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Month: August 2010
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Hiroshima observes atomic bombing anniversary
Hiroshima today observed the 65th anniversary of the city’s atomic bombing during the closing days of World War II. “On this, the 65th anniversary of the atomic bombing, as we offer to the souls of the A-bomb victims our heartfelt condolences, we hereby declare that we cannot force the most patiently enduring people in the world, the hibakusha (survivors of the bombing), to be patient any longer,” Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba said in his peace
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Legislation targets airline fees
New legislation aims to increase transparency of hidden airline fees. U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., said he introduced the “Airline Baggage Transparency and Accountability Act” in response to passengers’ concerns about hidden fees and mishandled baggage. In 2008 and 2009, airlines reported approximately $7.9 billion in revenues from baggage fees and reservation change and cancellation fees — the two largest sources of fee revenues, according to Webb. “In recent years, airlines have been adding various
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Study: Adventure tourism is rapidly growing
Could jungle tours, whitewater rafting or birdwatching help a country’s economy? Researchers at George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism Studies think so. George Washington School of Business researchers found that the adventure tourism is a rapidly growing tourism market and a viable economic opportunity for countries seeking to develop tourism. “Instead of being seen as a small, niche market, the study shows that adventure tourism is a sizable market with the potential for significant
Seeing America
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Ga. patrol to start ticketing drivers who text
ATLANTA – Drivers, don’t even think about texting while behind the wheel. The Georgia State Patrol’s 30-day grace period is over, and troopers will start ticketing drivers for texting while driving. Under the new law, which went into effect July 1, anyone convicted of texting while driving will face a fine of up to $150. Meanwhile, another new law prohibits teens under the age of 18 years old from using cell phones while behind the
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Obama signs ‘Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act’ into law
President Obama last week signed into law the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act. According to USA Today, the new law “requires cruise lines to contact the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard as soon as a suspicious death or assault of a passenger on a ship is reported.” “The term ‘duty free’ does not apply to the safety of passengers,” U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said in a statement. “Murky lines of jurisdiction are