Monday, August 3, 2026

Cost Of Air Flights -- I Guess It Depends -- August 3, 2026


Locator: 51319ARCHIVES. 

 Insanity

Some might argue that several countries now have crazy men/women running them. In this case, Russia. Coming to the aid of a few Russians in a regional civil war has resulted in this headline for Russia:

Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Drives Russian Oil Refining to 24-Year Low 

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The Cost Of Flying

My flight to Portland, Oregon, from DFW (north Texas) last week (July/August) was appreciably more expensive than my flight that will be taken in late October/November. Same exact flight. 

On the other hand, choice of seats are costing significantly more. Two years ago, the seat I preferred, 35D, cost $9. Gradually, it has gone up to $25. And even if I pay for it, it is not guaranteed. On my flight from DFW to PDX last week, I had paid for my seat ($19) and at time of boarding I was re-assigned to 36E -- moving me from an aisle seat to a middle seat. I get claustrophobic in window seats and can't hand window seats. Of course, I would never pay for a middle seat, but apparently all seats now carry a special charge if you select a seat.  

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Dental 

It's very difficult to get an appointment with my dentist. Usually a 3-month wait for a routine appointment.

I'm scheduling a root canal. They asked me when would be a good date. I suggested the day after I died. 

They said, "no."

My alternative: schedule the root canal for three months from now. If the tooth is doing well, re-schedule for three months down the road. Do that until ...  

Seriously, I had a root canal by this same dentist, maybe a year ago, and it was no big deal. It took awhile. 

For the archives. 

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Word for the Day: Qualia