The horrific crash of Air India AI 117, which was en route to London has sparked conversation about the 787 Dreamliner.  The 787 Dreamliner tragically crashed in a residential neighbourhood of Ahmedabad shortly after its departure on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals on board, as reported by the airline. Remarkably, one passenger, a man who was flying with his brother, was ejected from the plane and survived.  A physician indicated that he had assessed the survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh. “He was confused and had numerous injuries across his body, However, he appears to be out of danger.”  Ramesh recounted that right after the plane took off, it began to descend and abruptly broke apart, ejecting him before a loud explosion.

Crash Footage – What Could Have Happened

Footage of the crash circulated on social media within hours of the dreadful crash. Security camera footage, shows the 787 accelerating down the runway, climbing but then at a certain point the climb turns into what looks like a stall. Many have noted that the landing gear remained down for the duration of the take-off – including the section of flight where the loss of climb occurred. A normal 787 take-off would see the gear retracted about about 12-14 seconds after positive climb is related to the captain, the captain will request Gear Up. Could the flaps have been retracted instead of the landing gear and now the landing gear just acted as big sources of drag? On this take-off the landing gear was down for an extra 17 seconds after take off than they normall would have been down for. That’s a lot of drag which they could ill afford.

Discussion of the Boeing Safety Record

There are a lot of headlines at the moment discussing the Boeing Safety Record. However, re really have to wait until the black boxes, CVR and FDR have been fully analysed before we will know what caused the crash. I personally don’t believe that it is anything to do with the 787 which has an impeccable safety record since it was certified for flight in 2011.

If an aircraft is not controlled correctly, it has nothing to do with the aircraft and more to do with the training. So I think that all bets are off until the black boxes have been reviewed .

Should the 787 be grounded?

In my view, definitely not. There is a lot we don’t know about this crash but there is a lot that we do know, and that is the 787 is one of the most sophisticated aircraft in flight with over 1,200 in fleets around the world. I actually flew on a 777 yesterday, knowing that this crash had happened, and I was in no way worried. There are worldwide, an average of 101,695 commercial flights which occur each day. The statistical data proves that flying is very safe. Approximately 3,700 people die in car crashes worldwide each day – that’s a huge number in comparison.

When I travel by plane, I never consider that the plan will crash, but I always listen to the flight crew and always remember where my nearest exits are. If you are travelling in the coming days, perhaps even on the Dreamliner, don’t worry, the industry and this aircraft are resilent and very safe, now sit back and relax and Enjoy your flight! My next flight is in 2 days time, again, a 777 with American Airlines, but I have no worries at all.

Please feel free to let me know your throughts in the comments below.

Everyone seems to be mobile gaming these days. And no wonder – it’s a fun pastime that offers quick entertainment, along with a mental workout, wherever you are. But with convenience comes risks around privacy, data, and security. You might play every day, or just once in a while, but either way a few safety tips can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay protected while playing on your phone.

Play without risking your personal data

First, before you even download a game, check what permissions it’s requesting. Many apps will ask for access they don’t need. Ask yourself why the game needs to access your contact list, or location. Also, use strong, unique passwords for gaming accounts, and enable two-factor authentication where possible for an extra layer of protection. These small steps can help protect your information from data breaches or unauthorised access when using apps like jackpot slots, so you can sign in securely and carry out all in-game transactions with confidence.

Avoid in-game scams and fake apps

Beware of apps masquerading as popular games – this is a known way for scammers to embed malware or get your personal or financial information through phishing. It’s important to be able to recognise the signs of a fake app but the best way to avoid them is to only download games that are listed in official app stores, rather than from websites or other sources. Even after you download a game, be extra careful of pop-ups or any messages that dangle the promise of freebies in exchange for your details. And, whatever you do, don’t click on links sent through in-game chats.

Prevent accidental or unauthorised in-app spend

Mobile games come with in-app purchases that can be fun additions to the experience – but you’ll be surprised (and might not notice) how quickly these small costs can add up. To avoid the shock of a high bill, set spending limits or turn on purchase verification in your phone’s settings. If kids will also be using your device, activate parental controls to prevent accidental buys.

Keep your device cybersecure while you play

It’s not just fake games and scams that can pose a threat to your personal data. You need to keep your phone or other gaming device secure as well. Keep your device updated with the latest software and operating system versions since these will include the latest security fixes. It’s also a good idea to install a mobile security app to reduce the risk of malware. And if a game requires you to log in, avoid using public Wi-Fi when you feel the urge to play (even if you only plan to do one session for a few minutes) – and always remember to log out when you’re done playing.

Game smarter, stay safer

By staying alert to potential threats and taking these precautions, you’re free to really enjoy playing your favourite game wherever you are – with full confidence and peace of mind.

In December 2024, I had my first ever United Airlines flight and I documented that review on my United Airlines – A Review post.  In this post, I will review my experiences with American Airlines as these have been my primary carrier for the last 3 years.

Over the past 3 years, I have had an average of 16 individual flights per year between Ireland and the UK. These were with Aer Lingus, British Airways, WestJet, and mainly American Airlines.

