Organick?

Four things U.S airlines don't want you to know

Planning a cross-country vacation? With today's soaring airfares and sneaky baggage fees, you may be wondering whether it's still possible to get a good, drama-free deal. To help you get the best bang for your travel buck, we did some detective work and found four inside tips to keep in mind before you pack your bags.

1. Frustrated by a flight cancellation? Remember rule 240. Airline can't get you where you need to go on time? Ask about Rule 240. Prior to airline de-regulation, this old-school rule stated that a person's chosen airline had to get them to their destinations at their stated time or put them on a competitor's flight if that would get them there faster. Fast forward to today and this rule is now off the "official" books. However, experts say it has now been integrated into many airlines "contracts of carriage" (a formal statement of rules and services airlines have to abide by in different circumstances). Unfortunately, airlines rarely share this info with consumers (for obvious reasons), so many folks are often left in the lurch in the event of cancellations and delays.The bottom line: Throwing out the phrase shows customer services reps that you are seriously informed about your rights as a passenger--and many experts say it can quickly turn things around. (One exception to this rule: If the flight's delay is beyond the airline's control, like in the case of bad weather, you're out of luck.)

2. Fantasizing about first-class? Ask about "Y-ups".  Y-ups, also known as Q-ups and Z-ups, is airline code for  "discounted First Class airline tickets." While not much is known about how Y-ups came to be (some experts say they were likely intended to allow the airline's best and most frequent travelers to skirt corporate travel policies in order to reward them by allowing them to book seats that usually went empty), they do exist and are currently offered by all major airlines. "I think most travelers do not realize that these fares are out there, and they can result in some big bargains," says Matthew Bennett of FirstClassFlyer.com.

3. Not happy with your flight experience? Speak up. Annoyed by lost baggage or a rude flight attendant? Say so in a calm, clear way right when the unsatisfying experience occurs, say experts. The truth is, most airlines are quick to try to soothe grouchy passengers with frequent-flier miles, free seat upgrades or cocktails, so it's not worth it to fume silently, says Terrance Zepke, author of the Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel. Too upset to express yourself clearly? Write a letterto the airline stating your specific complaints when you get back home.

4. Remember, 21 is key.  Wondering when the best time is to buy airline tickets? "Airlines can differ, but generally, once you hit 15 days before a flight, the price begins to go up, then it goes up again at the seven-day mark. So if you want a retail ticket, buy it at least 21 days out for the best price," suggests Brian Ek, travel resource expert at Priceline.com.

For more savvy travel advice, check out our recent reports on the best luggage, travel sites and travel pillows.

Counting bodies.....

http://www.bodycounters.com/abc.aspx

Smokin'

I think one of the main reasons it’s so hard to quit smoking is because all the benefits of quitting and all the dangers of continuing seem very far away. Well, here’s a little timeline about some of the more immediate effects of quitting smoking and how that will affect your body RIGHT NOW.

* In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
* In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.
* In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
* In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.
* In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
* In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
* In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
* In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
* In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
* In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.

So, you have more immediate things to look forward to if you quit now besides just freaking out about not being able to smoke. Quit now!