tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post1793536007089951734..comments2024-01-16T04:38:10.648-08:00Comments on Coolred's Rant: Do the Drama and Impending Heart Attacks EVER End?!!!Coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-17021347884502677572009-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:002009-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:00Hey, if I can improve your financial situation in ...Hey, if I can improve your financial situation in anyway...<br><br>And stay tuned to America's Most Wanted featuring Tori Stafford, Canadian, missing since walking away from school in the company of the "white parka" woman...<br><br>I'm just sayin'... LOL :D<br><br>BTW if you are in the mood for (mostly) nasty Arabs kidnapping their children stories read Donya al-Nahi's "Heroine in the Desert" (fast read in the bookstore) or just google her name. She was finally stopped in her re-kidnap escapades by the Al-Habtoor family in Dubai.Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-53330221352468658212009-04-30T12:58:00.000-07:002009-04-30T12:58:00.000-07:00Nzingha...thats probably what I will do.Nzingha...thats probably what I will do.coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-89633540099339749312009-04-30T06:52:00.000-07:002009-04-30T06:52:00.000-07:00than bribe her to bring on those tears!! :) Honest...than bribe her to bring on those tears!! :) Honestly it would help her out. I would think between airline staff, airport staff, and travelling mothers like me, would go out of their way to help your children. <br><br>I would say send the younger two together because they may get more sympathy. it is a tough spot to be in.Nzinghahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915646056815128431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-82179054053787973512009-04-29T13:29:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:29:00.000-07:00or rather...Americas Most Wanted list...lolor rather...Americas Most Wanted list...lolcoolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-41439669106486985812009-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:00Chiara...Im a little concerned with all these &quo...Chiara...Im a little concerned with all these "escapes" you keep mentioning...next time Im at the embassy Im going to make it a point to check out Americans Most Wanted a little more closely...I hear they offer rewards...hee heecoolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-70934212245068612812009-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00I agree with getting the London airport itself to ...I agree with getting the London airport itself to do something, preferably arranged ahead eg. their own security system, or the chaplain's office (nice Muslim chaplain, should be happy to do it). <br><br>Or she could just walk up to the nearest female uniformed airport representative, or any female representative of any airline, and show her tickets with unaccompanied minor stamped all over them and ask to be helped to the departure area for the next part of the journey (hopefully no long stopover). <br><br>I have actually requested this type of help in one of my flying through the airport "escapes" to the connecting flight (Air Canada can't tell time, and doesn't know there is a one hour difference between Morocco and France). People were very helpful!!Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-85553202293880092372009-04-29T00:20:00.000-07:002009-04-29T00:20:00.000-07:00I was stationed in San Antonio during my basic tra...I was stationed in San Antonio during my basic training while in the military...all I remember was the heat (lol I thought it was hot...didnt know about Bahrain)...the River Walk...and the small fortune fast foods were charging us fast food starved newbies once we got a chance to escape the base...lol. <br><br>Chiara...emailing back and forth...so far doesnt look good. Oldest daughter will be coming for a visit along with her sibs...but she has a return tickect with KLM so wont be with them...unless we cancel and buy another ticket for her...which I cannot afford...as usual. argh!!!<br><br>Nzingha...NO WAY!!! Lol...I was just asking my daughter the same thing...but really no need to ask...while she doesnt like to cry..she can bring it on with the best of them when properly motivated. <br><br>I was also considering meeting her there...I might also add that my young son will be traveling back as well...either with her or with the older sis...depending on price and seat availability. Im thinking it would be better to travel with younger daughter...more sympathy and willingness to help....maybe?<br><br>This is sooooo confusing and hectic.coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-38525635360762759282009-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:002009-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:00Can your daughter cry good? Quite honestly that is...Can your daughter cry good? Quite honestly that is what I would do in London. Sit on the plane and cry :) Crying kids move the right people to go out of their way and do the right thing. At the very least she can get security to help her in London. <br><br>Or can you meet her in London? Or fly someone she knows to meet her there?Nzinghahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915646056815128431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-38806557096060360402009-04-28T19:20:00.000-07:002009-04-28T19:20:00.000-07:00Any update on your children flying back through Lo...Any update on your children flying back through London? Will the oldest daughter stay in Texas?Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-4249612326785768902009-04-28T15:09:00.000-07:002009-04-28T15:09:00.000-07:00I am a definite fan of San Antonio which is on my ...I am a definite fan of San Antonio which is on my list of cities to visit. <br>I don't spend much time (next to none) watching Dr Phil but I have seen enough to make the comments above from a professional viewpoint. <br>You ladies just have the hots for him, right? LOLChiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-67289833988883679482009-04-27T20:52:00.000-07:002009-04-27T20:52:00.000-07:00Ok Dr Phil...you have been raised up...knocked dow...Ok Dr Phil...you have been raised up...knocked down..and raised up again...and you didnt even know it..lol.<br><br>Dont worry...we got your back!!!coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-28691213504510127872009-04-27T19:38:00.000-07:002009-04-27T19:38:00.000-07:00I think there is some confusion here, I rarely get...I think there is some confusion here, I rarely get to see Dr.Phil, I have 3 kids 17, 4 and 10 so I am kept pretty busy. I really haven't seen many of his shows honestly, but the ones I have seen seem to make pretty good sense. He has some good ideas! My retarded sister says that for those of us who can't afford therapy this is a great show, ( I think she's being facetious). I have no idea what the impact of his show has on the people who decide to appear on it. There is a woman where I live that went on it and had a good time. I think I just like his personality myself, being from Texas myself, he is very laid back. I really haven't taken the time to analyze his show or it's impact on people. It's more entertainment for me than anything. People from Texas can be very laid back! Tejano music is good down there too! If you've never been to San Antonio you have to go!!!San Antonio Cicilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00643255307592038405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-67690545400402049322009-04-27T11:17:00.000-07:002009-04-27T11:17:00.000-07:00Coolred--re: the movie--someone too fabulous to be...Coolred--re: the movie--someone too fabulous to be anticipated yet! LOL :)<br><br>re: Dr Phil--I'm sure the participants do, and they hopefully are prepared ahead of time. However this is the kind of treatment in public that can have unanticipated impacts on people, most of whom are media naive. That is the reason a newspaper advice columnist has given for keeping all letters and replies confidential even when encouraged to use the names of the people.<br><br>I do think Dr. Phil does alot of educating, and as I said, he does provide the ongoing therapy people need. I was asked for my criticisms and so the comment is one-sided. At certain points people may need this kind of "wakeup" therapy, but many viewers seem to confuse it with all therapy. <br><br>Apologies to any of the good Dr's fans, if offended.Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-9391434939463430442009-04-26T20:29:00.000-07:002009-04-26T20:29:00.000-07:00Lisa...thank you for your kind thoughts. So far Iv...Lisa...thank you for your kind thoughts. So far Ive not had much luck...may actually have to fly to London to greet her and make it back...did I mention my 11 year old son will be with her too...so thats some added anxiety there. <br><br>Chiara...will wait to see it on the big screen...to get the full effect...now who will be playing your part? <br><br>btw on Dr Phils behalf and your list of complaints...I would guess the people who agree to be on his show are well aware of his methods etc...its what he's known for...so I guess they get what they came for...in other words?coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-68916210608109181772009-04-26T17:56:00.000-07:002009-04-26T17:56:00.000-07:00San Antonio Cicily--I believe I mis-spelled your n...San Antonio Cicily--I believe I mis-spelled your name previously. My apologies.Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-76474473382939831632009-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:002009-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:00San Antonio Cicely:Re: Dr. Phil--aside from his lo...San Antonio Cicely:<br>Re: Dr. Phil--aside from his looks (sorry), I think he uses an overly aggressive, confrontational approach, that works well only short term (in all cases, there are studies on this, including on the similarly aggressive method of Habib Davanloo, the late psychiatrist),and, in this situation, only where people are publically shamed into going along with it. He overly dramatizes family confict, and tends to ambush one or more members. His technique of forcing people into sitting face to face, knee to knee, makes for good television and poor therapy (and potential violence to the involved persons, and the therapist). Television therapy in general provides the illusion of quick fixes, and his folksly sayings while entertaining are overly reductionistic. He has been less than ethical (to say the least) in his approaches to Britney Spears, and Nadya Suleman (although ultimately better with her).