Monday, April 18, 2011

Continental will charge more to redeposit reward miles



Continental will charge more to redeposit reward miles

By JENALIA MORENO
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

April 15, 2011, 11:39PM


The flight may be free, but canceling can cost you, and it's about to cost you more.

Continental Airlines said this week that it's raising fees for redepositing frequent-flier miles passengers use to book trips they then cancel.


Beginning June 15, the redeposit fee will be $100 for gold elite members, $125 for silver elite member and $150 for general members. Platinum elite members still won't need to pay for redepositing miles.


The current fee to redeposit miles is $25 for gold, $50 for silver and $75 for general members.


There is no charge for changing the date or time of a reward ticket as long as the origin and destination cities stay the same and the change is made at least 21 days in advance.


United Airlines, which merged with Continental Oct. 1, also announced changes to its frequent-flier program. The two are flying as separate carriers until they obtain a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, probably later this year.


They already have begun integrating many of their systems, however, and the moves this week are aimed at aligning their frequent-flier programs, said Rahsaan Johnson, a United spokesman.


The changes to United's Mileage Plus program will lower redeposit fees for some passengers.


United now charges most of its members $150 to redeposit canceled miles. After June 15, the fees will mirror Continental's, varying from $100 to $150 depending upon membership status.


United also will start charging $75 to book awards tickets within 21 days of a flight, as Continental does now. That had been free for United Mileage Plus passengers.


United will decrease its fee to change origin, destination or connecting cities to $75 from $150 — again reflecting Continental charges for the same changes.


jenalia.moreno@chron.com


Friday, March 11, 2011

Continental, United frequent fliers can transfer miles between accounts

cleveland.com

Continental, United frequent fliers can transfer miles between accounts

Published: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 6:54 PM     Updated: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:05 PM
Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer By Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer
united-continental.jpgView full sizePlain Dealer fileJets from United Airlines and Continental Airlines park at gates at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill. in 2010.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Travelers who have frequent flier accounts with both United and Continental airlines can now transfer miles from one of the accounts to the other.

By combining your miles into one account, you could more easily upgrade your seat, or fly to a distant city.

The airlines quietly unrolled the program last week in an online message to a select group of United and Continental frequent fliers, and a post on FlyerTalk.com, a blog for travelers.

United and Continental expect to completely combine their frequent flier programs into a single program next year.

Until then, travelers with both United Mileage Plus and Continental OnePass accounts can transfer miles once per day, in 1,000-mile increments, up to a maximum of 200,000 miles per transfer, in either direction.

If you change your mind, you can wait 24 hours and move the miles back into their original account. Both accounts remain active after transfers, even if one account is zeroed out.

In addition to transferring miles, members may combine their elite-qualifying miles or segments in Mileage Plus with their elite-qualifying miles or points in OnePass. Whatever status is earned with the combined elite-qualifying miles will pertain to both programs.

Combining elite-qualifying miles will give some members just the mileage boost they need to qualify for elite status, and allow others to upgrade from a lower elite tier to a higher one, according to FrequentFlier.com.

A web site that focuses on getting more preferential on-board seating says the status change can make a big difference.

"While it may seem minor," upgrd.com said this week, "with all of the full flights, even a flight improvement in your upgrade standing can make the difference between getting the upgrade and sitting in cattle class."

You must register on line to transfer redeemable miles or combine elite-qualifying miles.

With the elite program, you'll be required to designate either Mileage Plus or OnePass as your primary account for upgrades for the year. This is where the Regional and Systemwide Upgrades earned in 2011 will be deposited.

A United spokesman said the number of people with frequent flier accounts with both airlines runs into the millions.

© 2011 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 12, 2010

劉曉波:"A hard stone in the wilderness"


劉曉波:"A hard stone in the wilderness"
( 2010-11-04 )


 


文︰林仕功


    因為《O八憲章》事件被判刑11年的劉曉波獲諾貝爾和平獎,讓外間重新注意這位中國異見人士。今日大家都說劉曉波因為以和平方式呼籲中國要走向民主而獲諾獎,但其實他的主張不止於中國要發展西式民主。上世紀80年代劉曉波初冒起時,力主"全盤西化",並以《選擇的批判:與(思想領袖)李澤厚對話》一書而名噪一時,那時候他被譽為知識界的一匹黑馬。


自由不抽象


    最近搬家,從舊書堆中發現了過去讀過的《選擇的批判》,拿出來又讀了一會。最打動我的不是劉曉波支持全盤西化的論據,或是他對美學家李澤厚的批判,而是他流露在字裏行間的熱情。如他在此書中說,自由不僅是抽象的的理念:

    "如果沒有一種本能的、氣質的、人格的對自由的狂熱和虔誠,如果自由還僅僅是一種書本中的觀念,而沒有滲透到日常的生活中,變成每個人的血液、神經、肌肉,變成一種生理上的衝動,即便給予你以自由也無濟於事。"


須忍受孤獨


    有人認為,與其說《選擇的批判》是美學著作,不如說是自由宣言。劉曉波認為,只有當個人從集體束縛中解放出來,才有可能達到真正的自由,但自由的代價是要面對孤獨:

    "自由意味着必須忍受孤獨,忍受離開母體後來自陌生的世界的威脅。自由就是冒險,是獨自一人面對世界。"

    讀到這裏,稍稍明白為何他不懼怕牢獄之災,因他早知自由的代價是孤獨。他在書中狠批中國人太害怕孤獨:

    "中國人就是太怕孤獨、幻滅,太容易接受他人、群眾、在上者的恩賜、同情和蹂躪,太容易沉溺於虛幻的自我陶醉之中,中國知識分子、特別是封建時代的士大夫更是如此。"

    劉曉波好像早就認定了自己為了爭取自由而必然面對的悲劇命運:

    "我也許會失敗,但我並不悲哀,我為自己能夠投身於反封建運動的激流之中而慶幸。"

    這話也令我開始明白為何在獄中的劉曉波沒有為自己感到悲哀,並能寫出感人肺腑的詩句給愛妻劉霞:"即使我被碾成粉末,我也會用灰燼擁抱你!"這兩句出自2009年劉曉波入獄前夕寫下的〈我沒有敵人——我的最後陳述〉答辯文。

    文中劉曉波形容自己是:"荒野中的頑石,任由狂風暴雨的抽打,冷得讓人不敢觸碰。"所描繪的一片荒涼境界,道出了他孤獨的處境,讀之令人落淚。難怪英國 《 經濟學人 》周刊( The  Economist )的Banyan欄目最近討論劉曉波案的文章也以"A hard stone in the wilderness"(〈荒野中的頑石〉)為題。欄目作者以其美麗的英語翻譯了劉曉波的名句:

    "A hard stone in the wilderness, putting up the pummeling of raging storms and too cold for anyone to dare touch."

