US Airways - American Merger Oppossed by US Department of Justice

Adding to the heated controvery, political uncertainty and maneuvering surrounding control of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) the US Department of Justice weighed in and says that it is against the merger of US Airways and American Airlines, which would make CLT an even bigger one-airline hub. The reason for the objections according to Attorney General Eric Holder, is lack of competition and further consolidation of the airline industry, resulting in fewer choices and higher fares for travellers. The Business Travellers Alliance and several states piled on to applaud the Justice Department's move. With Jerry Orr and CLT's status in Limbo, these are trying times for those trying to do long range planning and strategy for the airport. Attorney General Holder's move is much like that of Caaptain Renault in the movie Casablanca : "I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" This cynical long-time observer of and commentator on the airline industry is amazed that it has taken some six US Presidential Administrations over the course of some 38 or more years to realize that deregulation of the US airline industry has resulted in fewer choices for consumers and an outmoded hub and spoke systems with fewer long distance non-stop or direct flights; itineraries that take as long as those in a DC-3; and in places such as Charlotte, a monopoly on flights and astronomical fares (try $3,000 To Washington Dulles on one day.) These are interesting times to be observing the future of the US airline industry in places such as CLT. But it will also be a bumpy ride over an uncertain course.

MIA gets black Lab Retrievers to help screen passengers - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com

MIA gets black Lab Retrievers to help screen passengers - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.comhttp://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/03/3379700/mia-gets-black-lab-retrievers.html

The use of dogs adds another layer in security - it is random and is a factor that terrorists have to include in their penetration plans - The basic question they have to ask themselves is: "Do we feel lucky today about this target?" 

The Battle for Control of Charlotte's Airport: Conflicts of Interest?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/25/4004897/behind-the-battle-for-clt.html#emlnl=Todays_Headlines

The political moves for control of Charlotte's airport (CLT) has all of the making of a political thriller with a potential Department of Transportation regulator potentially beholden to an airline he would regulate; one party seeking to wrest control of a facility controlled by the other party; and most customers of CLT never stepping foot out of the gate areas.

Canadian authorities arrest two for plotting attack on VIA Rail - TRAINS Magazine

Canadian authorities arrest two for plotting attack on VIA Rail - TRAINS Magazine

Article on the Mounties getting their men....Canadians bust a terrorist plot.

Carnival Takes Steps

http://www.marinelog.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3911:carnival-rolls-out-700-million-fleet-upgrade-plan&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=195

In an effort to recover its reputation Carnival attempts to bolster safety and reliability. Will it work?  Training, training and more training is key!

Foreign Exchange News: Should You Invest in Russia?

http://www.forexnews.com/blog/2013/03/14/investing-in-russia/

     This link provides an interesting description of the investment climate in Russia.  Of course Russia is one of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and has always been an agricultural (even without Ukraine) and natural resource powerhouse.  There are, however, certain dangers such as corruption (that also exists in other BRICs countries.)  
     Those investors actually thinking of investing in such tangible projects and activities in Russia such as energy, railroads, aviation, tourist infrastructure will need the services of infrastructure security and international affairs experts such as those of us at Pierce Pugliese and Carolla Air Analytics, LLC (www.aerorailsecure.com) with expertise in Russian geography, history, government, security services and dealing with the Russian (and other former Soviet such as Moldovan, Uzbek, and Ukrainian) bureaucracies to help them plan for the future in Russia.



Violence Against Swiss Tourists: Précautions de Sécurité Pendant à Vélo et Camping à l'Etranger

http://www.tdg.ch/monde/faits-divers/proces-suissesse-violee-inde-debute/story/13242161

     Violence Against Swiss Tourists: Précautions de Sécurité Pendant à Vélo et Camping à l'Etranger  (Safety Precautions While Bicycling and Camping Abroad.) This article from Tribune de Geneve describes the trial of a gang in India that raped a Swiss tourist and also assaulted her husband, robbing them both.  They were bicycling in India and camping under a tent.  This incident underscores the need to travel safe and smart, knowing the threats and risks of foreign countries, not that we don't have threats in the US.  Our firm Pierce, Pugliese and Carolla Air Analytics, LLC often is in a position to help you, your company or your travel agent with threat assessments as you prepare to travel,take shore excursions - or make investments or seek to evaluate threats to infrastructure abroad.  Although we cannot assure your safety and security, and can't be liable for any misfortunes we can, however, using our comprehensive international security expertise, augment such sources as the US State Department advisories and present to you threats that might not readily be apparent.  Such advice as being especially vigilant against pick-pockets on trains and in stations in Poland can help you protect your wallet and your person.