SNAPSHOTS

AN ORNAMENT FOR SALE AT THE ANNUAL CHRISTKINDELSMAERIK, WHICH OPENED THIS WEEKEND IN STRASBOURG, FRANCE. THE MARKET HAS BEEN HELD EVERY YEAR SINCE 1570.

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MUSIC/ THE KILLERS & TAKE THAT TOP UK CHARTS

The Killers have scored their 3rd #1 album in the UK with "Day & Age," beating Guns N' Roses heavily-anticipated new album. Axl Rose's "Chinese Democracy," rumoured to be the most expensive album ever recorded, landed at #2. Other new entries came from X Factor star Rhydian at #3 and Priests, 3 actual Irish priests, at #5. Take That entered the singles chart at #1 with "Greatest Day," knocking Beyonce's "If I Were A Boy" to #2 after a week at the top. The band have now scored 11 UK #1's, and their new album "The Circus" is expected to enter the album chart at the same position next week. Their closest rival is Britney Spears, whose album is also called "Circus". Her current single, "Womanizer," rose 2 places to #7 this week. Same Difference, who are alumni of last year's X Factor, provided the 2nd highest new entry in this week's single chart, as "We R One" goes in at #13. McFly also scored a new entry at #18 with double A-side "Do Ya" / "Stay With Me," which is raising money for Children In Need. Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson fared less well, however, with his debut single "Get Up On The Dance Floor" only making #30.

AVIATION/ VILDANDEN SAAB CATCHES FIRE

A VILDANDEN AIRLINES Saab 340B was on Scheduled Domestic Service from Bergen to Skien, Norway, this evening, when it caught fire while on its takeoff roll. At 5:30pm, local time, while on its takeoff roll, the passenger cabin began to fill with smoke. According to a passenger onboard, a visible fire was seen in one engine. The crew were able to bring the aircraft to a stop n the runway, and all 25 passengers and 3 crew members were evacuated without injury. The incident is under investigation by both Vildanden and Norweigan Aviation Authorities.

AVIATION/ ANZ CRASH A320 CVR RECOVERED

French search divers have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the AIR NEW ZEALAND A320 that crashed on Thursday in the Mediterranean killing all 7 crew members onboard. The A320 was on Test Flight 888T out of Perpignan, France, when it crashed on approach to Perpignan. An eyewitness reported that the aircraft suddenly reared upwards, then descended in a fast left turn, before hitting the sea. More than 40 divers have been searching the sea for bodies and wreckage. Only 2 of the 7 bodies have thus far been found. According to officials, the recorder appears to be in good condition. French Authorities said this marks a significant step in the process of understanding what caused this tragic accident. The search continues for the flight data recorder. Reports say that some of the debris had drifted towards the Spanish coastline, about 20 miles from the crash site. Airbus said the plane had been built in 2005 and had accumulated about 7,000 hours of flying time. The A320 that crashed had been undergoing maintenance after being leased by ANZ to XL AIRWAYS. The aircraft was due to re-enter service for ANZ next month. The A320 is a single-aisle aircraft that can seat about 150 passengers and is one of the most popular Airbus jets in use.

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

THAI AIRPORT CRISIS ENTERS 6TH DAY: Tensions continued to rise in Bangkok as thousands of anti-government protesters occupied the city's two main airports for a 6th day. Police said they were negotiating with the group, as experts warned of soaring economic losses from the blockade. Some 100,000 passengers remain stranded in the Thai capital. Some countries are putting on flights to bring them home. Spain has chartered 3 airliners to fly to Bangkok to pick up citizens, while Australian Airline QANTAS has set up special charters. Demonstrators want the government to step down, accusing it of being corrupt and hostile to the monarchy. Early today, police at the domestic Airport, Don Mueang, issued a fresh order to protesters to leave the terminal. Similar orders have already been issued and ignored at both occupied airports and, say correspondents, few believe that police have the will to enforce them. Most countries are advising that travel to Thailand be postponed.
INCIDENTS
SWISS AIRLINES FLIGHT 138: The A340 was on Scheduled Service from Zurich, Switzerland, to Hong Kong, when it had to make an emergency landing in Urumqui, China, early this morning. Flight 138, with 228 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency after a smoke alert went off for 1 of the airliners restrooms. The A340 landed without incident, and the aircraft is currently being inspected for the source and cause of the alert. The aircraft will be removed from service until that cause can be determined and repairs completed, if necessary. Swiss will investigate the incident.
WIZZ AIR FLIGHT 753: The A320 departed Bucharest's Baneasa Airport yesterday, November 29, with 141 passengers and crew onboard, for a flight to Valencia, Spain. While climbing thru 4500 feet, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds, followed by a loud bang from the left hand engine. The crew declared an emergency after the engine began to vibrate. After shutting down the engine, the crew landed at Bucharest's Otopi International Airport without incident, about 12 minutes after its initial takeoff. The A320 has been removed from service for inspection and repair. Wizz is investigating the incident.
MESA AIRLINES FLIGHT 7053: The Dash 8-200, on a flight on behalf of UNITED EXPRESS, was on service from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Denver, Colorado, when it had to make an emergency return to Rapid City, on Friday, November 28. For reasons unknown, on its initial climb out of Rapid City, the crew shut down 1 engine and declared the emergency. The aircraft landed without incident, however it had to be towed off the runway. The Dash has been removed from service. Mesa is investigating the incident.

