The totally off-topic thread

[anat0l]

England are 5-70, can the Aussies bowl them out to take the first test?

They'd better - Australia have got a horrid record of clinching a win and instead conceding a draw. :evil:

The English tail are a tough one to get out too.

 

[anat0l]

Re: The off-topic odd-topics questions you know and love

You know how it goes: answer any of the questions, or all of them if you want.

81. An assorted list of unusual flight situations: (a) Take off aborted/retried, (b) Landing retried, (c) Deplaned after boarding and before pushback, (d) Jet plane (i.e. not a turboprop) did a "180" (i.e. a half-circle) rather than being pushed back from parked position, (e) Hotelled (arranged by the airline) due to flight cancellation (or excessive delay), (f) "Upgraded" after boarding (i.e. already on the aircraft, not at the gate), (g) Taken off in icy conditions, (h) Spent over 1 hr on board and aircraft before it finally took off
Of all of these, have any happened to you previously, and if so, describe the last time?
82. Describe the last flight you took which was on a now-defunct airline. (For those whose answer involves AN and believes this question is insensitive, please do not answer and accept my apologies).
83. Describe the most expensive trip you have been on before that you personally paid for (including cost of flights, accommodation and spending money. This is personal travel, so do not count travel paid for by the company purse, or if you won a trip as part of a prize, don't count the values of the prize components). Bonus points if you can estimate how much you spent in all.
84. (Check all that apply) I have travelled QF domestic J by (a) paying (personally, not a company) in cash, (b) upgrading using points, (c) operational upgrade or bump, (d) using a Classic award, (e) using an Any Seat award, (f) on someone else's account (e.g. company paid).
85. Describe the last time you had to change or cancel a ticket (does not have to be QF).
86. Name at least one major global event (apart from your birth) that happened in the year that you were born.
87. Describe the first credit card you ever obtained.
88. Describe your current mobile phone.
89. Describe the last time you travelled to Europe where your first point of entry into Europe was not an airport in London (i.e. not one of LHR, LGW, STN, LTN or LCY)? (Note that the Middle East (except Turkey) does not count as Europe)
90. Is there a route (domestic or international ex-AU) that you believe requires (a) more services (i.e. frequency), and/or (b) more competition (i.e. more airlines flying it)? If so, which one(s)? (Note: this is a specific route between two airports, not a generic thing, e.g. between two countries)

81.

• Yes, chartered flight on Skippers Aviation from PER-LER; aborted take off after pilots noticed a faulty indicator light. We headed back to the tarmac and got the all clear before trying again.
• Yes, a BNE-SYD flight in the morning on the way to a SYD FL run. Aircraft had malfunctioned and was still on the runway. We uplifted much to the abruptness of all on board; the pilot came onto the PA shortly after to apologise for the sudden upwards jaunt and explained the situation. ATC vectored us in for another landing - this time successful.
• No
• I can't remember whether this happened at ASP when I was there in late May. Otherwise, the last time would be in WME on an Alliance F100; second to that would be in KGI on a QF 738. In both cases, no pushback tractors (especially given WME - no reason to keep one there!)
• No
• No
• No
• Yes, flying on the PER-BNE red-eye with a PER-SYD flight cancelled that day; the backlog had snowballed late into the night, delaying all further flights, including mine. Boarded approximately 1 hr late and didn't depart for at least another hour.

82. Probably America West airlines when I was in the US at 10 years old.
83. That would be a close competition between my trip to Japan/NZ in Jan/Feb 2009 and the recent sortie at Oz Fest 6 + SC run in late May 2009. Can't think of the figure - probably shouldn't think of it!
84. b, c and d only.
85. Cancelled a AKL/WLG return on QFNZ in sheer frustration. Got the taxes/charges back, but the whole move turned out to be an economical mistake. Oh well, lesson learned.
86. Bhopal disaster; Band Aid
87. CBA Standard Awards Visa with $2000 credit limit. Had to fight tooth and nail to convince the bank I could successfully own one. Now they keep bombarding me with offers to increase my credit limit.
88. Nokia N73 with Vodafone branding, unlocked and armed with my Optus Prepaid SIM
89. Haven't travelled to Europe yet. That will change in Nov, but my first point of entry will be LHR....
90. BNE-KUL, or SYD-KUL. And I mean some real competition, not the Mickey Mouse effort that JQ attempted in the past.

