TravelBanter

Pontianak, Indonesia?

CWLee — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:03:38 GMT

Seeking off-line dialog, in English, with any recent (2006
or later) visitors to Pontianak, Indonesia. I'm considering
a trip there next year, and would like some first-hand
feedback about the place.

Thanks.

"Allo Allo!" - German Birds Recognise Selves In Mirrors...

Gregory Morrow[_50_] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:52:37 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7570291.stm

Magpie 'can recognise reflection'

"Magpies can recognise themselves in a mirror, scientists have found - the
first time self-recognition has been observed in a non-mammal.

Until relatively recently, humans were thought to be uniquely self-aware.

Scientists now know that most chimpanzees and orangutans can recognise their
own reflections.

Some birds react when shown a mirror, but it is unclear if they know they
are looking at their reflection, German experts wrote in Plos Biology
journal.

Dr Helmut Prior, from the Goethe University in Frankfurt, and his colleagues
carried out a series of tests on five hand-reared birds.

In one test, the researchers placed yellow and red stickers on the birds in
positions where they could only be seen in a mirror.

On seeing their reflections, the magpies became focused on the stickers as
they tried to reach them with their claws and beaks.

On several occasions, they succeeded in scratching the stickers off, which
put an end to this behaviour.

Black stickers placed on the birds' bodies did not elicit the same response.

When no mirror was present, the magpies took no notice of the stickers.

"We do not claim that the findings demonstrate a level of self-consciousness
or self-reflection typical of humans," the researchers wrote in Plos
Biology.

"The findings do, however, show that magpies respond in the mirror and mark
test in a manner so far only clearly found in apes, and, at least
suggestively, in dolphins and elephants.

"This is a remarkable capability that is at least a pre-requisite of
self-recognition and might play a role in perspective taking."

Bleach Out On Florida Roofs Leaving Homeowners Lungs Burned ByBleached Mold

Saint Ram Bone — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:41:28 GMT

Today's post by
Kurt Brown, alias Saint Ram Bone, surviving FDIC federal bank
examiner of Mobile Audit Club fame

http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/democracyordeath/

and Youtube Saintrambone videos (some were edited by Youtube or
federal
censors)

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=saintrambone

Daily Foreword August 19, 2008: Recently I, Kurt Brown -- Saint Ram
Bone, borrowed money to buy a home and my life was endangered due to
an attempted fraud scam that has not yet been corrected. I would
recommend that my roof be replaced quickly and that the chain of
frauds by the realtor in question, her husband, and her chosen
inspector or inspectors be looked at very closely due to the danger
they pose to not only myself and my family but other families. I
would like to warn you about the new white coatings they put on old
roofs, and in particular the mold inside the attic if it is removed
with bleach to remove any proof of leaks by corrupt inspectors or
realtors husbands or their associates.

On June 5, 2008, I went to look at a home in Pensacola Florida, out on
the West side of town with a building inspector. I had been contacted
by the realtor and she asked what day and time I would be there. That
point is critical because when I arrived at the home, the inspector
was waiting on me outside and I am not sure if the realtors husband
had been there earlier getting things ready for the big show. I am
not sure if I smelled bleach on the inspector, but I saw him wiping
his hand. I have also caught the realtors husband working on the home
allegedly to appease a VA inspector who found rot on a soffit. A
soffit is just below the edge of the roof on the outside of the home
and indicates leaks in the roof if rotten. The realtors husband was
supposedly in the leather repair business. I think he is in the home
repair business and possibly the cover-up business to push through
shady realty deals.

When I went into the attic of the home with the inspector who was
referred to me by name by the realtor, I smelled what I at first
thought was ammonia and it was very strong. When we looked at an area
that was worked on by the prior tenant without a building permit, we
saw a little mold, but not much, and it was deep ingrained into the
hole in the cutout portion of the roof.

