I’ve been reading the TSA Blog on and off since it’s recent inception.  Overall it’s received a positive response even though some criticize it a late and lame attempt at PR.  But at least its a discussion allowing a dialogue from travelers and those manning, (or womanning,) security.  And as far as I know on topic comments are uncensored. 

In the blog, The Evolution of Security, the TSA, through Transportation Security Officers (TSOs,) attempt to explain common complaints such as screening inconsistencies in different airports, what criteria necessitate secondary screenings, and why certain processes are set up the way they are.

One very important concern that’s been addressed by commenters is the issue of “retaliatory screening,”  in which TSOs are accused of abusing their authority by sending, or threatening to send passengers who raise questions or concerns secondary screening.  Such screenings aren’t based on ANY security risk, but rather punishes to those who are labeled troublemakers during the screening process.  To have this brought to attention is a wonderful thing.

An aspect I am curious about is the rate of pay.  In this article, “What it Takes to Become a TSO” I posted this comment:

May I ask why the general pay rate is so low?  I don’t know exactly what it is region to region but I’ve heard as low as $12 an hour. Is that true? That may be livable in Tulsa, but not in S.F. or N.Y.  I would want someone given the task of protecting the security of our borders to make a living wage, which gives them pride and a sense of worth in their job.  And as important I don’t want them to be compromised by nefarious financial gain.  Can you give a broad range of payscale - and if it starts that low are their drastic increases upon proof of employee value?

I received a few responses including one telling me that the budget is set by Congress, and another from a TSO in Phoenix who wrote:

James- like any other government agency TSA pays it employees using a pay scale. There is always opportunity for advancement. It only takes initiative and the desire to succeed. I believe USA Jobs is advertising starting TSO pay at 24,432.00 to 36,648.00 depending on qualifications. There is also locality pay and that is dependent upon where you live.

24k to START?  I’m sorry but that is officially pathetic.  And I’m not sure if that’s even above McDonald’s wages.  Actually McDonald’s store managers do quite well, and they don’t yell at the customers as much either.  After posting that I received an e-mail from a TSO in New York who agreed with my assessment of these rock bottom rates.  Going by “John Doe” he gave me some extra things to consider in regards to employment and pay.   Although I have no way of verifying whether or not John is actually a TSO, his information seems accurate and I don’t have reason to doubt his position.  He gave me permission to post his e-mail.

1. Starting hourly wage in New York is just about $14. When I started 4 years ago, it was about $13. Not too livable for a federal employee, no.

2. quote:  “I’d want someone given the task of protecting the security of our borders to make a living wage, which gives them pride and a sense or worth in their jobs.” –>

You have no idea how good that feels to hear someone from the public finally recognize that. The public has no idea how bad it is for us.

3.  Payscale?? lol, hardly. James, I started 4 years ago making about $30,000, I JUST got raised to $36,000. It’s weak for gov’t standards. Our brothers at Customs performing similar duties start the same pay, but have annual “GS Schedule” (google it) pay raises, that increase (without actual promotion) to about $60,000 after 5 years. What am I to earn in two years? …If I even stay here. Most don’t stay.

4. Drastic pay increases based upon proof of employee value? We have a Pay for Performance system called P.A.S.S.. It’s terrible. Its too subjective and its the gov’ts way of cheating us out of a fair living wage…and they don’t want us to have collective bargaining union rights, now you see why? The last two years I’ve received an “exceeds standards” rating. I’ve gotten small percentage raises and these petty bonuses that do nothing for my “retirement salary”. (Our pension is based on salary, not bonuses ;). $1000 a year more each year is pennies in comparison to the Customs service. It’s a real kick in the face.

Thank you for asking me, it means a lot to me that OUR voice gets out there because we do all have pretty much the same opinions. Many of us are too afraid, hence, “John Doe” to open our mouths about it, especially on that TSA website because I did read the stipulations in it as far as posting and they do have your IP address on file. If you are a traveler etc. You should be fine, but if you are an employee speaking out on there, I think that could be a real no-no. Not sure really.

