New tarmac rule protects airline passengers

A new rule now protects airline passengers from spending more than 3 hours parked on a tarmac waiting for takeoff. (Read CNN report on the rule.) The fine for violations is $27,500 per passenger. The airline industry fought the rule calling it a costly, undue burden. Some airlines sought waivers at certain airports, like NYC's JFK International. The USDOT turned them down.



Why would an airline need a waiver for this rule? What is the undue burden here? Are the airlines trying to say that sitting on the tarmac for 3+ hours after leaving the gate should be considered a normal and acceptable possibility? I wonder when was the last time an airline executive flew coach and got stuck on a tarmac for more than 3 hours? Clearly they don't know what it's like to be stuffed into the cabin like a sardine with limited room for movement, limited airflow, limited access to lavatories, and no refreshments. The new rule doesn't even require the airlines to provide water and snacks until after the plane has been sitting for 2 hours!

If an airline thinks a 2+ hour- let alone 3+ hour- delay is that possible, CHANGE THE FLIGHT SCHEDULE!!! Don't hold me hostage!!!

Oh, Good Evening!

Ashford and Simpson to perform in Columbia

Apple iPad not something iNeed

Most people who know me know that I love gadgets and-- as of a couple of years ago-- if that gadget comes from Apple, I'm usually eager to take a big bite. So, when talk on the street about a new, portable notepad type device from the company that gave us the iMac, iPod and iPhone started flowing, my interest was piqued.

Well, the big unveiling happened on January 27. Get ready for the iPad. Smaller than a letter-sized sheet of paper, about as thin as the average magazine, and weighing about 1.5 pounds, the iPad is what I expected in name and appearance. But, from what I've seen in the video clips of Apple CEO Steve Jobs introducing the product and the development team discussing how it came to be, I'm less than impressed.

The new iPad is basically an oversize iPod Touch. Built-in are all of the applications Apple is know for: Safari, Contacts, Calendar, Notes and iTunes. You also get YouTube access, iPod functionality, and access to E-mail and the AppStore. Aside from the larger size which I'm sure will make surfing the web more pleasant, I already have all of these functions on my iPhone except that you have to be connected to Wi-Fi. Apple will offer a 3G version through AT&T Wireless, but the model will only be data capable. No phone features.

I'm thinking I already have an iPhone which I love and I have a MacBook Pro laptop which I also love. Why would I need an iPad? To read e-books, of course! Not!

E-books are the in thing these days and Apple's venture into the notepad market is seen as an attempt to challenge products introduced last year like Amazon's Kindle. But, while a book is bit more bulky in size and can be heavier than an iPad, it's a lot less expensive. I don't think I need to spend hundreds of dollars-- the iPad will start at $499-- for the ability to carry several books around with me, of which I can really only read one at a time.

I know, call me old school. But, with the laptop and phone that I've already mentioned and the iMac desktop that I also have, the iPad isn't worth the investment especially since it has no phone functionality and falls short of the convenience of a full laptop.

It would appear that Wall Street is skeptical, too. Apple shares, which trade on the NASDAQ, are retreating as I write this.

When it comes to the iPad, "iPass." At least until it shows up in Apple Stores where I can play around with it.

Visit the Apple website, view the iPad introduction and development videos and judge for yourself. Then let me know what you think.

Haiti Earthquake Recovery Efforts

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton team up to raise money for Haiti disaster relief.

Make your contribution to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund

American Red Cross earthquake relief efforts in Haiti

See photo slideshow

Make your contribution to American Red Cross Disaster Relief

Wyclef Jean raises money for earthquake relief through Yele Haiti

Visit the Yele Haiti website

Helping the Hungry

One week from today, I will lead my colleagues at WACH-TV in Columbia in our annual effort to help the Harvest Hope Food Bank. The 11th Annual Share Your Holiday Food Drive takes place on December 2 at First Baptist Church (Downtown), Palmetto GBA (Northeast Richland County) and Food Lion (Lexington) to raise food and money for Harvest Hope.

When this event started, we set a humble goal of raising 57,000 (our channel number x 1000) pounds of food. I think we doubled that. The following year, people in the community really got behind the effort and ever since, we've been able to raise the equivalent of up to 500,000 pounds of food.

It's testament to the power of the Midlands community and the resolve of the good people at Harvest Hope to make sure families-- down on the their luck, struggling to make ends meet, particularly this year when we are enduring the worst economic time since the Great Depression-- do not go hungry. On Monday, Harvest Hope provided assistance to more than 2,000 families. On a cold, rainy morning, the line stretched from the front door, around the parking lot, out to Shop Road. A similar scene played out on Tuesday.



The need is always great during the holidays. The current economy has pumped up that need dramatically.

If you are blessed to still have your job, a decent salary or wage, and a healthy family able to eat good, hot meals every day, please take a moment to think about those who find themselves in less fortunate positions by no fault of theirs. Find it within yourself to donate to Harvest Hope Food Bank this week; next week; regularly, if possible. You will help the organization help so many others in your community, some of whom may be your neighbors.

Oh, Good Evening!