How to travel with a six month old?

Heidi

I have to travel alone with my six month old daughter from South America back to the US. The last time I traveled back alone was very difficult- and now she tends to wiggle around in my arms- any suggestions as to how to hold her on the plane?

Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, and 5 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips and suggestions:


1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up. Another thing you should consider bringing with you is your childs immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise while you are on vacation (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your child is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from your doctor. Since it is an international trip, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your child as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) Since your child is under two, you are allowed to hold her as a lap child. Try to book a bulkhead (front) seat where you will have more room, and a bassinet. Bassinets are limited, and not available on every flight. If the bassinet is available (they can only be used in bulkhead seats) it will attach to the front wall for you to put your child in (however you can not use this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children under 40lbs have their own seat with a child safety device - a CRS (Child Restraint System) - because it is safe for the child (especially during turbulence), makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant or child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it - giving you a free seat!

3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it (you can also do this with a care seat). It will not count towards your checked luggage. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it from you at your departure gate, tag it, and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:

*If your child is nursing, nurse her
*Give her something to drink (formula, water)
*Give her a pacifier to suck on
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

5.) As long as your child is with you, you are able to take as much formula, breast milk, regular milk, juice and/or baby food that you will need for you child for the duration of the time you will spend in the airport and on the flight (as long as it is within reason).And no, you will NOT have to taste it - no matter what form you bring it in.

All that you must do is:

1. Separate the milk from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size (1 liter) zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening

New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.

Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. I have also seen where it backfires; a parent gives their child a dose of Benedryl to make them sleep, but instead it gets the child more hyper and the parents get absolutely no rest on the flight (and neither does anyone else). Most young children will fall asleep on the plane due to the gentle vibrations.

You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (they usually tend to be toward the rear of the plane), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help. I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper. To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier. Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).

7.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your child. Books, small toys, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let her use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies is usually entertaining as well. Also be sure to pack one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow & blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.

My children bring along a Rose Art kit which is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, & stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained! http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age=
I take the contents of the kit out of the box & place them in something a little travel pack. Here is what my sons looks like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/. - outside
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside

You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, & tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where she has a part in it so she stays interested.

You might also consider going to the store & letting your child pick out a few inexpensive toys or other things that interest her to be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise.

8.) Don't worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your baby cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on, and it could make her cry longer and harder. Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home. Most times the other passengers are very understandin

Which baby stroller I should Buy ?

Nurlan

I want to buy a good quality baby traveling set stroller. what's You recommendations..

Answer
Well... my first recommendation is to study the negatives to using a car seat as a carrying device outside of the car (that's what I think of when you say traveling set.) First is if you keep a baby in a car seat for long periods of time or leave them to sleep in it they are more likely (especially in the first 4 months) to have oxygen deprivation (they recommend your baby sleep on a flat surface, and you don't have a choice while in a car, but you do in a stroller.) Second is the more you take it out of the car the more likely something is to happen to the car seat so it's less effective in an accident. Third, the weight of a car seat plus baby is ridiculously high.

So then consider strollers. There are many that lay flat. The only negative to most of the strollers (in America anyway) are that most face away from mom/dad. Studies have shown that parents are less likely to engage with their children when they can't see their faces, and babies are less likely to laugh, make eye contact, talk, etc in a stroller facing away from the parents (forward facing.) You can find them though, especially if you live in the UK Prams are not uncommon or that terribly expensive. But, so long as you take the time to talk to your children and spend time face to face with them when you can, then you can work around that negative of a stroller so long as you keep them laying flat until they're old enough to sit up.

Another option is to think outside the box. Consider a chest carrier, wrap or sling. The Ergo and Moby Wrap are my favorites. There have never been any studies showing an oxygen deprivation moment in these (or most other carrying devices, except the weird slings that curled them up that were recalled.) And so long as baby is facing you then they are getting the face to face contact, hearing you talk more often, you are more likely to talk more often, getting rid of the developmental delays that happen when they don't get that enough. The Ergo goes to 40lbs, but the Moby Wrap is an easy one to use especially in the first 6-12 months until they are a good sitter then you can get a more lightweight and easy to use stroller. And as far as traveling, wearing your baby is a lot easier on busses, in airports, in malls, anywhere really, as opposed to a stroller.