There you go.   Of course a logical answer by many would be “If it sucks then quit.”  But that’s not my point.  My gripe is that we HAVE high profile airport security agents in a government run position.  Pay them a decent salary, have higher hiring standards, and we’ll see less turnover and the TSOs will maintain a sense of pride in their jobs.  THAT will bring better behavior - AND better interaction with the public.

John invited me to ask any futher questions, and asked to remind him to write about the about favoritism and the quality of people being hired for these positions.   Feel free to comment with questions for “John,” and we’ll have a follow up…

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Thanks to a streak of non icy and slushy days I’ve been enjoying my daily bike commute uninterrupted for the past two weeks or so.

Robert Hurst, author of “The Art of Urban Cycling,” and “Road Biking Colorado’s Front Range” has a new blog:  The Industrialized Cyclist.

Robert shares my interest of urban geography and utility cycling.  In his blog, among biking articles and news, are some excellent photos of Denver landmarks, buildings, trip reports, and trail info.

If you want to see a cycling outlook beyond the sterile paths of Lodo and Riverfront Park check out Robert’s site and his books at theindustrializedcyclist.com

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Technology on wheels: Select San Francisco’s Muni buses now feature Wi-Fi and touch screen maps noting the schedules of connecting and intersecting lines.

I like the idea - and hopefully it will be simple enough for travelers to use and figure out, saving time for both visitors as well as commuters.

Some critics say it’s money being spent in the wrong places - and that the touch screens and various on-board technologies will be targets for vandalism. Hopefully this won’t happen. ok won’t happen to a level where it wasn’t worth the installation.

It would also save energy for some if the screens had an option for “Spare some change?” And then the screen could display the many variations of “Sorry man, No.”

“This is a smart bus in every way, shape and form,” Newsom said. “You can download music, you can play video games. It’s a bus where you are connected. It’s constantly generating information about your connection to the rest of the Muni system.”

The bus, part of Muni’s hybrid electric bus fleet, is painted green and black with a picture of Mother Earth and an electronic display panel boasting “270 tons of CO{-2} saved” and other “green” messages. But what really makes the bus different is inside.

SF Gate article. More at Cisco at www.theconnectedbus.com

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I’ve been skiing in Colorado for 12 years.  Being a Denver local almost all of my trips are by car - usually for the day or overnight.  Over that time I’ve streamlined my personal process of loading up, parking, renting with friends, and transporting gear.

The only thing that stinks about skiing and snowboarding its the amount of unwieldy “stuff” you need to keep track of.   I don’t surf, but when booting up at the lifts I often think of how great surfers have it needing only a wet suit and a board…  The only activity more cumbersome than skiing/boarding is probably scuba diving.   And like scuba diving, when skiing if you forget one item it can make for a no-go, or an expensive local purchase. 

In addition to the standard stuff like boots, boards, and clothing - weather changes quickly, necessitating warm gear, liners, and lots of small things that can easily be forgotten or get lost.  While skiing at Breckenridge recently I was thinking of an old Seinfeld episode in which Elaine’s friend drops her off after a day of skiing, but leaves her several blocks from her apartment, making a clumsy and painful walk back with her gear, skis, boots, and poles.   

Here’s how I stay organized at, to, and from, the slopes:

Duffel Bag or really large backpack: This is a must.  I use a large old duffel bag to store our snowpants, gloves, goggles, sunscreen, heat packs, long sleeve liner shirts, headbands, and other miscellaneous warm gear.  I keep this in the front closet at home, and whenever I head out for a ski day or overnight trip I just grab it and go.  I know it’s all there, and make sure it all gets back into the bag when returning home.  I store gear both new and old in the bag,  and my old stuff always comes in handy if friends need them.

Also keeping all your small gear in ONE bag means you’re not spending the night before consolidating gloves, or your ski morning searching for things in the cracks of the car.  And it’s less likely to be left behind at home, or be left in a motel room.  My only exception to this is my ski boots which I keep in the car during winter. 