SNAPSHOTS

A SPIDERWEB IS ENCASED IN ICE AFTER FREEZING RAIN FELL THIS MORNING IN LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM.

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MUSIC HISTORY/ 30 YEARS AGO

1. YOU DONT BRING ME FLOWERS--STREISAND & DIAMOND
2. MACARTHUR PARK--DONNA SUMMER
3. HOW MUCH I FEEL--AMBROSIA
4. LE FREAK--CHIC
5. I JUST WANNA STOP--GINO VANELLI
6. DOUBLE VISION--FOREIGNER
7. I LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE--ALICIA BRIDGES
8. TIME PASSAGES--AL STEWART
9. MY LIFE--BILLY JOEL
10. SHARING THE NIGHT TOGETHER--DR HOOK

TV/ TOP 10 PROGRAMS 11-29-08

1. SURVIVOR GABON (CBS)
2. THE AMAZING RACE (CBS)
3. MONARCHY: THE ROYAL FAMILY AT WORK (PBS)
4. CSI (CBS)
5. 2008 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (ABC) *
6. THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (CBS)
7. CHUCK (NBC)
8. DR G:MEDICAL EXAMINER (Discovery Health)
9. HEROES (NBC)
10. GARY UNMARRIED (CBS)

*--One Off Special

US NEWS/ REGIS, THE DOG, DIES AT 13

A dog whose owner perished after trying to rescue the animal from a fire has died. Regis, a 13-year-old German Shepherd mix, died early Thanksgiving Day, officials in Cicero, Illinois, said late last evening. The dog had was being cared for by the Waggin' Tails animal shelter after being treated by Dr. Cesar Agustin of the A-American Veterinary Clinic in Oak Park. Regis' owner, John Petrik, 68, died of a heart attack after a November 12 fire in his home in Cicero. Officials had said police had to forcibly remove Petrik from the home about 2:00am, because he had refused to leave, saying he didn't want to abandon his dog. Petrik suffered the attack in a police car as firefighters went into the house and saved the dog. Regis had suffered burns and smoke inhalation and initially was placed in intensive care in the veterinary hospital. By the following day, officials said, the dog's condition had greatly improved. But Regis also had been suffering from kidney failure, officials said, and had been receiving around-the-clock care for his maladies before dying. "It is obviously not the happy ending we were all hoping for," Cicero Town President Larry Dominick said in a statement. "As a dog owner, I understand that a pet like Regis becomes part of one's family -- and with his trials over the last few weeks, Regis became like a family member to all of us. I take solace in the fact that Regis passed without pain with loving caregivers tending to him and in the knowledge that he has now rejoined his owner, Mr. Petrik." The family of John Petrik said in a statement, "Our family would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt support,prayers and concerns for our Brother/Uncle John Petrik and Regis. We feel that Regis longed to be with his master even with all the wonderful care he received from everyone involved in trying to rehabilitate Regis. Again, thank you to everyone and God Bless".

