The Titanic sails again.....

I was looking for information about San Juan Puerto Rico and I saw a blurp about the Titanic sailing again.  I immediately thought about some theme park or something like that.  But apparently an Australian billionaire is having the ship built in a Chinese Shipyard and it will sail the original course by the ill-fated ship back in 1912.   This sounds interesting...Here is more information.

Clive Palmer unveiled blueprints for the famously doomed ship's namesake Tuesday at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York. He said construction is scheduled to start soon in China.
Palmer said 40,000 people have expressed interest in tickets for the maiden voyage, taking the original course from Southampton, England, to New York. He said people are inspired by his quest to replicate one of the most famous vessels in history.

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"We all live on this planet, we all breathe the same air and, of course, the Titanic is about the things we've got in common," he said. "It links three continents."
The original Titanic was the world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner when it hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank on April 15, 1912. Only 700 people of the more than 2,200 on board survived the most famous maritime disaster in history, partly because there were not enough lifeboats to carry everyone.
Palmer said an unknown when the original ship sailed — climate change — may play into a positive for the new ship's fate.
"One of the benefits of global warming is there hasn't been as many icebergs in the North Atlantic these days," Palmer said.
Passengers on board the replica will dress in the fashion of that period and eat dishes from the original menu, in dining rooms copied from the ill-fated predecessor.
Joining Palmer on Tuesday was Helen Benziger, the great granddaughter of Titanic survivor Margaret "Molly" Brown. Benziger, who agreed to serve on the advisory board for the Titanic II, said her great grandmother, who died in 1932, would have loved to see the Titanic rebuilt and complete the journey it never got to finish.
In what some may consider a temptation of fate for a remake of a notoriously "unsinkable" ship that sank, a representative of the Finnish designer of the Titanic II said it will be the "safest cruise ship in the world."
Markku Kanerva, director of sales for marine design company Deltamarin said that while the vessel is modeled after the legendary liner — the diesel-powered ship will even have four decorative smoke stacks mimicking the coal-powered originals — it will meet modern navigation and safety requirements.
In addition, plans call for a new "safety deck" featuring state-of-the-art lifeboats, safety chutes and slides. The new ship will also have amenities unknown a century ago, like air conditioning.
Palmer, who is funding construction of the ship himself, built his fortune in real estate and coal. Australia's BRW magazine estimated his net worth last year at $4 billion, although Forbes puts it at $895 million.
"I want to spend the money I've got before I die," he said. "You might as well spend it, not leave it to the kids to spend, there will be enough left for them anyway."

"I will survive" Monday Music

This is another installment of my monday music....Well actually it is early Tuesday Morning...but to me it is still monday...so there;).   I was listening to some music on my phone, I have a mixture if some 70's stuff, mostly 80's stuff and a scattering of 90's and later...whatever I happen to like.  Well a 70's song came on and it was "I will survive" the Disco anthem, and I thought of the movie "the Replacements with Keano Reeves about replacement players that were hired to replace the striking Professional Football players and there was a line in the movie, thanking the others about meeting on the field of battle and he used a phrase that stated " Pain is temporary, chick dig scars and glory is forever."   I thought it was one of the best lines in the movie.

     
     Here they are singing "I will survive"

Here is some information on the origional song:

  
"I Will Survive" is a hit song first performed by American singer Gloria Gaynor, released in October 1978. It was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris. A top-selling song after its initial release, it has remained a popular disco anthem, as well as being certified double platinum by the RIAA.
The song's lyrics describe the narrator's discovery of personal strength following an initially devastating breakup, delivered with increasing confidence and backed by a stirring instrumental accompaniment. It is one of the most famous disco songs of all time and remains Gaynor's biggest hit. It received heavy airplay in 1979, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and on the UK Singles Chart on consecutive weeks. The song is also frequently recalled as a symbol of female strength and as a gay anthem.^[1][2]
      
