Breaking Tweets » Life

Swine flu challenges airline travelers

Nicole Hernandez — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:02:10 +0000

The push to prevent others from being infected with swine flu is causing conflict between airline travelers.

Tampa Bay Online reports the staff at United Airlines suspected passenger Mitra Mostoufi had the flu and forced her to get off the plane and stay in Tampa as she was trying to return to her home in Hawaii on Monday.

Mostoufi and other sick travelers are finding it difficult to travel by plane if airlines know they may potentially have the disease.

Twitter users question if what airlines are doing is appropriate and are scared of catching the disease on planes:

KGMB9 (Honolulu, Hawaii) Would you have appreciated being kicked off the plane? Even if you were accused of having Swine Flu? 11 Nov 2009 from web

Mucx (Barcelona, Spain) Hope they let me on the plane, still got this flu, sweating, shaking, standing at check in…that joke about swine flu has me worried now 07 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

authorchristine (Cyprus) I’m worrying about coming home with all this swine flu about, hope I don’t catch anything on the plane! 05 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

bossbev (Undisclosed) These ppl are coughing on this plane. I am so scared of Swine Flu! Y don’t they cover mouths when coughn?????? 04 Nov 2009 from Echofon

snoopysnowcone (Massachusetts) On the plane and holding my breath so I don’t get swine flu… 06 Nov 2009 from Twitterrific

Juno_Is_Boring (Yakima, WA) About to board the plane to Denver. Then on to Kansas City. Hope we don’t get Swine Flu. 03 Nov 2009 from txt

Tweet This Post

TwitPics: Twitter users celebrate U.S. Veterans Day with photos

Elle Eichinger — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:59:44 +0000

The United State’s celebration of Veteran’s Day dates back to after World War I. First designated a holiday by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, current President Barack Obama honored the day by speaking at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. today.Twitter users were attending parades around the country, and also posting pictures of their own favorite soldiers.

@kevin_oates (Venice, CA): Great photo from Hyundia's video board in Times Square from the Veterans' Day Parade

@d1ane (Milford, MI):WWII Sailor at Memorial Day parade in Milford MI--INCREDIBLE turnout of both veterans and parade watchers.

@ThunderPig (Franklin, NC): The US Marines lead the way in the Franklin Veterans Day Parade. #wnc #nc #veterans

@chadxmerch (New York, NY): Veterans day on the George Washington bridge.

@KFDANewsDesk (Amarillo, TX)

@maple_fan (Ohio): In honor of Veterans' Day posting a fav pic of cousin's spouse & son. Shows military family sacrifice. Thank you.#fb

@kdgteachgrizz (location undisclosed): Kindergarten writing today!

Tweet This Post

Google offers free airport Wi-Fi for the holidays

Lisa Wyczesany — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:45:27 +0000

Google announced that they have started to offer free Wi-Fi in 47 airports in the United States now through January 15, 2010. Crunch Gear helped explain the holiday “gift” which includes Google’s charity matching – An initiative which results in the winning airport having $15,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice.

A list of the participating airports as well as other FAQ’s regarding the free Wi-Fi is offered through Google’s site.

Most Twitter users happily react to Google’s holiday spirit giveaway…

meaghanryan Thank you Google for free WiFi at my 2 favorite (and 45 other) airports through the holidays! Love them! 10 Nov 2009 from txt

Mona Google’s Giving Us Free WiFi for the Holidays! #gogoogle #worlddomination http://post.ly/CMCJ 11 Nov 2009 from Posterous

flutesUD @suneilmohan ‘Cause Austin is on the list! Its unbelievable how this tech-oriented city doesn’t have free wifi @ the airport normally. 11 Nov 2009 from web in reply to suneilmohan

bmqmen “Google, I salute you (for free airport wifi)” and related posts: Rex Hammock's RexBlog.comLong-time re.. http://bit.ly/1TNpjb 11 Nov 2009 from twitterfeed

Alan_Wolf Free airport wifi in select cities compliments of Google through the holidays. Madison is one the towns! http://bit.ly/3RVmW5 11 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

…while some are frustrated with Google’s timing and their decision making with which airports to include.