WORLD NEWS/ MUMBAI SIEGE COMES TO AN END

The siege at Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel is over, officials say, 3 days after deadly attacks struck the city. A dozen suspected terrorists hit 10 sites around Mumbai on Wednesday night, and the last holdout was the Taj hotel. Police commissioner Hassan Gafoor said now that the hotel was under their control. "All combat operations are over. All the terrorists have been killed." Commandos began a new assault early today, aimed at ending fighting that has claimed at least 195 lives, with at least 22 of those dead said to be foreigners. At least 6 Americans are known to have died. Another 295 people have suffered minor to critical injuries. The death toll is expected to rise as officials begin a wide search thru the 565 rooms at the Taj. Extremely heavy and sustained gunfire was heard inside the Taj Mahal Palace hotel shortly before 7:30am, local time, as soldiers rushed into the lobby in a bid to flush out the remaining few gunmen. Firefighters then worked to contain fierce flames and thick smoke that billowed from the building's lower floors. Some in India described this as India's 9/11, and are beginning to demand answers on who is responsible, and how such a large and coordinated attack could take place to begin with. India's foreign minister has said "elements with links to Pakistan" were involved in the attacks on Mumbai. However, his Pakistani counterpart has urged India not to bring politics into the issue, saying "we should join hands to defeat the enemy".

AVIATION/ FIRST FLIGHT OF ARJ21 SUCCESSFUL

China has successfully flight tested its first home-grown commercial airliner. The ARJ-21's maiden flight lasted 1 hour and the aircraft did not rise above 900 metres in altitude due to safety reasons. The 90-seat jet flew out of a local Shanghai airport and its manufacturer expects it to fly distances up to 3700km. Each jet will cost $27m and first deliveries are expected to take place within 18 months. The plane is being manufactured in Shanghai. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China say they have secured over 200 orders. General Manager Jin Zhuanglong said: "With less fuel consumption and longer flight hours, the ARJ-21 will reduce air fares by 8% to 10% for Chinese Airlines, most of whom currently use large aircraft above 140 seats on short and medium routes." Zhao Peng, one of the 3 test Pilots onboard, said "The jet was normal and the flight was smooth." The jet will face competition from international manufacturers such as Bombardier, Embraer, Airbus and Boeing.

AVIATION/ NWAIR LTD JS31 CRASH LANDS IN NT

NORTHWESTERN AIR LTD Flight 734 was on Scheduled Domestic Jetstream 31 Service from Hay River to Fort Smith, NT, Canada, when it crash landed at Fort Smith, on Thursday, November 27. Flight 734, with 4 passengers and 2 crew members onboard, had to abort the 1st attempt at landing on runway 11. On their 2nd approach in fog, this time to runway 29, the aircraft broke out of the clouds at 400 feet with a right wing low attitude. The crew then rolled the aircraft to the left, which then caused the left wing tip and left main gear to impact the runway, and were torn off. The left hand propeller also was damaged, which resulted in fuel beginning to spill. Once the aircraft came to a stop, the 6 passengers and crew were able to deplane. No one was injured in the incident. Officials report the overall damage to the aircraft as substantial and may have to be written off. Both the Canadian Transportation Board and the Airline are investigating the crash.

AVIATION/ ANZ A320 BLACK BOXES LOCATED

Search teams found the flight recorders yesterday from an Airbus A320 passenger jet that crashed off France's southern coast, killing 2 crew members and leaving 5 others missing and feared dead, officials said. Divers were on track to locate the full wreckage of the jet state prosecutor Dominique Alzeari said. AIR NEW ZEALAND Flight 888T was on the Test Flight out of Perpignan, France, location of the EAS maintenance facility, with 7 crew members onboard, when it crashed into the sea without warning, while on approach to Perpignan, on Thursday, November 27. According to officials, the crew sent no warning or distress signals. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft suddenly veered upright, and then crashed into the waters moments later. The A320 had been under lease to XL AIRWAYS, and prior to return to ANZ, was undergoing a full maintenance check. The aircraft was due to return to passenger service next month. While the search for survivors was called off yesterday morning, due to strong winds and choppy seas, the hunt for the plane continued. French authorities deployed 15 boats, 14 divers, a helicopter, a navy aircraft, and a ship equipped to sweep for mines and other metal objects at the crash site about 12.5 miles off the coast, officials said. While the location of the recorders is now known, they have not been brought to the surface as of this morning. The US NTSB announced yesterday that they were sending a team to Perpignan to assist others in the investigation.

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

TEST FLIGHT GOES AWRY ON CRJ900: A BOMBARDIER CRJ900 was on a customer acceptance Flight out of Montreal Mirabel Airport in Canada, when it ran into multiple problems while inflight, on Sunday, November 23. The aircraft, with 5 passengers and crew onboard, was about 73 miles NW of Montreal at 15000 feet, when the crew reported a loud noise in the cockpit area. This was followed by an uncommanded movement of the windshield wipers and multiple caution messages from anti-skid and inboard & outboard brakes pressure. The crew performed a full computer diagnostics, which revealed multiple system faults. The crew declared and emergency and returned to Mirabel, where it landed without injury. Upon landing, multiple circuit breakers popped. An inspection revealed some wiring in the forward bulkhead was shorted and burned. Bombardier has not established a cause of the incident, and is investigating. The customer for this specific jet was not identified.

