Best places to travel labor day weekend best travel deals for labor day weekend 2015 cheap travel labor day weekend best travel deals for labor day weekend 2015 best places to travel labor day weekend labor day weekend 2022 canada labor day weekend 2022 dates labor day 2022 labor day usa labor day meaning

Labor Day Weekend Travel: What to Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled

Labor Day Weekend Travel: What to Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled

What's happening

An estimated 12.8 million Americans will fly over Labor Day weekend.

Why it matters

While air travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels, many airlines are still plagued by significant delays and cancellations.

Labor Day is here and, despite ongoing flight disruptions and high ticket prices, an estimated 12.6 million Americans will be flying over the three-day holiday weekend, according to data from travel site Hopper.

American Airlines alone estimates 2.5 million customers will board 26,400 scheduled flights through Monday. 

Many of those fliers will face delays and cancellations. On average, 23% of flights in August were delayed from departing US airports, an increase of nearly 30% compared to 2019. And cancellation rates last month were more than double their 2019 rates, as airlines mobilize to address staff shortages, pickets, weather disruptions and other issues.

By 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, American Airlines had already reported 100 delayed flights, according to the website FlightAware, and 23 cancellations. Industrywide, more than 800 flights within, into, or out of the United States have been delayed Thursday morning and 102 canceled.

Analysts don't expect schedules will get back to normal until at least the fall, when demand settles down and new hires have had time to be trained up. 

If you're flying over Labor Day, here's what you need to know about avoiding a travel nightmare, what the airlines owe you if there's a cancellation or delay, and more. 

For more travel tips, here are some great travel gadgets, guidance on renewing your passport online and 19 things to add to your travel checklist. before leaving home.

Why have there been so many delays and cancellations?

Layoffs and contract buyouts during the pandemic have left many airlines short-staffed, fueling ongoing delays and cancellations.

Getty Images

Since Memorial Day, US-based airlines canceled more than 50,000 flights and delayed over a half-million, according to NPR. Delta said it canceled 100 scheduled daily flights in the US and Latin America between July 1 and Aug. 7. Southwest Airlines nixed almost 20,000 summer flights.   
The biggest factor has been that airlines are incredibly short-staffed. When the pandemic slowed air travel to a trickle, many carriers bought out employees' contracts and encouraged older pilots to take early retirement.

As a result, from December 2019 to December 2020, the number of airline workers shrank by at least 114,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now carriers are clamoring to staff back up, but they're finding it hard to fill positions. 

The shortages extend to ground staff, baggage handlers, gate personnel and other workers, FlightAware spokesperson Kathleen Bangs told CNET. "They did a lot of buyouts during the pandemic. It's a remarkable growth period and they're just back-footed." 

It's particularly acute with pilots because it can take up to five years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to train someone to fly a commercial airplane.

"Most airlines are simply not going to be able to realize their capacity plans because there simply aren't enough pilots, at least not for the next five-plus years," United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a quarterly earnings call back in April, NBC News reported.

Extreme weather has also added to the problem: Severe thunderstorms have caused multiple delays and flight cancellations, and that's aside from hurricane and wildfire season. Aircraft can fly at lower altitudes to try to avoid storm systems, but that burns more fuel -- a dicey proposition given the high cost of jet fuel. 

How to avoid having your flight delayed or canceled

There isn't much you can do to prevent a delay or cancellation. But there are some common-sense steps that will give you a better shot at making it to your destination -- or at least relaxing at home or in a hotel room, rather than stewing in the airport.

Download your airline's mobile app to keep on top of changes to your flight schedule.

Pavlo Gonchar/Getty Images

Leave extra time for layovers. You might think an hour is plenty of time to get from one gate to another, especially in the same terminal. But if the first leg of your journey is delayed that hour can turn into 30 minutes. And with most airlines closing the plane doors about 15 minutes prior to departure, you could easily miss your connection.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Denver International Airport (DEN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) top the list of busiest hubs over the Labor Day holiday, according to Hopper.

Don't book a late-night flight. If you miss a connection, most airlines will work diligently to get you on the next available flight. But if you booked the last flight of the day to your destination, that may mean having to wait until morning -- and either pacing through the airport for hours or booking a night in a nearby hotel. 

Download the airline's app on your phone. Opt into flight notifications and start manually checking the status of your flight regularly, at least 24 hours in advance. As soon as you hear your flight has been cut, find out if you've been transferred to another flight.

Monitor the weather at both your departure and arrival airports. Start checking the weather in both places a few days before your flight. Some airlines will actually reschedule your flight in advance of a major weather front at no extra charge. If a storm is on its way, you might consider leaving a few days earlier or later or finding a different route.

Buy travel insurance. Depending on why your flight is canceled or delayed, the airline might not comp any meals, accommodations or transport you're forced to purchase. The payout for travel insurance may not cover all of your expenses, but it will definitely be more than the cost of a policy, typically 5% to 10% of your trip cost.

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled

Time is of the essence, so be proactive about rescheduling your flight. 

