From seat 68A
On the plane ride back from Bangkok last night, I picked up the in-flight version of the Wall Street Journal. I found a couple of articles that were interesting enough, I thought I’d share them with you!
US & Hanoi in Nuclear Talks. Title kind of says it all.
If you are a WSJ subscriber, you can read THIS article about Rakuten, a unique company in Japan pushing employees to speak English in the workplace. For those of you who are not WSJ subscribers, I found THIS article on The Mainichi Daily News.
I hope my life never becomes as surreal as Naomi Campbell’s. I’ve NEVER been at a party where afterward I receive a bag of strange looking stones. I have NO concept of what that world might be like and I NEVER want to live there.
Of all the articles I read, I have to say that THIS ARTICLE about the movies released this year was my favorite. Maybe I’m missing my days at the AFI. I was so current with movie industry news then! Do you think this year is the worst year in movies ever? While I don’t often go to the movies in Vietnam, I do buy DVDs. Yet, I don’t load up every wekend and I haven’t gone to the shop anxious to buy anything except the TV Series GLEE. That makes me wonder about the quality of movies released not just in 2010, but in the last few years. In fact, the last movie I saw in the theater was District 9!!! Wow! What does that say?
What’s your favorite movie released in 2010?
Ridiculous Headlines
During a few recent and very news worthy events, I was watching CNN to try to get some solid information on a few stories. What I saw was a screen where the reporters kept quoting twitter and facebook entries and using these notes as news. I was not impressed. I’m sorry, folks, but that to me is lazy reporting.
In the past week or so, there have been a few news stories which I’ve bookmarked because they simply made me shake my head and think, “This is why I do not live in the U.S.” I’m not saying that Vietnam is better or perfect or whatever, just pointing out that there are many ridiculous things which happen in the U.S., too. Land of the free? Sure, so long as you don’t tweet. And God forbid you offend anyone with a nude nymph. Since when did Americans become so easily offended? It’s a stupid wine label!!!
While it is always good to be on alert and be aware, the whole big bad world is not out to get you and there is no danger lurking around every corner. I hate travel stories like the one on the front page of MSN the other day. That does nothing to boost travel & tourism.
Anywhoo… just have a look at these stories and tell me what you think. I’m sure there are many more out there to make my head keep shaking, and I am quite certain you would find plenty of head-shaking material in Vietnam. So we are even….
Woman sued over tweet about mold
An apartment management company is seeking $50,000 in damages in one of the first libel lawsuits involving the social-networking site Twitter.
Posted by Mai Ling at MSN Real Estate on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 11:35 AM
Be careful what you tweet about.
A Chicago woman is being sued by her apartment management company, accused of writing a Twitter post that “maliciously and wrongfully” criticized her apartment and the management company. <read more>
Wine ban in Alabama could mean big bucks for vintner
The label with a nude nymph offends the state’s liquor control board.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, July 31, 2009 8:09 AM
A ban can mean big business. At least, that’s what Bill Leigon, president of Hahn Family Wines in Soledad, Calif., is hoping.
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board recently told stores and restaurants to stop serving Cycles Gladiator wine because of the label, which features a naked nymph, The Associated Press reported late Thursday. <read more>
The World’s Worst Travel Scams
There’s no shortage of thieves out there, both at home and abroad, cooking up ways to get their hands on your money. Here are some of their favorite travel scams. <read more>
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
All my love for Team Bobby
7.1.2009 – Our Dear Bobby- you will be sorely missed, yet remain in our hearts forever. An inspiration in life, love, dignity, strength and courage. Thank you for everything you have shared with us. You inspire us all to squeeze every drop of joy out of each and every moment. Life is too precious otherwise. May you always know how much you are loved, missed and admired.
Learn about Bobby and why he is so amazing…
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/robertpaton
Cheers,
Shanna
6 27 2009 – UPDATE: As Bobby has remained an example in how to live strong, so he continues to be an example for all of us at any moment in life – keep your sense of humor! Love you TEAM BOBBY!!!
Update from the Patons:
Hi everyone,
Our family wanted to let you know that we are all here in Asheville with Bobby and Amanda in what we think are Bobby’s last days. He’s put up an amazing fight and is very peaceful. Being here at the Farm with Amanda’s family is therapeutic for him and all of us as well. It is the only place we can imagine spending this precious time with Bob.
We love you all and know that you have been holding Bobby and all of us in your prayers and we are forever grateful.
Even in this hard time we are finding comfort with each other and in the fact that Bobby is well prepared for the next step and we are trying to be as well. Planning his service has been difficult but has also brought laughter as we joke about putting his ashes in a Bud Light can and all shaving our heads so that everyone knows we are “The Family”. Bob always kept us guessing and laughing and he continues to do so.
Thanks for the notes, the emails, the calls, and the prayers. We love you and keep you all in our prayers.
Love, The Patons
………………..
All of my thoughts, energy and love are with the Patons. Safe travels to the girls and all my best for Bobby. Love you with all my heart.
Learn about Bobby and why he is so amazing…
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/robertpaton
On the Bright Side,
Shanna