Originally released as the B-side to a cover version of the Righteous Brothers song "Substitute", "I Will Survive" became a worldwide hit for Gaynor when disc jockeys played that side of the record instead. New copies of the record were eventually pressed with "I Will Survive" as the A-side ("Substitute" itself peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, equaling to number 107 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart).
As a disco number, the song was unique for its time by virtue of Gaynor's having no background singers. And, unlike her first disco hits, the track was not pitched up to make it faster and to render Gaynor's recorded voice in a higher register than that in which she actually sang. Most disco hits at the time were heavily produced, with multiple voices, overdubs, and adjustments to pitch and speed. "I Will Survive" had a much more spare and "clean" sound. Had it been originally planned and released as an A-side, it would almost certainly have undergone a substantially more heavy-handed remix.^{[citation needed]}
The song received the Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980, the only year the award was given. It is ranked #492 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", and ranked at #97 on Billboard magazine's "All-Time Hot 100". [1]^{[dead link]} In 2000, the song was ranked #2 in VH1's list of the 100 greatest dance songs.^[3] Comedian George Carlin, however, listed it without comment as item 9 on his list of "10 Most Embarrassing Songs of All Time".^[4]
A promotional video was filmed in 1979 at New York discothèque Xenon. Sheila Reid-Pender of Harlem, NY is the featured skater in the video from the skating group, The Village Wizards. Although three videos were filmed that day, the "I Will Survive" video was the only one to survive. The video can be seen on VH-1 countdowns and is featured on YouTube.
Following the success of fellow 1970s disco stars Sister Sledge with remixed singles in the UK in 1993, "I Will Survive" was also remixed and released that summer. This remix reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.
Robbie Williams sampled the song in his 2000 single, "Supreme".
Featured in the film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), and stage musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert – the Musical.
The song was also covered by Diana Ross in 1996, RuPaul Charles features in the songs drag celebratory music video. In the video, Ross famously jumps into the crowd.
The song was performed in its entirety by Khadijiah (Queen Latifah) in an episode of Living Single.
The song was also covered as part of Glee Season 3 – mixed with Survivor by Destiny's Child.

     Here is the song sung by Gloria Gaynor:

    

"Gibbs Rules"

I am up here in Tennessee in Sevierville TN, Home to Dollywood and other touristy stuff.  I am up here visiting family and I visited my favorite store .Smoky Mountain Knife Works, you can find many types of knives,  cutlery,  many politically incorrect shirts, 5.11 tactical items.  They also have a national knife museum there.   They have knives from SOF,Gerber, Smith&Wessen, case,  Swords, hatchets and many others.   I was coming in to pick up another knife for work and scouting.  I believe in a good knife, they are like firearms, you get what you pay for.  A good knife is necessary, I use my S&W HRT for everything from cutting wires, opening boxes and packages, cutting various materials and a myriad of other uses.

   The knife on bottom is my "working" knife, the one on top is the "new" one.  The new one is a S&W "First Responder"  It is similar to my other blade.  I also picked up some politically incorrect decals for my toolbox at work.  Walking around and reading the stuff on various toolboxes can be quite entertaining especially if you ain't politically correct.

     Speaking of knives, I remembered one of the quotes from a show that I really like.  the show is called "NCIS" it is on CBS and you usually see it on USA when they have a marathon viewing sessions.  I like the show partly because they show the services as honorable with a code of conduct and behavior.    The knife thing came from one of the rules that the main character "Gibbs" uses and lives by.   Check out rule #9.

Gibbs' Rules are an extensive series of guidelines that Leroy Jethro Gibbslives by and teaches to the people he works closely with.

Origins

Gibbs's rules originated from his first wife, Shannon Gibbs, who told him at their first meeting, "Everyone needs a code they can live by." Years later, after their wedding, Gibbs began writing his rules down, keeping them in a small tin inside his home.Though he uses it often we almost never see the tin.

The knowledge of the rules' origins is left as a mystery to the people that Gibbs works with, though some of them do make concentrated efforts to find out.Tony makes several attempts to find out who taught Gibbs the rules, though he has not yet met with any success. On one occasion, he quoted Rule Nine as a rule that "they teach you in the Marine Corps," but the Marine in question was unaware of what he was referring to. On another occasion, Tony asked Jackson Gibbs if he had taught the rules to his son, but the older man denied any involvement.

On the other hand, when Rule Twenty-Three was once referred to during a case, a nearby MP quoted the rule correctly.

Rules

At the beginning of her tenure with NCIS, Gibbs informed Ziva David that there were approximately fifty rules that were his job to teach her. Some years later, Gibbs added the fifty-first rule to the tin he kept the rules in.  According to Tony, seven of the rules directly concern lawyers, and that the eighth rule was inspired by a lawyer.  Rule forty and above are not rules necessary for everyday life, they are for emergencies.  Note: Look below at Duplication for info about rules # 1-3

The rules

Rule #1: Never let suspects stay together.This is the first rule of investigation not a real Gibbs rule.

