News Update

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  1.  
  2. Airport Scanners Linked To Cancer


    Do airport body scanners heighten the risk of cancer among frequent travelers? The jury is still out on that question, but according to Dr. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research and the Higgins professor of Radiation Biophysics at Columbia University Medical Center, the average radiation dose from a front and back scan is about 0.15 µSv. While statistically small, the exposure amounts to 20 times the average dose.

    Brenner sent Global Traveler a copy of the PowerPoint presentation he referenced during a June 2010 speech on Capital Hill. “The implication is that as you lower the dose, you proportionately lower the risk, but there is no dose where the risk is zero. This is where we need more research,” Brenner told Congress.

    While individual risk is statistically small, Brenner said the population risk has the potential to be significant. Among his concerns: X-rays are effective at breaking molecular bonds in organic molecules, such as DNA, resulting in damage to chromosomes and chromosome damage in a single cell can be the first of many steps on the path to cancer.

    According to Brenner’s research, susceptibility to X-rays differs by individual. At-risk subsets of the population include children, developing embryos and fetuses and genetically sensitive groups.

    Brenner told Congress the new full-body backscatter scanners do not emit a uniform dosage of radiation throughout the body. Some parts of the body will receive larger doses than others and the largest doses from this type of technology will affect the skin. The 0.15 µSv is a relatively low dose of radiation, but still higher than average.

    His report also cited basal cell carcinoma as one of the most common cancers associated with X-ray exposure, particularly after exposure in childhood. Radiation acts as a multiplier of natural cancer rates, so any increases in cancers as a result of X-ray scanner irradiation of children would not likely appear for decades.

    Brenner, who throughout his speech, reiterated his belief that the overall risk is very low, is rallying for more research into the effect of full-body scanner exposure on the general population balanced with the potential benefits of safer flying.

     

     



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  3. Airlines Await Fines


    United Airlines and Delta Air Lines face fines following violations of the three-hour tarmac delay rule. During the month of May, five flights were delayed for more than three hours. United operated four of them; Delta operated one. The airlines face fines of up to $27,500 per passenger and are currently awaiting the results of a Department of Transportation investigation into the incidents. Carriers are not fined if planes were delayed for safety and security reasons.

     

     



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  4. DOT Finalizes Tokyo Decision


    The battle over take-off and landing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) is over. U.S. regulators have finalized a decision that gives Delta Air Lines slots for two daily flights. American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will each get one slot. United Airlines and Continental Airlines were denied access to airport slots. A new runway will open in October and flights will begin shortly thereafter.

     

     



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  5. Solar Plane’s Overnight Flight


    A solar-powered experimental airplane completed a 24-hour test flight last week. The flight took place overnight and was powered by energy collected from the sun during the day. According to The New York Times, the flight was the longest and highest solar-powered aircraft. It reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet above sea level. The plane took off and landed in Payerne, Switzerland and was in the air for exactly 26 hours and nine minutes.

     

     



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  6. Aegean Airlines Joins Star Alliance


    Just 14 months after its acceptance into the Star Alliance, Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flagship carrier, is officially the network’s newest member, further expanding its reach and proving to the world that despite the country’s economic woes, its aviation industry remains as vibrant and viable as its European counterparts.

    Since its founding 11 years ago, Aegean has grown exponentially, accumulating both passengers and a bundle of honors. In 2009, one year after surpassing Olympic as the country’s largest carrier, Aegean was named “best regional airline in Europe” by SkyTrax. For each of the past 10 years, Athens International Airport has recognized the young airline for its industry-leading on-time performance.

    With 98 percent coverage of the domestic market and service to 20 international destinations — Madrid (MAD), Vienna (VIE), Belgrade (BEG) and Tel Aviv (TLV) were added last year alone — Aegean is well-positioned as the 28th member of the Star Alliance.

    “This country has always been a center for trade and tourism,” Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht told an overflowing audience at Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport (ATH) on June 30. “Greek people were traveling the world long before many others…You have set the stage for further growth by combining the Greek airline industry forces in the interest of the traveling public,” he said, referring to the merging of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airways, announced last February.

    The Aegean–Olympic merger was a product of necessity, said Aegean Airlines Chairman and CEO Theodoros Vassilakis: “We believe it’s the only answer to the size of Greece and to the financial situation.”  – Patrick Adams

     

     



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  7. Rebak Island Resort

    P.O. Box 125, Kuah Langkawi
    Kedah Darul Aman
    Malaysia
    tel 604 966 5566


    by Alexandra Young On a Saturday morning, I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and hop a 50-minute flight to the famed Malaysian island of Langkawi. Landing in Langkawi, I disembarked the aircraft to a small, clean and modern airport. Walking through the arrivals gate, a friendly member of the Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, a Taj Hotel, staff was waiting to greet me.

