#delta airlines direct flights

[bookbookflightflight]

We offer a seamless booking experience for #DeltaAirlines, ensuring you can effortlessly secure cheap #DeltaAirlinestickets. With our user-friendly platform, you can conveniently browse flight options, access real-time prices, and make quick reservations. Book Delta Airlines hassle-free with Travtask today and embark on your next adventure with confidence!

[indian-eagle]

As airlines continue to enhance their connectivity, Delta has received a special request Find out if Delta Airlines direct flights to Hyderabad from Atlanta may soon become a reality

[phonemantra-blog]

The Journey from Houston to Phoenix: A Guide to Unveiling the Wonders of the Southwest Embark on an unforgettable journey from Houston to Phoenix and uncover the wonders of the Southwest. This scenic route will take you through breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities, offering a diverse range of experiences along the way. From the vibrant culture of Houston to the stunning red rock formations of Sedona, and the natural wonders of Big Bend National Park and Carlsbad Caverns, this road trip is filled with adventure and discovery. [caption id="attachment_63195" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Houston to phoenix[/caption] Planning Your Trip Before setting off on your journey, it's important to plan and prepare. Consider the best time to travel, taking into account weather conditions and any specific events or festivals you may want to experience. The Southwest can get extremely hot during the summer months, so spring and fall are generally ideal for a comfortable trip. When it comes to transportation, you have several options. Driving allows for flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The journey from Houston to Phoenix takes approximately 17-19 hours, depending on the route and stops you make along the way. If you prefer not to drive the entire distance, you can also fly into either city and rent a car for the road trip portion. As for accommodations, there are plenty of options along the route, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Budgeting for meals and activities will depend on your preferences, but it's a good idea to allocate funds for dining out at local restaurants and experiencing the various attractions. Houston: The Starting Point Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. Before hitting the road, take some time to explore the city's unique attractions. Space Center Houston is a must-visit for space enthusiasts, offering a fascinating look into NASA's history and space exploration. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and even get a chance to see real spacecraft. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is another gem, housing an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and ancient artifacts. Don't miss the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where you can walk through a lush rainforest and observe hundreds of colorful butterflies up close. For outdoor enthusiasts, Buffalo Bayou Park is a perfect spot to enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the park's trails, rent a kayak or paddleboard, and admire the stunning views of downtown Houston. If you appreciate art, make sure to visit The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. With its extensive collection of artworks from around the world, including pieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso, it's a true cultural treasure. Before leaving Houston, consider a visit to the Houston Zoo. Home to over 6,000 animals, including elephants, giraffes, and big cats, the zoo offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Heading West: The Road Trip Begins As you leave Houston behind, get ready to embark on a scenic road trip that will take you through the heart of Texas and into the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. Your first stop is the historic city of San Antonio, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Take some time to explore the famous Alamo, where you can learn about the legendary battle that took place here. Stroll along the charming River Walk, lined with restaurants, shops, and picturesque views of the San Antonio River. Indulge in delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this captivating city. Continuing west, you'll soon find yourself in the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park. This vast wilderness offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to birdwatching and stargazing. Explore the towering canyons, winding rivers, and desert landscapes that make this park truly awe-inspiring. Next, venture into New Mexico and visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Descend into the depths of the earth and marvel at the stunning underground formations, including the famous Big Room. Take a guided tour or explore the caverns at your own pace, and be sure to witness the unforgettable sight of the bats emerging from the caves at dusk. As you approach the end of your journey through New Mexico, make a stop at White Sands National Park. Step into a surreal world of endless white dunes, where you can go sledding, take a scenic drive, or simply bask in the beauty of this unique desert landscape. The Enchanting Southwest: Arizona Awaits Welcome to Arizona, a land of enchantment and natural wonders. Before reaching Phoenix, there are a few destinations you must explore. Begin with Sedona, famous for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy. Take a hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Red Rock State Park or embark on a jeep tour to truly appreciate the beauty of this unique region. Continue your journey to Flagstaff, the gateway to the Grand Canyon. This charming mountain town offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. Visit the Lowell Observatory to gaze at the stars or take a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon, known for its breathtaking views. Make a stop at Meteor Crater, a natural wonder created by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Explore the visitor center and learn about the fascinating history and science behind this impressive crater. Before reaching Phoenix, don't miss the opportunity to visit Petrified Forest National Park. Walk among ancient petrified trees that have turned to stone over millions of years. Marvel at the vibrant colors and intricate patterns preserved in the petrified wood, and discover the rich history of the Native American tribes who once called this area home. Finally, arrive in Phoenix, the vibrant heart of Arizona. Explore the city's thriving arts and culture scene, indulge in delicious Southwestern cuisine, and take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities available. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, hike in the nearby Camelback Mountain, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy the warm Arizona sun. Your journey from Houston to Phoenix is a remarkable adventure through the wonders of the Southwest. From the vibrant city life of Houston to the breathtaking landscapes of Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns, and the Grand Canyon, this road trip offers a diverse range of experiences and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of San Antonio, witness the surreal landscapes of White Sands, and explore the spiritual energy of Sedona. Arizona's enchanting destinations, such as Flagstaff and Petrified Forest National Park, will leave you in awe. As you arrive in Phoenix, take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories you've created along the way. The Southwest has revealed its wonders to you, and now it's time to share your own stories and inspire others to embark on their unforgettable journey through this captivating region.

[usafphantom2]

XB-70 Valkyrie

XB-70 Valkyrie in Cruise Configuration

The No. 1 XB-70A (62-0001) is viewed from above in cruise configuration with the wing tips drooped for improved controllability.

The XB-70 Valkyrie, with a planned cruise speed of Mach 3 and operating altitude of 70,000 feet, was to be the ultimate high-altitude, high-speed manned strategic bomber. Events, however, would cause it to play a far different role in the history of aviation.