As I stood there, I began to get very dizzy. I told the inspector and
he told me we should go on down and look at more things. At first I
thought it was the heat. What happened was, either the inspector
or the realtors husband cleaned the molded areas with full strength
bleach. Never clean mold with full strength bleach due to the
toxicity of the fumes, in particular cholrine bleach due to the
breakdown of bleach with organic organisms such as mold. I only
discovered this after talking with my favorite cleaning lady and I
have linked the discussion about the hazards of bleach here on
wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleach#Hazards

The roof was supposed to be only three years old in totality but a
roofer since that time has told me that many shingles are around 15
years old. In addition the mold came back in profusion after recent
rains and I have not yet stopped all of the leaks.

Never let your realtor suggest an inspector unless you are doing an
audit on the inspector and realtor. Be very careful with bleach as a
cleaning agent, and dilute 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. The
attorney would not hear the case. I was actually given a passive
aggressive threat by the realtors husband on the day I was to see the
attorney. They do not want to hear the case due to my being poor and
the house being small. So I am pursuing other avenues.

Buyer beware and realize that you have to take care of problems
immediately by contacting all of those that you know of who can help.
Ask around, even talk to your favorite cleaning ladies or building
inspectors or attorneys or roofers, etc.

You may note I was infuriated on my recent post due to the attornies
telling me I had a case but not enough money. I have been told that
there are those discussing burning down my house. If you do it, please
make sure I am not home and do not leave me with a repair bill. I have
been through so much **** since I worked at the FDIC and since I
became a freelance auditor and investigative reporter. I miss sleeping
in my truck on the shady shores just South of Carmel California. It is
illegal and remember to put your parking brake on, and if you walk in
your sleep, pray to God you do not drive in your sleep as I have. I
woke up one night with my truck in gear driving toward the cliff. I
thought a cop had told me to leave and I was dreaming. Hold the bleach
you son-of-a-bitch, even if the F-DIC is full of a mass of shee-it.

To that Sweet Mass of **** controlling the F-DIC, I want you to know I
miss San Francisco and want to return to visit La Familia, and in
particular I hope my ole bud from the band Prodigy has returned from
Law School in Europe. Can you identify my bud by our unique
translation of the F U sign, Fire By Prodigy on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4hlel9rBQ8

Beware I am always under surveillance in this God Forsaken place. I
have contact the Ayotollah of Iran and am seeking passage. I love a
nice Iranian woman there, and if the regime harms her, I she it with
thine will dance the fire dance, comanche style.

This Concludes Today's post by
Kurt Brown, alias Saint Ram Bone, surviving FDIC federal bank
examiner of Mobile Audit Club fame

http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/democracyordeath/

and Youtube Saintrambone videos (some were edited by Youtube or
federal
censors)

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=saintrambone

Check-in time for a 7:00am Allegiant Air Flight from LAS???

mgrahm@trib.com[_1_] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:05:29 GMT

Hi all

I just booked a roundtrip flight with Allegiant Air. Below is their
suggested check-in time at LAS. Just wondering if I really need to be
at the airport at 4:30am for a 7:00am flight.

Check-in: In Las Vegas. Please check-in at the ALLEGIANT AIR ticket
counter. Customers must check in 2 1/2 hours prior to departure, be in
the gate area 30 minutes prior to departure to avoid forfeiting their
reservation and all associated amenities. Aircraft doors will close at
10 minutes prior to departure to ensure an on-time departure.

Thanks
M. Graham

SJC loses another transcontinental Flight, Now down to 1

SMS — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:40:20 GMT

San Jose just lost the JetBlue non-stop to Boston, as JetBlue struggles
to avoid bankruptcy. They also lost the Continental flight to Newark,
and the United flight to D.C.. This leaves only one transcontinental
flight, JetBlue to JFK.

YTB?

Anonymouse[_3_] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:17:55 GMT

HI,

just when I was just starting to look into actually getting paid for
doing what I was doing (booking travel for people) I ran into an ITB guy...