Towels.  Keep a few in your ski bag.   They come in handy for freshening up at 4pm if driving home.  If you’re transporting skis in your car they’re useful for resting skis and boards on the dash and seats.  Both can scratch up the interior of your car or a rental car.  You’ll still be impaled in an accident, but hey towels also soak up blood.  Also comes in handy for spilled drinks, and when you run our of windshield wiper fluid on the highway.

Walking with your gear.   Nothing cramps up that small tendon between your thumb and forefinger like clasping two heavy ski boots together.   Buy a small carrier from a company like skitoolcompany.com,   The pictured gadget also has a tool to help clasp and unclasp your buckles.

I use a ski bag for my skis and poles, but an excellent cheap solution is to use three or four bungee cords and bundle everything together.  If you’re riding for more than a day many resorts have a “valet” at the base, which will store your gear overnight.  It’s well worth the price, especially if you have a walk to the car.

(more…)

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There’s been much chatter recently about border officers and customs officials conducting searches of your laptop.  Agents have been demanding log-ins, passwords, and running searches of file types and documents.   Various travel sites from RickSeaney at Farecompare to the Consumerist have seen active discussions and tips from readers offering various methods of circumventing these searches.

My recommendation to prevent this is to follow my one main computer mantra:  “treat all of your computers as dummy terminals,” meaning all of your content such as photos, music, documents, and writings should NEVER be stored on a PC hard drive, but rather an external and separate hard drive, or backed up to CDs and flash drives, or an FTP site.  (Preferably two or more.)     Storing off site, whether a memory tucked deep inside your shoe or your files on a server means you’ll avoid the prying eyes of our government, and never lose data should your hard drive crash.

I can’t remember which commenter from what site I read this on, but someone posted a link to the local phone numbers of the ACLU.   If you’re a U.S. Citizen arriving back home and feel that you’re being unnecessarily detained or threatened, or if you the scope your personal and property searches are excessive, you can give your local chapter a call.   Yes some may consider the ACLU the most liberal defenders of insane causes and extreme nutcases - but the same can be said for lawyers.  You’re happy to have one when needed.

Granted this might only help during daytime hours, but having a direct local person to call could generate instant action, and get a case started immediately.  Perhaps with media attention too.  I’m not one to offer legal advice, but this handy list might be a good tool to have on hand.

American Civil Liberties Union Local Affiliates.

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I think that this is a really great idea.  If you’re a seasoned travel how many times have you fidgeted in frustration behind a novice who can’t seem to empty that last pocket of change?  They’re just not sure what to keep on person versus shove through the x-ray, and have a way of slowing down the entire que. 

Likewise if you’re traveling with a large group or family, have some special items for screening, or just need some breathing room admist the crush it can be overwhelming to have pushy business travelers and light packers getting antsy behind you.

Denver and Salt Lake City are two airports taking part in a two week trial in which the traveler can select the appropriate lane for their abilities and needs.

People lining up there will see a round green sign for families and travelers requiring special assistance, a square blue sign for the casual traveler who typically carries more and heavier luggage and a black diamond for the briefcase-toting expert traveler.

“The idea is to let passengers determine - based on their experience and needs - which lane is more appropriate,” Harmon said Sunday.

In keeping with the ski analogy, which I’m assuming is an intentional reason behind choosing Denver and Salt Lake City,  line choices will be:

The green circle line: For families, groups, first-time fliers and travelers requiring special assistance
The blue square line: For the frequent traveler with a few carry-on bags
The black diamond line: For the briefcase-toting expert traveler or anyone who packs light

This will be at the north main terminal checkpoint only.   If you’ve made this “run” let me know, I’d love a review.

Full Rocky Mountain News article.   and info on SLC from the TSA Blog.

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That is in the vast region of the U.S. West.   Today they announced that beginning this April and May their Bombardier Q400s and Embraers will service new cities (from their Denver hub,) to small towns in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.  

Skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the country should give mad (turbo) props to Frontier.  These flights will bring (relatively) lower fares and make these towns more accessible.  Durango, CO and Jackson, WY are two of my favorite towns, however each is an eight hour drive from Denver making weekend road trips difficult.  I can’t help but wonder if they scanned through an “Outdoor Life” magazine and selected the latest “Top Ten Best Adventure Cities in the West” article.  Either way it’s great news.

