa... aa... Ouch......oau... "

Oh, that sound wasn't made by the wooden statue. I wished it really yelled in pain, but unfortunately, the one yelling in pain was me, jumping on my tiptoes, rubbing my red knuckles. "Hey, Hey are you okay?" Peter jumped in, soothing my hand. "I guess Hulk wasn't that angry today." I laughed at his super cute, protective nature.

Peter helped me with my flying skills, by making me support cables using his web, so that I don't die falling down. Flying was a lot better than punching skills.

Skills always get better with time and practice. And a good partner always makes the process easier and interesting... A partner likes Pete.

After 14 days of practice, I could say that I'm not that bad after all. We were sitting on the edge of the same building we sat the first time we met. He had his mask off and a small notebook in his hand with a pencil.

"Flight skills: check  Ring control: double check  Dodge skills: decent  Fighting skills: gross, sorry to say, but no scope for improvement.", he narrated while ticking or crossing off the check-boxes, like he was a professional trainer. What a dramatic boy... Shutting his notebook and keeping the pencil down, he faced me giving a weak smile. But I grabbed - more like snatched, both the notebook and the pencil turning it to the same 'result' page.

"Intelligence and observation level to expose the 'secret identity' of a 'dumbo' nerd in just the first week of encounter......Triple check." I concluded, scribbling in his notebook.

"Oh come on, we were already done with 'me being dumb and bad at keeping secrets' a long time ago." He said, sounding frustrated as he shook his head.

"Are we?" I said with narrowing eyes as I stood up and grabbed the pack of churros from the lunch he brought...

"Hey, that's mine." He hesitated, trying to snatch it from me, but you know what? he looks so cute when he's annoyed, so...

As I learned how to fly, I took a flight... "You can't catch me Spid-urr-Man!" I announced, giggling.

Thwip.

He tried to wet my feet, but I dodged it. "You said I was just doing 'decent' in dodge skills" I announced in a challenging tone, accompanied by chuckling as he was getting annoyed. He started shooting more webs, and I dodged them again. "I told you so... " I teased him.

Thwip...

And my feet got webbed.

Over-confidence..........sucks!

The sudden jerk provided by his web, made me lose my balance in the air making me fall......Fall on him.

He was lying on the floor with me on top of him, my hand still holding that brown paper bag of churros.

"You think this is funny...?!" he sniggered, facing me. "I think it was......Just look at your face!" I burst out, laughing at seeing him on the ground with his curls all messed up, fighting for churros like a little kid. "Oooh...! If that's what you find funny, then this is probably even funnier!" He said, grabbing both of my wrists, flipping me over, so he was lying on top of me. He instantly started tickling me.

Oh god! Why am I so ticklish?! I was laughing uncontrollably, and he was giggling at the sight, continuously tickling me. At one point he finally stopped tickling me, rather pinned my hands down.

"What do you think now? Was it funnier?", he tittered. But in the next moment, his face wasn't funny anymore, he had a serious, 'lost somewhere' kind of look as he stared into my eyes.

I noticed our position as I felt a knot forming in my stomach as his eyes were darting from my eyes to my lips. He was so close, I felt his breath hit my lips. It felt like the floor on which I was laying was burning, I could sense my palms getting sweaty.

I know he once said, Spider-Man liked me, but I didn't know he meant it this way. I thought he was just an innocent flirt. Was I imagining things? Or was he really leaning in? 4 years on Earth, the most crucial time of my teenage years were spent here, me busy in reading at least a thousand books just to understand this planet, me studying hard at school just to get the free scholarship, me tolerating my evil foster family, me trying my best to adjust myself to this planet. And now, I am here, with the person I never thought could become so important to me in my life, leaning in until our lips touched.

I won't say that it felt like firecrackers blasting inside my mouth, ... it rather felt like everything was paused, like time stopped. I dropped the bag of churros on the ground, my body appeared to be paralyzed.

His lips felt like drugs as I felt euphoric the very next moment, unable to resist my own lips to move in sync with his as soon as the feeling of being frozen got away. My hands automatically roamed to his neck, wrapping around his neck as his hands left my wrist and travelled to my back grabbing my waist, pulling me closer. The kiss made me feel like I was craving it for so long, not even realizing it.

Was I in love with him, but just didn't realize it up until now?

But it's wrong! I haven't told him the whole truth about me yet! I can't cheat the person who cares for me more than anyone else, who loves me! It's absolutely wrong! I can't cheat him, by just telling him half the truth about myself or rather half a lie!

I pulled away, unwrapping my hands from his neck, signalling him to get up which he did. An awkward silence, more of a 'tension', surrounded the environment.

"I-I-I.... got some work..." I stammered at my words, trying to escape the awkwardness.

I was blessed I knew how to fly now, and I left without even waiting for him to say anything. Because I know that what just happened, shouldn't be happening! I am keeping him in shadows. I wished I could tell him the complete truth, but I don't wanna lose him. And I am sure he would hate me from the exact moment the truth gets revealed to him. And I could sense that the day is near.

(TBC) (Sub-plot on it’s way...) (Feedback is most welcome..)

Taglist in the reblogged post. Tell me if you wanna get added :)

[randomrainman]

corporate america and the legal scam of nonrefundable airline tickets

Nonrefundable airfares are a bona fide, yet entirely goddamn legal, scam.  You might ask, “What would prompt you to say that?”  Well, let me explain.