60% seemed a little low... and the more I looked into it the more it
screamed "mlm scam"... and I'm glad I didn't go that way... I'm actually
interested in TRAVEL and helping people enjoy traveling... not my "how
many new agents my downline signed up".

anybody else feel that way?

--

Hackamore
http://www.hackamore.com
http://hackamoretravel.blogspot.com

Bear Wars! : Carla Bruni's support for brown bears angers Pyrenean farmers

Gregory Morrow[_50_] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:39:15 GMT

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle4566763.ece

From The TimesAugust 20, 2008

Carla Bruni's support for brown bears angers Pyrenean farmers

"Carla Bruni, France's First Lady, has drawn the wrath of Pyrenean farmers
by taking up the cause of local brown bears, whose reintroduction has
fuelled a violent feud between naturalists and sheep breeders.

The anti-bear camp dismissed Ms Bruni, a supermodel and pop singer, as a
typical animal-loving city slicker after she weighed into the quarrel that
has raged since Jacques Chirac, the previous President, moved to rescue the
dwindling bear population three years ago.

"It's annoying to see celebrities sponsoring the bears without understanding
the consequences," Louis Dollo, a former farmer and anti-bear activist,
said. "We do not give a hoot about the views of Parisians, civil servants or
the wife of the President," he told The Times.

President Sarkozy, who married Ms Bruni in February, has so far stayed out
of the "bear wars", which pit environmentalists against farmers and local
politicians who say the bears kill sheep and threaten their livelihoods.

Ms Bruni, the epitome of the Parisian left-wing upper class, agreed in 2006
to be "godmother" to Hvala, one of five bears brought in from Slovenia to
replenish a population that had dwindled to about 15. Hvala gave birth to
two cubs, named Bamboo and Pollen, in January last year.

Responding to a call for support, President Sarkozy's staff wrote to
pro-bear organisations saying that she backed the project enthusiastically.
"There should be no question, in our country, of choosing between bear and
man," she said. "We must find a balanced means of coexistence. On one hand,
the presence of bears in the Pyrenees reflects a willingness to protect
biodiversity . . . on the other, the support of the local population is
essential." Ms Bruni was optimistic about the future of her "goddaughter's"
offspring, the �lys�e Palace said

The First Lady's enthusiasm will go down badly in the villages and farms in
the French Pyrenees, where resentment over the bear scheme seems to border
on the irrational. The bears' defenders say that there is little evidence
that the animals cause much damage and they point to the untroubled
existence of bears on the Spanish side of the mountains. The French
opposition is driven by ancestral resentment of outsiders, they say.

The anti-bear camp, which pillaged a village mayor's offices and burnt
statues two years ago, deplores the way that the bears, which are tracked
electronically, have been endowed with celebrity status. Banners in hostile
villages proclaim: "Go home to Slovenia". The opponents cheer the bears'
misfortunes, such as the accidents that killed two of the imported animals
last year. Mr Chirac ordered the repopulation after a hunter shot dead
Cannelle, the last pure-blood native Pyrenean bear, in 2004. He called the
shooting an environmental disaster. The hunter was acquitted on appeal last
April of charges of illegally killing the animal.

The bear watchers report that Ms Bruni's "goddaughter" has been spotted in
the Aran valley, on the Spanish side, in the company of a male. "That bodes
well for more cubs from her in the winter," an official from the main bear
protection agency said.

The bear watchers report that Ms Bruni's "goddaughter" has been spotted in
the Aran valley, on the Spanish side, in the company of a male. "That bodes
well for more cubs from her in the winter," an official from the main bear
protection agency said.

Police and wildlife experts are still trying to find a bear that was hit by
a minibus on a Pyrenean motorway last Saturday. The animal limped into the
forest, leaving blood and fur on the wing of the vehicle. The experts
believe that the animal survived and was probably Boutxy, the biggest and
toughest of the young Slovenian bears that were released in 2006... "

Star Trek,Deadwood,Golden Girls,Doctor Who & more for salewww.dvdssell.com

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Crucified frog sculpture near Pope's summer holiday base provokes protests...