To achieve Mach 3 performance, the XB-70 was designed to “ride” its own shock wave, much as a surfer rides an ocean wave. The resulting shape used a delta wing on a slab-sided fuselage that contained the six jet engines that powered the aircraft. The outer wing panels were hinged. During take off, landing, and subsonic flight, they remained in the horizontal position. This feature increased the amount of lift produced, improving the lift-to-drag ratio. Once the aircraft was supersonic, the wing panels would be hinged downward. Changing the position of the wing panels reduced the drag caused by the wingtips interacted with the inlet shock wave. The repositioned wingtips also reduced the area behind the airplane’s center of gravity, which reduced trim drag. The downturned outer panels also provided more vertical surface to improve directional stability at high Mach numbers. Attached to the delta was a long, thin forward fuselage. Behind the cockpit were two large canards, which acted as control surfaces.

XB-70: World's Largest Experimental Aircraft in the 1960s.

The figure standing on the ramp provides a size comparison with the XB-70A aircraft.

As impressive a technological feat as the XB-70 represented, the aircraft was under development at a time when the future of the manned bomber was uncertain. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, many believed that manned aircraft were obsolete, and the future belonged to missiles. As a result, the Kennedy Administration ended plans to deploy the B-70. Two experimental XB-70A prototypes were under construction at North American Aviation when the program was canceled.

At the same time there was growing interest in an American supersonic transport (SST). Jet airliners had cut flight times by more than half in comparison to propeller-powered aircraft. A Mach 2 or 3 SST would make a similar improvement over the new subsonic jet airliners. The Flight Research Center (FRC-now the Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA.) had several SST studies underway during the early 1960s. NASA’s Douglas F5D-1 was used for landing studies, a North American F-100C was modified to simulate SST handling qualities, a North American A-5A was used to simulate an SST for tests of the air traffic control system, and a Lockheed JetStar was modified as an in-flight SST simulator.

On the Ramp: XB-70

The XB-70A is shown parked on a ramp at Edwards, California, in 1967.

The XB-70 Valkyrie seemed to be a perfect testbed for SST research. It was the same size as the projected SST designs, and used similar structural materials, such as brazed stainless steel honeycomb and titanium. Thus, the XB-70A’s role changed from a manned bomber prototype to one of the most remarkable research aircraft ever flown.

The XB-70A number 1 (62-001) made its first flight from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base, CA, on Sept. 21, 1964. Tests of the XB-70’s airworthiness occurred throughout 1964 and 1965 by North American and Air Force test pilots. The Flight Research Center prepared its instrument package. Although intended to cruise at Mach 3, the first XB-70 was found to have poor directional stability above Mach 2.5, and only made a single flight above Mach 3. Despite the problems, the early flights provided data on a number of issues facing SST designers. These included aircraft noise, operational problems, control system design, comparison of wind tunnel predictions with actual flight data, and high-altitude, clear-air turbulence.

NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, wind-tunnel studies led engineers at North American Aviation in Downey, CA, to build the second XB-70A (62-207) with an added 5 degrees of dihedral on the wings. This aircraft made its first flight on July 17, 1965. The changes resulted in much better handling, and the second XB-70 achieved Mach 3 for the first time on Jan. 3, 1966. The aircraft made a total of nine Mach 3 flights by June.

At the same time, a joint agreement was signed between NASA and the Air Force to use the second XB-70A prototype for high-speed research flights in support of the SST program, selected due to its better aerodynamics, inlet controls, and a much superior instrument package, compared to the first aircraft. The NASA research flights were to begin in mid-June, once the North American Aviation Phase I tests of the vehicle’s airworthiness were completed. NASA research pilot Joe Walker was selected as the project pilot. The flights were to evaluate the aircraft on typical SST flight profiles, and to study the problems of sonic booms on overland flights.

These plans went awry on June 8, 1966, when the second XB-70 crashed following a midair collision with NASA’s F-104N chase plane. Joe Walker, F-104N pilot, died in the accident. North American test pilot Al White ejected from the XB-70 in his escape capsule, but received serious injuries in the process. Co-pilot Maj. Carl Cross, who was making his first flight in the XB-70, was unable to eject and died in the crash.

The deaths of Walker and Cross, and the destruction of the second XB-70 had major consequences for the research program. The second XB-70 had been selected for the Phase II tests, which were to be conducted jointly by NASA and the Air Force. With this aircraft now destroyed, only the first aircraft was available. Given the aircraft’s shortcomings, the Air Force began to doubt that it would be able to meet the Phase II test goals.

The first XB-70 was undergoing maintenance and modifications at the time of the accident to its sister ship. It did not fly again until Nov. 3, 1966. Col. Joe Cotton piloted it, while NASA research pilot Fitzhugh Fulton served as co-pilot. The flight reached a top speed of Mach 2.1. Between November 1966 and the end of January 1967, a total of 11 joint Air Force/NASA research flights occurred. Cotton, Fulton, and Van H. Shepard of North American Aviation were crewmen on these flights. A top speed of Mach 2.57 was the highest attained during the remainder of the XB-70 program.

These flights were made as part of the National Sonic Boom Program. The XB-70 flew at differing altitudes, Mach numbers, and weights over an instrumented test range at Edwards. The “boom carpet” area was determined and the overpressure measured on two specially constructed housing units. The tests showed that a large aircraft, such as the XB-70 or the projected SST, could generate overpressures high enough to cause damage. Moreover, when the XB-70 made a turn, its shock waves converged, and often doubled the overpressure on the ground.

Following these tests, the XB-70 was grounded for maintenance that lasted 2 1/2 months. The Air Force had concluded by that point that the XB-70 program should be turned over to NASA as soon as possible. FRC director Paul Bikle and Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) commander Maj. Gen. Hugh Manson created a joint FRC/AFFTC XB-70 operating committee on March 15, 1967. This was patterned on similar committees established for the X-15 and lifting bodies. The NASA XB-70 program continued to receive Air Force assistance, in terms of aircraft support and Air Force test pilots.

