Rss

Now Expected To Open May 2014

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:08:18 -0400

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The opening of a new airport to accommodate budget carriers has been delayed until next year because of design changes and other construction setbacks, Malaysia's airport operator says. Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad said late Tuesday that the contractors for the terminal building of the new airport, who previously said the facility would be completed this month, need additional time and set late April 2014 as a new target date for completion. Operations are to start on May 2, 2014. The airport operator said in a statement that the 4 billion ringgit airport, dubbed KLIA2, was originally slated to open in mid-2012 but was delayed due to design changes. The contractors also have blamed poor ground conditions for the delay. Malaysia Airports has said 90 percent of the project is complete and that costs haven't risen despite the delay. The project cost doubled from an earlier estimate of 2 billion ringgit in 2011, after Malaysia Airports scaled up the design to increase capacity to 45 million passengers annually, up from 30 million. That will make KLIA2 the biggest low-cost airport in the world. It also included plans for aerobridges, automated baggage handling systems and a huge retail space. AirAsia, Southeast Asia's top budget carrier and the main user of the terminal, has criticized the multiple delays and the higher expense. Aireen Omar, head of its Malaysian operations, said earlier this month that what was meant to be a simple low-cost airport has developed into a "vast and highly complex infrastructure." AirAsia is worried the high project cost will mean high landing fees that will hurt its operations. Aireen called for an investigation into the delay, saying it was puzzling as Malaysia Airports in January announced the project was ahead of time and would be completed by June 28. Malaysia Airports has said it was in talks with AirAsia and other low-cost operators to address congestion at the existing low-cost terminal, which can handle 15 million people a year. It said measures include allowing airlines to use the main international airport if needed. Malaysia hopes the new budget airport will bolster the country's international airport as a significant air hub in the region, rivaling Singapore's Changi Airport and Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Malaysia's international airport and its current low-cost terminal handled nearly 40 million passengers last year, close to its capacity due to high traffic at its budget terminal. In comparison, Changi's three main terminals have a combined capacity of 66 million passengers and handled 51 million people last year. Suvarnabhumi, which opened in late 2006, handled similar number of passengers last year. With the proliferation of low-cost airlines in the region, Singapore is upgrading its budget terminal to double capacity to 16 million people and will reopen in 2017. Singapore is also building a fifth terminal that will bring its total capacity to more than 85 million passengers by 2023. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

Tokyo-Bound Dreamliner Flight 139 Lands In Seattle

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:59:24 -0400

A line of 787 jets are seen parked nose-to-tail Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Federal officials say they are temporarily grounding Boeing's 787 Dreamliners until the risk of possible battery fires is addressed. January 16, 2013Graphic locates problem areas on the Boeing 787 DreamlinerJanuary 16, 2013In this photo taken by a passenger and distributed by Japan's Kyodo News, passengers leave an All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 after it made an emergency landing at Takamatsu airport in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. ANA said a cockpit message showed battery problems and a burning smell was detected in the cockpit and the cabin, forcing the 787 on a domestic flight to land at the airport. January 16, 2013An All Nippon Airways flight sits at Takamatsu airport in Takamatsu, western Japan after it made an emergency landing Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. The flight to Tokyo from Ube in western Japan landed at the airport after a cockpit message showed battery problems, in the latest trouble for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. January 11, 2013Loc Phan, foreground, and Kari Brown who both work for Hexcel which manufactures carbon fiber components for Boeing, look at a door on a disply model of part of the aircraft as Boeing celebrated the opening of a new manufacturing plant in West Jordan, Utah on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. The U.S. government stepped in Friday to assure the public that Boeing's new 787 "Dreamliner" is safe to fly, even as it launched a comprehensive review to find out what caused a fire, a fuel leak and other worrisome incidents earlier in the week. January 7, 2013A Japan Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet aircraft is surrounded by emergency vehicles while parked at a terminal E gate at Logan International Airport in Boston as a fire chief looks into the cargo hold Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. A small electrical fire filled the cabin of the JAL aircraft with smoke Monday morning about 15 minutes after it landed in Boston. November 15, 2012Visitors tour the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner", the first such plane in Polish Airlines LOT fleet, after it arrived in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Poland's national airline LOT welcomed its first "Dreamliner", becoming the first European carrier to get the U.S. aircraft maker's newest plane. November 4, 2012Sleeping quarters for the flight crew aboard a Boeing 787 are shown as United Airlines prepares its first scheduled North American commercial Boeing 787 flight from Houston to Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in Houston at Bush International Airport. November 4, 2012A United Airlines 787 Dreamliner receives a ceremonial wash as it arrives at O'Hare international Airport in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, from Houston, after making United's inaugural 787 revenue flight. The aircraft is touted to be much more fuel efficient than any other similar plane and has a host of passenger amenities, such as larger windows, special lighting and filtered air. November 4, 2012Members of the media look inside a Boeing 787's cabin as United Airlines prepares its first scheduled North American commercial Boeing 787 flight from Houston to Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in Houston at Bush International Airport. October 1, 2012Visitors view the economy class section of a Boeing 787 operated by All Nippon Airways, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, on the first day of service for the 787 on ANA's Seattle-Tokyo route. After an official welcoming ceremony, the flight was delayed due to a maintenance issue. September 8, 2012A Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger plane receives a water canon salute upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. Air India has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 from the company. It is the fifth airline worldwide to take delivery of a 787 and has 26 more on order. April 22, 2012A Japan Airlines Boeing 787 lands at Logan International Airport in Boston on its inaugural, non-stop flight from Tokyo, Sunday, April 22, 2012. March 14, 2012California Gov. Jerry Brown sits in the cockpit during a tour of the a flight test version of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as it makes a tour stop at the Boeing plant in Long Beach, Calif., Wednesday, March 14, 2012. February 17, 2012President Barack Obama checks out the overhead storage compartments while touring a Boeing 787 during a tour of the Boeing 787 factory on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 in Everett, Wash. February 17, 2012US President Barack Obama looks at the electronic window shade in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane that will be delivered to United Airlines during a tour of the production facility prior to speaking on the economy in Everett, Washington, February 17, 2012. February 12, 2012The interior of the crew sleeping quarters on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen during a media tour on February 12, 2012 in Singapore. February 12, 2012The interior of the first class cabin of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen during a media tour on February 12, 2012 in Singapore. January 26, 2012A picture shows the view of the cockpit of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger jet at the Dublin International airport in Dublin, Ireland on January 26, 2012. September 25, 2011The Roll Royce engine is pictured on a Boeing Boeing 787 Dreamliner belonging to All Nippon Airways September 25, 2011 in Everett, Wash. Boeing delivered its long-awaited and delayed first 787 airliner to All Nippon Airways which it will celebrate before ANA flies the airliner to Japan September 27, 2011. September 25, 2011Boeing employees assemble Boeing 787 Dreamliners September 25, 2011 in Everett, Wash. Boeing delivered its long-awaited and delayed first 787 airliner to All Nippon Airways which it will celebrate before ANA flies the airliner to Japan September 27, 2011. September 25, 2011Boeing employees work on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner for United Airlines September 25, 2011 in Everett, Wash. Boeing delivered its long-awaited and delayed first 787 airliner to All Nippon Airways which it will celebrate before ANA flies the airliner to Japan September 27, 2011. September 25, 2011A Boeing employee works inside the fuselage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner September 25, 2011 in Everett, Wash. Boeing delivered its long-awaited and delayed first 787 airliner to All Nippon Airways which it will celebrate before ANA flies the airliner to Japan September 27, 2011. September 25, 2011Boeing employees work on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in the final assembly line September 25, 2011 in Everett, Wash. Boeing delivered its long-awaited and delayed first 787 airliner to All Nippon Airways which it will celebrate before ANA flies the airliner to Japan September 27, 2011. September 25, 2011Business class seats on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner owned by All Nippon Airways September 25, 2011 in Everett, Wash. Boeing delivered its long-awaited and delayed first 787 airliner to All Nippon Airways which it will celebrate before ANA flies the airliner to Japan September 27, 2011. July 3, 2011An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives as fire engines spray it with water at Tokyo's Haneda airport during a test flight on July 3, 2011. ANA and Boeing will conduct test flights between Haneda and other domestic airports until July 10 with ANA utilizing the jetliner for domestic service from September. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNOJuly 3, 2011An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives at Tokyo's Haneda airport during a test flight on July 3, 2011. ANA and Boeing will conduct test flights between Haneda and other domestic airports until July 10 with ANA utilizing the jetliner for domestic service from September. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNOJune 22, 2011Visitors look at the GEnx engine, provides power for Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 long-range jets, at the International Paris Air Show on June 22, 2011. AFP PHOTO PIERRE VERDYMarch 20, 2011A 787 Dreamliner passenger jet is tested above the Boeing factory at Paine Field in Everett, Washington state on March 20, 2011. Boeing said recently that the use of 'immature' technology caused delays in the delivery of its 787 Dreamliner passenger jet, a project almost three years behind schedule. 'Some of the technology was not as mature as it should have been and we put a global supply chain together without thinking through some of the consequences,' Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said at a forum in the Saudi capital. 'When you put immature technology in your supply chain and don't supply adequate oversight, you have issues and that is what we had,' he added at the annual Global Competitiveness Forum. But he expressed confidence in the aircraft even if production is nearly three years behind schedule. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTONFebruary 14, 2011Boeing employees work on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on one of the assembly lines February 14, 2011 at the company's factory in Everett, Washington. The new plane features quieter, more fuel efficient engines, more seating and a redesigned interior. July 7, 2007International journalists and other visitors view a mock-up of the interior of the new Boeing 787 airplane Saturday, July 7, 2007, at Boeing's Customer Experience Center in Renton, Wash., the day before Sunday's official roll-out of the first 787 airplane. The 787 is Boeing's first all-new plane since airlines started flying the 777 in 1995, and thousands of current and former employees as well as government and airline officials are expected to take part in roll-out ceremonies Sunday in Everett, Wash., and Seattle. February 14, 2011Boeing employees work on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on one of the assembly lines February 14, 2011 at the company's factory in Everett, Washington. The new plane features quieter, more fuel efficient engines, more seating and a redesigned interior. July 18, 2010A Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft sits on the tarmac of the Farnborough Airshow, Hampshire, on July 18, 2010. Aerospace giant Boeing said July 15, 2010 that it might delay to 2011 the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner aircraft scheduled at the end of this year. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALLJanuary 27, 2010Ethiopians walks past a billboard showing an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 plane in Addis Ababa on January 27, 2010. The crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jet, in which 90 people are feared dead on January 25, 2010, comes as a blow to a company considered the jewel of Ethiopia's industry and tipped for exponential growth. AFP PHOTO / SIMON MAINADecember 15, 2009A Boeing 787 Dreamliner accelerates down the runway while taking off on its long-waited first flight December 15, 2009 at Paine Field In Everett, Wash. The much delayed Dreamliner is made of a plastic composite material that can save up to 20 percent in fuel costs. December 15, 2009A Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen after its long-waited first flight December 15, 2009 at Boeing Field In Seattle, Washington. The much delayed Dreamliner is made of a plastic composite material that can save up to 20 percent in fuel costs. December 15, 2009Boeing 787 Chief Pilot Captain Mike Carriker exults after landing Boeing's long delayed new 787 at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., on December 15, 2009. Under dreary skies, the Dreamliner took off at 10:27 a.m. to loud applause from those gathered at Paine Field near Boeing's plant. More than two years late, Boeing's 787 Dreamliner jet took to the skies Tuesday, in a critical milestone for the problem-plagued aircraft seen as key to the future of the US aerospace giant. AFP PHOTO/Paul Joseph BROWNDecember 15, 2009Engineering Test Pilot Capt. Randy Neville gives the thumbs up from the cockpit of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner after its long-waited first flight December 15, 2009 at Boeing Field In Seattle, Wash. The much delayed Dreamliner is made of a plastic composite material that can save up to 20 percent in fuel costs. December 15, 2009Boeing's long delayed 787 Dreamliner sits on the tarmac after its first flight and landing at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., on December 15, 2009. Under dreary skies, the Dreamliner took off at 10:27 a.m. to loud applause from those gathered at Paine Field near Boeing's plant in the western state of Washington. More than two years late, Boeing's 787 Dreamliner jet took to the skies Tuesday, in a critical milestone for the problem-plagued aircraft seen as key to the future of the US aerospace giant. AFP PHOTO/Paul Joseph BROWNJune 23, 2009Workers in lifts tend to the exterior of one of two Boeing 787 Dreamliners sitting on the flight line June 23, 2009 near the company's production facilities at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Boeing announced the postponement of the airplane's first flight due to a need to reinforce part of the plane's body. June 23, 2009Workers in lifts tend to the exterior of one of two Boeing 787 Dreamliners sitting on the flight line June 23, 2009 near the company's production facilities at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Boeing announced the postponement of the airplane's first flight due to a need to reinforce part of the plane's body. July 9, 2007The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner appears to the crowd during the world premiere of this aircraft in Everett, Washington, July 8, 2007. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing unveiled its new 'green' passenger jet, the 787 Dreamliner, which boasts a series of fuel-efficient design features that have sparked huge demand. The much-hyped aircraft was rolled out for its first public appearance at Boeing's giant plant in Everett, some 25 miles north of Seattle AFP PHOTO TANGI QUEMENERJuly 9, 2007Boeing employees and media members discover the landing gear of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner during the world premiere of this aircraft in Everett, Washington, July 8, 2007. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing unveiled its new 'green' passenger jet, the 787 Dreamliner, which boasts a series of fuel-efficient design features that have sparked huge demand.The much-hyped aircraft was rolled out for its first public appearance at Boeing's giant plant in Everett, some 25 miles north of Seattle. AFP PHOTO TANGI QUEMENERMay 15, 2007The tail of the super freighter "Dreamlifter" aircraft, carrying the massive wings for the first Boeing 787 "Dreamliner," is opened after it's arrival from Japan, Tuesday, May 15, 2007, in Everett, Wash. The tail of the specially designed 747 freighter swings open for huge payloads that are unloaded using the largest cargo loader in the world. July 19, 2006People look at the overhead compartment space inside a model demonstrating the interior space of the forthcoming long range, fuel efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, southern England, Wednesday July 19, 2006. The biennial show, which was in its 45th year in 2006, showcases aerospace equipment and technology and is the largest aerospace event in the world. December 14, 2005In this artist impression released by Qantas Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 in Sydney shows a Qantas Boeing 787. Australian flag carrier Qantas announced it has placed firm orders for 65 new Boeing 787 passenger jets in a multibillion dollar deal to renew its fleet. FAA Grounds All Boeing 787 Dreamliners Over GlitchesThe grounding follows a series of malfunctions, including several electrical failures.

D.C. Sinkhole Reportedly Swallows Car, Though Later Accounts Are Less Dramatic (PHOTOS)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:02:42 -0400