 

[oz_mark]

Hmm, the PER-MEL redeye tonight (well tomorrow morning ) seems to have turned into a 744!

 

[anat0l]

The off-topic thread post filler questions: 100 questions served!

The centenary of little facts and oddities of your fellow AFFers...answer any or all......

91. Describe the longest stay (i.e. most consecutive checked-in nights) at a paid accommodation (hotel, motel, hostel, etc.) that you have ever had.
92. Have you ever had to obtain a specific visa to enter a country before? If so, describe the last time you had to do this.
93. Someone gives you 100,000 QFF miles to be added to your current account balance, but the validity of those 100,000 miles is only 72 hours (they will be burnt first on any redemptions). Describe what you would do as soon as the miles are deposited. (For those that do not have a QFF account, let's assume for this question that you have a QFF Bronze account with initially no miles and no status credits.)
94. "Since there are many more airline partners in Star Alliance compared to oneworld, it is easier to attain and retain status on Star Alliance compared to oneworld." Discuss and debate.
95. 'fess up: What are three things that you are not able to do that you are embarrassed about?
96. Milk: do you prefer full cream (usu. 4% fat), low fat (~1-2%), skim (0.05%), extra creamy (greater than 4%), soy, other or lactose intolerant?
97. What forms of transport are you licensed to operate?
98. Describe the first time you consumed alcohol (including your age at that time! )
99. Of the following snacks, which one would you normally choose: nuts, pretzels, crisps or lollies?

...and the 100th question is...

100. Let's be honest: describe the last time you saw a flight attendant who you believed was really good looking (kind words just to keep this board at a PG rating ) - and yes, this includes both female and male FAs (depending on who you are and which "aircraft you're flying on"...)

 

[drron]

Well Australia have been able to clutch a draw from the jaws of victory again.

 

[anat0l]

Well Australia have been able to clutch a draw from the jaws of victory again.

I'm sorry, but that's pathetic. We might as well have just lost.

 

[straitman]

Well Australia have been able to clutch a draw from the jaws of victory again.

I'm sorry, but that's pathetic. We might as well have just lost.

I think you have to give the POMs some of the blame :!:

 

[serfty]

Hmm, the PER-MEL redeye tonight (well tomorrow morning ) seems to have turned into a 744!

EBJ had not recovered from it's lightning strike on Thursday (it did fly back to the East coast yesterday without passengers). It's back to normal OPS today.

OJH flew QF538 last evening and QF648 this morning.

 

[JohnK]

Good luck with the surgery Bill and hope you get well soon.

 

[Keith009]

Best wishes, Bill.

 

[notzac]

Re: The off-topic thread post filler questions: 100 questions served!

The centenary of little facts and oddities of your fellow AFFers...answer any or all......

91. Not really very long - 5 nights in San Francisco at the very wonderful Palomar Hotel. Would happily stay there again.
92. France in 1995. The visa was very colourful in terms of visa's I need to apply for, it would seem Cuba requires a visa to visit - so I'll need to get one of those in the next few months.
93. The 72 hour validity is a bit of a killer. I've got about the same number in my account right now, so possibly a F redemption to HKG or something along those lines?
94. Ahh yes, but quality and quantity are two different things! *dons flameproof suit* - in addition to that, about half my travel is domestic, so not having a local Star carrier makes it an easy decision for me in terms of earning status. The other small point is that flying YUPP fares credit very nicely to a certain oneworld carrier..
95. Nothing particularly embarassing. I'd like to be able to contact juggle, but I fail miserably at it.
96. I prefer milk milk. Not a fan of the "watery" low-fat milk stuff, really not a fan of soy or non-dairy milk replacements .. *shudder*
97. A manual car.
98. I don't remember. Drinking was never forbidden at my folks place - not necessarily encouraged, but not forbidden. It was probably a glass of my Mum's chateau de cardboard with dinner :shock: (I've since acquired much better taste in booze!)
99. I got yelled at by my PT just recently for snacking a little too much, so none of the above a piece of fruit instead?
100. I've gotta say - never. Easy on the eyes, well presented, friendly etc etc .. but not really good looking.

