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Posted on 09/30/2007
Protecting Your Travel Investment
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12 Apostles,
Australia. Photo by
Sofia Magallona
Planning
a trip is half the fun of traveling. You select how
you're going to travel, where you'll stay, and what
adventures you'll have while you are away. You make your
reservations, make the required payments, update your
passport and shots if necessary. And you are ready to
go.
But
what if you are prevented from taking your trip? What if
you become ill or injured before or during your trip?
What if your selected airline or cruise line should go
out of business or on strike? What if a terrorist
incident is occurring at your home airport or
destination airport?
Those
hard-earned payments could be lost.
To
help protect you from losing the money you have spent to
travel, we provide specially designed coverage for many
of those unforeseen circumstances that may force the
cancellation of your travel plans or interrupt your
covered trip.
With
our trip protection programs, you may recover
non-refundable, unused payments, and deposits when a
trip is cancelled or interrupted for a variety of
reasons, including travel delays, baggage delays, and
emergency medical treatment while you are away from
home.
Our
years of experience in the international market combined
with our network's multilingual capabilities, excellent
services, and superior programs allow us to provide
global assistance and peace of mind to you, your family,
and your employees 24
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Pirate Attacks Threaten Food Supply to Somalia
By JoAnne
Green
September 27, 2007
Around 80 percent of
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) food assistance for
the people of Somalia moves by sea. However, pirate attacks have
threatened to cut WFP’s main supply route to Somalia. Piracy in
waters off Somalia is jeopardizing rations
for the 1.2 million people whom WFP expects to be feeding in
that country by the end of 2007.
In 2005, an upsurge of piracy in Somali
waters, including the hijacking of two ship contracted for WFP,
forced the UN agency to suspend all deliveries by sea for some
weeks.
In the first half of 2007, there were 17
pirate attacks on ships in waters off Somalia.
WFP and the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) have jointly appealed for high-level
international action to stamp out piracy in waters off Somalia,
following a series of attacks including on two vessels that had
just unloaded WFP food in Somalia.
France recently decided to join the
multinational coalition naval force off Somalia with its
proposal to provide naval escorts to protect ships carrying
food off the Horn of Africa from pirate attacks. The French
proposal envisions a two-month period during which French naval
vessels would participate with the multinational coalition naval
force in escorting ships carrying WFP food assistance as they
traverse Somali waters. Ships would be escorted to the entrance
of Mogadishu port.
Note: This story has been
adapted from a Press Release issued by World Food Programme, 26
September 2007. Map by CIA.
About the Author: JoAnne
Green is an American businesswoman. She specializes in multinational
business relation and transglobal risk management. She is founder
and principal of Sunburst International Risk Management, SIRM, (www.internationalriskmanagement.com).
Copyright (c) JoAnne
Green
Global Aviation Report
USA, China: New flights to China
On September 25, 2007, the U.S. Transportation
Secretary Mary E. Peters announced 6 new flight routes from the U.S.
to China.
“By bringing China and the U.S. one step
closer, we increase our ability to compete, boost our success in the
global marketplace, and make international travel for all passengers
easier and more affordable,” Secretary Peters said.
Secretary Peters announced that Delta Airlines
had been awarded a new direct route from Atlanta to Shanghai, making
them the first airline to fly that route. The Secretary also
announced that United Airlines was awarded a direct route from San
Francisco to Guangzhou, to begin flying in 2008. Both the Delta and
United awards represent final decisions by the Department.
Secretary Peters also proposed awards for four
new daily flights to begin in 2009: American Airlines for
Chicago-Beijing service, Continental Airlines for Newark-Shanghai
service, Northwest Airlines for Detroit-Shanghai service, and US
Airways for Philadelphia-Beijing service. Final decisions of these
proposed awards will be made in the near future after further public
comment.
Secretary Peters said the announcement today is the result of an
agreement signed in July with the Chinese government to open up
airways between the two countries and double the number of daily
flights allowed between the U.S. and China over the next five years.
The agreement also allows for new cargo flights operating to and
from the U.S. and China.
By increasing competition, allowing more flight options, and
reducing costly stops and layovers, these new direct routes are
expected to lower fares and increase convenience for both business
and leisure passengers to travel to China, Secretary Peters said.
