The recent crash of Lion Air flight JT610 might be technical in nature, but is also a manifestation of that airline’s organizational failure. There’s no better place to explore this failure than with Lion’s logistical collapse during the February 2015 Chinese New Year holiday, which I unfortunately had unprecedented access to. In three days over 560 flights were delayed, and thousands of passengers stranded for 24 hours or more. Lion later claimed four planes taken out of service had a “domino effect” across their then fleet of 107 planes. This explanation was widely ridiculed. I was scheduled to depart Jakarta at 5:05 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2015, and arrive in Tual in Maluku at1:50 p.m., transiting Ambon. This itinerary devolved into a 30-hour trip. Some unusual standard operating procedures became apparent from my experience. No information is good information. I checked in for my 5:05 a.m. flight at 3:30 a.m., even though no plane was available: I confirmed … [Read more...] about Organizational failure of Lion Air and the loss of JT610
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Rome, through the eyes of first-century Jewish general Flavius Josephus
By David Laskin The New York Times Fri., April 13, 2018 Even without a book or a guide, even after two millenniums of crumbling, the image of the seven-branched candelabrum — the Jewish menorah — is unmistakable on the inner wall of the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. Stand at the base of the single-passage arch and look up, and the scene in bas-relief ripples to life with almost cartoon clarity: Straining porters, trudging along what is plainly the route of a Roman triumph, bear aloft the golden menorah and other sacred loot plundered from the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The opposite side of the arch depicts the victory lap of the chief plunderer, Emperor Titus — who, as an ambitious young general, crushed the Jews’ revolt, levelled their Temple and brought enough booty and slaves back to Rome to finance an epic construction program that included the Colosseum. I’ve gazed on the Arch of Titus many times in previous trips, marvelling … [Read more...] about Rome, through the eyes of first-century Jewish general Flavius Josephus
See Rome through the eyes of “the luckiest traitor ever”
NEW YORK: Even without a book or a guide, even after two millenniums of crumbling, the image of the seven-branched candelabrum - the Jewish menorah - is unmistakable on the inner wall of the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. Stand at the base of the single-passage arch and look up, and the scene in bas-relief ripples to life with almost cartoon clarity: Straining porters, trudging along what is plainly the route of a Roman triumph, bear aloft the golden menorah and other sacred loot plundered from the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70. The opposite side of the arch depicts the victory lap of the chief plunderer Emperor Titus who, as an ambitious young general, crushed the Jews’ revolt, levelled their temple, and brought enough booty and slaves back to Rome to finance an epic construction programme that included the Colosseum.I’ve gazed on the Arch of Titus many times in previous trips, marvelling at its muscular grace, recoiling from its … [Read more...] about See Rome through the eyes of “the luckiest traitor ever”
In the French city of Lyon, the cuisine is so good it’s offal
By Will Hawkes The Washington Post Fri., March 30, 2018 Andrew picks up his beer and leans back against the red banquette seating at Le Romarin, a tiny bistro-bar in the heart of Lyon, France. Over the next 48 hours, we’re planning to eat our way across this famously gastronomic city, but something is worrying him. “I’m looking forward to the wine,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the cheese. I’m just not sure about the innards.” Most people would see his point. Not me. I love offal. Many of the top meals I’ve eaten have revolved around these unglamorous cuts, from haggis in Scotland to pigs’ organ soup in Singapore. I’ve eaten roasted pigs’ trotters in Paris, tripe sandwiches in Florence and steak-and-kidney pudding all over England. The best of all was in Buenos Aires, at a restaurant called La Cabrera, where I gobbled fat little blood puddings, tender grilled sweetbreads and kidneys cooked with … [Read more...] about In the French city of Lyon, the cuisine is so good it’s offal
These are the most surprising things you can buy at Costco
source Getty/Tim Boyle Costco is best known for its bargains – but it sells a lot more than bulk toilet paper. Some lesser-known products include doomsday-prepper food kits, coffins, and engagement rings. Here are some of the most shocking items that Costco keeps in stock. Costco is known for its bargains. But, it’s also a place where members can buy expensive steaks, $6,000 doomsday prepper kits, and even coffins. While the budget retailer is known for its bulk deals, you can drop some serious cash at Costco – if you know where to look. Here are seven unexpected items you can buy from the retailer that many shoppers may not know about. Coffins and caskets source Costco Most people probably don’t realize that Costco has an entire funeral category and sells caskets in most states. Beyond caskets, which cost $950 to $3,000, the company also sells a variety of urns. … [Read more...] about These are the most surprising things you can buy at Costco