Gigantic SinkholesIn this photo released by Guatemala's Presidency on Monday May 31, 2010, a sinkhole covers a street intersection in downtown Guatemala City. A day earlier authorities blamed the heavy rains caused by tropical storm Agatha as the cause of the crater that swallowed a a three-story building. Gigantic SinkholesCORRECTS DATE - A car sits in a giant sinkhole in Duluth, Minn. Wednesday, June 20, 2011. Residents evacuated their homes and animals escaped from pens at a zoo as floods fed by a steady torrential downpour struck northeastern Minnesota, inundating the city of Duluth, officials said Wednesday. MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES TV OUTGigantic SinkholesA sinkhole approximately 25 feet deep and 50 feet wide swallowed the home of a Florida woman in June 2012. Neighbors were instructed to evacuate their homes.Gigantic SinkholesMore than 800 people were evacuated from a village in China's Guangxi province in early June 2012 after a sinkhole threatened the surrounding land. The hole was initially built as a well to provide water to children in a nearby schoolhouse. The hole is reported to have caused one building to collapse, six to tilt, and one to collapse.Gigantic SinkholesIn a Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 photo, a gaping sinkhole has opened in the bottom of a pool at the home of Brad Thelen in Erwin, Tenn., draining the family's swimming pool. Thelen said the noise of the sinkhole opening under the in-ground pool awakened his wife Chemene on Wednesday night, according to The Johnson City Press. By Thursday evening, it had tripled in size and was not far from the Thelans' home. The family removed valuables and was staying with relatives until the sinkhole stabilized. MANDATORY CREDITUtah Sinkhole DeathThis image provided by the Utah Highway Patrol shows the wreckage of a car that ran into a hole, after heavy rain caused the collapse of State Road 35 that opened up a hole 40 feet wide and more than 30 feet deep. A teenage girl is dead and her father seriously injured after this SUV plunged into a hole in the highway near Tabiona, Utah early Thursday July 14, 2011. Gigantic SinkholesWorkers block off the site of a huge sinkhole which occurred overnight in Beijing on April 26, 2011. A section of the road collapsed beneath a truck, slightly injuring the driver and a passenger, who both jumped out the vehicle before it sank into the hole. Authorities suspect the hole was caused by the construction of a subway line. Sinkhole in HouseA man inspects a sinkhole formed in a house on July 19, 2011 in the north of Guatemala City. When neighbors heard the loud boom overnight they thought a cooking gas canister had detonated. Instead they found a deep sinkhole the size of a large pot inside a home in a neighborhood just north of Guatemala City. The sinkhole was 12.2 meters deep and 80 centimeters in diameter, an AFP journalist who visited the site reported. Police, members of the country's natural disaster office and water utility company officials came to visit the site. Sinkholes, formed by the natural process of erosion, can be gradual but are often sudden. Guatemala City, built on volcanic deposits, is especially prone to sinkholes, often blamed on a leaky sewer system or on heavy rain.Sinkhole with CarsRene Crete looks over damaged cars at Buy Right Auto on Friday, May 27, 2011 in East Montpelier, Vt. Schools and roads are closed across central Vermont as heavy overnight rains caused flooding that overflowed riverbanks. A Vermont Emergency management official said early Friday almost 150 people were in three shelters in Barre, Montpelier and Berlin.The Vermont National Guard sent emergency response teams and high water vehicles to the area to help local and state emergency management officials. Gigantic Sinkholes A utility worker looks underground to examine the scene where a sinkhole was caused when a broken water main collapsed part of Friendship Boulevard on December 3, 2010 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. No one was reported injured in the accident. Gigantic SinkholesThe late afternoon sun casts its warm rays over the sinkholes which mark the dried-out center section of the Dead Sea in this aerial view on September 30, 2010 in southern Israel. Gigantic SinkholesA Cadillac Escalade sits at the bottom of a sinkhole in Milwaukee, Wis. July 23, 2010, still running almost 20 hours after the driver fell in. Powerful storms pounded southeastern Wisconsin and caused widespread flooding. Gigantic SinkholesA street level view of the sinkhole created by tropical storm Agatha as it covers a street intersection in downtown Guatemala City on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Green Ooze In PhillyThis sinkhole spotted in Philadelphia looks like it's oozing radioactive goo. A Redditor reports that the city actually adds a fluorescent dye. Gigantic SinkholeRescuers work at the scene of a landslide in Saint-Jude, Quebec as shown from the air on May 11, 2010. Four people, including two children, were killed after a sinkhole triggered by a landslide swallowed their house northeast of Montreal. Gigantic SinkholesA 22-ton Los Angeles Fire Department fire truck protrudes from a sinkhole on September 8, 2009 in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The sinkhole was apparently caused by a broken 6-inch cast iron pipe. The firefighters were not hurt in the accident. Gigantic SinkholesJohn Sparkman is dwarfed as he looks into a sinkhole near Picher, Okla., Saturday, April 6, 2008. Years of lead and zinc mining has left turned the town into a Superfund site with sinkholes, lead-laced mountains of rock, and tainted water. Gigantic SinkholesA massive, approximately 200' x 240', sinkhole opens up and tears apart the pavement of Soledad Mountain Road, October 3, 2007 in the Mount Soledad neighborhood of La Jolla near San Diego, California. The landslide reportedly damaged or destroyed 6 homes and forced the evacuation of at least 20 others. Gigantic SinkholesA general view of the huge crater at the collapsed 'Pinheiros' subway station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, January 15, 2007. Brazilian officials said a passenger minivan had fallen to the bottom of a 40-meter -deep pit dug to facilitate delivery of supplies for workers building an underground railway line. Gigantic SinkholesRichard Horita looks at a sinkhole at his home, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006, in Paauilo that was caused when a 6.7 earthquake struck the island of Hawaii. Gigantic SinkholesResidents in Beckham County, Oklahoma near Sayre say a massive sinkhole suddenly appeared overnight. They say it's so big a small house can fit inside it

Lonnie Kocontes Charged With Tossing Wife Off Cruise Ship

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:37:53 -0400

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- A California grand jury has indicted a Florida man on charges he strangled his ex-wife and tossed her off a cruise ship in Italy. Lonnie Kocontes, 55, who used to live in Southern California, was indicted by an Orange County grand jury on Friday and did not enter a plea during his Superior Court arraignment Monday, the Orange County Register reported. Kocontes remained jailed Tuesday. He is charged with murder for financial gain, which carries a potential death penalty and a minimum sentence of life in prison without chance of parole. Kocontes will try to have the case dismissed at a June 26 hearing, arguing that local authorities lack jurisdiction to prosecute. He and Micki Kanesaki, 52, divorced in 2001 after six years of marriage but continued to live together, off and on, in southern Orange County. They were sharing a cabin during a May 2006 Mediterranean cruise when she went overboard. Her body later washed ashore. Italian police investigated but did not arrest Kocontes. Another investigation began in 2008 after Kocontes began transferring more than $1 million from Kanesaki's bank accounts into joint accounts he held with his new wife, authorities said. He was arrested in February and pleaded not guilty to murder in May, but the case was dismissed. Prosecutors then moved to refile the charges, and another judge ruled that they could proceed. Last week, prosecutors presented evidence before the grand jury and obtained an indictment. ___ Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www.ocregister.com[2] Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ http://bit.ly/1bP1wIl ^ http://www.ocregister.com

James Bridle Exhibit Examines Drones As Art At Corcoran Gallery

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:11:23 -0400

WASHINGTON -- Look up, D.C.! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a... drone? See it? Look more closely: Not to worry, Washingtonians. The drone shadow -- “Drone Shadow 004," specifically -- is part of James Bridle's new exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, "A Quiet Disposition." [1] The exhibit, which opens Wednesday in Gallery 31, the Corcoran College of Art + Design’s gallery space, explores the relationship between drones and technology, turning the traditional imagery of drone warfare on its head by creating art. Bridle has previously shown similar work in Brighton, England[2], and Istanbul[3]. He told The Wall Street Journal[4] that he "considers himself an artist and activist, and sometimes culls his themes from protests with which he’s been involved." A recent profile in Vanity Fair compared[5] Bridle's drone project to Andy Warhol's soup cans and Marcel Duchamp's urinal: Here were the darkest ramifications of the New Aesthetic -- a portent of all that we’ve given over to machines. As a collection of found images that becomes a work unto itself, it slides in behind Duchamp or Warhol, seizing on the truth and beauty of what is most terrifying in our age. "A Quiet Disposition" is Bridle's first exhibition at a major U.S. museum; the grand opening includes a 7:00 p.m. free lecture by the artist. This isn't the first drone spotted near Washington, D.C.; last year, some sharp-eyed commuters spotted what appeared to be a UFO[6] on the back of a truck on the Beltway. The object was later identified as "one of Northrop Grumman’s X-47B drones, a type of aircraft often mistaken for a UFO." UFO On The Beltway?UFO On The Beltway? The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System flew with its landing gear up for the first time on Sept. 7 during a test flight.UFO On The Beltway? RQ-4 flying over mountains and desertUFO On The Beltway?A model of a Boeing X-46 UCAV-N is for sale on eBayUFO On The Beltway?UFO On The Beltway? UFO On The Beltway? UFO On The Beltway?UFO On The Beltway?Dennis ReyesUFO On The Beltway? UFO On The Beltway? "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ "A Quiet Disposition." ^ Brighton, England ^ Istanbul ^ He told The Wall Street Journal ^ recent profile in Vanity Fair compared ^ spotted what appeared to be a UFO

What To Do When Car Rental Reservations Aren't Honored

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:22:00 -0400

We're sorry, sir, but we don't have any cars left. That was my unpleasant welcome to Michigan by Hertz. I had a reservation. They saw the reservation. The problem: Hertz hadn't actually saved me a car. So here I was, just off a plane in Kalamazoo, suitcase in tow and no car. I wasn't the only one stranded and – I later learned from my cab driver – it happens somewhat regularly. After the initial shock, all that kept flashing through my head was a 1991 Seinfeld episode where a car rental firm doesn't have Jerry's reserved car. "But the reservation keeps the car here. That's why you have the reservation," Seinfeld says. "You know how to take the reservation, you just don't know how to hold the reservation. And that's really the most important part of the reservation: the holding." Reserving a car is different than almost any other travel product. Airfare is typically non-refundable once you purchase a ticket. Hotel rooms can be canceled up to a certain point – usually 4 p.m. the night of arrival. But there's typically no penalty for reserving a car and never picking it up. That leaves the industry with many more reservations than actual renters. So just like airlines sell more tickets on planes than seats, car rental agencies sometimes don't have enough cars to meet their demand. "During the course of a year, this phenomenon is a rare occasion and occurs less than 1 percent of the time," Paula Rivera, a spokeswoman for Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., parent company of Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty, said via email. If a reserved car class is not available, it is Hertz's policy to provide a complimentary upgrade to the next available car class. In situations like mine where there are no cars left at the airport, Hertz will let customers rent from a competitor and pay the difference, or pay for a cab to and from your hotel, asking you to return the next morning when more cars might be available. The company will also provide a $50 voucher for a future rental. Alice Pereira, a spokeswoman for Avis Budget Group, Inc., outlined a nearly identical policy at her company. A representative for Enterprise Holdings, the parent of Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental, did not respond to numerous requests for comment. For me, a solution wasn't so simple. Everybody else in Kalamazoo was out of cars and Hertz said it would be days until they got more vehicles. I had an early meeting for work the next day and needed a car. Luckily, the airport in Grand Rapids, Mich. – 58 miles away – did have some cars available. An hour and $150 cab ride later, I was finally in a car. When I returned the car three days later, Hertz took the $150 off my bill and gave me one of those $50 vouchers. So what can you do to prevent a similar fate? Not much. Hertz's Rivera told me that for travelers whose plans are concrete, they can prepay for their rental on "which helps to ensure availability upon arrival." The company also lets customers in some locations reserve specific model cars, which helps make sure that you get the right size vehicle. Rates for those cars, however, are typically higher than a generic "intermediate" or "compact" rental. It also pays to sign up for the rental firms' loyalty program, which is free. Rivera said members of Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards program "by virtue of their loyalty, are served first." In my case, my membership didn't help – but I got the sense that nothing would have. __ Scott Mayerowitz can be reached at . http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott[1] Related on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott

Photo Shows Twister Near Parking Lot

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:15:01 -0400

In this photo provided by Cathy Pasquariello, a storm cloud approaches Ocean City, Md. on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011. The National Weather Service is looking into reports of a tornado in Ocean City. Rick Curry, NWS observation program leader in Wakefield, Va., says there have been unconfirmed reports of a tornado and wind damage near 75th Street on Thursday afternoon. He says a storm was moving through the area at the time. Fire department spokesman Ryan Whittington says buildings and multiple vehicles were damaged in the 75th Street area, but no major injuries were reported. He says town officials are working with NWS to determine what kind of weather event caused the damage. Alabama Severe WeatherA funnel cloud appears in the distance in Level Plains, Ala., near U.S. Highway 84 and Dale County Road 1, Sunday, June 10, 2012. The area was under a tornado warning until 12:15 p.m. There is no official word of any injuries. In this photo provided by Gothamist, dark clouds loom over the skyline, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in New York. Two tornadoes struck New York City on Saturday, one swept out of the sea and hit a beachfront neighborhood and the second, stronger twister hit moments later, hurling debris in the air, knocking out power and startling residents who once thought of twisters as a Midwestern phenomenon. MANDATORY CREDITThis photo provided by Joey Mure, shows a storm cloud over the Breezy Point area of Queens section of New York, on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. A Fire Department spokesman said there were power lines down and possibly other damage in the Point Breeze section of the Rockaway peninsula in Queens. The general manager of the Breezy Point Surf Club tells the Associated Press the storm ripped up cabanas and even picked up industrial-sized metal trash bins. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Queens and Brooklyn as a line of strong thunderstorms moved through the city. The service said radar detected a "strong rotation" in the storm, but there was no immediate confirmation that a twister actually formed. Storm clouds move over west of Palmyra, Ind.,, Friday, Mar. 2, 2012 Powerful storms stretching from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes in the north wrecked two small towns, killed at least three people and bred anxiety across a wide swath of the country on Friday, in the second deadly tornado outbreak this week. MAGS OUT; NO ARCHIVE; MANDATORY CREDITThis photo provided by Michael Abrams, shows a storm cloud over the Breezy Point area of Queens section of New York, on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. A Fire Department spokesman said there were power lines down and possibly other damage in the Point Breeze section of the Rockaway peninsula in Queens. The general manager of the Breezy Point Surf Club tells the Associated Press the storm ripped up cabanas and even picked up industrial-sized metal trash bins. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Queens and Brooklyn as a line of strong thunderstorms moved through the city. The service said radar detected a "strong rotation" in the storm, but there was no immediate confirmation that a twister actually formed. MANDATORY CREDITTexas Tornado WeatherThreatening clouds continue to move through southern Tarrant and Dallas counties after a tornado swept through Lancaster, Texas on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Tornadoes tore through the Dallas area Tuesday, peeling roofs off homes, tossing big-rig trucks into the air and leaving flattened tractor trailers strewn along highways and parking lots. MAGS OUTTexas WeatherLightning streaks across the sky in Tyler, Texas as a powerful line of thunderstorms, several spawning tornados moved across Texas, Tuesday evening, April 3, 2012. A Thursday, June 7, 2012 photo provided by Andrew Kniss shows a funnel cloud, seen from Kniss's car on Highway 34, near Wheatland, Wyoming. The rare quarter-mile-wide tornado cut a swath across mainly open country in southeastern Wyoming, damaging homes, derailing empty train cars and leaving one person with minor injuries, officials said. The twister was part of a powerful storm system that rolled through parts of Colorado and Wyoming Thursday afternoon and evening, packing heavy rains, high winds and hail. A funnel cloud dips down from the clouds on Saturday, April 14, 2012, just southwest of Otis, Kansas as severe thunderstorms roll across Kansas. The funnel touched down briefly before the storm weakened. Supercell thunderstorms spawned numerous tornadoes in Kansas on Saturday. A funnel cloud begins to form over the Canebrake Subdivision of Athens, Ala., Friday, March 2, 2012. Homes were damaged and utilities were interrupted when several suspected tornadoes struck Limestone County Friday morning. A funnel cloud is seen, Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, near Tipton, Okla. Officials say an agriculture office was destroyed and other buildings damaged as tornadoes touched down in southwestern Oklahoma Monday. Tornadoes are most prevalent in Oklahoma in the spring, but the state has a secondary severe weather season in autumn. MANDATORY CREDITAlso On The Huffington Post...Check out this amazing video of a tornado touching down in Northern California. The twister hit on Tuesday in Tehama County, just south of Redding, bringing lightning and large hail. The tornado reportedly tore the roof off one home. There were reports of two other tornadoes — one in Richfield, and the other east of the I-5 between Corning and Red Bluff. Fortunately, the extreme weather is not being blamed for any injuries.

Supermoon 2013 Photos, Tweets (LIVE UPDATES)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:14:43 -0400

The day has finally arrived: 'Supermoon' Sunday! After much chatter in the Twittersphere,[1] it's time to go outside, gaze up at the sky, and see what all the fuss is about. This month's full moon started today at 7:32 a.m. EDT, meaning that tonight is a great time to do some observing. So what is a "supermoon," exactly? It's the name used to describe a full or new moon that occurs when the moon is nearest the earth in its elliptical orbit around our planet. Astronomers call it the "perigee full moon[3]" -- perigee being the term for the moon’s closest point to earth in any given month. Supermoons tend to appear about 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter[4] compared to other full moons. June's supermoon is the most "super"[5] of the three supermoons this year. It's the closest the moon will be and the largest it will look until August 10, 2014. So we hope you'll join our live blog , sharing with our community pictures and memories that you share remind us that no matter where we are, we all look up and see the same moon. Please share your photos and thoughts by tweeting us at @HuffPostScience, emailing us at science@huffingtonpost.com, or sending images through the user-submitted slideshow link at the bottom of the post. You can also join the discussion on Facebook! SUPERMOON GALLERY: SUBMIT YOUR OWN PHOTOS "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ chatter in the Twittersphere, ^ last night's waxing gibbous moon ^ perigee full moon ^ Supermoons tend to appear about 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter ^ supermoon is the most "super"

Timber Found In Lake Michigan Centuries Old, Could Be Part Of Lost Vessel

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:02:35 -0400

FAIRPORT, Mich. -- A wooden beam embedded at the bottom of northern Lake Michigan appears to have been there for centuries, underwater archaeologists announced Tuesday, a crucial finding as crews dig toward what they hope is the carcass of a French ship that disappeared while exploring the Great Lakes in the 17th Century. Expedition leaders still weren't ready to declare they had found a shipwreck or the long-lost Griffin. The ship, commanded by the French explorer La Salle, was never seen again after setting sail in September 1679 from an island near the entrance of Green Bay, in what is now northern Wisconsin, with a crew of a six and a cargo of furs. But Michel L'Hour, director of France's Department of Underwater Archaeological Research, said the timber appears to be a bowsprit, which is a spur or pole that extends from a vessel's stem. It also appears to be attached to a hard surface below the lake bed. "All the details could be interpreted as part of a bowsprit and there's no details which contract this hypothesis," said L'Hour, who inspected the beam Monday with two French colleagues. "It's why it's the main hypothesis now. A bowsprit which has been buried in the sediment of the lake for many centuries." Scientists and divers began excavating last week at the base of the wooden beam, hoping to determine whether it is part of the Griffin. Steve Libert, a diver and shipwreck enthusiast who has searched three decades for the Griffin, discovered the timber in 2001 and recently obtained state and federal permits to probe beneath the muddy surface. The wooden beam extends 10.5 feet above the lake bed, and underwater excavators are opening a pit at the base of the beam to determine whether it's attached to anything beneath. In another key development Tuesday, they reported that a probing device had detected a hard surface 18 to 20 feet below the lake bed. "In essence, we have found a floor under that exposed wooden timber," said Ken Vrana, the project manager. "We have more excavation to do before verifying what that surface is." Libert said he was excited by the reports and had "no doubt" the beam was part of a ship. But it remained uncertain when the team might be able to positively identify the vessel. "I think that maybe Steve found the Griffin," L'Hour said at a briefing for reporters. "I can't be sure, which is why I'm waiting and waiting and waiting for the proof." Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