So strollers I recommend. For newborn up, you need a laying flat one. Chicco strollers ALL lay down flat and many Graco do now as well. The Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe lays flat and is compatible with their car seat, and all Chicco carseats fit in their strollers, so there ya go. Though I wouldn't use them like that, those are what I would recommend if you want to go with a set. I'd recommend personally buying the car seat nice and a bit more expensive and just getting a Chicco stroller used though since they are almost never recalled and that gives you a bit better car seat for your buck. For about 2 months up, the jogging strollers (though you can't jog until they're older) are my favorites as they are thin, easy to maneuver, and can go through anything (gravel, snow, sidewalks, sand, grass, etc.) The Baby Trend joggers are my favorites because they're simple and rarely have recalls. The baby Trend also make car seats that fit on the strollers, but I HATE their car seat fastener system so try it out before you invest in that.

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what age is it safe to take a baby on a long haul flight?

Q. my fiancee lives in america and im moving over there once the baby is born what age is it safe to take them on a 13 hour flight from the uk to texas?

Answer
I think it's safe at any time except perhaps during the very first weeks of life when their immune systems aren't up to par and with so many germs on airplanes and with crowds then maybe it's not a good idea. But after that, as long as you have all your necessary supplies then it should be fine. A young baby may be easier to travel with because they sleep so much, an older one may be harder to keep entertained. My baby is 9 months old and we will take her on a flight to Florida next week (only a 3 hour flight though). I am nervous about it but she is fine as long as she is held and cuddled, so your baby may be the same.

How to travel with a six month old?

Heidi

I have to travel alone with my six month old daughter from South America back to the US. The last time I traveled back alone was very difficult- and now she tends to wiggle around in my arms- any suggestions as to how to hold her on the plane?

Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, and 5 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips and suggestions:


1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up. Another thing you should consider bringing with you is your childs immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise while you are on vacation (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your child is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from your doctor. Since it is an international trip, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your child as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) Since your child is under two, you are allowed to hold her as a lap child. Try to book a bulkhead (front) seat where you will have more room, and a bassinet. Bassinets are limited, and not available on every flight. If the bassinet is available (they can only be used in bulkhead seats) it will attach to the front wall for you to put your child in (however you can not use this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children under 40lbs have their own seat with a child safety device - a CRS (Child Restraint System) - because it is safe for the child (especially during turbulence), makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant or child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it - giving you a free seat!

3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it (you can also do this with a care seat). It will not count towards your checked luggage. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it from you at your departure gate, tag it, and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:

*If your child is nursing, nurse her
*Give her something to drink (formula, water)
*Give her a pacifier to suck on
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

5.) As long as your child is with you, you are able to take as much formula, breast milk, regular milk, juice and/or baby food that you will need for you child for the duration of the time you will spend in the airport and on the flight (as long as it is within reason).And no, you will NOT have to taste it - no matter what form you bring it in.

All that you must do is:

1. Separate the milk from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size (1 liter) zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening

New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.

Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. I have also seen where it backfires; a parent gives their child a dose of Benedryl to make them sleep, but instead it gets the child more hyper and the parents get absolutely no rest on the flight (and neither does anyone else). Most young children will fall asleep on the plane due to the gentle vibrations.

You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (they usually tend to be toward the rear of the plane), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help. I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper. To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier. Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).

7.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your child. Books, small toys, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let her use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies is usually entertaining as well. Also be sure to pack one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow & blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.

My children bring along a Rose Art kit which is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, & stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained! http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age=
I take the contents of the kit out of the box & place them in something a little travel pack. Here is what my sons looks like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/. - outside
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside

You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, & tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where she has a part in it so she stays interested.

You might also consider going to the store & letting your child pick out a few inexpensive toys or other things that interest her to be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise.

8.) Don't worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your baby cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on, and it could make her cry longer and harder. Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home. Most times the other passengers are very understandin

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Why is America better than Canada and Mexico?

x_abbie_20

Why is America so much better than Canada and Mexico?
Only the people saying America is better have come up with actual reasons so far.