Gregory Morrow[_50_] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:55:46 GMT

[Is scRunge the model for the "crucifrog"...??? ]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle4436051.ece

From The TimesJuly 31, 2008

Crucified frog sculpture near Pope's summer holiday base provokes protests

"Pope Benedict XVI's summer break at a seminary in the mountains of northern
Italy has led to demands for the removal of a "provocative" sculpture of a
crucified frog on show in a nearby museum.

Local Catholics have complained to the police that the work by the German
artist Martin Kippenberger, on show at the Bolzano Museum of Modern Art, is
a "public obscenity". It depicts a bright green frog with its tongue hanging
out, nailed to a cross, with a beer mug in one outstretched hand and an egg
in the other.

Pope Benedict began his summer break this week near Bolzano at Bressanone
(Brixen) in the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige, also known as South Tyro,
which was part of Austria until Italy gained it after the First World War.

The Pope, who recently returned from Australia and is to visit Lourdes in
September, greeted hundreds of well-wishers in both Italian and his native
German at the Bressanone seminary. The pontiff used both names for the town,
saying in his German remarks: "I am very happy to be back with you in
Brixen, which holds so many happy memories for me." He visited the seminary
ten times as a cardinal.

It is not known whether the pontiff plans to visit Bolzano and the art
museum. However Monsignor Wilhelm Egger, Bishop of Bolzano and Bressanone,
revealed that he had discussed the sculpture with the Pope. He declined to
say how the pontiff had reacted.

The Union for South Tyrol, a separatist group, said it had collected 10,000
signatures for a petition demanding the removal of the crucified frog. Franz
Pahl, the president of Trentino-Alto Adige regional council, has gone on
hunger strike in protest over the exhibit.

Luis Durnwalder, the head of the local province, said he supported
contemporary art, but not "pure provocation ... The principles of respect
for popular feeling and of artistic freedom have to find a reciprocal
tolerance through good will and with understanding from both sides."

Under pressure from Bishop Egger the museum curators have moved the frog
from the museum entrance to the third floor, but have so far refused to
remove it altogether. They said the work was not an attack on Christianity
but rather a reflection of the artist's "state of profound crisis" at the
time.

Two years ago the Bolzano museum hit the headlines by displaying a work of
art consisting of a toilet flushing to the accompaniment of Italy's national
anthem

Pope Benedict will lead Angelus prayers at the local cathedral and is to be
made an honorary citizen of Bressanone before returning on August 11 to
Castelgandolfo, the papal summer residence in the Alban Hills south of Rome.

He is accompanied at Bressanone by his brother, Father Georg Ratzinger, who
shares the Pope's love of music. A grand piano has been installed at the
seminary, which was founded in the eleventh century.

The Vatican said the Pope would read, play music and enjoy strolls in the
mountains. Last year he chose Lorenzago di Cadore, near Belluno in the
Veneto for his summer break, after two consecutive years spent at a chalet
in Les Combes, Valle D'Aosta.

While at Bressanone he is expected to work on his next encyclical, on social
issues and globalisation, and on the second part of his study Jesus of
Nazareth, the first volume of which is a global bestseller. The seminary has
been vacated for his stay, but the pontiff, who is known to like cats, will
have the company of Milly, the seminary's black cat.

Milly is cared for by Maria Pieta, the Mother Superior, who is staying on at
the seminary together with the rector, Father Ivo Muser, during the Pope's
holiday. The rector told Corriere della Sera that the Pope liked to have
Milly at his side while reading and "dedicates a few moments to her every
day, stroking her head".
--------------------

Comment:

- Frog = " Frosch " in German. "Froscio" is Italian slang for homosexual. In
bi-lingual Bolzano/Bozen this sculpture could be a direct message to the
Pope...

Penny Gate, Rome, Italy

- This is no joke, whether or not you take egg in your beer. The crucifixion
of a toad long has been a black magical ritual; its anti-Christian message
is clear to those who know this. Thus this provocative "art" can not be an
innocent act by an ignorant artist...