U.S. News Travel: Best Places to Glamp

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:37:17 -0400

Are you fond of the great outdoors ... minus the mosquitoes, the dirt and the whole sleeping bag situation? If so, you might be more of a "glamper" than a camper: You want to experience the majesty and tranquility of nature, but you don't want to forgo luxuries like a plush bed and privacy when nature calls. These eight glampsites -- found everywhere from Montana to Australia -- blend pristine natural beauty with luxurious accommodations. So, leave your sleeping bag and your tent at home, and get ready not to rough it in the great outdoors. Courtesy Longitude 131°[In Pictures: Best Places to Glamp[1]] Seithfed NefClynnogfawr, Wales Seithfed Nef[2], which means "seventh heaven" in Welsh, sits between the Snowdon Mountains and the Irish Sea in northwestern Wales. Each of Seithfed Nef's four canvas tents is equipped with double beds, terrycloth robes and a wood-burning stove and can comfortably fit up to four glampers. Although the tents aren't outfitted with private restrooms, there are clean bathrooms with showers located in nearby timber sheds. Outside each accommodation is a large fire pit, where you can roast marshmallows for s'mores as you share ghost stories. And the surrounding landscape provides a scenic backdrop for beach strolls, hillside rambles, fishing expeditions and more. If you're seeking an extra dose of relaxation, you can book a deep tissue massage, as well as a manicure and pedicure. You're almost certain to feel rested and rejuvenated after a "glampout" here. WhitepodLes Cerniers, Valais, Switzerland Whitepod[3], in southern Switzerland, bills itself as a five-star summer camp for adults. Each of the large tents -- or "pods" -- contains a comfortable king-size bed, a wood-burning stove and a private bathroom with a shower. The pods also each feature a mezzanine , which offers the perfect perch for gazing at the nearby Alps. Activities like hiking and mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter will surely work up your appetite. When hunger sets in, you can devour a fresh meal at the family-friendly restaurant inside the nearby Les Cerniers chalet. Should it rain during your stay, head to the Pod-house for a game, a movie or even a soak in the Japanese bath. And to ensure every bit of stress leaves your body before the end of your vacation, you can book a "Breuss" massage at the chalet. Whitepod is located about 80 miles from Geneva[4], and is accessible by car or train. [See: Best Places to Watch the Sunset[5]]Canonici di San MarcoMirano, Italy Courtesy Canonici di San Marco Less than 15 miles west of Venice[6], Canonici di San Marco[7] welcomes you with whimsical tents. Think white tulle mosquito nets, big comfy beds, antique armoires and aluminum bathtubs imported from England. Most of these tents are ideal for couples, but you can add an extra bed for a small fee. Just outside your lodge's French doors, you'll find pristine wheat fields and flower-strewn meadows. And in case you're traveling in the high heat or the frigid cold, you'll find that the accommodations are equipped with ceiling fans for the summertime and cast iron heaters for the wintertime. Wi-Fi access and minifridges are also available, and little touches like soap from France's Provence region and Prosecco from Italy make a stay at Canonici di San Marco a glamping dream. Longitude 131°Northern Territory, Australia Longitude 131°[8], located at the entrance of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Australian Outback, is composed of 15 luxury "tents." But don't think you'll be bunking in rustic digs: These accommodations are actually completely enclosed guest lodges that are only made to look like tents. Inside, you'll find everything from iPads and private bathrooms to luxurious beds and bathrobes. You'll also have access to the Red Ochre spa, a pool and the gourmet Dune House restaurant. But what makes this a glamping getaway and not just another luxurious hotspot is the activities you'll partake in -- specifically the guided tours and the walks through the national park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is privy to incredible sunrises and sunsets over Ayers Rock. The Resort at Paws UpGreenough, Mont. Not all glampsites offer amenities like butler service and spa treatments, but western Montana's Resort at Paws Up[9] takes extravagant camping to a whole new level. This massive resort houses 30 one- and two-bedroom tents that come with access to a personal butler and chef. The spacious tents, which comfortably house couples or small families, also feature sumptuous beds, private bathrooms and even electricity. And when it comes to outdoor pursuits -- the Resort at Paws Up has you covered. The resort facilitates fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hot air ballooning, among other activities. If you'd rather just relax and enjoy the rugged landscape that once captivated the explorers Lewis and Clark, you'll have 37,000 acres to roam. [See: Best Hotels for Honeymooners[10]] Clayoquot Wilderness ResortTofino, British Columbia, Canada Courtesy Clayoquot Wilderness ResortLocated on Vancouver Island[11]'s western edge, the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort[12] is ideal for luxury-seekers looking for an upscale camping experience with a side of adventure. The resort offers everything from horseback riding on forest trails to surfing lessons on a secluded beach. You can even conjure your inner Robin Hood with some archery. After all that activity, you'll return to one of 20 luxury tents, 12 of which are appointed with king-size beds, large daybeds, antique furniture and ensuite bathrooms equipped with indoor/outdoor showers and heated floors. These spacious tents can house a family of five. When hunger sets in, you can enjoy local gourmet specialties like prosciutto-wrapped halibut or grilled oyster chowder. Whatever entree you select, it will certainly beat making your own campfire meal. You can reach Clayoquot Wildernewss Resort via a private seaplane from Vancouver[13] or a short boat ride from Tofino. Concordia Eco-ResortSt. John, U.S. Virgin Islands The Concordia Eco-Resort[14] overlooks Salt Pond Bay on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands[15]. Here, you'll find a cluster of accommodations, but to get the full glamping experience, you should stay in one of Concordia's eco-tents that fit anywhere from two to six people. More of a treehouse than a tent, the wood-framed eco-tents reside at tree canopy level and offer cooling coastal breezes and pristine views of the bay. They also contain everything from solar-heated showers and private decks, but are a fraction of the price you'd pay for a luxe Caribbean resort. And because the tents are located at the nexus of the Virgin Islands National Park[16] and the glittering waters of the Salt Pond Bay, there is an inexhaustible array of things to do, from hiking to yoga to scuba diving. Auvergne NaturelleLaval sur Doulon, France Set in the Livradois National Park in central France, Auvergne Naturelle[17] consists of four luxury yurts. Inside, the yurts feature a light, lofty design with king-size beds, private bathrooms and solar-powered lighting. Situated on little decks with breathtaking views of the valley, each yurt also has a hammock and a set of table and chairs that provide a picturesque setting for morning coffee or evening wine. Each morning, you can prepare for an adventurous day with a hearty continental breakfast of pastries, fresh fruits and breads. This will help fuel a busy day of hiking through the national park, canoeing the Allier River or sightseeing in the nearby towns of Le Puy en Velay or Brioude. [In Pictures: Best Places to Glamp]-- Emily H. Bratcher[18] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Best Places to Glamp ^ Seithfed Nef ^ Whitepod ^ Geneva ^ Best Places to Watch the Sunset ^ Venice ^ Canonici di San Marco ^ Longitude 131° ^ Resort at Paws Up ^ Best Hotels for Honeymooners ^ Vancouver Island ^ Clayoquot Wilderness Resort ^ Vancouver ^ Concordia Eco-Resort ^ U.S. Virgin Islands ^ Virgin Islands National Park ^ Auvergne Naturelle ^ Best Places to Glamp

Caesarea Residence In Haifa District, Israel Is A Five-Star Dream Home (PHOTOS)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:21:10 -0400

You may not believe in the power of Feng Shui[1], but you can't argue with the beauty of this Caesarea Residence [2]located in the Haifa District of Israel, shared with us by our friends at The Pinnacle List. This 5,382-square-foot stunner was designed by architect Gal Marom[3] and completed in 2012. The home's modern design is award-winning and follows the principles of the ancient Chinese school of thought. Besides for featuring a harmonious combination of wood, glass, water and metal, its spaces seem to transition seamlessly from inside to out. Modern low-profile furniture fill the rooms and surround the teak-clad mosaic tiled pool. Credit: Me Sicolsky/The Pinnacle List[4] Credit: Me Sicolsky/The Pinnacle List[5] Credit: Me Sicolsky/The Pinnacle List[6] Located within a historic city where you can take in ancient Roman Imperial ruins as well as contemporary masterpieces, this lucky homeowner gets to enjoy one of the world's most amazing beaches. And on top of that, the property is adjacent to one of the most magnificent golf courses in the Middle East. All we want to know is, when's tee time? For even more photos of the Caesarea Residence, be sure to flip through our slideshow below, courtesy of The Pinnacle List[7]. Five Star Caesarea ResidenceFor more luxury homes, be sure to visit The Pinnacle List.Five Star Caesarea ResidenceFor more luxury homes, be sure to visit The Pinnacle List.Five Star Caesarea ResidenceFor more luxury homes, be sure to visit The Pinnacle List.Five Star Caesarea ResidenceFor more luxury homes, be sure to visit The Pinnacle List.Five Star Caesarea ResidenceFor more luxury homes, be sure to visit The Pinnacle List.Five Star Caesarea ResidenceFor more luxury homes, be sure to visit The Pinnacle List. Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter[8], Facebook[9], Pinterest[10], Tumblr[11] and Instagram[12]. ** Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Feng Shui ^ Caesarea Residence ^ architect Gal Marom ^ Me Sicolsky/The Pinnacle List ^ Me Sicolsky/The Pinnacle List ^ Me Sicolsky/The Pinnacle List ^ The Pinnacle List ^ Twitter ^ Facebook ^ Pinterest ^ Tumblr ^ Instagram

13 Stunning Health and Wellness Retreats (PHOTOS)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:17:46 -0400

Aqua Wellness Resort, NicaraguaAqua Wellness Resort is a rustic-luxe, wellness-focused retreat set into a hillside overlooking Redondo Bay on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. The resort has eco-friendly design, lush vegetation , healthy cuisine , and an excellent ocean-view yoga platform where group classes are held. Plus, the spa uses local materials, treatments, and techniques. Rooms are adorned with lots of natural wood; some units include plunge pools and stunning ocean views. The white-sand beach is secluded and beautiful, and guests can get in an extra workout climbing up the hill from the beach to reception. See more photos of the hotel >> Post Ranch Inn, Big SurBig Sur is considered one of the most healing places in the world, and no resort takes more advantage of this stunning natural setting than the Post Ranch Inn. The organic architecture is breathtaking, seeming to grow out of the ground beside the hotel’s surrounding redwoods, and the spacious, eco-sensitive rooms have ocean or mountain views, as well as wood-burning fireplaces and private decks. Free activities include yoga and stargazing, and the acclaimed spa has shamanistic services including illumination, soul retrieval, divination, and fire and drum ceremonies. See more photos of the hotel >>Asclepios Wellness and Healing Retreat, Costa RicaAsclepios Wellness and Healing Retreat, named for the ancient Greek god of healing, is a wellness center located in the hills near the Central Valley town of Alajuela, conveniently close to the airport but worlds away from the hustle of downtown San Jose. A full spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and organic restaurant all lie on spacious grounds amidst a lush landscape. Every one of its 12 comfortable and stylish rooms has a different theme, and all overlook hillsides planted with coffee and sugarcane. See more photos of the hotel >> Haramara Retreat, Sayulita, MexicoHaramara Retreat is arguably one of the most special hotels in Mexico. It is a luxurious yoga retreat located on 12 seaside acres of wild vegetation just outside Sayulita. The structures have been built using traditional construction techniques to minimize the environmental impact, and there is no electricity anywhere besides the restaurant and the yoga studio — not even in the rooms. Each room is housed in a private standalone thatched hut with no window panes or screens separating it from the jungle, and only gauze curtains and mosquito nets to avoid bugs and critters. It is geared towards those in need of some detoxification and relaxation, with yoga and meditation classes, an open-air spa, a vegetarian and seafood restaurant, unpaved walking trails, and limited cell phone service. See more photos of the hotel >>Canyon Ranch TucsonCanyon Ranch is a health spa and all-inclusive resort in north Tucson near the Santa Catalina Mountains. Here the focus is on wellness, nutrition, and fitness. Daily fitness classes along with informational lectures and a menu packed with healthy, low-calorie food help guests to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle. The color palette of the southwest inspired the decor of the rooms, which come complete with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Immaculate, peaceful grounds and focused spa treatments all provide an incredibly relaxing environment. While many guests report feeling renewed after a visit — especially after spending time in the 80,000-square-foot spa complex — there is a hefty nightly resort fee and a four-night minimum stay . See more photos of the hotel >>Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks and CaicosAccessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre all-inclusive resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat is easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. The spa offers holistic treatments to helps guests achieve both physical well-being and spiritual balance, and facilities include both a yoga room and Pilates studio. Retreats, which usually involve five hours a day of yoga for five days, are offered regularly. See more photos of the hotel >> The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, ScottsdaleConsidered one of the top resorts in the Southwest, the serene Sanctuary continues to impress its high-profile guests with its cuisine, spa, and gorgeous suites. The spa and fitness offerings include a meditation garden, yoga, Pilates, nutrition consultants, and New Age therapies . It undeniably has the most desirable location in Scottsdale, overlooking Praying Monk Rock and the desert — not suburban sprawl. See more photos of the hotel >>Hidden Pond, MaineSpread over 60 acres, the Hidden Pond resort features 36 suite-like bungalows and two-bedroom cottages. The spa is set up to resemble a tree house, free yoga classes are held at the organic farm , regular nature walks are offered, and the restaurant serves organic local cuisine from an acclaimed chef. Another outstanding feature is the outdoor bar and grill that sits on a “sand bar,” with chairs circled around fire pits. This upscale boutique hotel attracts couples with its tranquil environment and top-notch restaurants; families also love the resort, for its cottages that include full kitchens and washer/dryers. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the beach, which is just a five-minute drive away. See more photos of the hotel >>Natura Cabanas, Dominican RepublicOffering eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less private beach, yoga classes, and a fabulous spa. Yoga classes are free for guests and last for 90 minutes. The stone-walled, thatched-roof bungalows are a bit rustic, without TV or AC, but that’s the point. See more photos of the hotel >>Ventana Inn & Spa, Big SurThe rustic-luxe Ventana Inn & Spa, situated on more than 200 acres of picturesque oceanfront land, is a zen, holistic retreat, with such offerings as yoga classes; discovery walks; afternoon wine and cheese; Japanese baths; and two pools . The 62 luxurious, streamlined rooms have wooden accents, and some have fireplaces; glass doors and large windows keep the rooms feeling bright and airy. See more photos of the hotel >>Anse Chastanet, St. LuciaOpened in 2000, the 49-room Anse Chastanet Resort was one of the first properties in the area to focus on eco-luxury design, and to deliberately shun technology such as TV, telephones, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The resort offers four open-air restaurants, two beaches, extensive water sports, a beachfront spa, and an outdoor fitness pavilion. Technology-free rooms have wrap-around terraces, many with views of the Pitons. Yoga classes are offered twice a day and the property includes a plantation where the resort grows its own organic produce. See photos of the hotel >>Canyon Ranch MiamiWith some of the most beautifully decorated rooms in Miami , a beachfront location, a great spa, and a huge fitness center with a rock-climbing wall and dozens of daily classes, Canyon Ranch is a great choice for a healthy vacation. It’s more relaxed than the other two Canyon Ranch resorts — one in Tuscon, Ariz., and the other in the Berkshires — because it serves alcohol, allows children, and doesn’t have minimum stay requirements, but it’s still very much a spa. The restaurant serves health food with detailed nutritional information next to every item on the menu, and there are lectures by physicians, nutritionists, and spiritual advisers. See more photos of the hotel >>Zoetry Casa Del Mar Los Cabos, MexicoThe luxurious Zoetry Casa Del Mar Los Cabos is not your typical beach resort. Here, guests won’t find children scurrying around or wild spring breakers; rather, Zoetry’s guests are treated to the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean in a resort that focuses on relaxation and overall wellness. The 42-room, hacienda-style property features yoga, tennis courts, dance classes, a walking path, wine tastings, and an on-site nutrition expert; and the restaurant menus are geared toward organic and gourmet cuisine intent on promoting health. It’s located on a protected sea turtle hatching ground, and the open layout adds to the relaxing atmosphere. See more photos of the hotel >>

America's Oldest Cave Paintings Found, Date Back 6,000 Years (PHOTO)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:17:28 -0400