    然而,劉曉波不以悲涼作結,他緊接着說:"我的愛是堅硬的、鋒利的,可以穿透任何阻礙。即使我被碾成粉末,我也會用灰燼擁抱你。"


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

World Travel Awards announced by SkyTrax

World Travel Awards announced by SkyTrax

9:32 AM Tue, Nov 09, 2010 | 
Terry Maxon/Reporter     Bio |   E-mail  |  News tips

SkyTrax announced its "World Travel Awards" on Sunday, including the world's top 10 airlines.

Regrettably, none of the 10 operates passenger flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Here's the list:

1. Asiana Airlines 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Qatar Airways 4.Cathay Pacific 5. Air New Zealand 6. Etihad Airways 7.Qantas Airways 8. Emirates 9. Thai Airways 10. Malaysia Airlines

The WTAs have a lot of categories. One U.S. airlines was named "best" -Virgin America, best low-cost airline in North America.

Oneworld, the global alliance which has American Airlines as a principal member, was named best airline alliance.

Looking at North America only, Air Canada was named the best airline, followed by Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines . Virgin America was the best low-cost carrier, followed by WestJet and Southwest Airlines.

Again for North America only, WestJet was tops for airline staff service excellence, followed by Virgin America and Alaska Airlines.

Here's some award background from SkyTrax: "More than 17.9 million air travellers from over 100 different nationalities took part in the 10 month survey, July 2009 to April 2010. ... The survey measures over 38 items of airline product and service standards. Assessing the customer experience across Airport and Onboard environments - check-in to boarding - onboard seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, IFE and staff service."

For a complete list of first-place finishers, keep reading.

Air ArabiaBest Low-Cost Airline Middle East
Air AsiaBest Low-Cost Airline Asia
Air AsiaWorld's Best Low-Cost Airline
Air BerlinBest Low-Cost Airline Europe
Air CanadaBest Airline : North America
Air New ZealandBest Airline : Australia/Pacific
Air New ZealandStaff Service Excellence Award - Australia/Pacific
Asiana AirlinesAirline of the Year
Asiana AirlinesBest Airline : Asia
Cathay PacificBest Airline - Transpacific
DragonairBest Regional Airline
EmiratesBest Inflight Entertainment
Etihad AirwaysBest Airline Seat - First Class
Etihad AirwaysBest Onboard Catering - First Class
Etihad AirwaysWorld's Best First Class
FinnairBest Airline : Northern Europe
Garuda IndonesiaWorld's Most Improved Airline
GOLBest Low-Cost Airline South America
Hainan AirlinesBest Airline : China
Hainan AirlinesStaff Service Excellence Award - China
IndiGoBest Low-Cost Airline India
Kingfisher AirlinesBest Airline : India/Central Asia
Kingfisher AirlinesBest Airline Seat - Economy Class
Kingfisher AirlinesStaff Service Excellence Award - India/Central Asia
KululaBest Low-Cost Airline Africa
LAN AirlinesBest Airline : South America
LAN AirlinesStaff Service Excellence Award - South America
LufthansaBest Airline : Europe
LufthansaBest Airline : Western Europe
Malaysia AirlinesStaff Service Excellence Award - Asia
Malaysia AirlinesWorld's Best Economy Class
Malev Hungarian AirlinesBest Airline : Eastern Europe
OneworldBest Airline Alliance
Qantas AirwaysBest Airline Seat - Premium Economy Class
Qantas AirwaysWorld's Best Premium Economy Class
Qatar AirwaysBest Airline : Middle East
Qatar AirwaysBest Onboard Catering - Business Class
Qatar AirwaysStaff Service Excellence Award - Middle East
Qatar AirwaysWorld's Best Business Class
Singapore AirlinesBest Airline : South East Asia
Singapore AirlinesBest Business Class Seat
Singapore AirlinesWorld's Best Cabin Staff
South African AirwaysBest Airline : Africa
South African AirwaysStaff Service Excellence Award - Africa
Swiss Int'l AirlinesStaff Service Excellence Award - Europe
TACA AirlinesBest Airline : Central America/Caribbean
TACA AirlinesStaff Service Excellence Award - Central America/Caribbean
Thai AirwaysBest Airline Lounge - First Class
Thai AirwaysBest Airport Services
Thomson AirwaysWorld's Best Leisure / Charter Airline
Turkish AirlinesBest Airline : Southern Europe
Turkish AirlinesBest Onboard Catering - Economy Class
Virgin AmericaBest Low-Cost Airline North America
Virgin Atlantic AirwaysBest Airline - Transatlantic
Virgin Atlantic AirwaysBest Airline Lounge - Business Class
Virgin BlueBest Low-Cost Airline Australia/Pacific
WestJetStaff Service Excellence Award - North America


Saturday, August 21, 2010

哈佛管理世界中有这样一篇小文,与您分享。

哈佛管理世界中有这样一篇小文,与您分享。

一:沉稳
(1)不要随便显露你的情绪。
(2)不要逢人就诉说你的困难和遭遇。
(3)在征询别人的意见之前,自己先思考,但不要先讲。
(4)不要一有机会就唠叨你的不满。
(5)重要的决定尽量有别人商量,最好隔一天再发布。
(6)讲话不要有任何的慌张,走路也是。

二:细心
(1)对身边发生的事情,常思考它们的因果关系。
(2)对做不到位的执行问题,要发掘它们的根本症结。
(3)对习以为常的做事方法,要有改进或优化的建议。
(4)做什么事情都要养成有条不紊和井然有序的习惯。
(5)经常去找几个别人看不出来的毛病或弊端。
(6)自己要随时随地对有所不足的地方补位。

三:胆识
(1)不要常用缺乏自 信的词句。
(2)不要常常反悔,轻易推翻已经决定的事。
(3)在众人争执不休时,不要没有主见。
(4)整体氛围低落时,你要乐观、阳光!
(5)做任何事情都要用心,因为有人在看着你。
(6)事情不顺的时候,歇口气,重新寻找突破口,就结束也要干净利落。

四:大度
(1)不要刻意把有可能是伙伴的人变成对手。
(2)对别人的小过失、小错误不要斤斤计较。
(3)在金钱上要大方,学习三施(财施、法施、无畏施)
(4)不要有权力的傲慢和知识的偏见。
(5)任何成果和成就都应和别人分享。
(6)必须有人牺牲或奉献的时候,自己走在前面。

五:诚信
(1)做不到的事情不要说,说了就努力做到。
(2)虚的口号或标语不要常挂嘴上。
(3)针对客户提出的「不诚信」 问题,拿出改善的方法。
(4)停止一切「不道德」的手段。
(5)耍弄小聪明,要不得!
(6)计算一下产品或服务的诚信代价,那就是品牌成本。