<br><br>To his credit, he provides longer term therapy off camera, and acknowledges it is necessary. He also gives basic sound rundowns of certain problems, and encourages people to think positively about getting psychological help.<br><br>Thanks for the American Airlines info: in short optional UMNRs aged 15-17 cannot fly on the last flight of the day, and will not be accompanied through to connecting flights, but will be helped if an AA flight has a major delay. Good to know.Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-46939111764644431182009-04-26T17:17:00.000-07:002009-04-26T17:17:00.000-07:00Coolred--Moi? LOL :) The "escape" involv...Coolred--Moi? LOL :) <br>The "escape" involved my looking out the window as my Air Iran flight landed and seeing the great maple leaf on the tail of the Air Canada flight for the same day, whereas I was booked to stay over 24hrs in Frankfurt because of airline rules on time allowable between connecting flights. <br><br>In a welling of nationalism and homesickness I rarely feel, I decided to make that flight. So I memorized the seat card showing a map of the airport, prepared all my things, and got off the plane ASAP, then sprinted with everything (hijab, jellabah) flapping (I'm sure you know the feeling), and cursing the high heels (fortunately sturdy and only 2") through the airport, to the shuttle, through the next terminal and up to the Air Canada desk, where they were still boarding.<br><br>As I breathlessly explained my situation, and waved my ticket, the steward said, "Just wait until we finish boarding", and the stewardess said "We WILL get you on THIS plane", which is when I realized I looked like an escapee. I WAS boarded, to a First Class seat!!<br><br>Sometimes I love Air Canada!<br><br>Glad to here the US Embassy is helpful in extremis!Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-62663514761686534582009-04-26T11:22:00.000-07:002009-04-26T11:22:00.000-07:00Wow and they wonder why no one wants to fly on the...Wow and they wonder why no one wants to fly on their bankrupt airlines these days! This doesn't exactly instill a lot of confidence in American. And they can't even say that this is shady customer sevice agent isn't part of their hub airport, being that Dallas is it. Too bad, she can't get fired! I would love her job-there are a lot of perks to working for the airlnes.<br><br>I wish it wasn't too late to avoid going through Heathrow all together, and maybe look at some other options for layovers. Heck, landing in Burkina Faso sounds better at this point. Qantas has great service and has never crashed, maybe that's a good option to let her go through Australia, and put your mind at ease at least a little.<br><br>I'm always praying or you sister. I think I may know the nice gentleman who helped you. Mashallah he is wonderful. Love you dear.Yaseminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09511727103777114798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-64560076151372347442009-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:002009-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:00Ok Chiara what is it you don't like about Dr.P...Ok Chiara what is it you don't like about Dr.Phil? I'm just curious!San Antonio Cicilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00643255307592038405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-12650463070556198432009-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:002009-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:00Chiara...how come picturing you "escaping&quo...Chiara...how come picturing you "escaping" some place or another is very easy to do...hmmm?<br><br>Well...Ive heard stories that the American Embassy will jump to action if your involved in altercations with the nationals...killed some of late...or just make a national nuisance of yourself (very embarrassing) but when it comes to the more personal type problems...they have a hard time even answering the phone...or calling you back despite repeated messages...sigh!coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-31846464090681841052009-04-25T13:33:00.000-07:002009-04-25T13:33:00.000-07:00Given the recent fiascos with unaccompanied minors...Given the recent fiascos with unaccompanied minors, some airlines have eliminated the service, and the others restrict it--not the last flight in the day, and most recently NO TRANFERS. Each airline takes responsibility for only a NON-STOP flight, which is why you can deplane in a German airport (Frankfurt?--know that one well, spent 9 hrs there reading, then sprinted through it in full Islamic regalia and high heels on the return flight "escaping" from Iran--very nice service though) and then be expected to make your own way to the next non-stop flight where you will be accompanied. <br><br>It seems no one thought (or the legal team stopped the thinking) about the fact that this would occur or that they are legally obliged to turn the minor over to a pre-approved person, where ever that person is in the airport. My best guess, aside from law 101, is that they are used to accompanying younger minors, especially on Gulf Air.<br><br>Could the London Airport itself--Heathrow that bane of all travellers-- through their customer service, special assistance, or whatever provide the transfer for your daughter? or through the airport chaplain (including Muslim) service? They do have chaplains of a number of faiths, including Muslim, I checked.