A few weeks back, I was summoned to take photos at my good friend Anthony Birchak’s MMA fight with the Combate Americas promotion on October 11 in Tucson, and I required a flight ticket.  The only carrier that services my current location of Wichita Falls, Texas, is American Airlines, and the cheapest rates thereof were through American Airlines’ website.  On September 21, I booked a round-trip ticket from October 7 to the 15th.

In July, I flew to Phoenix to photograph a previous bout of Tony’s with the Legacy Fighting Alliance.  Of course, he won.  He doesn’t have a choice but to win if I’m there.

Pictured: Tony doing the aforementioned winning thing against Raphael Montini at LFA 72.

During my time there, I spent time exploring the Phoenix area, and visited and trained at numerous fight gyms, including the renowned Fight Ready in Scottsdale.  I had initially planned to stay in Phoenix for 4 days, enough to cover all of the events leading up to the fight, but soon realised that four days was not nearly enough time for me to maximise my productivity and to expand my network.

Thus, I spent a few more dollars and delayed my departure for two more days.  It paid off in a big way, and I even found time to train at Tony’s 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu gym in Tucson.

Fast-forward to the present: after some deliberation and some checks on the ol’ bank account, I quickly became cognizant of the fact that I need to be bit more conservative with my funds.  Through American Airlines’ website, I shifted the flight dates to October 10-15 (for a minuscule fee, of course) in order to cut down on hotel and car rental fees.  However, after even more thinking, I considered the situation in Phoenix and arrived at the conclusion that perhaps five days was still a bit too short, despite financial considerations.

I deferred to Tony for an assessment of how long would most productive.  From this discussion, a period from October 10 to October 20 was decided. This conclusion led me to ascertain that cutting the flight and rental fees entirely would save me a few hundred extra duckets (or so I thought).

I would just drive 12 long hours to Tucson instead.

During my ticket purchase, I saw nothing concerning refund policy, and as a result, I thought it in my best interest to cancel the ticket in an attempt to receive a refund.  I had even purchased “flight insurance” through American Airlines affiliate Allianz to shield myself from any potential changes. I noticed a bit about nonrefundable tickets on some subsequent pages during the cancellation process, but I assumed that since it was relatively close to the date of purchase and well in advance of the flight, I had a significant chance at getting my money back.

You know what they say about people who assume? Yeah, they get effed in the AA.

Pictured: Shitting fuck.

It took them eight fucking days to produce this less-than-favourable response to my inquiry.  I also received this lovely message after attempting to reach Customer Relations:

Well, not only was I not going to get any of my money back, but I was not going to make any headway anywhere else ... despite the fact that they clearly already decided to not give me my motherfucking money.  Thankfully, they were so nice as to provide Allianz’ customer service phone number in the rejection letter so I didn’t have to scour the internet for it.  Whoopee.

I called, and the heavily accented Allianz representative on the other end parroted the exact same policy as the airline regarding refunds.  Effectively, I had to be a corpse, someone else had to be a corpse, or myself or someone else had to be well on their way to becoming a corpse in order for me to get my money back.  Either that, or the airline itself would have had to have fucked up in a big way.  (Perhaps I should I have told them I was dead, and they would have been scared into depositing money into my bank account.)

In response to this disappointing correspondence, I issued a scathing email to American detailing my debacle.  In the message, I demanded either a refund or the option to change my flight ticket to something more feasible without exorbitant change fees (hell, if I wasn’t going to get my money back, then at least let me use the damn money for something else).

I got the following response:

Pictured: “goodwill”

I called the number provided in the latest email for rebooking flights. The representative explained to me that, since I requested a refund, my flight was locked in the Refunds Department’s coffers, and that I would have to contact them during business hours to get it released.  Only then would I be able to initiate the process of changing my flight information to suit my needs.

The final correspondence itself illustrates the problem.  In carefully worded “corporatese”, the Customer Relations rep explains that different types of tickets are offered “for [their] customers’ convenience” and that fully refundable tickets with more “flexibility” are offered at higher rates (though they fail to mention just how much more expensive said refundable tickets are, which is a lot more).  The latter portion of that paragraph is the truly damning bit.

“We also offer lower fares for our budget conscious [sic] passengers. These fares are offered at a lower price[.] [H]owever[,] they are nonrefundable and have a charge associated with any change.”

What does that mean, really?  In short, if you have lots of money to throw around (and are aware of the refundable status of the flight, which is not always clearly delineated), then you have no worries, and the airline also profits massively from your extra investment.  If you’re budget-conscious (like the vast majority of airline passengers), you’re completely fucked if you don’t cancel your booking within 24 hours or if you don’t have a dire emergency (yes, they demand paperwork).  As a result, the carrier essentially gets free money, and you will get charged for changes.

Nonrefundable tickets are legal motherfucking robbery.

Honestly, I can understand change and cancellation fees (the airline does have to book you, after all), but the fact that the carrier can legally retain the entirety of your purchase without providing you actual flight service is deplorable and should not be allowed to exist.  This is only one thing: for example, if flying with American and you have a checked bag, like most people do, your bag fare shoots from a mere $30 to a full C-note if it reaches 51 pounds.

And that, my friends, is the problem with corporate America in a nutshell.  In many corporations in America, from airliners to insurance companies and other types of creditors, practices predatory to the populace are allowed, and worse, encouraged.  Everything, to include a person’s life, has a price tag.  While I understand that the very point of having a business is to obtain profit, ethically speaking, your business should not seek to prey on people, especially those who are already at a disadvantage.

Ordinarily, I would encourage these people to fix their shit, but it won’t happen, since it’s legal and it’s rewarded.  The show will go on.

|the kid|