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  8. Holland American Line

    MS Rotterdam/Alaska Cruise
    300 Elliott Ave. W.
    Seattle, WA 98119
    tel 877 932 4259


    by J.D. Brown and Margaret Backenheimer North to Alaska by sea, roundtrip from Seattle, via Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan — with whales and glaciers, eagles and totems along the way — what better way to explore America’s true wilderness than in luxury? Holland America’s newly outfitted cruise ship MS Rotterdam makes this weekly foray along the beautiful shores of the last frontier a midsummer’s delight.

    The Rotterdam looms large on the water, although it is now but a boat among mega-ships, carrying up to 1,400 passengers and 600 crew at a swift pace with ease. It is massive enough to contain its own casino, a $2 million art collection and a Las Vegas-style theater, but not so vast as to drown its passengers in a labyrinth of endless decks and corridors.

    This is the first season in Alaskan waters for the Rotterdam, Holland America’s standard-bearer. Before venturing up the northern shoreline of the 49th state, the Rotterdam underwent exhaustive enhancements in December 2009. What we came to admire about the redesign of this vessel is how it now seamlessly combines the classic elegance of upscale sailing with the latest technological and recreational advances of a sleek deluxe hotel.
    Between ports of call we sampled the Culinary Arts Center, where smiling Executive Chef Thomas Schumann and his team offered interactive gourmet cooking lessons in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. We also wedged our way into the Digital Workshop, where instructors can get you up-to-speed with that new camera or put you online with the latest tips on social networking. We even treated ourselves to ocean views and stone massages in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and more than once we dipped our toes into The Retreat, a resort-style facility with lounges anchored in shallow outdoor pools.

    The accommodations on the Rotterdam are freshly redesigned, too. The upper-deck Deluxe Verandah and Penthouse Verandah Suites include a private lounge with concierge, very much like the executive floor of a 5-star hotel. Our particular cabin, a few decks below, was a Lanai stateroom, Holland America’s latest innovation, in which the deck windows have been refitted with reflective-glass sliding patio doors. The Lanai doors afford wide views of the sea, as well as wonderful opportunities for people-watching. These 39 new staterooms are not only spacious and luxuriously appointed, but equipped with enough storage to unpack fully, something we always seek, but seldom find, on a seven-day cruise.

    The Rotterdam’s showcase is its Explorations Café, a sprawling coffeehouse with baristas on hand, an extensive, well-organized library lining the walls, tables for the largest jigsaw puzzles and comfortable sea-view seating for reading and napping. Above all there is an abundance of workstations with the latest PCs for Internet browsing. This is the finest media complex we have seen on a cruise ship — no tiresome waits for a computer or for a latté.

    Less to our taste was the Rotterdam’s inviting, but maddeningly slow, buffet line, the Lido. Its cooking stations proved to be understaffed. While the Lido’s offerings were abundant and tasty, we soon gave up on the slow lines and phoned for room service, which was always a prompt delight.

    The dining was better in the main La Fontaine Dining Room, but heading our list was the Pinnacle Grill, renowned for its steaks, wine list and table settings. Reservations and a $20 surcharge are required here, but the ambience, service and cuisine are worth the investment.

    All in all, our voyage to Alaska on the “new” Rotterdam was extremely well run, and the upgraded facilities, refreshing. The vessel’s state-of-the-art engines were able to turn on a dime when we explored the scenic highlight of this voyage, an unobstructed close-up survey of Alaska’s spectacular Hubbard Glacier, with nary another vessel in sight. Topping it off almost every night with the classic dessert of the north, baked Alaska, we decided there was nowhere else north by northwest we’d rather be.

    Score: 4/5

     

     



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  9. Delta, US Airways To Sue FAA


    Delta Air Lines and US Airways are headed to court, announcing they plan to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over the conditions the FAA imposed for a proposed slot swap between the two airlines. The airlines announced their decision in a letter sent to the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the chief counsel of the FAA.

     

     



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  10. Aloft Minneapolis

    900 Washington Ave. South
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
    tel 985 624 3697


    by Barbara & Jim Twardowski Aloft Minneapolis is less than two years old and located in the downtown, revitalized Mill District. In the 1800s, the mills built along the Mississippi River, near St. Anthony Falls, jettisoned the area into the largest producer of flour in the world. By the 1960s, flour production ceased and the buildings stood empty or were demolished. Today, the remaining mills have been converted to loft homes. Across the street from the hotel are the Mill City Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and the internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theatre.

