Airborne Connections

I'm aboard Japan Airlines Flight 6. JAL is one of the airlines that outfitted many of its long haul airliners with live Internet service, thanks to Boeing's substantial investment in the satellite-based technology. Unfortunately Boeing announced that they'll terminate service at the end of this year, marking a giant step backwards in human progress.

Two kids are sitting near me, and they've been quite animated the whole trip. Thus sleep will have to wait. There's a Japanese gentleman sitting one row back, and occasionally, rarely, he visits mom and the kids. He's the father I guess. He sleeps just fine while mom handles the tykes.

This little glimpse into Japanese airborne household life brought to you by Boeing and JAL, live as it happens. I'll order some shochu now. Maybe that'll work. Kids are great, except when they're not your relations.

Hi, KK!

Democratic Politics

Several people in the Philippines asked me about the U.S. election. Everyone I met who brought up the subject is pleased with the result.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a "100 hour" agenda which she promises, and her list isn't bad. If the Democrats are going to pass a minimum wage increase then it ought to be indexed to inflation, but that's a quibble. In the next 100 hours, how about fixing the broken election system? There's a simple fix: adopt Oregon's vote-by-mail system nationally. Does anyone have a cogent, reasoned argument against vote-by-mail? It looks like a great system.

The $5 Haircut

I just got back from Manila tonight. This morning, before I left, I got rid of my shaggy mane. There's a huge shopping mall near the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. On the 3rd floor there's a full service haircutting shop. "Ricky Eyes" is the name, I think.

For 180 pesos (about $3.60) you get a haircut including straight razor finishing (sides, back, and around the ears), shampoo, blow dry, and back/shoulder massage. Two people take care of you during the 45 minute process.

I was so impressed I left an extra 70 pesos. Tipping is not required in the Philippines.

The Japan Airlines Class System

With more than 12 years of business travel, no airline has ever bestowed me with top tier elite status. That's probably because I don't choose an airline flight based on frequent flyer benefits. Instead I choose flights based on a convenient schedule, friendly and professional service, and sensible fares — you know, the characteristics U.S. airlines forgot.

This year is different. I signed up for Japan Mileage Bank (JMB) at the beginning of the year, expecting I would fly Japan Airlines frequently, maybe too frequently. I've steadily moved up the multi-tier JAL class system: Crystal (25,000 miles), Sapphire (50,000 miles), Sapphire plus Japan Global Club, and now Japan Global Club Premier (70,000 miles). By the end of November I will qualify for Diamond (100,000 miles), which means I receive a key to the executive washroom or something.

What an insane amount of flying.