THAI STANDOFF CONTINUES: Protesters have forced Thai police to abandon a checkpoint as the authorities try to end a blockade of Bangkok's Airports that has lasted several days. The confrontation at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which came as police tried to prevent more protesters arriving, ended without violence. The police have said they will continue trying to regain control of the sites. But the protesters say they will not leave until PM Somchai Wongsawat resigns, which he has refused to do. A state of emergency has been declared at both Suvarnabhumi and the smaller, domestic Don Mueang Airport. Thousands of travellers remain stranded in Bangkok as a result of the blockade, which officials say is costing the country's economy millions of dollars every day. Airlines started flying passengers out of a naval airbase 90 miles from the city yesterday, but reports suggested that confusion and delays continued.

"ALOHA" MAY RETURN TO SKIES: ALOHA AIRLINES may grace Hawai'i's skies once again, though this time the name would be used by the bankrupt carrier's one-time nemesis, the owner of GO! interisland Airlines. Mesa Air Group announced it had reached an agreement with the former controlling shareholder of Aloha Airlines that includes the possible use of the name. Mesa, the owner of go!, said the agreement includes it making a $2 million cash payment to Yucaipa Co., which was one of Aloha's biggest shareholders. Aloha filed the lawsuit against Phoenix-based Mesa in January 2007, alleging the company misused confidential information to launch go! and drive Aloha out of business. A similar lawsuit by HAWAIIAN AIRLINES was settled earlier this year for $52.5 million. Yucaipa got rights to the lawsuit after Aloha filed for bankruptcy and shut down its passenger service in March. The 62-year-old Aloha was the state's 2nd largest Airline with more than 3500 employees. Mesa said that it may gain use of the Aloha name if Yucaipa prevails in an upcoming bankruptcy-court auction that will sell off the name and other trademarks of Aloha. The agreement calls for Yucaipa to license the name to Mesa if that occurs.

INCIDENTS

QANTAS A330 TURNS BACK: A QANTAS jet serviced days ago in Hong Kong had to turn back yesterday, November 28, after the crew was forced to turn off 1 of its 2 engines. The Airbus A330 with 168 passengers enroute to Singapore returned to Perth when an engine oil warning light flashed in the cockpit. Aviation sources said the engine starter motor sheared off because no oil had been put into the motor after its overhaul. David Cox, the executive general manager of Qantas Engineering, said: "Initial inspections by engineers indicate that the fault with the engine starter motor could have led to the engine oil problem." The Qantas A330 fleet is serviced overseas. This aircraft returned earlier in the week from a 4 day 'C' check carried out in Hong Kong. It returned to Perth on one engine and a replacement plane finally took off with the passengers four hours and 50 minutes late. A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman, Peter Gibson, confirmed preliminary reports that the malfunction had originated in the starter motor and that the oil supply was being looked at. CASA has been kept fully informed on the incident by Qantas and will be closely monitoring Qantas's investigation of the event.

IBERIA FLIGHT 434: The A320 was on Scheduled Service from Madrid to Bilbao, Spain, when it was forced to make an emergency return to Madrid, yesterday, November 28. The A320, with 30 passengers and crew onboard, suffered a bird strike to the right engine shortly after takeoff. The engine subsequently failed. The aircraft landed without incident about 30 minutes after its initial takeoff. A passenger reported that the a strong impact could be felt moments after takeoff, followed by a glow coming from the right engine. Iberia is investigating the incident.

ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST AIRLINES FLIGHT 5310: The CRJ200 was on Scheduled Service on behalf of DELTA AIRLINES from Atlanta, Georgia, to Syracuse, New York, when it had to divert while enroute, yesterday, November 28. The aircraft diverted to Charleston, West Virginia, after the crew declared an emergency due to the smell of smoke in the cockpit. The CRJ landed about 15 minutes after the emergency was declared and was met by emergency services. Inspection failed to find any fire or a specific cause for the smoke. The aircraft has been removed from service for further inspection. ASA is investigating the incident.

