The ‘Buy It Now’ price for a Rapiscan backscatter machine, just like they used to use at TSA checkpoints, is $7995. Just what you need to add realism to the airport security play set (which a reader generously gave me for Christmas in 2005). These are government surplus, and I love this line from the […]
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There have been quite a few news headlines lately about how al-Qaida is apparently planning five attacks on commercial airlines flying to Europe around Christmas.
I have several flights to/from Europe around the holidays, so when my mom heard the news today she instantly sprung into "scared" mode. My response whenever these kinds of threats are discovered is to say that I'm ultimately happier knowing about the threats which have been uncovered, as opposed to the countless number of threats we don't know about. After all, what you don't know about can't hurt you... until it does.
Anyway, I'm not an intelligence expert so won't chime in further there. Instead I'll just share what's apparently being considered as a possible preventive measure.
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On the morning of March 16th, 1244 over 200 Cathars, led by their bishop, Bertrand Marty, walked out of the Montségur fortified village and proceeded down the pog (from the Occitan “puòg” meaning promontory, hilltop) to a field where a huge bonfire was readied for them. All walked voluntarily into the flames, no stakes were required. Today a stone stele marks the spot where the sad scene is reputed to have taken place.
Although the ruins that can be seen today at the top of the pog are not those of the Cathar fortress, but of a 17th century French defensive castle (although it is said that its stones were taken from the rubble of the previous construction), the site nonetheless has a sort of mystical aura; one can’t help but feel a connection with those who lived and perished there.
The history of the Cathars runs deep all over southern France but Montségur holds a special place. The small fortress was a safe haven for the Cathars, and was considered the Church’s seat and head. Catharism was a Christian religious movement that thrived in the south of what is today France (and other places in southern Europe) in the 12th to the 14th centuries. Initially the Catholic Church attempted to end the movement using missionaries but the murder of papal legate Pierre de Castelnau in 1208 made Pope Innocent III choose a more coercive approach, instigating what was to become the Albigensian Crusade, a 20-year campaign against the Cathars. Although successful in bringing the county of Toulouse, whose count was perceived to be a supporter of the “heretics,” under the French crown, it did not succeed in eradicating Catharism. After the Crusade per se, an inquisition was called to bring an end to the movement. This culminated in the 10-month long siege of Montségur.
There is a persistent legend which talks of a mysterious and invaluable treasure being kept at Montségur and that, in the days prior to its surrender, it was taken away from the site by four Cathars in the last days of the occupation. What was that treasure? One theory suggests that it was the Holy Grail itself, as Montségur is believed to be the “Holy Grail castle” mentioned in Esschenback’s Parzival. Some consider that it was the grail which was taken from Montségur, brought to Rennes-Le-Chateau, and hidden there.
Grail site or no, there is assuredly something captivating about the small castle, making a worthwhile visit when in southwestern France. Getting to Montségur requires a drive along a winding road in the Pyrenees foothills ending with an incredible view of the castle. Then, a hike up to the castle from the stele along a steep trail, possibly used by the Cathars themselves to meet their faith, provides a sense of the harshness of life on a hilltop.
Washington, D.C. was a garrison city during the Civil War with Confederate armies menacing the capital from every direction.
Early on in the war, the Union Army ringed the city with a series of earthen defense forts. Most of these forts have disappeared, leaving nothing but their names across the region (Fort Totten Metro, Fort Dupont Park, Battery Kemble), but two of them still stand. Fort Stevens, the target of Confederate assault in July 1864, is preserved as a memorial, complete with cannon and parapet, but more mysterious, and magical, is Fort DeRussy, which has been almost completely swallowed by forest. Located near the busy intersection of Military Road and Oregon Avenue, Fort DeRussy is accessible via a small, modestly marked dirt path into the woods of Rock Creek Park. Several hundred yards in, an even smaller path branches off to the left. and there, overgrown by trees and bushes, is a six foot dirt moat which butts up against dirt walls a dozen feet high. The walls form a ring, enclosing an area about the size of a basketball court.
Fort DeRussy's shining moment came when confederates attacked Fort Stevens a mile to the east. During the battle Fort DeRussy’s 100-pound guns fired more than 100 rounds into the enemy lines, proving integral in stopping the attack. While its military career is long since over, today Fort DeRussy is still perfect for running maneuvers as it may be the best spot in Washington for a game of capture the flag.
I know a lot of American employees have been excited about their new uniforms. Given that I spend 90% of my time in pajamas and don't even own a suit, I can't really relate, but whatever. ;)
While I'm by no means a fashion expert (contrary to popular belief), there's no denying that American's current uniforms are horrible. Like, they make even attractive people look unattractive. The good news is that when I meet a new hire that looks mediocre in their uniform, that basically translates to supermodel out of uniform.
The worst part of American's current uniform has to be the blazers that flight attendants used to wear in international premium cabins during the meal service. When I once asked a flight attendant why they wear them, she explained they were supposed to look "classy." To me they just looked like something you'd wear if you were delivering a eulogy at a funeral.
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From Traveling Better. Photography: AA’s ban on photography will now extend to filming employees at/in “any airline area” including ticket counters, gates, cargo, baggage, (and of course on-board) effective Dec 3rd, Guns: Changes to minimum age to check to 21, and, now unlimited guns per case. Airsoft and BB guns considered guns now. Plus unspecified […]
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