Sir Richard Branson plans to hop onboard Virgin Galactics inaugural journey, scheduled for November 2010, accompanied by his two children, mother, and 90-year old father, according to British tabloid, the Sunday Mirror. My wife is staying on the ground,” Branson told the Mirror. “Shes not terribly keen on the idea of the kids coming up with me although I think shes not too bothered about what might happen to me!”The British mogul plans to unveil the “mothership” rocket in July, and the passenger shuttle sometime next year. Replica Zenith watches The tourist flights will travel 50 miles in three-hours, and cost somewhere around $200,000 a head. Until then, Branson’s throwing his weight towards peacekeeping efforts in Kenya, warning the country’s government that he’s willing to pull out millions in investment and reconstruction dollars if the violence returns. Sir Richard topped our list of 2007 greatness. Find out here what Decembers cover boy does when not saving the world or inventing inter-galactic tourism.
That quilted nylon sleeping bag is getting old, and you need something new. So give your old gear to a group that actually needs it: the homeless. A new organization, Homeless Gear, collects donated camping equipment, mainly sleeping bags and backpacks, for people whose home is a car, under a bridge, a campsite by an urban river. While sleeping in a replica Cartier watch shelter would be preferable, a segment of the homeless population still winds up out-of-doors. Even people who do spend the night in shelters may shiver on the streets during the day, and could use a hardy bag to transport their belongings. Can you think of a better destination for your old North Face gear? --Emily Matchar
American Airlines announced today that, as of next month, theyll be tacking on a $15 charge for your first checked bag. And The Wall Street Journal suspects this is just the tip of the additional-fee iceberg as airlines collapse under record-high oil prices. Skirting around chasing off customers by higher ticket prices, carriers are increasingly adding unexpected, post-purchase fees. American will also be cutting 11 to 12 percent of flights this replica Omega watch year, meaning layoffs, smaller fleets, and inconvenient schedules. Analysts expect similar fees, cut flights, and possible bankruptcy from other big-name carriers that have recently been living off years-old savings. Southwest could be the only airline exempt from the fall-out, as they had the good sense to buy fuel when prices were low. But, you’re in luck—we’re on your side. Check out our guide to navigating the unfriendly skies.Claire Napier Galofaro