 

[Nigelinoz]

91. Describe the longest stay (i.e. most consecutive checked-in nights) at a paid accommodation (hotel, motel, hostel, etc.) that you have ever had.
27 nights at the Trident Hilton,Mumbai when I was sent to India to assist in the setting up of a call centre for a finance company.
It wasn’t a particularly pleasant trip as it rained just about every day but the room was reasonable.
92. Have you ever had to obtain a specific visa to enter a country before? If so, describe the last time you had to do this.
As above.
93. Someone gives you 100,000 QFF miles to be added to your current account balance, but the validity of those 100,000 miles is only 72 hours (they will be burnt first on any redemptions). Describe what you would do as soon as the miles are deposited. (For those that do not have a QFF account, let's assume for this question that you have a QFF Bronze account with initially no miles and no status credits.)
Post a new thread on AFF to ask what I can do with them.
94. "Since there are many more airline partners in Star Alliance compared to oneworld, it is easier to attain and retain status on Star Alliance compared to oneworld." Discuss and debate.
I’ll have to think about that one,will get back to you.
95. 'fess up: What are three things that you are not able to do that you are embarrassed about?
I can’t kick a football straight,nor can I hit a golf ball straight either
And the last one is I can’t understand how DONE4 and those sorts of
Fares work.
96. Milk: do you prefer full cream (usu. 4% fat), low fat (~1-2%), skim (0.05%), extra creamy (greater than 4%), soy, other or lactose intolerant?
Full Cream for me
97. What forms of transport are you licensed to operate?
Manual car,motorbike and done 20 hours of a PPL so not licensed to do the last one on my own yet.
98. Describe the first time you consumed alcohol (including your age at that time! [
Can’t really remember but I think mum gave me half a glass of wine one Christmas when I was about 11.
99. Of the following snacks, which one would you normally choose: nuts, pretzels, crisps or lollies?
Crisps
00.Let's be honest: describe the last time you saw a flight attendant who you believed was really good looking (kind words just to keep this board at a PG rating ) - and yes, this includes both female and male FAs (depending on who you are and which "aircraft you're flying on"...)
I would have to say the Cathay Pacific hostess on a flight from HKG to SYD last November,she was Chinese and had the most beautiful blue eyes and dark brown hair with a lovely smile and great legs too.
She was so welcoming and really made what could have been a long,tiring flight a real pleasure.

 

[serfty]

Can we have access to your C: drive so we can see those images:

...

just to keep this board at a PG rating

...

 

[Nigelinoz]

Sorry folks,I copied the questions to MS Word and the formatting for the icons got copied into the text.

 

[drron]

Quote:
Originally Posted by anat0l
You know how it goes: answer any of the questions, or all of them if you want.

81. An assorted list of unusual flight situations: (a) Take off aborted/retried, (b) Landing retried, (c) Deplaned after boarding and before pushback, (d) Jet plane (i.e. not a turboprop) did a "180" (i.e. a half-circle) rather than being pushed back from parked position, (e) Hotelled (arranged by the airline) due to flight cancellation (or excessive delay), (f) "Upgraded" after boarding (i.e. already on the aircraft, not at the gate), (g) Taken off in icy conditions, (h) Spent over 1 hr on board and aircraft before it finally took off
Of all of these, have any happened to you previously, and if so, describe the last time?
C)-Adelaide October 2008-Rex to Mt Gambier.Happened twice before we finally got going.
F)AA NRT-LAX Sept 2006.Both Mrsdrron and I on Aadvantage awards in J.Seated in row 10 when gate agent came on followed by a young couple and said Drron there is a problem with your BP.Fortunately before i let fly i noted the Bps in her hand with the letter F and so up to row 1 we went.
82. Describe the last flight you took which was on a now-defunct airline. (For those whose answer involves AN and believes this question is insensitive, please do not answer and accept my apologies).
Too many to name all but includes AN,Taa.East west,hazelton,compass,CAAC,Pan am,Eastern and probably a couple of others.
83. Describe the most expensive trip you have been on before that you personally paid for (including cost of flights, accommodation and spending money. This is personal travel, so do not count travel paid for by the company purse, or if you won a trip as part of a prize, don't count the values of the prize components). Bonus points if you can estimate how much you spent in all.
Almost certainly last years 3 month trip.airfares~$22000,hotels~$10000.Incidentals~$15000.no wonder I keep working.
84. (Check all that apply) I have travelled QF domestic J by (a) paying (personally, not a company) in cash, (b) upgrading using points, (c) operational upgrade or bump, (d) using a Classic award, (e) using an Any Seat award, (f) on someone else's account (e.g. company paid).
A) as part of DONE4 only.C once in 2008.
85. Describe the last time you had to change or cancel a ticket (does not have to be QF)
November 30 2008.Was flying to BKK.So PAD then mrsdrron tearing a knee ligament ended up cancelling-and on a BA special-pay j fly f.
86. Name at least one major global event (apart from your birth) that happened in the year that you were born.
The UN,ENIAC,Juan Peron,Iron curtain.