"A lot of the time you can reschedule yourself on the flight of your choice" using the airline's app, said David Slotnick, senior aviation reporter for The Points Guy. "It'll save you a lot of time and aggravation." (Like CNET, The Points Guy is owned by Red Ventures.)

If that's not possible, call the airline. Even if you get sent to an automated system, it may have a call-back function. You can still call if you're already at the airport. Do it while you're in line to talk to an agent and take whichever option is available first.

What does the airline owe you if your flight is canceled?

While some airlines are able to get you booked on a different carrier if your flight is canceled, not all can.

Dmitry Marchenko/Getty Images

In the US, if a flight is canceled because of something that is the airline's fault -- a mechanical issue or a staffing shortage -- the carrier is required to refund your ticket.

"If you get canceled for any reason -- you don't take your flight -- they have to offer you a cash refund," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told NPR. "If you'd rather take miles or a different flight, fine. But that's up to you, not them. They've got to give you a refund. That's a basic rule,"  

The Department of Transportation website mandates airlines must also refund the cost of your ticket after a schedule change or significant delay, but the agency hasn't defined what constitutes a "significant delay."

"Whether you are entitled to a refund depends on many factors -- including the length of the delay, the length of the flight and your particular circumstances," according to the DOT website. Whether a refund following a significant delay is warranted is determined "on a case-by-case basis." 

If you don't request a refund, the airline is still responsible for getting you to your destination. But it could be much later than your original flight. Under most circumstances, carriers should provide vouchers for meals and hotels.

Make your plans quickly, though: Airport hotels fill up quickly amid widespread delays and cancellations.

Some airlines will work to get you on another flight with a different airline, Slotnick said, but not every airline has relationships with other carriers. 

What are airlines doing to address delays and cancellations?

Hiring more employees. "All the airlines are doing major hiring initiatives," Slotnick said. "They're rushing to hire pilots and deploy them." They're also trying to improve work conditions for existing workers: In April, Delta announced it would start paying flight attendants during boarding, rather than just once the plane door closes.

The move, a first for a major US airline, is seen as a countermeasure to a unionization push among workers.

Scheduling more flights. Someairlines are boosting service in popular corridors when they can. "They're trying to strike the right balance between adding flights and creating some slack in the system," Slotnick said.

For example, United Airlines recently launched or resumed 30 flights between the US and Europe, its largest expansion ever. Regular flights from Denver to Munich, Chicago to Zurich and New York to Bergen, Norway, are underway, as well as daily service between Boston and London.

When fully operational, United's transatlantic route network will be more than 25% larger than it was in 2019, before COVID-19 cratered air travel.

Some airlines have ramped up their roster of scheduled flights, while others have pared down to avoid having to cancel them later.

James Martin/CNET

Scheduling fewer flights. Otherairlines are going in the opposite direction, reducing their capacity rather than risk being forced to cancel a scheduled flight. JetBlue has already reduced its May routes by almost 10%, Conde Nast Traveler reported, and will likely make similar cuts throughout the summer.

"By reducing our flight schedule for the summer and continuing to hire new crewmembers, we hope to have more breathing room in the system to help ease some of the recent delays and cancellations that we've seen in the industry," a JetBlue spokesperson told the outlet. 

Southwest Airlines, the world's largest low-cost carrier, cut more than 8,000 domestic flights in June "to adjust to capacity," the company told The Business Journals. 

Delta  "temporarily cut" some Labor Day weekend flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and New York's LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports to deal with a large number of airline crew members and air traffic controllers who have already called in sick, The Washington Times reported.

Giving passengers more notice. All the airlines are making a concerted effort to give passengers as much information as possible, Slotnick said, through text updates and other notifications.

"Even a year before the pandemic, airlines were trying to be proactive about informing passengers, even 24 or 48 hours in advance of a possible cancellation," he said.

Offering waivers
United, Delta and other carriers are offering travel waivers to passengers to encourage them to move their flights out of busy time periods. All waiving the usual flight-change fees and some are even foregoing the usual fare difference.

The Department of Transportation has stepped in to hold airlines accountable

On Sept. 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a new website that lets fliers know what they're entitled to when their flight is significantly delayed or canceled. The Aviation Consumer Protection site has a dashboard that compares what policies are regarding rebooking, meal and hotel vouchers and complimentary ground transportation for carriers including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United.

The Transportation Department's Air Consumer Dashboard compares offerings from major carriers.

Department of Transportation

"Passengers deserve transparency and clarity on what to expect from an airline when there is a cancelation or disruption," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. "This dashboard collects that information in one place so travelers can easily understand their rights, compare airline practices, and make informed decisions."

Buttigieg said the goal was to get the airlines to "raise the bar."

"Look, Americans have had experiences with cancellations, delays and poor customer service that just aren't at an acceptable level," he told NPR. "A lot of the airlines are not quite transparent about how and when they'll take care of passengers. "So we're going to put that information out ourselves."