SNAPSHOTS

2 GIANT PANDA CUBS, BORN AT THE QINLING PANDA RESEARCH CENTER IN CHINA, ARE CAPTURED NAPPING YESTERDAY AT THE CENTER.

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LUXE MEN/ CANDID SHOTS (#1)

5 AMATEUR MEN FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

BOOKS/"DIANA" BIBLE COMING SOON!: Film-maker Max Mitchell has announced plans to publish a pro gay translation of The Bible to be called 'The Princess Diana Bible'. Revision Studios in New Mexico, USA will fund the new translation of the Bible, in which God says it is better to be gay than straight. Mitchell also hopes to adapt the book for a 2 part mini-series, 'The Gay Old Testament' and 'The Gay New Testament'. "There are many different versions of the Bible, I don't see why we can't have one," said Mitchell. The idea comes from "Horror in the Wind'," the film he created that was banned by the by the New Mexico cinema chain Allen Theatres for being "too political." Made for under $53,000, the sci-fi comedy is about 2 bio-geneticists who invent an airborne formula that whilst intending to suppress sexual urges, inadvertently reverses the whole world's sexual orientation. Within a week the entire world is gay. Eventually people prefer it and amend the constitution to ban heterosexual marriage. "I got the idea for the Princess Diana Bible from the film," says Mitchell. "After the world becomes gay, religious people create The Princess Diana Bible, which says that gay is right and straight is a sin. Then they burn all the King James Bibles." Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car accident in Paris in 1997. She was a prominent supporter of people with HIV/AIDS. Mitchell said the good works of Princess Diana were the inspiration for the title and defended the work, saying, "There are 116 versions of the Bible, why is any of them better than ours?"
MUSIC/UK NAMES FAVORITE XMAS TUNES: Wham's "Last Christmas" is most played festive track of the last 5 years, according to the UK company that collects royalties for composers and musicians. The Performing Right Society puts the 1984 hit at the top of their chart of seasonal songs, just ahead of Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas". The Pogues come in 3rd with "Fairytale of New York," recorded with the late Kirsty MacColl and first released in 1987. Mariah Carey's song "All I Want for Christmas is You" is 4th in the chart, just ahead of Bruce Springsteen's version of the popular standard "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". Jona Lewie's 1980 single "Stop the Cavalry" comes 6th, despite not being originally conceived as a Christmas song. Wizzard's "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" and Slade's iconic "Merry Xmas Everybody" chart at #7 and #8 respectively. Mud's "Lonely This Christmas' comes 9th in the poll, 1 place ahead of the #10 song, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.

MEDIA NEWS

DOM TO CEASE PUBLICATION: Editora Peixes, the publishing company of Brazilian gay magazine DOM, announced that due to financial problems it would be restructuring and closing 5 of its publications, including DOM. The December 2008 edition will be its last. Although all 5 publications will most likely surface in web only editions next year, the company did say that they were shopping the DOM title, in hopes that it would return to print.
DETAILS DECEMBER 2008: Tom Cruise lands the cover on the December issue of Details Magazine, out this week. Cruise is part of the story on the 40 most influential men under 47. A rather odd age cutoff, and even odder that they chose Cruise for the cover. Rumours abound that his soon to be released "Valkyrie" is not good at all, and many expect the film to one of the holidays biggest bombs. The entire issue is headlined "The Power Issue". False advertising perhaps?

WORLD NEWS/ TERRORISTS STRIKE MUMBAI

The death toll continues to rise in Mumbai, India, after a well coordinated series of attacks began on Wednesday evening. At least 9 seperate locations were targeted, see map below, most of them because they were places where Westerners or Jews congregated in the business section of the city. 5 people were found dead this afteroon in a Jewish Research center that had seen hostages held. The death toll from the attacks is now 160, including 3 Germans, 2 Americans, an Italian, an Australian, a Brit, and a Chinese among the at least 15 foreigners killed, with a further 327 injured. Maharashtra state official Bhushan Gagrani said the death toll is expected to rise further and includes civilians, 16 police and 2 commandos. 11 terrorists have also been killed. Earlier, police said they had cleared the Oberoi Hotel, killing 2 militants and freeing hundreds of trapped guests. They found 36 bodies and were searching the building. Fighting continued to rage at the Taj Mahal Hotel, where 1 gunmen was reportedly still holed up. The Taj Mahal Hotel has suffered heavy damage from a fire that was started during the initial attack. Indian authorities said no one had claimed responsibility, although the Deccan Mujahideen took credit in e-mails sent to several Indian news outlets. Interpol said it would send a delegation to India, and the American FBI want to send a team but India has not officially asked for their help. Many Governments are requesting that citizens defer travel to Mumbai at this time, and many Airlines have canceled flights for the time being.

