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The Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia began Thursday, in the midst of travel warnings both common and related to supposed safety threats, as well as a Twitter account dedicated to all things @SochiProblems.
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Journalists have been documenting various ways Sochi is not prepared for the Olympics, but a new Twitter account, @SochiProblems, is offering a platform for anyone to share their unique experience.
Whether CBC show host Mark Connolly’s hotel is a mess, Chicago Tribune Reporter Stacy St. Clair is concerned about unclean water or ABC Correspondent Matt Gutman is able to squeeze multiple complaints into a single tweet – the new Twitter account is growing quickly, with over 91,000 followers.
Related article: Santa Clarita To Host Polar Plunge For Special Olympics
Feds Warn About Toothpaste Bombs
The U.S. government sent an advisory to airlines that fly into Russia on Wednesday, warning that recent intelligence suggests terrorists might try to smuggle explosives onto planes by using toothpaste tubes.
An official said the intelligence does not indicate any threat to planes flying either to or within the United States, but was instead limited to flights to Russia. A U.S. official added that the advisory is directed to airline flights that originate outside the United States.
“Out of an abundance of caution, [Department of Homeland Security] regularly shares relevant information with domestic and international partners, including those associated with international events such as the Sochi Olympics.
“While we are not aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time, this routine communication is an important part of our commitment to making sure we meet that priority,” said a statement from a Homeland Security official.
When asked whether the advisory might lead to any change in carry-on restrictions, the official declined to comment.
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USDA: Don’t Bring Food Home From Russia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reminding U.S. travelers attending the games to check with them before bringing agricultural products back home.
The civil penalty for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry costs first time offenders $300. The penalty for a second violation goes up to $500. To avoid receiving a penalty, declare all agricultural items, and when in doubt present them to Customs and Border Protection for inspection so that an agriculture specialist can determine if your items are admissible.
For more information about the importation of meat and meat products, please call 301-851-3300 and select Option 1 or email asknies.products@aphis.usda.gov. For more information about the importation of plants and plant products, please call 301-851-2046 or toll-free at 877-770-5990. You can also email our plant health staff at permits@aphis.usda.gov.
Mark Connolly @MarkConnollyCBC A lot of complaints about the accommodations. This is the foyer of my apartment. #SochiProblems |
My hotel has no water. If restored, the front desk says, “do not use on your face because it contains something very dangerous.” #Sochi2014 Water restored, sorta. On the bright side, I now know what very dangerous face water looks like. #Sochi #unfiltered Also on the bright side: I just washed my face with Evian, like I’m a Kardashian or something. |
Bees in your honey, beer colored water, no flush toilets and the buzz abt #Sochi yuck factor today on @GMA
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More information: Public Safety News
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