Answer
America has capitalism. The latest new cancer medicines were invented in America because of capitalism.

Because of America's strong capitalistic values, most of the stuff in the world was invented by Americans.

And, most Asian countries survive by making copies of U.S. inventions. (China and India both devalue their currency to make their products look less expensive than American products. Japan also devalued its currency in the 1980's.)

American inventions:
Plasma tv, electronic tv, lcd screens, cellphone, digital signal processing (used in all cellphones). Java(used in most cellphones), DVD and CD's (optical recording), computer chips, personal computers, laptop computers, digital audio players, microwave ovens, digital camera, laser printers, inkjet printers, computer hard drives, computer chip manufacturing (America still leads the world in chip making), fluorescent light, advanced LED's, OLED, digital watches, GPS, GPS navigation, mouse, keyboard, operating system, high level computer language, USB, remote controls, MASER, email, transistors,refrigerator,electronic calculators, VCR, internet, telephone, satellite communication, portable communication radios(walkie talkie), digital satellites, stabilized rubber(shoes, condoms, tires, etc), nuclear powerplants, moon rovers, martian rovers, copy machine, best modern medicines, iron furnace stove, electric stove, air conditioning, airplane(engine-powered), computer animation(motion picture), aspartame(sugarless sweetner), assembly line, automated teller machine (ATM), prepared baby food, bag (flat-bottomed paper), bandage (adhesive), barcode, barbed wire, blood bank, blow dryer, bra, bread slicing machine, portable camera, food cans, can openers, cardboard (corrugated). carbon 14 dating, cash register, cat litter, mail order catalogs, breakfast cereal, chewing gum, laptop computer, personal computer, oral contraceptives, cotton gin, crayons, credit card, heart defibrillator, smoke detector, artificial diamond, disposable diapers, dishwasher, drinking fountain, electric chair, modern rocket, escalator, fiberglass, freeze dried food, frozen food, genetic engineering, electric guitar, coat hanger(wire), electric iron, jeans, jello, kevlar, laundromat,lipstick, electric motor, morse code, nylon, paper towel, parking meter, phonograph (records), petroleum jelly, Post-it Notes, potato chips, car radio, electric razor, safety razor, revolver (gun), roller coaster, safety pin, Scotch tape, stapler, first successful steamboat, drinking straw, sunscreen, tampon(cotton), teflon, telegraph, toilet tissue, disposable tissue, tractor, automatic signal lights, viagra, video games, washing machine(electric), computer databases, handheld computers, glass bottle making machine, CCD(digital chips used in all digital cameras) which are used to convert light into pictures(also used in missiles made by the U.S., Russia, and Europe), DSL, CAT Scans "diagnostic X ray systems", laser ranging, laser multiplexing, air brakes, silicon solar cells, digital light processor, digital signal processor(used in all digital telephones), fiber optic wire, nearly all types of lasers, first laser medical treatments, microprocessor, automated telephone switches, radiator, modem, word processor, ethernet, 3-D computer graphics, nuclear submarines, liquid fuel rocket (invented in 1910's), etc.

Also, most of the chips made in Asia are still designed in America.



Many Canadians receive government-funded U.S. medical treatments in the U.S.. Canada's medical systems pays for sending many Canadian patients to the U.S. to receive cancer treaments, advanced body scans, etc.. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070904155843AAxWW7f "Democrats, If The U.S.'s Healthcare System Is So Bad Then Why does the Canadian government pay for patients to travel to the U.S. for treatment?"

Staying healthy in Central America?

Getsbetter

I will be traveling to El Salvador in a months' time. I have gone before and got a little sick from the food and water. I tried to avoid it as much as possible but it still got to me. As far as eating, what's the best solution: shopping for a few items and cooking them myself, or eating in mainstream restaraunts(instead of the street vendors, and little "kitchens")? I will be on a tight budget, so I can't go to high end places.

Is there a way I can boost my immune system to survive the trip as healthily as possible, or vaccine, or supplement I can take? Also, I will be taking my nursing 7 month old along with me. I'm thinking keeping her on the breast the whole time will cut out as much exposure she gets to possible sickness? I will be there for a week.