Archaeologists recently discovered hidden cave drawings which may be the oldest works of rock art in America[1], according to a new paper in Antiquity[2]. The images, found in Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, were discovered by researchers Jan F. Simek, Alan Cressler, Nicholas P. Herrmann and Sarah C. Sherwood. The team employed non-destructive tools to find out more information,[3] according to Fox News, which included a high-resolution laser scanner to analyze the faint drawings. The 6,000-year-old cave art revealed clues as to what Native American life in the South may have been like at the time. Many drawings depicted humans with pointed tools alongside wild dogs, serpents and other beasts. Other drawings of celestial designs allude to a spiritual understanding of the universe. Simek told Discovery News: "The discoveries tell us that prehistoric peoples in the Cumberland Plateau used this rather distinctive upland environment for a variety of purposes and that religion was part of that broader sense of place[4]." Herrmann then commented on the mythical roles humans take in the drawings. "Human images are often shown in activities suggesting heroic or ceremonial action, flying, transforming into animal shapes or reaching through the rock surface,"[5] he told Discovery News. This remarkable find follows on the heels of last month's news that 5,000 year old drawings were uncovered in Mexico[6]. Check out the images below from the archaeological discovery, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Nearly 5,000 Ancient Cave Paintings Found In MexicoThis photo released by the National Institute of History and Anthropology in Mexico, shows cave paintings found in the San Carlos mountain range in the Burgos municipality of the Tamaulipas State, Mexico. Archeologist Martha García Sánchez said the paintings were made by at least three groups of hunter-gatherers and show hunting, fishing, housing, animals as well as religious and astronomical symbols. According to archaelogists the paintings have not been dated bacause they have yet to collect samples of the pigments used in the images.Nearly 5,000 Ancient Cave Paintings Found In MexicoThis photo released by the National Institute of History and Anthropology in Mexico, shows cave paintings found in the San Carlos mountain range in the Burgos municipality of the Tamaulipas State, Mexico. Archeologist Martha García Sánchez said the paintings were made by at least three groups of hunter-gatherers and show hunting, fishing, housing, animals as well as religious and astronomical symbols. According to archaelogists the paintings have not been dated bacause they have yet to collect samples of the pigments used in the images.Nearly 5,000 Ancient Cave Paintings Found In MexicoThis photo released by the National Institute of History and Anthropology in Mexico, shows cave paintings found in the San Carlos mountain range in the Burgos municipality of the Tamaulipas State, Mexico. Archeologist Martha García Sánchez said the paintings were made by at least three groups of hunter-gatherers and show hunting, fishing, housing, animals as well as religious and astronomical symbols. According to archaelogists the paintings have not been dated bacause they have yet to collect samples of the pigments used in the images.Nearly 5,000 Ancient Cave Paintings Found In MexicoThis photo released by the National Institute of History and Anthropology in Mexico, shows cave paintings found in the San Carlos mountain range in the Burgos municipality of the Tamaulipas State, Mexico. Archeologist Martha García Sánchez said the paintings were made by at least three groups of hunter-gatherers and show hunting, fishing, housing, animals as well as religious and astronomical symbols. According to archaelogists the paintings have not been dated bacause they have yet to collect samples of the pigments used in the images.Nearly 5,000 Ancient Cave Paintings Found In MexicoThis photo released by the National Institute of History and Anthropology in Mexico, shows cave paintings found in the San Carlos mountain range in the Burgos municipality of the Tamaulipas State, Mexico. Archeologist Martha García Sánchez said the paintings were made by at least three groups of hunter-gatherers and show hunting, fishing, housing, animals as well as religious and astronomical symbols. According to archaelogists the paintings have not been dated bacause they have yet to collect samples of the pigments used in the images. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Archaeologists recently discovered hidden cave drawings which may be the oldest works of rock art in America ^ Antiquity ^ The team employed non-destructive tools to find out more information, ^ The discoveries tell us that prehistoric peoples in the Cumberland Plateau used this rather distinctive upland environment for a variety of purposes and that religion was part of that broader sense of place ^ Human images are often shown in activities suggesting heroic or ceremonial action, flying, transforming into animal shapes or reaching through the rock surface," ^ 5,000 year old drawings were uncovered in Mexico

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, The Clove Club and Green Man & French Horn

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:16:52 -0400

Soon after it opened in 2011, Jackie and I had a post-theater supper at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal[1] in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park[2] hotel. Between the newness of the restaurant and the lateness of the hour, there was cause for disappointment: Our meal was marred by imprecise cooking and unfocused service. But Mr. Blumenthal and Dinner's head chef Ashley Palmer-Watts are the most precise of cooks and know what attentive service means, so I looked forward to a return visit. This took place in late May and was delightful. The conceit of the restaurant is that its chefs have pored over old English cookbooks to discern the outlines of the dishes they serve, and the menu lists the putative date for each, such as "Meat Fruit ." Hmmm.... Anyway, the cooking is so modern and fresh that links to the medieval or Victorian or WWII-era sources are hardly to be detected. Take that Meat Fruit, which seems to have become the restaurant's signature dish: It is a perfectly seasoned, rich-but-not-cloying sphere of 21st century chicken liver and foie gras parfait enrobed in a 21st century mandarin orange gel that has been impressed with the texture of the fruit's rind. With a mandarin stem and leaves stuck into it, it really, truly looks like something out of the fruit bowl, even more so than you'd think from the photo that accompanies this story. But it is not just a visual joke, though it made us laugh with delight: That gel has lots of flavor and is a perfect foil for the mousse. Yes, Blumenthal-style science and technology underlie the recipes here, but the diner can ignore them -- which is as it should be. The produce is stunningly fresh and flavorful and is cooked to maximize its quality; the colors, textures and flavors are all enticing, the combinations unimpeachable. And, boy oh boy, what french fries ! Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA; +44 20 7201 3833; http://www.dinnerbyheston.com/[4]. Open for lunch and dinner every day. Dinner for two with a modest wine - and a side of fries - about £190 . Shoreditch[5], north of the hopping Spitalfields[6] area, is becoming a destination for restaurant-seekers, with new places cropping up every week, or so it seems. The Clove Club[7] opened three months ago in what used to be Shoreditch Town Hall; the front room offers a short à la carte and bar menu, and in the evening a more ambitious multi-course £47 prix-fixe is served in the back room. We were there for lunch with a friend , and ate several small dishes: quartered heads of crisp Belgian endive dressed with crunchy hazelnuts; home-made rye crackers with smoked-cod-roe dip; pigeon sausage with the restaurant's own ketchup; boneless fried chicken scented with pine; and braised kid served warm over a cool vegetable salad with fresh curd cheese. The pigeon sausage had a grainy texture that didn't appeal to me, but everything else was spot-on, especially the chicken "nuggets," of which our friend wisely insisted we order two portions. They were enhanced by that rosemary-like hint of pine and by the fact that the coating never, ever stopped being crunchy. We should have ordered three, plus one more to go. The Clove Club. Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT; +44 20 7729 6496; www.thecloveclub.com[8]. Lunch for two with a cocktail apiece, then wine by the glass, would be around £63 . It isn't all that long since I wrote[9] about Green Man & French Horn[10], which specializes in the wine and food of the Loire Valley, but the two dishes we had there late one evening in June are worth mentioning. The first was an appetizer of crab and celeriac remoulade: thin strands of both ingredients -- which turn out to be entirely complementary - bound with a sharp, mustardy dressing: a nice variation on the celeriac-only classic. The moment that celery root appears in our New York farmers' markets, I'll be making a version of this at home and probably reporting on it over at Huffington Post Taste. The other was a thick bone-in slice of turbot[11] cut from the nicely gelatinous "collar" end and served with capers and crisp fried artichokes. I often order turbot when on the other side of the Atlantic, where it is fished, and I've never had it more perfectly cooked than it was here -- and with such a noble fish, not much more is needed. With half a liter of a Loire Valley white, this was about as good as a quick after-theater supper gets. Green Man & French Horn. 54 Saint Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4EA, +44 207 836-2645, http://www.greenmanfrenchhorn.co[12]. Our two-dish supper cost about £55 with a carafe of wine. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: The Dining Room With A View Of Hyde Park And Of The Kitchen 1 of 9 Photograph courtesy Lou Hammond & Associates for the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Photograph courtesy Lou Hammond & Associates for the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: The Dining Room With A View Of Hyde Park And Of The Kitchen Photograph courtesy Lou Hammond & Associates for the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. CURRENT TOP 5 SLIDES USERS WHO VOTED ON THIS SLIDE Follow Edward Schneider on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TimeToCook [13] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Dinner by Heston Blumenthal ^ Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park ^ triple cooked chips ^ http://www.dinnerbyheston.com/ ^ Shoreditch ^ Spitalfields ^ The Clove Club ^ www.thecloveclub.com ^ wrote ^ Green Man & French Horn ^ turbot ^ http://www.greenmanfrenchhorn.co ^ www.twitter.com/TimeToCook

United Airlines Frequent Flier Program Adds Spending Minimum

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:16:14 -0400

CHICAGO -- United Airlines is making it a little harder to get a higher frequent-flier status. That status used to require flying 25,000 miles per year. Now, United is adding a requirement for at least $2,500 in spending, too, to qualify for status in its MileagePlus program. Most frequent fliers would spend that much anyway if they are earning 25,000 miles. But those who buy discounted tickets might be affected. Travelers like to get so-called "elite" status because of seat upgrades and other perks. The change takes effect next year for travelers trying to earn status in 2015. Taxes and bag fees won't count toward the spending total. United Continental Holdings Inc. announced the change Tuesday. It matches a change made by Delta Air Lines Inc. in January. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

The World's Busiest Airlines (PHOTOS)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:35 -0400

This week, the International Air Transport Association[1] released the figures of the top one hundred airlines ranked by traffic. According to their website, “Airlines are ranked in terms of international, domestic and total scheduled passenger numbers and passenger-kilometres.” Ryanair[2], the notoriously controversial low-cost carrier, topped the list of busiest international airlines, having carried nearly 80 million passengers across borders last year. The airline's CEO, Michael O'Leary, is seemingly constantly in the news for giving great sound bites. He's been quoted saying that "seatbelts don't matter,[3]" that he should be paid more,[4] and has called passengers "idiots"[5]. In terms of domestic travel, Southwest Airlines[6], Delta Air Lines[7], China Southern Airlines[8], United Airlines[9], and China Eastern Airlines[10] formed the top five busiest airlines at roughly 112 million, 95 million, 79 million and 68 million scheduled passengers carried in 2012, respectively. American Airlines[11] and US Airways[12] followed closely behind, claiming the 6th and 7th spots. Click through the slideshow below for the top 10 most popular airlines for total flights, both domestic and international: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ International Air Transport Association ^ Ryanair ^ seatbelts don't matter, ^ he should be paid more, ^ has called passengers "idiots" ^ Southwest Airlines ^ Delta Air Lines ^ China Southern Airlines ^ United Airlines ^ China Eastern Airlines ^ American Airlines ^ US Airways

Restaurant Compares Its Burritos To Babies For Scale (PHOTO)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:30:26 -0400

The Seattle restaurant Gordito's sells burritos so baby-sized that patrons have a tradition of photographing their newborns for a side-by-side comparison, reportedly for a free burrito[1]. In fact, the restaurant's logo is a baby riding a burrito[2]. This photo proves the similarities between babies and burritos are off the charts. Via Reddit[3] Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ free burrito ^ baby riding a burrito ^ Reddit

Salema -- My Favorite Stretch of Portugal's Algarve

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:22:33 -0400

For several years, I've been wanting to return to the Algarve , my favorite stretch of Iberian coastline. I'm generally in Iberia in April, when the beach towns are pretty dead, so I don't bother. Being here in June this year makes a huge difference -- it's lively, warm, and a great place to relax . And even after all this time, my favorite Algarve town remains Salema. Salema, the Back Door jewel of the Algarve, comes with a delightful sandy beach overlooked by characteristic restaurants and the tranquil strum of a steady surf. The economic hard times seem to be hitting both Spain and Portugal very hard. I can see the sadness in the eyes of the people. A "tough times future" seems to be the diagnosis, and there's no promising cure. The character of the idyllic fishing towns is changing. Fewer people are fishing, and government policies have tightened up, causing the little widows to not bother renting their rooms. Gourmet restaurants and boutique accommodations are appearing in spite of the tough times, as fishing towns are becoming the playgrounds of the gated communities and golf clubs of the jet-setting international crowd, who stay on the hilltops a bit inland. Still, the children of the old fisherman -- at least, the ones who don't go to the big city in search of economic promise -- continue to cook up the fish and man the weather-beaten fort. And Salema remains a delightful stop on any Iberian itinerary. Paulo at Restaurant O Lourenco in Salema, Portugal, knows his fish. Either he bought it himself at the fish auction in the next town, or he actually caught it himself. After lunch, he took me into the locker for a peek at dinner. In beach resorts across the Mediterranean, competition is stiff. The fish is fresh, the vegetables are crunchy, and in the case of Portugal...the wine is green. When I first came to Salema, in the late 1970s, I was driving a minibus of tourists. We'd park at the base of Salema's "street of the fishermen" and find rooms in private homes for a few bucks each. Now the fishermen do more sitting and gazing at the sea than fishing . The women have been terrorized out of running their small businesses by stricter government regulations. There are fewer old-school, shoestring-budget backpackers to keep them in business anyway. Still, while it feels different, the street looks exactly the same. My friend John, from England, has run Pension Mare for three decades. I've been sending my readers there just about from the start, and we are like a team. I love his place. He lives in Bath and flew down to hang out with me as I updated my chapter on Salema. He was a great resource as I put the pieces of this town's social puzzle together. This same weekend, John sold Pension Mare. The new owner promises to run it the same for my readers... but it's a bit of a sad event for me. Follow Rick Steves on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@RickSteves [1] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ www.twitter.com/@RickSteves

'Magical' Dates For Cheap Airfares, According To An Expert

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:15:13 -0400

USA Today: If you want to save money on vacation flights this summer, there are several deadlines you should be aware of. These are the dates when airlines quietly decide that the peak summer season is over and they lower their prices. Read the whole story at USA Today[1] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Read the whole story at USA Today

City Bike-Share Programs Are on a Roll

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:12:21 -0400

Looking for a fun way to explore a city with teens? Consider two-wheeling it around town. The long-awaited Citi Bike program rolled into the Big Apple[1] last month and proved an instant hit, with nearly 12,000 New Yorkers signed up for annual memberships at launch. Since 2010, about a dozen U.S. cities have introduced bike-share programs, and Chicago is aiming to launch its own program in less than two weeks. MORE: Bringing the kids to the Windy City this summer? Start planning here.[2] For visiting families with teens, bike-share programs offer a fun, affordable way to explore part of city. Don't want to deal with traffic? There are plenty of bike stations near parks and other car-free areas. The programs we looked at in major cities work the same way. You buy a base subscription for 24 hours or more, during which time you get an unlimited number of 30-minute rides. If you go over your allotted half-hour ride time, you start incurring nominal fees for each subsequent 30-minute period. Relax and roll with it, says Anthony Ongaro, marketing director of Nice Ride Minnesota, the bike-share program of Minneapolis. "Bike shares are designed so that you never have to pay for overtime if you don't want to. To avoid incurring fees, simply dock the bike in any station and then immediately check it back out and be on your way." The bike-share programs we looked at offer excellent value for families that want to see a section of a city from the saddle of a bike. "If you'd like to take a bike out for a full hour, it would cost just $7.50 in total," says Ongaro of the bike-share program in Minneapolis[3]. "After that, you could always take out another bike, as many times as you wanted within that 24-hour period, for a half hour at a time, at no extra cost." Here's the lowdown on some of the biggest bike-share programs in the country. For each, we've included a recommended ride: Minneapolis: Nice Ride Minnesota Recommended for visitors: Bike along the Mississippi River in beautiful Minnehaha Park[4]. Station: Minnehaha Ave. & Minnehaha Pkwy. How much: $6 for a 24-hour pass. A one-hour rental costs $7.50. Minimum age: 16. How it works: The first 30 minutes are included in the pass; $1.50 for the second 30 minutes; $4.50 for the third 30 minutes; $6 for every half hour thereafter. MORE: Heading to the Twin Cities? Check out these kid-friendly hotels.[5] Washington DC: Capital Bikeshare Recommended for visitors: Glide through the National Mall[6] and Tidal Basin area. Stations: Jefferson Dr. between 14th and 15th sts. SW near the National Monument; also Ohio Dr. & West Basin Dr. SW near the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. How much: $7 for a 24-hour pass; $15 for a 3-day pass; A one-hour rental costs $8.50. Minimum age: 16. How it works: The first 30 minutes are included in the pass; $1.50 for the second 30 minutes; $3 for the third 30 minutes; $4 for the fourth 30 minutes; $6 for every half hour thereafter. New York City: Citi Bike Recommended for visitors: Explore Central Park[7] on two wheels. Stations: Central Park So. & 6th Ave.; also Broadway & W. 57th St. How much: $9.95 for a 24-hour pass; $25 for a 7-day pass. A one-hour rental costs about $14. Minimum age: 16. How it works: The first 30 minutes are included in the pass; $4 for the second 30 minutes; $9 for the third 30 minutes; $12 for every half hour thereafter. Boston: HubwayRecommended for visitors: Cruise around Boston Common[8]. Station: Tremont St. & West St. How much: $6 for a 24-hour pass; $12 for a 3-day pass. A one-hour rental costs about $8. Minimum age: 16. How it works: The first 30 minutes are included in the pass; $2 for the second 30 minutes; $4 for the third 30 minutes; $8 for every half hour thereafter. -- Suzanne Rowan Kelleher contributed this to MiniTime.com[9]. Follow MiniTime on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MiniTimeFamily [10] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ the Big Apple ^ Bringing the kids to the Windy City this summer? Start planning here. ^ Minneapolis ^ Minnehaha Park ^ Heading to the Twin Cities? Check out these kid-friendly hotels. ^ National Mall ^ Central Park ^ Boston Common ^ MiniTime.com ^ www.twitter.com/MiniTimeFamily

