As a contributor for two different online magazines, I get solications, press releases, odd emails, and the like from tons of people….some creditable and some not.  I don’t post everything I get but they are a source of information and generally I don’t hide my source…but I’m not really an investigative reporter.  With all eyes on the travel industry- especially airport / airline security I think the goverment in being reactive instead of proactive.

Two travel bloggers have been subpoenaed over posting TSA security directives – Fishing With Fish Steven Frischling and Elliot.org Chris Elliot.  So far Steven have complied with the TSA and Chris has submitted an objection… it waits to be seen what will happen next.

I read a quote by Thomas Jefferson that says “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when thegovernment fears the people, there is liberty.”  I just don’t get this reactive mentality. Yes we need to ensure this doesn’t happen again but making people fear flying, fear traveling, fear blogging – this is not progress or change!

Since 9/11 there has been a significant increase in airport security and like most travelers, I get that this security dance we all do, is in many ways, a worthless. Security around the world varies, some have a more casual approach then others and as an outsider it all seems to work just as well.

Maybe because I’m more intune with the ongoings in the US that I see the TSA and other policies are just smoke & mirrors, giving the general public the mirage of safety…that they are doing something for you, that you need to rely on them. I don’t want to start sounding all government is bad, because it’s not. But I do think government under estimates the population….though sometimes for good reason.

I recall a time I was flying from Bozeman to Chicago (yes that same flight I mentioned last post that I thought we were literally going to fall out of the sky) that TSA made me cry. I fly frequently for business and generally pack really light for these trips. I asked at the hotel, as I always do, generally how long the security lines are — the lady at the front desk laughed and ask what time my flight was – it was 12:30, she told me to be at the airport by 12:15 and I’ll have time to stop for a cup of coffee before boarding. She wasn’t kidding, the security line was all of one person deep…and I apparently set-off all sorts of red flags – I forgot to remove the small bottle of hotel lotion from my bag, then I was scolded for not declaring my inhaler (I didn’t realize asthma was a federal issue) but the real kicker was— my pepper spray. I took my pepper spray to Israel and never once was questioned about that…but in Bozeman, it was such an issue that they almost arrested me for it. Why? Because I asked why! I said I had traveled through many major airports and it had never been questioned…so I never thought it was an issue. I was told if I “gave anymore lip” they’d have the deputy arrest me and then they informed that “they don’t know where I travel” but in Bozeman they take national security serious. uhm. Yah I’m pretty sure JFK, ORD, LAX, and DIA could careless about national security, I’m very happy that the Bozman TSA are taking things seriously. They took my pepper spray and wouldn’t even me back the handy like holster I had it in…which I thought was very rude.

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update: apparently DIA does care – I flew through DIA on 1/12 and had my second pepper spray confiscated…I didn’t ask questions this time.  I must learn to pack it in my carry on.

Crossing into and out of Jordan is probably on the top of my list as most-nerve racking travel moments Right underneath the border-crossing was the uber-bumpy flight from Bozeman, MT to Chicago…ah. It was so bumpy that the flight attendant actually came on the speaker & reminded us that if the oxygen masks dropped to breath normally..yah I cried when we landed. Anyway, we crossed at the Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein Bridge. The bridge is located in the West Bank just outside of Jericho and is the most direct crossing between Jerusalem and Amman.

When we arrived at the check-point on the Israeli side, we were instructed to get off the bus and go into the building to go through security while our luggage would be taken off and screened separately. As we started to get off the bus, we saw people running away from the building and someone shouted …”has a gun” – I’m not sure who had a gun or what that situation was about, but we all sat quietly in the bus until we were again instructed to leave the bus. Inside was a small waiting area and after our exit fees were paid, we lined up and slowly filed through passport checks. On the other side we found our luggage loaded into a new bus and our driver silently drove us across into Jordan.