The first NASA XB-70 flight occurred on April 25, 1967, by Fulton and Cotton. By the end of March 1968, another 12 research flights had been completed. The pilots included Fulton, Cotton, and Shepard, as well as Lt. Col. Emil Sturmthal and NASA research pilot Don Mallick. The flights acquired data to correlate with an Ames ground-based SST simulator and the JetStar in-flight SST simulator at FRC. Other XB-70 research goals were to measure its structural response to turbulence; determine the aircraft’s handling qualities during landings; and investigate boundary layer noise, inlet performance, and structural dynamics, including fuselage bending and canard flight loads.

The XB-70 underwent modifications after a final flight on March 21, 1968. During research flights, the XB-70 pilots had frequently experienced trim changes and buffeting during high-speed, high-altitude flights. These resulted from clear-air turbulence and rapidly changing atmospheric temperatures. For a specialized research aircraft, these characteristics were little more than annoying; on a commercial SST, however, they would be uncomfortable for the passengers, increase the pilots’ workload, and shorten the structural fatigue life of the SST.

XB-70A Rolls Out After Landing

The XB-70A No. 1 is shown rolling out after landing, employing drag chutes to slow down.

The XB-70 was fitted with two small vanes for the Identically Located Acceleration and Force (ILAF) experiment. The vanes rotated 12 degrees at a rate of up to 8 cycles per second. This induced a structural vibration in the XB-70 at a known frequency and amplitude. The XB-70’s accelerometers detected the disturbances, then signaled the aircraft’s stability augmentation system to damp out the motion. When XB-70 research flights resumed on June 11, 1968, the ILAF proved its ability to reduce the effects of turbulence and atmospheric temperature changes.

Despite the accomplishments of the XB-70, time was running out for the research program. NASA had reached an agreement with the Air Force to fly research missions with a pair of YF-12As and a “YF-12C,” which was actually an SR-71. These represented a far more advanced technology than that of the XB-70. In all, the two XB-70s had logged 1 hour and 48 minutes of Mach 3 flight time. A YF-12 could log this much Mach 3 time in a single flight.

The final XB-70 research flight occurred on Feb. 4, 1969. Fulton and Sturmthal made a subsonic structural dynamics test and ferry flight. The XB-70 took off from Edwards and flew to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, where the aircraft was put on display at the Air Force Museum. The first XB-70 made 83 flights totaling 160 hours and 16 minutes, while the second XB-70 logged 46 flights in its brief life, totaling 92 hours and 22 minutes.

@kadonkey via X

[mariacallous]

From wildfires in Canada to flooding in India, people across the world are dealing with the realities of climate change. The world recorded its highest temperatures ever this summer and the climate models for 2100 make sobering reading.

To tackle climate change we need a data-driven approach, using technology to help decarbonize the sectors that contribute to it. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to climate change in the US and Europe. Simply put, travel is in need of a long-overdue update. The good news is that, in 2024, we will kickstart that much needed moment for green mobility.

The International Energy Agency estimates 55 percent of the reductions needed to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 are linked to everyday consumer choices, particularly driving.

Over two-thirds of consumers cite the lack of electric charging stations as the biggest barrier to buying electric vehicles (EVs). However, new legislation, such as the European Green Deal and universal EV charging standards in the US, will help to put new chargers on the road.

The infrastructure is growing, but the information is still catching up. That’s why, to empower drivers with the information they need, Google has updated its Search experience to make it easier to research the costs and incentives associated with EVs. Google Maps also shows nearby EV chargers and offers eco-friendly routing—providing directions optimized for fuel or battery efficiency. In 2024, drivers will not only be able to more easily purchase an electric vehicle, they will be able to more easily charge them. The theory is simple: When billions of people have the tools to make more informed decisions, meaningful change is possible.

The impact of individuals grows exponentially when coupled with systemic investments by government officials and business leaders. We all know the feeling of impatience when waiting for the light to turn green. It’s not just an inconvenience, it’s bad for the environment—US Department of Energy data suggests that eliminating idling vehicles is equivalent to taking 5 million cars off American roads. In partnership with local governments, Google (where I am the chief sustainability officer) recently expanded Project Green Light—which leverages AI to improve traffic light efficiency—to 12 cities around the world. Early results show there’s potential to reduce the number of vehicle stops by up to 30 percent, lowering emissions for up to 30 million car trips monthly. Yet, we cannot focus exclusively on cars—providing sustainable public transport is also vital. Nowhere is the value clearer than in Japan, a leader in high-speed rail. One passenger traveling between Tokyo and Osaka emits 4.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide—one-twelfth the emissions of a passenger on a Tokyo-Osaka flight. That's why it's so important for people to have information on alternative, climate-friendly modes of transport at their fingertips—including comparable train routes, biking, and walking suggestions. This also illustrates the potential impact of projects like the Brightline train, designed to connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas by electric, high-speed rail.

Along with opportunities on roads and rails, in 2024 we will make progress on our skies. Aviation is responsible for 3.5 percent of global warming—35 percent of which is non-emissions related. The culprit? Contrails—the feathery white trails created by airplanes. They may look harmless, but they trap heat inside the Earth’s atmosphere. Using AI-based technology, Google partnered with American Airlines and Breakthrough Energy to reduce contrails by 54 percent—achieving the first proof point of verifiable and cost-effective contrail avoidance. Delta Airlines, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and others are also working to tackle the issue. In 2024, clean mobility will move closer to the norm across transportation, not the exception.

[grispy]

The Concorde:

The Concorde is my all time favourite aeroplane and for several good reasons. In this post I'll explore a few of the reasons why I find the Concorde to be so fascinating, try to explain at a simple level why these mechanisms/features work the way they do and why the Concorde lived out a tragic early retirement.

Context:

The Concorde was designed to be the first commercial passenger aeroplane to reach supersonic speeds (speeds faster than sound ≈ 340 m/s). The plane would go on to revolutionise flight times, cutting London to New York flight times from 7 hours 40 minutes down to 3 hours 20 minutes!

Naturally, you'd question how on earth you halve the average flight time, and Ill walk through the many reasons why the Concorde was THE MOST ahead of its time out of any plane in terms of its excellent engineering.

