In my Winter 2002 Doublethink article (pdf here, HTML here) I argued that our nation’s approach to terrorism was ultimately failed, because all of the security measures in the world will be unable to stop would-be terrorists. All of the civil liberties we give up in exchange for security will ultimately fail to make us safe. In the end, we will be both unsafe and unfree. In particular, I argued that airport security would simply move the target to the security and check-in line. Lo and behold on July 4th, a gunman attacked an El Al ticket counter in Los Angeles. In the above article, I predicted that the government’s response to an attack outside of security would simply be to move out the perimeter of security. Lo and behold, I’m sitting here watching CNN’s…
A new pro-family
A new pro-family policy from the government of Malaysia.
Life imitates art. I wonder
Life imitates art. I wonder if this woman has even seen American Pie 2?
From the “if it exists,
From the “if it exists, government will tax it” file — North Victoria, Australia has approved a vomit tax.
Do-it-yourself upgrades American Airlines flies
Do-it-yourself upgrades American Airlines flies several three class (First/Business/Coach) 767 and 777 flights that are sold as two class (first and economy). That means that the business class seats are sold as coach (with coach service — just the better seat). In order to pre-reserve these seats, you need to be an American Airlines elite (because the front of coach is reserved for American Airlines elites who fly more than 25,000 miles a year with the airline). So, if you’re an elite it’s a “do-it-yourself” upgrade. You can also get these seats if you purchase a full fare ticket. At the airport itself you might have luck requesting one of these seats as well. Here are the current flights where this is possible: LAX-ORD AA88 9:36-15:36 ORD-LAX AA89 15:02-17:25 MIA-DFW: AA908 7:30-9:42, AA69 17:24-19:45 DFW-MIA:…
The man and woman who
The man and woman who are auctioning off the right to name their baby have received bids in excess of $7,000. The man and woman who are auctioning off the right to name their bird have yet to receive a bid. Speciesism, perhaps?
Not sure what to think
Not sure what to think about this. I guess if you live long enough you’ll see everything.
Amtrak! No, this isn’t a
Amtrak! No, this isn’t a post about how Amtrak should be liquidated through a bankruptcy proceeding. It’s a post about getting the most out of your rail travel. Occasionally, I move past airlines and offer other tips such as how to get rental car discounts. In this case, I have several tibits to offer. First, I’m always surprised how many people don’t realize that Amtrak has a frequent rider program. Definitely worth signing up. However, don’t just sign up because the program is there. Wait until you’re going to take a train trip, and you’ll get 500 bonus points. Second, Amtrak has an elite level that offers upgrades to first class if space is available, and passes to their first class lounge. 5 roundtrips on the Acela Express or Metroliner in a year is all…
Credit Card deals
Credit Cards for Earning Miles. My favorite card is the Starwood American Express which lets you earn 1.25 points/dollar in pretty much any airline program you want. What’s more, it’s free the first year and only $30/yr thereafter. (And I’m editing the link in this post — 7/13/02 — to a new offer that includes 4000 Starwood points at signup.) Right now, there is a truly special offer for signing up for the Northwest Visa (must act by July 15). 25,000 bonus miles for signup. And you might as well carry a Visa and an Amex, right? But here’s something that most people miss. Most good mileage earning cards have annual fees. How about the hotel cards? You can pick up a hotel credit card with no annual fee — and what’s more, they offer…
I keep meaning to walk
Jul
04
2002
I keep meaning to walk into the Founding Church of Scientology in Dupont Circle — they invite tours and advertise “help wanted” all the time. I’ve never gotten around to it, but PJ Doland has, and he filed this report.