六:担当
(1)检讨任何过失的时候,先从自身或自己人开始反省。
(2)事项结束后,先审查过错,再列述功劳。
(3)认错从上级开始,表功从下级启动。
(4)着手一个计划,先将权责界定清楚,而且分配得当。

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Fw: 教育危機!大學畢業一身債 今年全美大學畢業生普遍面臨「畢業即失業」的窘境,還要背負巨額學生貸款債務,更是雪上加霜。

教育危機!大學畢業一身債
編譯應小端綜合紐約12日電
August 13, 2010 06:00 AM | 71 觀看次數 | 0 0 評論推薦: | 電郵給朋友 | 打印
今年全美大學畢業生普遍面臨「畢業即失業」的窘境,還要背負巨額學生貸款債務,更是雪上加霜。圖為哈佛大學畢業生。(法新社)
今年全美大學畢業生普遍面臨「畢業即失業」的窘境,還要背負巨額學生貸款債務,更是雪上加霜。圖為哈佛大學畢業生。(法新社)

slideshow
人人都勸勉青少年,取得大學文憑是邁向成功的最佳途徑。但是,殘酷的現實顯示,今日的大學畢業生情況很慘,不僅未必找到待遇很好的工作,更背上幾乎一輩子都還不清的債務。

富比世雜誌網站(Forbes.com)指出,如果大學和決策者不能解決這個日益升高的高等教育危機,後果不僅要拚命賺錢的大學畢業生承擔,所有美國人都將受到連累。

大學畢業生的債務數字相當驚人。愈來愈多的學生背上巨債,而大學學費還在繼續上漲。還債的壓力在離校數十年後還糾纏著畢業生。最新的統計數字顯示,2008年,四年制大學的畢業生有十分之一背負著超過4萬元的債務,創下最高紀錄。


整體而言,三分之二的大學畢業生(67%)欠下學生貸款債務,平均債務為2萬3200元,幾乎比1996年畢業生的貸款債務高出一倍,當時每個學生的平均債務為1萬3200元。各大學表示,全美每個大學生的平均債務每年增加大約6%。


活 生生的例子更令人咋舌。且以俄亥俄州的塔瑪拉‧芮斯為例。她選擇每年開銷為2萬3000元的私立大學就讀,然後再到俄亥俄州立大學研究所深造,勤奮讀書、 努力參加課外活動,希望將來出人頭地。結果畢業八年後,現年30歲的她面對高達7萬元的研究生貸款債務,外加3萬元大學部貸款債務。儘管她努力多打幾份 工,仍只能勉強付出每月600元至900元的償還額(視利率而定)。加上她的丈夫上醫學院背負的25萬元債務,這對夫婦目前不可能買得起房子,現在又添了 一個寶寶。芮斯估計,等她全部償清債務時,她的五個月大的兒子屆時應已26歲。


芮斯說,大學時代是她的黃金時代,但每逢有義工問她是否願意捐款給母校時,她只能回答:「我還在還債,我願意捐款,但請在25年到30年後再打電話來。」


Read more: 世界新聞網


教育危機!大學畢業一身債
編譯應小端綜合紐約12日電
August 13, 2010 06:05 AM | 9512 觀看次數 | 16 16 評論推薦: | 電郵給朋友 | 打印
今年全美大學畢業生普遍面臨「畢業即失業」的窘境,還要背負巨額學貸債務,更是雪上加霜。圖  為哈佛大學畢業生。 (法新社)
今年全美大學畢業生普遍面臨「畢業即失業」的窘境,還要背負巨額學貸債務,更是雪上加霜。圖 為哈佛大學畢業生。 (法新社)

slideshow
人人都勸勉青少年,取得大學文憑是邁向成功的最佳途徑。但是,殘酷的現實顯示,今日的大學畢業生情況很慘,不僅未必找到待遇很好的工作,更背上幾乎一輩子都還不清的債務。

富比世雜誌網站(Forbes.com)指出,如果大學和決策者不能解決這個日益升高的高等教育危機,後果不僅要拚命賺錢的大學畢業生承擔,所有美國人都將受到連累。

大學畢業生的債務數字相當驚人。愈來愈多的學生背上巨債,而大學學費還在繼續上漲。還債的壓力在離校數十年後還糾纏著畢業生。最新的統計數字顯示,2008年,四年制大學的畢業生有十分之一背負著超過4萬元的債務,創下最高紀錄。


整體而言,三分之二的大學畢業生(67%)欠下學生貸款債務,平均債務為2萬3200元,幾乎比1996年畢業生的貸款債務高出一倍,當時每個學生的平均債務為1萬3200元。各大學表示,全美每個大學生的平均債務每年增加大約6%。


活 生生的例子更令人咋舌。且以俄亥俄州的塔瑪拉‧芮斯為例。她選擇每年開銷為2萬3000元的私立大學就讀,然後再到俄亥俄州立大學研究所深造,勤奮讀書、 努力參加課外活動,希望將來出人頭地。結果畢業八年後,現年30歲的她面對高達7萬元的研究生貸款債務,外加3萬元大學部貸款債務。儘管她努力多打幾份 工,仍只能勉強付出每月600元至900元的償還額(視利率而定)。加上她的丈夫上醫學院背負的25萬元債務,這對夫婦目前不可能買得起房子,現在又添了 一個寶寶。芮斯估計,等她全部償清債務時,她的五個月大的兒子屆時應已26歲。


芮斯說,大學時代是她的黃金時代,但每逢有義工問她是否願意捐款給母校時,她只能回答:「我還在還債,我願意捐款,但請在25年到30年後再打電話來。」


Read more: 世界新聞網






Monday, August 9, 2010

美航空公司收费名目乱 挑战乘客底线


精神航空(Spirit Airlines)自8月1日起收取随身行李的费用(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
美航空公司收费名目乱 挑战乘客底线
【大纪元8月9日讯】(大纪元记者秦飞编译)去年美国航空公司通过各项收费赚取了近80亿美元,这使政府也对这种疯狂收费感到关注。众议院航空小组委员会(House Subcommittee on Aviation)近日举行了听证会,来调查各航空公司是否应更明确地向乘客展示各项收费,而运输部(Department of Transportation)也在考虑对航空收费进行条例限制。

《纽约时报》报导,行李托运费成为议论的焦点,但至少有办法避免这种收费,如减少行装,或选择搭乘西南或捷蓝航空,这两家公司允许乘客免费托运一件以上的行李)。精神航空(Spirit Airlines)则自8月1日起收取随身行李的费用。以下列举几项航空公司挑战乘客底线的高额费用。