The engineering behind Concorde:

Ill split this into sections as there is ALOT that went into the design of this plane. As a preface, the Concorde was not designed based off of a typical commercial airliner, but off of a military plane, specifically the Avro Vulcan bomber plane.

The Vulcan wasn't actually supersonic itself yet it provided a greatly aerodynamic base for the Concorde to become supersonic.

The Thrusters:

The most notable improvements can be seen through the thrusters. The engine is actually a hybrid of both a turbojet at low speeds and then a ramjet at higher speeds. Once the plane reaches supersonic speeds, the airflow to the nozzles needs to be compressed down to subsonic air as supersonic shockwaves destroyed efficiency and function.

It is important to understand Bernoulli's principle to see why these thrusters work. Bernoulli's principal essentially says: "a fluid flowing from a high pressure region to a low pressure region will accelerate due to the net force along the direction of motion". This is useful as you can increase the flow velocity of a fluid by funelling it through a converging nozzle which creates a greater thrust. Basically, smaller area = higher air speed.

However, this only holds true for subsonic fluids (below the speed of sound). When a fluid becomes supersonic, the OPPOSITE is true such that a diverging outlet will cause the fluid to have a higher velocity.

First, the subsonic air is compressed as it enters the the converging "throat", mixed with fuel and then ignited. The nozzles are converging-diverging which means they converge and then diverge. After the airflow has been sufficiently compressed, it then diverges in the outlet so that it speeds up as it leaves the thrusters for maximum thrust output.

Essentially, the air is slowed down for the Olympus engine's manageability, accelerated to above mach 1 (speed of sound) by mixing it with fuel and burning it and then sped up using a diverging nozzle. It is important to note that at different stages of flight, the nozzle can change shape but im focussing on the "supersonic cruising speed" frame of time as it is the most unique in my opinion.

This process inside the ramjets improved the thrust from 49 Kilo-Newtons all the way up to 169 Kilo-Newtons!

The Wings:

The wings are in a "delta-wing" configuration which is a low aspect ratio (short) swept back look.

The first thing to note about the delta wings is that they are triangular in structure rather than just straight wings angled backwards. This structure distributes the stresses on the wing evenly which is necessary for the insane requirements during supersonic flight.

This shape also generates wing tip vortices along the leading edge at high angles of attack (angles the wind hits them). This creates a passively improved lift at lower speeds which is massively helpful as the delta-wing configuration struggles with liftoff.

Additionally, the decreased aspect ratio means there is a reduced cross section in both the horizontal and vertical planes which reduces the overall drag.

At cruising speeds of around Mach 2, the low aspect ratio means that there is a low moment of inertia. This means the plane can pitch and roll very easily allowing for great manoeuvrability.

However, where the delta-wing falls short is at lower speeds, specifically during takeoff and landing. Because delta wings have a lower cross sectional area, they have less lift and this means that landings will generally happen at higher speeds putting more demand on the pilots capability. The way to combat this was to have a higher angle of attack which in turn increased the area that the wind collided with to provide a greater lift and drag force.

The Droop Snoot:

The Concorde is well recognised for its peculiar droop snoot. Despite the funny look, the design is crucial for the functionality of the plane.

As mentioned previously, the landing requires a high angle of attack which drastically reduces pilot visibility if the cockpit is facing directly straight. HOWEVER, the drooping snoot is a gamechanger for these high angles of attack as it maintains great visibility. Rather than permanently being adjusted downwards, the snoot is mechanised to adjust by 12.5 degrees during landing. This is important as having the drooping snoot at all times would drastically impact the drag at supersonic speeds as it would mean an increase in cross sectional area.

Fuel Distribution System:

The fuel distribution system is a covert part of concorde and probably the most overlooked feature. As the plane accelerated to Mach 2, the centre of lift shifted slightly aft (to the rear of the plane). As the lift force moves further to the back of the plane, a greater torque is generated about the centre of the plane causing it to pitch downwards unnecissarily.

To avoid this, the fuelling distribution is manipulated such that the centre of gravity moves with the centre of lift to maintain stability relative to the centre of gravity.

There are 3 sections which work in tandem. The red sections are direct feed tanks which "feed" the Olympus engines fuel. The other 2 tanks serve a similar function in distribution of fuel and supplying the feed tanks with enough fuel to keep the engines functioning.

Why was Concorde a failure?

After hearing all that you must be wondering why on earth Concorde ended up never returning. It boils down to two main reasons: It was an economic failure and because of the crash of AFF 4950.

Economic Failure:

The plane was INCREDIBLY expensive to run. The oil costs for a supersonic plane were no joke especially as the price of oil in the 1970s begun to surge due to the energy crisis.

Additionally, the plane was narrowed down to a few routes which were profitable such as those across the atlantic ocean. This meant that there weren't very many people who needed this service and naturally the funding of concorde was limited.

The Crash:

The fatal crash of Air France Flight 4590 in the year 2000 seriously damaged Concorde's reputation for safety, leading to the eventual grounding of all Concorde flights. Together, these factors led to its retirement, despite its iconic status and engineering achievement.

Overall, many still regard the Concorde as one of the most impressive feats of aerospace engineering for its time, landing it a soft spot in my own and many others' hearts.

[funeraryrobe]

"Some of the reactions they were having were really horrendous. So it usually started with things like rashes and breathing problems, swollen eyes, brain fog, and then it would start progressing to more serious effects, like losing their hair. Some of them had their bathtubs or their bras or even their pearl earrings stained with this special purple dye. So it got worse as it went along. But a lot of them, it took them many, many months to make that connection."

"Synthetic fabrics do tend to be riskier when it comes to some of these hazardous chemicals or some of these finishes that can cause reactions. But cotton and other natural fibers can also be coated in performance chemicals or be contaminated with some of these pesticides, fungicides or just other contaminants that can be in the chemical substances themselves that are used in the factories. So it's not a hard and fast rule, no. But I do recommend, and this is both from my research and the lived experiences of people who have sensitive skin or chronic illness, that people do try to wear natural fibers whenever possible as one way to decrease their exposure."