Answer
I haven't been to El Salvador but I imagine it's basically the same as Mexico and my home country, the Philippines. Given the tight budget, I guess staying at the Hilton is out of the question. LOL

Seriously, I would suggest you splurge on bottled water and canned foods (or what you said, do your own cooking). You'll breeze through the one-week stay just fine...you'll be okay.

I'm more concerned about the baby. It's really a good idea to breastfeed her - just to be on the safe side. Just make sure that even before you leave, she's already used to breastmilk so the transformation would not be so sudden. And also, bring lots and lots of diapers......her skin may not take too kindly to the local brands (and the familiar brands maybe costly). And don't forget her usual colds meds (consult her pedia) - some babies don't adjust well with weather changes.

Re: something to boost your immune system...consult your family doc...I'm sure there's something out there for you...be sure to mention that you'd be nursing your baby.

Have a safe trip and have fun........God bless.

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What is a Good Vacation Spot in The United States?

baby travel systems america image

Q. Well Me and my family are planning a Spring Break Vacation out of our home state Florida...
Weve been eveywhere here and We dont wanna go through the misssion of getting our passports... So we gotta decide on a good spot.. Its me, my baby sister, and my mother so dont pick a place for Clubbing, and stuff...
Please pick a Fun, Family oreintated place.

Answer
Consider visiting New Orleans.

NOLA is one of the world's special places with an ambience unique in North America, and remains so even after Katrina devastated it in 2005.

Katrina flooded about 80% of New Orleans with salt water, and the water stayed for almost a month. Much of the city is still struggling to recover and all you have to do to see devastation is drive around. It will take years for NOLA to fully recover from Katrina.

However, the parts of the city that tourists usually visit were not flooded. It's not a coincidence - the French Quarter and other old parts of the city were built on relatively high ground and only suffered wind damage from Katrina. Almost all of the damage has been repaired and you have to look closely in the FQ and city center to see that Katrina happened at all. You should visit and see for yourself.

Note that the City of New Orleans is only part of the greater New Orleans area. The GNO area had a population of about 1,400,000 before Katrina and is estimated at about 1,200,000 now (July, 2007). The absent 200,000 are mostly from the City of New Orleans and the parishes of Plaquemines and Saint Bernard, which were the worst-flooded parts of the metro area. Jefferson Parish - just to the west of the City - suffered only minor flooding and has fully recovered.

You can drink the water, the electricity & phones work, and services like the post office, hospitals, schools, and police/fire/EMS are operating. Restaurants, stores and shopping centers are open.

Municipal services like street cleaning & trash collection collapsed after Katrina. Those services were fully restored in late 2006 and it is no longer an issue.

I recommend staying in the French Quarter (Vieux Carre") if you can. There is a very wide range of selections available, from moderate guest houses to very exclusive "boutique" hotels. Search Yahoo Travel and Travelocity for ideas and also check the hotel websites.

You don't need a car to get around in the French Quarter, Central Business District, or Warehouse District. Also, the parking regulations are Byzantine and there are lots of Parking Control Agents. If you drive or rent a car, leave it in a lot or garage unless you are traveling away from downtown.

The regional transit authority (www.norta.com) sells 1 and 3 day passes that offer unlimited use of buses and streetcars for the day(s) you select. There are also lots of taxicabs.

Regarding crime, questions like yours tend to attract highly negative "answers" from people who do not live here and who have little or no idea what they are talking about. Use the same common sense necessary in every major city in the world and there is little chance you will be a victim of anything except a need to visit the gym: Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't leave something like a camera-bag, purse, or backpack unattended on a park bench while you wander off to take photos. Etc.

New Orleans has mild weather from late October to early May and the city stays green all year most years (rarely freezes and almost never snows). We pay for the mild winters with hot, humid summers â particularly in July & August. The good news for summertime visitors is that hotel rates are lower.

Things to do:

There are many sightseeing opportunities in the greater New Orleans area, including carriage rides/tours, plantation tours, swamp tours, ghost tours, and even Katrina disaster tours. The steamboat Natchez also does a harbor tour. There are numerous tour companies and your hotel can help with the arrangements. Try to avoid scheduling an outdoor tour until you know the weather forecast for the day in question.

