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About us!
Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".
We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.
The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.
Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.
The Netletter web site....
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Please visit our Sponsors
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Dear NetLetter,
We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2700 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter out and give them out to their friends.
To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.
Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You wull need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link in similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).
Thank you
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Need to know...
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Please be advised Pionairs & Retirees can NOT access Aeronet.
We will be making contact with the department for farther details on how Pionairs/retirees can access this request and will advise our E-Mail members as soon as we know.
T & V.
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Nice to Know...
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The ACFamily Network has installed a "new and improved" Classified Section. This is free to use for ACFamily Members (membership is free too). See: www.acfamily.net/class for more info.
From the Pionairs newsletter - CREDIT CARD USE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Dynamic Currency Conversion
(Note: This message refers mainly to CDN $ 's. For our US members you can read 'US Dollars', or 'US cards'.)
One of the good things about using a credit card while overseas ( UK ) or anywhere else, is that you get a good 'commercial' currency conversion rate from most of the credit card companies. Rather than the retail rate-which you might get at one of those currency exchange booths at the airport or elsewhere. The 'commercial' rate is far better, when converting your charges from Euros or UK Pounds (£), Etc, to billings in CDN dollars $
Now there is a new scam, apparently legal, that tourists are encountering when using credit cards overseas. It is called Dynamic currency conversion. Here's how it works: You use your CDN-issued VISA or Master Card to rent a car in England, or to pay for a meal, or other purchase. The charges are quoted in British Pounds, but when you go to pay the bill, it has already been converted to CDN Dollars. Sounds convenient, right? Wrong! The merchant has most probably used a very unfavorable rate or even added a high 'currency conversion fee' to the transaction.
How can you fight back? Refuse to sign any credit card receipt overseas that is already converted and not charged in the local currency. Just send it back and say "Charge it in pounds"(or whatever). i.e. Sign for payment in the local currency and let the credit card company at home, do the conversion, For example, Hertz car rental company, uses Dynamic currency conversion, but they do have an "opt out" form available at rental locations. Either use the opt out form, or find out their policy ahead of time and consider using a different car rental company.
A couple of other thoughts about using credit cards overseas: * VISA and MasterCard International corporations do add a 1% fee for all foreign transactions. There is no escaping this fee, but it's still cheaper to let them do the conversion at home.
* But some credit card issuers -i.e.the bank or credit union that sent you the card-can also add another 1 to 3% currency conversion/overseas transaction fee. Check with your bank-if they have this extra fee, find another credit card that doesn't. Some possibilities in Canada are certain cards issued by, ? ? ? ? , and in the US certain cards issued by MNBA, USAA Savings Bank, and some credit unions.
Also, watch for fees on ATM cards that display a VISA or Master Card logo. Ask your bank for a "plain 'generic-type' ATM card", not one with a 'credit card or company' logo(s)on it.
Editors Note: All requests for Credit Card Questions, must be directed to your Supplier of your Card. We are ONLY passing this entire article along as Information only.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. wrote: The agents in Halifax were proud to show off a new procedure for employees and retirees at the kiosks. You press the screen and a new category asks for your employee number to complete the check-in transaction. You no longer insert a card.
Regards. Jack
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Air Canada News
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The Company continues with its plan to withdraw mainline service from Moncton, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Saint John, Thunder Bay and Quebec bases on May 3, 2005 and Regina, Saskatoon, and Whitehorse on October 1, 2005
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Reader feedback!
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Hilton Whittaker sends this update -
Hilton Cranston-Whittaker 111, now lives in Palm Springs California USA.occupies a fair bit of his time raising funds for The Organ Transplant Foundation
regards, Hilton
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Walley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.tells us - PWA was the carrier that transported Pope John Paul II in 1984. Not CP. as mentioned in NetLetter 880.
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Terry's Travel Tips
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From: www.airwayvacations.com
Ireland Pub Tour 6 Days / 4 Nights with confirmed air from $749*
Departs New York or Boston Nov. 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 26, 28, 30
Includes round trip confirmed air, 2 nights Dublin, 2 nights Galway, 2 dinners, full Irish breakfast daily, private luxury motorcoach, all sightseeing as per itinerary. For more information...
