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In transmissions broadcast by local media, a child, presumably under the supervision of an adult, can be heard directing pilots. The incident reportedly happened two weeks ago.

At one point an adult voice can be heard telling a pilot: “This is what you get guys when the kids are out of school.”

However, the pilots seemed to get a kick out of the controller kid, with one congratulating him on doing an “awesome job” and another saying, “I wish I could bring my kid to work.”

Spoilsports that they are, the FAA were not amused, announcing that pending the outcome of its investigation the employees involved in the incident were not controlling air traffic.

“This lapse in judgment not only violated FAA’s own policies, but common sense standards for professional conduct. These kinds of distractions are totally unacceptable,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement. “This kind of behaviour does not reflect the true calibre of our work force.”

Even the union representing air traffic controllers condemned the worker’s behaviour.

“It is not indicative of the highest professional standards that controllers set for themselves and exceed each and everyday in the advancement of aviation safety,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said in a statement.

Nearly 48 million passengers pass through John F. Kennedy airport annually.

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“As we start, we’re focusing on North American and Japanese markets, where there are a huge amount of people owning stuffed animals,” said Tomio Okamura, one of the businessmen who have decided to invest in the idea.

Reportedly several requests have come from Japan where toy owners are apparently anxious to have snaps taken at a Bayern Munich (soccer) match.

Others have been asking for pictures of their stuffed animals enjoying a picnic or a massage.

The cost ranges from €90 ($129) to €150 ($215).

The most expensive package includes a massage, which takes place on a special rug laid out with a view of the Charles Bridge. It includes candles and incense.

The deluxe package includes a cushion and a duvet to provide a comfortable journey for the stuffed client to and from Prague.

Next they’ll need passports. Anybody ready to set up a “Travel Documents  for your Teddy” bureau?

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1. A CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor - Your Best Resource in Choosing a Perfect Vacation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Burlington, Ontario - December 10, 2008) Kevin Visser...

1. At the very least, read all about the country you will be visiting on Canada’s Foreign Affairs site.
2. Make sure your passport is up to date.  There are some countries that require that it is valid for three or six months beyond the travel dates, so don’t wait until the last minute.
3. Take photocopies of your passport, and your bank and credit cards.  Leave a set with loved ones, and keep another set in a separate place from the originals.
4. Visit a travel clinic to get any shots or medications that are recommended.  Also, NEVER travel out of Canada without Emergency Medical Insurance.Do some research on your destination.  
5. Make sure you have all required travel visas.
6. Bring along an old pair of your glasses, and a copy of the prescription.  Basically, imagine what it would be like without your glasses and make sure you have a backup plan.
7. Keep valuables and needed medications in your carry on luggage.  There is no guarantee that your checked luggage makes it to the same destination you do on the same day!
8. Saying ‘no’ to drugs is not just a cliche.  Many Canadians imprisoned abroad are there on drug charges.

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The cruise is roundtrip from Seattle and starts at just $1043 CAD per person plus port charges.  ALSO, book February 22-26 to qualify for a $150 On Board Credit, and reduced deposit of $150 per person.  Check out the flyer or contact Kevin for more information!

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1. Is Cruising Expensive?  Depending on your departure point and the itinerary you choose, the price of your cruise may seem high at first glance, but take into account that your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals, entertainment and activities for you and your children. Compared to the costs of a land vacation, a cruise will quite often be a more economical choice.  Also, if you haven’t looked lately, some of the prices out these days are very low, and the value is exceptional.

2. Are Cruises All-Inclusive?  As I mentioned above, cruises include a lot, but there are some additional costs. Normally you will pay extra for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities and dining in a ship’s specialty restaurant.

3. Are All Cruise Ships Alike?  There are a huge variety of cruise ships sailing these days. From small and intimate to enormous floating resorts, luxurious or fun and family-oriented, there is a cruise ship to fit every personality. And every personality will find something that suits them no matter which ship they choose.

4. Is Cruising Like Going to a Resort?  These days cruise ships are indeed like a floating resort. They offer comfort and luxury, fun activities and lavish entertainment. However there are some differences: for instance your cabin will typically be smaller than a hotel room, and your boarding and debarking times are scheduled.  Also, you are floating!

5. Is Cruising Only for Certain Age Groups?  Not anymore. Cruise ships are increasingly targeting families, offering children’s programs and facilities that rival those at a resort. Kids from all ages can choose from onboard water parks, video games, teen discos and Kids Clubs that provide supervised activities. There are often special activities aimed at single travelers which offer them a chance to meet and mingle with other singles. There are innumerable attractions on board that will appeal to adults of any age, such as fine gourmet dining, wine tasting events, lavish entertainment, sports activities, night clubs, fitness centers, spas, and the list goes on and on.