更改机票的费用

从1月至3月,美国各航空公司共收取了7亿6千9百万美元的行李托运费,但令人惊讶的是,他们通过更改预订机票的收费也高达5亿5千4百万美元,美国(American)、大陆(Continental)、达美(Delta)、联航(United)和全美(US Airways)等航空公司均规定更改国内航班机票收费150美元,更改国际航班则收取最高250美元的费用,如果通过Orbitz 或 Travelocity等旅游网站订购机票,还必须向这些网站支付30美元的更改费。(Expedia不额外收费)

而以上只是服务费;你还必须支付原来的票价与新票价的差额。令人恼怒的是航空公司保留了更改或取消航班,却无需支付罚款的权利。而5年前更改机票的收费为20至100美元。

但至少仍有一些公司为乘客着想,西南航空(Southwest)承诺不向乘客收取更改机票的费用(但他们仍收取机票的差价)。Airtran、阿拉斯加(Alaska)和维珍美国(Virgin America)规定,如乘客在网上更改机票,只收取75美元,通过电话更改则收取100美元。

6月美国航空(American)推出了一项"登机灵活性"(boarding and flexibility)计划,加入这一计划的用户在更改机票时可获得75元折扣、提早登机以及免费待机( free standby),这一计划收取9至19美元。但是注意﹕你是通过付费来减少付费。

待机(Standby)费用

《纽约时报》记者最近搭乘达美航空从纽约市飞往密歇根州特拉弗斯市(Traverse City),中途在底特律停留3小时,他曾试图登上早一班的飞机,但达美已不再提供免费待机服务,你得付50美元才能获得早一班飞机中的一个已确认座位。

美国、大陆、联航和全美航空均规定了类似的"50美元当天确认"服务,基本上取消了免费待机服务,而AirTran、捷蓝和维珍美国仍有免费待机服务,你也可支付一定的费用登上早一班飞机。

对这些收费的问题是:它们只对航空公司有益。《纽约时报》记者说,由于从纽约市飞底特律飞机机械故障,使他错过了第二班飞机,并在底特律耽搁了几个小时,但当时尽管达美有早一班飞机的座位,却要付费。

电话预订费

多数航空公司向电话预订机票收取15至35美元的费用,只有西南航空不收费。

如果航空公司网站顺利工作,显示每一个航班并标明条例和费用,自己在网上购买机票是很方便的。但如果网页出现故障,则无法显示每一个航班,电话预订机票成了唯一选择。

而且很多乘客不会使用电脑,他们通过电话预订机票不应被收费。

旅游高峰时的附加费

去年秋季,很多航空公司开征征收节日期间——感恩节、圣诞节和新年左右——的附加费,这一举措延伸至今年夏季旅游高峰期,附加费几乎为每天10至30美元。

多数乘客没有留意到这些附加费,因为它们没有被单独列在报价单上,但票价比较网站FareCompare.com汇编了一张图表,来显示目前至2011年初旅游高峰时你将支付多少费用。

FareCompare的CEO西尼(Rick Seaney)说,这一策略使航空公司在某些特定日期提高票价,这是合法的商业惯例,但问题是为什么不告诉消费者呢?

现在你最好能仔细阅读旅游网站SmarterTravel.com的"航空费用终极指南"(Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees),其中列举了不同航空公司的多数收费项目。或者是搭乘西南航空,他们已承诺不向历史上免费的服务项目收取费用。


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Continental, United Choose Senior Executives To Run Merged Airline


Business Travel News - Logo

2010

Continental, United Choose Senior Executives To Run Merged Airline

By Jay Boehmer
July 27, 2010


Continental Airlines and United Airlines on Tuesday selected the senior management team for the merged carrier, taking a blend of executives from each airline to report directly to Continental CEO Jeff Smisek, who will maintain the chief executive role once the transaction closes.


Overseeing the sales organization will be Continental's Jim Compton, who will maintain his role as chief marketing officer and to whom the corporate sales force will report. 


Meanwhile, Jeff Foland, United's senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, will become the head of the combined carrier's loyalty program.


Other appointments from United include Keith Halbert as chief information officer, Pete McDonald as chief operations officer and Tom Sabatino as general counsel. From Continental, Zane Rowe will be continue to be CFO, Mike Bonds will head human resources and labor relations while Nene Foxhall will take the helm for communications and government affairs.


As planned from the beginning, United CEO Glenn Tilton will become non-executive chairman of the merged carrier.


The carriers in a statement said the new leadership team, along with Smisek, would flesh out the rest of the organization, and said they "are developing a talent-selection process for other management and clerical roles and refining the planned organizational structure."


Meanwhile, United said its president, John Tague, along with CFO Kathryn Mikells, Mileage Plus president Graham Atkinson and senior vice president of corporate and government affairs Rosemary Moore will leave once the transaction is closed.


Smisek and Tilton last week during separate second-quarter earnings calls said the carriers continue to expect the transaction to close before year-end. Smisek said the companies have "several hundred people divided into about 30 functional teams working on integration planning," while both carriers are working with the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Justice to comply with pending reviews. Shareholder approval should come in the September, Smisek said. "Things are progressing well and I remain confident that we will close the transaction in the fourth quarter," he added.


Also on Tuesday, the European Commission said it would not contest the United-Continental merger.



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

[转载] 在会所做生殖养护的超爽经历 [转载]

在会所做生殖养护的超爽经历

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在博客上发表了几篇文章后,收到一位网友的邮件,建议我如有时间可以做一下男士性功能保健按摩,他说坚持几次后必有收获,并告诉了我联系方式。

因为最近一直在外地忙项目,直到奥运前才有机会回到北京,闲来无事,便萌发想去光顾一下博友说得这个地方想法,毕竟一种好奇之心在涌动着想去试一把的欲念。呵呵,别误解啊!绝无想去寻找"性"福的意思,因为我毕竟还是"微软"的成员。

    很快找到了这家男子养生中心,一户比较豪华的四室一厅高档公寓,客厅里家具于陈设都非常干净,接待经理拿出一本制作精美的8K类似大画册的中英文对照产品介绍册,问我做什么项目,我一别听他介绍,一别浏览册子里对各项目内容、功效、时间以及价格的描述后,对他说:"是一个朋友介绍来得,说你这里手法不错,故慕名而来。因为是第一次,就丛价位较低的开始吧!"