Orlando, Florida 4 Days/ 3 Nights with interline air from $158*
This unbeatable package includes round trip interline air, 3 nights hotel accommodations, complimentary shuttle to Disney Theme parks, complimentary continental breakfast plus daily, all hotel taxes.
Rome 6 Days/ 4 Nights with confirmed air from $669*
This is your chance to visit "The Eternal City" in spring, undoubtedly the most beautiful time of the year in Rome. Our package includes round trip confirmed air from Boston, Newark or JFK, 4 nights in a centrally located 3 star hotel in Rome, breakfast daily and all hotel taxes included. Airline taxes are additional. Travel in April. Price per person based on double occupancy.
Milan 6 Days/ 4 Nights with confirmed air from $689*
Home of DaVinci's Last Supper, LaScala Opera House, Il Duomo, the wedding cake cathedral and European fashion, this is a must see city. Our package includes round trip confirmed air from Boston, Newark or JFK, 4 nights in a 3 star centrally located hotel in Milan, breakfast daily and all hotel taxes. Airline taxes are additional. Price per person based on double occupancy. Travel in April.
Ireland
Treasures of Ireland
Our popular "Treasures" Tour is back again for 2005 due to popular demand. This 9 Day, 7 Night all inclusive Escorted Tour has been considered by many to be one of the best designed Ireland tours incorporating the gems of Ireland while at a comfortable pace throughout! Inclusive of sightseeing, most meals, luxury accommodations, with plenty of time to shop and enjoy yourself are some of the main reasons interest keeps growing every year!
Apr 11, 28 May 12, 16, 23, 26, 30 Jun 20, 23 Jul 11, 21 Aug 4, 18 Sep 5, 12, 15, 29 Oct 20, 27 Nov 3, 10, 17, 24
4 Travelers 1 Great Price from $2699*
Includes confirmed air!
Choose one of the following packages, grab 3 friends or family, fly confirmed air from Boston or JFK in April or May and discover the hidden treasures of Ireland. *per person based on double occupancy. Airline taxes are additional.
Emerald Package Bed & Breakfast for 4 from $2699* Friends & Family Condo Vacation for 4 from $3399*
Italy Bellisimo!
Taste of Italy with confirmed air from $1979* 11 Days/ 9 Nights Rome Assisi Siena Florence Padua Venice
Paradiso with confirmed air from $2330*
13 Days/ 11 Nights Rome Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Milan, Bologna, San Marino, Perugia, Rome
Amalfi & Sorrento from $ 1899* 11 Days/ 9 Nights Rome Naples, Sorrento Capri Amalfi Rome
Just In! Club Med from $75 per person per night!! Beginning April 2, rates at Columbus Isle, Turkoise, Cancun, Caravelle, Sandpiper, Punta Cana*, and Ixtapa* from $75 per person per night selected weeks through May 7, from $85 per person per night through June 11
Sydney and Cairns with confirmed air from $1499* April 26 through June 17, 2005 Round trip confirmed air from LAX, 4 nights Sydney, 4 nights Cairns, domestic transportation in Australia. Call for more information
New Zealand South Island Self Drive with confirmed air from $1575*
Through March 31, 2005 Round trip confirmed air from LAX, 5 nights Go Kiwi Pass, 5 day compact car rental Travel on Tuesday Call for more information
For more details from Terry's Travel Tips see the ACFamily Network through the link below. (too many to list this week).
You will need to login to the ACFamily Network to view the full list.
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For complete list of deals click here... |
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Smilies
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Frank Pedder sends us these -
On a Southwest flight (SW has no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245 to Tampa.. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
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Sponsors
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The mailing and formating of the NetLetter for HTML format is provided by the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!
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Please support the ACFamily Network |
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Adobe PDF Files
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Most Internet users are familiar with Adobe Acrobat Reader. When web sites (and email lists) wish to share files with their readers it is not practical to have them download files that they are not able to open or which could be infected by viruses.
To solve this problem, Adobe Software provides a "Free" reader to allow anyone that downloads their viewer to read these files.
Click on the "Adobe Reader 7.0" image to download your free copy of Adobe Reader. Instructions for installing it are found using the link below. (The NetLetter does not provide support for installing the reader, but Nerds On Site do.) See the links to them on the left panel.
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How to download Adobe Acrobat Reader |
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Netletter Archives
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The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)
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NetLetter Archives Link |
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