Canadian and American travelers are already used to carry-on restrictions that limit the amount of gel, liquids and aerosols that can be packed in carry-on luggage. As of March 31, 2007 many other countries such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand will have these security measures in place. According to media sources, the new measures will likely cause confusion and delays for air travelers.
The new restrictions mean that travelers will be allowed to carry no more than 100ml of gels, aerosols or liquids and must present these items in a re-sealable plastic bag of about 1 litre in volume. This bag must be presented for screening separately from all other carry-on luggage.
Full details of the restrictions can be found at the Flysmart and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites.
March 30, 2007
March 29, 2007
Clean your plate in Hong Kong
What’s behind the warnings of extra fees posted in the menu?
According to a recent article on IOL website, some restaurants have implemented a new measure to cut down on waste from unfinished food. Customers will now be charged a fee of up to HK$20 (that’s about US$2.50) if they leave food on their plates. The move comes as part of a plan to reduce the 700 tons of food thrown out each day by the hospitality industry.
But don’t reach for your cash just yet… The article notes that very few restaurants – if any – are actually implementing the policy in order to keep customers happy. The government is currently looking into composting as a better solution to managing waste.
According to a recent article on IOL website, some restaurants have implemented a new measure to cut down on waste from unfinished food. Customers will now be charged a fee of up to HK$20 (that’s about US$2.50) if they leave food on their plates. The move comes as part of a plan to reduce the 700 tons of food thrown out each day by the hospitality industry.
But don’t reach for your cash just yet… The article notes that very few restaurants – if any – are actually implementing the policy in order to keep customers happy. The government is currently looking into composting as a better solution to managing waste.
March 26, 2007
Caution: Butterflies crossing!
How far will the “Kingdom of Butterflies” go to protect its migrating wonder?
After waiting out the winter in the valley, purple butterflies make their way to the north of Taiwan in March and April. This year, Taiwan is implementing new measures to prevent the protect their migration. According to a recent article in the Mail & Guardian, Taiwan will erect mess nets and ultra-violet lights to guide the butterflies over highways and under bridges, and will even close down part of one major highway to prevent the insects being killed by cars.
The article reports that people can see as many as 10 000 butterflies flying overhead during the peak of migration. Taiwan is home to over 400 species of butterflies, earning the country the name “Kingdom of Butterflies”.
After waiting out the winter in the valley, purple butterflies make their way to the north of Taiwan in March and April. This year, Taiwan is implementing new measures to prevent the protect their migration. According to a recent article in the Mail & Guardian, Taiwan will erect mess nets and ultra-violet lights to guide the butterflies over highways and under bridges, and will even close down part of one major highway to prevent the insects being killed by cars.
The article reports that people can see as many as 10 000 butterflies flying overhead during the peak of migration. Taiwan is home to over 400 species of butterflies, earning the country the name “Kingdom of Butterflies”.
March 22, 2007
Las Vegas comes to Britain?
Where is Britain’s first Vegas-style super-casino is planning to be opened?
According to ABC News, Manchester was chosen as the site for the first supercasino built in Britain.Manchester beat out other popular sites such as London and Blackpool. The reason: The advisory panel cited economic development reasons. Twenty percent of Manchester residents currently receive income support. It is hoped that the new casino will boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the area.
According to ABC News, Manchester was chosen as the site for the first supercasino built in Britain.Manchester beat out other popular sites such as London and Blackpool. The reason: The advisory panel cited economic development reasons. Twenty percent of Manchester residents currently receive income support. It is hoped that the new casino will boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the area.
March 19, 2007
Cleaning holidays?
Why do politicians and workers alike drop everything on the last Saturday of every month?
The reason: Umuganda – a nationwide community work program aimed at keeping Rwanda’s cities clean – takes place on the last Saturday of every month. Between the hours of 7:00 am and noon, all businesses and public transportation close down. Everyone in society -- including the president – participates in the cause.
The mandatory work program is also a chance for neighbors to meet and discuss local issues.
The government also uses the opportunity to make announcements or presentations.
However, not everyone is eager to participate. Skipping this monthly ritual does have its consequences. Failing to participate leads to automatic arrest.
