Ash cloud over Europe

The International Transport Association says that the ash cloud, caused by the Icelandic volcano, cost airlines 1.7 billion American Dollars.

British Airways lost 20 million Pounds a day, whereas Ryanair and easyJet only lost 5 million Pounds a day. There are two reasons for this difference. British Airways provided for more accommodiation and meals for stranded passengers and their tickets are of a higher value.

The ashcloud has had more impact on the airlines than 9/11, because back then, airspace was only closed for three days.

Airlines hope for state aid from national governments and the European Union.

In contrast with the airlines, trains and coach operators made more money the last few days.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article7103681.ece
Ash cloud over Europe ‘worse than 9/11’ with airline costs of $1.7bn


My reaction:

With the recession in mind, I thought the closing of the airspace could mean a true financial disaster for Europe. Luckily money was made, but by different companies (by train operators, hotels etc.). The airlines could have troubles because of the past few days, but I think the amounts of money saved by not using their fuel could even things up a bit. I find it not easy to think of which party should help the airlines that do need help: national governments or the European Union. This is a European problem, but the airlines are situated in one of the countries and do not belong to the Union as a whole.

Foreign Accent Syndrome

People with brain damage could end up with a foreign accent of a language they do not speak. This can happen if the part of the brain that controls speech and word formation is damaged. There are about 60 recorded persons with this syndrome around the world. Some sufferers recover spontaneously or after speech therapy, but others do not get their usual accent back.

The syndrome has life changing effects, because it is not easy for outsiders to understand this syndrome. The way you speak plays a big role in how you fit in to the world. With another accent people look at you differently.

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/apr/20/foreign-accent-syndrome)

My reaction:

The way you talk has influence on your social status. It is not easy to join a group of people with an accent that is looked on as superior to yours. A foreign language is not always looked on as superior or inferior, but it brings along all kinds of prejudices. If you have, for instance, a French accent, prejudices about the French could stand in your way. I can imagine it is hard to explain to your friends and family that you are not fooling them. Especially the first time you are talking with your ‘new accent’ and you try to explain this is no laughing matter...