The attacks in Mumbai began during the evening of November 26. Reports say the militants arrived on dinghies, possibly launched from an outlying vessel. Here is a list of subsequent events with approximate timings. The Timeline is as of early this evening, Mumbai time.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26

2120 local time: Gunfire starts at the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station when at least two gunmen storm the crowded terminal, firing indiscriminately. Many of the deaths and injuries occurred in this attack.

2120-2200: Gunmen raid the Cama and Albless Hospital, shooting indiscriminately. Two attackers later killed and two captured.
2120-2200: Gunmen seize control of the Nariman House business and residential complex. Police surround the complex, which houses the Jewish Chabad Lubavitch outreach centre.
2120-2200: Gunmen storm the Cafe Leopold and open fire on diners, causing numerous causalities.

2120-0100: Gunmen storm the Oberoi-Trident hotel, where about 380 people are staying.
2120-0100: At least seven gunmen enter the lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, where about 450 people are staying, and begin firing. Large fire reported.
2250: Gunfire reported at Times of India offices.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27: 0100-0400: Indian army in running battles with militants at the two hotels. Small groups of guests manage to escape.
0245: A group calling itself the "Deccan Mujahedeen" claims responsibility for the attacks.
0400: Standoff continues at the Jewish outreach centre.
1030: Army says it is doing room-by-room searches of Taj but explosions still heard at both hotels.

1630: The Indian navy says its forces have boarded a cargo vessel they believe to be linked to the attacks.
1630: Indian PM delivers speech to the nation saying the militants will not escape and blaming "external" elements.
1640: Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari speaks of the need for strong measures to eradicate terrorism.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28: 0230: Gunfire and loud explosions still being heard from the Taj and the Jewish centre, Nariman House.
0730: Commandos are dropped from helicopters on to Nariman House and begin a sweep through the building.
1100: Indian commandos take full control of the Oberoi hotel and release hostages.
1300: Indian commandos report 30 bodies in one Taj hall.
1500: Mumbai police report that five hostages inside the Jewish centre have been found shot dead.
1800: Indian security forces say they have secured the Jewish centre.
1830: Security operations still continue at the Taj although there is much less gunfire.

AVIATION/ FLIGHT CHECK GSO TO ORD

DATE: November 28, 2008
AIRLINE: MESA AIRLINES/UNITED EXPRESS
FLIGHT: 7320
ROUTE: GSO TO ORD
AIRCRAFT: CRJ200
OVERALL GRADE: B-

Although a slight improvement over the Trans States ERJ145 from yesterday, this CRJ200 was another tight squeeze. Once again, the full aircraft had passengers bending to get into their seats, to avoid hitting their hands. The aircraft departed GSO with a 5 minute delay, for no apparent reason, as there was no other aircraft on for departure. The 110 minute flight had light to heavy moderate chop for most of the duration. Seatbelts were only available to be off for about 10 minutes. Service was perfunctory, beverage only. Crew gave 1 update prior to takeoff about destination weather, otherwise, they were mostly silent. The aircraft appeared to be in satisfactory condition. A reliable product, but one that does little to standout.

AVIATION/ FLIGHT CHECK ORD TO GSO

DATE: November 27, 2008
AIRLINE: TRANS STATES AIRLINES/UNITED EXPRESS
FLIGHT: 7895
ROUTE: ORD to GSO
AIRCRAFT: ERJ-145
OVERALL GRADE: C-

The extremely narrow wideboy was full of holiday passengers, with most of them having to crouch down to avoid hitting the door upon entry to the aiarcraft. The ERJ is in a 1-2 seating pattern, which extremely tight seat pitch. Perfunctory Service was relegated to beverage only. The 79 minute flight was turbulence free, and the country vistas as seen out the window were particularily vivid of this time of year. Points taken off for a broken sink in the washroom that could not dispense any water. Moist towelettes were tossed in the sink for passenger use. Other points taken off for no communication from the cockpit, save for when the seatbelt signs were turn off for 10 minutes. No destination information was given. Overall product is satisifactory, but hardly stands out in the world of aviation.