"I have not seen a good example of public education or outrage sending the fashion industry in the correct direction. I think a lot of consumers, most consumers, are aware that there are terrible things happening in our supply chain. And one of the only reasons that Nike, for example, started overhauling its supply chain to get rid of child labor was because its employees started failing the cocktail party test, which is, can you walk into a cocktail party, tell people what you do and not have them cringe a little bit? And especially for a company like Shein, which is based in China, that's definitely not going to happen."

"MOSLEY: OK. So another one is to avoid performance materials like spandex and workout gear.

WICKER: If it promises to be anti-odor, wrinkle free, easy care, stain resistant, water resistant, all of those things are usually achieved with synthetic finishes that are known to be toxic."

[vip-hotel-flights]

Hey fellow travel enthusiasts!

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What is VIP Hotel Flights?

VIP Hotel Flights is a game-changer in the travel industry, offering direct upgrades for hotel, airline, and car rental memberships at significantly reduced costs. Imagine enjoying elite status perks without having to complete endless stays, flights, or rentals. Sounds too good to be true? Well, let me walk you through the specifics.

The Magic Behind VIP Hotel Flights

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[brookstonalmanac]

Events 10.29 (after 1950)

1953 – BCPA Flight 304 DC-6 crashes near San Francisco. 1955 – The Soviet battleship Novorossiysk strikes a World War II mine in the harbor at Sevastopol. 1956 – Suez Crisis begins: Israeli forces invade the Sinai Peninsula and push Egyptian forces back toward the Suez Canal. 1957 – Israel's prime minister David Ben-Gurion and five of his ministers are injured when Moshe Dwek throws a grenade into the Knesset. 1960 – An airplane carrying the Cal Poly football team crashes on takeoff in Toledo, Ohio. 1964 – The United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar is renamed to the United Republic of Tanzania. 1964 – Biggest jewel heist; involving the Star of India (gem) in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City by Murph the Surf and gang. 1967 – Montreal's World Fair, Expo 67, closes with over 50 million visitors. 1969 – The first-ever computer-to-computer link is established on ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet. 1972 – The three surviving perpetrators of the Munich massacre are released from prison in exchange for the hostages of the hijacked Lufthansa Flight 615. 1980 – Demonstration flight of a secretly modified C-130 for an Iran hostage crisis rescue attempt ends in a crash landing at Eglin Air Force Base's Duke Field, Florida, leading to the cancellation of Operation Credible Sport. 1985 – Major General Samuel K. Doe is announced as the winner of the first multi-party election in Liberia. 1986 – British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher opens the last stretch of the M25 motorway. 1991 – The American Galileo spacecraft makes its closest approach to 951 Gaspra, becoming the first probe to visit an asteroid. 1994 – Francisco Martin Duran fires over two dozen shots at the White House; he is later convicted of trying to kill U.S. President Bill Clinton. 1998 – In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presents its report, which condemns both sides for committing atrocities. 1998 – Space Shuttle Discovery blasts off on STS-95 with 77-year-old John Glenn on board, making him the oldest person to go into space at that time. 1998 – ATSC HDTV broadcasting in the United States is inaugurated with the launch of the STS-95 space shuttle mission. 1998 – While en route from Adana to Ankara, a Turkish Airlines flight with a crew of six and 33 passengers is hijacked by a Kurdish militant who orders the pilot to fly to Switzerland. The plane instead lands in Ankara after the pilot tricked the hijacker into thinking that he is landing in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia to refuel. 1998 – Hurricane Mitch, the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in history, makes landfall in Honduras. 1998 – The Gothenburg discothèque fire in Sweden kills 63 and injures 200. 1999 – A large cyclone devastates Odisha, India. 2002 – A fire destroys a luxurious department store in Ho Chi Minh City, where 1,500 people are shopping. More than 60 people die and over 100 are unaccounted for in the deadliest peacetime disaster in Vietnam. 2004 – The Arabic-language news network Al Jazeera broadcasts an excerpt from a 2004 Osama bin Laden video in which the terrorist leader first admits direct responsibility for the September 11, 2001 attacks and references the 2004 U.S. presidential election. 2005 – Bombings in Delhi, India kill more than 60. 2008 – Delta Air Lines merges with Northwest Airlines, creating the world's largest airline and reducing the number of US legacy carriers to five. 2008 – A pair of deadly earthquakes hits Baluchistan, Pakistan, killing 215. 2012 – Hurricane Sandy hits the east coast of the United States, killing 148 directly and 138 indirectly, while leaving nearly $70 billion in damages and causing major power outages. 2014 – A mud slide; the 2014 Badulla landslide, in south-central Sri Lanka, kills at least 16 people, and leaves hundreds of people missing. 2015 – China announces the end of its one-child policy after 35 years. 2018 – A Boeing 737 MAX plane crashes after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia killing 189 people on board.

[sparklediva22]

More Vacay Hacks!

Welp, it's been another crazy week. BUT! I am here with more vacay hacks to improve the cost of traveling the world!

Ever heard of Google Flights?

I hadn't until I started reading the fine print on Going.com. I am quite fond of their services. However, if I can save even more, I absolutely will. When you have a moment, go check out Google Flights. The tickets are decently priced, some trips better than others, but the price for a plan ticket isn't as outrageous as it would be if you went direct through say Delta or American Airlines.

On another note, when was the last time you did something special for yourself? I think it's high time you splurged and took yourself somewhere special. See what's out there for deals and go! As for me, I'm saving up to go somewhere spectacular. Say Italy? I'm off across the globe in December! And I'm planning more trips in the mean time. More vacay hacks to follow! In the meantime, let your light shine!

<3

SD22

#GoogleFlights #Going.com #VacationHacks #Wanderlust #secrets

[lexi-maurer-adventures]

The Trip to South Korea!

Wow, I can hardly believe it’s already nearly been a month... wild. Anyway! I’ve got quite a bit to share, starting with how my trip to the country went. So buckle up, because it was quite the ride and there’s a lot to tell!

