MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'aviation'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:25:47 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096688&cid=t_220080_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FFullosseousflapsDentalBlog%2F%7E3%2F_g5AAwo4vqk%2F Work on this air traffic control tower under construction has been stopped Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif. Since a partial shutdown of the FAA took effect Friday, the agency has furloughed nearly 4,000 workers, stopped the processing of about $2.5 billion in airport construction grants, and issued stop work orders to construction and other contractors on more than 150 projects, from airport towers to runway safety lights This could have been done weeks ago and people could have been working. The Senate will pass the House’s bill to fund the Federal Aviation Administration through September to end the week-and-a-half-long partial shutdown of the agency, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Thursday. Under a deal Reid made wit... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096688 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:16:20 +0100 5096688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734059&cid=t_220080_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FvpasOb5Le_8%2F By Chris EdwardsThe government’s air traffic controllers have been sleeping on the job, watching movies rather than guiding planes, and misdirecting the First Lady’s plane over Washington. There have been soaring numbers of airplane near misses caused by ATC errors over the last year. Yesterday, the president said that federal government technology systems are “horrible” “across-the-board,” which isn’t good news for citizens hoping that the Federal Aviation Administration’s computers will land them safely. The government’s air traffic controllers are very highly compensated, but they are unionized and they work for a mismanaged bureaucracy. The federal ATC system has had serious labor and management problems since the 1960s. And the... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734059 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:54:01 +0100 4734059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734064&cid=t_220080_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F1TK6Wboi4Xo%2F By Tad DeHavenWhat do these federal agencies and programs have in common? Agricultural Research Service, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Rural Development programs, Women, Infants & Children, Foreign Agricultural Service, National Institute of Standards & Technology, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Economic Development Administration, National Telecommunications & Information Administration, Small Business Administration, State Department foreign aid, Fund for African Development, International Development assistance, Economic Support Fund, Peacekeeping Operations, Trade Development Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, National Forest System, Appalach... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734064 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:59:09 +0100 4734064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536065&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fholycoast-com-discovery-launch-as-seen-from-a-passing-airliner.html .   Very cool.  The Captain’s overhead announcement is amusing. Related posts:Anti-Vaccine Doctor Planned to Profit from Scare : Discovery News Just when it seems the scandal cant get any worse,... Apollo 11 Saturn V Launch (HD) Camera E-8 on Vimeo I’m a sucker for the Mercury and Apollo programs (nothing... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536065 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:41:39 +0100 4536065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455267&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fboeing-providing-facebook-fan-with-the-opportunity-of-a-lifetime-chicago-feb-9-2011-prnewswire.html This weekend, Dr. Jeremy Hampton, an aviation enthusiast and amateur photographer who is also an emergency medicine specialist at Kansas City’s Truman Medical Center and assistant professor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Pharmacy, will be Boeing’s (NYSE: BA) guest at the debut of the newest 747 passenger plane, the 747-8 Intercontinental. via Boeing Providing Facebook Fan With the ‘Opportunity of a Lifetime’ — CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –. Pretty cool, and smart of Boeing to reward those who advertise for them for free! Related posts:Qantas grounds Airbus A380 fleet after engine cover falls off plane – CNN.com CNN — Qantas, Australia’s national airline, grounded its Airbus A380... Air Accidents Inves... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455267 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:12:53 +0100 4455267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294616&cid=t_220080_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FuhcdnyGW0Tk%2F By Chris EdwardsBloomberg is reporting more bad news for the nation’s air traffic control system, which is run by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA is $500 million overbudget and six years behind schedule on a $2.1 billion technology upgrade project. The FAA has a long history of mismanaged technology projects, and so the latest screw-ups are nothing new. Yet the nation needs high-tech advances in air traffic control more than ever to ease our increasingly congested airspaces. There is a better way to run air traffic control—a private sector way, as Canada has been demonstrating. In 1996, Canada converted its government air traffic control system to a private nonprofit corporation. Nav Canada has been a smashing success, providing an excellent model for possible U.S. reforms... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294616 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:53:48 +0100 4294616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190159&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fsergeant-friday-on-the-tsa-searches.html Just the facts, ma’am. We could use more Joe Fridays. Related posts:Joe Gibson Memorial Foundation – Home Joe Gibson Memorial Foundation – Home. I hadn’t heard about... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190159 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:38:37 +0100 4190159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151818&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Ffirefly-evolves.html Can't wait to see Firefly jets take on the skies of Malaysia and beyond.. This little api-api airline finally evolves from just simple propeller powered planes to flying jet aircrafts and will take on big names like Air Asia..http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151818 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:58:00 +0100 4151818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133717&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fqantas-grounds-airbus-a380-fleet-after-engine-cover-falls-off-plane-cnn-com.html CNN — Qantas, Australia’s national airline, grounded its Airbus A380 fleet indefinitely after part of a plane’s engine cover fell off in flight Thursday. via Qantas grounds Airbus A380 fleet after engine cover falls off plane – CNN.com. “The engine cover fell off”.  That’s like explaining death as turning very pale, neglecting to mention the heart stopped. The engine cover fell off because the engine shucked some turbine blades.  One of the pictures in the CNN report is of holes in the top of the wing over then #2 engine which appear to be going up. Good for Quantas for handling it professionally and safely. Related posts:Body found in plane’s landing gear bay in Japan – CNN.com Tokyo, Japan (CNN) — A body was found in the... ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133717 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:08:29 +0100 4133717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055719&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fgoogle-earth-on-port-au-prince-haiti-airport.html I hope this is a combination of satellite photos of the airport that just happens to have a very busy runway… Y'all be careful out there...click to embiggen Related posts:Syncope Always nice to have an etiology… Sinus arrest without an... Who are my readers? Unscientific poll results Earlier I asked who my readers were, and had a... Banana Mine As seen in the doc’s room the other day… No,... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055719 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:43:33 +0100 4055719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045098&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fcaf-airshow-this-weekend-2.html The Commemorative Air Force airshow is this weekend, in Midland-Odessa. It’s been years since I went and want to go again someday (the only flying B-29 flew today in preparation). If you’re in driving distance, it’s an amazing event. HT: Sleepless in Midland Related posts:Perks of being a commenter who lives close? I’ll buy you dinner*! Jim in Plano has been a... First nonstop around-the-world flight began, ended in Fort Worth in 1949 | Nation | News… On the morning of March 2, 1949, Lucky Lady II,... Nice: F1 coming to Austin in 2012-2022 I’ll hold my breath for this to last 10 years. ... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045098 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:06:38 +0100 4045098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987036&cid=t_220080_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FD4c9mrf8LPQ%2F By Tad DeHavenCanada’s private air traffic control system, Nav Canada, recently received its second “Eagle Award” from the International Air Transport Association. The Eagle Awards “honor air navigation service providers and airports for outstanding performance in customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement.” In naming Nav Canada “the best” ATC, the IATA said the following in its press release: Nav Canada is a global leader in the efficient implementation and reliable delivery of air traffic control procedures and technologies. It actively engages its customers at all levels in regular and meaningful consultations. “The performance of Nav Canada has been enhanced by the right technical and operational investments following extensive cost/benefit a... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987036 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:41:28 +0100 3987036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827368&cid=t_220080_180_f&fid=38610&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.productivity501.com%2Fsolving-the-wrong-problems%2F6562%2F Conclusion My point was to show that we often try to solve the wrong problems and put a tremendous amount of effort in to fixing the wrong things. If your car doesn’t drive well because the wheels need aligned, you can change the oil all you want with out fixing the real issue. When you are trying to solve problems, make sure you don’t jump so quickly to the solution stage, that you skip the part where you identify the actual problem that needs solved. photo credit car photo credit airport Everything you wanted to know about money from the Debt Free Dude. If you liked this, please consider sharing it with others: --- at Productivity501:Worry vs. Problem-solvingFire (or keep) the WorkaholicsRecommended BookThe Difficult ThingsMichigan’s Big Bet (So... Productivity501 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827368 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:00:30 +0100 3827368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784262&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fyikes-last-minute-bailout.html via @AndyLevy on Twitter… FWIW, an F-18 costs (according to the Internet tubes) between 28-58 Million dollars. video via Ace No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784262 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:36:27 +0100 3784262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671702&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fsky-talk-american-777-loses-door-at-dfw.html American 777 loses door at D/FW Deplaning didn't go smoothly Tuesday morning for an American 777. Apparently, an American Airlines flight arriving at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport lost its door in a Terminal D jetbridge. via Sky Talk: American 777 loses door at D/FW. Heh.  And, ow.  Nobody injured, fortunately.  A career or two may have gotten dinged, though… Related posts:Doctors Still Talk About ‘The House of God’ Novel – NYTimes.com Doctors Still Talk About ‘The House of God’ Novel –... amednews: Astrodocs: For these physicians, space is their workplace :: March 15, 2010 … American Medical News Astrodocs: For these physicians, space is their workplace Since 1973,... How to remember where you’ve parked Well, how I remember. I’ve been fort... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671702 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:33:55 +0100 3671702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515389&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fapollo-11-saturn-v-launch-hd-camera-e-8-on-vimeo.html I’m a sucker for the Mercury and Apollo programs (nothing wrong with Gemini, I just didn’t read as much about that). Here’s 30 seconds of liftoff of Apollo 11 at 500fps, so it takes 8+ minutes.  Good narration.  Very entertaining! Apollo 11 Saturn V Launch (HD) Camera E-8 on Vimeo on Vimeo HT: The Aerospace Genius. Related posts:The eyeballing game The eyeballing game. No, it’s not about creeps.  It tests... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515389 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:20:06 +0100 3515389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479670&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsoldiers-angels-germany-dustoff-association-flight-medic-of-the-year.html Recently SSG Matthew Kinney was named Flight Medic of the Year at the DUSTOFF Association and AMEC Conference for his actions on Oct. 16, 2008, and for which he was also awarded the Silver Star. via Soldiers’ Angels Germany: DUSTOFF Association Flight Medic of the Year. Wow.  Just reading the citation impressed me.  There are heroes in this world. via Mudville Gazette Related posts:First nonstop around-the-world flight began, ended in Fort Worth in 1949 | Nation | News… On the morning of March 2, 1949, Lucky Lady II,... TCU nursing student ’steps up’ during in-flight emergency | Fort Worth | Star-Telegram.com TCU nursing student ’steps up’ during in-flight emergency | Fort... Wounded Soldiers Have Increased Odds of Survival – WSJ.com A nice WSJ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479670 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:05:06 +0100 3479670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433164&cid=t_220080_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fc_0pliKPa0w%2F The Federal Aviation Administration has dropped a decades-old ban on four antidepressants and so, as of April 5, as many as 10,000 pilots - some of whom were grounded - will be allowed to take to the air while on Prozac, Pfizer’s Zoloft or Forest Lab’s Celexa and Lexapro, Bloomberg News reports. In reaching its decision, the FAA says that drowsiness, which is associated the pills, doesn’t pose a safety threat. “We have a better understanding of the drugs,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt tells the news service. “We know more about the illness, we know more about how to treat it. We really need to remove the stigma, if you will, of being treated for an illness.” FAA policy bans pilots from flying if depressed because the condition can be distracting in the... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433164 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:20:39 +0100 3433164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366188&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F03%2Famednews-astrodocs-for-these-physicians-space-is-their-workplace-march-15-2010-american-medical-news.html Astrodocs: For these physicians, space is their workplace Since 1973, 23 U.S. physicians have launched into space. They have taken part in spacewalks, treated fellow crew members and conducted medical research. via amednews: Astrodocs: For these physicians, space is their workplace :: March 15, 2010 … American Medical News. Good article, and I had no idea this many physicians had been into space. Read the cautionary tale, though of 128 days in space requiring years of rehab… Related posts:Specialist nurses paid higher salaries than family doctors – Mar. 11, 2010 NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Despite the growing shortage of family... Docs Online on Arkansas Medical News Inc. Docs Online on Arkansas Medical News Inc. Features Dr. Bates!... The 2009 Medical Weblog Awards... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366188 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:08:53 +0100 3366188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342646&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffirst-nonstop-around-the-world-flight-began-ended-in-fort-worth-in-1949-nation-news.html On the morning of March 2, 1949, Lucky Lady II, an Air Force B-50 Superfortress, touched down at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, becoming the first airplane to fly nonstop around the world.Lucky Lady II had departed Carswell midday Feb. 26 with a crew of 14 under the command of Capt. James Gallagher. The plane traveled 23,452 miles in 94 hours and 1 minute, flying an average ground speed of 239 mph at altitudes ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 feet. via First nonstop around-the-world flight began, ended in Fort Worth in 1949 | Nation | News…. I did not know that.  Neither did you! Related posts:Fort Worth soldier’s, um, boxers make him famous | Fort Worth | Star-Telegram.com Fort Worth soldier’s, um, boxers make him famous | Fort... TCU nursing student ’steps... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342646 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:12:25 +0100 3342646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262611&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fair-accidents-investigation-g-ymmm-report-sections.html . January, 2008 a Boeing 777 landed short (300 meters) of Heathrow.  No deaths, fortunately.  The aircraft looks like a write-off from the damage description, but I’d be interested to know if I’m wrong. Here’s the official British report: it’s well written and understandable.  If you’re interested, ’synopsis’ gives the why, and ‘conclusions’ gives a clinically chilling look at the crash and its cause. HT: reader Glen Related posts:Report a bad doctor to the authorities, go to jail? It might really happen for Anne Mitchell, RN in Winkler County, Texas : Respectful Insolence Report a bad doctor to the authorities, go to jail?... Report a bad doctor to the authorities, go to jail? : Respectful Insolence Report a bad doctor to the auth... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262611 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:49:00 +0100 3262611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254453&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fbody-found-in-planes-landing-gear-bay-in-japan-cnn-com.html Tokyo, Japan (CNN) — A body was found in the landing gear bay of an airplane that arrived at Tokyo's Narita Airport Sunday, the airport announced. The dead man was not carrying a passport or personal belongings, airport police said. via Body found in plane’s landing gear bay in Japan – CNN.com. JFK to Narita.  Someone was able not just to approach this aricraft without appropriate ID, but was able to climb into the landing gear bay (under the wing structure, next to the fuel tanks) and hide there. FWIW, stowing away in a wheel well is a bad way to die.  If you’re not crushed to death by the landing gear coming up (it’s hydraulic, powered to lift a couple of tons against high airspeeds, there’s not any ‘extra’ room in the wheel well... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254453 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:41:19 +0100 3254453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123371&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fjasper-schuringa-hero.html Update: the BBC report is much better (many thanks to reader Melissa!) CNN has a (marginally B+) interview with Amsterdam native Jasper Schuringa, the man who subdued the Northwest Airlines terrorist and put out the fire (sustaining burns on his hand in the process). If you can get through the interview, please watch it. Interestingly, he said they moved the terrorist to First Class and stripped him looking for more explosives, which seems a very heads-up move. The courage to act.  He’s a hero in my book. Related posts:OPFOR: Hero of the Day: R.Lee Ermey OPFOR: Hero of the Day: R.Lee Ermey Ooh rah, Gunny.... Doctors Still Talk About ‘The House of God’ Novel – NYTimes.com Doctors Still Talk About ‘The House of God’ Novel –... Related posts brought to you by Yet... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123371 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:20:07 +0100 3123371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089258&cid=t_220080_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FqtmC5-2_hEE%2F By Tad DeHavenIt’s not uncommon to hear the claim made that the “stimulus” would have had a greater economic impact had the money been focused on infrastructure. But proponents of public “investment” in infrastructure seem to forget that the government allocates capital on the basis of politics rather than economics. Government is naturally inefficient because it is immune to the market signals that guide private actors who stand to lose their own money should an investment not pan out. A perfect example is federal spending on airport infrastructure. The USA Today’s Thomas Frank has been doing good work looking at how the Federal Aviation Administration distributes funds to the nation’s airports. In his latest piece, Frank analyzed FAA records obtained under the Freedom of In... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089258 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:56:37 +0100 3089258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3018976&cid=t_220080_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FIlVEUPpbrfE%2F A computer glitch in the Federal Aviation Administration’s national air traffic control system caused delays and cancelations last Thursday. A spokesperson for the air traffic control employees union called it a “nightmare.” Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said the nation’s ATC system is “in shambles” and called for more “resources, manpower, and technology” for the FAA. The FAA is already trying to implement a $35 billion overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system that would replace old-fashioned radar technology with modern satellite-based GPS navigation. As I blogged last month, the FAA tried to deploy the new computer system at the first of twenty regional facilities, but the system misidentified an airliner and was shut down. This failure wasn’t surprising... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3018976 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:45 +0100 3018976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017047&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Freturned-from-korea.html Photo taken somewhere in between South Korea and Malaysia..Just returned from Korea.. South Korea of course..Flew with Malaysia Airlines.. Bought the ticket several months earlier at jaw dropping price, as in very cheap! Jaw dropping can be used to describe something very expensive also..Read that MAS was awarded Best Cabin Crew award as well as 5 Star carrier by Skytrax this year.. They certainly offer excellent value for money.. Good service and good food also.. Though their A330 planes they used to Korea were old and outdated..Also noticed they have quite a few Korean and Japanese stewardesses.. And one of the Korean stewardesses could speak Malay!Anyway, will post more photos soon..http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017047 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:22:00 +0100 3017047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977300&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fland-of-rising-sun-revisited-11.html Tokyo Disneyland!If you want to go there, go early, if you can't make by by 3pm, don't bother..Some people in Disney mood already..One of the rides in "Adventure World"..Another ride..They have one indoor roller coaster but overall they don't really have those heart-stopping rides.. Pretty mild..Went hunting for good food in Shinjuku..Tuna sashimi from two different parts of the tuna, thus different colour..Clams soup..Large grilled prawns.. Pretty cheap, as cheap as you can get in Malaysia (if not cheaper)!!Went to this whale restaurant.. Taruichi..Whale sashimi from four different parts of the whale.. The red one tasted a bit like tuna..Fried whale cheek.. Cheek meat is always delicious..Fried whale meat..Went to nearby Kinugawa Onsen town on our second last day..Shooting down the rapids... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977300 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:06:00 +0100 2977300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950747&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fair-asia-with-their-inconvenience-fee.html No admin fee! No fuel surcharge! Air Asia made big hoo-haa about removing those added fees..But quietly introduced a new fee just recently..A new fee unashamedly called "Convenience fee" meant to inconvenience passengers..Yup, unless you are using voucher, now everyone will have to pay extra money.. The amount depends on where you are departing.. RM5 for Malaysia and AUD$5 for Australia per person per flight. And they conveniently only reveal this extra fee just before you make the payment when purchasing a ticket.. This will make their air tickets appear cheaper than they really are..Guess some other airlines do the same also but I hate this kind of cheap tactics to cheat people.. This kind of fees should be stated upfront.