The Saint Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world and is a "tourist attraction" in its own right. It is part of the public transit system, as are the Canal Street and Riverfront streetcar lines: http://www.norta.com/

There is always music, but the bands change: Go to www.bestofneworleans.com and click on Music then Listings or to www.offbeat.com and click on Listings, then Music. Note that music clubs often advertise "No Cover", meaning there is no charge for entering. However, clubs with "No Cover" often require that customers buy a beverage each for every "set " of music (which can be every 20 minutes) so know the price before you sit down. The clubs do that because some people will sit in the club all evening drinking water or nothing. It is also a good idea to pay for each round of drinks (in clubs on Bourbon Street) as it s delivered so there can't be any confusion at the end of the evening.

Wander around the French Quarter, enjoy the architecture, watch the street entertainers (do tip), and visit some of the historic buildings that have been turned into museums (go to www.frenchquarter.com and click on Historic Attractions).

Assuming the weather is good, you can collect a sandwich lunch and eat in the riverfront park (watch the shipping) or in Jackson Square (a very nice park).

The Riverwalk shopping center has an air-conditioned food court with dining overlooking the river (www.riverwalkmarketplace.com). The Canal Place shopping center is in the French Quarter and has a cinema and higher-end shopping (Saks 5th Avenue, Brooks Brothers, etc.)

The lobby for the Westin Canal Place Hotel is on the 11th floor and overlooks the French Quarter. It is a great place for an afternoon drink/snack:(www.westin.com).

Cafe du Monde is in the French Quarter and you shouldn't miss having cafe au lait & beignets (www.cafedumonde.com). Another great coffee shop is the Croissant d'Or (at 615 Ursulines Street), which is open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and has food in addition to pastry.

The Palm Court restaurant is very nice, has moderate prices, and traditional live jazz starting at 8:00pm: 1204 Decatur Street, tel 504-525-0200 (reservations are important and they are not open every day). The Palm Court is closed from about July 25th to about September 25th each year.

All of the famous restaurants (Antoine's, Arnaud's, Brennan's, Commander's Palace, etc.) have reopened. The Pelican Club (on Exchange Alley in the FQ) is not as well known but is the same type experience. Reservations are a good idea, and probably essential on weekends.

Cafe Degas is a very French restaurant near City Park at 3127 Esplanade - which is not within walking distance of downtown (5 to 10 minutes by taxi). They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays (504-945-5635).

There is a free ferry across the Mississippi at the "foot" of Canal Street. It is a short trip but like a harbor cruise w/o a guide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/canal_street_ferry

The Aquarium and Audubon Zoo are world-class attractions (www.auduboninstitute.org) and you should see them if you can. The Zoo is several miles from downtown. You can drive to the Zoo (which has free parking) or take public transit from the French Quarter.

The Louisiana State Museum is in the French Quarter: http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/ New Orleans is also home to a number of other museums, such as the National World War II Museum (www.ddaymuseum.org) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (www.noma.org). Both can be reached by public transit: The WWII museum is in the central business district but a long walk from the French Quarter. NOMA is not within walking distance of downtown but has free parking.

New Orleans City Park has an amusement park with rides and attractions for children + free parking (www.neworleanscitypark.com).

Check www.frenchquarter.com for ideas on other things to do.

Hope you have a good visit, wherever you go!

what did the new health care reform law actually do?

Nicole

??? im writing an essay about the us health care system... which i know nothing about. if anyone would like to elaborate on maybe.. the comparison between the health care system in the us and other countries, and what how the us might attempt to fix these problems, it would help SO much. I need some basics... health care for dummies.. and then some. its hard to write an essay on something you know nothing about. i've tried to research, but it seems that everything i find is for people who already know what theyre talking about.

Answer
The NHS (Great Britain's National Health Care System) started in the very way American health care reform was promoted by the Democrats, the left and Obama. More than sixty years ago, Britain's original plan was to provide universal care to the half of the population - mainly women, children and the elderly - who had no health coverage.

