The biggest case of financial

The biggest case of financial mismanagement in American history. And it isn’t what you think. A 100 year-long accounting scandal involving possibly $100 billion dollars. And a cabinet secretary held in contempt of court. I usually write mostly about travel, but this story was just interesting and I had heard only a scant little about it before.

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Just another reason why Alaska

Just another reason why Alaska Air has an outstanding frequent flyer program. When you redeem a free ticket to Australia, they’ll given you another free ticket good anywhere in the U.S. (including Alaska). So what are the other reasons that I like Alaska? First of all, their elite-level is pretty outstanding. Free upgrades from any fare — 2 days out for MVPs and at the time of booking (subject to availability) for MVP Golds. Note also that they have the lowest threshold of any US airline for qualifying as an elite — only 15,000 miles. They even give MVP Golds upgrade coupons to pass out to their friends. Second of all, their partnerships are excellent — American and Northwest, to name a few. Third, they are a good airline, even in coach. They have one…

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The Vatican is

The Vatican is looking to name a patron saint for the Internet by Easter. Goodness knows the pathetic websites of United, Continental, and USAirways could use one.

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I haven’t been able to

I haven’t been able to travel — or post — much recently. Because I’ve been on the phone. With the IRS. Well, I’ve been busy at work dealing with some crises (like a flood). So it’s not entirely because of the IRS. But I’ve spent way too much of the past few days jousting at bureaucratic windmills. Yesterday I spent nearly three hours on the telephone trying to find out where to get a simple IRS form. Three hours of my life that I’ll never get back. After calling the main help line, the phone number for my local IRS office, several other offices, and the taxpayer advocate, I still had no answer. Here are the highlights: The form I needed cannot be printed from the website. Oh, it’s there, mind you. With a notice…

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