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950747 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:46:00 +0100 2950747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934688&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fmas-vs-air-asia-wah-surprising-result.html I was most surprised that our beloved low cost carrier Air Asia is no longer the leader in cheap air fares..Air Asia is almost beaten in its own game by full service airline Malaysia Airlines..Well, I was booking my flight tickets for my annual leave early next year.. Balik kampung for Chinese New Year.. Since I have two "kampungs" now, I need to fly a fair bit.. So can compare the prices by the airlines..Winner loser by comparing air fares on the same day excluding other factors like service this and that.. Just purely comparing the air fares..Perth to Kuala Lumpur- Winner: Air Asia by ~ RM 660Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi- Winner: Malaysia Airlines (Fireflyz) by ~ RM200Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur- Winner: Air Asia by ~ RM130Kuala Lumpur to Kuching- Winner: Air Asia by ~ RM220Miri to Kuala Lumpur... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934688 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:31:00 +0100 2934688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842622&cid=t_220080_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fanother-look-incident-reporting-systems When the patient safety field began a decade ago with the publication of the IOM report on medical errors, one of its first thrusts was to import lessons from “safer” industries, particularly aviation. Most of these lessons - a focus on bad systems more than bad people, the importance of teamwork, the use of checklists, the value of simulation training - have served us well. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842622 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:53:44 +0100 2842622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757780&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fperth-to-kuala-lumpur-with-mas.html After several night shifts, I was rewarded with a few days off... Well what to do? Sleep it out?.. Nope, I went took the opportunity to go back to Malaysia..Took Malaysia Airlines this time.. It has been awhile since I flew with Malaysia Airlines for long haul flights..Bought the ticket a few days before the flight. Last minute fares were still cheap. So that was a good start.MAS's timing usually doesn't work for me.. the flight departs Perth at 4.30pm.. too early for working people. Arrives in Kuala Lumpur around 10pm, a bit too late for holidaymakers. But this time it worked fine, maybe because I was doing night shift.. Went back home from work, slept for awhile, then headed to the airport.Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200. The plane which I took to Kuala Lumpur.In Perth Airport.. Holiday... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757780 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:38:00 +0100 2757780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741382&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Ftrip-to-sydney-balik-kampung.html Last part of my trip to SydneyWanted to have dinner in Makato Sushi Bar, it's highly recommended by my friends. But didn't have time.. Had a flight to catch.Inside MakatoDidn't get to eat inside.. what can you do? Well take away of course.Gone in 60 seconds.. What's left of the takeaway sushi. Actually not, I ate the cube also.Kiosk checked-in. Virgin Blue flight DJ569Headed down to gate 34My flight detail.. Actually the flight delayed almost an hour due to late arrival of cabin crews. First time I experienced that, usually they wait for us.Seated at 7B. Another Virgin Blue plane beside ours.This time it was Boeing 737 700. No personal TV. But cushion seat.. Overall I prefer cushion seat.What's ahead of me.Around five hours something later, I was back in Perth..http://heart-murmur.blogspot... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741382 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:51:00 +0100 2741382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727109&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsydney-trip-journey.html Went from the world's most isolated city to Australia's largest city last weekend.Flew with Virgin Blue flight DJ 570. It's a semi-budget airline...Not here not there, it sits somewhere between traditional ruthless budget airline and full-service ones.Checked-in online which was a true blessing as I only had hand-carry luggage. Literally went straight for the boarding gate.However, the flight was delayed for an hour, so the blessing was short-lived. Still had to wait in the airport for awhile.So took some time for spotting. The domestic terminal was not really a good place for spotting, you don't get a good view and the windows were dirty. Anyway here goes..The three Asians neighbours at the international terminal. The Air Asia plane just landed from Bali I supposed.Malaysia's own... flyin... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727109 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:19:00 +0100 2727109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709142&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fthe-kopp-etchells-effect-beautiful-helo-pics.html The Kopp-Etchells Effect: the worlds’ ugliest flying machine looking completely beautiful. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709142 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:18:00 +0100 2709142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702321&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fin-for-quickie.html It used to be one of the most lucrative routes when it was a joint monopoly of Malaysia and Singapore Airlines.Now with Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route is opened to various airlines, it's an all-out war to grab a slice of the cake.Saw these two Firefly's advertisements courtesy of someone in Malaysian Wing."In for a quickie""Explore the backyard of Malaysia"Yup, Kuala Lumpur is our backyard..haha.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702321 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:22:00 +0100 2702321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688680&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsibu-kota-kinabalu-route.html Last time Air Asia die die wanted to fly the rural air service(RAS) in Sabah and Sarawak. Shortly after flying the RAS, they die die wanted to get it of rid. They realized that it wasn't very profitable you see..With some fine sounding argument, in no time, the RAS was dumped back to MAS together with its fleet of poorly maintained planes.As time goes by, Air Asia becomes smarter. Now, they don't want to the whole package of rural air service, they just want to pick and choose the profitable routes like Sibu-Kota Kinabalu. In their view, MASwing should just fly the loss-making routes and leave the profitable ones to them.I pity MAS. Air Asia has no respect for agreement and the government is siding them. The deputy transport minister already said Air Asia must be allowed to fly Sibu-KK and... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688680 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:23:00 +0100 2688680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649007&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmalaysia-airlines-asean-pass.html While Air Asia hits a snag in getting approval to fly to Sydney and Seoul, MAS seems to be enjoying some smooth flying.Things certainly have turned for the better for MAS. Their passenger load improved from a pitiful 56% in the first quarter to 67% and 76% respectively for the month of June and July thanks to various initiatives to stimulate travel.The airline was also ranked third by Aviation Week in its ability to weather the current financial crisis.Their latest initiative comes in a prepaid vouchers called ASEAN pass. Priced at a steep discount of US$229 for economy and US$729 for business class, it allows for 4 flights anywhere within ASEAN from Kuala Lumpur and vice versa.I am sure with a lot of hardwork and creativity, MAS can certainly do well.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Sour... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649007 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:34:00 +0100 2649007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649008&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fsetback-for-air-asia-x.html SEPANG: AirAsia X’s expansion into Sydney and Seoul will be delayed as it has failed to get the nod from the Malaysian Government to fly to the two cities, forcing the long haul low-cost carrier to formulate a back-up plan to utilise some of the new aircraft that will be delivered later this year. “We had asked for rights to fly to Sydney and Seoul and the Government decided to defer granting us the approval. They want (AirAsia) to settle (its) dues with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB),’’ AirAsia X chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani told StarBiz in an interview recently. The StarHmm...sounds like a blow to Air Asia X. Air Asia - MAHB relationship has not been cordial to say the least with spats ranging from about location of new LCCT, cost structures and airport fees. A... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649008 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:50:00 +0100 2649008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602010&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fair-asia-defers-aircrafts-deliveries.html Air Asia A320 in KLIA KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd plans to defer taking delivery of eight Airbus A320 aircraft for 2010 and may opt to do the same for another eight aircraft the following year, said its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.Wow! Air Asia is now "part of the group". Yup, they are among the airlines the who defer or cancel their new aircraft deliveries during this economic downturn..Quite unexpected considering their aggressive expansion.Guess the outlook for the airline may not be so rosy, they are already in heavy debts and with the rising oil prices, the last thing they want is to overstretch themselves.But of course, Tony Fernandez is pointing his finger at MAHB..http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602010 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:10:00 +0100 2602010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598248&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fair-new-zealand-goes-naked.html For some people, when things get a bit dire and they badly need attention, they just take off their clothes and go naked!Apparently Air New Zealand gets so desperate nowadays that they now want to parade their crews naked to boost sales! Actually only in "tasteful" body paint la but still naked..This is in response to the overwhelming response they get from their TV ads of naked body painted crews!Hmm.. guess if things continue to be tough, soon Air New Zealand will be a flying strip club with extra services!http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598248 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:29:00 +0100 2598248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594434&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fcity-of-fort-worth-debuts-at-pima.html From the Star Telegram: The final B-36 Peacemaker off the assembly line in west Fort Worth hadn’t been seen in public since an overland trip from Fort Worth to Tucson, Ariz., in 2005. Now the 10-engine, nuclear-capable Cold War bomber has been rolled out at the Pima Air & Space Museum after exhaustive restoration. Nice picture of the refurbished aircraft in the article. It was embarrassing Fort Worth couldn’t take care of its namesake, but it’s terrific the aircraft historians at the Pima Museum have given her the home she needed.   Older posts here on this topic: B-36 Museum in Fort Worth A Homeless Veteran of the Cold War The City of Fort Worth moves to Arizona (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594434 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:19:37 +0100 2594434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591452&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fdont-tick-off-people-with-talent.html United is wishing they’d thought of that… (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591452 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:26:56 +0100 2591452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588213&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fair-asias-redbox.html While Malaysia Airlines is frantically trying to save to their business, scratching their head cutting the costs here and there, Air Asia, on the other hand is venturing into some low cost courier business.Redbox, touted to be the world's first low cost courier service..Another way of earning pocket money for Air Asia.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588213 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:56:00 +0100 2588213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588214&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fearn-enrich-points-on-discounted.html Now you can buy discounted Malaysia Airlines tickets and still earn Enrich points.. That's a definite plus.Though a small improvement, it shows the airlines is heading in the right direction.But of course, there is no time for MAS to rest on their laurel. They are in a fight for survival! They need to be on the feet and on the go.MAS has to offer so much incentives that people won't mind paying the extra ringgits to fly with them.Though their airfares have reduced significantly, going head on with Air Asia on airfares is probably non-sustainable. It's hard to offer price as low as Air Asia's, even external factors like airport tax is significantly higher for MAS.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588214 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:55:00 +0100 2588214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576598&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmalaysia-airlines-at-crossroad.html Me..flying with MAS during my younger days..hahaHave been having pretty busy time at work with my Advanced Lung team. Patients keep on coming..Hai, why everyone fall sick now. I discharged less patients than I admitted. Already had a "positive balance" for awhile. Nope, no swine flu aka H1N1 patients (yet).Worse is that I have no interns, so no one to bully..err, I mean share the workload with.. :(Anyway, I was reading in the news that Malaysia Airlines will stop their thrice weekly flights to New York blaming low demands.I don't have any facts or figures, but with H1N1 and the economy crisis, the demand is probably very low. If it doesn't make any economic sense and if the route is not salvageable, then it should be stopped. It could be catastrophic if it were continued for the sake of pr... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576598 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:09:00 +0100 2576598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2527817&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fmas-vs-air-asia-mass-strategy.html Tony Fernandes in his Facebook said "Everyone rushing with out new simple low fares . It's time for airports to reduce passanger taxes. Time for all yo travel".With their arch rival, Malaysia Airlines offering low fares of their own, some even beating Air Asia's fares, it sounds like Air Asia is feeling the heat.Idris Jala and his team know that for MAS to stay relevant, they cannot afford to lose in Malaysia, their home base. For that, they need neutralize the threat from Air Asia. It will be a bitter war and they will fight from teeth to teeth.MAS, as we know, is fast-tracking their business transformation plan. They know that it is their only hope of survival. Against them is the lowest cost airline of the world with aggressive ambition.The aim is to transform MAS into a five star value... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2527817 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:46:00 +0100 2527817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2515186&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fair-asia-mahb-dispute.html Air Asia has to be commended for their single-mindedness in reducing cost. In fact, they are the lowest cost airline in the world, much to the envy of other airlines.However, it is all well if their cost-lowering pursuit is limited within their company, but it seems like they expect others to comply to their wishes also.At the center of the Air Asia-MAHB dispute is the issue of airport tax. Air Asia already enjoys cheaper airport tax in the LCCT but it's not enough, they want it to be reduced further more, if can no tax at all. With that, they know they can massacre other airlines competing with them, especially Malaysia Airlines.Holding the MAHB at ransom, they are withholding RM65 millions in airport tax until the issue is "resolved".I have always admired Air Asia but now they are acting... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2515186 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:00 +0100 2515186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510594&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fair-asias-latest-publicity-gimmick.html Air Asia is no doubt very media savvy, using the media to their advantage. Their latest publicity gimmick comes in a "No more admin fee" campaign.For seasoned travelers, you know that it's the total airfare that matters, who cares about admin fees. You can remove the admin fee but increase the airfare. It's the final price that matters.But the "No more admin fee" campaign is easy, cheap and the media loves it. Air Asia is brilliant when it comes to gaining publicity.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510594 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:12:00 +0100 2510594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510595&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fgovernment-linked-air-asia.html Everyone knows that Malaysia Airlines is a government-linked-company (GLC) but not many may know that Air Asia is also a "government-linked" company.Some said Air Asia has even more powerful connection than MAS. This was especially true during Badawi tenure as PM where Air Asia was given special treatment and MAS was left to rot (but they managed to survive though). Yes, the "private" company that you think, may not be so "private" after all, they are "government-linked", perhaps even more "government-linked" than the official government-linked company. And in Malaysia, it's usually what goes behind the scene that matters.Just read in the news that Najib came to the defense of Air Asia for not paying the airport taxes they owe Malaysia Airport.Apparently it is to support the operation in t... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510595 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:01:00 +0100 2510595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510596&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fmas-unleashes-low-fares-to-regain-lost.html There is no doubt that MAS has lost a fair proportion of their market share in many routes to Air Asia and other international airlines.But MAS of today is unlike MAS of yester-years, bloated, inefficient and slow to respond to customers' needs. MAS of today under Idris Jala is transforming into a more dynamic and aggressive airline determined to emerge as a winner in this economic slowdown.Today they just unleashed another massive discounts aim at regaining lost grounds. Every 500th customer will also get a return ticket free.But they didn't stop there. To raise the bar higher, for the first time, customers will be able to earn Enrich points with the heavily discounted tickets. Yeah!! This will give more incentive for people to fly with MAS. In my mind, frequent flyer program is another t... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510596 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:43:00 +0100 2510596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510601&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2F10-a350-for-air-asia-x.html Artist's impression of Air Asia A350Wow..Air Asia X has just ordered 10 ultra modern Airbus A350XWB. They are no doubt, one of the most successful airlines during this economic downturn.While other airlines are shrinking back, they are aggressively increasing their market share. They are most dynamic and knows what their customers want.Wonder how will MAS respond.. Now that their opponent had revealed their cards on the table, what will MAS's response be? What is their answer to Air Asia's aggressive and successful expansion? Often MAS seems to be very slow, overly cautious and got hit in the head by Air Asia.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510601 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:44:00 +0100 2510601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473414&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fmalaysia-airliness-q1-loss-of-rm695.html Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737 in LangkawiMalaysia Airlines started the year with a first quarter loss of RM695. Will they catch up for the rest of the year? Don't know, time will tell. Fuel hedging aside, of more concern, was the operational loss of RM100 million something. So they made a loss flying people.To be fair, their management has improved to certain extent under Idris Jala (otherwise they would have gone broke long time ago) but like anything, there is certainly a lot more that can be done.Prior to the release of their first quarter performance, some analysts already predicted that MAS's loss would exceed RM2 billion. Don't know about you but RM2 billion is a whooping amount.So in a sense, MAS went "beyond expectation". The loss was much less than expected. Some people really have... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473414 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:22:00 +0100 2473414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447539&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fmalaysia-airliness-food.html Malaysia Airlines' meal in a box. My lunch from KL-MiriIt used to be almost universal that people view airlines' food negatively.. When people commented that the dish you prepared wholeheartedly tasted like airline's food, more often than not, it was a polite way to tell you that your cooking didn't make it.. the food was bland, terrible or purely inedible. But not anymore, it has regained its place in the "edible food" category, in fact, some people take to the sky just to satisfy themselves with airline's food.So how has Malaysia Airlines fare in this gastronomy affair? They have been searching up and down for the "sold-out" food in Malaysia. Rather than their previous approach that focused on food that won contests, they have now shifted their focus to food that is popular among the mas... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447539 Sat, 30 May 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2447539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441402&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fage-of-low-cost-carriers.html The 21st century seems to be the age of the low cost carriers. If you play Age of Empire, you kinda know what I'm talking about, we have just moved to a new age. Not only do low cost carriers proliferate rapidly in almost every region of the world, but they seem to make massive profits as well.. All these happen while full fledged carriers crumble.Air Asia just posted their first quarter profit of RM166 millions, a jump of almost 6 times compare to the corresponding period last year. Incredible!Air Asia believes that people will always want to travel.. If they can't fly with premier airlines, they will fly with low cost carriers. Guess they are right.. In this tough economic time, we have seen large swing from premier to budget airlines.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs fro... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441402 Fri, 29 May 2009 07:43:00 +0100 2441402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441405&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fsingapore-airlines-struggling.html Singapore Airlines Boeing 777I was a bit surprised to read that Singapore Airlines, the crème de la crème of world's premier airlines, made a loss in the last financial quarter. This was despite their superhuman efficiency and deeply ingrained kiasuism.Yup, the Chinese had confucianism and the Singaporeans have kiasuism...both strongly influenced the way people live their lives. But even the ultimate kiasunist (person who practises kiasuism) will be hard pressed to steer Singapore Airlines out of trouble way.Hmm.. Will be interested to know how well Malaysia Airlines fare during the same period. They should be revealing their quarterly performance soon.Singapore Airlines (SIA) has slumped to a SGD28.0 million operating loss in the three months ended 31-Mar-09, against a SGD468.1 million ... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441405 Tue, 26 May 2009 13:46:00 +0100 2441405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441410&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fair-asia-vs-mas-iii.html Estimated earnings for MAS and Air AsiaLooks like for this financial year, Air Asia is going to beat MAS hands down in terms of profit.Lean and mean, Air Asia is aggressively surging forward with its network expansion taking advantage of the cheap oil price and the gloomy world economy which saw many turn to low cost carriers. It is rapidly gaining ground while others are shrinking.MAS, on the other hand, is bogged down with its fuel hedges, a bad bet on fuel prices. It needs to do all it can to survive.