Included in the new cities are:

Colorado Springs - Brings southern Colorado access to their Denver hub through this excellent small airport, and brings tourists to the Spring’s many family tourist spots.

Aspen and Grand Junction - More competition in the Aspen market, and Grand Junction serves as a gateway to western Colorado and Moab, Utah.

Durango - Located in the four corners area its one of my favorite Colorado towns, but a long drive from any major metropolitan area.  Home of Mesa Verde National Park and Durango Mountain Resort (formerly Purgatory.)

Jackson, Wyoming - easy access to the Tetons and Yellowstone Parks.   Just don’t park in Dick Cheney’s spot.

Full article from the Denver Business Journal.

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I occasionally take random photos of things I find interesting, strange, cool, or just catch my eye. Such as Chicago’s Roosevelt Metra station, this frightening U-haul, or a crap filled Target. As is the motto of Rob at Cockeyed.com “Always have your camera.”

On Tuesday, February 12th, my two co-workers and I were driving up Monaco Street in southeast Denver to lunch. At 6460 East Yale I saw this little Safeway gas station. I had never seen one before - and for some reason was fascinated that it looked just like a “BIG” Safeway. I found this structure cute in a Christmas village elf like way: The design, windows, overhang, and trim are identical to a full scale Safeway - and the disproportionate letters and logo give it an even more miniature appearance. Yes I’m a dork. I realize its just a friggen gas station, and that would have been the sum of this post. Except for what followed:

To appease my elation co-worker M.P. pulled in for gas, allowing me to step out to take a few shots. As I scouted out a good angle employee A.J. walked up to me, blocked me by standing in FRONT of me, and tersely asked what exactly I was doing. I didn’t stop to converse, but said that I just liked the building and thought it was interesting.

He became agitated at my bland answer, and I then realized that if I continued I would most likely face harassment by doing something as benign as taking a few snapshots of a gas station - the same harassment occasionally faced by those who enjoy photographing more majestic objects like bridges, airliners, and trains. Quickly processing this I then realized that in an attempt to block the sun I was actually standing on the CURB of the street, just OFF of Safeway’s lot on public property. Now it was clearly a non-issue.

Meanwhile A.J. walked back into the mini-me Safeway. I wrapped up and walked to the car as M.P. finished pumping his gas. As he started the car A.J. walked up to me on the passenger side, just after making a show of writing down my friend’s license plate number. He said that he had just spoken with his security officer (inside the “big people” Safeway I presumed,) and demanded that I delete my photos or he would confiscate my cell phone. I politely and firmly said “No. My photos were taken from the street. And while I don’t need to explain or have reason for taking photos my intentions are not nefarious.”

A.J. then said since I was not cooperating with his requests he would be forced to call the police. Um, yeah…

Hi, Denver police - some guy is taking pictures of our Safeway gas shack. Please hurry.

My other co-worker in the back seat couldn’t contain his laughter anymore, and I finally said “Go ahead and call the police. I can take a photo of any goddam thing I want from public property including you, your gas station, the sky, a bird, and your mom. Good Day.” We drove off, and thankfully there was no further escalation. As of today, February 13th, the police have not contacted my friend M.P.

This unexpected event gave us a charge jolly for the rest of the afternoon - but it bothers me that someone would actually THINK that they could prohibit one from taking photos on a PUBLIC sidewalk or street. I completely understand a business restricting photos WITHIN their private property. Usually this isn’t for knee-jerk security reasons, but rather to prevent collection of price data and retail design. For example if Target had told me to knock off these shenanigans I would comply without question. Another example is a gym extending their logical right to ban camera phones for the privacy of their members. And I haven’t argued yet about government restricting photography of self labeled “sensitive” areas like customs facilities or INSIDE high profile government buildings.

However no one (A.J.) should DARE tell someone they can’t stand on PUBLIC property and take a picture of a commercial establishment. General photography of airports, bridges, skyscrapers, and Safeway gas stations do NOT fall under the category of “security threats.” If I find something architecturally stimulating I’ll take a damn picture if I want to.

