World Walker

Tens of thousands of airline passengers the world over are experiencing massive delays due to new security restrictions imposed by the United States Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

In light of the recent attacks occurring on the Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to New York, in which an alleged terrorist attempt to blow up the aircraft with a so-called “underwear bomb”, the administration has imposed random security restrictions on all flights entering and leaving the United States. The security regulations are deliberately vague as to confuse would be terrorists, and passengers should not expect the same security restrictions twice. Information about security measures have been lacking in specifics, with details coming in from the passengers themselves.

Most passengers have reported increased restrictions on carry on luggage. Some airlines have restricted carry-on luggage to one per person, in an attempt to minimize delays. Restrictions on liquids have been reverted to their 2006 levels, so passengers should pack accordingly. Almost all passengers have reported being patted down, and every pocket in every bag is being checked. This is causing delays of up to 3 hours at some airports, and airlines are calling in additional help to cope with delays. However, the biggest change is during the flights themselves.

During the last hour of flight the restrictions are the most rigid. Passengers are not allowed to leave their seats. No items are to be on the lap, and this includes blankets, pillows, books, laptops, pretty much anything. Even passengers in first class aren’t spared – those luxury bed-like seats need to be in their upright and locked position too. Passengers on asian flights have even reported phones and inflight internet access being disabled.

Don’t expect a break from the stringent regulations anytime soon – officials declare the security restrictions will be in place “indefinitely”. However, all these security regulations are not without their critics. Many security experts agree with the airlines, claiming that the new measures are nothing more than “security theater” – measures designed to give the public a sense of protection, without actually adding any protection.

The restrictions are hardest felt on the holiday traveler, causing an already packed holiday travel season to be even more stressful. Passengers should be advised to leave as early as possible, and expect the worst. Happy holidays, courtesy of the TSA.

It takes a special kind of person to command an industry – William Randolph Hearst was that kind of man. Credited with transforming the publishing world, William Hearst not only owned a newspaper publishing empire, he owned one of the most ridiculous homes known to man. Today, his home is a historic house museum and attracts over a million visitors every year.

Located about 250 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Hearst Castle lies in beautiful San Simeon, California. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is truly fit for a king. The property encompasses some 127 acres (500m, squared), and has 56 bedrooms, 41 fireplaces, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms. If you feel like swimming, there’s a giant 104ft x 58 foot pool, and a huge 1,665 sq foot indoors pool. If that’s not enough to convince you of his massive wealth and clout, how about the movie theater, airfield, and the world’s largest private zoo? Hearst was a man of excess, and nowhere is this more evident than his castle.

Hearst loved to buy EVERYTHING. It can be said that Hearst did not buy things to fill up his house, but rather built his house so he could fill it up with things. The beautiful Neptune pool, which has an incredible view of the main house, mountains, and oceans, has a genuine Roman temple inside. Hearst purchased the Roman temple wholesale in Europe, and then had it transported to the states where it was then reassembled. As a testament to Hearst’s personality, the Neptune pool was actually rebuilt three times before Hearst was satisfied.

After William Randolph Hearst died, the Hearst estate donated the castle to the state. The state transformed the castle into a state historic monument, and offers five 6 different tours for guests. Tour one is the most popular tour for visitors, and is recommended for first-timers. Tour One, as it’s affectionally called, provides a brief overview of the castle as a whole. It’s also the least demanding tour, and clocks in just under two hours. All tours require a 150-400 stair climb and a half mile walk. Visitors are encouraged to reserve early, since tickets are commonly sold out during the busiest summer months.

New for 2009 is the introduction of the self-guided tour. Unlike other tours that feature a tour guide, visitors will be able to tour the beautiful gardens, pools, as well as the castle grounds at their own pace. The tour is available for reservation from March 2010 – September 2010. Spots are expected to fill quickly, so book now!