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441410 Fri, 22 May 2009 09:47:00 +0100 2441410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416880&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fextreme-cost-cutting.html If things progress as they are, soon air passengers might have to pay to use the toilet.Of course, as Malaysians, we are familiar with having to pay to use some public toilets. Do number 1 might be 10 cents, number 2 might be a bit more expensive. But somehow, the toilets are always still quite dirty.. I want my money back!Anyway, charging airline passengers for using the loo seems to be taking things a bit too far. Fortunately, it is not being implemented yet, just some hyperactive imagination of some airlines' think tank on cost cutting, revenue raising measures.But the fact that some intelligent airlines' think tank are already thinking about the unthinkable, it just shows how much stress airlines nowadays are under.Another was a suggestion to get passengers to load their own baggage.. ... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416880 Tue, 19 May 2009 10:52:00 +0100 2416880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416866&cid=t_220080_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F05%2Famerican-thinker-blog-airman-saves-airliner.html Sgt. Bacleda stayed behind in San Francisco to speak with authorities. The following day, the airline flew him back to Tokyo, first class. An honor richly deserved, I would say. The men and women who serve America in the Armed Services are America’s best and brightest, despite prevailing attitudes on campus. Hoo Rah, or whatever the Fly-Boys say. Snark aside, BZ from this Grunt helping Squid! (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416866 Tue, 19 May 2009 05:05:21 +0100 2416866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405207&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fair-asia-vs-mas-ii.html MAS 747 in KLOf course this is not the second time we have Air Asia and MAS melee against each other. It has stretched for many years, ever since Air Asia started their first flight. Yes, the Air Asia-MAS air war is even longer than world war 2.. The war intensified with a resurgent MAS, regrouped and posing a significant challenge.This time it's MAS's stimulus package vs Air Asia' a million free seat promotion.MAS started the offensive with many incentives and massive discounts grouped together as the "stimulus package". It was certainly well received by people and had increased their booking by some 30% compared the previous year. I also bought two of their international flights.Of course, we know that, increased booking doesn't mean increased profit. You can sell your ticket for one cen... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405207 Thu, 14 May 2009 11:56:00 +0100 2405207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405208&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fair-asia-x-vs-mas.html Air Asia X in Kuala LumpurAfter taking the world by storm with its phenomenal growth and emerging on top of its game, low cost carrier Air Asia is raising the game a few bars higher.With its long haul service, Air Asia X, it is declaring war on full service airlines. "We want to beat them (full service carriers) on the service game and we can do it since our costs is low,” CEO Azran told StarBiz in an interview recently.Standing on its way, no brainer for guessing, is Malaysia Airlines, in its own rights one of the big players in the full service carriers category.MAS was on the verge of going kaput several years ago due to poor management but made a remarkable comeback surpassing even the most optimistic forecast. With Idris Jala on its helm, MAS brilliantly manoeuvred itself out of tro... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405208 Wed, 13 May 2009 09:37:00 +0100 2405208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405211&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fmillion-free-seats-from-air-asia.html Wow! How often do you get air fares which are cheaper than bus tickets? It must be a wonder of the 21st century thing.Though not exactly free as claimed as you still need to pay airport tax and some admin fees, Air Asia is offering very very cheap, dirt cheap air tickets for domestic travel in Malaysia. Too bad I am in Australia. Air fares still pretty expensive. :(BTW, always a bit curious how they make profit with those few ringgits air fares.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405211 Mon, 11 May 2009 08:54:00 +0100 2405211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389774&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fbadawi-advisor-to-mas.html Unbelievable... Guess it's Malaysia, you can expect the least expected.I just read that our former PM, Badawi has been appointed as advisor to Malaysia Airlines. Apparently, it's a tradition for former PM to get advisory roles to some big government-linked-companies like Dr M with Petronas.But I mean like wow! This guy probably does not know anything about running an airline. Might as well get people like Michael Jackson.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389774 Tue, 05 May 2009 11:46:00 +0100 2389774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382335&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fthermal-scanner-and-swine-flu.html With all the swine flu or influenza A (H1N1) fear, I doubt putting thermal scanners in airport is going to help keep the disease at check.For it to be effective, you have to assume that those infected will have a raging fever at that time, so you can select them out and do whatever you want with them.It just doesn't happen that way. People can get infected with no fever or just a low grade fever. Plus, nowadays people take Panadol for the slightest hint of illness, it will further mask any fever.The thermal scanner probably acts more as a publicity stunt to show the public that the authorities are doing something and to build confidence.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382335 Sat, 02 May 2009 07:39:00 +0100 2382335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382336&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Femirates-tail-strike.html Lately, there seems to be very little happening in Australia when it comes to aviation. The media had to keep recycling the news about the Emirates plane's tail strike on Melbourne's runway.Though it happened more than a week ago, the incident of the "seconds from total disaster" tail strike is being reported over and over again like people don't get bored reading. Not that they tell you anything new.Oh well.. at least we know that other airlines sometimes get safety issues also, not just Qantas.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382336 Fri, 01 May 2009 13:14:00 +0100 2382336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376015&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fgood-time-to-travel.html MAS Boeing 777I actually find that despite all the gloom and doom economy, now is actually a good time to travel, especially long haul with a full service airline... provided of course you have stable income and some money to spend. Luckily my employer is still generous enough. phew~~ can go holidays.Why stay at home when airlines are cutting their air fares like crazy? Actually some said they are crazy already to offer those air fares but I don't mind. I find flying with full service airlines to be more worth it despite what most people believe. I mean like why fly with budget airlines especially when full service airlines also offer almost similar air fares..Bought two return tickets to Japan and South Korea with Malaysia Airlines. Guess their stimulus package is stimulating enough.So t... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376015 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:06:00 +0100 2376015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2308748&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fair-asia-worlds-best-low-cost-carrier.html It comes as no surprise that Air Asia is awarded the world's best low cost carrier by Skytrax. I am a frequent flyer with the airline and usually very satisfied.Though unlike full-service airlines, there may not be as many things to make one airline stands out of another. There may not be posh lounge, jacuzzi or countless movies to choose from the inflight entertainment, but for budget travelers, all we want is cheap or dirt cheap fares and reasonably comfortable hassle free flight.http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2308748 Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:37:00 +0100 2308748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284764&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fcathay-pacific.html The plane which I took with my luggage being loaded upI used to think Cathay Pacific is pretty good airline. It is supposedly one of the 5 star airlines of the world.I took Cathay Pacific late last year from Australia to Japan and guess I won't want to fly with them again.From memory, the plane was a Boeing 777, which I thought should be pretty descent as I flew with MAS in Boeing 777 and they were pretty ok.However, in Cathay Pacific, it was bad. It seems like they were more kiam siap (stingy). The seats were so tightly packed together, there were hardly any leg room. Maybe Hong-kies or Hong Kongers were shorter in stature but I'm not that tall either. Furthermore, for some reason, there was also a big square box underneath each seat which further compounded the leg room problem. Leg room... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284764 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:25:00 +0100 2284764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2264839&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Ffirefly.html 's ATR 500 in Penang AirportOnce awhile, I saw firefly when I was in my hometown. The people called it api-api, literally translated to fire-fire even though it had nothing to do with fire/api, it just illuminates in the dark due to some chemical or whatever. But of course, we know that in English, it's called firefly not fire-fire.The name firefly has been adopted by MAS for their subsidiary airline. I think even in Malay, it is also called firefly, probably because api-api is not such an appealing name for an airline. I actually flew with Firefly from Penang to Langkawi with a very reasonable price (cheaper than ferry), unlike MASwing in Sarawak which costs an arm and a leg plus a kidney to fly.The airline called itself a community airline. I am not sure why as I thought all airlines are... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2264839 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:55:00 +0100 2264839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249466&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsarawak-rural-flights.html The lovely little twin otter planeFokker 50 plane with a stewardess wannabeFokker 50 in Mulu airportIf you have ever been to rural Sarawak, you will notice that it's a different place from the rest of Malaysia. Due to the harsh and often mountainous terrain in rural Sarawak, air travel is crucial to the community living there.It is not a luxury but a necessity for the people to transport goods and to go other places.. unless you are willing to jungle trek, get bitten by leeches, climb mountains and swim with crocodiles to reach your destination (which could well be in the after-life if you are unfortunate).Indeed, in the past, MAS used to run the Rural Air Service that plies the routes in rural Sarawak. It was a service to the people.Air fares were affordable then.. the half an hour flight... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249466 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:05:00 +0100 2249466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2241470&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fso-you-wanna-be-pilot.html A320 cockpitJust came across the "So you wanna be a pilot?" contest in Air Asia blog.. quite a creative and fun way to connect with our increasingly internet savvy world.All you need to do is to blog why you want to be a pilot and you may be selected into their academy.Just hope that the enthusiastic blogger pilots won't be too engrossed with their blogging hobby while flying..or perhaps landing.Though I don't really consider myself a blogger, I do rant and whine once awhile in my blog to pass my free time.. but then again, I already has a full time job, so I won't be participating despite fulfilling the minimum height requirement (so I'm not that short after all despite what my wife likes to say).http://heart-murmur.blogspot.com (Source: Murmurs from the Heart) Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2241470 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:31:00 +0100 2241470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227620&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fbalik-kampung-with-air-asia-x.html Air Asia X in Perth International AirportInside the plane, my wife already looking tired. Woke up too early anxious to go home. Air Asia X planes in KLIA. You can see part of the queue to the plane I tookJust returned from my two weeks balik kampung holidays to Malaysia. Now I have two kampungs to go to, my wife's one and mine. Both at different ends of Malaysia.It was my first time flying with Air Asia X. Flew the return trip from Perth.Air Asia was certainly the best low cost carrier I have been travelling with. Not that I have been onboard a lot, just Tiger and Jetstar.The planes were very new and clean (unlike other budget carriers). What more can you expect from the new Airbus A330. Can smell the freshness of new plane the moment you step into it. Don't know what perfume they are usin... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227620 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:42:00 +0100 2227620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107958&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Farrived-in-perth.html Tiger Airway Melbourne - PerthArrived in Perth few days ago, the land of hot and dry weather with probably a large hole in the ozone (thanks to Australia's coal industry). Ironically, I learnt that only recently Australia environmental minister Penny Wong went to Malaysia to teach Malaysians how to protect the environment but anyway, that's a different story.I used Tiger Airway since it was marginally cheaper than the others. The check in was pretty slow with only 2 personnels handling the queue stretching almost all the way to the main entrance. Guess it was made worse by Tiger Airway being extremely strict with excess luggage. People who had excess baggage had to repack their bags or pay heftily.My luggage was initially 2kg overweight and the person happily asked for $AUD30. What! $AUD 3... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107958 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:16:00 +0100 2107958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092831&cid=t_220080_93_f&fid=35767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheart-murmur.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fnew-airport-just-for-air-asia.html I can't understand why Malaysia needs another airport just for Air Asia. It's ridiculous. We already have the underutilized KLIA in Sepang built using taxpayers' billions of ringgit.. Yea, my parents' money included. I actually work in Australia, so I pay tax to Australian gov, but my parents did pay a lot.Air Asia is getting ridiculously selfish in their business expansion without looking at the overall national interests. They already have a LCCT with lower airport fares (though I heard they still owe the airport lots of money). They got their KL-Singapore route ahead of the agreed route liberalization.Now they want a new airport just for themselves..wow.. guess Malaysia Airlines should also demands for a dedicated airport for themselves to further lower the cost and improve efficiency.O... Murmurs from the Heart blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092831 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:23:00 +0100 2092831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1464198&cid=t_220080_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F296600993%2F First, we’re told we can’t fly our planes if we’re also using Chantix to quit smoking. Now, we can’t drive our rigs, either. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a warning that advises medical examiners “to not qualify anyone currently using this medication for commercial motor vehicle licenses,” according to The Wall Street Journal. The move follows a study by the Institute of Safe Medication Practices that found a host of side effects linked to Pfizer’s quit-smoking pill - serious accidents and falls, potentially lethal cardiac rhythm disturbances, severe skin reactions, acute myocardial infarction, seizures, diabetess, psychosis, aggression and suicide. The FMCSA, by the way, oversees interstate trucking and bus activity. ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1464198 Fri, 23 May 2008 15:00:27 +0100 1464198