6. Will I Get Seasick?  Most of today’s cruise ships are so large and well-stabilized that you can hardly tell you’re moving, especially in the calm waters of the Caribbean and Alaska’s Inside Passage. If you do encounter some rough waters, any queasiness can usually be relieved by an over-the-counter medication, and some cruisers wear ’sea-bands’ on their wrist or a patch behind their ear with much success.  If you are very prone to seasickness, speak to your doctor before you leave about available prescription remedies.

7. Is Cruising Safe?  Ships must follow an extraordinary number of rules and regulations that ensure the safety of passengers and crew members while onboard. Within the first 24 hours of sailing, everyone on your ship is required to participate in a safety drill that includes putting on a life jacket and locating your assigned lifeboat, on the odd (and rare) chance that you need to use it. When it comes to fire safety, ships operate under international rules that require them to have smoke detectors, sprinklers, and low-level emergency lighting for escape routes.  Of course, you should take the same general precautions you would when traveling on land. Keep any valuables in your cabin’s safe, don’t open your cabin door without verifying who’s there, and instruct your children about where and when they can roam the ship without your supervision.

8. Will I Be Bored?  You’d have to work hard at being bored! Today’s large ships have something available to fill every part of your days at sea. In addition to the pools, lounges and nightclubs, there are sporting events, guest speakers, classes, gyms, shops, spas, libraries, movies, casinos, internet lounges and so much more.

9. What About My Weight?  Yes, there is the possibility of gaining weight when you’re surrounded by so much fantastic food.  But, there are always healthy and low fat choices available on the menus and at the buffet. Some ships have special spa cafes for health-conscious eaters. And if you do happen to over-indulge, you can always burn those extra calories by visiting the ship’s fitness centre, walking or jogging around the deck, or using the ship’s rock-climbing wall or basketball court, etc. And the on-shore excursions generally include at least one active choice at each port that will get your heart rate up and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

10. Will I Be Able to Stay in Touch?  Most ships have internet centers and WIFI, so you can check your email and surf the Web. On most ships you’ll get a cable news network on your in-room TV. The ship will often provide daily news sheets that highlight major news from around the world. You can make phone calls from the phone in your cabin (though it’s very expensive), and from your cell phone, as well. (Roaming charges apply).

If you’ve had reservations past, now is the time to give cruising a try.  Chances are you’ll love it!

Feel free to contact me with any more questions.  I am and Accredited Cruise Counsellor, and can help to plan your perfect cruise vacation!

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This change will align Mexico to all the security measures established by the ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization.  There is a good chance that this won’t even affect you - of the 1.2 million Canadian tourists that visited Mexico in 2009 only 10,000 did not have a passport as form of ID.  Many didn’t even know it wasn’t required!

Your Canadian passport is the best document for proving your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada. If you don’t have a passport or yours expires in the next 6 months, then it’s time to apply.  All the info you need to get a passport is provided by Passport Canada.

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1. REDUCE STRESS – Travel gives you an opportunity to relax and de-stress, and stress reduction is always healthy!

2. AVOID MONOTONY – As the saying goes, “A Change is as Good as a Rest”. Changing your daily routine prevents your mind and your body from stagnating.

3. GET OUTDOORS – When you are traveling, you are more likely to be outside, getting fresh air and enjoying the outdoors.

4. BE MORE ACTIVE - Travel usually involves additional activities and more walking, and you’ll generally be much more active than you are at home.

5. ENJOY YOUR FOOD – You’ll likely snack less, and eating in restaurants still beats picking up fast food or microwaving leftovers.

6. HAVE AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT - You’ll gain new perspectives, and broaden your horizons.

7. MEET NEW PEOPLE - Traveling enables you to meet people from all over the world, and socializing is great therapy.

8. CREATE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES – Meeting travel goals and creating lasting memories will make you feel more fulfilled in the long run.

Travel is good for us from top to bottom. Travel cleanses the mind, touches the soul and lightens the heart, and usually (but not always!) trims the body. Travel can mean new friends and a re-connect with that old one… yourself.

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*** Update January 20, 2010: 1 carry on allowed for flights to US.

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Eat, play and shop with the Disney Gift Card. Use the card to cover vacation expenses: dining at your choice of Walt Disney World® restaurants, special event tickets, sports, recreation, tours and more—all this in addition to shopping! With your gift card in hand, the world is yours!

Receive a $750 Gift Card when you stay at a Deluxe Resort, $500 at a Moderate Resort, and $300 for staying at a Value resort.

Contact me for more details or to book your Disney Vacation!

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