In the United States Obama has decided to exploit 10% of the uninsured as a means to coerce the other 90% to submit to a system the majority rejects.
http://www.cato.org/pubs/catosletter/catosletterv3n1.pdf
Barry, Harry and Nancy, the tyrannical trio, are in the process of imposing health care reform at a time when the world watches in horror as the British prototype falls apart.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255842/Mother-Aida-Los-fury-babys-death-crisis-hit-John-Radcliffe-Hospital.html

Unable to sustain the high cost of "free" health care, Britain's NHS officially hit the rocks and its crumpled body is presently lying dead at the bottom of a socialist ravine. Yet, the President remains resolute in his desire to push America over a similar precipice, well aware that rationing is in America's future

To save money in an already abysmal health care system, Britain plans to implement further rationing. Unbeknownst to the British people, lines will be even longer for ill-fated patients destined to die of dehydration at the hands of "lazy" nurses in understaffed government run hospitals.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255858/Neglected-lazy-nurses-Kane-Gorny-22-dying-thirst-rang-police-beg-water.html

In the future, if traveling to England, tourists should also be prepared to see many more crippled, blind people with crooked teeth, because the NHS plans to judiciously mete out knee and hip replacements, cataract surgery, and orthodontic procedures.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7908742/Axe-falls-on-NHS-services.html
Yet, Obama presses on.

British patient advocate groups are calling the draconian NHS measures "astonishingly brutal." An overbite is nothing compared to what "free" health care, akin to the type Obama promises Americans, will be delivering to our friends across the pond, especially the elderly. Apparently, "widespread cuts ... have already been agreed to by senior health service officials," better known in America as "death panels." - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aogCaGv9i78&feature=player_embedded

Maybe one day when the world acknowledges the injustice of denying care to the elderly, there will be an exhibition similar to the shoe heap http://remember.org/jacobs/ShoeHeap.html at the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum, only the pile will be comprised of discarded walkers. o_O

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what did the new health care reform law actually do?

baby travel systems america image

Nicole

??? im writing an essay about the us health care system... which i know nothing about. if anyone would like to elaborate on maybe.. the comparison between the health care system in the us and other countries, and what how the us might attempt to fix these problems, it would help SO much. I need some basics... health care for dummies.. and then some. its hard to write an essay on something you know nothing about. i've tried to research, but it seems that everything i find is for people who already know what theyre talking about.

Answer
The NHS (Great Britain's National Health Care System) started in the very way American health care reform was promoted by the Democrats, the left and Obama. More than sixty years ago, Britain's original plan was to provide universal care to the half of the population - mainly women, children and the elderly - who had no health coverage.

In the United States Obama has decided to exploit 10% of the uninsured as a means to coerce the other 90% to submit to a system the majority rejects.
http://www.cato.org/pubs/catosletter/catosletterv3n1.pdf
Barry, Harry and Nancy, the tyrannical trio, are in the process of imposing health care reform at a time when the world watches in horror as the British prototype falls apart.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255842/Mother-Aida-Los-fury-babys-death-crisis-hit-John-Radcliffe-Hospital.html

Unable to sustain the high cost of "free" health care, Britain's NHS officially hit the rocks and its crumpled body is presently lying dead at the bottom of a socialist ravine. Yet, the President remains resolute in his desire to push America over a similar precipice, well aware that rationing is in America's future

To save money in an already abysmal health care system, Britain plans to implement further rationing. Unbeknownst to the British people, lines will be even longer for ill-fated patients destined to die of dehydration at the hands of "lazy" nurses in understaffed government run hospitals.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255858/Neglected-lazy-nurses-Kane-Gorny-22-dying-thirst-rang-police-beg-water.html

In the future, if traveling to England, tourists should also be prepared to see many more crippled, blind people with crooked teeth, because the NHS plans to judiciously mete out knee and hip replacements, cataract surgery, and orthodontic procedures.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7908742/Axe-falls-on-NHS-services.html
Yet, Obama presses on.