    他问:"可以,做中式保健推油吗?198元的?""不,生殖养护。380元""好!那对技师有要求吗?可以把他们叫出来看一下!"他说着,就要去另一个屋子去找人,我立刻拦住他,说这样很不习惯。

    他接着说:"那看照片吧,喜欢哪一个?"我问:"谁的按摩技法更好一些?"他介绍了3位说都很不错,我选择了其中一位我认为相貌不错的技师。

    出来的3号技师,带我走进一间充满淡淡香味的房间,屋子里只有一张特制的按摩床,床的一头有有一个可以把脸放进去的洞。技师非常客气地招呼我更衣,并帮我调试好水温并将浴巾、毛巾、浴液、洗发液等逐一交代后退出了,卫生间的陈设很完善,类似五星级酒店,洗浴用品大多是国外进口的。

    沐浴后回到房间,技师已经将按摩床整理完毕,皮按摩床上铺了一块大浴巾,浴巾上边又盖了一块一次性棉纸床单,床上方的小洞边崭新的折叠好的毛巾铺就,屋里灯光调成了暗的,熏香精油灯的烛光已点燃,外国的轻音乐低声响起,一杯刚刚沏好的绿茶已经摆在紧靠床头的小茶几上。

    "哥,请把内裤脱去,否则不好推。"我按照技师指挥,面向下背朝上地躺在按摩床上,赤身裸体接受帅哥技师的头、肩、臂、背、腰、腿、脚方位逐一的按摩推油,技师手法忽轻忽重、或揉或推、收放有力,感觉浑身放松了许多。大概过了半个小时,满头满脸是汗的技师说:"稍等一下,我去冲一下就来。"

    片刻,技师回来了,他褪去长袍式睡衣、只穿一条内裤,示意我翻身按正面,先是面部,紧接着胸、腹部的推精油,大约用了15分钟。他过来轻轻说:"哥,你是第一次做这个项目吧?"我答是。他转身从柜子里取出一块毛巾,折叠起来盖在了我的眼睛上,然后他说:"要开始做下部了,不舒服时告诉我。"

    技师的涂满精油的手在小肚下方直至肛门前方涂抹后,开始用揉、推、搓、压、捏、拉等不同手法先后按摩着生殖器上方那块长满黑毛的丛林地带、生殖器、睾丸、会阴以及两大腿内侧。

    过去曾在书里看过说男人的会阴是性兴奋G点,也曾试着自我按摩过,但完全和技师的手法无法相比,感觉也没有这样舒服和兴奋。过去也曾有过手淫,也曾让别人给自己打过飞机,但那种感觉完全不同,这不是玩而是专业的按摩手法。

    技师一边按着一边问:"是否感觉痛?力够不够?"等,并询问我为什么要做生殖养护,我说有点力不从心。他问:"偶尔还是经常?"我答:"好久了,老不做也不知是偶尔还是经常,反正感觉不硬。"

    他开玩笑说:"枪老不用会生绣,人的东西也一样。要经常作爱,那东西才有生命力。"我告诉他我是同志,不可能和女人作爱,而朋友又很远,无法老用。他笑了说:"那更得老用着点了,要不想用起来它不听指挥啊!"
    这样,随便谈着,任他揉搓着,大约在20分钟后,居然挺起来了,并随着按摩越来越硬。。。。。。

    "哥哥!不能射啊!射了功夫就白费了。要是觉得快来了,告诉我。"技师一边叮嘱我,一边变化手法和变化部位,保证不立即射出,这样终于又挺了20分钟后,技师开始下拉睾丸,慢慢地勃起的小弟又回到原来状态。而后,技师拿下了那块蒙在我眼上的毛巾,又针对腿部、脚部做了大约十多分的按摩。

    "哥,时间到了!我送了你十分钟。没什么大毛病,您可能是工作紧张或压力太大,加上老不干活,出现的性功能障碍,是临时性的,只要调理好,肯定没问题!"技师象一个专家对我说话,听这话我怎么听怎么向医生的口吻。

    我不由想笑,但又忍住,最终调侃地说:"谢谢!你猜我突然看你象谁?""谁?你的男朋友?""不!睁开眼看是帅哥,闭住眼听象医生。""呵呵!"他也笑了!

    就这样,没有任何性的挑逗与行为,也绝无人们想象的色情因素,我体会了生殖养护的保健按摩。第二天,我在临离开北京时又去做了一次。别说,还真有一定的效果!

Friday, June 25, 2010

International arrivals to Asia Pacific surged 10% in the first quarter of 2010

Boom for Asia Pacific

Posted: Wed 23 Jun, 2010 12:00 AM

Boom for Asia Pacific

International arrivals to Asia Pacific surged 10% in the first quarter of 2010

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the international visitor arrivals results for the first quarter of 2010 today. Travel demand in Asia Pacific* picked up strongly in the first quarter of the year, registering a 10% increase from the same quarter in 2009. 

International visitor arrivals to South Asia grew by 17% year-on-year in the first quarter. All the destinations in the sub-region rebounded strongly from the relatively poor first quarter of 2009, which, in the cases of India and Sri Lanka, were severely impacted by the lingering effects of the Mumbai attacks and the civil war, respectively. Arrivals growth was also very strong for Nepal (+30%), the Maldives (+21%) and Bhutan (+57%) during the first three months of this year.

The destinations of Southeast Asia also reported strong growth with a collective gain of 16% year-on-year in the first quarter. This was boosted by double-digit growth in international arrivals to Cambodia (+10%), Indonesia (+15%), Myanmar (+39%), Singapore (+20%), Thailand (+28%) and Vietnam (+36%). Thailand recorded a 28% gain in arrivals January to March however it is expected that this early recovery will be severely impacted by the tensions and unrest in April and May, especially in Bangkok and it' s immediate surrounds.

Within Northeast Asia, China (PRC) reported a 4% increase in international arrivals in the first quarter of 2010 with the sub-region as a whole, growing by 8% year-on-year for the period. This strong sub-regional performance was also supported by the SARs of Hong Kong (+17%) and Macau (+12%), Chinese Taipei (+28%) and Japan (+29%). The turn-around for Japan was particularly solid given that it came from a 19% slump in calendar year 2009. Korea (ROK), on the other hand, recorded a 1% decline in arrivals in the first quarter of the year, reversing the positive trends seen in 2009. 

International arrivals to the Pacific grew by 6% during the first quarter of 2010, dominated by a 6% increase in visitor numbers to the higher volume destinations of Australia and New Zealand. A number of the smaller Pacific island destinations also recorded improvements in arrivals numbers, notably Niue (+79%), Fiji (+26%), Papua New Guinea (+22%), Tuvalu (+7%), Palau (+6%) and Northern Marianas (+2%).


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Travel smart: Best and worst airlines in 2009

Freep.com

April 25, 2010

Travel smart: Best and worst airlines in 2009

ELLEN CREAGER


A new airline quality survey conducted by Purdue University and Wichita State University shows that airlines in general didn't perform very well in 2009. Delta, Detroit's biggest carrier, improved its scores but still fell to 15th place, worst of all major airlines.


