Crisis Deepening in the Maldives

by Gary Leff

road going to houses over water
Feb 05 2018

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen was elected in 2013, and is a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party. His half brother Maumoon Gayoom ruled the country prior to the nation’s first democratic elections in 2008.

The country’s first elected President Mohamed Nasheed was forced to resign in what amounted to a coup in 2012. The new government, representing interests fro the old regime, had him tried and convicted on terrorism charges.
The nation’s Supreme Court threw out those charges last week. The court also ordered the release of other opposition lawmakers who were being held.

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This Internal “Tell Me Why” Podcast Taught Me Two Things About American Airlines

by Gary Leff

back airplane tv
Feb 04 2018

American’s new ‘Tell Me Why’ podcast is live with its third episode. While it’s geared towards employees and posted to their internet Jetnet system it’s also available on iTunes.

For the third episode Vice President of Communications Ron DeFeo interviews Kurt Stache, American’s head of marketing who used to run AAdvantage, about the airline’s inflight product and mostly inflight entertainment.

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Incredible First Class Award Availability To/From Asia for Cheap

by Gary Leff

flight chart
Feb 04 2018

ANA first class availability, booked far in advance, is outstanding right now. And it’s accessible using miles from a variety of programs — in the Star Alliance and through other airline partnerships as well. They offer one of the best and most consistent first class products in the world. It’s not as flashy as Emirates or Etihad, but the service and food are fantastic.

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Spontaneous Circle of Women Calm Hysterical Mother and Son at LAX

by Gary Leff

people walking through terminal
Feb 04 2018

Beth Bornstein Dunnington was flying from Los Angeles to Portland on Friday. Waiting for her flight at LAX, a toddler was melting down at a nearby gate.

The boy’s pregnant mother melted down, too. She “couldn’t pick him up because he was so upset” as the boy ran away from her, laid down on the floor of the terminal, kicked and screamed. She “put her head in her hands” as she sat down on the floor too. She cried.

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