| Gotta love the bump -- to a better grade of service
They worked the system. To unlock the secrets of free or discounted upgrades for planes, hotel rooms, rental cars and cruise cabins, we went to industry experts and frequent travelers. Here are their tips. AIRLINE UPGRADES • Use the upgrade certificates airlines send you for being a frequent flier, or ask friends holding transferable coupons with looming expiration dates if you can take them off their hands. • Though airlines most frequently award their elite passengers upgrades, it never hurts to be the first in line at the gate counter and inquire about a bump in class. (Ask the gate representative, not the check-in agent, who does not control domestic first-class seating assignments.) Alternately, don't be the first to board; hang back in case economy seats are needed and there is extra space in first class -- you just might be offered that elite seat.
Running on Blade Runner
I think the more compelling story of South Carolina will be the exit poll results. Obama has appealed to white voters in previous primaries and caucuses. The pre-election polls have found him getting as low as 10% of the white vote in South Carolina. The potential for racial polarization in this Southern state could damage his ability to transcend race as a basis of voting. Paradoxically, there has been speculation that Clinton can win the votes of black women, a result that could reduce polarization in the exit poll. Of course, people can lie to exit pollsters too! If you're a black South Carolinian and want to help Hillary as much as you can, you'll walk into the booth, vote for her, then walk out and tell the exit poll person you voted for Obama. ... There may also be non-Machiavellian peer pressure in black precincts to tell the exit pollsters the same thing (which, perversely, might hurt Obama in tomorrow night's press spin by making it look as if he received an ethnic bloc vote).
My All-Name Team
Keep the rib tips, they cook up just as well and are good eating. If you don't have a butcher, try Costco. We have actually placed in the top 5 in a couple of cook-offs with Costco ribs, they are a nice cut and usually quite lean. Now we move to the rub. Here's what you will need: 1/4 cup paprika 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons black pepper 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon celery salt 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons dry mustard 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Mix this all together until it is completely blended. I usually just put it all in a ziploc and shake it until it is good and mixed. Wash and dry ribs with a paper towel. Place a generous amount of rub on the ribs, covering all areas on both sides. If I have time, I will leave the ribs in the fridge over night to soak up the spices.
A chocolate? A copter ride? C'mon, cheer up!
If you have the winter blues, a getaway can be the cure. You needn't go far or stay long. Even planning a trip can do you good. As Scott Booker of hotels.com puts it, "Having something to look forward to . . . can lift your spirits considerably." So let us examine some mood-elevating possibilities: Chocolate almost always makes people feel better. In Rockland, Maine, March 7-9 is the weekend for the Annual Inn to Inn Chocolate March. The event features two days of samplings and demonstrations throughout the Historic Inns of Rockland and the Rockland community, including a wine and chocolate pairing and, if you pay extra, hot chocolate massages. The Chocolate March Package features a two-night stay at Berry Manor Inn, LimeRock Inn, or Captain Lindsey House on March 7 and 8; an international chocolate tasting reception; breakfast for two with chocolate entrees and accompaniments; a gift bag of chocolate samples; dessert at a local restaurant; demonstrations on how to decorate, mold, and entertain with chocolate plus wine and chocolate pairings; Sunday brunch with a chocolate theme but other dishes as well; and a copy of the Historic Inns of Rockland's cookbook, "INNdulgences," with many chocolate recipes.
Helios: ‘Resign’ call to Minister
CALLS for Communications Minister Haris Thrassous resignation grew louder yesterday after the Helios crash enquiry heard damning evidence about the chaotic state of air safety on the island. Evidence before the committee suggests the Civil Aviation Department is a shambles, making the possibility of another air disaster more likely. Moreover, it was claimed the Helios Airways crash Boeing was permitted to fly before it had rectified eight pending safety issues. These revelations, among others, have upset and angered the Helios relatives, who are demanding that Thrassou do the honourable thing and resign. The minister says he should be judged on all the evidence and not snippets of testimony that can be refuted by others. Rallied The government has rallied round the besieged minister but the opposition says his position is shaky at best, while the Greens are urging him to go now.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Jim Jones Engaged? Dame Dash's New Baby? Russell's ...
Did you read the story talking about Russell's semi-endorsement of Hillary Clinton? I think I found a connection to the deepness of the ties to the former First Lady. Here is a report from 2006 and we'll get to the rumor:
“The Clintons also benefited financially from Wal-Mart. Hillary Clinton was paid $18,000 each year she served on the board, plus $1,500 for each meeting she attended. By 1993 she had accumulated at least $100,000 in Wal-Mart stock, according to Bill Clinton's federal financial disclosure forms that year."
Now, here is the rumor part. I was told that last night Russell Simmons and the gracious people of HSAN hosted their annual awards last night. Now, I have never seen any formal connection to Russ and Hillary other than she liked him a lot.
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