AVIATION/ ANZ A320 CRASHES IN MEDITERRANEAN

AIR NEW ZEALAND Flight 888T was on a A320 Test Flight from Perpignan, France, back to Perpignan, and then on to Frankfurt, Germany, when it crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, at 4:46pm, local time, off the Coast of Saint Cyprian, France, yesterday, November 27. The A320, which had been returned after a lease from XL AIRWAYS, was undergoing Maintenance at Perpignan, and had taken off for its 1st flight with 7 crew members onboard. All are presumed dead in the crash, with 2 bodies recovered, and searchers scouring the waters for the other 5 crew members. Some pieces of the wreckage have also been found floating on the surface. The jet had been undergoing servicing at EAS Industries in Perpignan and had been flying circuits for 90 minutes before it crashed, an emergency services spokesman said. The A320 was heard on Perpignan's approach frequency at approximately 4:45pm, when the crew established contact with approach descending through flight level 12000 on a heading of 090. The approach controller cleared the airplane for the LANET ILS 33 approach and a descent to 4000 feet. That instruction was acknowledged, which was the last transmission from the aircraft. A gendarme who raised the alarm after he saw the plane go down said he watched as it suddenly went into a dive while flying at a height of about 300 metres. "It tried to straighten up but then it fell right into the sea, sending a huge spray of water into the air," he said. The cause of the crash is not known. Air New Zealand, Airbus, as well as the Governments of France and New Zealand will particpate in the investigation. The crash came 29 years to the day, after an Air New Zealand DC10 crashed on Mount Erebus in Antarctica. All 257 passengers and crew on the sightseeing flight were killed.

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

THAI AIRPORT STANDOFF CONTINUES:

The severing of air links with Thailand's capital, a vital air hub that handles 3% of world air cargo and 100,000 travelers a day, rippled through the region with Airlines scrambling to reroute passengers and freight as hopes for a quick resolution to the crisis faded. Thailand's embattled government today backed away from a threat to use force to disperse the protesters who have shut down Bangkok's 2 commercial Airports, setting the scene for a prolonged disruption to transport across the region and a massive blow to the kingdom's economy. Since Tuesday, dozens of Airlines have canceled all flights to and from Bangkok until further notice while others made special arrangements to rescue passengers stranded in Thailand by using a tiny Airport SE of the capital. Both THAI AIRWAYS and CATHAY PACIFIC are being greatly impacted. Protesters are demanding the the Prime Minister step down and call for new elections.

INCIDENTS:

SAS FLIGHT 945: The A330 was on Scheduled Service from Stockholm, Sweden, to Chicago OHare, when it had to make an emergency landing in Trondheim, Norway, yesterday, November 27. Flight 945, with 180 passengers and 3 crew members onboard, had to request the diversion after technical problems forced the shutdown of an engine inflight. The landing was without incident. The A330 has been removed from service for inspection and repairs.

KELOWNA FLIGHT 309: The DC10 was on Scheduled Cargo Service from Winnipeg to Calgary, Canada, when engine problems forced an emergency landing in Calgary, on Wednesday, November 26. About 40 miles E of Calgary, the Engine No.2 sent an indication of a thrust reverser being unlocked. This was combined with buffeting and vibrations from the engine, which the crew shut down. The DC10 made a safe emergency landing in Calgary. Inspection following the flight revealed that the outer skin of the engines thrust reverser had peeled and fell off the aircraft, at the time of the incident. Thrust reversers problems can cause catostrophic consequences to an aircraft. Kelowna is investigating.

AIR CANADA FLIGHT 878: The Boeing 767 was on Scheduled Service from Toronto, Ontario, to Zurich, Switzerland, when it had to make an emergency landing at Zurich, on Monday, November 24. While inflight, engine No.2 did not respond to throttle commands, and eventually shut down. Attempts to restart the engine failed. The crew asked for emergency landing at Zurich, and to have emergency services on standby. The 767 landed without incident. The engine had been recently installed, and the incident is believed to be caused by a faulty fuel cap. Air Canada and the Canadian Safety Board are investigating.

AIR NIAMEY CHARTER FLIGHT: An Air Niamey Boeing 757, on loan from AURELA AIRLINES, was on a Charter Flight from Garoua, Cameroon, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was substantially damaged prior to takeoff from Garoua, on Monday, November 24. The 757, with 307 passengers and crew onboard, was on taxi when the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to drop on its left engine. The passengers panicked at the time of the incident, and the aircraft was evacuated. The aircraft has been removed from service for repairs. Local media reported that Cameroon's Civil Aviation Authority had granted special permission to transport 307 passengers, far more than the aircraft should be able to carrying, however the Government insists that the aircraft was not overweight. An investigation has been opened up into the incident.

