A potential alliance with Saudi Arabian Airlines is causing a lot of headaches for Delta, which finds itself at the center of a tawdry PR battle over visas, religion, and partnerships. Joe Brancatelli shares secrets and proven tips for first- and business-class road warriors. Two of the nation’s big airlines are playing aviation poker with the federal government. Delta and US Airways want to swap their slots in New York and Washington to improve their own bottom lines. But will passengers be left with a bum deal? This publishing executive dons a headscarf to get classic children’s books into Middle Eastern schools. Full post…
Alliance
HONOLULU (AP) — Touching an endangered Hawaiian monk seal will cost a 19-year-old man $100.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday that Cameron Cayaban pleaded guilty in federal court to harassing, harming or pursuing an endangered species.
A federal magistrate judged imposed $100 in fines and fees.
Cayaban was charged with slapping a Hawaiian monk seal at Kalaeloa’s White Plains Beach in March.
His lawyer says Cayaban was overcome when he saw the seal, ran up to the endangered animal and touched it.
Witnesses reported it to military police.
Hawaiian Monk, Hawaiian Monk Seal, Monk Seal, Seal
Absurd as it may seem, it’s very possible the airlines are making more money on the persistent and aggressive fees they’re charging than on actual ticket sales.
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Airlines, Airlines Skip
Wouldn’t a cozy seat and stiff drink be nice on that long flight across the pond? This summer, for just a little bit extra, the posh amenities of business class can be yours. Sure, going away this summer may cost you a pretty penny. But when you put your business-travel miles and nights staying away from home to work, you just may find a good bargain. Travelers are paying for nearly everything when flying these days. From baggage fees to purchasing meals and even paying a day-of-travel surcharge, airline fares sometimes don’t even include the actual price of a coach seat. 
Want to travel to Europe in extraordinary comfort this summer?
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Flight, Flight Indulgence
Jason Stearns’ book Dancing in the Glory of Monsters tries to unpick the story of ‘The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa.’ Clearly a near impossible task, because you’re still left fairly bemused at the end how all these events – from the Cold War to the Rwanda genocide – could come together so disastrously. Let’s try and summarise the Congo story in 7 dated bullet points:
• 1885 – King Leopold II of Belgium grabs the Congo as his personal colony, proceeds to exploit it mercilessly. You thought chopping hands off was a horror story out of Sierra Leone in the late 1990s? No, it was a Belgian invention in the Congo.
• 1908 – Bel
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Monsters