Cuban taekwondo athlete kicks referee

Oh my goodness! When we saw this, I thought we were watching some Hollywood movie where tempers flare everywhere. This Cuban taekwondo athlete would be banned permanently in all World Taekwondo Federation competition. Angel Valodia Matos, together with his coach would be banned, that is. I've read here that all details/records of this athlete will be deleted from the Beijing Olympics! Imagine all his hard work lost because of him and his inability to cope with his temper.

Conquer the fear of flying

Today I read about this course to overcome fear of flying. Imagine they say that about 1 in 4 persons are afraid of flying. My boyfriend had this as well, so I immediately told him about this course. He's not as scared of flying anymore though. I told him that the more you fly the less scared one gets.

I guess in a way taking courses from experts can make one more excited about flying, and make flying a comfortable experience. I know a lot out there love going to new places. But, sometimes the actual travel method can be a bit too much. Imagine 15 hours straight flight. It can wear out one's body, it can drain the mind. Having a positive outlook to flying can help alleviate all these travel-related stress. (I guess flying business or first class would help as well!).

Knowing the ins and outs of the aviation industry could possibly help. Sometimes it's all in the mind. And, that is a pretty big thing to conquer.

Photo from: http://flickr.com/photos/georgedthompson/

A hole in the plane

Have you heard about Qantas' emergency landing today, in Manila? It's one of the scariest experience that one could experience flying on a 'holed' aircraft.

The flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne, heard a big bang midway after taking off from Hong Kong, and have experienced decompression in the cabin. Apparently the reason for this was the hole in the aircraft, exposing a bit of the baggage, with a gush of air entering the cabin. The aircraft plunged about 20,000 metres after the said bang. The cabin crew were able to control the situation and it was reported that every passenger remained calm. Based on interviews of passengers, one mentioned that she did not feel that the crew were not in control, and so this obviously helped people to remain calm and not panic. Although the situation posed a bit of concern, as it could have potentially knocked unconscious the passengers onboard. Luckily, none of the passengers or crew were injured and the plane was able to urgently and safely land into Manila International airport.

Qantas is still undergoing investigations regarding this incident. One can read more about this here.

First wedding on top of the Harbour Bridge

This week, rain poured nonstop. As I write, it is still raining, the wind howling and raindrops tapping on my window. Pretty much since monday (or was it sunday?), we haven't seen the sun. And I hear it will be so up til the weekend.

The gloomy weather, rainy day did not stop a couple from getting married on top the Harbour Bridge! It was a first in the bridge's history to actually hold an official wedding on the bridge. Scottish tourists, Tierney and Tullan exchanged vows on the 3rd of June. It was something that the lady apparently has always dreamed her wedding to be! This officially marks the harbour bridge opening to such wedding ceremonies. If this was your dream as well, then you should visit BridgeClimb's website for more details. It's not for everyone of course. I know I still want a traditional church wedding one day!

Note: You still get strapped on to secure bolts and chains and make your way up on a harness. And, no wearing of gowns or jewelry on top of the bridge, just the black jumpsuit! Minimalist wedding! Saves you on a lot of things... and, you have a whole city for a witness!