Just knowing that information is out there for air travelers to see has spurred carriers to improve their offerings, Buttigieg added. 

The Department is also collecting comments on a proposed rule requiring airlines to proactively inform passengers about their right to a refund. It would also provide a clearer definition of a "significant change" to a scheduled flight and require airlines to provide non-expiring vouchers to passengers unable to fly because they contracted COVID-19 or other communicable diseases.

The proposal would also mandate carriers that receive pandemic assistance issue those passengers refunds instead of vouchers.

Are any airlines better or worse in terms of cancellations?

In 2021, Delta had the fewest cancellations of any major US airline.

Boarding1Now

Without naming names, Slotnick says that, broadly speaking, low-cost airlines have tighter margins with less slack, so theoretically you're more likely to face a cancellation.

But booking with a big carrier doesn't mean you're immune.

"The regionals have parked a lot of planes because they don't have enough staff," Bangs said. "And a lot of people who book on a major airline don't realize they're actually flying with a smaller carrier."

SkyWest, a smaller airline out of St. George, Utah, subcontracts for Delta, United, American and Alaska Airlines. So does Indiana-based Republic Airways.

Sometimes, bigger is indeed better: Last year, Delta had the best record in cancellation rates, according to The Wall Street Journal's annual airline rankings. The Atlanta-based airline scrubbed 0.6% of its scheduled departures in 2021, a third of the industry average of 1.8%.

---

Source

https://nichols.my.id/how-to-repair-excel-on-windows-10.html

.

Stop googling your medical symptoms and conditions stop googling your medical symptoms and treatments stop googling your medical symptoms and their synonyms stop googling your medical symptoms and possible diagnosis stop googling your medical records stop googling your medical detective stop googling your medical advocate stop googling and ask a master esthetician stop googling cancer

Stop Googling your medical symptoms and do this instead

Stop Googling your medical symptoms and do this instead

Diagnosing yourself online is a slippery slope. You could Google "why do I have pain in my ribs" and come away with the possibility that you have a pinched nerve (possible) or fatal internal bleeding (unlikely, unless you've been impaled). 

You should certainly know how to take care of yourself in the case of a common cold, migraine, or other relatively benign condition, and online health information can help you make the right decisions when you actually know what condition you have. 

The problem is, the internet might make you think that a common cold is a bacterial infection (it's a virus, which won't respond to antibiotics), that a migraine is a brain tumor or an aneurysm and that an abdominal cramp is appendicitis. 

In fact, research suggests that online symptom checkers are almost always wrong. So before you spiral down the symptom rabbit hole, learn why obsessively Googling symptoms is risky and how to look for accurate health information online. 

Why you should avoid over-Googling your symptoms

There are essentially two bad ways this can go: Either you overestimate your symptoms and end up taking the wrong medication or engaging in the wrong self-treatment, or you underestimate your symptoms and let a condition worsen. 

Google provides medical information for common conditions, but it's still always best to see a doctor.

Screenshot by Sarah Mitroff/CNET

There's also the risk of developing "health anxiety," real condition that involves excessive worrying that you are sick. You may know this condition as hypochondriasis, and you're probably familiar with the word "hypochondriac." 

Even if you're not a hypochondriac, searching for medical symptoms and illnesses online may add unnecessary worry and a lack of peace of mind to your life. The internet-age term for this is "cyberchondria." 

Research notes that while internet information can help people avoid unnecessary doctor visits for minor (or nonexistent) conditions, some people feel anxiety and fear about medical information they find online. 

Part of the reason that searching for symptoms can send you into an anxious spiral has to do with the fact that there's just so much health information online. While a great deal of online health content is trustworthy and accurate, much of it is not. But you can learn to decipher the good from the bad with the right tips. 

Tips for finding accurate health content online 

If you must search your symptoms, make sure to weed out questionable content by following these guidelines. 

If you're reading lay media

• Look for articles that back up their claims by linking out to or citing peer-reviewed clinical studies. For example, an article that says "eating too much sugar may increase your risk for depression" should link to a primary source that says so, like this one. 
• Whenever possible, read the full report or abstract of those peer-reviewed clinic studies and look for the conclusion to verify the results of the study.
• Articles that quote experts or are written by topic area experts (or both) are also usually reliable. An article titled "5 things that happen to your body when you drastically cut carbs" is likely to be way more trustworthy when it includes insight from a nutrition professional or is written by a nutrition professional. 
• If an article doesn't include expert insights or isn't written by a topic area expert, check to see if it was reviewed by an appropriate health professional. Many health publishers now have review boards that consist of topic area experts who ensure content accuracy. For example, this piece about Crohn's Disease on Healthline was reviewed by a medical doctor.
• Search for the publisher's health editorial policy. Many health publishers have these policies available on their websites, and it's a good sign when they do. It means the publisher has strict editorial guidelines when it comes to writing health content and citing experts or primary sources.  
  

Look for articles that were reviewed by a doctor or medical professional.