Visa Alert
Bolivia: New Visa Requirement for Americans
The
U.S. Embassy La Paz in Bolivia issued the following Warden Message on September
20, 2007:
This message is being issued to notify American citizens traveling
to and residing in Bolivia
of the new visa requirement for American citizens entering
Bolivia
as tourists. The Bolivian government announced earlier this month
that effective December 1, 2007, U.S. citizens seeking to enter
Bolivia as tourists must first obtain an entry visa from a Bolivian
diplomatic post nearest their place of residence by submitting an
application, and presenting documentation that includes proof of
economic solvency, itinerary and lodging, a police record , and
yellow fever vaccination. The U.S. Embassy in
La Paz, Bolivia
has requested clarification regarding this policy and we are
awaiting further information from Bolivian officials. Please
continue to direct specific inquiries to the Bolivian Embassy in
Washington or your nearest Bolivian Consulate (see
http://www.bolivia-usa.org/ for
contact information). If you are in
Bolivia, please contact Bolivian
Immigration Services at 211-0960. An unofficial translation of the
Bolivian government decree can be found on the U.S. Embassy website
at:
http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/wm17092007.html
.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Shakespeare said it well in Othello: "But he that filches from me my
good
name/Robs me of that which not enriches him/And makes me poor
indeed."
Identity theft is now the fastest growing crime in America and
around the world. It
happens
when a criminal wrongfully obtains and uses the personal information
belonging to someone else--perhaps to you. Such personal information
may
include your Social Security number, credit card numbers, or the ATM
PIN
code for your bank account. Although you may think you are careful
with
this information, identity thieves are clever and can obtain this
information in any number of ways.
A popular method is "shoulder surfing" where the thief just stands
near
the ATM and watches as you key in your PIN. Or the thief may listen
in on
your cell phone conversation as you make hotel reservations with a credit
card.
Many of us have gone fishing at one time or another. Well, ID
thieves
utilize "phishing" as a way to get your personal information. They
send
out fake e-mails, purportedly from banks or credit card companies,
indicating that there is a problem with your account. In order to
"verify"
your account, they ask for your Social Security Number and other
information. Many people respond in good faith to these inquires. As
a
result, their identities are often stolen.
While most people would not be caught dead going through a trash
bin,
"dumpster diving" has become a new sport for ID thieves. They go
through
dumpsters looking for things such as bank statements, checks, or
credit
card statements--items that contain your address and account number.
We could go on and on with examples of identity theft, but you get
the
picture. There are several things you can do to protect yourself.
- If you have to give out personal information over the phone, make
sure
you know who is at the other end of the line. Also, make sure no one
is
close by, listening to your conversation. When using an ATM, ensure
that
no one is watching you.
- Shred all bank statements and credit card bills before you throw
them
away.
- Do not respond to any e-mail inquiries for your information
without
first calling the sender.
You can also now purchase an endorsement to your homeowners
insurance
policy to cover expenses you incur in case your identity is stolen.
For
just a few dollars a year, you may purchase up to $15,000 of such
protection. Please call your insurance agent for more information.
###
Overseas Travel Warning
Indonesia: Ramadan Vigilance
The U.S. Embassy Jakarta issued the following Travel Alert on
September 17, 2007:
The American citizens need to be aware that the potential exists for
disruptions at establishments that serve alcohol during the month of
Ramadan by groups acting in the name of religious or moral
standards. In recent years, acts of intimidation or threats to
destroy property have sought to stop the sale of alcohol or
temporarily close businesses. The Embassy urges Americans to be
vigilant about security if frequenting these locations until the end
of Ramadan and Idul Fitri on October 13/14, 2007.
Americans living and traveling in Indonesia are urged to register
and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in
Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or U.S. Consular Agency
in Bali. Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission’s contact with
Americans in emergency situations, and may be done on line and in
advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the
U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs website at
http://travelregistration.state.gov and at the Embassy’s website
at
http://jakarta.usembassy.gov. All Travel Warnings, Public
Announcements and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy
website.
