Leaderboard

Wouldn't mind taking The Hamster for a spin!

Be sure to watch the video of the bus falling through the sink hole in the road then reappearing only to float down the river - Yikes! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/25/brazilian-bus-sinkhole-river-swept-away-video_n_6940342.html Rains can cause havoc in Brazil - Not to worry though, in middle April, the rains will subside and the drought will again be a major concern to Brazilians

Another suicide by an airline pilot. Speechless. May they rest in peace. http://news.yahoo.com/official-1-pilot-locked-crash-plane-cockpit-072049706.html?clear-cache

I agree but do not necessarily wish to go when it is another's time. Best regards, RA1

Indeed. It was not my intent to give another impression. I am a bit of a self described 'motor head' however, and as a result, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, minus the racist and homophobic comments of course.

MsAnn- Enjoying a production of any kind is fine with me. Just be sure and take the entertainment and entertainers as a diversion from "real life" which can be a good thing. Best regards, RA1

So many questions, so little time. Best regards, RA1

This seems to be the consensus at the moment. I heard one news report this morning say, "He was not a known terrorist". What? How many known terrorists are pilot employees of airlines? I don't get suicide/murders. If you are that unhappy, just go somewhere and off yourself. Don't involve innocent people. Another "problem" is touched upon in the above article. The SIC apparently had just over 600 hours flying experience. That is "nothing" by comparison. The US recently mandated at least 1500 hours + the ATP license to be an SIC on Part 121 carriers (the airlines). That is a lot more experience + proven proficiency but still not necessarily the complete answer. Best regards, RA1

This is so sad and tragic. I also read about this on the "other" site, and then here. I first met Jackhammer at an initial LA Hooboy dinner at the now defunct Numbers. This is where I first met Tomcal, Jackhammer and many other members. As I recall there was about 10-12 members. I had the pleasure of getting to know Jackhammer. First at some of these LA Hooboy gatherings, and then sometimes just the two of us would meet up for lunch or dinner at various venues around town. Also met up with him in Rio a couple of times as are paths crossed.......... He was one of the good guys. The last time I saw him (a few short years ago), we met at Canter's Deli in LA for lunch - he had just survived his initial bout of cancer, treatment, etc. Looked a little leaner, but good - and his prognosis seemed to be positive. I know thru his postings that he struggled off and on with his illness these past few years. I am heartbroken to hear this news, and thinking long and hard on why we did not stay in touch these past few years. Rest In Peace.

My plans to spend the weekend in Porto Alegre last Friday afternoon got disrupted due to heavy rains and flooded streets in Sao Paulo, where I had been staying for about two weeks. No taxi or bus could make its way to the local airport, without extreme delays, through the heavy floods that were in different parts of the city. The local airport in Sao Paulo (Congonhas) was operational but countless numbers of passengers were not able to get to the airport to make flights because of flooded streets. For those passengers who could make it to the airport, the flights left with them. For those who could not make it in time at the airport, the flights left without them. Although I left in time that should have allowed me to be at the airport about two hours before departure, I spent nearly two hours in a cab while the driver waited for the water and traffic to clear. Exiting the cab with luggage was not an option because of the heavy water in the street. By the time I got to the airport, the plane had departed. The next few flights to Porto Alegre were totally booked by other passengers who finally got to the airport but had missed their initial flight because of the flooding. The water in the streets was so bad that it actually made the local newspapers. Check out this web address for photos of flooded streets. Notice how high the water accumulated. http://floodlist.com/america/heavy-rain-floods-sao-paulo-drought-persists Needless to say, I was disappointed in not visiting Porto Alegre again. Porto Alegre is not a good tourist city but it does have two great saunas. There is always next trip. By the way, the rains also adversely influenced the saunas in Sao Paulo. Friday night (usually a busy night at Lagoa) was a dud. On Sunday night, a night that is usually busy at Fragata, was another dud. Despite the claimed water drought in Sao Paulo, there has been a lot of heavy rain during the past couple of weeks. In situations described above (can't get to Porto Alegre - saunas are nearly empty), it is nice to have an alternative in the event the weather puts a damper on plans. Among other things, alternatives include having phone numbers of favorite garotos and/or addresses for fun places. Unquestionably, having an alternative “A list” makes being in Brazil fun despite temporary and unforeseen obstacles.

I think we might all be surprised how often this type of thing happens that we do not hear about. It was good the Blackmail Victim actually got brave enough and went to the FBI.

Simply men who are quiet, unlike you. Best regards, RA1

The next time you go through airport security nude-o-scope, watch your things that you have to put in bins that are not always within your site. Also, the next time you are on an international flight and the flight attendant asks for UNICEF money, think about this incident shown below. Travel, although the destination is fun, getting to and from is a bitch - http://roadwarriorvoices.com/2015/03/25/united-airlines-employee-busted-on-camera-allegedly-stealing-cash-from-passengers-wallet/ -

On the contrary, it does not sound selfish or pompous. I also have TSA precheck. The problem is that not all airlines have an agreement for TSA precheck. Most foreign carriers do not have it and many U S carriers do not have it at all of its locations. You just happen to be lucky to live in an area where TSA precheck is available and happen to use a carrier that is TSA compliant. I often use foreign carriers and must endure the nonsense of the nude-o-scope or opt out, which I choose to do. If you opt out of the nude-o-scope, the TSA agents bring all of your belongs with you to the nonsensical "secondary" screening area. That way, you can keep on eye on your things and the probability of something being stolen is limited. Also, at the option of TSA, the precheck lines can be closed down temporarily for any reason. I have had that happen at the Miami airport on two different occasions. You cannot always rely on TSA precheck being open. The below link, warns you that on a random basis, TSA will not always be available even for those pre approved. Here is the most current list of airlines and airports that have TSA precheck. As you will see, many airports and airlines are not served. http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/tsa-precheckR-airlines-airports

Generally, a black mailer never stops. Even if you give the swine what he initially demands, he wants more and more. In the case discussed, the guy already got a car and a handsome amount of money. Then, the black mailer changed the deal and decided he wanted a house and more cash. Even if the victim had gone along with the new demands, the black mailer, statistically, would have come back later to demand more. I applaud the authorities for getting involved and putting the guy in jail where he belongs.

So stupid. He got a lot and then went back for me. Are people really this stupid? I know the answer but I just don't get it at all.

Yes. Best regards, RA1

Yes, I'd like to cancel a ticket to Rio