As y’all already know, my dad worked for Delta airlines for a long time and thanks to his employment there we got to partake in certain flight benefits. Although I got to fly free as a kid, I can still fly for quite cheap thanks to him. The catch though is I fly standby, which means I only get on the plane if there’s an extra seat AND I’m high enough on the waiting list. 

Well, despite the difficulties that I knew flying standby can have, I still wanted to give it a shot for my flight to Korea in February. I bought my cheap yield fare ticket (only $200!!) and my dad watched the flights to see how my chances were looking. Things seemed to be promising up until the week before my flight, but then one of the planes that makes the *nonstop* flight from Atlanta to Incheon BROKE DOWN and caused two departing and return flights to be canceled. Needless to say, the flights for the next week were packed, and despite my parents taking me to the airport for the 12:05am flight two nights in a row, not a single person on the waiting list could get on (I was over halfway down the list to make it worse). 

My parents and I were teetering at our wit’s end, and in a rushed decision decided to buy a positive seat ticket on a different airline with a short layover in Texas (the nonstop flight had doubled in price since just two days prior). Well, the Lord’s providence became so evident as the rest of my trip fell into place. Finally I was able to leave the airport on the plane instead of returning home, and my journey had begun!

The flight from Atlanta to Dallas was only about 2 hours, but then the flight from Dallas to Incheon was 15 hours... aha. However! I had in-seat entertainment, episodes of shows downloaded to my laptop, and the window seat so I could try to sleep some of the flight. To make it even better, my seat was in the Premium Economy section (which I hadn’t planned for but ended up being a nice surprise when I bought my ticket). I had lots of leg space and a wide seat, plus three meals and an unlimited supply of snacks and water that we could leave our seat to get whenever we liked. I was still relieved when we finally landed though, and was more than ready to get to my Airbnb and sleep. However, it took about 2 hours for me to get through customs, get my bags, exchange some US cash for the Korean currency (”won”), get a Korean SIM card, and find the subway to take me the 45 minute trip into Seoul. 

The adventure was not over when I got to the subway though, because I learned exactly why my family was so skeptical when they saw how much stuff I was bringing. I had two large rolling suitcases weighing about 50lbs each, plus a 20lb backpack and another 20lb duffle bag (WHO DID I THINK I WAS??), so it was just a *tad* difficult maneuvering all those bags onto the subway cars and through the stations. There were a couple times where I’d be visibly struggling with them, and some sympathetic passerby would stop and help me get my bags through a door, onto an elevator, off the escalator, etc. I’ve never felt so like a hopeless American tourist until those moments. 

I had just managed to get off the subway with the help of two sweet old Korean men who insisted on getting my bags for me (I wasn’t worried about anyone stealing from me because trust me that those 140lbs of bags weren’t going ANYWHERE very quickly), and they asked me in Korean where I was headed. I answered them, but to my dismay they stopped and shook their heads, pointing back in the direction we had just come and repeating the name of the stop that I *SHOULD* have gotten off at :’). After I thanked them and lugged my bags back down through the elevator to the station, another kind Korean lady helped me get back on the subway and sat down beside me. She had to have been sent by God, because after she asked me where I was going, she took it upon herself to help me get to where I needed to go. One of my bags in tow, she led me off at the correct station, called me a taxi and waited with me by the street until they arrived and helped me get my bags into the car. She also gave me her number telling me she teaches Korean at one of the universities, and if I ever had any questions that I could text her. 

For a little added context: I had been up since 3:30am Friday morning, my flight landed at 5:30pm Saturday evening, and I finally arrived at my Airbnb around 9pm (nearly 28 hours, excluding the 14 hour time difference). By that point I was ready to crash, so I was grateful I hadn’t attempted to take a bus instead of a taxi. When I got to the Airbnb, the owner who I’d been texting with was waiting outside the building for me. He helped me carry my bags up three flights of stairs to my room (I tried to pay him for his time but he adamantly refused), reviewed the housekeeping rules and gave me my key, and left me to get settled in. The room I paid for is in a hostel, so the space is quite small and most often rented by students due to its affordability. The room was quite clean though, plus I had a bathroom to myself, so I couldn’t ask for much more. 

Despite the time difference being so large, not surprisingly I was able to sleep most of the night with no trouble-- and that was how my first night in Seoul, South Korea went!

[cheapflightspicks]

New York To Atlanta Cheap Flights

Here's How to Find Cheap Flights From New York To Atlanta If you're looking for a way to grab a last-minute plane fare, you should be really happy that we live in the era of technology and can search for cheap fares from a computer. However, not all websites might have the resources to offer up every route from New York to Atlanta, so if you have time, you should also take the time to do some research on your own.

Where to Find Cheap Flights From New York To Atlanta When it comes to finding cheap flights from New York to Atlanta, there are a few different options to consider. One option is to use a flight search engine like Google Flights or Expedia. Another option is to book directly through an airline's website. And finally, you can also check out some travel websites that specialize in finding deals on flights, such as Scott's Cheap Flights.

Let's start with using a flight search engine. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can try doing a search for "flights from New York to Atlanta" and see what comes up. You might be surprised at how many results come up—sometimes there are dozens of flights available for under $200! Of course, the prices will vary depending on when you're looking to travel, but it's definitely worth checking out.

If you have specific dates in mind for your trip, then booking directly through an airline's website might be the best option for you. While you might not find quite as many flight options this way, you'll still be able to find some good deals if you look around enough. Delta and Southwest are two airlines that fly direct from New York to Atlanta, and their prices are usually pretty reasonable, especially if you book in advance.

Finally, if you really want to snag a cheap flight from New York to Atlanta, then it's worth checking out some travel websites that specialize in finding deals on airfare. Scott's Cheap Flights is

Airlines that offer cheap flights from New York to Atlanta There are a few airlines that offer cheap flights from New York to Atlanta. Delta, American, and United all have flights for under $200. Southwest also has some great deals, with flights as low as $79 one-way. If you're looking to save even more money, consider flying on a weekday instead of the weekend. You can often find cheaper fares during the week.