Screenshot by Sarah Mitroff/CNET

If you're reading primary sources

First, the definition of a primary source: A primary source is a firsthand account of a topic or event. When it comes to health and science, primary sources refer to documents that provide the full account of the original research. In other words, the actual research articles published in scientific journals, such as The Journal of Neuroscience or the Journal of Food Science and Technology. The best place to find these articles is on PubMed, a resource provided by the National Institutes of Health's US National Library of Medicine. 

When reading articles from scientific journals, keep these considerations in mind: 

• Look for author affiliations and conflicts of interest. Anytime a scientist partakes in a research study or writes a scientific article, they must declare their affiliations and potential conflicts of interest so that any bias is disclosed. For example, an article about cryotherapy that was partially written by someone affiliated with a cryotherapy wholesaler would present a conflict of interest. 
• Look for commissioning and funding information. Just like author affiliations and conflicts, commissioning and funding information must be disclosed in the name of bias. Many companies in the health industry commission and fund research studies to prove the efficacy of their products. That's totally fine -- it doesn't necessarily mean the results are skewed -- but just know that company-funded studies are not independent, third-party studies, which are the most reliable. 
• Check to see if the study has been cited in other studies. Since there's so much research out there, scientists often use existing research articles as sources for new research articles. It's not a bad sign if an article hasn't been cited by other articles, but it's definitely a good sign if it's been cited many times. Most research articles have a "cited by [number]" callout online. 
• Check the date. Science -- particularly nutrition and medical science -- evolves quickly. Look for studies no older than 10 years, but preferably no older than five years, if you're looking for answers about a condition or symptoms you currently have.

When the internet fails, see a doctor

If even after scouring through research you still feel lost, just go see your doctor. Not everyone can be a doctor -- and the internet certainly cannot -- so give yourself the luxury of peace of mind by seeing a real health professional. 

And if carving out time for an in-person doctor's appointment isn't an option, try seeing a doctor online via one of the many telehealth companies. You can also talk to a therapist online if your worries sit more in the realm of mental or emotional health. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

---

Source

How to get license to fly drone how to get drone license online how to get a drone license how hard is it to get a drone license how to get your steam id how to get taller how to get sturdy how to draw how to recall an email in outlook how to clear cache how to screenshot on pc how to delete a page in word

How to get your drone license (and legally make money)

How to get your drone license (and legally make money)

Aerial photography. Real estate tours. Drone burrito delivery.

Imagine the money you could make (and fun you could have!) if you flew for profit.

Sadly, drone businesses aren't legal in the United States unless the government makes an exception for you -- or unless you get your own drone license under the FAA's brand-new rules.

Starting Monday, August 29, you can apply for your very own license by passing a multiple-choice test and paying a small fee. No experience necessary!

What, you mean I can't just sell my drone photos already?

Nope! You could get fined $1,100 (or more) for operating your unmanned aerial system (UAS) for business purposes without FAA approval.

What is a Remote Pilot Certificate?

It's the official name for the drone license I've been talking about. With it, you can legally fly drones with intention of making a profit -- either by selling the footage, delivering goods and everything in between. You still have to follow a lot of restrictions when you fly...but more on those in a bit.

Prosumer camera drones like the popular DJI Phantom start at around $500 -- but the sky's the limit on price.

Joshua Goldman/CNET

What if I'm just flying for fun?

You don't need the certificate...but you do still need to register your drone if it weighs over half a pound (0.55lb to be precise).

Oh, but if you're a drone racer -- weaving through obstacles with a nifty set of first-person-view glasses on your head -- you'll still need that Remote Pilot Certificate. At least that's what the FAA tells Forbes.

OK, I want to make money. What do I need to get my license?

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a valid government-issued picture ID with your name, address and signature
• Make an appointment to take the knowledge test at a test center near you
• Pay $150 to the testing firm
• Study
• Pass the test
• Wait up to 48 hours for your test score to get uploaded
• Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate (using the code from your successful test as proof)
• Complete a TSA background check
• Print out a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate (while you wait for the real one to be delivered by mail)
• Register your drone (maybe do this first?) and start flying!

OK, that does sound like a lot. Let's break it down.

How do I get an appointment for a Remote Pilot Certificate?

You need to call, email or submit an online request form with one of the two companies supervising the test -- not the test center.

CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service):

• 1-800-947-4228, then press 3 (Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday to Sunday 7 a.m. PT to 3:30 p.m. PT)
• Online registration and payment (CATS calls you back within 24 hours to schedule)

PSI (formerly LaserGrade):

• 1-800-211-2753, then press 1 twice (Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday 5 a.m. PT to 2 p.m. PT)
• examschedule@psionline.com (PSI replies within two business hours)
• Online request form (PSI replies within two business hours)

According to testing centers we called, CATS and PSI handle pretty much everything, including assigning you a test center and accepting your $150 payment.

The DJI Phantom 4 taking flight.

CNET

How long is the waiting list?

In the San Francisco Bay Area, it's not too bad as of August 26. One testing center told us they were booked for two weeks, another said they had openings later in the week.

