The reviews of books and newsletters here can save you money, and/or can help you confirm a decision to buy a book or to subscribe to a newsletter.

The meaning behind terms such as 'third freedom' that are sometimes used to describe airline routes and their negotiations with governments.

Is Bird Flu an upcoming disaster that could destroy much of the world's civilization (and population) or is the risk greatly overstated?

This three article series discusses the underlying realities of Bird Flu and what you can do to prepare and survive a Bird Flu pandemic, should one occur.

A series of articles on how to create winning complaints, both in person and by mail.

An unsuccessful attempt to get the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) to explain and defend itself in response to the regular criticism from both me and travel agent readers.

Although exceedingly rare, such events do occasionally happen.

Here's a report telling you what to expect, prepared with the assistance of several airline pilots.

Bentley's fastest ever four door car, the new Continental Flying Spur manages to combine unashamed performance with exquisite comfort and luxury.

The Flying Spur is definitely for people seeking the ultimate driving experience.

It costs as much as a single engine plane, and travels as fast or faster.

Although expensive, I consider this super car to also be good value, and find it to exceed expectations in all respects.

A three page article that comprehensively looks at what you should keep as part of a general in-car emergency kit, and in an in-car First Aid kit too.

Applying this knowledge might save your life, or that of a loved one. 

Hard drives hold more data than ever before, are smaller, and are cheaper.  But, alas, they are not more reliable.

Here's what you know to make sure you're never caught unawares by a hard drive crash. 

Based on my own house fire experiences, tips and strategies to reduce your fire risk and to respond to a fire if it does occur.

A two part series that might save your home and even your life.

Here's a massive series that tells you a huge amount about the Front Sight Firearms Training Institute, what they teach, how to prepare for their courses, what to bring, and whether you should attend or not.

Not the usual sort of stuff you'd find on this site, but an interesting and relevant thing for us all to consider.

If you're considering planning for self defense and home defense, don't just think about the gun or other weapon you'll have.  Consider also defensive measures, and most particularly, a bullet proof vest.

This multi-part series tells you everything you've ever wanted to know about bullet proof vests - what they do, what they cost, whether you should get one, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Readers vote for the best new travel and technology items that we've covered here each year.

Awards have been issued for 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Yet another annual Christmas gadget gift giving guide with another 'Top Ten' list of the best items we've come across in the last year.

Prices range from $15 and up, with most below $50.  You're sure to find plenty of gifts for all the 'hard to buy' people on your list.

Our fourth annual Christmas gadget gift giving guide (not sure how we missed one in 2006), with another 'Top Ten' list of the best items we've come across in the last year.

Prices range from $20 and up, with most below $50.  You're sure to find plenty of gifts for all the 'hard to buy' people on your list.

Our third annual Christmas gadget gift giving guide, this time featuring a 'Top Ten' list (actually, 11 items, but who's counting!) of the best items we've come across in the last year.

Prices range from sort of free up to almost $200.  Chances are you'll find plenty of 'must have' items for your friends, family, and even yourself.

Looking for something to give to the person in your life that already 'has everything'?

Here's our 2004 selection of twelve innovative, interesting, fun, and/or useful items, ranging in price from free to $350.  You're sure to find something of interest.

Looking for something to give to the person in your life that already 'has everything'?

Here's a range of six innovative, interesting, fun, and/or useful items, ranging in price from free to $350.  You're sure to find something of interest.

Why does the government willingly give billions of dollars to the airlines (even to ones that are profitable!) but begrudge every penny that Amtrak desperately needs.

Read more about this scandal, and what you can do to help encourage appropriate government action.

Amtrak's critics in Congress are once more blaming the troubled railroad company for its chronic unprofitability, and demanding it either become profitable or be broken up.

But who is really to blame for Amtrak's problems? Could it be that Amtrak's critics are also the creators of Amtrak's current impossible situation?

Amtrak's critics in Congress are once more blaming the troubled railroad company for its chronic unprofitability, and demanding it either become profitable or be broken up.

But who is really to blame for Amtrak's problems? Could it be that Amtrak's critics are also the creators of Amtrak's current impossible situation?

Read my tale of frustration and woe about how American Express converted me from being a loyal and profitable customer, to now being a former customer who avoids using an Amex card whenever possible.

When it comes to bad customer service, the airlines could take lessons from American Express.