About American Airlines

Founded in 1930, American Airlines emerged from the consolidation of 82 small carriers into one company, initially called American Airways. Its roots trace back to the post-World War I era when aviation was beginning to take off as a commercial industry. In 1934, the company was restructured and renamed American Airlines, with C.R. Smith as its president. Smith played a pivotal role in shaping the airline, particularly through a partnership with aircraft manufacturer Douglas, which led to the development of the iconic DC-3. This aircraft revolutionized air travel by making passenger flights more practical and profitable.

American Airlines was instrumental in the early growth of the aviation industry in the United States, pioneering innovations such as the first transcontinental mail service and the creation of the first airline loyalty program, AAdvantage, in 1981. Over the decades, it grew through mergers and acquisitions, including its union with US Airways in 2013, which cemented its position as one of the largest airlines in the world.

Today, American Airlines operates an extensive global network, connecting over 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. Renowned for its size and scale, the airline continues to focus on enhancing customer experiences while maintaining its legacy as a leader in the aviation industry.

American Airlines – My Review

Because I have used American Airlines on Multiple Occasions I am writing a general overview of the last 10 flights with them.

Check-in

I always use the American Airlines app to check-in. Overall I found the app to be stable and easy to use. I can add my travel documents, review the travel advisories and check in online however sometimes the address at which you are staying in the US, will be rejected – I put this down to expected address patterns not being met. I eventually get the address in a format which it does accept but this could be improved.

Seat Purchase

I do like a window seat, it is my preference with my love of aviation to be able to see what is going on outside the plane. On American Airlines, my flights from Ireland would normally be $32 per seat and then within the US, my window seats were usually $18, which is on average $50 one way for the seats I wanted. This is affordable and within the limits, I would set for extra expenses. Unlike United Airlines where a one-flight seat could cost you $60. So well done to AA for keeping the pricing of seats affordable.

Arrival On-Board

The arrival on board is always very good, however, because I book with a 3^rd party, I am always in Group 6 so I am always boarding last. Not an issue as their aircraft are always decent-sized and modern. The cabin crew is consistently friendly and welcoming.

On Board Meals

I have never had an issue with the food on American Airlines. In general, it is always of a very high standard with tea, coffee, soft drinks, and wine are available for free with your meal. On my most recent flight with them on 12th June 2025, I got chicken with rice and pearl barley which was delicious. The only thing I didn’t like was the “dessert” which was a very sugary bake and not great.

Comfort

The flights are always comfortable with a very good entertainment system on board. WiFi is also available for purchase.

Overall Rating

I would give them a rating of 9/10 which is the same rating I would give American Airlines with a small deduction in relation to the app and the 3^rd party tickets allocated as Group 6 (unlike United where 3^rd party bookings were Group 4).

Overall, I think I will go back to flying American as my time with United was tainted by inconsistent customer support when it came to flight changes and the very expensive seat charges which I would not be in favour of supporting.

In 2025, social media marketing is more dynamic and competitive than ever. With new platforms emerging, algorithm updates, and changing consumer behaviors, staying ahead means continuously evolving your strategy. Here are the best tips for succeeding in social media marketing this year.

1. Embrace Short-Form Video Content

Short-form videos remain dominant across platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. In 2025, users expect snappy, authentic, and engaging content. Focus on storytelling, trends, and interactive elements like polls and questions to keep your audience engaged. Use captions, bold visuals, and hooks within the first three seconds to capture attention.

2. Prioritize Community Over Followers

Brands that foster genuine relationships with their followers outperform those chasing vanity metrics. Create communities by responding to comments, featuring user-generated content, hosting live Q&As, and using tools like Discord or private Facebook Groups. In 2025, authenticity and interaction trump polish and production.

3. Use AI Tools Thoughtfully

AI is revolutionizing content creation. Marketers now use AI to generate captions, suggest posting times, design graphics, and even produce video scripts. However, the key is balance—AI should assist, not replace, human creativity. Ensure content feels personal and on-brand, even if AI helps streamline production.

4. Optimize for Search and SEO

Social platforms are becoming search engines. In 2025, users often search TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube before Google. Incorporate relevant keywords in captions, video transcripts, and hashtags to enhance discoverability. Think of your posts like mini web pages—clear, searchable, and solution-oriented. These are often overlooked in Social Media Marketing as technically they are more of a website channel than social media but they play a major part.

5. Go Platform-Specific

No one-size-fits-all approach works anymore. Tailor your content to the unique audience, tone, and format of each platform. LinkedIn demands professionalism, Instagram rewards aesthetic and lifestyle content, while TikTok values humor and relatability. Use platform analytics to refine your approach.

6. Leverage Influencer and Creator Collaborations

Micro- and nano-influencers continue to offer strong ROI. In 2025, collaborations with niche creators bring higher engagement and trust than celebrity endorsements. Partner with creators whose values align with your brand and allow them creative freedom to deliver authentic messages.

7. Stay Agile and Experiment Often

Social media trends evolve quickly. Brands that test new features, try emerging platforms (like Threads or Lemon8), and stay open to feedback remain competitive. Don’t be afraid to pivot your strategy based on performance data and audience feedback.

By focusing on human connection, adapting to trends, and using technology wisely, brands can thrive in the ever-changing world of social media marketing in 2025.