    The modern exterior of Aloft blends well with its neighbors. The hotel is a new brand for Starwood and describes itself as “a vision of W Hotels.” A hip, happy and hospitable hotel, every room was reserved on the day we arrived.

    Hotel guests are greeted with neon-colored signage, 42-inch LCD televisions mounted to the wall, music that complements the time of day (soothing in the morning and a club beat at night) and chic, modern decor. Self-parking for $15 a day is available in an outdoor lot or at a condo complex beside the hotel.

    Staff members work inside a circular desk. From this strategically placed spot, they assist guests who are checking in and out of the hotel, serve as concierge — dispensing maps and information — and ring up items bought at Re: fuel (the 24/7 grab-and-go gourmet station). No matter what time of day we passed the front desk, the staff was busy and always paused to say, “Hello.” Young and professional, they could be students from the nearby University of Minnesota.

    The first floor of the hotel is the heart of the property. During our visit, patrons sipped drinks at the Wxyz bar and young men were racking up balls at a fuchsia-colored pool table. Another guest was leaning over a computer checking Mapquest and a couple sat chatting on the couch by the fireplace. Just down the hall are a glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool and a workout room. In the evening, the courtyard space became the stage for a local band.

    Our fourth-floor room had two queen-size beds, huge windows and a long desk. A plug-and-play connectivity station allowed us to view a PowerPoint presentation on the 42-inch television mounted to the wall. Internet service is free throughout the property. The room was nearly 300 square feet with an oversized bathroom. Amenities included a safe, a mini-refrigerator and a coffee/tea set-up. Complimentary newspapers were located in the lobby.

    Aloft Minneapolis, like the city, is energetic, engaging and exciting.

    Score: 5/5

     

     



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  11.  

Halong Bay Hotels


    Hotel
: Saigon Halong Hotel
    Rating: 4 Star ****
    Address:Ha Long Road, Bai Chay Beach, Ha Long City, Vietnam


  • Overview

  • Food, Drink and Entertainment

  • Check in & out

  • Facilities

  • Room Amenities

Saigon Halong HotelSituated within a short drive of beautiful Halong Bay, the Saigon Halong Hotel has an enviable location in the old quarter of Hanoi. The city center is within short walking distance as are several markets and small traditional shops perfect for bargain souvenir hunting . Rooms are available as superior, deluxe, executive or presidential suites and there is also the choice of family or superior villas. All room types have great views of the city and come equipped with internet, satellite TV and tea / coffee maker. Onsite hotel facilities include multiple restaurants and bars, a Jacuzzi, pool, gym and sauna.
 

Superior Room - SaiGon Halong Hotel Deluxe Room-SaiGon Halong Hotel Suite Room- Saigon Halong Hotel
Superior Room
Deluxe Room
Suite
Suite Restaurant Swimming pool
Spa
Restaurant
Swimming pool


 

    

Cruise Boat RestaurantFLOATING RESTAURANT

Stay with Saigon Halong Hotel and enjoy dinner on floating restaurant while cruising through the water of Halong Bay for a spectacular sunset over the gulf of Tonkin.

Special Sunset Dinner Cruise
Stay with Saigon Halong Hotel and enjoy dinner on floating restaurant while cruising through the water of Halong Bay for a spectacular sunset over the gulf of Tonkin.

Views from the above blue sky, views from the deep blue water! Savor the breathtaking panoramic views during your lunch or dinner on board with sweet musical melodies and Vietnam’s traditional live performance.

Enjoy unforgettable dinner cruises which offer not only romance, fun, and relaxation for everyone, but spectacular evening views of the sea, the sky and the magical limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes.

Dinner cruise docks and departs everyday at 18:00 pm from Saigontourist Jetty, near Royal Park at Baichay Beach and cruises towards the glorious Baichay bridge and the shores of Halong city giving the grand view of the exteriors of Halong city at night.

Timings:

Lunch : 10:30 am to 14:00 pm
Dinner : 17:30 pm to 21:30 pm

Rate:
Buffet Dinner : US$25 per pax

Elegant Restaurant foodELEGANT RESTAURANT

Adjacent to the grand lobby serving breakfast, lunch and dinner against a backdrop of spectacular Halong Bay views from a floor-to-ceiling folding glass door and wall.

Our Elegant restaurant is ideally designed to serve Asian and Western cuisine catering 150 guests offering delicate, sophisticated and utterly delicious cuisines.