Is there a testing center near me?

Probably! There are 686 of them across the United States. Check for yourself in the FAA's full, official list of test centers (PDF).

You'll need to call CATS or PSI to get your appointment, though. While the FAA's website says you can just walk in, testing centers in the San Francisco Bay Area told us we needed to arrange everything with CATS or PSI first.

How hard is the test?

You get two hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and you only need to answer 70 percent of them correctly to pass! (You can totally miss 18 questions and still succeed.)

But these aren't exactly easy questions. You'll probably need to study.

Oh yeah? How hard can the questions be?

While monitoring the Cooperstown CTAF you hear an aircraft announce that they are midfield left downwind to RWY 13. Where would the aircraft be relative to the runway? (Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2G, Figure 26, area 2.)

A. The aircraft is East.

B. The aircraft is South.

C. The aircraft is West.

That's just one of the FAA's sample questions. Find more here (PDF).

What's the best way to prepare for the test?

The FAA actually offers a free two-hour training course (register here first) to get you up to speed, plus an 87-page study guide (PDF).

But you may need more help than that, because the FAA's course materials don't explain some of the simplest concepts in plain English.

For instance, would you believe you can answer the sample question above without looking at a map? I didn't figure it out until I found this third-party study guide by drone manufacturer 3DR.

I passed the test! Where do I apply for the actual certificate?

• Register here first (pick Applicant) and fill out your personal information. (You can ignore the Airman Certificate Number and Date of Issuance fields)
• Log into the site using your new username and password
• Apply for the certificate here; pick Pilot from the first dropdown menu, then click on the Remote Pilot certification

If you get lost, here's a complete set of instructions.

The Yuneeq Typhoon H drone.

Joshua Goldman/CNET

Now that I've got my certificate, I can fly anywhere, anytime, yes?

Not so much -- as you'll see when you study, there are a lot of rules (PDF) about when and where you can fly your drone.

Unless you get a 107 waiver (and you need to apply for those months in advance), you can't fly:

• At night
• Over people
• Higher than 400 feet (unless you're within 400 feet of a building; skyscraper climbing is OK)
• Further away than you can see with your naked eye
• At speeds over 100 miles per hour
• From a moving vehicle (or inside a covered stationary vehicle)
• Within five miles of an airport -- unless you clear it with air traffic control using this tool at the FAA's website.

Also, you need to register your drone (if it weighs between 0.55 and 55 pounds), do pre-flight checks before you fly and report any accidents that hurt people or do $500 worth of damage to property.

What if my drone weighs more than 55 pounds?

You can't do it with a drone license, or even a 107 waiver. Only a 333 exemption (which are hard to get, can take a long time and generally require a real pilot's license to fly) can let you pilot something that heavy.

What if my company already has a Section 333 Exemption?

Lucky you! But in many cases, you can't actually fly a drone for profit under the 333 unless you're a certified pilot. The Remote Pilot Certificate is another option.

What if I've already got a pilot's license?

If you want your Remote Pilot Certificate, you can actually skip the knowledge test and take the online training course instead. You'll still need to fill out a form, make an in-person appointment and have completed a flight review within the last two years, so it's not necessarily any easier.

Here's a step-by-step guide for existing pilots.

Could I really start a drone burrito delivery service?

Yes, the FAA says package delivery is OK -- but it'd be tough! Particularly given the rule about needing to keep the drone within eyesight, and the one about drones needing to weigh 55 pounds or less. It'd probably be easier to just hand someone their food.

How about a journalist covering breaking news stories?

That could be tough, too. You can't fly over people without a waiver, and the FAA says those will take months. But if you're not reporting live, or not directly over people... the FAA says media companies can do it.

What if I have awesome video goggles and a camera on the drone? Do I really need to watch it with my actual eyes?

Someone needs to: either you, or a second person who can act as a visual observer. Them's the rules!

Which drone should I buy?

If you've never flown before, buy a toy drone. Not kidding -- you'll learn the basic motor skills without any risk of hurting people or turning a $1,000+ aerial camera into scrap. Then, pick one of our top-rated prosumer drones that matches your needs and budget.

Is that it?

So far, so good...but there's still a lot to think about. Maybe you'll want to insure your drone against damage, and yourself against liability? You'll definitely want to practice flying and camera skills, and you'll need to figure out how to convince potential clients that you're right for the job.

Lastly, know that your Remote Pilot Certificate is only good for two years. You'll need to pass another knowledge test once that's done.

---

Source

https://nichols.my.id/how-to-do-zoom-meeting.html

.

Sonic 2 director and star reveal their favorite game shows sonic 2 director and star reveal their favorite game lyrics sonic 2 director and officer sonic director vows to change sonic director sonic 2 movie sonic 2 for 5 menu sonic 2 toys

'Sonic 2' Director and Star Reveal Their Favorite Game References

'Sonic 2' Director and Star Reveal Their Favorite Game References

Sonic the Hedgehog 2  hit Paramount Plus on Monday, after a wildly successful theatrical run last month, and it follows on from the 2020 original by reuniting Sonic voice actor Ben Schwartz and director Jeff Fowler for another eye-poppingly colorful adventure inspired by Sega's iconic video game series.