Rule #1: Never screw over your partner. Note: This is quoted by McGee to be Gibbs' Number One,but the other Rule One is quoted in other episodes to be his. Earlier, McGee had told Agent Borne that rule number one has been taken twice, showing that he knows that there are two number one rules.

Rule #2: Always wear gloves at a crime scene.

Rule #3: Don't believe what you're told. Double check.

Rule #3: Never be unreachable. (*Most likely one of Mike Franks' "Golden Rules" (see below) as opposed to Gibbs, because Gibbs has been known to intentionally be unreachable.*) This was a rule quoted by Tony regarding Ziva or Tim^[

Rule #4: The best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself. Second best? Tell one other person - if you must. There is no third best.

Rule #5: You don't waste good. 

Rule #6: Never say you're sorry. It's a sign of weakness. Note: This is continuously told to Tony, Ziva and Tim through a smack to the back of their heads.

Rule #7: Always be specific when you lie.

Rule #8: Never take anything for granted. Note: This is re-quoted as "Never assume." by McGee to Gibbs six years later.

Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.

Sometimes listed as "Never leave home without a knife."

Also quoted as "Always carry a knife."

Rule #10: Never get personally involved in a case.

Said by the SecNav to be Rule #1 in Washington politics.

Rule #11: When the job is done, walk away.

Rule #12: Never date a co-worker.

Rule #13: Never, ever involve a lawyer.

Rule #15: Always work as a team.

Rule #16: If someone thinks they have the upper hand, break it.

Rule #18: It's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.

Rule #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.

Rule #23: Never mess with a Marine's coffee... if you want to live.

Rule #27: There are two ways to follow someone. First way, they never notice you. Second way, they only notice you.

Rule #35: Always watch the watchers. 

Rule #36: If you feel like you are being played, you probably are.

Rule #38: Your case, your lead.

Rule #39: There is no such thing as coincidence.

            DiNozzo says "There is no such thing as a small world" is 39a in 10x14 "Canary"

Rule #40: If it seems someone is out to get you, they are.

Rule #42: Never accept an apology from someone who just sucker punched you.

Rule #44: First things first, hide the women and children.

Rule #45: Clean up the mess that you make.

Also stated as, "Never leave behind loose ends.

Rule #51: Sometimes - you're wrong.

This is written on the back of the card with Rule 13 (which Gibbs circles first) in the tin where Gibbs keeps the rules

Rule #69: Never trust a woman who doesn't trust her man. 

"Where to go...or not to go.... When Travelling"

I am taking a break from writing my congresscritters to make my opinion known about the gun control issues.  Write often, in paper and mail it.  It makes more of an impression.  And send it to the local offices, the congressman has staffers that man the location and this helps him/her have a pulse on the locals..Remember the first job of a congressman..is to get re-elected and pissing off the local is not a way to do it.

One of the benefits of my job besides being to swear at airplanes when they don't mind...Try doing that in a customer service job....been there and done that.   I have travel opportunities, when I was in the service, I travelled all over Europe(western) and East Germany including Berlin before the wall fell.  I saw this list from Yahoo Travel and several places on that list I wouldn't mind going, Israel, Greece, and Japan off that list.  I also would like to check out Russia St Petersburg and Volgograd(Stalingrad) and of course Moscow.  I have passport but the wife doesn't so I may start taking trips without her;) outside the country.    I will add my recommendations also besides what the author wrote...Mine will be in BOLD  The opinions by me are my opinion.  If other people have other good places to visit, Please add them to the list.

    Here is the list from Yahoo Travel:

(Photo: Andrew Kazmierski / Dreamstime.com)

Intrepid travelers like to push their limits—they'll test their stamina, language skills, and culinary daring in far-flung destinations around the globe. But we don't like to see anyone risk their personal safety on an ill-researched sojourn.

• 
  

So, each year Budget Travel gives you the lowdown on some spots that should, at least for the near term, stay on your "don't bother" list, some that are a definite "maybe," and a few that you may be surprised to hear get a definite "yes."

Jersey Shore

Sure, you know that Superstorm Sandy hit the New Jersey coastline last fall, tearing up boardwalks, hotels, vacation homes, and beaches. What you may not know, however, is that "the shore" will be open for business this summer. In fact, Lori Pepenella, Long Beach Island's destination marketing coordinator, recently told the Newark Star-Ledger, "As businesses are investing and rebuilding, we're getting the message out that we're open right now." 

