Threatened by a Los Angeles-based terror cell?

Peregrine Falcon, originally uploaded by Églantine.

See post below.

Let the races begin

Courtesy of Reuters

The annual Camel Race Festival in Egypt has begun. I know this will probably mark me for cultural retraining, but I have to admit that I'm a fan of camel racing, and yes, hunting with falcons, too. (From today's New York Times.)

Geocities

Fly the falcon-friendly skies of Etihad Airways

But "snub-nosed" dogs not welcome.

We are on our way from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi and because our flight was delayed, I was surfing the website of Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates national airlines, when I came across this information:

Can I travel with my pet on Etihad Airways?

...The following pets are accepted for travel, subject to the shipment meeting all necessary requirements.

• Birds
• Cats
• Dogs (excluding any snub-nosed types)
• Falcons (allowed inside the aircraft cabin on Etihad flights)

No "Snub-nosed types [of dogs]" allowed? What's the story behind that prohibition?

Still, glad to know I could travel with a falcon - and in the cabin.