WEATHER/ ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON ENDS

The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, which ends Sunday, seemed to strike the United States and Cuba as if on redial, setting at least 5 weather records for persistence and repeatedly striking the same areas. "It was pretty relentless in a large number of big strikes," said Georgia Tech atmospheric sciences professor Judith Curry. "We just didn't have the huge monster where a lot of people lost their lives, but we had a lot of damage, a lot of damage."

2008 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON STATS:
6th most named storms (16; the record is 28 in 2005)
25th most hurricanes (8; the record is 15 in 2005)
9th most major hurricanes (5; the record is 8 in 1950)
24th highest ACE index (141; the record is 250 in 2005)
13th highest Named Storm Days (84.75; record is 136 in 1933)
40th highest Hurricane Days (29.5; the record is 62.5 in 1995)
28th highest Major Hurricane Days (8.5; the record is 24.5 in 1961)

OTHER STATS:

1. 4th costliest hurricane season on record.
2. 1st time major hurricanes have been observed in 5 separate months (Bertha, Gustav, Ike, Omar, Paloma occurred in July, August, September, October, and November, respectively)
3. 1st time 6 consecutive storms made U.S. landfall (Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike).
4. 1st time 3 major hurricanes have hit Cuba (Gustav, Ike, Paloma)
5. Costliest hurricane in Texas history (Ike, $16.2 billion)
6. 2nd deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1972, and 26th deadliest in history (Ike, with 82 dead)
7. Highest wind gust ever measured in a hurricane over land (Gustav, 212 mph in Pinar del Rio, Cuba)
4. 1st storm ever to make 4 landfalls in 1 state (Fay, in Florida)
5. 2nd strongest November hurricane (Paloma, 145 mph winds)
6. Smallest tropical cyclone on record (Marco)
7. Longest-lived July hurricane on record, longest-lived hurricane so early in the season, longest-lived tropical storm in July and so early in the season (Bertha, which was a hurricane 7.75 days, eclipsing the previous record of 7 days held by Hurricane Emily of 2005. Bertha was at tropical storm strength for 17.25 days).
8. Farthest east forming tropical storm and hurricane for so early in the season (Bertha)

The Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific Hurricane Seasons also come to a close on Sunday.

THANKSGIVING DAY 2008

CHIKANE-DELUXE WILL RETURN TOMORROW. I WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

SNAPSHOTS

THE SUNSET LAST EVENING IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS CAPTURED BY AN AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER.

LUXE MEN

LUXE MEN/ WELL SUITED (#1)

MUSIC/ TOP 20 SINGLES 11-26-08

1. CRACK THE SHUTTERS--SNOW PATROL
2. HEAVEN FOR THE WEATHER--THE STREETS
3. SO SOLL ES BLEIBEN--ICH & ICH
4. HUMAN--THE KILLERS
5. I CAN FEEL YOU(remix)--ANASTACIA
6. FORGIVE ME--LEONA LEWIS
7. IF I WERE A BOY--BEYONCE
8. JOYFUL SOUND(remix)--DEBBY HOLIDAY
9. SEX ON FIRE--KINGS OF LEON
10. DAS HAT DIE WELT--SOHNE MANNHEIMS
11. RAIN ON YOUR PARADE--DUFFY
12. IF IT ISN'T LOVE--JENNIFER HUDSON
13. LOST!--COLDPLAY
14. WIRE TO WIRE--RAZORLIGHT
15. SPIRALLING--KEANE
16. SINGLE LADIES--BEYONCE
17. FAME(THE GAME)(remix)--DONNA SUMMER
18. DREAM ON(remix)--CHRISTIAN FALK w/ ROBYN
19. GREATEST DAY--TAKE THAT
20. I'M IN LOVE WITH A GERMAN FILM STAR(remix)--SAM TAYLOR WOOD

NEW ENTRIES IN BOLD BLUE TYPE

CHARTBOUND
* DOG DAYS ARE OVER(remix)--FLORENCE & THE MACHINE
* GRACE--WILL YOUNG
* MAD--NE YO
* PLEASE COME BACK HOME--GLASVEGAS
* RIGHT HERE (DEFINED)--BRANDY
* RUN--LEONA LEWIS
* ULYSSES--FRANZ FERDINAND
* USE SOMEBODY--KINGS OF LEON
* YOU'RE MY STAR--STEREOPHONICS