This morning I called Safeway and spoke with general manager Greg Burk. I asked him why on earth his employees would impede someone’s activity on adjacent PUBLIC property? And why your employee demanded that I surrender my personal property, (my camera phone,) and threatened me by calling the police?

Greg Burk was aware of my visit yesterday, and agreed that A.J. was out of line in asking I surrender my camera phone. However Greg explained that A.J. acted appropriately by considering police action, and that the security officer who authorized his actions was not aware that I was on public property. When prodded in further discussion he agreed that A.J. should not have harassed me or asked for my phone.

Greg was very courteous, and during my recorded call was generous enough to talk to me for almost 10 minutes. He gave expected rational for being AWARE of odd activity. But I explained that my “suspicious” behavior should also be balanced out by the fact that I was in a CAR, with a license plate, (which A.J. wrote down,) and my friend also used his credit card to pay for gas. Those elements would make it quite easy to track us to our evil lair. Furthermore any building detail could be easily viewed by the naked eye, or via Google Earth or Google Street View.

I told him its one thing to be AWARE of odd behavior, but another to overstep your bounds and harass and threaten a person with no legal grounds. For the most part we agreed, and I appreciate his attention.

It’s mortifying enough to photography hobbyists and enthusiasts when they’re wrongfully told by police and private security that they can’t photograph public structures like the Brooklyn Bridge or the Eisenhower Tunnel. Niche groups or buffs who enjoy studying things like roads and airplanes do not deserve harassment. When your personal hobbies and activities, however banal, are challenged and limited under the pretext of security - that’s just wrong.

Did I mention this is a gas station? Perhaps they should build a tiny Safeway jail for security threats like myself.

by James Van Dellen

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I’ve been studying up on The Netherlands in preparation for an upcoming March trip.   As noted in my previous post I’ll be staying for two weeks in The Jordaan neighborhood, and if things go as planned we’ll be enjoying our stay in a quiet canalside apartment.

One book I’ve found is “The UnDutchables: an observation of the Nederlands, its culture and its inhabitants.”  The UnDutchables is a collective written about life and culture in Amsterdam and throughout The Netherlands.   There are several editions, each updated regularly since 1989. Through a humorous look the writers take on such stereotypes as wooden shoes and tulips, and tell stories of daily life, how to assimilate and how not to.

I’ll admit I haven’t started this book yet as I’ve been busy with some other guidebooks and maps.  But I’m looking forward to reading the idioms, stories, tips, and advice.  It’s been highly recommended on Amazon for anyone spending time in the The Netherlands, no matter how brief.

More on their site at www.unDutchables.com.

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Boy that sure would make a great intro to an article about German tattoo artists.  Or the best places for body art in Amsterdam, (coming in March,) but no - this is the more Orwellian issue of requiring fingerprints to travel.

This MSNBC article discusses Europe’s reciprocation of the U.S. policies which require extensive biometric information on all travelers.

Speaking of ink I know they use a biometric pad to collect prints now,  but do they still dip your finger in ink at old timey police stations?   I haven’t been arrested lately.

MSNBC Article and excerpts…

The United States already requires that foreigners be fingerprinted and photographed before they can enter the country. So does Japan. Now top European security officials want to follow suit, with travelers being fingerprinted and some also having their facial image stored in a Europe-wide database, according to a copy of the proposal obtained by The Washington Post.

The plan is part of a vast and growing trend — especially across the Atlantic — to collect and share data electronically for the purposes of tracking and identifying people in the name of national security and immigration control. U.S. government computers now have access to data on financial transactions; air travel details such as name, itinerary and credit card numbers; and the names of those sending and receiving express-mail packages — even a description of the contents.

For several years, the United States has required that airlines flying into the country transmit detailed passenger data before the flight’s arrival. In November, the European Commission, the E.U.’s executive arm, issued the same proposal. The United States is working on an electronic travel authorization system, requiring travelers from countries where visas are not required to visit here to submit identification and travel details before departure. Now the commission is proposing something similar.