Delta showed improvement in on-time arrivals, fewer lost bags and fewer people bumped from flights. But it had a higher rate of consumer complaints, which dragged it down compared to other airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines was first in the survey, followed by Air Tran and Jet Blue. Ironically, Northwest came in fourth in quality. It was absorbed by Delta in January and no longer exists.


To see the whole report: http://downloads.aqr.aero/reports/2010aqr.pdf.



Saturday, November 21, 2009

龙应台和刘仰 为何对同志大不同

龙应台和刘仰 为何对同志大不同
(2009-10-26 21:17:28)















台湾作家龙应台(左),大陆的刘仰


     台湾著名作家龙应台日前在北京三联书店出席读者见面会,有读者问:"假如您的儿子有天走到您面前跟您说'妈妈,我是一个同性恋',他在您心里有没有什么变化?"

龙应台回答,我常常跟安安(龙应台儿子)说,我说:"安安你怎么还没有女朋友?"他看着我,我说:"你会是同性恋吗?"他就说:"你别闹了。"他不是。如果他是的话,有一天晚上,他跟我说"我是一个同性恋",我会说,他是同性恋给我的刺激跟他说"妈,我是个左撇子"一样,没有任何差别。但同性恋毕竟在主流的社会里面是少数,我就会比较担心,你找朋友不太容易,我得想办法帮他找到朋友。他如果刚好是处在一个同性恋饱受歧视的社会环境里面,我还会鼓励他说:"你要为同性恋多讲话,你要捍卫他们的人权,让社会对他们有健康、真实的认识,而不是道听途说的各种偏见。"我会欢迎他的朋友,我会进入他的世界去理解他,就是跟他是任何其他的什么一样。如果哪天他来跟我说:"妈,我吸毒。"那我觉得同性恋比这个问题好多了。所以,他如果跟我说他是同性恋的话,我就说:"太好了,你今天告诉我了,你应该早告诉我。"我会跟他一起去同性恋酒吧。(完整报道)

大陆"作家"刘仰最近也因同性恋话题受到关注,与龙应台的态度截然不同,他说现在同性恋泛滥了,是社会的悲哀。他进一步"分析"说:"最根本的原因是资本主义社会的本质造成的。资本主义社会的本质就是竭力鼓动人们满足各种欲望。"刘仰的结论很明确,同性恋这么多都是资本主义造成的。说完这些刘仰可能觉得还不够,他又说:"正是出于这个原因,长期以来S淫在西方社会被认为是可耻的。同性恋被视为邪恶,也是同样的原因。然而,资本主义的商品经济树立了一种最奇怪的生活方式,人们的生活可以抛开欲望的目的,只满足欲望,而不承担欲望满足后的任何后果。同性恋的泛滥,正是在这种指导思想下出现的。"(完整报道)

看了刘仰的文章,作为一个同性恋者,我真想去感谢一下他,因为他虽然认为同性恋不好,但不怪同性恋,都怪万恶的资本主义。刘仰说同性恋们满足了欲望却没有承担后果,这让我很奇怪。中国有句话叫"一人做事一人当",人家搞同性恋,你刘仰操的哪门子心呢?难不成你被同性恋了,对方没有承担后果吗?如果是这样的话,我很同情他对同性恋的凶狠态度。刘仰说资本主义让同性恋泛滥了,咱可是社会主义国家呢,我们有巨大的优越性,这一点刘仰最清楚,猴急个啥?

我老家有句俗语,叫"满桶油不荡,半桶油叽哩咣当",放在这里倒也贴切。

龙应台是公认的大作家,人家能写出好文字,是因为她对人性的把握和对个体命运的关注理解。她的作品放在两岸三地都是好作品,她写的是人,讲的是人话。听说刘仰也写了本书,叫《中国不高兴》,我Google了一下,卖得还挺火,这并不出奇,凡是挑拨民族主义情绪的东西,总是容易火起来。

龙应台与刘仰之间的差距,就像李安与冯小刚之间的差距一样,前者打造的是艺术,后者生产的是噱头。李安总能拍出直达心灵的好作品,因为只有尊重人性才能产生共呜,放在任何一种文化中都会得到认同。而冯小刚要的是票房,有噱头有炒作就能卖个好价钱,各种各样的噱头试得差不多了,就拿同性恋者下手了,反正同性恋者现在还饱受歧视,怎么下手也没人敢出头!

刘仰说同性恋泛滥是资本主义造成的,就像现在有人说太阳是围着地球转一样可笑,不值一驳。但他好歹也顶个"作家"的帽子,这么关心同性恋,我还是忍不住给他指出来,也是为他好,丢丑也不能丢到资本主义国家去啊,刘先生对资本主义那可是咬牙切齿的!至于他最新的文章说同性恋 "是附属的代用品",更是让人忍俊不禁,不懂非要装懂,生编硬造一些连自己都搞不明白的述语,光身子骑老虎——胆大也害臊。

我们与其警惕同性恋泛滥,到不如好好警惕那些披着民族主义外衣的人,他们在互联网上用意识形态挑拨离间、煽动矛盾,以或悲壮、或愤怒、或苦闷、或敏感的阴阳怪气的模样出现,把自己装扮成爱国者,推动主流意识形态的分裂,强迫民众进行自我分割。

同性恋泛滥并不可怕,有人说,同性恋的出柜程度恰恰反映了一个社会的包容和开明程度,而膨胀泛滥的狭隘民族主义对中国才是百害而无一利。

精神鸦片一样的狭隘民族主义不但不能让中国强大,反而将曾为国力衰败的主要原因。而刘仰先生的"同性恋资本主义泛滥说",只不过是在他一惯的狭隘民族主义的外衣上绣上"同性恋"这个招人的噱头。对于刘这种精神阳痿的患者来说,这是一剂毒药,却是他一次次勃.起的唯一处方。


Friday, November 20, 2009

OAG picks Singapore as 'Airline of the Year'

OAG picks Singapore as 'Airline of the Year'

1:14 PM Thu, Nov 19, 2009 |
Terry Maxon/Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

When I took a taxi ride from Lexington, Ky., to Cincinnati last month after my American Eagle flight was cancelled, I shared the cab with an Australian man who had been attending a veterinary medicine conference in Lexington.

Our talk turned to airlines, so I asked him his favorite. His preference, far above all others, was Singapore Airlines. He couldn't say enough good things about Singapore.

He'll be happy to know that Singapore was named airline of the year in the 2009 OAG Airline Industry Awards on Thursday.

Southwest Airlines was named the best low-cost airline. Continental Airlines was honored as the best airline based in North America and for having the best business class.

Here are the other winners:

• Best Transatlantic Airline: Virgin Atlantic

• Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent: Emirates

• Best Airline Based in Central South America & Caribbean: LAN

• Best Airline based in Africa: South African Airlines

• Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe: CSA Czech Airlines

• Best Airline Based in Australia/Pacific: Qantas

• For a longer list including finalists, keep reading.