The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 4-5,
Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 62-21-3435-9000. The
telephone number of the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is
62-31-295-6400; the number for the U.S. Consulate in Medan is
62-61-415-2200; the number for the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is
62-361-233-605.
JoAnne's Advice: Keep in mind that
you are a guest
in your visiting country.
Be respectful to the local custom and religion in your host
country. I suggest that you get a
good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical
evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on
your behalf. I recommend
Travel Cancellation
Insurance,
Liaison International,
and
Atlas Travel Series .
###
Global Aviation
Report
New Trend in the Aviation
Industry
By JoAnne Green
Pilots
are like fine wines. They get better with age. Researchers say the
findings, published in the February 27, 2007, issue of Neurology®,
the scientific journal
of
the American Academy of Neurology, show expert knowledge may offset the impact
of old age in this and some others occupations.
The American Academy of Neurology study’s results may be
surprising to some. Traditionally, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has required that all U.S. pilots stop flying commercial airplanes at
age 60. Yet for years, FAA has allowed foreign pilots, age over 60, to
fly in and out of the U.S. airports.
On September 27, 2006, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Administrator, Marion C. Blakey, established a group of airline,
labor and medical experts to recommend whether the United States
should adopt International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
standard and determine what actions would be necessary if the FAA
were to change its rule.
On January 30, 2007, Administrator Blakey, announced that the FAA
will propose to raise the mandatory retirement age for U.S.
commercial pilots from 60 to 65.
For the American Academy of
Neurology study, researchers tested 118
non-commercial airline pilots, age 40 to 69, annually for three years.
All pilots were currently flying, had between 300 and 15,000 hours of
total flight time, and had an FAA medical certificate. Pilots were tested
on accuracy of executing communications, traffic avoidance, scanning
cockpit instruments to detect emergencies, and executing a visual
approach landing.
Researchers suggest that pilots with
advanced FAA pilot ratings may maintain performance over time due to a
mechanism of preserved task-specific knowledge, known as crystallized
intelligence, which is similar to what is seen in music or expert chess
playing.
The study was supported by the
Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center,
the Medical Research Service of the Department of Veteran Affairs, and
the National Institute on Aging.
“These findings show the advantageous
effect of prior experience and specialized expertise on older adults’
skilled cognitive performances,” said study author Joy L. Taylor, PhD,
with the Stanford/VA Aging Clinical Research Center in Palo Alto,
California. “Our discovery has broader implications beyond aviation to
the general issue of aging in the workplace and the objective assessment
of competency in older workers.”
“A pilot’s experience counts — it’s an added margin of safety,”
said Administrator Blakey. “Foreign airlines have demonstrated that
experienced pilots in good health can fly beyond age 60 without
compromising safety.”
Federal Aviation Administration made wise decisions in changing
on the U.S. pilot's mandated retirement age based on the result of
scientific study rather than the pressure of union leaders. Finally,
experience and competency count!
About the Author:
JoAnne Green is an American businesswoman.
She specializes in multinational business relation and transglobal
risk management. She is founder and principal of Sunburst
International Risk Management, SIRM, (www.internationalriskmanagement.com).
Copyright (c)
JoAnne Green
Overseas Health Issue
China: No Sewage or Water
Treatment for 700 Million People
According to a Reuters' report today, more than half
of China's 1.3 billion population, including 278 cities, live
without any form of sewage or water treatment.
An estimated 5,000 "administrative towns" and 20,000
smaller "market towns" also had no sewage treatment facilities, and
a lack of clean water was especially acute in the central province
of Henan.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government is scurrying to
clean up the filthy air in Beijing timely for the opening of 2008
Olympics.
JoAnne's Advice: Keep in mind that China is ruled by
a communist government. If you plan to travel to China, be extremely
careful about what you say, do, eat, and drink. Remember to take
with you a good respirator, which you can find at your local hardware
store, and water-purification tablets, or better yet, a portable water
filter, which you can buy from REI. A good international medical plan and emergency medical evacuation
insurance such as
Atlas Travel Series, or Liaison
International or Liaison
Traveler is essential for any travelers who visit or live in China.