The sequel sees Sonic's old nemesis Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) teaming up with an intense Knuckles (Idris Elba) to hunt down a reality-altering artifact and take revenge on our hedgehog hero. Sonic isn't alone though -- the classic game's famous sidekick Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) arrives on Earth to help stop Robotnik's fiendish plans.

From opening scene to post-credits tease, the movie pays homage to the three decades of Sonic games. That's something that Schwartz, whom you might know from beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation, and Fowler, who previously directed Oscar-nomination animated short Gopher Broke, were determined to double down on as the sequel leaned hard into the source material.

Robotnik's return delights his henchman Agent Stone, but spells trouble for Sonic.

Paramount Pictures

I got to geek out about Sonic with the personable Schwartz and enthusiastic Fowler over Zoom ahead of the movie's release, touching on Knuckles' rivalry with Sonic, the characters' heart-warming personal journeys and delicious video game Easter eggs.

Here's a transcript of our conversation, lightly edited for clarity. We avoid any major spoilers, but might reveal some classic game references. If you want to be totally surprised by those elements, come back after you've seen the movie.

CNET: Sonic 2 brought me back to being a child in the '90s, and the marketing leans heavily on the rivalry between Sonic and Knuckles -- an element I remember from Sonic 3 like it was yesterday.  Ben, why is Sonic still cooler than Knuckles? Or vice versa, if you're feeling controversial.
Schwartz: I'm gonna stick up for Sonic, I'm always gonna stick up for Sonic. I feel like Sonic is that kid in your class who has all this heart. He's a heart-forward-type character, and also loves making people laugh. So for that reason, I mean come on, how do you not root for Sonic?

Knuckles crackles with intensity throughout the movie.

Paramount Pictures

Jeff, why is Knuckles cooler than Sonic?
Fowler: Oh, you're gonna get me in a lot of trouble with that question. I don't know if I want to pick a side, but one of the things that's so great about having 30 years of video games is that there are storylines that are incredibly popular with the fans. 

Going all the way back to the early '90s, Knuckles' introduction into Sonic was as a very formidable adversary -- he's got super strength, Sonic's got super speed. It was just a really simple but very exciting clash of characters that we just felt would be great material for the sequel. 

I love them both. Ben just absolutely crushes it as Sonic every time out. Then Idris coming in as Knuckles, I was just floored by what he was able to do with the character. I think fans are gonna absolutely love it.

Rewatching the first one recently and then the sequel, it struck me that it would've been so easy to make Sonic a shallow cool dude in these movies. I was amazed at how much I got into his emotional journey. Ben, can you speak to where he's at in Sonic 2?
Schwartz: I love that you say that, because one of the big things we try to do in these movies is to get people to care about Sonic. In the first one, the idea that he's all by himself, and he has no friends and he has nobody to turn to, I wanted people to feel that. But when the triumphs happen or he gets defeated, you feel those the same way.

Sonic's crimefighting career isn't quite as successful as he'd hoped.

Paramount Pictures

In the second one, he's growing up like kids do and not really listening to the advice that's been given to him by his parental-type figures [Tom and Maddie Wachowski, played by James Marsden and Tika Sumpter]. And he thinks he can do everything by himself. He's a superhero now, he just defeated Robotnik, don't tell him what to do -- he can do everything. 

This movie is hopefully echoing things that people go through as kids and as adults, when you think you can take care of everything and take on the world by yourself. But it's OK to ask for help. It's OK to understand that in order to get things done, you need your friends, you need your co-workers. 

That's where Tails comes in. And it's very fun to see Tails come from a different planet and be the sycophant of Sonic, someone who loves Sonic so much. And so I love that dynamic of those two, and then those two together against Knuckles is video game [chef's kiss].

Tails takes inspiration from his new pal Sonic.

Paramount Pictures

Jeff, how do you balance all the classic Sonic imagery with making the characters relatable?
Fowler: It can't just be all about imagery, it can't just be about action -- there's gotta be some substance to it. A lot of the material really was already there. Tails' story is very relatable. He was teased as a young fox, having two tails, and he was an outsider. And in Sonic he sees the hero he wants to be, he looks up to Sonic very much like a kid brother looking at his big brother. That's so grounded.

And it's part of the canon, it's part of what fans love about the characters, so we just lean heavily into that. If you know nothing about the game series, and you're coming into a theater, you're still going to be moved by it because those are very relatable themes.

The classic biplane image was one of the movie's visual starting points.

Paramount Pictures

What game references are each of you most proud of?
Fowler: One of the most iconic images from the Sonic 2 video game is Tails flying the biplane with Sonic on the wing. It's such an iconic image of Sonic being delivered to battle by his friend. From the first day of planning for the sequel, I was just like "We have to do that. That's got to be a big movie moment."

