May 13.2006 Eastern

[Piglet_Pooh99]

A friend of ours is a pilot for AA and he was telling us about the new passports that will be coming out. He was making it sound like all new ones after October approx of this year would have them but I just did a search for the new one and I found this article. The new ones with a smart chip in it and everything won't fully be released till later in 06. i'm bummed, i wanted the new one. I guess in 10 years when I renew mine I'll finally get it. Hopefully i'm able to send in our applications in the next 2-3 months. Luckily the kids aren't going.

http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,103864,00.html

Katie

 

[DrCavin]

A friend of ours is a pilot for AA and he was telling us about the new passports that will be coming out. He was making it sound like all new ones after October approx of this year would have them but I just did a search for the new one and I found this article. The new ones with a smart chip in it and everything won't fully be released till later in 06. i'm bummed, i wanted the new one. I guess in 10 years when I renew mine I'll finally get it. Hopefully i'm able to send in our applications in the next 2-3 months. Luckily the kids aren't going.

http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,103864,00.html

Katie

They were supposed to have implemented that technology Jan 1, 2005, but decided to hold off. It is an RFID tag that is used to store the data. Wal-Mart & others are requiring it's suppliers to use RFID tags in the near future to help with inventory. We have looked at using it here at work, but it is still pretty pricey.

The tag is similar to a barcode expect that you do not physically have to point a scanning device at the label, it transmits a radio frequency that is picked up by a receiving device when the item passes near.

Originally they were not going to have any security so anyone with a receiving device could get your data by being within a few feet of your passport!!! Looks like they are taking measures to prevent this now, so maybe that was why they did not implement in 2005.

 

[SQUIGGLE]

I thought I heard there was an article in USA Today that passports won't be needed for the Caribbean December 31, 2005; the schedule is being moved back. Sorry, I don't know if it was an "official" announcement.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

fran

 

[cass'mom]

fran, I read the same thing...it's a thread I believe as well? Then I read that the cruise ships could require passports even if the government doesn't? I just really wish we would get some real and final information as it's driving me nuts. Or I wish money wasn't such an issue and I'd just go buy the stupid things!

Have good weekend everyone!

 

[DrCavin]

We are just going to get them & be done with it. My DW thinks we are going to Ireland next summer, so we would need them anyway...

Hope no one in our "group" has been affected by the terrible diaster down south....

 

[DrCavin]

Well the State Department has released the new proposed time-line for passport requirements.... We will NOT be required to have them for our May '06 cruise.. Won't get into the debate whether it is better to have one or not

Here is a link to the proposed time-line:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html

Cruise is getting closer, once we get through winter it will be here in a flash!!

 

[SQUIGGLE]

Been busy moving the past few days; but have seen the news of the devastation on the Gulf Coast. I too hope none of our "group" or families/friends has been hurt by it.

Everyone have a nice Holiday weekend.

fran

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Hi all,
Hope everyone is doing well. My heart goes out to any and all affected by Katrina. Hope your move went well, Fran.

On the topic of our cruise, I have finally earned enough Hilton Honors points to make us eligible for a pre-cruise hotel room. I have read Dave's site and checked out TripAdvisor, etc., and decided to go with the Hampton Inn in Cocoa Beach. Has anyone stayed there? I would love to hear about your experiences. I still have plenty of time to change...

 

[SQUIGGLE]

We've stayed at the Radisson a few times and it worked out well. I'd like to see about this new resort going up near the Radisson. I thought I heard it is to open in the late Fall.

Move went well - thanks. Now the putting away part!

Hey! We are a month closer!

fran

 

[DrCavin]

Just a shameless bump to make this quicker to find...

 

[cass'mom]

Just a shameless bump to make this quicker to find...

Good idea!! Thanks! I hope everyone is doing well...

Have a great weekend!

 

[SQUIGGLE]

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Why does May 13 seem soooo far away?

fran

 

[DrCavin]

Seems a lot closer than it did in June

 

[cass'mom]

I'll be more happy in 35 days, cuz then we'll see Dr. Cavin's counter go down to under 200 days!

 

[SQUIGGLE]

My, my need to get this thread back on page 1.

In just 73 days we will be at WDW for our annual Christmas present to us. Then we need to get serious about the cruise. Under 200 days sure sounds good!

Everyone have a nice weekend.

fran

 

[DrCavin]

I'll be more happy in 35 days, cuz then we'll see Dr. Cavin's counter go down to under 200 days!

My counter is based on arriving in Florida May 12, 2006.. We only have winter to get through...

 

[SQUIGGLE]

One more month down!

fran

 

[Piglet_Pooh99]

Our glorious Disney Magic is here in Virginia. The Wonder was here last year for a coupld days and the Magic just pulled in a couple days ago. Its in the shipyards in Norfolk. What a glorious site she is!! My husbands office is directly accoross the river from it. I'm going to send him with the camera tomorrow (he forgot to take it today) to take pictures of it. Its so incredible to see that ship out of water. Its so big! Coming from Norfolk to Portsmouth on the freeway that I was on you come over this hill and right in front of you is this glorious ship!! I makes my heart just race whenever I see it. I'll post the link to my site as soon as I get them uploaded! Hope you are all having a wonderful week. I know i'm enjoying the cooler weather. Its just been too hot here. Looking forward to Winter! Talk to you all soon!

Katie

 

[DrCavin]

I know i'm enjoying the cooler weather. Its just been too hot here. Looking forward to Winter! Talk to you all soon!

Katie

Bite your tounge.. Never too hot!!!!! We are supposed to have a low of 38 on Friday or Saturday...

 

[Piglet_Pooh99]

Hey I miss the cold weather. I'm from farther north then you are. I'm from Michigan an hour north of Detroit so we got all sorts of lovely wintery weather there. And my husband and I both miss it. We had two winters here now we miss it up there. Luckily we still go back to Michigan for Christmas so we still at least get a white christmas. The humidity is what the killer is here. The 90 degree's doesn't bother me as long as there isn't any humidity but we are never that lucky.

Katie