How To Navigate Parks With No Hassles And No Lines

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:11:58 -0400

America's biggest theme parks will pack in around 120 million people this year. That's a lot of standing in long lines for roller coasters, juggling show schedules and figuring out when and where to eat. But there's a way to eliminate the stress of making the annual trek to Disney, Universal, Six Flags and other popular parks. Many now have VIP tours with perks usually reserved for celebrities — private tour guides, no waits for the biggest attractions, reserved seating at shows and parades along with behind-the-scenes peeks at places normally off limits. All of this, of course, comes at a steep price. The VIP tours at Six Flags parks in New Jersey and near Los Angeles come in at $299 per person. Cedar Point in Ohio charges $395 apiece for a full day of perks that include front of the line access to its 16 roller coasters. Disney World's VIP tour starts at $315 per hour for up to 10 people. "Time is money and when you're waiting in line, you're wasting money," said Joey Ray, of Sparks, Nev., whose vacations usually revolve around theme parks. The ability to bypass the lines means he can see everything in a day instead of staying an extra night or two at a park. Ray said he's gone on a few of the VIP tours, including at Universal Studios Hollywood where visitors get to see the studio's costume and prop departments and walk through the courtyard in the back lot where "Back to the Future" was filmed. Just seeing that was worth the splurge, he said. Those in the theme park industry say there are two distinct types of visitors now — those who closely watch what they spend and those who are willing to shell out more but are limited by time. Gone are the days when everyone pays the same price for a theme park ticket and waits in the same lines. "Everyone is not equal anymore," said Dennis Spiegel, a theme-park consultant and president of International Theme Park Services Inc. in Cincinnati. His company found in a survey just completed that the money parks make from VIP tours is small, but growing. It also showed that VIP visitors are moving twice as fast through the parks with front-of-line access and that about 70 percent wouldn't come back without it. "It became very apparent that this is something that's going to continue to grow in the future," said Spiegel, who noted that parks recognize the potential for ill will when guests with high-priced tickets sidestep lines full of paying customers. Their solution now is to design new rides so that people won't notice when they are being bypassed. Disney was one of the few theme park operators offering the personalized tours up until the past 10 years. Now they can be found regional parks including Hersheypark in Hershey, Pa., and Kings Island near Cincinnati. Six Flags parks nationwide have several levels of VIP passes depending on location. At Six Flags Great America near Chicago, the four-hour express tour is $225 per person while the ultimate tour for $400 lasts all day and gets you unlimited games, food, and a cabana at the water park. The biggest perk is doing it all with no waiting, said park spokesman Brandon Bruce. "You can definitely cover a lot of ground," he said. Tracy Bates, a roller coaster fan from Ridgeville, S.C., said he has shelled out for the VIP tours when he's making a one-time visit to a theme park or when crowds are heavy. His wife, Charlene, doesn't do roller coasters, so skipping the lines is a big bonus. "I hate to leave her sitting while I'm waiting in line for an hour," he said. The other benefit is that their personal guide is always willing to take photos, he said. "You don't end up with a bunch of pictures of just one of you," he said. While nearly all of theme park VIP tours allow guests to skip the lines entirely, the ones at Disney don't — they still must use the Fastpass lines that are available to everyone. What they do get is a personal concierge who can monitor wait times across the parks, make dining reservations, arrange for the best seats at shows and make sure everyone in the group can get autographs and photos of Cinderella, Mickey Mouse, Mary Poppins and all their other favorites. Guides tailor the tours to whatever the guests want to see, whether it's the princesses or the big ticket rides. "They're looking for a care-free visit without all of the planning," said Chris Wojcik, who's been a Disney tour guide the past 17 years. He also acts as a mediator to make sure everyone gets to see what's on their wish list and can find an air-conditioned attraction when they get overheated. Some families request the same guide year after year and plan their vacations around when they are available, said Marvin Smith, who oversees the VIP tours at Disney World. What makes Universal Studios Hollywood's "VIP Experience" unique is that it includes an up-close tour of the movie and television production studio where scenes in "To Kill a Mockingbird," ''The Sting," and "Pirates of the Caribbean," were filmed. Sometimes those on the tour can get a glimpse of stars walking along the back lot, see the sound editing process or step onto a set just after shooting is finished. "People say they never realized what it takes to make a movie or a TV show," said guide Bobby Machlin. "They walk away looking at it differently." The $299 per person ticket includes a private trolley, gourmet lunch, a VIP lounge and sunscreen. Once the special back lot tour is over, they get front of line access to all of the park's shows and rides too. Machlin said those taking part in the "VIP Experience" get more out of their day because he knows so many time-saving short cuts and can take guests through special entrances to shows and attractions. "I'm able to get them through twice as much in the same amount time because I know the park so well," he said. __ Online: Disney World: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/ Universal Studios Hollywood: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/tickets/vip-experience/ Cedar Point: https://www.cedarpoint.com/plan-a-visit/v-i-p-tours Six Flags Great Adventure: http://www.sixflags.com/national/tickets/VIPTours.aspx "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

Birth and Dearth of Street Food

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:33:15 -0400

So we now know there are four types of street food nations and they each come with different views, outlooks, beliefs and aspirations. They all have commentators with views that range from boastful, hopeful, soulful, thankful and sorry-ful. This was observed after the close of the World Street Food Congress held recently in Singapore. Anthony Ricco, Exec Chef of The Spice Market from New York, demonstrating how a Jean George restaurant transform street food. Firstly, there are the countries which have at least up to a century of street food hawking heritage where once poorer folks plied the streets because of hardship conditions and sheer desperation. That came in an era when hawking in the streets was seen with disdain, associated with crooks and losers and had a reputation that's just one notch above murderers and rapist. But over time, it became a cheap source of food that fed a nation, offered by sometimes desperately creative street cooks who knew it was "think or die." They thought, and then came up with ideas and flavors inspired by the inherent culinary cultures of the land. Asians would come up with the colonial British heritage chow like meat chops with Worchestershire sauce and tomatoes and hawked it in the streets. Indians began to fry noodles the way their Chinese friends did and came up with mee goreng, with creative sambal concept license from the Archipelago. Now, at least a hundred years later, they are faced with extinction. Not many in this social media world want to take over these old brick and mortar concepts that benefit nothing from a thousand "likes" on their fan page. They would rather you come and eat, period. The problem of continuity is apparent and, of an organic culture that the country has grown to love, adore and adopted as their culinary "brand", it is a pressing issue. Malaysia, Singapore and increasing so in Thailand and Indonesia can face the prospects of eating "baked-doughs-with-logos" if this culinary heritage is left to rot. "I feel it's my duty to continue my parent's street food reputation.." says Jennifer Tan who left the medical industry to helm her aging folk's Nonya street food stall, Donald and Lily, in Malacca, "but I don't know what I can hand over to my children and if this family food name can continue", she reflects. The Nam Bo stall from Vietnam, hawking humble grilled banana with sticky rice in banana leaf was one of the best sellers at the WSF Jamboree. Then there are countries, with as old a street food heritage, and which not only their citizens, but the world has grown to love, that does not officially recognize such street hawking. A lone soldier here and there would occasionally stand up for their rights to vend and push for these entry level entrepreneur opportunities. But they are looking at conquering an almost insurmountable obstacle. Food critic and advocate Vo Quoc from Vietnam, encourages itinerant hawkers to observe rules of hygiene and food handling . He will bring his celebrity friends to eat there in exchange for publicity and their promise to keep it neat and hygienic. He also takes in orphaned kids to intern at these stalls in the hope that some exchange and bond can happen and seed a new future of street food culture in Vietnam. In India, with centuries of street vending culture, it is still seen as an eyesore and an inconvenience to the government. They are still regarded as itinerant. Nasvi is an NGO group dedicated to protecting and legitimising the livelihoods of these poor street hawkers. Their government has taken note of their mission and has now tabled motions of discussion on this topic in Parliament. Overnight, at least 3 million illegal street food vendors in India will be legit and one can only imagine the opportunities available then. Both Vo Quoc and Nasvi are represented in the World Street Food Council, a team selected to act as vanguards, observe and act on the future of the industry. street food will always have adoring fans- part of crowds at the World Street Food Jamboree in early June this year. There are also the newer kids on the block. They have less than 30 years of street food culture and most operate street food carts and trucks as one meaningful way to see each month through and are seen as what Anthony Bourdain calls "hipster hawkers". They are youngish, hawkish and energetic. The US, Australia and even Britain are reveling in this culture and currently faces no problems about continuity , and has no idea what old street food legends can do to and for their city's image should they fade into oblivion. Also, another set of issue will arise if the nation suddenly realise that there are 500,000 of such vendors all over their country and outside their homes, hawking away with a dio-deisel generator humming and a boom-box pounding on. Governing street food hawking is no simple matter. When they flourish, they will have an impact on the country's health care cost and environmental issues. Rafee is a pulled Indian tea hawker in Singapore and over 20 years, have pulled himself out of joblessness and now own a comfortable condominium apartment for his family. The final category are nations with hardly any or no street food industry. They took note and realised that the rights to vend in the streets, cheaply and safely, can be an avenue out of poverty for many. Some, like in many European nations, just don't have this culture embedded in them since day one. But the dark economic clouds that are always hovering close, is forcing some to think about this food culture. It is a cheaper form of mass feeding. In the troubled economic weather Spain is now facing, , the cheapest decent meal one can have there at the truck stop cafes can set you back by 12 Euros. That amount can feed a family of six with decent street food offerings be it at the streets or in a hawker centre in Asia. Government officials from troubled and recovering Rwanda, asked if the World Street Food Congress can help start street food culture in their country, as a means to help their people get back on their feet. There's no way we will say no. We are acting on follow ups now. We will also need the support of everyone out there for the liveliness of the world street food culture and industry to flourish as it's not just about continuity, hip culture, deliciousness and charm, it is also a way out of desperation and poverty. It is also a less trodden road to success for folks seeking alternative lifestyles and who can't fit in. And to the many who feel that street food vendors must remain in the streets and be cheap , the "that's why it's called street food..duh!" advocates, and who also revel in the charms of these third world hawkers who lend colour to their pseudo Somerset Maugham lifestyles, you should ask if they are keen to remain poor and stand there all their life hawking your fantasy. Ask the hawkers and their kids if they have any ambitions. They should move up the ladder and set the stage for others to emulate their journey. Love the street food culture and be a soldier that defend it heritage and protect the right of the displaced to vend in the streets. If we can't, in our own little ways, make this industry something we can be proud of and like, then we are mere bloggers and followers looking for more cheap and delicious food from poor street food vendors. Eat , digest the culture and help seed an industry that create jobs, opportunities and help farm people out of poverty. The World Street Food Congress will be raising funds to help cities, organisation and displaced folks to fend for the cause and themselves, to provide better entry level entrepreneur opportunities in this industry. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

10 Ways to Stay in Shape While Traveling

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:23:16 -0400

Ahhh... vacation, the time for you to kick up your feet, pick up a drink, and take off your top . But while we're relaxing and imbibing in drink after frozen drink, we tend to forget about our waistlines. The excuse I most often use is a simple, but clear "who cares? I'm on vacation!" which can be translated to, "Yes, I will have that third margarita and don't you judge me." But just past that incredible excuse lays my conscience and that old thing called, the truth. And the truth always knows that the extra 1,000 calories you're taking in a day won't magically disappear just because you're on vacation.CrossFit Barrier Reef...WOD'ing in the great outdoors! If you ever find yourself in Northern Australia, stop in to see Tim & JoJo!! I'm all for treating yourself; especially while traveling, but that doesn't mean you should forget about everything you've worked so hard for. And that doesn't mean you should just sit on your ass for the entire vacation. There is a time and place for sitting on your ass and it's called after a workout. Two of my greatest passions are fitness and travel. They're an amalgam that most don't mix, but I'm here to tell you that you CAN stay in shape and enjoy your vacation even more by adding in some activity and exercise. Try to shoot for accomplishing 50 percent of what you would normally do. Fifty percent is better than nothing!CrossFit Chiang Mai, Thailand Here Are 10 Ways to Stay in Shape on Vacation: 1. Go For a Run to Explore a New City: Take out a map...or don't! One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is by going out for a run. You end up seeing parts of a city you normally wouldn't. Pop in some good music or take in the sounds of the city. Before you go out, always remember to check the safe areas of town. Rollerblading in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I went out for a run and ended up finding a rollerblading park! 2. Plan an Athletic Activity: Overwhelmed by a big city and not enough time? Plan an athletic activity to take in the sights. Look for a bike tour or walk tour of your destination. Some cities even have free tours! Biking around Sydney ... the couple that plays together, stays together! 3. Pack Snacks / Plan ahead: It's easy to fall off of your eating plan when the only things available are croissants and bagels. While you can't plan ahead for every meal, you can bring some snacks to help you in times of need. Some of my personal favorites are apples, bananas, almonds, walnuts, Jay Robb protein bars and Jay Robb protein shakes. And when faced with the tough choice of what cocktail to choose, try to choose a low-sugar drink. For my guide to alcohol and exercise, click here. 4. Pack Equipment: If you bring it with you in your suitcase, there is a good chance you'll use it! Pack some resistance bands with you. They're lightweight and don't take up much room. You can use them on the plane, in the airport, or in your hotel room. I once had a 12-hour layover in the Barcelona airport. My friend and I used the time to workout... in our jeans... in the airport. No excuses, my friends! Working out in an airport... great way to kill time!5. Workout DVD: DVD's are a great way to stay on a workout plan while you're traveling. You only need a 6x6 space and a DVD player. You can get your workout in right at your hotel so you don't have to worry about finding a place to workout. 6. Use Your Hotel Room: Hotel rooms offer space and sometimes some equipment! Try doing dips on the bathtub, decline push-ups with your feet on the bed, or squats while holding an iron . The New York Times[1] recently ran an article regarding a hotel room workout. Click here[2] to read the full article. 7. Walk to Dinner: ...or anywhere else for that matter! It's easy to hop in a cab, but if you walk to your destination, you'll be kind to your body and your wallet! 8. Hit the Water: If you're visiting a location by the water, get on in! Look into swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, sailing or anything that gets you moving! You'll be having so much fun playing your sport that you won't notice all of those calories you just burned. Awesome! Learning how to wakeboard in Kiawah Island, South Carolina 9. Spark Some Competition: Traveling with a friend or lover? Turn fitness into a game! The person that runs farther or faster, does the most waterskiing runs, or stays on their mountain bike the longest wins! And the loser? They get to buy dinner / drinks that night! 10. Find a CrossFit Gym: For those of you that love intensity and don't want to go a week without a WOD , then look no further than the local CrossFit gym. CrossFitters around the world love meeting other CrossFitters... because after all, CrossFit is a cult, right? By dropping into a class while you're on vacation, you'll meet the locals and get a good workout in! Maybe they'll teach you where to get some Paleo friendly meals or where the best local pub is You'll get a great workout in and make some new friends! I'm not just a fan of travel and of fitness, I'm an advocate for it. Travel is about going outside your comfort zones, meeting new people, learning things about yourself, experiencing new adventures, and truly living. So on your next journey, create your own endorphin high, meet the locals, and enjoy coming home with tons of memories and a whittled waistline. Follow Collette DeBenedetto on Twitter: www.twitter.com/in2itiveathlete [3] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ New York Times ^ Click here ^ www.twitter.com/in2itiveathlete

The Rise of Immersive Role-Play Games

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:12:37 -0400

On your next family vacation, how about using an enchanted wand to slay a dragon? Or uncovering clues to track down an international spy? Or joining Captain Jack Sparrow's crew on a pirate raid? Taking a cue from the enormous popularity of video games, top family travel destinations are offering high-tech interactive gaming experiences[1] that immerse visitors in a storyline along with their favorite characters. Here are four places your family can experience this growing trend and get in on the game. Walt Disney World, FloridaA forerunner in high-tech immersive experiences, Disney World is adding new games as fast, it seems, as Imagineers can dream them up. Perhaps the best thing about these Disney World experiences is that they are included in the cost of a theme park ticket. In Epcot[2]'s World Showcase, Agent P's World Showcase Adventure features characters from the popular Disney Channel series "Phineas and Ferb," inviting you to pick up a F.O.N.E. and join Agent P to thwart the diabolical designs of Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Visitors to the Magic Kingdom[3] can play the scavenger hunt-like Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, where the wizard Merlin is looking for volunteer apprentices to grab a pack of spell cards to defeat Disney villains and keep the theme park safe for unsuspecting families. Inspired by the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, A Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas is a brand new, interactive quest in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. The interactive quest transforms you into one of Captain Jack's pirate recruits, armed with magic talismans and treasure maps for pirate raids against Captain Barbossa, the Royal Navy, and more of Captain Jack's enemies. MORE: Planning a trip to Disney World? Start planning here.[4] Disney Cruise LineOn Disney's newest ships, the Disney Dream and Fantasy, you can join the Midship Detective Agency to catch a thief. Using a map and special game card, players interact with "Enchanted Art" throughout the ship to find clues and eliminate robbery suspects. The game on the Disney Fantasy adds the Muppets to the mix, with detectives tracking down stolen props needed for the Muppets big show. Great Wolf Lodge At this popular chain of 11 indoor water park resorts, the fun doesn't stop when the family is on out of the water. The interactive MagiQuest wizard adventure game takes place in a world of fairies, dragons, goblins, and unicorns, allowing kids to open treasure troves and slay dragons right in the hallways of the lodge. You'll need to purchase a MagiQuest wand that interacts with its surroundings and casts up to 250 different spells. Games typically last four to six hours, and wand activation lasts the length of your stay at Great Wolf Lodge. MORE: Read real-parent reviews of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia.[5] International Spy Museum: Washington DCWant to channel your inner Bond, James Bond? "Spy in the City" is an interactive adventure designed by former spies who now serve as consultants to the International Spy Museum[6]. Pick up a GPS device and head outside for a high-stakes covert operation around the museum's DC neighborhood. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to intercept a secret agent trying to sell classified information to foreign operatives. Along the way you and your family can analyze messages, decipher codes, and intercept audio. -- Dave Parfitt of Adventures by Daddy[7] contributed this to MiniTime.com[8]. Follow MiniTime on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MiniTimeFamily [9] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ interactive gaming experiences ^ Epcot ^ Magic Kingdom ^ Planning a trip to Disney World? Start planning here. ^ Read real-parent reviews of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. ^ International Spy Museum ^ Adventures by Daddy ^ MiniTime.com ^ www.twitter.com/MiniTimeFamily