There's so much great imagery from the 30 years of games. The level designs, the concept art -- it's an embarrassment of riches. It definitely makes our job a lot easier, to have such a great visual foundation as we make our plans.

Schwartz: I love that if you look at Robotnik's drones and droids, there's some that look like little wasps that come out. But also the backgrounds like the maze, there's a lot of different things that allude to different levels that were in Sonic. I also just like what happens to Sonic when he's underwater. 

The water scene blew my mind -- the anxiety.
Schwartz: Oh my goodness, there's nothing more nerve-wracking as a child than being underwater in Sonic the Hedgehog and seeing the numbers pop up with how many seconds you have left. It's terrifying.

We're always trying to make sure we're keeping the fans happy, but also never being so specific, where people who haven't seen the franchise or played the games feel alienated. Jeff does an incredible job with that. 

So there's references throughout, even personal references from stuff I've done that Sonic says, and then outside of that there's references all throughout the video games. So I think people are gonna be really psyched. If you play the games, it's just gonna be full of little secrets we've left for you. And if you haven't, it's still like an action-packed, incredible, funny movie, and you'll get the references a little bit later when your friends tell you.

---

Source

Mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions run through redlands mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions run through a troop mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions run through synonym mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions run through walls mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions runza mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions runners mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions chrome mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions store mortgage forbearance and refinance mortgage forbearance end date mortgage forbearance agreement

Mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions run through September 2021

Mortgage forbearance and eviction extensions run through September 2021

In addition to its vast human toll, the pandemic has ravaged the financial resources of millions of US homeowners. Since the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed last year, more than 9 million Americans hit pause on making monthly mortgage payments, entering what's technically referred to as a "forbearance." 

But there are hundreds of thousands of additional homeowners who may qualify for relief. A 2020 Urban Institute survey found that approximately 530,000 delinquent homeowners had not requested forbearance relief -- despite being eligible. 

Why? A National Housing Resource Center survey from last year suggested that homeowners may have feared having to make a significant lump-sum payment at the end of forbearance -- it's actually just one of many options -- or simply not known about the program. Others may have had difficulty connecting with their loan servicer. 

The CARES Act's homeowner protections were set to expire at the end of June 2021. But the US Federal Housing Administration has announced revisions to measures for struggling homeowners. Highlights include:

• An end to the foreclosure moratorium on single-family foreclosures on July 31
• A moratorium on single-family eviction extended from July 31 to Sept. 30, 2021
• An extension of the deadline to request mortgage forbearance from June 30 to Sept. 30, 2021
• The extension of a program to help homeowners reduce monthly mortgage payments by 25% or more

Whether you've already resumed making mortgage payments, are still in forbearance or are in danger of defaulting on your loan, there are new protections for homeowners like you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about mortgage forbearance and the new extensions. 

What is forbearance protection?

Entering into forbearance allows you to hit pause on making your monthly mortgage payment. The missed payments go into a separate loan bucket if you have a federally backed loan or move to the end of your mortgage with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. In both cases, forbearance has a 0% interest rate, no fees and is repayable when you refinance, sell or when the mortgage term ends. A few other important things to know:

• Accepting forbearance assistance won't hurt your credit score. If your account is current when you enter forbearance, your loan servicer cannot report a pause in payments as "delinquent" to the credit reporting agencies. If you're behind on your mortgage when you enter forbearance, your loan servicer cannot report your account as more delinquent while your forbearance period is active. You can find additional information about this from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 
• You will not be required to repay your missed payments in a lump sum. 
• Legal proceedings like foreclosure are suspended.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers resources to help you navigate the process. "HUD has a website to help you find a housing counselor near you for people who need that resource individually," said Alanna McCargo, a HUD Senior Advisor for Housing Finance. "If they don't feel like they have enough information, a local housing counselor will work with them and the servicer to get them into the right space."

What are my options?

On June 25, the US Federal Housing Administration announced forbearance relief options. If you're struggling to pay your mortgage, here's an updated overview of what you can do.

Request forbearance

The new guidelines have extended the deadline for first-time COVID-19 forbearance requests. Homeowners who have not previously been in forbearance can now request assistance until Sept. 30, 2021. The table below summarizes your options based on the forbearance period start date. (If you aren't sure who owns your loan, you can look it up using the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems website.)

FHA COVID-19 forbearance periods (updated June 25, 2021)

Initial forbearance date	First forbearance period	Second forbearance period	Third forbearance period	Maximum forbearance period
March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months (in 3-month increments)	Up to 18 months
July 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2020	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months	Up to 3 months	Up to 15 months
Oct. 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months	None	Up to 12 months
July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2021	Up to 6 months	None	None	Up to 6 months

Extend existing forbearance

Depending on your loan servicer and how long you've been in forbearance, you may qualify for an extension to help you get back on your feet. The table above lists your choices, and if you don't see an option that works for your situation, McCargo urges homeowners to reach out to HUD or a housing counselor.