87. Describe the first credit card you ever obtained.
A NAB bankcard.didnt even have to ask.
88. Describe your current mobile phone.
A vintage nokia on a $5 plan.
89. Describe the last time you travelled to Europe where your first point of entry into Europe was not an airport in London (i.e. not one of LHR, LGW, STN, LTN or LCY)? (Note that the Middle East (except Turkey) does not count as Europe)
April2009 FRA.
90. Is there a route (domestic or international ex-AU) that you believe requires (a) more services (i.e. frequency), and/or (b) more competition (i.e. more airlines flying it)? If so, which one(s)? (Note: this is a specific route between two airports, not a generic thing, e.g. between two countries)
Quite a few but KUL is one I would like to visit more often so a good OW service from anywhere in australia would be good.

 

[whereishome]

91. Describe the longest stay (i.e. most consecutive checked-in nights) at a paid accommodation (hotel, motel, hostel, etc.) that you have ever had.
6 nights in Washington Hotel Shinjuku on my way back to Australia after vacating my apartment at the end of my last Japanese contract.
92. Have you ever had to obtain a specific visa to enter a country before? If so, describe the last time you had to do this.
Humanities Visa for Japan to work in International Relations.
93. Someone gives you 100,000 QFF miles to be added to your current account balance, but the validity of those 100,000 miles is only 72 hours (they will be burnt first on any redemptions). Describe what you would do as soon as the miles are deposited. (For those that do not have a QFF account, let's assume for this question that you have a QFF Bronze account with initially no miles and no status credits.)
BNE-NRT-LAX-BNE
94. "Since there are many more airline partners in Star Alliance compared to oneworld, it is easier to attain and retain status on Star Alliance compared to oneworld." Discuss and debate.
Star Alliance is not convenient for me as 90% of my travel is on JL/QF/JQ.
95. 'fess up: What are three things that you are not able to do that you are embarrassed about?
1) Avoid buying books/DVDs. Imelda Marcos had shoes, I have books/DVDs. 2) Drive a stick shift (manual transmission) in regular city traffic. Blame it on size 17 feet and learner cars (at the time) all being tiny little things. I can drive them, just not in city traffic - not enough practice/valid license. 3) Justify status runs (given what I currently earn/how often I fly).
96. Milk: do you prefer full cream (usu. 4% fat), low fat (~1-2%), skim (0.05%), extra creamy (greater than 4%), soy, other or lactose intolerant?
Usually full cream, but in diet mode I'll have skim in my coffee and avoid milk otherwise.
97. What forms of transport are you licensed to operate?
Auto car, scissor lifts, forklifts & ski lifts.
98. Describe the first time you consumed alcohol (including your age at that time!
Confirmation. COE turned me into a boozer.
99. Of the following snacks, which one would you normally choose: nuts, pretzels, crisps or lollies?
Chips. Unless I was in the UK - then it would be crisps.
00.Let's be honest: describe the last time you saw a flight attendant who you believed was really good looking (kind words just to keep this board at a PG rating ) - and yes, this includes both female and male FAs
Every morning when I arrive at work.

 

[tuapekastar]

Re: The off-topic thread post filler questions: 100 questions served!

The centenary of little facts and oddities of your fellow AFFers...answer any or all......