Tourist Trap or Renowned Attraction? Travel Enthusiast Pat Croce Deciphers the Two

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:11:59 -0400

Summer is here, school is out, and if you're like a lot of families, that means a road trip or a short flight to the beach. But admit it; you've been sucked into those tourist traps before while on those last minute vacations. The ones with the flashy signs and overpriced admission fees, where all you end up walking away with is lackluster memories and cheap souvenirs. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum owner and travel enthusiast Pat Croce to discuss how vacationers can steer clear of the average vacation and opt for a more memorable retreat. "I think the difference between a tourist trap and a renowned, really good attraction is one that you can check by your peers," said Croce. He advises that vacationers go to Trip Advisor, or talk to someone who's already been to a particular location before they hit the road. There is an old saying Pat claimed, "If you have something good to say about a place you'll tell 7 people, and if you have something bad, you'll tell 20." The importance of checking reviews is essential to your vacation and overall travel experience. Ultimately, deciphering a tourist trap and a renowned attraction is in the eye of the beholder, but doing your due diligence before you jet set will help you and your family have a clear view of what to expect in the attractions you visit. Pat also suggested that a better overall travel experience can be had when you go to some place that gives you something in addition to what you were expecting. For example, when people think of Florida, they think sun, sand and beaches and that every Florida destination is the same. In St. Augustine FL, he claims you can get much more than what you may expect from a journey down Florida's coast. "Because of the history and because, it's the oldest city in the nation, you can go on the beach and find prehistoric shark teeth and on land, there are artifacts beneath your feet" Croce said. So certainly this can be a pleasant surprise and not your typical run of the mill beach vacation. However, finding a great travel destination isn't always the only challenge. Sometimes just discovering a place that the whole family can enjoy can be the tricky part. So naturally it's "really cool when you find a location that appeases all ages, young and old alike" said Croce. Typically you will find that in "a place that is interactive, and that can immerse you back in time," Pat explained. Reading reviews and talking with your friends and family will make you better prepared before set out on your next adventure. One further tip that Pat shared is that a learning experience can really boost the effectiveness of a destination. Croce says, "Find places that have adventure qualities; places that you have to go and investigate. Places where you have to go and find something, search for something, learn something!" "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

City Camping Give Urbanites A Local Getaway

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:54:21 -0400

When urbanites need a getaway they pack up their gear and board buses, trains and airplanes to escape the city. But an escape is closer than most realize. Gateway National Recreation Area[1] is a network of parks that traverses three boroughs of New York City and parts of New Jersey. Conde Nast Traveler[2] explored the perks of paying a visit to Gateway. Reasons to visit include price, panoramic views and the serene, natural habitat. Gateway also offers something travelers would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in New York City -- camping. For $20 a night you can pitch a tent and sleep in the great outdoors. We dare you to find cheaper accommodations in the city. And Gateway is more than just cheap -- it's really cool. Campers and visitors can hit the beach, check out the wild refuge, or go sailing, canoeing or kayaking and get a unparalleled view of the city skyline. Whether you live in a city or are planning to visit one this summer, check out these other urban oases. 1) If you're a Bostonian... Bostonians who need a quick getaway can retreat to the Boston Harbor Islands[3] National Recreation Area. Much like Gateway, the park is a collection of islands and peninsulas that offers campsites, hiking trails, tide pools, lighthouse tours and more. Perfect for families, Boston Harbor Islands are just a ferry ride away from the city. 2) If you're a Washingtonian... Did you know you can go camping without even leaving the Beltway? Greenbelt Park[4] is only 12 miles from downtown D.C. and boasts campgrounds, hiking trails and picnic areas. Great for a quick escape from the city hustle, Greenbelt Park is an affordable getaway with campsites costing a very affordable $16. 3) If you're an Angeleno... They'll need to trek a little farther than the above urbanites, but Los Angeles residents can still get their fill of nature living. Sleep near the sea at Lee Carrillo State Beach[5], in Malibu. By day, visitors can swim, surf, explore coastal caves and reefs, or go back-country hiking. For those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature, Topanga State Park[6] offers 36 miles of trails that traverse mountains, plains and canyons. At night, camp under the stars and relish the tranquility. 4) If you're a Seattleite... Blake Island State Park[7] is eight miles and a peaceful boat ride from Seattle's Central Waterfront. Hiking and bike trails weave through this 475-area camping park, which is bordered by five miles of beachfront shoreline. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains and can check out Tillicum Village[8], a "native cultural experience" that offers tours, Northwest Indian dancing demonstrations and salmon bakes. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Gateway National Recreation Area ^ Conde Nast Traveler ^ Boston Harbor Islands ^ Greenbelt Park ^ Lee Carrillo State Beach ^ Topanga State Park ^ Blake Island State Park ^ Tillicum Village

Ashley Mateo: Conquering the Mountain: Surviving Machu Picchu

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:48:44 -0400

I've jumped out of a plane, kayaked into the Antarctic Ocean, bungee jumped off a cliff, hiked a glacier, and scuba dived after about seven minutes of training. I don't have a death wish and I may not actually be afraid of heights or water, but when you contemplate doing something that could go terrifyingly wrong, it doesn't matter how much of an adrenaline junkie you are -- a little bit of fear always creeps in. I know I'm not invincible, but living even just a little bit on the edge makes me feel more alive. I spend my days in a cubicle, but even more so in my own head brainstorming ideas for work, over-analyzing my social life, and wondering what the future hold. Even New York City can feel small when you're consumed with the minutiae of your day-to-day. That's why I'm always game for a once-in-a-lifetime activity -- for a minute, when I'm so far from the normalcy of my daily life, I feel like I can do anything. And nothing -- no fear, no second thoughts, no physical issues -- could hold me back. When I'm sitting at my computer, stupefied by the screen's glow, it's those flashes of color, those OMG-I-can't-believe-I-did-that moments that bring me back to life. This March, I hiked to Machu Picchu in Peru. Since American vacation time is pretty limited, my friend and I chose the Salkantay Trek 3-Day Challenge -- a shorter, faster version than the typical hike up the Inca Trail. We started in Mollepata, trekking more than half of the 40-plus miles across the Salkantay Pass -- at an elevation of 15,000 feet -- to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. We were warned to acclimatize in Cusco for a few days , and we knew the trek would be tough . But we're both fit and we think we know everything, so we thought we'd be fine. But by hour three, the altitude was so intense my lungs felt ready to burst -- I could barely take 20 steps without panting. By night one, blisters made it nearly impossible to walk. By day two, on our hike down from the peak to the valley below Machu Picchu, my knees were buckling from the pressure of walking downhill for so long. And by the time I reached Aguas Calientes, my body felt so wrecked, I nearly cried as we limped into town. The next morning was supposed to be the most exciting part of the trip -- reaching the peak of Machu Picchu! But I felt like I was going to die. As planned , we took the half-hour bus to beat the crowds to the top, but I would have ridden a llama at that point if it meant I didn't have to walk. My body had let me down. Traveling, trekking, and adventure were my escapes from the normalcy of my daily life. And on a trip where I wanted to push myself the limit -- at a time when I needed to get as far from normalcy as possible -- my body finally pushed back and said 'you can't do everything.' As we slowly limped through Machu Picchu, clouds covered the famous Inca city, which just added insult to injury. I'd spent the last 24 hours gritting my teeth, literally pulling myself up step by step using 500-year-old rocks, and I couldn't even see the ancient city in all it's glory?! Despite feeling bitter and nearly broken, we still decided to make the extra hour-long climb to the Sun Gate, where the views of the whole site were supposed to be phenomenal. What else were we supposed to do? I wanted my moment. On our way, it started raining. Of course. And when we reached the peak, I cried. With my head between my knees, which were so sore I couldn't straighten them, I actually cried. I couldn't even appreciate that I had made it to the top -- all I could think was how much pain it had caused. And that's when it happened -- in a movie-perfect moment, the fog dissipated and the city came into view below us. A few feet from the edge of the cliff, we stared down the dizzying drop into the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley. Clouds still clung to the nearby mountaintops, but everything that had been so gray came into focus -- the terraces were greener, the paths clearer, and the stones brighter. Spread out below me was an entire city that had remained hidden for nearly 300 years. This was my moment. This was what I had hiked over 30 miles for -- to feel, even for a moment, like I was standing on top of the world. I won't lie and say the bliss of that moment made my pain disappear and everything ok again. Every step down that absurdly high mountain was excruciating, and I couldn't walk normally for a solid week afterwards. But as I crashed into a real bed that night, after a re-humanizing hot shower, I pictured myself back on top of that mountain and realized that I had been looking at the whole adventure all wrong -- my body hadn't let me down. It may have been agonizing, but I pushed past the pain for the -- dare I call it--ecstasy of that incredible view. Instead of waiting for the sun to come out at the same level as most tourists, I went after my moment, and -- though it didn't feel this way at the time -- in the end, I refused to let my body defeat me. From a less pain-addled perspective, I could finally accept that I had conquered my pain. If anything, that makes me even prouder of myself -- instead of settling for the same halfway moment the other tourists got, I kept going. And now, back at my computer, that still keeps me going. Follow Ashley Mateo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ashleymateo [1] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ www.twitter.com/ashleymateo

China Cap-And-Trade Pilot Program Attempts To Ease Emissions Woes

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:43:48 -0400

By Mark Nicholls: On June 18 China’s pioneering city of Shenzhen is set to notch up another first. From that day 635 companies in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone—which in 1979 became the vanguard for China’s capitalist revolution—will start using the markets to help meet greenhouse gas emissions targets[2]. This year, alongside the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing as well as the regions of Guangdong and Hubei, Shenzhen is imposing greenhouse gas targets on hundreds of companies, ranging from power plants to airport operators. The goal is to develop a national carbon market over the next decade that could help put the brakes on the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter. “China has internationally pledged 2020 climate targets,” observes Chai Hongliang, an analyst at Thomson Reuters Point Carbon, an Oslo-based information-provider specializing in carbon markets. He is referring to a commitment first made by China ahead of the 2009 Copenhagen climate talks to reduce its economy’s overall carbon emissions per unit of GDP to 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. “It has two ways to reach the target: shut down factories in the last months of 2020 or use more market-based approaches like emissions trading,” Chai adds. As with emission-trading programs elsewhere, polluters in China’s pilots have two options: First, they can meet their targets by reducing their own emissions—by investing in energy efficiency, say, or curbing production. Alternatively, they can buy carbon allowances or credits from companies that have spare allowances or from projects elsewhere in China. Shenzhen faces the toughest target. The companies in its pilot emitted the equivalent of 31 million metric tons of CO2 in 2010. They will be allocated around 100 Mt of allowances for the duration of the three-year trial, although expected economic growth means they will have to reduce their carbon intensity by an estimated 30 percent by 2015 compared with 2010. Balancing the need for economic growth with carbon control is a challenge. Emissions in China are expected to rise for years, given the importance China’s political elite continue to place on economic growth. Some observers question how much pressure China’s planners are prepared to put on its big emitters. The pilots set emission limits from January 2013 through the end of 2015. “I think the emissions caps will be relatively lenient,” Chai says. Certainly the regulators will be eager to avoid any “carbon leakage”—that is, driving industry out of their jurisdictions through imposing too stringent targets ahead of any national program. But at this point Chai can only speculate about their stringency. Limited information is available about participating companies, their historical emissions—and even the rules under which the pilots will operate. And part of the reason is that some of these data do not exist. The problem with dataTo run effectively markets rely on an unimpeded flow of information, clear rules and rigorous oversight. China could both benefit from the lessons of earlier efforts, such as Europe’s flagship carbon market—the world’s largest, known as the European Union Emissions Trading System, or ETS. It is under fire from some environmentalists because of its relatively lax targets and low carbon prices, along with its vulnerability to fraud and abuse. For the regulators drawing up targets, “there are existing processes and mechanisms on energy consumption which could be drawn on, as well as local exercises in creating GHG [greenhouse gas] inventories,” says Lina Li, a Beijing-based carbon markets expert at Netherlands-based consultancy Ecofys. Her firm has advised local regulators and international donors on creating carbon market regulations and infrastructure in China. “But there are still challenges regarding emissions data at the company level.” This is exactly where the E.U. was in 2005, when it embarked on the pilot phase of its ETS—and the lack of emissions data allowed companies to game the system. E.U. governments asked companies to provide their own, unverified historical emissions data, and many inflated their numbers so as to claim more free allowances from government. This practice created an overhang of surplus permits that led to a price collapse in 2007. Generous allocations of allowances are probably inevitable as the price paid for industry acceptance, however, suggests Karl Upston-Hooper, legal counsel of GreenStream Network, a Finnish carbon asset manager that is active in China. “You will struggle to find an ETS that is not overallocated” in its early phases, he says. Indeed, he argues that the pilots in China are less about creating carbon markets and more about gathering data. “I’ve taken the view that they’re implementing an emissions-monitoring system, not a carbon market—and I’m okay with that as a first step on the road.” Most observers—including from the environmental movement—are prepared to give China’s regulators time to get things right. “It is our view that the first step for Chinese ETS is to get the system right from the beginning—the trading platform; the monitoring, reporting and verification system; [emissions] inventories; getting companies informed and cooperative—and gradually shift toward more stringent caps,” says Li Shuo, a climate and energy campaigner for Greenpeace East Asia. Plenty of studies see China’s emissions peaking by 2030. Some are more optimistic: recent ones predict 2025[3] to 2030. A further data challenge is whether China’s regulators will be sufficiently transparent and even-handed when it comes to the country’s carbon markets. “In Europe and elsewhere, ETS data are under public scrutiny. That may not be the case in China,” says Point Carbon’s Chai. Another concern is insufficient coordination among the seven pilots, Li says. Indeed, rivalry exists among the various authorities, with Beijing deliberately encouraging a degree of “policy competition” to test differing approaches to see which works best. Last, despite a recent announcement by the powerful National Development and Reform and Commission that it is to propose a national carbon cap for China’s next five-year plan, which runs from 2016 to 2020, a national Chinese carbon market is not assured. Other methods could prove more effective. “In China the ETS is not the only tool,” says Wu Changhua, Beijing-based Greater China director of the nonprofit Climate Group. She notes that the nation’s finance ministry is promoting a carbon tax whereas other government ministries are considering a system for crediting and trading energy-efficiency improvements. Wu also cautions that international media speculation around the introduction of a national carbon cap by 2016 is overblown. She argues that the NDRC is agitating for the inclusion of the concept in the next plan to ensure resources are available for more research and policy development. “One thing is for sure,” she adds. “The political leadership in China is much more serious, stronger and determined to tackle environmental problems. But it will be a journey. We’re not going to get there immediately.” Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ click here for original article ^ markets to help meet greenhouse gas emissions targets ^ recent ones predict 2025

Last Telegram Ever Will Be Sent In India Next Month

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:32:17 -0400

The world's final telegram will be sent next month[1] by India's state-run telecommunications company, the Christian Science Monitor reported. The July 14 stop date will be over 160 years after Samuel Morse sent the first telegram in the U.S. in 1844. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is losing more than $23 million a year by keeping telegraph services running, the company's general manager of telegraph services told The Christian Science Monitor. Only about 5,000 telegrams are sent a day in India, a country with a population of 1.24 billion[2]. About 65 percent of India's telegrams are sent by the government, according to The Monitor. With the rise of computers and telephones, even the U.S. Postal Service has struggled[3] immensely, so it's surprising that an old-fashioned technology like the telegraph has lasted this long. In March, the U.S. Post Office announced that it had lost $1.9 billion in the previous 3 months. Western Union sent the last telegram in the U.S.[4] back in 2006, 150 years after the company was founded. Samuel Morse's first telegram[5] read “WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT?” and was sent from the U.S. Supreme Court. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ world's final telegram will be sent next month ^ population of 1.24 billion ^ the U.S. Postal Service has struggled ^ sent the last telegram in the U.S. ^ first telegram

Back Fom the Biennale, Venice 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:28:47 -0400