"The nature of the pandemic, because it's impacted people in so many different ways, has streamlined opportunities for people that are delinquent on their FHA mortgages," she said. "This administration has been really focused on making sure that we can do everything in our power to keep people in their homes, especially since people have a lot of home equity and, therefore, their wealth tied up in property. It's their livelihoods, and so it's really important to try to do what we can to work with folks." 

Request a reduced monthly mortgage payment amount

If you are ready to exit forbearance but your monthly payment is still too high, modifying your loan term could help you find an affordable solution.

For FHA loans, the COVID-19 Advance Loan Modification (aka COVID-19 ALM) program is available to reduce monthly mortgage principal and interest payments by up to 25%. ALM requires loan servicers to review eligible borrowers' accounts within 30 days of the expiration of the forbearance period. Better still, you aren't required to contact your servicer to begin this process, but you will need to sign a modification offer from them to officially change your mortgage terms. You can find more details about COVID-19 ALM process here. 

If Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac services your loan, there are also ways to lower your monthly payment. "Since every lender and servicer is different, the best way to find out what options exist is to reach out to your bank and ask," said Brandon Howland, a loan officer at 1st Security Bank in Everett, Washington. "For clients in forbearance who are looking to refinance, I advise them to start making on-time payments as soon as possible if that is their goal." 

For clients who don't qualify for loan refinancing, Howland recommends loan deferral. "[The bank] essentially takes the delinquent amount and moves it to a second mortgage lump sum and attaches it to the original mortgage," he said. "It would bring the loan current, and then when the client sells or refinances, they would just have to add this amount to be paid, just like if it was a cash-out refinance to pay off a car loan, for example."

New changes to foreclosure and eviction protections for homeowners 

In addition to extending forbearance provisions, the Biden administration extended the moratoriums on foreclosures and evictions to July 31, 2021. Mortgages covered under the extended protections included:

• All FHA-insured single-family mortgages and home equity conversion (reverse) mortgages. Vacant or abandoned properties do not qualify. 
• Multifamily FHA mortgages that have been current on payments as of Feb. 1, 2020
• All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-owned single-family mortgages 
• FHA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac-owned real estate owned properties acquired by private mortgage lenders through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transactions.
• USDA Multifamily Housing Communities

On July 30, the FHA acknowledged an end to the foreclosure moratorium, but extended the eviction moratorium to Sept. 30, 2021. Under federal law, a servicer cannot foreclose your home unless your mortgage is more than 120 days past due. There can be exceptions depending on your forbearance terms or if you enrolled in a "loss mitigation program." Although the rules vary by state, a servicer usually must notify a borrower before they begin foreclosure proceedings.

If you're facing foreclosure or eviction, contact your housing counselor to help you work with your loan servicer. You can also contact the CFPB, which can help you find an affordable or no-cost attorney in your area. 

What happens when my forbearance period ends? 

At least 30 days before your final forbearance period ends, your loan servicer will contact you to discuss next steps. If you have additional forbearance periods available, you will need to reach out to your servicer to request an extension. If you have exhausted your forbearance options, your servicer will help you choose an exit strategy. 

Note: Don't forget to request everything in writing to make sure you understand the new terms of your mortgage. You may also want to review the agreement with your housing counselor or attorney.

What are my repayment options? 

Your options for exiting forbearance depend on the type of mortgage you have and your financial stability. Options across all loan types are below.

Option for Exiting Covid-19 Forbearance

Option	Situation	How it works
Repayment plan	You can afford to pay more than your regular mortgage amount.	A portion of the forbearance amount you owe is paid monthly with your mortgage.
Deferral	You can pay your regular monthly mortgage amount but can't afford to increase it.	The unpaid forbearance amount is moved to the end of your loan and repaid when you refinance, sell or the mortgage term ends.
Partial claim	You can pay your regular monthly mortgage amount but can't afford to increase it.	This will either move your missed payments to the end of your loan or put them into an interest-free second mortgage called a COVID-19 Standalone Partial Claim, repayable only when you refinance, sell or the mortgage term ends.
Modification	You can't afford to pay your regular monthly mortgage amount.	Your mortgage and missed payments are combined and reduced to an affordable monthly amount. Lower payments mean it will take longer to pay off your loan.
Lump-sum reinstatement	You want to pay back all of your missed payments at once.	Most loan servicers can't require you to make a lump-sum payment, but it's an option if you choose to do so.

Special provisions for federally backed loans

Note that the FHA, USDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs do not require a lump sum repayment when forbearance ends. In addition, homeowners with VA loans may qualify for further COVID-19 assistance as the Biden administration conducts ongoing evaluations of veterans' vulnerability. Here's a partial list of loan service agencies that may provide more information:

If your loan isn't backed by a federal agency, call your servicer directly to learn about your options. Be sure to ask about loan terms, fees and interest rates -- and, as always, request written copies to review before signing a new mortgage agreement or modification.

---

Source