<br><br>With all due respect to my American friends, the illusion that the Embassy can do alot for you is just that, and more prevalent among Americans than other nationalities. If I'm ever in extremis I'll be waving my Italian passport because they will bribe, I mean ransom, I mean negotiate you out, whereas the current Canadian government prefers to let people rot.<br><br>Why talk to Dr Phil when San Antonio and I can feed you the lines? :)Chiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-85588053150005608162009-04-24T23:55:00.000-07:002009-04-24T23:55:00.000-07:00Chiara...the London transfer is my big worry for t...Chiara...the London transfer is my big worry for the return trip...but I dont know anybody there that could help her through...I hope I can have her assigned as such from AA's side and they can see her through...then it doesnt matter after that as I know people in the airport here that will bring her through to me.<br><br>Janice...I agree...it seems like policy can be waived for just a moment when a child is involved. <br><br>Susanne...Im working on it. <br><br>San Antonio...you can ask dont worry...for various reasons we need to be here for the moment so its better she comes back to me...just for peace of mind for the most part. <br><br>Everyone asks about the American Embassy and why they dont "help" for various problems....dont know about A.E. in the rest of the world but the one here has a large sign that clearly indicates what they DONT provide as services for American citizens...you'd be surprised at some of the things on that list...rather funny actually...and not at the same time.<br><br>Nope, wasnt Dr Phil...bu I wouldnt mind a little one on one with himl...he might sort me once and for all...at least he could show me how to "get real" about my life.<br><br>Ange...that is absolutely correct. Even the smallest of services has to be taken by force it seems. <br><br><br>Terri...my only reason for "excuse" for booking with Gulf Air (wouldnt be my first choice either) is that I wasnt paying and I was concerned about the costs etc...so I chose it as it currently has the cheapest ticket prices. I should have checked and rechecked about the unaccompanied minor service "all the way through"...as I have learned that you the customer must bring every detail up and not just assume anything...hard lesson to relearn.coolred38http://www.blogger.com/profile/07502256532402473484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-85332373416373928152009-04-24T20:06:00.000-07:002009-04-24T20:06:00.000-07:00Why are you surprised? You've been living in ...Why are you surprised? You've been living in the ME for how long? I've been actually living in SA a few months and know that NOTHING is guaranteed...they DO NOT understand how to conduct a sevrice minded business...they DO NOT CARE about doing a good job or even doing it correctly...that no one wants to take responsibility when things go wrong and take care of it...dang near nothing is done on the basis of common sense. <br><br>I do have experience with this as my now 19 yr old son has traveled unaccompanied (numerous times; at least 40 times) to visit relatives since he was 6, and to visit me 3 times a year when he went to live with his dad at age 10; he even flew back to the US from Sweden unaccompanied...with no problems. <br><br>You booked with Gulf Air...and that was probably your biggest mistake; then to switch carriers in which Gulf Air would have no responsibility and could wash their hands once she was off their airline is so typical of the mentality I find down here. <br><br>I feel for your frustration...but the stress isn't worth any extra money you may have saved by routing her in this manner.<br><br>Even though she is going through Terminal 5 and yes, that terminal is huge and confusing...at least when you asks someone for help (and there are plenty of BA counters for that) she will actually get it. At least that has been my experience.<br><br>Sounds like you're more upset at AA versus Gulf Air...which is where the mistake was made. How could an airline NOT have the child escorted all the way through? It's just stupid and lacking in common sense. IDK, even someone with limited mental capabilities would understand that an unaccompanied minor requires an escort throughout the entire journey. And, then AA is suppose to pick up the ball (when they have a service fee for this extra service) when the ticket wasn't purchased through them.<br><br>Well...I'm glad to hear that your daughter arrived safe and sound.Terri's Spacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-21774129209170610002009-04-24T19:53:00.000-07:002009-04-24T19:53:00.000-07:00a lot of people work to get paid and dont care abo...a lot of people work to get paid and dont care about their jobs. they are just there for the wage. which means shitty service alot of the time*~Ange~*http://www.blogger.com/profile/03751004141029620703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729473620051154675.post-70084115769097848432009-04-24T19:52:00.000-07:002009-04-24T19:52:00.000-07:00Oh by the way it wasn't Dr.Phil that helped yo...Oh by the way it wasn't Dr.Phil that helped you out was it. "This is gonna be a turning point in Ur life". Just kidding! That was a joke!San Antonio Cicilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00643255307592038405noreply@blogger.com