###
Air
Travel Safety
Turkey: Attempted Hijack of
Turkish Aircraft
On
Saturday, August 18,2007, two men attempted to hijack an
Atlasjet flight en route to Istanbul from northern Cyprus, intent on
causing the aircraft to land in either Iran or Syria. Instead, the
plane’s pilots arranged an emergency landing in southern Turkey,
claiming the plane needed to be refueled. Upon landing, most of the
147 passengers escaped through doors on the sides and back of the
plane, but the hijackers held four passengers and two crew members
for more than five hours of negotiations. Ultimately, all six were
released and the hijackers surrendered.
According to the Turkish government, one of the hijackers was a
Turkish national and the other was an Egyptian citizen of
Palestinian heritage. The two met in Turkish-controlled northern
Cyprus. Open press sources have quoted passengers who claimed the
hijackers announced that they were al-Q’aida members, and Turkish
police stated that the two suspects confessed they wanted to fly to
Iran or Syria, and then travel to Afghanistan to join al-Q’aida.
Although the men claimed to have a bomb on board, upon
investigation, the purported explosive was constructed of clay.
This marked the fifth attempted hijacking of a Turkish plane in four
years. Significantly, in each instance, the hijackers falsely
claimed to have explosives on board. In April, a Turkish male
attempted to hijack a plane traveling from Istanbul to southeastern
Turkey; the pilots were able to safely land in Ankara and the
hijacker surrendered. Although the Turkish press characterized this
most recent attempt at hijacking as “amateurish,” the episode
demonstrates that these incidents have the ability to ground
aircraft and cause potential flight disruptions.
JoAnne's Advice:
I suggest that you get a
good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical
evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on
your behalf. I recommend
Travel Cancellation
Insurance,
Liaison International,
and
Atlas Travel Series .
You'll be glad you did.
###
Overseas Safety & Security
Central African Republic:
Travel Warning
The U.S. State Department reissued this Travel Warning on August 09,
2007 to alert Americans of heightened security concerns as a result
of fighting between rebels and government forces in the north
prefectures of the country.
American citizens are strongly advised not to travel to the Central
African Republic (CAR) until further notice. Active rebel movements
are still present in the northern regions of the country. In the
northwestern prefectures of Ouham and Ouham-Pende, roadblocks by
rebels and by government forces pose a serious and continuing threat
to aid workers and travelers. Fighting between rebels and
government forces has forced much of the population near the town of
Ngaounday to flee into neighboring Cameroon and Chad. An expatriate
aid worker was killed in an attack on a well-marked vehicle north of
Bocaranga in June 2007.
The U.S.-sponsored development and aid work in the northwest area
has been temporarily suspended, and U.S. Government employees on
temporary duty and other contract visitors to the Mission will not
be allowed to visit the northwestern or northeastern CAR prefectures
without specific authorization of the Chief of Mission.
Rebels and armed men are also present in the northeastern Vakaga
prefecture, and pose a threat to travelers in that area. The rebels
wish to overthrow the constitutionally-elected president and seek
new elections, and continue to pose a threat to travelers despite
recent tentative steps in the peace process.
In addition, highway bandits (“coupeurs de route” in French) pose a
serious threat to travelers throughout the country. Two World
Health Organization physicians were murdered by unidentified
assailants outside Bossembélé in April 2006. There have been
repeated attacks on Central African and expatriate travelers on the
Berberati-Carnot-Baoro-Bouar-Bozoum axis. The U.S. Embassy in
Bangui strongly discourages American citizens, including aid,
development, and religious workers, from traveling on these roads at
any time of day or night.
Poachers and armed men also pose a threat to game hunters in the
north central CAR, in and around the “Parc National de
Bamingui-Bangoran.” A French hunter was murdered in a targeted
attack on a hunting party that included an American outside the town
of Ndélé in April 2007. The poachers in this area are heavily
armed, often with automatic weapons, and outside local and national
government authority.
The Central African government is unable to guarantee the safety of
visitors in most parts of the country. The U.S. Embassy advises its
personnel to exercise caution in traveling to all parts of the
country. In addition to the above warnings, the Embassy recommends
that Americans traveling outside the capital not travel with a CAR
military escort, or any armed escort, as the armed escort may draw
fire from rebel troops.