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For Colorado Rick Steves fans:  He’ll be speaking at the Lodo Tattered Cover on Wednesday, February 27th at 5pm.

His tips on travel and adventure have helped me, especially his details on small European hotels.  And as much as I enjoy Rick Steve’s take on travel and his lifetime of knowledge on traveling through Europe, I’m equally as impressed by his politics and social activism.  He’s a true American and a global citizen.  You can find some of his opinions and views in this corner of his site.  

The LoDo Tattered Cover is at the corner of 16th and Wynkoop, one block from Union Station.  Get there early - tickets will be handed out at 4pm and its first come first seated.

More at TatteredCover.com and RickSteves.com.

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I’m stumped today…  And here’s why: 

Last summer Dallas based pizza chain “Pizza Patron” became the focus of U.S. news and water cooler chat nationwide when they announced that they would accept the Mexico peso.  This sparked outrage and the obligatory torrent of negative comments of Mexicans, illegals, anchor babies, soft guv’mint, and electric fences.  109 pages. Count ‘em.  And that’s just one site.

Backlash and death threats - all because a pizza place knew a certain percentage of the local populace carried pesos, and wanted their pesos in exchange for a pizza. 

Yesterday several news outlets reported that more and more retail stores in New York are accepting and welcoming the Euro.  Aside from a few tired “snobby French” comments this is happy news as it means tourists, and their tourist Euros flowing into the city.

I understand the issue of “accepting pesos” comes with the burden of immigration discussion - but I don’t understand WHY.   Whether those purchasing pizza are here legally or not is not the pizza joint’s concern, nor a concern of a shop in New York.  They have a business, and like the New York shops shoving Euros into the register they are simply opening up another conduit of business.

But why aren’t we in dire straits over THIS news?  Don’t we care that some spending those Euros are students overstaying their VISAs?  Aren’t we concerned that far more terror plots originate from Europe than from Mexico?  No, we don’t care, because they aren’t Mexicans.

Is it possible to SEPARATE business issues from political concerns?  Hell PAYPAL allows me to send money in 15 different currencies including the Polish Zlotych.  No one’s up in arms about that.   Uruguay happily accepts the Argentine Peso as many Argentineans frequent their coastal cities.  Same deal with Montreal and the U.S. Dollar.

Good for New York for welcoming the Euro.  It will foster an increase of business.  And good for Pizza Patron for permanently accepting the Mexican Peso.

If we exist in a global economy where big business produces product en masse in China, BMWs and other imports roam our streets, and my calls are forwarded to India - then we shouldn’t bitch and complain when SMALL BUSINESS chooses to adopt the same international approach.

by James Van Dellen

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Microsoft now wants your health records.  According to Jon VanZile of Newsmax Microsoft HealthVault is shifting into high gear, and they ensure their program absolutely cannot be hacked.  Patients and doctors store all of their personal medical records at HealthVault, allowing easy access and transfer for both patients and medical offices.  Jon VanZile brings up the most obvious risk:  An ENORMOUS amount of sensative medical date located in one place.  N.Y. Times story.

I’ll abstain from sending them my personal info, but hopfully the software will operate better than this Denver light rail ticket kiosk. 

I think I’ll a segment called “Friday Fear Factor”  in which we feature an article specifically designed to frighten you as you go about your daily life.  Let’s start early by showcasing this MSNBC series on “bad bridges” around the U.S. This “Oh my god don’t leave the house,” group of articles includes a bridge tracker where you can map your route and avoid our rickety structures.   Freak out here.

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I had no idea what Microloans were until watching a Frontline story last week.  Much like  Web 2.0 connects people of all backgrounds together, microloans links individual borrowers with lenders.  Generally the borrowers are self sufficient business owners in developing countries who want to expand their practice but lack the means to obtain credit, and if they can receive loans face high interest rates and often unscrupulous banking practices.

Frontline’s piece focused primarily on San Francisco based Kiva.org.  Kiva lends worldwide, and their site features lenders and highlights borrowers and their success stories.