While rebuilding post-Sandy is a challenge, especially for areas such as Seaside Heights, whose boardwalk sustained serious damage, New Jersey's $38 billion hospitality industry depends on a thriving shore and everyone is sprinting toward a successful Memorial Day weekend. For those of you who thought this might be the summer to skip New Jersey's miles of family-friendly beaches, legendary boardwalks and amusement parks, and notorious party scene, local boosters are working hard to change your mind: Atlantic City is telling anyone who will listen that contrary to rumor, its boardwalk was not destroyed by the hurricane, and Long Beach Island has produced a video to promote its open-for-business status at visitlbiregion.com. 

To Go or Not to Go: Go.  What and get fleeced by the excessive taxes and fees?   and get treated like crap?

(Photo: iStockphoto)Cuba

For those of us who grew up during the Cold War, the question may still seem fanciful: Want to visit Cuba? But whereas the Caribbean island was once off-limits except to the most adventurous of American travelers (who would typically enter Mexico or Canada before flying to Cuba), it is now possible for U.S. citizens to see this amazing country by booking with a licensed tour operator that performs "people-to-people" trips. 

A package will include interaction with Cubans and classes in Cuban culture and history and should also include a visa, airfare, hotel, meals, and an experienced tour guide. They don't come cheap—week-long trips are often more than $2,000 per person—but are the best way to ensure that you comply with U.S. law and that you see the island in the safest way. While accurate crime statistics are not available from Cuba yet, the U.S. Department of State cautions visitors to be alert for pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and burglaries, but traveling with a licensed people-to-people tour guide will help minimize any danger.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, if you can afford a U.S.-approved people-to-people tour.  Costly but worthy of interest.

(Photo: Reiley / Dreamstime.com)

Spain

It's a sign of the economic times that a nation of Spain's stature could even make our list of questionable destinations. The final quarter of 2012 saw Spain's economic output drop 1.8 percent compared with last year, its worst performance since the global economic meltdown of 2009. As the country embraced an austerity program to bring down its budget deficit, demonstrators took to the streets, often meeting an aggressive response from the police.

In Barcelona, some demonstrators even demanded independence. It's important to keep all this in perspective, though: The U.S. Department of State has not issued a warning against visiting Spain, and the country still poses only the crime threats one might expect in any developed region: You need to be as aware of the potential for pickpocketing, mugging, and break-ins as you would when visiting, say,Italy or France. In addition, some of the advice the State Department has issued for visiting places likeGreece and Israel, where the potential for spontaneous public demonstrations is high, should be heeded when visiting Spain: Stay away from demonstrations (they are not spectactor sports, and passersby have been swept up in police actions in Barcelona), and check with your hotel's concierge for updates on the potential for unrest in your destination.

To Go or Not to Go: Go.  The exchange rate is favorable against the dollar, just avoid all the protest spots.

(Photo: Courtesy David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons)

Israel

With some of the world's holiest sites, sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, Israel is a one-of-a-kind destination. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the nightlife of Tel Aviv, this is a place where the past rubs elbows with the present like no other. Unfortunately, all that elbow-rubbing comes with a downside, and Israel has been the scene of religious tension, terrorist attacks, and flat-out war over the course of its 60-plus years. 

The U.S. Department of State strongly warns Americans not to visit the Gaza Strip and most areas of the West Bank (other than Jericho and Bethlehem), because of ongoing tensions and risks that can range from rock-throwing to rocket fire. On the other hand, major cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv are as safe as any in the world, and Jerusalem, as long as you observe some common-sense rules, is an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed. While in Jerusalem, avoid street protests and approach religious sites with caution on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays because of potential congestion and security restrictions. As with any troubled region, you will feel most supported and informed if you travel with an experienced tour operator and stay in touch with the staff at your hotel about the potential for political and religious demonstrations.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, but avoid the West Bank and Gaza.  Historical alert...well worth it.  Just pay attention to your surroundings.

(Photo: Courtesy Mardetanha/Wikimedia Commons)

Mexico

Yes, millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexico safely each year, but as the U.S. Department of State points out, it's best to stick to major cities such as Mexico City and popular resort areas such as Los Cabos and destinations in Quintana Roo such as Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum, where the crime rate can actually be lower than in some U.S. cities.