The U.S. citizens already in the Central African Republic should
contact the American Embassy in Bangui to verify their locations and
contact points. They should avoid travel outside the capital unless
absolutely necessary and exercise caution at all times, particularly
at public gatherings. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area
around the Presidential Palace in Bangui and to exercise caution if
they encounter presidential guards. The presidential guards have
various checkpoints around the Palace and have harassed official
personnel driving in that area.
There are approximately 300 peacekeeping troops from neighboring
member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of Central
Africa (CEMAC) that move in and out of the capital. CAR security
forces, sometimes with French military assistance, staff checkpoints
throughout the city. Some crimes are perpetrated by uniformed CAR
security and military personnel. In particular, military elements
charged with presidential security are likely to be aggressive and
belligerent. Activities of the Presidential Guard throughout the
CAR indicate that they operate with near-total impunity.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangui has just three American officers and can
provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens at this
time.
U.S. citizens in the CAR are strongly urged to register on the State
Department’s web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov.
Americans without Internet access may register directly with the
U.S. Embassy in Bangui. By registering, American citizens make it
easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Embassy in the CAR is located at Avenue David Dacko, B.P.
924, Bangui; tel. (236) 61-02-00; fax (236) 61-44-94. For
additional information on safety and security in the CAR, contact
the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, at
telephone (237) 220-1500, fax (237) 220-1572; web site
http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/. Americans may also obtain
updated information from the American Embassy in N'djamena, Chad, at
telephone (235) 51-70-09, 51-92-33 or 51-90-52; fax (235) 51-56-54;
web site
http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/.
JoAnne's Advice:
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers
outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
I also suggest that you get a
good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical
evacuation and travel assistance such as contact the U.S. embassies on
your behalf. I recommend
Travel Cancellation
Insurance,
Liaison International,
and
Atlas Travel Series .
You'll be glad you did.
###
Overseas Safety & Security:
South / Central Asia -
Bangladesh:
Violent Clashes
Today the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued the following
Travel Warning:
Violent clashes between Dhaka University students and police are
continuing for a second day, in what appears to be the worst
violence since the state of emergency was declared in January
2007. The violence began during the afternoon of August 20, when
several students were injured in a confrontation with army personnel
at the University. As of 15:00 August 21, clashes are continuing
between students and police, with outbreaks at other universities in
Dhaka and elsewhere. While the army has issued a press release
promising an investigation of the previous day’s incident, this has
not yet satisfied student demands. An indefinite strike has been
called at the university, which is also being supported by
teachers. Students vandalized vehicles outside the campus, and have
burned effigies of the Chief of Army Staff. Police, students, and
some army personnel have reportedly been injured in today’s
clashes.
As a result, American Embassy personnel have been restricted to the
Diplomatic Enclave, American citizens who are living in Dhaka are
urged to exercise caution in their movements around the city, and
those living in other parts of Bangladesh to monitor the conditions
in their area. The Embassy will continue to monitor reports and will
post updates on our website,
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.
Remember that local news in English is carried on the following
television stations at the following times:
English language local news is available on the following channels
at the following times:
ATN – 1800
Bangla Vision – 2105
BTV – 2200
BTV – 2330 (also broadcasts by all local satellite stations: ATN,
Channel I, NTV, RTV, Bangla Vision, and Boishaki)
The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka can be reached at (880-2)
885-5500 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies.
JoAnne's Advice:
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers
outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
I also suggest that you get a
good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical
evacuation and travel assistance such as contact the U.S. embassies on
your behalf. I recommend
Travel Cancellation
Insurance,
Liaison International,
and
Atlas Travel Series .
You'll be glad you did.
###
Overseas Travel Safety:
Jamaica and the
Cayman Island:
Hurricane Dean
The following Travel Warning is being issued on August 17,
2007 to urge U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel
to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands at this time due to the threat
posed by Hurricane Dean. The Department of State has authorized the
departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members of
the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. The storm is predicted to
pass over Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on August 19.
