US citizens will be issued with “smart” passports carrying a digitally signed photograph by late 2004.

The new passports will include an embedded microchip that stores a compressed image of its owner's face. These microchips will be designed to prevent tampering and each digital image will be cryptographically signed to guarantee its authenticity.

Civil liberties groups fear that the introduction of such international identity schemes could permit governments to monitor the activities of citizens in unprecedented detail.

Here’s a little Beetle quiz based on airport codes. See how many you get right! Go on, have a guess!

Which cities are served by airports with the following codes:

1. MUC
2. GOA
3. YTZ
4. SGN
5. AEP

For the answers, see at the end of the e-newsletter.

The UK Government is cracking down on air rage by imposing strict sentences on those found guilty of endangering an aircraft with disruptive behaviour.

Serious air rage incidents have increased during the last year with 648 'significant' in-flight incidents reported last year, a rise of around 16 per cent. 40 per cent of incidents were related to smoking and 42 per cent to alcohol.

Under the Aviation Offences Act, air rage passengers will face a five-year jail term if found guilty, three years more than the previous maximum penalty.

If you have a travellers tale that your aching to tell. Then why not visit the “Travel Sized Bites” section of the Website and share it with the world. Travel Sized Bites

Bath, well known as being a genteel Georgian spa town has been without its spa since 1978, when it was closed due to an amoebic bug. But now, as from August 28^th, you can book a day session for A335 or A317 for 2 hours. The facilities include access to a the Minerva Spa, a restaurant, terraces overlooking the baths and steam rooms. There are also various treatments, and exercise classed available at an extra cost. The five year project has cost A323 million. For more information, see www.thermaebathspa.com or tel: 01225 331234.

Win a Moon guidebook on Fiji. See www.moon.com for info on Moon guidebooks.

Some people have said the quiz is difficult, we say do some research; try google.com or Ask Jeeves, if you need help with the answers. One submission, only, please!

The winner of last month's Moon guide on Yellowstone and Grand Teton is Christine Buehring. Please send us your postal address, Christine!

Blue Ventures research programmes need volunteers. We have always depended, and continue to depend, on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Volunteers – from all over the world and from all walks of life – work with us both above and below the water. Overseas, volunteers are responsible for carrying out field research, as well as managing the day-to-day running of field camps. Working as a Blue Ventures volunteer is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience requiring hard work and commitment. If you are interested, see the Volunteer Guide (PDF )has particular focus on our current field site in Andavadoaka or visit our website at http://www.blueventures.org/volunteering_volunteers.htm

An UK independent television company is looking for friends, couples and families who are off on an adventurous trip overseas for a new Channel 4 documentary series.

• Are you currently UK based?
• Are you going away for at least three months and leaving later this year?
• Are you travelling as a family, a couple or a group of close friends?
• Is this your first big trip abroad – i.e. this is not the sort of hing that you do every year?
• Are you spending the majority of your trip somewhere other than Europe?

If your answer to all of the above is 'Yes' then we want to hear from you! If you are interested in finding out more information please ring Emma on 0207 684 1661 x247 or email emma@ideallondon.com.