So, there you have it! A few airlines offer cheap flights from New York to Atlanta. Be sure to check them all out and see which one has the best deal for your travel dates. Happy flying!

Different Types of Deals for Zone Based Flights Business Class: If you're looking for a luxurious experience, consider booking a business class flight. You'll enjoy plenty of legroom, comfortable seating, and top-notch service. Business class flights from New York to Atlanta start at $849.

United Economy Select: For a step up from economy class, check out United's Economy Select option. You'll get more legroom and early boarding privileges. Prices for United Economy Select flights from New York to Atlanta start at $499.

Economy: If you're looking for the most affordable option, economy class is the way to go. You'll still enjoy comfortable seating and great service, but you may have less legroom than in other classes. Economy flights from New York to Atlanta start at $299.

Tips on What to Do if Your Flight Gets Canceled or Delayed If you find yourself stuck at the airport due to a canceled or delayed flight, there are a few things you can do to make the most of the situation. First, check with the airline to see if you can be rebooked on another flight. If not, see if you can get a refund or voucher for future travel.

Next, take advantage of the time by catching up on work or reading a book. If you're traveling with children, there are plenty of activities to keep them occupied as well. And finally, make the most of the airport amenities by grabbing a bite to eat or doing some shopping.

Contact Us Looking for a cheap flight from New York to Atlanta? Look no further than our contact number +19729847799. We offer flights from all major airports in New York to Atlanta, so you can book the most convenient flight for your needs. Plus, we offer great discounts on airfare, so you can save even more money on your trip.

[manelyec]

Soaring To New Heights - EC Alumni Spotlight on Hayden Bartlett Hall 

It started off like a typical staff meeting.

Then, Hayden Bartlett Hall heard applause. It was faint at first, but as it grew closer, it began to sound like what you hear at Texas Roadhouse when you’re celebrating a birthday.

When she spotted her mom and grandma coming around the corner, leading a group of smiling faces that she recognized as coworkers, present and past– it all made sense.

The Chairman’s Club is a prestigious, peer-nominated program that honors 100 of Delta’s 90,000 employees each year…and this year, Hayden Bartlett Hall was one of them.

Being nominated for the Chairman’s Club is a lengthy process. Once a person is nominated, Delta will then interview their coworkers to make sure the nominee upholds personal values that represent Delta’s “Rules of the Road,” or how they expect employees to treat customers and each other.

“I was shocked when I found out,” she said. “My jaw hit the floor I was overcome with so many emotions.”

Growing up close to Hartsfield International Airport, where her mom and grandpa worked for Delta, Hayden knew she would follow their footsteps.

“I knew my path would lead there one day,” she said. “I just didn’t know when or how.”

In school, Hayden enjoyed most subjects but gravitated toward working on the Yearbook.

Because of that interest, when Hayden transferred to Emmanuel as a sophomore, she was quick to choose Digital Media Production as her major, minoring in graphic design.

At Emmanuel, she learned one major lesson from Mr. (Clint) Ross that she’s taken with her into the field.

You can only gain so much from a textbook.

“He took us to off-campus sets where we got to see what we were learning in the classroom adapted into real life. Those experiences were so valuable.”

Knowing that she wanted to one day work for Delta, Hayden applied for a job in their creative department after graduation in 2015. And the rest, they say, is history.

“I started out in Corporate Communications,” Hayden remembers. “I answered the phone when the media called and was the office coordinator for the team. From there, I went into video services and was the video coordinator for our team.”

Since then, Hayden’s role has evolved and now, serving as a Senior Manager - Video Production, she manages four direct reports and has a team of video coordinators under her responsible for internal and external content.

“We communicate with all 90,000 of Delta’s employees as well as the external audience (media and customers),” she said. “I support every department within Delta as we look to tell the stories of our customers, our employees, and the products we’re launching.”

When asked about the favorite story she’s told during her career at Delta, Hayden didn’t hesitate to respond.

“In 2020, right before COVID hit we had Employee Appreciation Day,” she said. “We decided to come up with a big activation to appreciate and thank our employees for what they do, and I was a part of the team that brainstormed the concept.”

Hayden pitched an idea that ended up taking flight.

“I thought it would be cool to take every employees name and mash it together in some sort of montage and put it on the side of an aircraft,” she said. “I didn’t know what it would say at the time, but it was a bold idea that got off the ground and running. Now there is an aircraft in the sky that says ‘Thank You’ spelled out with the names of all 90,000 employees that worked at Delta at the time. It was great hearing the stories of people who make up the airline that I feel so proud to be a part of. It was one of my favorite projects to work on.”

Hayden isn’t the only member of her family honored to be a part of the Chairman’s Club.

“My mom and I actually are the first ever mother/daughter pair who have been honored for this recognition program,” she said. “As a part of it, you get to take a trip to Toulouse, France to the airbus facility with the other honorees in your class. You get to tour the facility and the town, then bring back a brand-new A-330 Aircraft, which has the new plan smell, etc. I got to go with my mom’s class in 2019 as a producer for the project. I was honored to be part of the trip with my mom and walk alongside her on that journey. It’s a memory we’ll always cherish!”

Who has made the biggest impact on her life?

“I’m an only child so I grew up incredibly close to my parents and all four of my grandparents,” she said. “I see myself as a canvas that has been painted by so many people, but the six of them were the brightest colors on that canvas who made me who I am.”

If Hayden could give a piece of advice to a creative looking to break into the field, she’d keep it simple.

“Be you,” she said. “You bring different perspectives to the table that others might not, so bring that to the table. Don’t put on a mask and try to be something you aren’t. To me, when I interview someone, I look to see if that person is truly, authentically themselves.”

On the creative side, Hayden advises to get out and get as much real-world experience as possible.

“Build a portfolio of amazing work,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what that portfolio is full of, as long as it embodies who and what you want to represent, you’ll find the best place for your talents and skillset.”

As Hayden’s career with Delta soars to new heights, she has enjoyed getting to work with peers who bring new and different perspectives to the table.

“I wear a bracelet that says, ‘Come as you are’,” she said. “It’s a mantra to me. You bring who you are, and I am going to embrace all that you are and find out how I can best adapt myself to the people I interact with every day.”