The U.S. Embassy in Kingston will be available over the weekend for
emergency American Citizens Services, but may be forced to suspend
operations without notice. U.S. citizens in areas likely to be
impacted by Hurricane Dean who do not have access to adequate and
safe shelter should consider departing until the storm has passed
while commercial flights are still available. Seating capacity on
commercial flights is extremely limited. Flights into and out of
Kingston and Montego Bay international airports, and the Grand
Cayman Airport may be suspended at any time.
If staying in Jamaica
or the Cayman Islands, U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter,
monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions.
Visitors to Jamaica or the Cayman Islands should be familiar with
their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans, policies, or
procedures.
U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (i.e. U.S.
Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) with them at all
times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location.
Additionally, all American citizens in the area are reminded to stay
in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them
apprised of their current whereabouts.
Americans living or traveling in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State
Department’s travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov.
Updated information on travel in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the United States, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. For
further information please consult the Consular Information Sheets
for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands available via the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov
or
contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston at (876) 702-6000, after hours
(876) 702-6055.
JoAnne's Advice:
I also suggest that you get a
good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical
evacuation and travel assistance such as contact the U.S. embassies on
your behalf. I recommend
Travel Cancellation
Insurance,
Liaison International,
and
Atlas Travel Series .
You'll be glad you did.
###
21st Century
Money Making Opportunity
By JoAnne Green
09/01/2007
Cutting corners never pays. Like many U.S. companies,
toy manufacturer Mattel Inc. has outsourced
the manufacturing of many of its products to China. Now Mattel is
reaping the consequences of corner cutting by its Chinese partners.
Many of you may have heard that Mattel
has just voluntarily recalled 19 million toys worldwide along with 9.5 million in
the U.S. It was Mattel’s second recall in a month. These toys were made
in China and have been found to be potentially dangerous to children
because of toxic components such as lead paint or defects such as loose
magnets.
Now Mattel has to
store the millions of recalled toys in its warehouses until the company
can figure out what to do with them. The question is how they are going
to get rid of these millions of contaminated toys safely. They cannot crush
these toys and dump the scraps into the landfills. That would turn the
landfills into toxic waste dumps. They cannot burn these toys, either.
That would put hazardous fumes into the atmosphere. Right now, the
people at Mattel Inc. are no doubt banging their heads against the walls
trying to figure out how to dispose of these million of contaminated
toys in a manner that is environmentally safe while trying to control
the costs of doing so as effectively as possible. Any workable solutions
will carry a staggering price tag. If the folks at Mattel are not
careful to make an environmentally sound decision, the government and
environmental activists will go after them in the courts big time.
I believe that many
opportunities are always hidden underneath every problem. So if you can
brilliantly come up with a workable plan that shows Mattel how to
destroy these millions of contaminated toys safely, I’ll bet that your
future will be very bright financially. Mattel may even offer you a
cushy position in the company. There is a huge money making opportunity
here for some innovative and enterprising soul.
###
Overseas
Safety and Security:
Romania:
Crimes Against Missionaries
The following report is
compiled from open sources, local authorities, and U.S. embassies
Missionary work in Romania is challenging because some Romanians tend
to view simple eye contact as a sign of aggression. Therefore, some
missionaries were assaulted by the very same people with whom they had
conversation the day before. The following recent incidents were
reported by the missionaries:
In May, two missionaries were instructing a young male in the Tiglina 3
area of Galati. The next day, after 8:00 p.m., the missionaries
encountered a group of three youths, one of whom was the young man they
had spoken to the day before. The missionaries tried to speak to the
youths, and the group turned violent. The recognized male kicked one of
the missionaries in the head, and a second youth raised his fist in a
threatening fashion to the second missionary. The two escaped the group
and did not pursue legal action.
On July 18, 2007, two
missionaries were walking on Str. Nicholae Balcescu street 2007, between
7 and 7:30 p.m., and suddenly heard noises behind them. Several youth,
between 17 and 21 years old, each wearing a bandana across the nose and
mouth, attacked the missionaries. No words were exchanged, no items
taken, and the group eventually left the scene. The missionaries
reported the incident to local police, who could only recall a few
similar incidents in nearly two decades, where no threats were made and
nothing was stolen.
On July 21, 2007, Two
missionaries were walking on the corner of Str. Brailei and Str.