It felt like an eternity crossing no-mans-land. Looking at the desolate landscape peppered with soliders & machine guns, I realized that this is still a sore spot for Israel and Jordan. Jordan doesn’t even recognize it as a border, only an entry point (I was disappointed not to have my passport stamped, but I did stick some Jordanian stamps as ‘proof’). When we arrive in Jordan the terminal had a completely different feel. There was tension but not like on the Israeli side…the tension was more of the unknown. The tension was not eased when the tour guide hopped on the bus asking for everyone to give him our passports. I’ve always been told ‘never give up your passport’ – but we reluctantly handed them over and sat in silence waiting for our guide to return. I later learned from a few Americans who frequently do business in Jordan that handling customs,etc is considered part of hospitality to Jordanians but they were nervous the first time their business associate took their passports. When our guide returned he was accompanied by an armed solider who joined us to and from Amman and on a couple short excursion. I have no clue what this soliders name is, but he was super cute if you ask me but he shy-ed away from pictures…but I snuck one!

I’m sure you’re wondering what about this was super nerve-racking, it was the return to Israel. Gary spoke today how one of the Israeli tactics is to intense questioning meant to trip up anyone who was hiding something. After crossing back into Israel, our bus parked in the lot and armed soliders circled our bus looking into the windows. After a few minutes, a couple of them boarded the bus and asked for passports (this actually happened a few times so I was too bothered yet) after asked for passports, the soliders left the bus and another solider got on, walked over to me and told me to take my bags and get off the bus.

When I got off the bus two soliders approached me, one guy and one girl. The girl went through my purse silently and handed the guy my camera. Then the questions started, questions that seems to be a no importance – how old am I, what was my birthdate, my zodiac sign, where was I born, in what year, where did I live, how long have I lived there and with who, what was my job, did I like it, how long did I work there, what year did I start, who was on this trip, why did I want to come, did I know any other languages, how much money did I make, where did I go to school, when did I graduate….and so on. They repeated most of the question multiple times. Then he went through my camera and questioned me about the locations, what day was I there, how did we get there, why did I take the picture. The entire time I was sort of scared to stare at him in face so I alternated between looking directly at him and staring at the poppyseed stuck in his teeth. I haven’t a clue how long I was out there, but when I got back on the bus people just stared at me but knew not to ask until after we left the area.

I don’t know why I was pulled off the bus…maybe I looked strange among a bus full of 50+ travelers. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. It was an experience and as uncomfortable as it was, it was a unique experience and something I will always remember about my trip.

I attended Chicago Gourmet over the weekend. The word gluttony seem soft compared to the amount of food, wines, and spirits I indulged in (all in a days work!)  As I was making the rounds on Saturday, I heard those buzz words being dropped by everyone. the fish was sustainable (hmm not organic?) the produce was organic, anytime you paused to investigate a product, the vendor would quickly point out it’s “green” qualities – whether it was organically produced, a sustainable farmer, or even locally grown – considering the quantity of yum yums I ate and drank, I’m sure I’ve completely off-set my carbon foot print.

These sizzling hot  buzz words are tossed around like pennies in a pond – almost mindlessly. Which is curious to me since the philosophy is to prolong a better quality of life. Life of ourselves, lives of others, animals, better quality of plant life and earth – to have a healthful existence. I know these merchants are just simply giving me the spiel that sells.  The most interesting discussion happened during a tasting & panel discussion called “Green Wine-making, Why it Matters”.  

Each attendee had six wines – 3 reds and 3 whites each were an example of a certain type of farming philosophy or practice – organic, sustainable, bio-dynamic.

I am frequently take when these words are used as cheap talking points, a marketing ploy to lure people in.  And let’s face it. I’ve fallen for a ploy or two. Every industry seems to be grappling with that going green means to them.  I’ll admit I don’t much about bio-dynamic farming and I’ve read a bunch since and it seems old-world meets mythology.  

The panel consisted of  master sommeliers Fred Dame, Alpana Singh, Serafin Alvarado and Fernando Betata. The panel was well balance (just like a good wine). Fred was outspoken and had a very realistic view about wine-making business – it is a business.  Serrafin joked he wears green underwear and would discuss the impact of going green. Fernando and Alpana maintained a middle-of-the-road attitude.  

Organic, sustainable, being green doesn’t always mean better (and it doesn’t mean worse). These labels are just that – labels we slap on everything to set it apart, to make a distinction, but the label isn’t doesn’t provide absolute proof of superiority.  Wines – organic, sustainable, or bio-dynamic – should be evaluated the same as any product.   As for businesses, they are investing in themselves, their product, employees, and their consumers — the organic label comes with a heavy certification price tag and rules & regulations.  It’s a choice. It’s a commitment. But it doesn’t mean better.