alexdrovna um…the WiFi was always free at McCarren in #Vegas…do not understand the point of “Google Free WiFi” 11 Nov 2009 from Echofon

theonetruebix Not sure why I care that @google has free wifi at the PDX airport for the holidays. There’s free wifi there year-round anyway. 11 Nov 2009 from web

jvchuy Chicago doesn’t seem to get any free wifi http://www.freeholidaywifi.com/ what’s the deal? 11 Nov 2009 from Twitterrific

NicBall How did Google hookup free wifi in Toledo airport but not Columbus, Dayton, or Cincinnati? 11 Nov 2009 from SocialScope

gam007 i heard on the news that google is giving away free wifi at airports.wtf.i could have used that during hurricane ike aftermath 1 yr ago 11 Nov 2009 from web

Tweet This Post

‘Beltway sniper’ execution fuels death penalty discussion on Twitter

Tony Valdivieso — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:54:19 +0000

John Allen Muhammad terrorized the Washington D.C. area with Lee Boyd Malvo, killing ten people in 2002. Muhammad, better known as the ‘Beltway sniper’, now sits on death row, his fate all but sealed. He is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Tuesday evening in Virginia.

According to CNN, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine denied a clemency request from Muhammad’s lawyers, closing off what is likely to be his last avenue of appeal early Tuesday. “I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was recommended by the jury and then imposed and affirmed by the courts,” Kaine wrote in a statement released Tuesday. “Accordingly, I decline to intervene.”

Kaine’s statement came after the US Supreme Court rejected an appeal for a stay of execution from Muhammad’s lawyers on Monday. “We have allowed Virginia to truncate our deliberative process on a matter… that demands the most careful attention,” said Justice John Paul Stevens according to the New York Times.

While most Twitter users bid Muhammad a less than fond farewell, some used their tweets and the situation to argue against the death penalty:

anjxoxo (California) How do you feel about the death penalty? Are you ready for justice to be served? Or is a death sentence an unjust form of punishment? 09 Nov 2009 from web

whygreenberg (Brooklyn, NY) END DEATH PENALTY! RT @markknoller: SCOTUS denies stay of execution for DC sniper John Allen Muhammed…scheduled 2 b put 2 death tomorrow. 09 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

heidiweimer (Nashville, TN) RT @cnnbrk Supreme Ct refuses 2 block Tues execution of D.C.-area sniper//Seriously can’t believe we still execute n the U.S. Pray 4 him.#fb 09 Nov 2009 from web

melmarinda (Columbia, MD) So sad about tomorrow’s scheduled execution of the dc sniper in VA. I’m sad for his family…particularly his son. I remember being afraid.. 10 Nov 2009 from web

RazorSharp215 (Philadelphia, PA) As an opponent of the death penalty, am I the only one not celebrating the execution of the DC sniper? Legalized murder… HOW BARBARIC! 10 Nov 2009 from web

brodiehubbard (Los Angeles, CA) I don’t think killing people is right. I didn’t like it when the Beltway Sniper did it, I don’t like it any better when the state does it. 10 Nov 2009 from web

MzPortr (Novato, CA) The “beltway sniper” John Muhammad will be executed today. Not sure how I feel about that yet. 10 Nov 2009 from UberTwitter

Muhammad and Malvo were arrested in October 2002. Malvo is currently serving life in prison.

Tweet This Post

Anniversary of Berlin Wall collapse sparks Twitter comments, TwitPics

Joe Siebelts — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:01:05 +0000

As residents of Berlin commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, Twitter users around the world are sharing their personal thoughts and reflections.

The event reunited a once divided Germany, and marked a symbolic end to communist regimes during the Cold War era.

Twitter users around the globe shared different reactions, some of which celebrated the event:

jasonkenney (Richmond, VA) There area handful of historical moments one measures their lifetime by. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of those moments. 09 Nov 2009 from web

sheiskilla (Germany) Remembering the fall of the Berlin Wall exactly 20 years ago. I’m proud to be a citizen of the United Germany (: 09 Nov 2009 from web

BookRiff (Vancouver) thinking of the Berlin Wall celebration 20 years ago…. I flew there for the weekend to be part of the changing world. Beautiful moments… 09 Nov 2009 from web

jeffkwalters (Undisclosed) My college class voted the fall of the Berlin Wall as the most significant event of our senior year. Can it possibly be 20 yrs.? 09 Nov 2009 from Power Twitter

