Airlines made 42 percent more from fees last year compared with first year of bag fees

Airlines made $7.8 billion from fees last year

NEW YORK – The government on Monday confirmed what many travelers already suspected: U.S. airlines made a lot more money in fees last year.
The Department of Transportation said revenue from so-called ancillary fees rose 42 percent to $7.8 billion in 2009. The biggest chunk of that came from …. Read the original article  : here.

Monkey as butlers’ help maimed US soldiers in Afghanistan lead a normal life

LONDON – American soldiers and officers who were physically disabled while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, are being given monkeys as butlers to perform their daily tasks.

The clever capuchins are trained to react to where a laser pen is shined. Provided by a charity, the primate pets help amputees and paralysed soldiers lead normal lives.

Wheelchair-bound … Read : Monkey as butlers’ help maimed US soldiers in Afghanistan lead a normal life.

US official: NJ woman killed by a crocodile while snorkeling in India’s Andaman Islands

American killed by crocodile in India
MORRISTOWN, N.J. – A U.S. State Department spokesman has confirmed that a 25-year-old New Jersey woman was killed by a crocodile while snorkeling in India’s Andaman Islands last month.

Lauren Failla of Morristown was vacationing at a resort with her boyfriend when she went missing April 28. Her body was found [..] Read the original article: here.

Aussies spend more than $25K on pets in lifetime!

MELBOURNE – A survey has revealed that pet owners in Australia do not think twice about the amount of money they spend on their pet pooches.

The Bankwest study found NSW dog owners spend an average of more than 25,000 dollars on their pooches over their lifetime, and that doesn’t even … Original source on Gaea Times at : Aussies spend more than $25K on pets in lifetime!.

Ash closes airports in Spain, Portugal, Italy, straddles trans-Atlantic routes

Ash closes airports in Spain, Portugal, Italy

BRUSSELS – Eurocontrol says it expects further flight disruptions in European airspace as a plume of volcanic ash snakes through southern France, Switzerland and northern Italy.
By Sunday evening it is forecast to cover southern parts of Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. The ash, stretching from the surface up … Read : Ash closes airports in Spain, Portugal, Italy, straddles trans-Atlantic routes.

Robbie Knievel eyeing southern Idaho jump over Snake River Canyon where father failed

Knievel eyeing Idaho jump attempted by his father

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – A spokesman for Robbie Knievel says the motorcycle jumper wants to follow in his daredevil father’s footsteps and attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in southern Idaho.
Jeff Lowe says Knievel will be in Twin Falls on Monday to discuss the plan with local … Read more >>>.