John von dem Beck..."

WELCOME TO VIETNAM...

Vietnam-vantours@gmail.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:53:47 GMT

Welcome to Vietnam, please contact me as I am an English Speaking Tour
Guide in Vietnam:

WELCOME TO VIETNAM...

vantours@gmail.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:45:46 GMT

Welcome to Vietnam, it is a country you should visit now.
Please contact:

Oasis deck plans

Charles[_1_] — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:47:49 GMT

I came across this link to Oasis deck plans on the web....

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/co...Deck_Plans.pdf

--
Charles

finding cheapest cruises out of boston?

robr — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:34:53 GMT

This is probably not doable, but I'm trying to find something
reasonably priced for my family to do as far as long weekend type
vacation. I am entirely flexible as far as schedule whether it be
tomorrow or months from now, and was hoping maybe to find a 3 day
cruise that's not going to cost me thousands. It would be my wife,
myself, and my two children (3 and 2). So far all I've been able to
find is the NCL 7 day which is around $2K (almost $600 of that in
taxes?!?!?!?!?!) for their absolute cheapest cabin. I was hoping to
keep things down to 3 days and keep costs to $200/day or so (including
those taxes!!). I assume I'm dreaming?

Thanks.

AA Award Miles

- Bobb -[_2_] — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:01:19 GMT

Anyone used miles for free tickets lately ?
Seems EVERY date I want ( just picking/browsing dates for next summer )-
is 45k or 50k - nothing for 25k.

( I DID go to AA site and when I pick dates I RARELY see 25k, most days in
summer are 45k, 50k miles.)

Where I SELECT dates they pop up a calendar for Departure and one for
return - NONE on return side show 25k ( I chose several months).

Windstar Signature Collection!

Ray Goldenberg — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:52:14 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Windstar and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com

Windstar Cruises Kicks Off Signature Collection Host Series With
Artist Jody Hewgill
Guests on Wind Surf's Barbados Roundtrip Sailing Departing February
15, 2009 Will Sail with Artist Jody Hewgill

SEATTLE, Aug. 19
Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts
that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most
treasured destinations, offers guests a unique opportunity to travel
with world-renowned artist Jody Hewgill on a Barbados roundtrip
sailing aboard Wind Surf, departing February 15, 2009.

Windstar's Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished
guests and lecturers throughout the 2009 season, beginning with Jody
Hewgill; who will host an art exhibit, create sketches and talk to
guests about her artistic process and techniques.

Jody Hewgill is a fine artist and illustrator whose clients include
Rolling Stone magazine, Mondavi Wines and Time magazine. Her work has
also graced the pages of previous Windstar Cruises Sailing Atlases.
Hewgill's paintings are among many public and private collections
throughout Europe and North America, including the Library of
Congress' Permanent Poster Collection and the Centennial Olympic Games
Museum in Atlanta. In addition to her painting and illustration work,
Hewgill is currently teaching at the Ontario College of Art and Design
in Toronto. For more information about Hewgill, please visit
http://www.jodyhewgillart.com.

Wind Surf's 7-day Barbados roundtrip itinerary includes ports in St.
Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and
St. Lucia. Cruise rates start at $2,499 per person, based on double
occupancy.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview
staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses,
flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple
iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane
products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area.
Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private
living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in
Wind Surf's The Restaurant and Degrees enjoy live music in the Lounge
and cocktails in the Terrace Bar. Water sports enthusiasts will
appreciate Windstar's complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing
and kayaking from the ship's water sports platform.

Windstar's award-wining reputation for sophisticated, yet casual
elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the
travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious
publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best
Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2008 Platinum List for the
second time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded
Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in the 9th
Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in
Travel + Leisure's World's 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among "The
World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2008.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their
pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden
harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations.
Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar
cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe,
the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates
and itineraries contact a professional travel agent.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.