Here's OAG's explanation of the voting process: "Winners are chosen by asking frequent flyers to consider which airlines they have flown in the past 12 months in each of the award categories and rank their top three airlines for each category. All votes were cast online. The results were calculated using a ratio of 'mentions to best,' taking into account how many times an airline was voted 1st, 2nd or 3rd by each traveler. All votes were analyzed by OAG to ensure that they were placed in the correct category and to guarantee that all airlines and airports, irrespective of size, competed on a level playing field."


OAG Airline of the Year 2009
• Winner: Singapore Airlines
Finalists: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic

Best Airline based in Africa
• Winner: South African Airways
Finalists: Egyptair, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc

Best Airline based in Asia
• Winner: Singapore Airlines
Finalists: Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways

Best Airline based in Australasia/Pacific
• Winner: Qantas
Finalists: Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Jetstar, Virgin Blue

Best Airline based in Central/Eastern Europe
• Winner: CSA Czech Airlines
Highly Commended: LOT Polish Airlines
Finalists: Aeroflot Russian Airlines,, MALEV Hungarian Airlines,TAROM Romanian Air Transport

Best Airline based in Central/South America & Caribbean
• Winner: LAN Airlines
Finalists: Avianca, Copa Airlines, Mexicana, TAM Brazilian Airlines

Best Airline based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent
• Winner: Emirates
Finalists: EL AL, Etihad, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways

Best Airline based in North America
• Winner: Continental Airlines
Finalists: Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines

Best Airline based in Western Europe
• Winner: Virgin Atlantic
Finalists: Air France, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa

Best Europe to Asia/Australasia Airline
• Winner: Singapore Airlines
Finalists: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas

Best Transatlantic Airline
• Winner: Virgin Atlantic
Finalists: British Airways, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines

Best Transpacific Airline
• Winner: Singapore Airlines
Finalists: Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, United Airlines

Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline
• Winner: Southwest Airlines
Finalists: EasyJet, JetBlue, Virgin America, Virgin Blue

Best Economy/Coach Class
• Winner: British Airways
Finalists: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines

Best Executive/Business Class
• Winner: Continental Airlines
Finalists: British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Best International First Class
• Winner: Singapore Airlines
Finalists: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates

Best Airport
• Winner: Singapore Changi
Highly Commended: Heathrow
Finalists: Amsterdam Schiphol, Dubai International, Kuala Lumpur International

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fwd: Continental changes checked bag rules


Continental changes checked bag rules Monday, 12 October 2009

US carrier Continental Airlines has announced changes to checked baggage costs in the Asia-Pacific region. 


For flights within the Asia-Pacific region and between Japan and destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, customers who purchase certain economy tickets on or after November 1, 2009 will be able to check one bag free and pay US$30 for a second checked bag. The policy takes effect for travel on or after December 8, 2009 on flights within the Asia-Pacific region and for travel on or after April 1, 2010 for flights between Japan and destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The charges will also be applied to all travel between Honolulu and Asia, Australia, Fiji and Micronesia. Customers who buy specified economy class tickets on or after November 1, 2009, for travel on or after December 8, 2009 on Continental Connection flights operated by Cape Air between Guam, Rota and Saipan will be able to check one bag free and will pay US$10 for the second checked bag.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

一个被掩盖了数千年的惊天秘密!!!为什么我们烧香拜神却不灵验?

[文化漫谈]一个被掩盖了数千年的惊天秘密!!!为什么我们烧香拜神却不灵验? 
字号:小|大

像天一样高啊[发纸条]

头衔:游客小浪 等级: 发帖总数:2

阅读:1185392  回复:253

发表于 2009-09-12 02:36:16


头上三尺有神明!如果你不相信这句话,请离开。


逢年过节到庙里烧香祈福,是中国人的传统。正月初一那天更是人山人海,所有寺院道观都是香烟缭绕,功德箱里塞满了钞票。每个人焚香下跪的时候,都在心中祈福,希望神明能够为自己带来财富、事业和健康。

但是现实是极其残酷的!!!

因为对绝大多数人来说,不灵验!!!

广大民众一生烧香祈福,绝大多数人却从来没有被福祉降临过!该怎么倒霉还怎么倒霉,该怎么贫穷还怎么贫穷!几千年来,国人因为烧香祈福而真正得到福报的少之又少!其实我们每个人心里都明白不灵验,也都在怀疑,到底出了什么问题?

俗话说:心诚则灵!是我们的心不诚吗?我相信,除了个别人外,绝大多数人在祈拜神佛的时候都是诚心诚意的!是庙宇不灵吗?虽然正值末法时代,庙宇多被世俗污染,很多和尚道士早已善根不再,有些庙观甚至是被假和尚、假道士承包来赚钱。但不可否认,还是有不少佛道宝刹经历代高僧高道多年加持,灵透九霄!

为什么?
为什么??
为什么???

到底问题出在哪里?这是我多年来解不开的一个死结!终于日前机缘巧合,让我揭开了这个被掩盖了数千年的惊天秘密!!!

事情的发生极其偶然。前几天我google如何防治疲劳驾驶的时候,找到了一个公司网站,没想到这一看,却让我发现了一个被掩盖了数千年的惊天秘密!也找到了多年困扰我的答案!!!

这是一个叫洪熙草堂的公司网站,里面有一页叫"祈香福",讲述了大年初一众人到北京法源寺上香祈福的事情。看到"祈香福"这三个字的时候我很困惑,因为从来没有听说过这种提法,连网上也没有查到这个词。是不是写错了?我可是自认有点国学背景的啊!而下面的话更让我感到疑惑!"我们向神佛祈福,祈福我们的事业像明香一样,恒远地照亮每一个角落:贡献国家,造福人民,回报社会,利益员工……我们向神佛祈祷,祈祷一个机会,让我们施展远大抱负,实现理想……"

说实话,我非常怀疑这个祈福的内容,因为里面没有提到财富!这是一个很严重的漏洞!对于一个公司来说,不祈祷财富祈祷什么?是不是太虚伪了?明明想赚钱却满口仁义道德?!我是一个奇心很重的人,又向来对满嘴仁义道德的虚伪之徒恨之入骨,加上我的工作性质和国学研究有些关联,我决心进行骚扰。带着满脑子疑问按网上联系方式找到了洪熙草堂的负责人,不客气地把我的问题提了出来,却得到了一个很简单但却非常奇怪的回答,"因为我们不想祈祸,我们想祈福"。我听后一头雾水,完全不知所以然。什么叫"不想祈祸",这跟"祸"有什么关系吗?当我再次追问时,该负责人告诉我应该自己去找答案,并建议我去找一找"福"字的真正含义。

回去后我开始到处查找"福"字的解释和含义,并且直接从甲骨文开始查起。可查来查去,解释都是基本一样的:"福"字在甲骨文中是"两手捧酒献于祭台之上"的会意字,是人们祭祀神佛祈祷得到福报的意思。这种解释有什么异常吗?几千年来都是这样子啊!我们整天烧香拜佛就是要祈祷上天索取福报啊!当我带着这个疑问再次"骚扰"洪熙草堂负责人的时候,我被反问到:"双手捧酒献给神明是祈祷福报的意思吗?"我一下子被问的莫名其妙,难道不是吗?

