Cell Phones on airplanes? a generational divide

Whether or not to allow cell phone usage on airplanes was the focus of a recent survey. The survey revealed that the tech-challenged Traditionalists and the Baby Boomer generation clearly want to keep the devices turned off and stowed during flights. However the Instant Messaging Generations X and Y are ready to end this ban.

Cell phones are banned on airplanes in flight due to the impact they would have on cell towers. With a high altitude plane a single cell phone could hit bounce it’s signal off hundreds of towers. However once a plane is in the final stages of landing their is no danger for their use according to many expert. The major pilot unions have continued to ask government authorities to ban there use anytime the plane’s door is closed is related to safety, not cell tower impact. They provide a distraction to the flight crew preventing the passengers, who are always riveted to any announcements being made, from clearly hearing them.

Generation X and Y, according to industry sources, will continue to have to sneak the IMs when the flight attendants are looking the other way.

Culture Clash: LA and PR

If you have ever been to Puerto Rico you know that after midnight street lights are considered to be little more than yield signs. It’s not illegal to proceed even when a light is red. Consider this comical piece the next time you are caught off guard when your local culture differs from the prevailing culture.

Starbucks cannot compete in Australia

Starbucks has virtually left the land under saying they cannot compete due to the continent’s sophisticated coffee culture. They are closing all but 23 outlets after admitting defeat in their drive to hydrate thirsty Aussies.

The reason: Australia’s diverse population had already elevated the tastes of java lovers. Espressos and cappuccinos are common place in a land that has been brewing delicious blends since post-World War II migration upped the palates of the average Australian.

The sophistication of the Australian coffee aficionado is so strong they are turned off by one simple piece of the Starbucks formula – having teens prepare the cups. To an Australian it takes experience to be able to get the brew just right.

The chain will now be limited to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne in an attempt to continue to brag about the intercontinental affection for its products.

Is it okay or not?

Although he couldn’t speak the native language, when someone did something good for him on his around the world trip, he gave them the USA’s ok hand signal. In Japan they were happy, but in France they were mad and in Russia they seemed ashamed.

Why?

For the answer, click here.

What do I do with my shoes?

When visiting someone's home, what do you do with your shoes when entering their home? Match the location with the appropriate action.

1) Canada
2) Hawaii
3) 48 states

a) Take-off
b) Leave on
c) Neither

Why?

Click here for the answers.

It’s official – children need cake!

According to Greek physicians there is a tremendous health benefit to feeding young children cake. This is good news for health cultures and the young parents of Generation Y.

The doctors have found heat to modify some egg allergens making the eating of cake essential for children to overcome egg allergies. Research by the University of Athens 90 percent of children with egg allergies could tolerate eggs baked in a cake. After a diet of cake, the children were then able to eat whole eggs without eczema or itching.

Gen Y buying homes at a younger age

Generation Y is buying homes at a younger age than their predecessors in Generation X and the Baby Boomers. This, according to McClatchy Newspapers, is a result of the influences that have created an attitude among the generation that they deserve life’s rewards without paying their dues.

The generation is looking for modern, open space homes that are generally smaller than their parents’ homes, according to the newspaper.

The article failed to mention the fact that it is a buyer’s market with low home prices as potentially being a contributing factor.