[transhuman-priestess]

I will say that in my living memory it has been dominated by southwest, but it used to be a hub for a couple other airlines, too. Delta used to fly there, there was another low cost called AirTran that sucked ass (and killed people) but like, they were there. American had a few gates. Back in the 70s United mostly flew in and out of midway, not O’Hare. ATA used to fly 757s in and out. There was one called Vanguard in the 90s. Yeah.

Back during the heyday of jumbo jets Midway was basically the place to be if you were flying less than 1,500 miles. After 9/11 though everyone started flying tiny planes on direct flights to and from everywhere, which is great if you like convenience, but horribly inefficient.

Incredible how Americans are so brainwashed by capitalist realism that a large contingent out our leftists genuinely believe government regulation isn’t physically possible.

[xiradestinations]

How can I go to Vietnam from India?

To travel from India to Vietnam, here’s a general guide, along with information about Xira Destinations, a recommended tour operator:

Steps to Travel to Vietnam from India:

Visa: Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. You can apply for a tourist visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or apply for an e-visa online if eligible.

Flights: The main entry points into Vietnam from India are Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport), and Da Nang. Direct flights are available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, with airlines like Air India, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines. The journey typically takes around 5-7 hours, depending on the route.

Health & Safety: Make sure to check vaccination requirements and travel insurance policies before departure.

Currency & Local Tips: Vietnam's currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can exchange currency at the airport or use international credit cards at most places.

Xira Destinations for Your Vietnam Trip:

Xira Destinations offers specialized Vietnam tour packages, catering to Indian travelers. They take care of everything, including:

Visa Assistance: Xira Destinations provides guidance and help with obtaining your Vietnam visa.

Tailored Itineraries: Their packages are customized to suit the preferences of Kerala-origin travelers, offering a variety of experiences from cultural tours in Hanoi to beach holidays in Da Nang or adventure trips to Ha Long Bay.

Flights & Accommodation: Xira Destinations arranges flights and book stays in popular cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and more.

Guided Tours: Local guides help you explore major attractions, including Halong Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Saigon.

Mekong Delta: They also organize cruises and tours of the scenic Mekong Delta, providing an immersive experience in the southern part of Vietnam.

With Xira Destinations, your Vietnam trip will be organized seamlessly, giving you more time to enjoy the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of this Southeast Asian gem.

[timesofinnovation]

CrowdStrike, a prominent cybersecurity firm, has recently come under intense scrutiny following a significant global IT outage attributed to a faulty software update. This incident not only disrupted operations across various industries but has also raised questions about CrowdStrike’s practices and accountability in maintaining robust cybersecurity measures. On September 19, Adam Meyers, the senior vice president for counter-adversary operations at CrowdStrike, offered an apology to a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. Meyers revealed that a content configuration update to the Falcon Sensor security software initiated severe system crashes that impacted millions of Microsoft Windows devices worldwide. Such widespread disruption was not a result of a cyberattack or artificial intelligence failure; instead, it stemmed from an internal error related to the software update. The scale of the outage was staggering, affecting crucial sectors like airlines, healthcare, media, and financial services. The consequences were immediate and concrete: Delta Air Lines reported canceling around 7,000 flights as a direct aftermath of the system failures. The company has since pursued legal action against CrowdStrike, alleging significant financial losses attributable to the cybersecurity firm's mismanagement. While Delta seeks reparations, CrowdStrike firmly maintains that it bears no responsibility for the airline's canceled flights. The ramifications extended beyond operational disruptions. In light of the incident, CrowdStrike made a proactive adjustment to its financial forecasts, acknowledging that the fallout from the faulty update could impair revenue and profitability for up to a year. This candid admission highlights a significant challenge for the firm, which is tasked not only with restoring normalcy following the outage but also with regaining the trust of its clients and stakeholders. CrowdStrike’s senior executives have stated that a thorough review of their systems is underway. The goal is to refine their update procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This proactive measure is essential for restoring confidence among current clients and attracting potential new business. Firms relying on cybersecurity services expect diligent management practices, particularly given the rising threats in today’s digital landscape. Critics have emphasized that the incident represents a clear warning to organizations that prioritize speed over reliability in the software update process. The consequences of such practices can be far-reaching. For example, a 2020 study from the Ponemon Institute reported that 60% of organizations experienced a data breach as a result of insecure software updates. The CrowdStrike incident illustrates that vulnerabilities do not only arise from external threats; internal actions can lead to significant ramifications as well. Furthermore, this incident raises broader questions about the cybersecurity landscape and the accountability of major players within the industry. As the cybersecurity sector continues to grow, with projected spending expected to exceed $300 billion by 2024, there is an increasing demand for transparency and reliability. Clients must be able to trust that their cybersecurity partners will not only defend against external attacks but also manage their internal processes diligently. The CrowdStrike incident also serves as a crucial case study for other organizations in the tech space. As the digital world becomes more intertwined with everyday business operations, the stakes are rising. Companies must prioritize robust quality assurance practices and risk management frameworks when rolling out software updates. Establishing a thorough testing protocol before any updates are deployed—and maintaining clear communication with affected stakeholders—can mitigate risks substantially. The implications for CrowdStrike extend far beyond financial forecasts and operational efficiency.

This incident underscores the necessity of effective crisis management strategies in technology firms. As demonstrated, when an IT failure occurs, the fallout requires a swift and structured response. Companies must not only address the immediate consequences but also engage in transparent communication with all stakeholders involved. This level of transparency can significantly ease concerns and reinforce trust, two pillars essential to the successful navigation of a crisis. In conclusion, CrowdStrike's global IT outage highlights critical lessons concerning accountability, risk management, and operational transparency in the cybersecurity sector. As the firm works to recover from this setback, the emphasis remains on enhancing their systems and processes to safeguard against future vulnerabilities. The scrutiny surrounding this incident serves as a clarion call for all organizations to prioritize robust software management strategies that protect their operations and, ultimately, their reputation.