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The Costly Lesson of American Airlines’ Lifetime AAirpass

In 1981, American Airlines introduced the “lifetime unlimited AAirpass” at a cost of $250,000, which would be equivalent to around $870,000 in today’s currency. This exclusive pass granted lifetime access to unlimited first-class flights, and an additional companion pass could be obtained for an extra $150,000. The airline hoped that this initiative would generate substantial revenue, but it ultimately backfired. Only a handful of people purchased the passes, and those who did made full use of the benefits. Two of the most frequent fliers cost American Airlines a staggering $1 million annually and accumulated over 30 million miles in their travels.

Interestingly, the AAirpass was not the only such program at the time; other airlines offered similar lifetime passes with varying prices and benefits. For example, United Airlines sold a lifetime pass for unlimited travel in first-class cabins at a price of $500,000 in 1988. However, due to similar issues with cost and usage, these programs were eventually discontinued.

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No-Poaching Collusion: Tech Giants’ Wage Suppression Scandal

In the 2000s, major companies like Google, Apple, Adobe, and Intel, along with other corporate giants, conspired to avoid poaching each other’s employees in an effort to suppress wages. This collusion ultimately resulted in a $400 million class-action lawsuit. This illegal practice, known as a “no-poaching” or “anti-poaching” agreement, stifled employee mobility and salary growth […]

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Chinese Drywall Health Crisis: The Impact on South-Eastern US Post-Hurricane Rebuilding

Between 2001 and 2009, the United States experienced widespread health concerns related to Chinese drywall. During this period, large quantities of this imported drywall were brought into the country, primarily due to rebuilding efforts in the South-East following hurricanes. The drywall would gradually emit harmful chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, leading to the corrosion of […]

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The Frugal Millionaire Next Door: Ronald Read’s Remarkable Story

Ronald Read, a Vermont gas station attendant and janitor, had accumulated a net worth of nearly $8 million at the time of his death in 2015. Described as “a blue-collar guy with blue-chip smarts,” Read invested in a diverse range of companies that paid generous dividends, focusing on well-established businesses and avoiding technology stocks. His […]

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Jewish NYC: A Vibrant Community Surpassing Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Judaism ranks as the second most prevalent religion in New York City, boasting a Jewish community larger than the combined populations of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This vibrant metropolis is home to a diverse array of Jewish traditions, including the Hasidic, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements. New York City’s Jewish heritage can be traced […]

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The Impact Of The Camp Lejeune Justice Act On Military Personnel

For generations, the US military has traditionally supported servicemembers and their families. Unfortunately, the government has neglected its citizens’ health and safety. The water contamination crisis at Camp Lejeune serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals. Over several decades, military families living on the base unknowingly drank contaminated water, causing cancer, birth defects, and other serious health issues. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 addressed this situation and provided much-needed help and compensation to military members and their families affected by base water pollution. It acknowledges their sacrifices and the government’s

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Voltaire’s Fortune: Mastering the French Lottery and Empowering Enlightenment

Voltaire, the famed French philosopher and writer, amassed considerable wealth by exploiting a flaw in the French lottery system of the early 18th century. Alongside mathematician Charles Marie de La Condamine and a group of collaborators, they seized a lucrative opportunity presented by the French national lottery, which was designed to promote bond purchases. In […]

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Meta-Fiction and Timeless Themes: The Innovation of Don Quixote

Don Quixote, a groundbreaking work regarded as one of the earliest modern novels, ingeniously employs meta-fictional techniques, with the author feigning that his narrative is sourced from historical documents, requiring him to scour for lost manuscripts and translations to complete the tale. This literary masterpiece, penned by Miguel de Cervantes in the early 17th century, […]

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Celtic Druids: Esteemed Arbiters and Spiritual Leaders

The revered Celtic druids enjoyed numerous privileges, including exemption from taxation and military conscription, and were held in such lofty regard that they possessed the authority to halt conflicts between clashing armies. In addition to their roles as spiritual leaders, these Druids were also responsible for preserving cultural knowledge, maintaining the oral tradition, and serving […]