But more adventurous travelers should spend some time at state.gov reviewing the warnings about visiting border regions and some Mexican states (including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Sonora, Chihuahua, and others) that have seen heavy drug-trafficking activity, including daytime gun battles, carjackings, and kidnappings. Regardless of where you travel in Mexico, be prepared for the same risks you might encountering when visiting any American city.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, but only to major cities and resort towns.  Avoid the Border towns and Stick to the resorts if you go, 

(Photo: Chuongy / Dreamstime.com)

Japan
2012 saw an increase of 30 percent in tourism to Japan over the preceding year, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization. It's no wonder people stayed away in 2011: In March of that year the nation was rocked by the largest earthquake in its history, a magnitude 9 quake that destroyed buildings and triggered a tsunami on the island's northeast coast, causing the deaths of thousands and a meltdown at a major nuclear-power plant, including a release of dangerous radiation. But millions have returned to Japan in the past year, buoyed by the nation's swift recovery efforts. Today, major destinations such asTokyo are completely safe and 2013 may even set a record for visitors.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, as long as you avoid the area around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear-power plant.  Enjoy the culture

(Photo: Mikael Damkier / Dreamstime.com)

Egypt
The political unrest that rocked Egypt two years ago, including public uprisings against then-president Hosni Mubarak, certainly put Egypt front-and-center on the world stage, and inspired some to delay travel plans to the north African nation. But sites such as the pyramids and Great Sphinx at Luxor, museums and historical sites in Cairo, and the beauty of the Lower Nile (now enjoying a resurgence in river cruises) still inspire waves of visitors, and the U.S. Department of State does not explicitly warn Americans away from Egypt. It does suggest that you stay away from public demonstrations, which can be unpredictable and sometimes turn violent. Visiting Egypt with an experienced tour guide, or staying in a major hotel whose concierge regularly monitors the potential for unrest, is your best bet.  

To Go or Not to Go: Go, but, for now, stick with well-trod tourist sites such as Cairo and Luxor.  Don't go at all...With the Muslim Brotherhood in charge, Westerners are easy prey for somebody wanting to make a name for themselves with Allah.

(Photo: Andreas Karelias / Dreamstime.com)

Greece

There's no sugar-coating it: The economic downturn and austerity measures have inspired strikes and public demonstrations in Greece, especially in major squares in the capital city ofAthens. While they are usually peaceful and pose no threat to the democratic government, some demonstrations have turned violent, including fire-bombings and vandalism. 

It's best to avoid ogling demonstrations because of their potential to turn ugly. Americans visiting Athens should be aware that anti-migrant sentiment can make some visitors targets of aggressive behavior—and even police sweeps. The U.S. Department of State especially cautions Americans of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern descent to be on guard because they may be mistaken for migrants. All Americans should carry a copy of a passport or photo ID at all times. That said, tourism to Greece is still a booming business—major hotels in Athens, resorts on the islands, and other destinations with knowledgeable staff and on-site security are not only safe but among the most rewarding vacation spots you could choose.

To Go or Not to Go: Go to the islands, stick to the beaten path in Athens.  Most of the demonstrations are in Athens...Go outside the city to the tourist geared areas.  The Exchange rate is favorable for the Dollar.

(Photo: Lawrence Weslowski Jr / Dreamstime.com)

Haiti

When we say a travel destination "has it all," we usually don't mean crime, cholera, damaged infrastructure, and limited police and medical resources. Unfortunately, that is the situation in Haiti three years after a magnitude-7 earthquake demolished much of the already-impoverished nation (which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic), killing more than 300,000 people. While Haiti has spent billions just to maintain basic services, risks are high and resources for visitors are slim—traveling there as anything but a volunteer will only add to the strain. The U.S. Department of State warns that Americans have been victims of murder and kidnapping, including attacks on arriving visitors that have occurred right outside the Port-au-Prince airport.

To Go or Not to Go: Don't go.  Are you kidding me...?  They added this to the list as a joke.  the only thing I want with Haiti is the UN to move there...and stay.

(Photo: Olga Kolos / Dreamstime.com)

Syria

Sure, Syria boasts some of the most dramatic ruins and landmarks in the Middle East, but this one's a no-brainer: "No part of Syria should be considered immune from violence," reports the U.S. Department of State, warning Americans not to visit the troubled nation (and those Americans who remain in Syria are urged to leave immediately). Anti-government activity and the Syrian government's use of deadly force—including aerial bombing of civilian areas, armed clashes between government and opposition groups, and the arrest, detention, and torture of individuals—have made Syria one of the most dangerous places on earth. And once inside, it can be difficult to get a flight out or to cross the border into neighboring countries, which include Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel.

To Go or Not to Go: Don't go.   Don't even think about it...Too much turmoil....Don't want to be branded as a zionist spy or something and make a guest appearance on AL-Jezzera TV.