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What Am I Missing?

United and Delta airlines have become the latest to replace or upgrade their overhead storage bins to accommodate more luggage.  Ever since the airlines started charging us for checking luggage, people have crammed their stuff into a smaller suitcase and crammed it into the overhead bins.  Problem is, the bins get filled up before the seats do.

 Now, the airlines are paying big bucks to renovate the bins and companies like Boeing are redesigning their planes to have bigger overhead compartments too.  It seems it would just be easier to get rid of the baggage fees and save a few steps.  Eventually, no one will check bags, they will just carry on.  The planes will have such big overhead bins, it will seem like the cargo space is on top of the plane instead of below. 

Then, you can bet, the airlines will find a way to charge us for carry on luggage as well.   Am I missing something? What do you think?

~Rebecca
2-6-12

Time for a Real Vacation

On Wednesday I boarded a plane in 80 degree weather, in flip flops and a skirt, only to land in a place where it was 32 degrees and snowing.  I was lucky to vacation for a week in Mexico and I made the decision to completely disconnect from the world.  I didn't once check email or log on to the Internet.  I didn't even TAKE my cell phone.  I never glanced at a newspaper or even a tv.  I've never been so relaxed.  Do you do this?  Are you able to completely unplug while on vacation?  A survey from Expedia shows that 4% of Americans check their work email constantly while on vacation.  (I was actually surprised by this number, I thought it would be higher!)  34% say sometimes and 41% say never.  Americans are very dedicated to their jobs, which is great, but we all need and deserve a break sometimes.  (I hope my bosses agree!)  And I did have to pay for my break from reality.  I spent two hours this morning checking emails and catching up on all the news I missed from the past week!  But hey, at least I have a tan!
-Lacey

Smile?

A new survey finds that Oregon is 20th on the list of happiest states.  The survey took several factors into account including health, risky behaviors and job satisfaction.  Washington State came in 18th on the list.  Can you guess what came in at number one? Yes, Hawaii. Last on the list was West Virginia. So the question is, should we be celebrating our 20th ranking in Oregon or thinking we need to aim a little higher?

The Oscar results are in.

HERE'S HOW WE PICKED:  For Best Picture: Lacey has chosen "The Descendants."  Rebecca chose "The Artist."

For Best Actor:  Both Lacey and Rebecca have chosen George Clooney from "The              Descendants."

For Best Actress:  Lacey has chosen Rooney Mara from "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo."
                            Rebecca chose Viola Davis from "The Help."

For Supporting Actor:  Lacey says it's going to be Jonah Hill from "Money Ball."  Rebecca says hands down---it goes to Christopher Plummer in "Beginners."

For Supporting Actress:  Lacey thinks it will be Melissa McCarthy from "Bridesmaids."  Rebecca says give it up for Octavia Spencer from "The Help."

HERE'S WHO WON:

Best Picture: The Artist---Rebecca's pick.
Best Actor:  Jean DiJardin---neither of us picked.
Best Actress: Meryl Streep---neither of us picked
Best Supp Actor:  Christopher Plummer---Rebecca's pick
Best Supp Actress: Octavia Spencer----Rebecca's pick.

Rebecca:  3   Lacey: 0

Better luck next time, Lacey.  :)

~Rebecca

Liar, Liar, The Supreme Court's On Fire.

The case before the Supreme Court this week involves a California man, Xavier Alvarez. He was an elected member of a water district.  In 2007, at a public meeting, Alvarez said he was an ex-Marine who had rescued an American ambassador and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

It was a great story. It was also a lie.  Alvarez kept up the lie until he was caught.  The Supreme Court must decide if the First Amendment protects guys like Alvarez from prosecution.

The federal appeals court judge who helped overturn Alvarez' conviction (for violating the Stolen Valor Act) said "If false factual statements are unprotected, then the government can prosecute not only the man who tells tall tales of winning the Congressional Medal of Honor but also the JDater who falsely claims he is Jewish or the dentist who assures you it won't hurt a bit."

Congress, the White House and veteran's groups all consider false military claims uniquely harmful.  Please tell us what you think.


~ Steve Leader and Rebecca Marshall