Venice. Floating city, contemporary art contradiction. In 1998 and 1999, I lived bi-coastalish between Venice, Italy and Los Angeles. I spent most of my time with my head in modern and contemporary art and my feet in unattractive, waterproof shoes. I had a love/hate relationship with the city. It was mysterious, humid, incomprehensible, beautiful and capricious. To me, it was that mellifluous Gemini in the form of a city -- giving you nothing and everything at once. In other words, the very perfect place to have a contemporary art festival. The Venice Biennale[1] is a six-month celebration of contemporary art, and in part a celebration of the ancient archipelago that refuses to be defined. Since 1895, the Biennale Gardens, then Arsenale and several palazzi across the islands have been reincarnating themselves bi-annually in country curated pavillions, galleries and exhibitions and pop-up venues throughout the Biennale and Venice. Pavilions act as setting and installation, and Venice's historic palaces are both beautiful backdrop and destination for some of the Biennale's most engaging pieces. Walking through this year's Venice Biennale is like stepping through Narnia's wardrobe into an endless and unpredictable art world/exhibition-- mostly likely what curator Massimiliano Gioni had in mine when he set the curation theme : the Encyclopaedic Palace, inspired Italian-born artist Marino Auriti's 1955 cylindrical skyscraper/conceptual piece[2]. Auriti's idea was to build a structure that would "hold all the works of man in whatever field, discoveries made and those which may follow." An auspicious endeavor and a great idea that disappeared into obscurity [aka the suburbs of Philadelphia] until Auriti's model was brought to the Folk Art Museum, Gioni stumbled across it and then metaphorically and literally used it as springboard for the 55th Venice Biennale. To briefly summarize the Biennale, there are 158 artists and 88 country pavilions represented. Art includes video, collectionism, outsider art and installations of a variety of themes including nature. Predominantly, the work is experiential-- stepping into sound spaces like the Poland, Mexico, Korea pavilions, standing in the golden rain of the Russia pavilion, walking through collected clusters of the United States pavilion and the multitude of collections like Morton Bartlettt's eerie dolls in the Central Pavilion, or just enjoying the clever curation in the Arsenale's corderie where there are sixteen curated galleries, with hundreds of works by tens of artists- established like Walter de Maria or soon-to-be household names like Ryan Trecartin. This year, there is also performance, a media that tends to be placed in the background. The Central Pavilion has a subtle live artwork by Golden Lion recipient Tino Sehgal that I almost ignored , while stark Romania pavilion is "painted" by performers who cleverly act out paintings, sculpture et al from past Biennales. In addition to the Giardini and Arsenale, off-site exhibitions pop up in palaces, courtyards and campos, like Iran and New Zealand's pavilions and Ai Wei Wei's installations. Contemporary foundations run throughout the Grand Canal to the Lagoon: Henri Pinault's Palazzo Grassi[3], Fondazione Prada's Ca' Corner[4], Pinault's second contemporary art gallery, Punta della Dogana,[5] and Palazzo Cin[6]i on San Giorgio Maggiore, among others. Famously, the week before the Biennale is an arty party. Morning through evening everyone is running around looking, talking and dressing art, and more importantly blurring the lines between fashion and art. There are pop ups and one-time only performances, and Hermes, Givenchy and Chanel flow just as easily as the rain. I chatted about water bus tickets with Maurizio Cattelan, Running through a campo, I bumped into Milla Jovovich's performance Future/Perfect[7]. And later, I grabbed a bite to eat at Rirkrit Tiravanija's pop-kitchen at the Hotel Bauer[8] where fashion was served with food performance. Venice itself is encyclopaedic. Its frustrating vicoli, whimsical attitude and beautifully decaying palazzos are fathomless fonts for tales to come, making the floating city perfect for a contemporary art biennale that is based as much on whim and humour as it is on introspection. Ironically, this drowning city is dripping with contemporary art. And not just for a few months every two years. Welcome to the Venice Biennale 1 of 11 Welcome to the Venice Biennale. From now through November 24, Venice is the host of a bi-annual contemporary art festival across the city. [Photo: Erica Firpo] Welcome to the Venice Biennale. From now through November 24, Venice is the host of a bi-annual contemporary art festival across the city. [Photo: Erica Firpo] Welcome to the Venice Biennale Welcome to the Venice Biennale. From now through November 24, Venice is the host of a bi-annual contemporary art festival across the city. [Photo: Erica Firpo] CURRENT TOP 5 SLIDES USERS WHO VOTED ON THIS SLIDE Follow Erica Firpo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/moscerina [9] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Venice Biennale ^ Marino Auriti's 1955 cylindrical skyscraper/conceptual piece ^ Palazzo Grassi ^ Fondazione Prada's Ca' Corner ^ Punta della Dogana, ^ Palazzo Cin ^ Future/Perfect ^ Hotel Bauer ^ www.twitter.com/moscerina

Nick Miele, Ben Constantini, Canadians Jailed In Dominican, Freed

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:26:09 -0400

Two Canadians jailed in the Dominican Republic for a fight that disrupted a destination wedding have been freed and will return home[1], according to a message left on their Facebook support page. Nick Miele and Ben Constantini spent 20 days behind bars after a brawl broke out shortly after Miele's wedding ceremony. The 34-year-old groom was at the Bahia Principe Esmeralda resort in Punta Cana last month with his wife Stacey Vernon when a fight broke out at the resort. According to eye witnesses, the fight started with two other Canadian men in line at the resort's snack bar. “They fell down on a group of women, and one of [the women] got hit in the face,”[2] Justin Worby told CBC News. According to Worby, one of the women the men fell on was Vernon. Miele and Constantini, Vermon's cousin, jumped in and started fighting one of the men, while the second man fled. Other witnesses said a third man, not known to anyone, joined the fray, pummelling the man Constantini and Miele were fighting with but then took off before local law enforcement arrived on scene. “From behind me, from out of nowhere, this guy is screaming in what sounded like Russian,” [3]she said. “He just flew in and drop-kicked this other guy. It was unbelievable. I thought he was dead.” When security arrived at the scene, both Vermon and Miele were taken to police officers who didn’t speak English, Vermon told Global News. “Before we knew it, they were taking my husband and my cousin from our arms, and throwing them into the back of a police truck,”[4] she said. Both men were charged with physical aggression and initially faced up to two years in prison and a $100,000 charge for the damage the victim requested in court[5]. However, the prosecution and the lawyer representing Miele and Constantini reached an agreement on Monday to drop the charge of physical aggression, allowing the two to return home to Canada, the Brampton Guardian reports. Diane Ablonczy, Canada's minister of state of foreign affairs , said in a statement she was happy how the incident was resolved. "We are pleased that the two Canadian parties involved in an altercation in the Dominican Republic have found common ground in order to resolve their situation," she said. "Canada has called for fairness and due process for both parties, and Dominican officials have assured us that all involved will continue to be treated justly and according to local laws while on Dominican Republic soil. As for Vermon, she's just happy the ordeal involving her husband and cousin is finally over.[6] "It was such a relief," Vernon told The Hamilton Spectator. "We bawled. We cried. We laughed. It's unbelievable." Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ have been freed and will return home ^ “They fell down on a group of women, and one of [the women] got hit in the face,” ^ “From behind me, from out of nowhere, this guy is screaming in what sounded like Russian,” ^ “Before we knew it, they were taking my husband and my cousin from our arms, and throwing them into the back of a police truck,” ^ $100,000 charge for the damage the victim requested in court ^ the ordeal involving her husband and cousin is finally over.

Wildlife From Cape to Cape

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:23:00 -0400

The only other time my husband, Jim and I saw a whale in the wild, it was an orca that came up to our boat flashing its shiny black tail so close I gasped out loud. We were in, or I should say off the coast of Victoria, British Columbia. It was thrilling, but full disclosure, it was one whale and we'd traveled 90 minutes in very choppy waters to see it. So my expectation when boarding the Dolphin Fleet whale watching[1] boat in Provincetown on Cape Cod last month was for a similarly look-hard-and-don't blink experience. Wrong. Thirty-five Humpbacks[2], 9 North Atlantic Right Whales[3], 1 seal and dozens of dolphins later, even Irene Briga[4], our onboard naturalist was giddy. We'd stayed inside the boat while it headed out from MacMillian Pier[5] in downtown Provincetown, navigated the circle east, south and then northwest to get out of the hook that is the very, very end of Cape Cod. We weren't in the Atlantic proper for more than five minutes when I saw a spout of water off in the distance. Warned by Irene that the spout would be the prelude to a breaching whale, Jim and I darted for the door and up onto the front deck. We were followed as the cabin emptied. We needn't have hurried. As we watched in amazement, the one whale turned to two, then three and soon the water was churning with life to our left, to our right and behind us. Irene would be on her microphone telling us about one particular whale off our port, when three more emerged from starboard. She could not keep up. I like to snorkel[7] and I'm always amazed at how, from above the surface, the variety and plentitude of life below is undetectable. Then I put my masked face in the water and another world emerges. It was entirely different on the boat. Creatures were just heaving themselves in front of our eyes. Sometimes the Humpbacks were out of the water so long, sea gulls landed on their snouts and started pecking at morsels of food from around their gaping maws. And the whirring of cameras did. not. stop. The only thing that caused a moment's hesitation was the desire to make eye contact with the other humans on the boat, an urge to share the wonder and delight. With a raising of eyebrows or a shaking of the head we agreed without words that this was indeed the experience of a lifetime. One month later I was on another Cape, Cape Peninsula[8] south of Cape Town in South Africa. On a blustery southern hemisphere winter day, I took a train[9] thirty miles due south to Simon's Town[10] to visit the colony of African Penguins[11] at Boulders Beach. There are two ways to view the colony, from a walkway about 50 feet above the rock-strewn beach where a protective fence separates the nesting birds from their observers, or on two long-armed extended decks that run just above the water. Each provides a different experience with the penguins and an opportunity to observe these rarely seen creatures in their own environment. Here I experienced a little cycle-of-life drama as I watched the hind end of a mongoose disappear behind a bush where a penguin family resided. Mongoose eat penguin eggs. I was worried that the carnivorous mammal would snatch one. Twenty minutes later an American tourist confirmed it had. From her vantage point closer to the visitor center, she'd seen the whole sad thing. I don't like the fact that these adorable not-quite-knee-high birds are called "Jackass Penguins" because they don't seem stupid or annoying. To the contrary, they put on a spectacular show in two elements, amusing as they waddle around on land and impressive as they demonstrate speed and agility in the water. Seventy-six hundred miles of Atlantic ocean, six time zones and an equator separates Cape Cod from Cape Peninsula. And from Cape to Cape Americans, South Africans and all the nationalities in between are squeezing onto boats and perching onto platforms sharing the wonder that is the joyful undercurrent of observing wildlife in its element. Follow Christine Negroni on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cnegroni [12] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Dolphin Fleet whale watching ^ Humpbacks ^ North Atlantic Right Whales ^ Irene Briga ^ MacMillian Pier ^ Donald Baxter MacMillian ^ I like to snorkel ^ Cape Peninsula ^ I took a train ^ Simon's Town ^ African Penguins ^ www.twitter.com/cnegroni

Colorado Wildfire Task Force Considering Tougher Limits For Home Development In Burn Zones

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:42:04 -0400

Firefighters working on the Black Forest wildfire wave to supporters who came out to greet them as they finished their shift outside a fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Supporters greet fire crews as they return from their shifts from fighting the Black Forest wildfire outside a fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Firefighters are covered in shoot as they return from their shifts from fighting the Black Forest wildfire outside a fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Ashley Klipp, Allan MacMillinAshley Klipp, right, and her son Jackson, 2, give a high-five to firefighter Allan MacMillin, of the Black Hawk, S.D., fire department as crews fighting the Black Forest wildfire return from their shifts outside a fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Supporters greet fire crews as they return from their shifts from fighting the Black Forest wildfire outside a fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Kristin Brown, Ashley Klipp, Kaitlyn Barlow, Jackson KlippBlack Forest resident Kristin Brown, left, who's family lost their home in the wildfire, is joined by Ashley Clipp, Kaitlyn Barlow and Ashley's son Jackson, 2, as they support first responders outside of a fire camp in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Abigail Conroy, Stephanie Conroy, Jillian ConroyResidents including sisters Abigail Conroy, 6, bottom left, and Stephanie Conroy, 7, left, and Jillian Conroy, 10, top left, cheer on first responders from the Black Forest Fire outside a fire camp in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. The wildfire destroyed hundreds of homes. Charlie Welch, Claire Welch, Milo Ericksen, Calvin Ericksen, Dylan Haberzettl, Connor HaberzettlChildren including, from left, Charlie Welch, 9, his twin sister Claire, Milo Ericksen, 5, in black firefighter costume, his brother Calvin, 3, Dylan Haberzettl, 5, in blue and his brother Connor, 3, cheer on first responders from the Black Forest Fire outside of a fire camp in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. The wildfire has destroyed hundreds of homes. Landon Epperson, Mike DeBoerLandon Epperson, left, chats with South Denver firefighter Mike DeBoer outside of a fire camp for first responders from the Black Forest Fire at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. The wildfire has destroyed hundreds of homes. Landon EppersonLandon Epperson, 10, waves United States flags wearing a firefighter helmet while first responders from the Black Forest Fire enter a fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the fire. Becky Morehouse and her husband Kevin react during a prayer for those affected by the Black Forest wildfire during a sermon at the New Life Church, Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Morehouse's home is among the nearly 500 that have been burned in the 22-square-mile fire. Ron Pedron, far right, and his wife Rita Pedron, talk to residents about the a fire and evacuation map before a news conference at the Pikes Peak Community College Rampart Range campus, Sunday, June 16, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. Nearly 500 homes have been burned by the 22-square-mile Black Forest wildfire. In this Saturday June 15, 2013, photo, from left, Black Forest residents Amanda Davis, Destiny Davis and Mikayla Crofoot stand with a cross they made for from branches while doing fire mitigation on their property near Colorado Springs, Colo. The group, calling themselves Black Forest Colorado Crosses for Losses, has made dozens of the crosses and is selling them with all money raised going to Black Forest Fire Station 1. Nearly 500 homes have been burned by the 22-square-mile Black Forest wildfire. In this Saturday June 15, 2013, photo, incident commander Rich Harvey, right, hugs Amanda Davis after receiving a cross from Davis, Mikayla Crofoot, left, and Destiny Davis near Colorado Springs, Colo. Davis said the cross was made from branches of their trees in the Black Forest area while doing fire mitigation, and the women are selling the crosses to raise money for Black Forest Fire Department. Nearly 500 homes have been burned by the 22-square-mile Black Forest wildfire. Residents look at a map detailing the progress of the Black Forest wildfire Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Fire crews were putting out hot spots Sunday to prevent flare ups in heavily wooded Black Forest, where hundreds of houses have been destroyed. People line Old Ranch Road as they cheer for the firefighters as they return from a shift fighting the Black Forest Fire Sunday morning, June 16, 2013, outside the fire camp at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. MAGS OUTBlaine Roth, 2, left, his mother Caroline Roth, sister Macey Roth, 4, and neighbor Chloe Stevenson, 13, join a crowd lining Old Ranch Road as they cheer for the firefighters leaving the fire camp to fight the Black Forest Fire Sunday morning, June 16, 2013, at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. MAGS OUTResidents and press gather for an update on the progress of the Black Forest Fire in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Lara Stern, right, prays with her daughter, Alana, 8, and husband Samuel Stern Sunday, June 16, 2013 during a community prayer and praise worship service at First Baptist Church on Black Forest Road northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo. The Stern family and at least ten other families at the church lost their homes to the Black Forest fire. BLACK FOREST FIREMembers of First Baptist Church on Black Forest Road pray Sunday, June 16, 2013 over church members who lost their homes in the Black Forest fire northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo. The church, which is just outside the evacuation area in Black Forest, held a community prayer and praise worship service Sunday. At least eleven church families lost their homes to the Black Forest fire. MAGS OUTJan Larson, Jennings LarsonJan, left, and Jennings Larson of Black Forest, Colo, look at the damage of the Black Forest Fire on a map in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Firefighters worked to get more people evacuated by Colorado's most destructive wildfire back home Sunday by digging up and extinguishing hot spots to protect homes still standing near Colorado Springs. Rich Harvey, Nikki ConnonIncident commander Rich Harvey, right, gets a cake from Colorado Springs resident Nikki Connon thanking for his efforts in battling the Black Forest Fire in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Firefighters worked to get more people evacuated by Colorado's most destructive wildfire back home Sunday by digging up and extinguishing hot spots to protect homes still standing near Colorado Springs. Donna Meier, Lee Meier, Megan Meier, Abbey MeierThe Meier family, from left Donna, Lee, Megan and Abbey from Black Forest, Colo., listen to a briefing on the progress of the Black Forest Fire in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Firefighters worked to get more people evacuated by Colorado's most destructive wildfire back home Sunday by digging up and extinguishing hot spots to protect homes still standing near Colorado Springs. A sign is posted on the tennis courts of Pine Creek High School where firefighters battling the Black Forest Fire are staged in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Firefighters are working to get more people back into their homes after authorities lifted evacuations orders prompted by the wildfire near Colorado Springs. A sign thanks firefighters for their efforts battling the Black Forest Fire at a fire camp in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. A sign thanks firefighters for their efforts battling the Black Forest Fire sits along a road in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, June 16, 2013. Black ForestTodd Keenan, left, and his mother, Jean Keenan, right, raise their hands along with others who lost their homes during a community meeting regarding the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestAllison Ludwig hugs Black Forest Animal Sanctuary staff member Monica Oldenburg at a community meeting regarding the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. Oldenburg, who was helping rescue animals from the burn zone until ordered to stop on Friday, saved Ludwig's cattle and chickens from the fire. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestBlack Forest residents hug outside a community meeting to give information regarding the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestPeople attend a community meeting to get information regarding their homes and the state of the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestTodd Keenan, left, and his mother, Jean Keenan, right, raise their hands along with others who lost their homes during a community meeting regarding the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestRoberta Boykin, left, and Susan Lauria laugh while waiting to be escorted into the Black Forest fire evacuation zone to get medical supplies and water for pets Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestA message is written in the dust on a truck outside a community meeting regarding the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestA firefighter douses hot spots off Hodgen Road as crews continue battling the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Black ForestA smoke plume rises north of Hodgen Road as crews continue battling the Black Forest wildfire Saturday, June 15, 2013, near Colorado Springs, Colo. The fire that exploded Tuesday outside of Colorado Springs, amid record-setting heat and tinder-dry conditions, has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed two people. Incident commander Rich Harvey, center, talks about the progress of the Black Forest Fire in Colorado Springs, Colo., Saturday, June 15, 2013. The number of homes destroyed in Colorado's most destructive wildfire ever continues to rise. Authorities reported early Saturday that 473 houses had been incinerated. That compares with a report of a little over 400 just a few hours earlier.Residents look at a map of the Black Forest Fire after a press briefing in Colorado Springs, Colo., Saturday, June 15, 2013. The number of homes destroyed in Colorado's most destructive wildfire ever continues to rise. Authorities reported early Saturday that 473 houses had been incinerated. That compares with a report of a little over 400 just a few hours earlier. BLACK FOREST FIREA strong thunderstorm moves over the burn area helping firefighters gain the upper hand on the Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Friday, June 14, 2013. BLACK FOREST FIREA helicopter flies underneath a thunderstorm that dumped rain on a trouble area of the Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Friday, June 13, 2013. Authorities lifted evacuations in a wide swath of terrain outside Colorado Springs on Friday as they said a surprise rain shower helped them expand containment of a wildfire that has destroyed 400 homes. BLACK FOREST FIREColorado Senator Mark Udall talks with the media Friday, June 14, 2013 during a news conference, emphasizing his confidence that all federal resources are in place to fight the Black Forest fire and take care of the upcoming restoration efforts, on Friday, June 14, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. Bradley thinks her home escaped the fire. Black Forest FireA Ramah Fire Crew member walks the southern line of a controlled burn at the Black Forest Section 16 Trailhead , Thursday, June 13, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTBlack Forest FireEvergreen Fire Rescue member Stephen Miller and crews from several other fire departments gather at the Black Forest Section 16 Trailhead after fighting the Black forest fire Thursday, June 13, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTBlack Forest FireRamah Fire Crew member Benedict Yazzie stands watch over a back burn started at the Black Forest Section 16 Trailhead on Thursday, June 13, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTBlack Forest FireTree stumps burn off of Burgess Road as crews battle the Black Forest fire Thursday, June 13, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTBlack Forest FireLake Dillon Fire Rescue member Frank Towers climbs off his firetruck after battling the Black Forest fire Thursday, June 13, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTBulldozers operated by soldiers from Fort Carson, Colo., create a fire break on the perimeter of a wildfire in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 13, 2013, in this photo released by the U.S. Army. Firefighters have at least temporarily battled to a "draw" with the fast-moving fire that already has killed two people and destroyed 379 homes. Black Forest FireBonnie Kruse gets a kiss from her sister-in-law Char Vialpando during a gathering of their families Thursday, June 13, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTAlan HavensA charred vintage car sits in the Black Forest Fire burn area on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTAlan HavensA male deer runs through the charred trees in the Black Forest Fire burn area on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTMichelle Andree, Alan HavensMichelle Andree and Alan Havens try to coax a reluctant mustang into a trailer from a property in the Falcon area on Thursday, June 13, 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colo. The couple lost their home in the Black Forest Fire and are spending the time since they were evacuated helping to rescue animals with the Kit Carson Riding Club. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUTBlack Forest FireMike and Frances Vialpando gathered together their children Thursday, June 13, 2013 for the first time since the couple and four of the children lost their homes in the Black forest fire in Colorado Springs, Colo. From left, Michael Vialpando, Ron Vialpando, Frances Vialpando, Mike Vialpando, Theresa Knoll, Lenor Reinhardt, James Vialpando and Bonnie Kruse. Little more than 36 hours after it started in the Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, the blaze surpassed last June's Waldo Canyon fire as the most destructive in state history. That blaze burned 347 homes and killed two people. MAGS OUT