British patient advocate groups are calling the draconian NHS measures "astonishingly brutal." An overbite is nothing compared to what "free" health care, akin to the type Obama promises Americans, will be delivering to our friends across the pond, especially the elderly. Apparently, "widespread cuts ... have already been agreed to by senior health service officials," better known in America as "death panels." - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aogCaGv9i78&feature=player_embedded

Maybe one day when the world acknowledges the injustice of denying care to the elderly, there will be an exhibition similar to the shoe heap http://remember.org/jacobs/ShoeHeap.html at the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum, only the pile will be comprised of discarded walkers. o_O

Is America on the verge of another civil war?

gutterslut

I see so much hatred on this site between liberals and conservatives or atheists and religious people. I've never seen this country so divided.

Answer
Looks like it might be necessary, if we want to keep our freedoms.
I have discussions with all manner of people, both in this post site, and in the physical world, and sometimes I just have to shake my head at the sheer stupidity of some of these people.

These are the people who wanted âChangeâ without thinking through just what âChangeâ meant. Be very, very careful what you wish for in this world. You might get something you never wanted in your life- a muslim president comes to mind. Oh, the religion of the president wouldnât be the deal- killer, but putting muslims ahead of the rest of the citizens of this country would.

What led to this? What was the thing that was so bad that we needed to be punished in this fashion? There was a poll that indicated that 67% of this country felt we were moving in the wrong direction. Really? Could this have been the direction where 95.4% of our population had a job? Could all the myriad selection in grocery stores be a bad thing? Or perhaps the thousands of different restaurants with many, many types of cuisine just isnât good enough for you.

Perhaps the fact that we have running water and power consistently was something we were unhappy with. Or maybe our road system, you know, the one that would allow us to travel from one end of this country to the other needed âChangeâ.

There are so many spoiled brats in this country, and all of them need to strangle their âinner childâ- we have neighborhoods where there are no militias or constant IEDs to be aware of. Almost all of our teenagers have their own cell phones and blackberries, and computers. Many of these same teens have their own cars. What is it about any of those things needed âChangeâ?

We have complete religious, social, and political freedom in this country- the rest of the world is envious of this- could you protest in many of the other countries in this world without persecution? I think not. You would be jailed for an indeterminate time, as we can see in Iran and N. Korea. This is what you want âChangedâ?

We have become, unfortunately, a nation of ungrateful, spoiled brats- probably because schools no longer teach History as they should. Many in America no longer know what we, as a Nation, have sacrificed in the past, so we could get to this point. It is no wonder the rest of the world looks at us with distain-We are quite probably the most blessed people in this world, and yet we bitch about the things we do not have, and how bad our conditions are. Really?

At least three billion people in this world will never know what a hot, clean shower feels like. That seems like such a simple thing- something we take completely for granted, never thinking twice about turning the spigot on and having hot water come out. Many do not know where their next meal will come from, or have a secure place to sleep.

We have a military- a volunteer military- there is no draft- and there are many who curse the military, or say there is no need for them. In many cases they have died so you could complain on your high horse. They have done the difficult and dangerous work so you can sleep safely, so you can eat supper with your families, and take vacations. Would you really want this to âChangeâ? Every man (and woman) for themselves? Thatâs not a good scenario.

Yes, we have Hurricanes, we have floods and tornados- come on, grow a spine- there is always something, and despite all its flaws, we do have FEMA- there is not its equivalent anywhere else. Everywhere else, people dig themselves out. We have insurance, as bad as it may sometimes be. Many other nations have no recourse at all if their house disappears. Is this something that we should âChangeâ? I think not, although it needs tweaking, we should never throw the baby out with the bathwater.

We have, contrary to all the detractors, the best health care in the world- yes, there are always parts that need fixing- name me anything that you believe is perfect, and I can probably find something it could do better. We are free to criticize, and boy oh boy do we do it- there are blogs of every type and stripe, from extreme left to extreme right, and even some I am not sure how to classify. The freedom we have is truly unbelievable. And yet there are those who want to âChangeâ these things.

Really? Because if you did not get a memo on just what specifically would change, you are quite likely to lose things you really, really liked, and in some cases canât do without, like rights and freedoms.

Are we truly sure now is a real good time to consider taking God out of our Pledge of Allegiance, or our lives?

Or would that be âChangeâ you could not believe?

BO is leading us down a destructive path, keep following and we are doomed.

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