Domnmeasca, and saw two young men, similar in appearance to the
aggressors of July 18. The young men kicked one of the missionaries in the leg
and were quickly chased by nearby policemen. Ultimately the police
returned and claimed they had lost track of the assailants, and
recommended that the missionaries file a report. When the missionaries
attempted to inform the local police about the attacks, the police
expressed indifference and offered no real assistance.
JoAnne's
Advice: Find out the location of
the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security
Officer (RSO) in Romania
before you go. It is wise to deflect attention as much as possible while
you are in a foreign land. If you become a crime victim in Romania,
report to the local police and RSO office. I also suggest that you get a
good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical
evacuation and travel assistance such as contact the U.S. embassies on
your behalf. I recommend
Liaison International
and
Atlas Travel Series .
You'll be glad you did.
###
Overseas
Safety and Security:
India: Threat to attack
the Taj Mahal
India celebrates
its 60 years of independence from Britain today. There was a specific
threat to attack
the Taj
Mahal on
India’s Independence Day. Police put the famous
white-marble monument under
a tight security measure.
The Taj Mahal,
recently voted as one of the new seven wonders of the world, is in the
city of Agra about 210 kilometers (130 miles) southeast of India’s
capital, New Delhi.
(Source: Kheleej Time)
JoAnne's
Advice: There is always an underlying threat from terrorism in India.
Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places
frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. I strongly
recommend that you purchase a good international travel medical
insurance and emergency medical evacuation, such as
Liaison International
and Liaison
Traveler.
###
Air Travel Matters:
United Kingdom: Expecting delays at
Heathrow Airport
On August 14, the U.S.
Embassy in London reported the following condition at Heathrow Airport:
The Camp for Climate Action is holding a gathering near Heathrow Airport
from Sunday, August 12, to Tuesday, August 21, 2007. The Camp is
intended to highlight issues around the air travel industry and its
alleged impact on climate change.
The protestors have declared their intention to highlight their cause by
disrupting Heathrow’s day-to-day operations. Protestors are expected to
conduct numerous "Direct Actions" at various strategic locations around
the airport. These likely will take the form of small groups
blocking/disrupting roads, offices, car parks, or any other venue
associated with the air travel industry. As well as the week-long plans
for “Direct Actions,” there are plans for 24 hours of “Mass Action”
between midday on Sunday, August 19, and midday on Monday, August 20,
when the number of demonstrators, and the potential for disruption, is
expected to increase.
If you're traveling by car or taxi to/from Heathrow through August 21,
2007, please allow plenty of extra time for your journey - it is highly
likely you will be delayed. You may want to consider other
transportation options, such as the train or Underground. If you are
collecting a visitor arriving at Heathrow, give prior warning that you
may be delayed getting to the airport.
My Advice:
Check with the U.S. Embassy in London for safety and security report at
http://london.usembassy.gov..
I recommend that purchase a good trip cancellation/interruption/delay
insurance, such as RoundTrip
Plan, before you go. You'll be glad you did.
###
Overseas Rail
Safety
Russia: Train explosion
The following report was
compiled from open press sources and embassy reports.
On August 13, 2007, at 9:40 p.m, an explosion hit a high-speed train
traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Russia. The blast occurred near
the village of Malaya Vishera, nearly 300 miles north of Moscow. The
homemade explosive device, placed on the railway track, contained the
equivalent of 4.4 pounds of TNT. The device damaged 800 meters of the
track and forced 12 train cars to overturn. Over 60 people are
reportedly injured; according to representatives of the Russian
government, none are American.
Russian authorities are considering the explosion to be a terrorist
attack. At this time, no group has claimed responsibility. The
insurgency in Russia’s embattled Chechnya province have launched attacks
on passenger trains in the past, as recently as 2005.
Although this attack was not targeting the U.S. private sector or
American citizens, the U.S. authorities reminded American expats that
impact from collateral damage can occur at any time.
My Advice:
Keep in mind that civil unrest, organized crimes, and terrorist
activities continue to be major problems throughout Russia. There also
are no adequate medical providers in many parts of Russia. Therefore, a
good international medical plan and emergency medical evacuation
insurance such as Liaison
International and Liaison
Traveler are essential for any travelers who visit or live in
Russia.
