Seems like Bush was right not to sign the Kyoto treaty, maybe Al can go over to the Mainland and get them to clean up their act, until then, looks like Smog central.....wonder how effective the Chinese EPA is?

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1

From the latest FCIF posted below, I dont think that many folks are bidding the FDAs.

"Now that the bid is officially open and includes both FDAs, if you have
any inkling of bidding either of the FDAs (or both) and you have school-
age kids, you should read the school comments first and do your own fact
finding ASAP. The sooner your child gets on a waiting list, the better
their admissions chances. Listing costs money, like everything else.

Also, keep sending questions you can’t find answers to….

Jack Lewis
Truant Patrol"

This is probably the first of many "Hurry up and bid the FDA" emails.

I read that FCIF as a warning. Don't bid it if you have kids.

Simmer down now, Education is a personal choice.

If your children want to be educated, they can do the whole online degree via the web, because high speed home schoolin the only way to go.

you'uns kids will be speakin goodly english.

as long as they be willin to axe u kwestions

I think it is (gasp) a face value email. If you want to go to HKG, you probably want to lead turn some of the day to day life admin. Having been a military guy and done some moving around, there are some logistical battles you need to be ready for. Anyone who remembers getting a USAEUR driver's liscense or health certificates for kids remembers there are always points of friction when you move overseas, even if you have the military machine on your side. Being leading edge of a company move will involve some adventures as everyone figures out how to make things work.

My dad was an engineer and in 1973 we moved to Taiwan for a while. I went to a school where Filipino nuns taught Taiwanese kids how to speak English. It was quite the family adventure. So--before I get labeled as a Redneck Riveria hick, I did the expat thing for several years so I think I can speak with some perspective from the family side of things.

You know how I felt about this LOA. However, I think this email was a genuine pilot to pilot "heads up". Not EVERYTHING the company or union puts out is evil. (Just some of it....)

I also went to a school with both Filipino nuns and laypersons teaching English, math, science and everything else in between. Other than a slight accent when I get excited, I think I turned out ok. My sister went to the International School in Beijing when she was not yet 10 years old. She's doing well also.

Regardless of where your kids go, stay engaged and interested in their progress. The benefits of living abroad temporarily far outweigh the disadvantages.

Most international schools are awesome....as are some of the public schools in certain countries.

Two of my three children attended preschool thru first grade in "non-English speaking" schools in Asia.

The unfortunate part remains that the LOA restricts folks to living within 100 miles of the FDA then provides nothing at all in terms of educational benefits --- no percentage, no cap --- nuttin!

For all those willing to home school, or who have kids young enough to adapt mentally and socially to education in a foreign language public school, go for it.

It will truly be an experience of a lifetime --- too bad we accepted a LOA that didn't force the company to step up and offer some educational benefits like the first rate international company we claim to be.

I agree the FCIF was an attempt at a "heads up", but I think it was a little disingenuous. A real heads up would include a practice bid as soon as practical not as late as possible. I am not saying it would be 100% accurate, but 75% is not unreasonable.

Again the questions answered so far have been restating the obvious. Remember when JL said something like " The question generated so far made us realize that there are a lot of things we haven't considered." Have they considered them yet? Here are some question that I have asked that will impact what seat I bid. Still waiting for answers.

Will a voluntary STV meet the requirement of an involuntary STV?

How will someone bid for a line while on STV? Will it be like SIBA, or will we have a crack at the FDA lines?

What is the minimum acceptable notice for an invol STV?

Can I bid a 30 day STV or must I bid 90 day only?

What provision of the contract will we be paid to travel under?

What is the final check in requirement for my deviation STV check-in? Is it from first activity or first day of bid month?

How will conflicts with bid months preceding and following an STV be handled?

Why not 2 practice bids? Only one is contractual but an extra one would be nice to see (but not real accurate).

The sooner your child gets on a waiting list, the better
their admissions chances. Listing costs money, like everything else.

Gotta love our fortune 200 company! They should be helping us get on a waiting list, and helping us with cost. I know, it has been voted on. Just venting. Pretty pathetic though, IMO of course!