I explained the concept to a few friends while skiing over the weekend and of course the immediate question was “So what’s the payback rate?”  It’s actually quite high.  Due to the personal connection the lenders actually see the progress of their “co-business” through e-mail and web correspondence, while representatives placed in these developing and needy areas work closely in the communities ensuring the funds are put to good use.

Meanwhile back at home you can send as little as $25 from Paypal (who waves fees for Kiva) and watch your money be aggregated directly into something useful.  FAR more personal than mailing a check out to a large charity.  Better?  No,  but something different, and to me it seems much more immediate.

Included in the Frontline story is this article about the history of Microfinancing  

In most Western or developed countries, it’s relatively easy to obtain credit through large banks or money lending institutions. But in the developing world, where many people lack steady employment, credit history or collateral, there’s often no way for legitimate small businesses to receive a loan.

In many ways, microfinance changed all of this. Generally defined as small lending to the rural poor in developing countries, microfinance has made great strides in the latter half of the 20th century. The 2006 Nobel Prize awarded to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, one of the founders of modern microfinance, has helped to push the industry even further into the spotlight. But the idea of microfinance has existed for hundreds of years — in many regions and in many forms. 

And some criticisms for healthy measure:

Critics of microcredit say that many of the poorest of the poor still do not qualify for a loan, because they pose too much risk; and those that do qualify use much of their loan, not for business, but for simple needs such as food for their families. 

Others insist that microfinance is not a complete solution, charging that those who have benefited from the industry overstate its value in order to keep the model going. Institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have also come under fire for funneling into microcredit institutions money that could have gone to funding for education, health or other basic social infrastructure needs.

Read all of the Frontline articles here, including a list of active organizations.   And consider a microloan for your next charitable donation.  It’s a cool way to be involved, and even if it’s just a “micro-donation” it can still go far.

by James Van Dellen

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This is bad news for my mom who packs several Molly Brown size steamer trunk suitcases for a week in Colorado. 

As of May 5th United Airlines will be charging $25 for your second piece of checked baggage.  However if you travel more than 25k miles a year you’re exempt from the fee.

Even though “a la carte” pricing can be beneficial in some cases,  I see more negatives with this in that carry on only travelers will be slowed at checkpoints by those squeezing more luggage onto planes in order to avoid fees.  More carry-ons equals less space for my tiny little messenger bag - all that I need for a weekend jaunt.

Also their “special handling” fee for large or fragile items moves up from $100 to $200.

Rocky Mountain News story.

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After a day of skiing in Breckenridge I usually head to “Downstairs at Erics,”  - the most popular pizza/hang out place in town.  Good pizza and a wide selection of beers round out this long standing establishment.  The only bad thing about Erics?  Located in the heart of Main Street they’re too popular.  As expected SuperBowl (come sue me NFL)  Sunday was packed, so we checked out the MotherLoaded Tavern, a mere 20 steps north of Erics at the southwest corner of Main Street and Ski Hill Road.

MotherLoaded takes you back to good old home cooking, before “healthy” TV dinners and a time when you actually bought a microwave at a microwave store.  And they’re the first to say they’re definitely borderline (or not) proud white trash cooking.  Their goal is to serve “The Best and Worst of Americana,” by recreating the fond dishes you grew up with. 

Interspersed among standard dishes of burgers, salads, and sandwiches are some definitely, umm, unique plates.  How about a Meatloaf Panini?  Or a grilled PB&J sandwich?  If you’ve ever wanted Mac & Cheese with a side of Bush’s Bake Beans but couldn’t bring yourself to prepare it - you can get it here…  They even offer a casserole of the day and shots of Mad Dog at 4:20 and 5:20. 

Back to the future: someone on staff must be from New Orleans, because they also have Catfish Po’Boys and red bean and rice gumbo.  Definitely one of the most bizarre, and enjoyable places I’ve visited.  Might I suggest one of my mom’s 80s favorites:  Hot Dog casserole.

Their site, and full menu.   Check out more Breckenridge places, including the Historic “Brown Hotel and Restaurant” from my earlier article.

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This was sent to me by a friend whose (American) nephew is currently working in El Salvador’s medical community.

If I receive another, or some details on this eye catching piece, I’ll follow up with more…

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