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I am no wino, though I am sorta a winette – I’m infatuated with being a sophisicated wine drinker, but I’m not there yet.  

More amazing then the cost of this one tube of acne cream, is the fact I got a refill – so 4 tubes total – yup $487.96 (less than I paid in parking tickets but still) – that’s a LOT of money for a small tube of of pimple cream.

why the heck am I talking about my skin care?

Health care – the affordablity, the lack-of, health care – has been in the news a ton. In fact Obama is bowing out of heading to Copenhagen (I heart the Olympics…especially diving….xoxox  - but I don’t think Chicago is gunna win the bid).

Anyway, back to healthcare.

I would have never guess in a million years that this cream would cost over $120 a pop.  And because I have insurance, I only pay a mini-fraction of the actual cost.  Granted, I guess I do pay every month  ($100 or so) to have health insurance….which makes me think.  How much does medical care really cost?  I’ve always had health insurance and it’s always worked out for me.  But we all know medical companies and insurance companies aren’t exactly hurting money-wise. 

So how much did my tube of cream really cost? If I’m paying the insurance company $1,200+ a year for coverage, and I paid $10 for every tube of $120+ acne cream – what’s the profit?  Most products, especially when produced in bulk can cost pennies compared to what they are sold for. 

If I had the time, patience, and the actual-know-how, I would try to figure out the profit. But I’m lacking in all those areas (and currently in clear skin…but not for long!)

I bring this whole issue up, because for the first time I actually get why people are fussing over stuff in Congress. I understand why people are frustrated with their lack of care and the cost.  I’m not sure I’m 100% on board with universal health care but I definately think maybe more transparency (ooo buzz word) is need within the medical / insurance industry.

I’m a sorta-smoker, a fair-weathered smoker. I can take it or leave it. Sometimes I smoke daily, sometimes I go weeks without lighting up. It really depends on my mood and my wallet (since cigarettes are almost $10 a pack in Chicago).

In college we had to smoke 25 feet away from the dorms (which we never did). Then smoking was banned in bars and restaurants. I was at a bar in Upstate New York the first time I realized I was the only person smoking. Some random girl politely told me to be careful or else I could get in trouble – so I ducked into the bathroom to finish. I use to hate having to leave the bar to have a quick smoke between bars, but now I love it. It really is wonderful to go home without smelling of smoke from head to toe.

I feel like people forget that smoking is a choice.

Recently a couple rental car companies decided to officially ban smoking. The fact that you could smoke in a rental car was news to me – I always remembering seeing no smoking signs all over every rental car I’ve ever driven. Regardless, they are now enacting a policy that will fine renters $250 if they smoke in the car. I have yet to find out what the procedure will be in determining this. A heavy smoker might stink up the car without smoking in it. We’ve all walked by these people, they seem permanently surrounded by a billowy cloud of smoke. I doubt rental car companies go so far as to say you can’t smoke at all while renting the car…

This morning as I got ready for work, I was watching the Insider – and the debate of the day was “Should Patrick Swayze Have Stopped Smoking?” I was shocked by this. We all do things everyday that are horrible for us and we are – all in a sense – dying every day. We all have choices and personal responsibility. I make choices based on what is best for me, at the moment. An outsider might disagree with my choice, but that’s their choice not mine.

It is absolutely the right of any establishment to make any sort of rules they want and people can chose whether to patronize them. But there is a fine line of discrimination that comes into play. It’s OK to say no one can smoke but it’s probably not OK to say that orange colored t-shirts aren’t allowed. I hate to sound argumentative (a tad trite) but why not? In general, I find orange to be an ugly color but establishments aren’t banning smoking because they necessarily think it’s better for their consumers lungs they are doing it because it’s better for their wallets and image… I doubt banning orange will have quite the same effect.

But maybe that’s me being cynical.

photo by Ana Labate

UPDATE

Ryan Air so proves my point –it’s all about the $$$. but I guess that’s not really a new revelation is it.