The reason: Umuganda – a nationwide community work program aimed at keeping Rwanda’s cities clean – takes place on the last Saturday of every month. Between the hours of 7:00 am and noon, all businesses and public transportation close down. Everyone in society -- including the president – participates in the cause.
The mandatory work program is also a chance for neighbors to meet and discuss local issues.
The government also uses the opportunity to make announcements or presentations.
However, not everyone is eager to participate. Skipping this monthly ritual does have its consequences. Failing to participate leads to automatic arrest.
March 15, 2007
Free wheeling in Paris
According to an article on Yahoo! News, Paris City Hall recently announced it has selected a company to supply a free bicycle service in the famous City of Lights.
Thousands of bicycles – totally over 14 000 – will be in action by summer 2007. Tourists and commuters alike can take advantage of this free service.
Thousands of bicycles – totally over 14 000 – will be in action by summer 2007. Tourists and commuters alike can take advantage of this free service.
March 13, 2007
Souvenirs: When to leave them on the shelf
Wildlife souvenirs may seem exotic and attractive, but beware of trade bans that could get you into trouble.
Advice from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) recommends that you carefully consider your souvenir purchases when you travel. Exotic souvenirs made from plants or animals could be fuelling an illegal trade that damages the environment and harms endangered species.
The site warns that even though many of these products, such as traditional medicines, ivory carvings and apparel made from animal skin, may be sold in shops in or airports, they might still be illegal. Travellers caught with these goods could face a hefty fine and possible imprisonment.
The CITES website provides a list of prohibited items as well as those requiring a CITES permit. Check out the Advice for Travellers for more information.
Advice from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) recommends that you carefully consider your souvenir purchases when you travel. Exotic souvenirs made from plants or animals could be fuelling an illegal trade that damages the environment and harms endangered species.
The site warns that even though many of these products, such as traditional medicines, ivory carvings and apparel made from animal skin, may be sold in shops in or airports, they might still be illegal. Travellers caught with these goods could face a hefty fine and possible imprisonment.
The CITES website provides a list of prohibited items as well as those requiring a CITES permit. Check out the Advice for Travellers for more information.
March 8, 2007
Take your bible, but don’t take copies
Many countries are tolerant of other religious practices, but beware of materials that could be confiscated or get you into trouble with the law.
While predominantly Islamic countries do accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, beware of what religious materials you take with you when traveling. For example, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Saudi Arabia warns that religious books and materials brought in for personal use may be confiscated. If you’re caught importing large quantities of religious books other than the Quran, you will be suspected of trying to convert others and you could face serious penalties.
Other countries have similar bans on religious materials, so check before you go and don’t take a book or artifact that you would be upset to lose.
While predominantly Islamic countries do accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, beware of what religious materials you take with you when traveling. For example, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Saudi Arabia warns that religious books and materials brought in for personal use may be confiscated. If you’re caught importing large quantities of religious books other than the Quran, you will be suspected of trying to convert others and you could face serious penalties.
Other countries have similar bans on religious materials, so check before you go and don’t take a book or artifact that you would be upset to lose.
March 1, 2007
Elect the New 7 Wonders
Have your say in what will be the New 7 Wonders of the World.
In 2001, the New 7 Wonders Foundation was created with the goal to promote and preserve humankind’s heritage. The campaign to elect the New 7 Wonders of the World hopes to raise money for restoration projects across the globe.
The public is invited to vote for their favourite seven candidates out of the twenty-one top finalists, including Stonehenge, the Pyramids of Giza, Hagia Sophia, the Statutes of Easter Island, The Acropolis of Athens and the Great Wall of China, to name a view.
Winners will be announced in Lisbon on July 7, 2007. For more information, visit The New 7 Wonders.
In 2001, the New 7 Wonders Foundation was created with the goal to promote and preserve humankind’s heritage. The campaign to elect the New 7 Wonders of the World hopes to raise money for restoration projects across the globe.
The public is invited to vote for their favourite seven candidates out of the twenty-one top finalists, including Stonehenge, the Pyramids of Giza, Hagia Sophia, the Statutes of Easter Island, The Acropolis of Athens and the Great Wall of China, to name a view.
Winners will be announced in Lisbon on July 7, 2007. For more information, visit The New 7 Wonders.
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