###
Olympic Games
Count Down:
China:
Athletes' Major Concerns
Beijing Olympic Games will
begin on 08/08/08. Tickets are available to buy online or offline. There have been numerous criticisms
from many other countries about China's air pollution and food safety.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) and athletes from many
participating countries also have raised their concerns that air
pollution may affect their practices before the games as well as their
performances during the games.
To patch the air pollution
problem, the Beijing government ordered that no cars will be allowed in
the city during the games. To assure food safety for the athletes, mice
will be used as food tasters.
(source: BBC)
My Advice:
If you go, keep in mind that you cannot sue the Chinese
government if you get sick because of air pollution or food poisoning.
So it is wise to protect yourself by getting a good international travel
medical plan and emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage for the
duration, such as Liaison
International and Liaison
Traveler. You'll be glad you did.
###
Overseas
Government's Activities:
China: Using High-Tech Cameras to
Monitor Its Residents
The Chinese government
launched one of the world's most sophisticated high-tech monitor systems
in Shenzhen this month to keep track every movement of residents in the
city of 12.4 million people. Shenzhen is located in the southern
portion of the Guangdong Province, on the eastern shore of the Pearl
River Delta. Shenzhen has become one of the highlighted city with rapid
economic growth of China since 1980.
The government also
installed approximately 20,000 surveillance
cameras in southern China. These surveillance cameras will be guided by
highly sophisticated computer software made by a U.S. company to
recognize automatically the faces of residents in the areas. Most
citizens will have to carry a Residency Card that is fitted with
powerful computer chips. The data on the chip include not just the
citizen's name and address but also work history, educational
background, religion, ethnicity, police record, medical insurance status
and landlord's phone number.
The Chinese government has
ordered all large cities across the country to apply technology to
police work and to issue high-tech residency cards to 150 million people
who have moved to a city but not yet acquired permanent residency.
The Chinese Communist
government relies on these sophisticated surveillance cameras to control
the movements of its ordinary residents as well as the demonstrations of
political dissidents.
(Source: International Herald Tribune)
My Advice:
Keep in mind that China is authoritarian state ruled by a communist party. Everything in
that country is run and controlled by the government. Freedom of speech,
freedom of movement, freedom of assembly,
and freedom of religion are allowed sparsely.
Be extremely careful what you say and do.
###
Air Travel Matters:
Rome: Do You Know Where Your Luggage
Are?
Most travelers will get
very upset if their bags did not reach their destinations at the same time
with their arrival. At one of the world's busiest airport, Fiumicino
Airport in Rome, thousands of pieces of luggage were scattered to every
corner of the airport on Sunday, August 05. The Italy's Civil Aviation
Authority blamed outdated and obsolete equipment along with baggage
handlers' sabotage that caused huge chaos. (source: BBC)
JoAnne's
Advice:
It is wise to get
travel insurance with lost baggage coverage, such as
RoundTrip Plan before you
go.
###
Law of the Land:
Ecuador: U.S. environmentalist
was expelled.
According to an Associated
Press report, President Rafael Correa of Ecuador ordered on Saturday,
August 4, the deportation of a member of the environmental group Sea Shepherd,
Sean O'Hearn.
Mr. O'Hearn is an American and a resident of Ecuador since 2006. He
tried to "defend the sharks" by instigating police
seizure of two tons of shark fins that he claimed were illegally fished.
President Rafael Correa
said on his Saturday morning radio show " I am not going to allow any
foreigner to come here to tell us what to do."
Shark fins are to be known
a high-priced delicacy in Asia. Each fin cost about US$80 to US$100.
The environmentalists like Mr. O'Hearn try to stop shark fishing for
fins in Ecuador. They consider shark
fishing to be illegal, but the Ecuadorian government disagrees.
My Advice: Mind
Your Own Business while you are in a foreign country. Respect the law
and customs of your host country. Being an American or an environmental
activist does not give you a license to disobey the law of your host
country, and certainly does not give the right to decide what the law
is.. You are just a guest there. Behave appropriately according to the
local law and customs.
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