Haiti’s earthquake this past Tuesday further deteriorated its already cash-strapped position in the world economy.  Widely regarded as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, the devastating human toll (estimated at 100,000 casualties) will slash its GDP by over 15%. The silver lining seems to be a rash of humanitarian aid. For instance, Digicel Group Ltd., the largest mobile phone provider in Haiti, stated they would chip in $5 million for relief services.  Bank of America has pledged $1 million, and President Obama said the U.S. would respond with “every element of our national capacity,” including $100 million.  We hope this influx will help germinate Haiti’s extended period of growth.

The holidays are over but there is much to be thankful for.  Do we consider the latest worldwide protocol to address airport security measures one of them?  The repercussions of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s December 25th hijinx call to mind a recent experience flying from Paris to Los Angeles this past Thursday. Before I begin, please know I had a fantastic time (as always) with family and friends in Paris and Monaco.  Once European media outlet affiliates learned of Abudulmutallab’s blunder, the tone of most news broadcasts understandably warned of upgraded, heightened security measures for flights entering the United States of America.  There was an obvious disconnect between the dire warnings, however, and the actual implementation of new measures at Charles De Gaulle. I arrived at 7 a.m., a full 3 and a half hours before my scheduled departure via Air France.  Airport security was present in numbers, to be sure.  At the check-in area, I placed my luggage upon the scale and it read 24 kilos, or slightly under 53 pounds. I immediately learned of a new policy put into place a day AFTER I bought my ticket, instituting a surcharge for any bag exceeding 21 kilos (46.5 pounds).  Begrudgingly, Read More …