91. Describe the longest stay (i.e. most consecutive checked-in nights) at a paid accommodation (hotel, motel, hostel, etc.) that you have ever had.
~4 weeks at Summit Hotel (long since renamed) in Singapore.
92. Have you ever had to obtain a specific visa to enter a country before? If so, describe the last time you had to do this.
~AUD40 for an Egypt Visa in 2006, which I then didn't use!
93. Someone gives you 100,000 QFF miles to be added to your current account balance, but the validity of those 100,000 miles is only 72 hours (they will be burnt first on any redemptions). Describe what you would do as soon as the miles are deposited. (For those that do not have a QFF account, let's assume for this question that you have a QFF Bronze account with initially no miles and no status credits.)
Add 20K from pre-existing balance and visit SIN or HKG in J.
94. "Since there are many more airline partners in Star Alliance compared to oneworld, it is easier to attain and retain status on Star Alliance compared to oneworld." Discuss and debate.
Not a logical statement.
95. 'fess up: What are three things that you are not able to do that you are embarrassed about?
Only one - answer questions like this one.
96. Milk: do you prefer full cream (usu. 4% fat), low fat (~1-2%), skim (0.05%), extra creamy (greater than 4%), soy, other or lactose intolerant?
Skim - not that it shows.
97. What forms of transport are you licensed to operate?
Car only. Was once motorcycle licensed. Considering applying for space shuttle licence.
98. Describe the first time you consumed alcohol (including your age at that time! )
First I recall was 4 cans of Fosters and a bit of Scotch at the age of 14 - I was totally wrecked, and got in BIG trouble.
99. Of the following snacks, which one would you normally choose: nuts, pretzels, crisps or lollies?
Nuts.

...and the 100th question is...

100. Let's be honest: describe the last time you saw a flight attendant who you believed was really good looking (kind words just to keep this board at a PG rating ) - and yes, this includes both female and male FAs (depending on who you are and which "aircraft you're flying on"...)
Hot Dot on Jetconnect scrubbed up quite well. Do see 'em from time to time - need to get my own house in order before I start judging others too much.

This is just to get the post to post!

 

[Bundy Bear]

91. Describe the longest stay (i.e. most consecutive checked-in nights) at a paid accommodation (hotel, motel, hostel, etc.) that you have ever had.
Somewhere in Cairns 27 Dec-7 Jan 1994

92. Have you ever had to obtain a specific visa to enter a country before? If so, describe the last time you had to do this.
No
93. Someone gives you 100,000 QFF miles to be added to your current account balance, but the validity of those 100,000 miles is only 72 hours (they will be burnt first on any redemptions). Describe what you would do as soon as the miles are deposited. (For those that do not have a QFF account, let's assume for this question that you have a QFF Bronze account with initially no miles and no status credits.)
QF J to Perth October, QF Y to Auckland in December, I have enough to cover the small shortfall.
94. "Since there are many more airline partners in Star Alliance compared to oneworld, it is easier to attain and retain status on Star Alliance compared to oneworld." Discuss and debate.
Oneworld being the only game in town means there no other choice domestically.
95. 'fess up: What are three things that you are not able to do that you are embarrassed about?
I wish I could cook better, 3 things, well times that by 3, as I can't think of anything else.
96. Milk: do you prefer full cream (usu. 4% fat), low fat (~1-2%), skim (0.05%), extra creamy (greater than 4%), soy, other or lactose intolerant?
Milk that tastes like real milk with full cream 4% has there ever been a skinny cow.
97. What forms of transport are you licensed to operate?
N/A
98. Describe the first time you consumed alcohol (including your age at that time!
Christmas beer when I was 14-15.
99. Of the following snacks, which one would you normally choose: nuts, pretzels, crisps or lollies?
crisps
...and the 100th question is...

100. Let's be honest: describe the last time you saw a flight attendant who you believed was really good looking (kind words just to keep this board at a PG rating - and yes, this includes both female and male FAs (depending on who you are and which "aircraft you're flying on"...)
Flying 90% economy I have never seen a flight attendant that I consider really good looking, lots of them were nice but I guess the biggest surprise was the Singapore Airlines girls, they certainly lived up to their reputation.

 

[QF WP]

EBJ had not recovered from it's lightning strike on Thursday (it did fly back to the East coast yesterday without passengers). It's back to normal OPS today.

OJH flew QF538 last evening and QF648 this morning.

Yes, that flew out from PER around the same time I did ... but I didn't find out about it until the next afternoon when my mother rang me on my mobile, worried that I was on the flight. I was able to put her fears to rest that I had flown to ADL and we bypassed any storm.

Good luck with the surgery Bill and hope you get well soon.

Indeed, straitman will be lying flat out for a week or so. Poor Sue when he gets home - at his beck and call.
I'm down in MEL on Friday, so I'll ring him in hospital...or send an SMS

 

[whereishome]

FYI (and in reference to a conversation about a gazillion posts back), tax refund time!

So can anyone tell me if I can get QFF points by just going to an appointed Travelex office, rather than faffing about on the internet? I'm exchanging my refund for foreign currency to enrich other parts of the world.