Other comments focused on the extent of problems still present today:

n667 (Undisclosed) #berlinwall must have fallen dwn, but still ,there exists an imaginary berlin wall btw every country and its neighbours 09 Nov 2009 from web

preparsed (Seattle, WA) Berlin Wall, are we celebrating you as a victory or a defeat? 20 yrs on, not sure it was the ideological finish line it was billed to be. 09 Nov 2009 from web

JBandChocolate (Undisclosed) 20 years since the Berlin wall has fallen…now we have new walls that need to be brought down…World is not rid of walls yet…. 09 Nov 2009 from web

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Some Twitter users shared photos from the events in Berlin:

"These blocks of wall will fall soon like dominos, in Berlin" from @sbink

"I love this! Dominos where the Berlin wall used to be that will be toppled during the celebrations tonight." from @des_pudels_kern

Tweet This Post

London train driver shortage upsets Twitter users

Nicole Hernandez — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:13:23 +0000

According to BBC, travelers have faced long delays after a driver shortage led to the cancellation of an entire rail route into London’s Kings Cross station on Sunday.

The weekend shifts are staffed voluntarily by drivers willing to work overtime and the First Capital Connect (FCC) confirmed that not enough staff had volunteered to work.

FCC says it was offering travelers free parking and running bus replacement services.

Twitter users are outraged by the inconvenience:

ChaiBENTO (Hemel Hempstead, UK) Uggh. Been on my way home from Brighton since 5. What normally takes 2 hours has spanned into 5 due to rail replacement. Thankyou London 08 Nov 2009 from API

jaygeearchitect (London) All trains from hastings to london delayed due to engineering works. A good start to the week. thank you Network Rail. 09 Nov 2009 from mobile web

mc_potts (London) Now in Newbury park. WTF?!?? Rail replacement randomness continues. 08 Nov 2009 from Echofon

LondonHam (London) Replacement rail service sucks. And …. You pay the same…. What we put up with 08 Nov 2009 from twibble

henrypipe (London) Furious that FCC have cancelled all rail services from Palmers Green today. Not enough drivers apparently. 08 Nov 2009 from web

MarinaLouca (Hemel Hempstead, UK) Rail replacement service. Oh gosh this has been a longggggg journey back and I’m still not home 08 Nov 2009 from Echofon

veritech (London) You know your in for a crappy trip when you see the words “rail replacement service” at a train station. 08 Nov 2009 from Tweed

Tweet This Post

Etihad voted world’s best airline

Fahad Zuberi — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:21:45 +0000

Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has been named the best airline in the world at this year’s World Travel Awards.

Gulf News reports, Etihad was voted the world’s leading airline by more than 180,000 travel industry professionals from over 175 countries. In addition to being named world’s leading airline, Etihad also picked up the award for leading First Class for the second year in a row.

Many Twitter users feel other airlines deserved the award.

kishorcariappa (Bangalore, India) News: Etihad voted the world’s best airline (Whatever happened to Emirates?) 09 Nov 2009 from web

mikezelin (Phooenix, Arizona) Not jazzed about seat pitch RT @Plane_Talking: Etihad voted the World’s Best Airline http://bit.ly/2QMGET 09 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

S3eeD (undisclosed location) RT @UAENews: Awards recognise Etihad as worlds best airline60: Etihad Airways was named the Worlds Leading Airline 09 Nov 2009 from UberTwitter

Etihad__Airways (undisclosed location) Etihad Airways has taken the top award at this year’s World Travel Awards, being voted World’s Leading Airline!!!! CONGRATULATIONS EY! 09 Nov 2009 from web

tn_comment (Abu Dhabi, UAE) Sky high: In the six short years since its launch, Etihad has not just shaped up it has flexed its muscles an.. http://bit.ly/1qqGtB 09 Nov 2009 from twitterfeed

Tweet This Post

Hurricane Ida causes deadly mudslides, floods in El Salvador

Lindsey Drakert — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:16:59 +0000

CNN reports that heavy rains from Hurricane Ida on Sunday caused floods and mudslides in El Salvador that left at least 130 people dead and about 60 people still missing by Monday afternoon. El Salvador’s government Web site said there were 108 landslides, 209 destroyed buildings and another 1,835 damaged ones.