由于对方很忙,我不意思再次打扰,遂找朋友介绍了一位佛教界人士请教。这位法师学识深厚,是中国佛教大学毕业的高材生。当我把疑问提出来之后,他笑着问我,"在古代酒是非常珍贵的东西,比黄金珍贵的多!把自己最珍贵的东西献出去叫什么?"我一下子蒙住了,"把自己最珍贵的东西献出去"?那不是"奉献"吗?难道"福"的真正含义不是"索取",而是"奉献"?!不可能啊?这和我们多年来的认知完全相反啊!!!法师接着说:"真正的佛门弟子,焚香祈福,是敬佛、礼佛,并学习佛法的道理,把自己的一生奉献给佛教,去普渡众生,这里面是没有任何索取的意思的。没有奉献,哪里有福报可言呢?整天想着自己的利益,想着索取,不帮助别人,甚至还伤害别人,又哪里有福报可言呢?有的只能是祸报啊!这中间的道理,你自己去领悟吧。"

从法师那里出来后,我一个人坐在寺庙里面的广场上发呆。广场上人群熙熙攘攘,香客们进进出出,可是在我眼里,已经完全变了颜色。前面那个年轻人,像个做生意的。看他念念有词的样子,一定是在祈求神佛保佑他发财吧?那个胖胖的中年人,像个贪官模样,看他虔诚的样子,一定是在祈求神佛保佑他升官又捞钱吧?他们肯定在神佛面前许愿要捐钱来还愿吧?不知为什么,我心中泛起阵阵明悟,他们都是在为自己的利益甚至恶行祈求福报吧?这满广场的香客,有没有人是祈祷神佛给自己机会为社会做贡献,为他人做奉献的呢?恐怕一个都没有吧!

我们常说,诚心三柱香,能沟通神佛,传递信息于虚空法界!可是我们传递的是什么信息呢?我们展现在神佛面前的是什么呢?是一颗颗丑陋的心灵,自私、贪婪!是一张张丑陋的嘴脸,虚伪、势利!我们本该敬佛、礼佛、按佛说的道理去做!可现在却变成拜佛、求佛,把自己的丑陋和阴暗全无保留地展现在神佛面前。更可悲的是,还要用世俗的肮脏金钱和神佛交换,要神佛按我们的意思办,帮助我们更丑陋,帮助我们更阴暗?!扪心自问,神佛会保佑我们吗?没有奉献、谈何福报?没有为他人、为社会做奉献,却只要求索取和享受?这不是在祈福,这是在迫不及待地告诉神佛:"我是坏人!我是小人!我是鸿毛!"把自己内心的丑陋通通告诉神佛,这是在祈求神佛立即降罪于身啊!!!这样也,我们不用等到死后再遭报应了,直接祈祸到家,现世报!!!

我被找到的答案彻底惊住了!!!这几天发生的一切都让我感到无比震惊!已经完全颠覆了我的世界观!!!

这一刻,我终于明白了洪熙草堂公司网页上"祈香福"的含义,也终于明白了那位负责人的话,"我们不想祈祸,我们想祈福!"一个小小的草堂居然承载了如此厚重的文化传承,不得不让人感叹中华文明强大的生命力!

在为我们先人的思想传承而深深地震惊与折服的同时,我也为民间百姓千百年来天天祈祸而不知感到深深的悲哀!我们的先人在几千年前就明白了这个道理,并创造了相应的文字来阐明"天机",却被后人错误地认知,天天祈祸,世世代代得不到福报!如此南辕北辙的认知居然存在了数千年!!!实在可悲可叹!

是什么原因造成如此悲哀的结局?答案也许早已被尘封在历史中了。也许是统治阶级为了达到奴化百姓巩固统治的目的而采用的愚民政策,让老百姓天天祈祸,永远不能翻身?!当然这只是我的胡乱猜测,无力去证实了!可不管是什么原因,现在的中国已经不同了,我们国家和政府已经提出了以人为本、和谐为本的目标,百姓国家才好!今天我把这个秘密说出来,希望亿万百姓从昏梦中惊醒,不要再天天烧香祈祸了!请顺应"天道"吧,多做一些有益社会、有益他人的实事吧,多做一些慈善捐助,让更多的人受益,让社会受益吧!不要再去为自己的私利甚至恶行祈求什么福报了?那样得到的只能是祸!"福"不是我们"人"能够"求"到的!!!赐福是"天"的权力!把自己的思想和品行端正,回归家庭,回归社会,回归成一个有责任、有爱心的"人"吧!只有这样,"福"才会降临到你我的身上!!!


附:
一个小小的"福"字就蕴含了如此深刻的内涵,我彻底被博大精深的中华文明所折服!汉字当之无愧是世界上最伟大的文字!每一个汉字都传承了极其厚重的文化思想和"天机"!是我们中华民族极其宝贵的文化遗产!在此我斗胆判断,汉字的创造已非纯人力所能及,必定有"天授"的成份,这实乃我中国民族之大幸也!如能在我辈加以发扬光大,让5000年灿烂文明在我们这一代繁衍壮大,则定能为中华民族的伟大复兴奠定无与伦比的坚实基础!

然而,令人遗憾的是,随着几十年来简体字的普及,大多数中国人已经无法解读繁体字了,更不用说理解其内在深刻思想了。现在看来繁体字的简化虽然在短时间内起到了一点儿积极作用(如扫盲),但其副作用远远大于正面作用,因为简化的汉字彻底破坏了文字的思想传承功能!是真正的贻害无穷!可悲可叹!

最近又听说有人要再次更改汉字了,我已经出离愤怒了!以当前我们那些所谓"专家"的低劣水平,造出来的文字是何怪物我还真有些期待。看看我们周边国家越南和韩国都创造出了什么样的怪物文字?大家就应该了解一种伟大的文字已经不是我辈之人可以创造的了!当然这是他人的自由!可是我们自己却守着如此伟大的文字不好好继承,还要作践自己,自己造出文字怪物。此种恶行,无异于掘我中华文化之祖坟,断我伟大文化之传承,其行为之猥琐,用心之恶毒,必诛之!!!