* Featuring casual all day dining
* Extensive A La Carte menu and set menu
* Partial view of Halong Bay and city
* Easy access, next to grand lobby
* Adjacent wine bar

Menu: Lunch Menu Dinner Menu

Timings: Seven days a week
Breakfast: 6:00 am - 09:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Dinner: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Panorama restaurantPANORAMA RESTAURANT

Situated atop the 15 story building, the hotel’s opulent and stunning restaurant offers expansive panoramic views through floor to ceiling glass wall of Halong Bay – the Gulf of Tonkin.

The highest in Halong city, stylish and breathtaking restaurant gives you a fabulous view of Halong Bay through its floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors and wall where you can see and hear the coming and going sea waves lapping the rocks of the bay.

* Unparalleled location – 15 stories above the Gulf of Tonkin
* Panoramic photography of Halong Bay
* Panoramic sea view
* Catering 250 guests
* Extensive A La Carte menu and Set menu
* European and Asian cuisine
* Fine aged beverages and superb music
* Adjacent wine bar

Menu: Lunch Menu Dinner Menu

Timings: Seven days a week
Breakfast: 6:00 am - 09:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Dinner: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Saigon BarSAIGON BAR

An ideal venue for an evening gathering of cocktails with music and Billiards.

Located on mezzanine floor, Saigon Bar offers warm and intimate atmosphere featuring cognacs, whisky and wines. An evening will be fabulous and entertaining with cocktails, snacks, musical melodies and Pool Games.

* An intimate setting for enjoying cigars and evening cocktails
* An eclectic menu of light snacks with local and international wine
* Light appetizers and freshly squeezed fruit juice
* Floor-to-ceiling expansive glass wall offering panoramic view of Halong bay
* Pool Game
* Open throughout the week from 17:00 until midnight

Earliest Check-In (HH:MM)
 
12:00
Latest Check-In (HH:MM) 14:00
If there is a available room before check-in time, It is posible to take it ? Yes
Latest Check-Out (HH:MM) 12:00
Late check-out ( after 12:00) 50% room charge
Room Service 24 hours

 

 
 

AvailableAvailable                      
Not AvailableNot Available
 
Availablebabysitting
 
Availablemeeting facilities
 
Availablebar/pub
 
Not Availablenightclub
 
Not Availablebicycle rental
 
Not Availablepets allowed
 
Availablebusiness center
 
Not Availablepoolside bar
 
Availablecar park
 
Availablerestaurant
 
Not Availablecasino
 
Not Availableroom service
 
Availablecoffee shop
 
Availableroom service 24hr
 
Availableconcierge
 
Availablesafety deposit boxes
 
Not Availabledisabled facilities
 
Availablesalon
 
Availableelevator
 
Not Availableshops
 
Not Availableexecutive floor
 
Availablesmoking room
 
Availablefamily room
 
Availabletours
 
Not Availablehotel/airport transfer
 
Not Availablevalet parking
 
Availablelaundry service/dry cleaning
 
AvailableWiFi

 

AvailableAvailable                      
Not AvailableNot Available
 
Not Availableair conditioning
 
Availableinternet access (wireless)
 
Availablebalcony/terrace
 
Availableironing board
 
Not Availablebathrobes
 
Availablejacuzzi bathtub
 
Availablebathtub
 
Not Availablekitchenette
 
Availablecoffee/tea maker
 
Not Availablemicrowave
 
Availablecomplimentary bottled water
 
Availablemini bar
 
Availabledaily newspaper
 
Availablenon smoking rooms
 
Availabledesk
 
Not Availableprivate pool
 
Not AvailableDVD/CD player
 
Availablesatellite/cable TV
 
Availablehair dryer
 
Availableseparate shower and tub
 
Availablein room safe
 
Not Availableshared bathroom
 
Not Availablein room video games
 
Availableshower
 
Availableinhouse movies
 
Availabletelevision
 
Availableinternet access
 
Availabletelevision LCD/plasma screen
 
Not Availableinternet access (charges apply)
 
Not Availablewireless internet access (charges apply)
 
Availableinternet access (complimentary)
 
Availablewireless internet access (complimentary)

 




Validity Room Type Room Rates ( USD ) Instant Confirmation
Today Single Double Triple Board Basic
Price update
Saturday, 04 September 2010
Superior Room
USD 90
USD 90
USD 120
Bed & Breakfast
Deluxe Room
USD 120
USD 120
USD 150
Bed & Breakfast
Suite
USD 206
USD 206
USD 236
Bed & Breakfast
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HotelRates are inclusive of VAT, government taxes and service charges.

HotelAll rates in US Dollars and per room (single or twin occupancy).

HotelAny cancellations received less than 7 day(s) before arrival will be subject to a cancellation fee, in the amount
of 100% of total amount. Failure to arrive at your hotel will be treated as a late cancellation. This will
       incur 100% of total amount.

 


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