Even though there weren’t many Twitter users to be found on the scene, the Twitter scene had an international reaction:

kishanmunroe (Bahamas) Condolences to all those who lost loved ones as a result of the flood disasters in El Salvador. 09 Nov 2009 from web

cheverexYO (Buffalo, NY) Just found out about the flood situation in El Salvador… nowhere near my familys place thankGod but my prayers are with everyone out there 09 Nov 2009 from web

LeilariTirado (Atlanta, GA) LA just declared a state of emergency & Atlanta is under a flood watch. 91 dead in El Salvador. Hurricane Ida is no joke!! 09 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

omarilu (Savannah, GA) So sad Thoughts are with the people RT @guanabee: Blog Post:Mudslide Buries The Entire Town Of Verapaz In El Salvador http://bit.ly/V6Vvz 09 Nov 2009 from web

andrealathrop (Undisclosed) Pray for El Salvador-91 dead, 7K homes destroyed, 60+ missing in flooding & mudslide disaster. 09 Nov 2009 from Echofon

TheNiteRain (Atlanta, GA) Please pray for those affected by Hurricane Ida. El Salvador was hit very badly. along with other central American countries 09 Nov 2009 from web

Tweet This Post

Twitter users react to recent increase in shootings

Lindsey Drakert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:29:18 +0000

After the shooting at Ford Hood, Texas Thursday that killed 13 people and the shooting in Orlando, Florida that killed at least one and injured several others Friday, Twitter users are taking notice of the increase in gun violence.

Twitterers, especially those in Florida, posted about how gun violence keeps getting closer to their homes:

alexthewheel (Winter Park, FL) @philososaurus def dude today there was a shooting in downtown orlando -_- s’getting too close to home now. it was work related too. 06 Nov 2009 from mobile web

SummerLynn (Orlando, FL) Shooting in Orlando. Such an awful thing happened here today. I am 10 miles from it and safe. My heart goes out to the victims here today. 06 Nov 2009 from web

NewBodyCoach (Orlando, FL) Not even the vacation capital is immune from mass shootings. Prayers go to all the victoms of downtown Orlando shooting. 06 Nov 2009 from Echofon

yaya27 (Orlando, FL) Omg wats up with all this shooting!! What’s wrong with America?? I think da world is ending!! 06 Nov 2009 from Twitterrific

Some Twitterers reflected on what this gun violence means:

Joecool169 (Undisclosed) Anybody else think men are predisposed to gun violence after this weeks killings? 07 Nov 2009 from txt

jeremeets (Central New York) 2nd round of gun violence in as many days…sad…current gun legislation does not work…maybe we should focus on that 06 Nov 2009 from web

Tweet This Post

Gunman opens fire at Florida office

Kari O'Rourke — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:57:30 +0000

A gunman opened fired at an office downtown Orlando, Florida, Friday morning killing one person and injuring five others.

BBC News reports that Orlando police identified the gunman as Jason Rodriguez, 40, who used to work there. He was arrested at his mother’s house after fleeing the scene.

Twitter users in the area shared their concerns on the trending topic:

scotymax (Orlando, Fla.) Holy smokes! Shootings at the office building where I work in Orlando. Just happened to take today off. 06 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

GarrickBoyd (Orlando, Fla.) Suspect in the Orlando office shootings, Jason Rodriguez, 40, silver 02 Nissan SUV D11UXR http://yfrog.com/j84jxj 06 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

JP_Renaud (Orlando, Fla.) Orlando Florida Legion Place shooting – businesses at this location: RS&H, Tews staffing, Gulfatlantic Tile, an attoryney’s office, etc. 06 Nov 2009 from web

CMHillard (Orlando, Fla.) The office of one of our engineering subcontractors was shot up this afternoon by some psycho!!! I hope Keith is okay!!! 06 Nov 2009 from web

sam_gardner (Orlando, Fla.) Last I heard, our 16th floor office has been evacuated, but the 7th floor is still locked in the building, but safe #orlandoshooting 06 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

ShirleyHuangESQ (Orlando, Fla.) News station reporting suspected Orlando office gunman said “They (his employer) left me to rot” (re: layoff). 06 Nov 2009 from DestroyTwitter

Krispykreme88 (Undisclosed) Scary – Lure office less than a mile from the shooting – thankful our design friends at Engauge are all safe! 06 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

riccaboni (Orlando, Fla.) My school & hospital were on locked down because some dude shot up an office building that was 5 blocks from my location. What is going on?! 06 Nov 2009 from web

Tweet This Post