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United Airlines recently introduced a new fare, "basic economy".  You just pay for a seat, everything else comes at an additional cost including stowing your hand luggage in the overhead locker.  

Surprised to see that a US-based airline has beaten both BA and Ryanair to this money maker, or could it be that United is the first airline to get fed up of passengers flouting the rules on hand baggage.

I often find the temporary staff to be more helpful than the permanent ones.  They probably want a permanent job at the end or they've just  got good manners.  With the increase in online shopping, you would expect shops to work harder to get your money by providing great customer service.

On two recent trips to Argos, I've received a better level of customer service by using their FastTrack service.  Yes, it made me feel that they genuinely wanted my custom but however I shop with them I should still receive good service.    In local WH Smith yesterday one of the assistants barged into me rather than say excuse me; but that's a strange shop anyway.....

What annoys me when shopping?  "Predatory" shop assistants.  Also, why do they say "are you okay".  Completely baffles them when you just reply "fine, thank you".   At least when I shop online I'm not greeted with "hiya"; that really grates!

This is where hypocrisy comes into it.  I know a couple who are vegans; she converted him.  What do they drive?  Yes, a standard car albeit with cloth seats.  Don't know where they go on holiday but no doubt there are some "retreats" that cater for vegans.

A few years ago I worked with a vegetarian.  She was mortified to find out that her favourite chocolate covered ice cream contained pork fat.  

The darkened room beckons.....

He's excelled himself this week with two "offerings", there may be more but these are the two that have made it into the media.

In response to China's view of his conversation with the President of Taiwan, he has told the Chinese to "get over it".

The other one is his comment about Boeing and the cost of replacing Air Force One.   He may well be exposing Boeing's attempts to "fleece" the American taxpayer.   Wonder what Airbus would quote him for a specially modified A380......

I've just googled vegan shoes and surprised by number of websites.

The ladies shoes aren't the height of fashion though......

A lot of people have questioned what you can make of an event that took 208 seconds from start to finish so it concentrates on the investigation, which gets a bit technical at times and the PTSD suffered by Capt Sullenberger (a topic I hadn't thought of).  

Yes there is a twist but I'm not going to give it away.  Let's just say that very often the crew are not available to justify their decisions......

I've recommended it to someone who did a thesis on flight crew stress; will be interesting to hear his view from the human factors aspect.

There's a wide variety of reasons for this.  Mostly work-related stress, but can relate to the last thing you did before going to bed or your brain is trying to either "file" or "dump" events from the day.  Yes, it can also be your diet; too much spicy food/not enough or too much fluid/cheese.  Five-a-day or two litres of water does not suit everyone as in Barney's case.

I used to work for a guy who often had eight meetings per day in his calendar (no, he didn't manage to attend all of them).  I awoke one night because I could see his calendar inside of my eyelids.  My subconscious was obviously trying to sort this out.  Sad but true!

My trip to cinema on Saturday disturbed my sleep.  Woke around 330am and was thinking about the film.  Took me ages to drift off again.   Missed sleep finally caught up with me around 4pm yesterday......

Went to see this film late Saturday afternoon.  For anyone who hasn't yet seen it but plans to, I'll try not to spoil it.  It's 96 minutes long, 12A rating and also available in IMAX.  Directed by Clint Eastwood, with Tom Hanks as "Sully" and Aaron Eckhart as First Officer Jeff Skiles.

On 15 January 2009, Capt Chesley Sullenberger landed his crippled Airbus on the Hudson river.  This film covers what happened after the event in terms of the investigation and personal reactions.   Even the credits at the end were worth watching as they showed the passengers meeting with Capt Sullenberger and his crew.  Great proof of strangers working together to achieve a positive outcome (or Crew Resource Management for those familiar with the industry).

I wanted to see it over again immediately but unfortunately you're not allowed to do that anymore! Next time, yes there is a next time, I'm going to a more modern cinema to hopefully see it in IMAX.  Sorry Empire Sutton Coldfield, you did your best but my nearly 12 year old niece expects better.....

And now Andrew Sachs.  Poor man had dementia.

Appears they are now planning to undercut Thomson and Thomas Cook.

Apparently there will be scratchcards on your pillow and early morning alarm calls will be voiced by Mr O'Leary.  Thanks but no thanks........