Singapore Pollution Hits 16-Year High Thanks In Part To Indonesia's Forest Fires

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:49:05 -0400

SINGAPORE -- Singaporeans rolled back military training, kept cough-stricken children indoors and considered wearing protective masks to work Tuesday after a smoky haze triggered by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia caused air pollution to briefly hit its worst level in nearly 16 years. The Pollutant Standards Index, Singapore's main measure to determine air quality, crept into the "unhealthy" classification Monday as smoke from roaring blazes on Indonesia's Sumatra island drifted across the sea and cast a gray pall over the city-state's skyscrapers. The index reached a reading of 155 Monday night, the highest level since late 1997, when officials reported a 226 reading. On Tuesday, the reading mostly hovered between 104 and 123, still within the "unhealthy" range of between 101 and 200. Smoke haze is a nearly annual problem for Singapore and its northern neighbor Malaysia, often beginning in the middle of the year when farmers in Indonesia seek to clear land cheaply by starting fires. The issue sometimes strains ties between the countries, with Malaysia and Singapore urging Indonesia to do more to prevent illegal burning. Malaysia has been only lightly affected so far this year, with pollution readings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, not breaching the unhealthy mark Tuesday. Indonesia has said part of the current problem is caused by peat blazes that firefighters are struggling to put out during hot, dry weather. Indonesian Forest Ministry spokesman Sumarto Suharno said the government is continuing to educate farmers about alternatives to traditional slash-and-burn agriculture. "We have been able to reduce the regional haze problem significantly for years with help from local communities and will continue to undertake all efforts to prevent it from spreading," Suharno said. In Singapore, defense ministry spokesman Col. Kenneth Liow said the armed forces have "reduced physical and outdoor training accordingly" after the pollution index exceeded 100. Landscaper Hedrick Kwan blamed the haze after his two young sons started coughing as an acrid smell of burning filled the air. "When they woke up today, it was worse," he said. "We usually leave the windows open but now we can't do that because of all the dust and smoke." The National Environment Agency has advised Singaporeans, especially the elderly, young children and people with respiratory problems, to avoid prolonged exposure outdoors. Melissa Cheah, a financial sector worker, said her office has discussed the possibility of advising employees to wear protective face masks. Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said his agency is offering assistance to Indonesia to put out the forest fires. Hospitals and clinics are bracing for more patients in the week ahead. "Based on what we have seen over the years, when the haze hits us, it takes about three to four days before we see all these additional patients coming in for medication," said family physician Sarani Ng Omar, who expected a rise in asthma-related cases, nasal problems and eye inflammation. ___ Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

The World's Most Dangerous Airport? Adventure Of Mount Everest Begins At Tiny Nepal Airstrip

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:37:34 -0400

LUKLA, Nepal — As soon as the decades-old Twin Otter landed at Lukla airport, passengers burst out in applause. They do that for nearly every safe landing at the often terrifying airport at the gateway to Mount Everest. At an altitude of 2,843 meters , the small airstrip here has earned a reputation as one of the most extreme and dangerous airports in the world. The single runway is narrow, short and sloped. Miss the runway by a few meters and the plane would hit a mountain. "After you cross the river there is no turning back, you have to land," said Pramod Poudel, a Tara Air pilot who has flown hundreds of these flights to Lukla. Carved out of the side of a mountain, the airport was built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1965 — 12 years after he became the first man to conquer the world's highest peak — to help the local yak herders known as Sherpas spur development in the impoverished area. Now what once was a dirt strip is one of Nepal's busiest airports, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport — named as well for Hillary's climbing partner Tenzing Norgay. The thousands of mountaineers and trekkers who visit the Everest region have to fly to the airport if they want to avoid a daylong bus trip from Katmandu and five days of trekking to reach here. The airport has handled up to 79 flights on one day — far beyond the acceptable capacity for such a facility, said Rinji, the airport's air traffic controller, who, like most Sherpas in the Everest region, uses only one name. "It is really challenging, because of the geographical location of the airport and high mountains that surround it. Topography is challenging and the traffic volume is challenging," said Rinji. "There is little space for aircraft to maneuver because of the high mountains and narrow valley." Poudel, the pilot, said he and his colleagues need to concentrate hard when landing on the single runway, which is less than 500 meters long, slopes some 12 degrees and is barely 20 meters wide. "Because there is no way to go around again, we have to calculate many things like air speed, tail wind, fog," he said. "If you don't do the proper calculation or proper exercise, then it" — meaning an accident — "happens." The airport can only handle special short take-off and landing aircraft like the Twin Otter or Dronier that take about 18 passengers. It has room for only four of these planes to be parked at one time. The runway is one-way for both takeoff and landing. Aircraft have to land from the southwest and take off toward the northeast because at the end of one side of the runway is a mountain. When winds are blowing in an unfavorable direction, all takeoffs and landings have to stop. Crashes are not uncommon. In 2008, 18 people were killed when a Twin Otter plane belonging to the domestic Yeti Airlines smashed into the side of the runway and caught fire while trying to land in heavy fog. Investigators said the pilot should not have attempted to land in those conditions. In August 2010, 14 people were killed when a Dronier belonging to the domestic Agni Air crashed after it was forced to turn around due to bad weather conditions at Lukla. In May 2004, another Yeti Airlines Twin Otter crashed while approaching Lukla, killing all three occupants in an accident blamed on heavy cloud buildup and pilot misjudgment. One plane was unable to stop on the short runway and smashed into a wall. Another skidded off the runway. A third lost its front landing gear as it tried to land and skidded down the runway, forcing the airport to shut for two days. No one was killed in those crashes. In addition to trekkers, the flights bring in food, construction materials, beer and other supplies required by the local population in this poor area. And it has changed life here. Once a tiny village, Lukla now has 3,000 people, many of them drawn to tourism work. Sherpas wait outside the airport hoping to be hired as porters by trekkers staying in the mountains for anywhere from a few days to a month. But the burgeoning population attracted by the airport has also created severe drinking water shortages and sewage problems. And when a curtain of fog descends on the airport during the popular October trekking season, flights can be cancelled for days. As many as 2,500 passengers have been left stranded here with little food and no accommodation. Even on its best days, the airport is open for only a few hours. A man named Funru said his father once owned the land where the airport sits and helped Hillary dig the airstrip. "When I first began working at the airport, it used to be nothing like this. It was like a river bank. Every evening we had to collect rocks and fill the potholes so flights could land the next morning," Funru said. ___ Gurubacharya contributed to this story from Katmandu. Take-Off From Lukla Airport near Mt. EverestA twin-prop plane readies for take-off at Lukla's Tenzig Norgay Airport, known as the world's most dangerous. Pilot's Eye ViewAt 15,000-feet, pilots navigate between peaks on the one-hour flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. On average, one plane has crashed flying this route for the past five years, including one in September 2012 that killed all 19 on board.Everest ViewsDuring the flight from Kathmandu, passengers are rewarded with incredible views of the Himalays, including Everest just right of center, above.Aerial View of Nepal's Terraced HillsIt's not all snow and ice on the flight up from the capital. Above, passengers take-in stunning views of terrace-covered hills. Nepali farmers grow rice and barley across the region.Thumbs Up!The three-year-old son of a bakery owner in Lukla gives us the "all's good" sign at the start of our trek. After the flight up, we were happy to enjoy fresh-baked apple strudel and some locally grown coffee. It almost made the terrifying trip worth it. Almost.AvalancheTrekkers will likely witness avalanches on the trek to Everest Base Camp. We saw six large ones, including the one above . Birds at AltitudeA Tibetan Snow Cock perches atop a rock near Everest Base Camp.Way To Everest Base CampTrekkers will likely witness avalanches on the trek to Everest Base Camp. We saw six large ones, including the one above . Stunning SceneryTrekkers are in for some of the planet's most incredible views on the way to Everest Base Camp. Above, the author takes in the scene as prayer flags snap in the wind and an 8,000 meter peak towers in the background.A Tara Air Dornier Do 228 aircraft taxis after landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, some 140 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

Departures Magazine: Top Stargazing Destinations

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:20:41 -0400

The sun, moon and stars have fascinated humankind since time immemorial. Aside from giving us a measure of time and geographical orientation, celestial bodies feed our imagination. Gazing into the night sky, we sense the vastness of the universe and mysteries beyond our comprehension. Stargazing is humbling, endlessly fascinating and hopelessly romantic. Before we lose our heads, there are a few important things to consider while reaching for the stars. NASA reportedly spent $2.1 billion to put the Hubble Space Telescope in orbit, which shows how bothersome the earth's atmosphere can be to an astronomer. The best stargazing locations[1] are generally the most remote, as light pollution seriously impedes a view of the night sky. Since humidity causes haze, a dry climate is also favorable. Pursuit of such surroundings will lead to some interesting corners of the globe. The Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest desert in the world, features isolation, an altitude of 16,404 feet and ALMA, the most expensive ground-based telescope. These characteristics combined give you a closer look at the stars than anywhere else on the planet. The Alqueva region in the south of Portugal is the first site in the world to receive the Starlight Tourism Destination certification; it has 286 clear nights a year and caters to astro tourists with a number of activities and services. At the Singita Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, you can contemplate the Southern Cross with the local population of lions and hyenas. No matter where you land, be sure to look up. --Anja Mutić See More on Departures[2]: Stunning Sunrise Views[3] Asian Hotels With Captivating Views[4] Spectacular Hotel Rooftop Pools[5] Alqueva, PortugalSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

A genuine rarity on the densely populated European mainland, the region of Alqueva in the unspoiled Alentejo province of southern Portugal offers atmospheric conditions—minimal light pollution, clear skies—perfectly conducive to exploring the secrets of the night sky. The Alqueva Dark Sky Route offers a host of nocturnal activities: observing wildlife, horseback riding, wine tasting or dining on the lakeshore. Find telescopes placed at key locations along the route and expert guides who are available for advice and information. Experienced observers will be able to spot deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Relax in one of eight spacious rooms at the Monte Alerta , a family-run accommodation overlooking the medieval town of Monsaraz.Atacama Desert, ChileSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

Bone-dry, frighteningly remote and at a mind-numbingly high altitude, the Atacama Desert of northern Chile is a dream destination for serious stargazers. The desert has optimal conditions for exploring the astronomical highlights of the southern skies. The newly inaugurated ALMA telescope, situated at 16,404 feet above sea level, promises unprecedented views of the cosmos, like the birth of stars, infant galaxies and planets circling distant suns. Atacama’s intense terrain is not for the faint of heart; a visit to ALMA requires health screenings to ensure one can endure the altitude. Among the top places to stay is Explora’s Hotel de Larache , a remote lodge with its own observatory featuring one of the largest aficionado-level telescopes in Chile.Australian OutbackSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

Australia’s sacred landmark of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of the island continent’s most remarkable sights, known for changing colors throughout the day. The giant sandstone formation takes on a glowing red at sunset, giving a dramatic finale to the day as the southern night sky unfolds across the ocher desert landscape. During an evening of dining under the stars, the Sounds of Silence experience at Ayers Rock Resort decodes myriad stars visible through the clear atmosphere. Meanwhile, guests enjoy fine wine and innovative cuisine highlighting native ingredients like crocodile and quandong . The eco-sensitive Longitude 131° offers its guests exclusive views of sunrise and sunset over Uluru.Namib Desert, NamibiaSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

Ninety miles from the nearest town in the dramatic landscape of Namibia’s desert, an absolute silence reigns at Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve . The winter months provide the clearest skies, with darkness descending at 6 p.m. to reveal a spectacle of star clusters and galaxies, as well as a clear view of the Southern Cross and Centaurus constellations. Summer highlights include views of 47 Tucanae, a multibillion-year-old cluster containing more than a million stars. At andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, guests join resident astronomers at the state-of-the-art observatory, complete with a Meade LX200R 12-inch telescope. Each stone-and-glass desert villa features a large skylight above the bed for all-night stargazing.Jasper National Park, CanadaSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

Home to the largest dark-sky preserve in the world, at 4,335 square miles, light-pollution-free Jasper National Park in southwestern Canada offers easy access to stargazing sites via a network of rugged backcountry roads and trails that lead through mountainous terrain. But due to the longer days in spring and summer months, the ideal season to visit is October through March for a chance to witness the magic of the Northern Lights. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has an offer well-suited to experienced and novice stargazers alike: Their two-night weekend astronomy package includes a luxe room, both a group and a private dark-sky tour, telescope instruction and a portable take-home telescope.Koh Kood Island, ThailandSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

Close to the Cambodian border, around 200 miles east of bustling Bangkok, the island of Koh Kood is home to rain forests and sleepy fishing villages. Its sparse population and relative remoteness mean little light pollution, which results in successful stargazing. Guests at the Soneva Kiri Resort can make the most of its favorable latitudinal location—more constellations come into view closer to the equator—using the high-tech telescope in the resort’s own observatory and the expertise of resident astronomer Dr. Parag Mahajani. The telescope has a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, which can be zoomed in on in a matter of seconds. Legendary moon walker Buzz Aldrin visited the observatory in 2012 to share his unique experience with space travel.MauiSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

Eye-popping natural beauty, stellar cuisine and a dizzying range of outings and activities are just part of Maui’s all-encompassing appeal. No surprise then that some of the best stargazing in the world also happens here. “On Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the largest astronomical observatories on earth,” confirms Eddie Mahoney, NASA solar system ambassador and director of astronomy at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa . “The gentle trade winds provide a smooth laminar airflow with no industrial pollution for crystal-clear viewing. Being just 20 degrees north of the equator allows us a view of 80 of the 88 constellations!” See for yourself using the hotel’s state-of the-art telescope on the rooftop of a nine-story tower.Singita Grumeti Reserves, TanzaniaSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

The untouched wilderness of the Singita Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania is home to a well-established resident game population including zebras, gazelles, elephants, lions and cheetahs. Travelers with Singita Explore spend the night with mere canvas separating them from the bush and with nearly every imaginable creature comfort at hand. Swarovski spotting scopes and knowledgeable guides will help you catch sight of the large and small Magellanic Clouds, visible only in the Southern Hemisphere.Turks & CaicosSee More Top Stargazing Destinations Here

As night falls on these Caribbean islands, the astounding daytime views—a turquoise Atlantic lapping fine-sand alabaster beaches—are gradually replaced by an equally tranquilizing celestial spectacle. “Amanyara offers a spectacular view of the night sky unencumbered by lights, buildings or mountains that may otherwise disrupt the view,” explains Lindsay Mensen, the resident naturalist at Amanyara , a secluded resort on Providenciales Island. During the stargazing experience, which can be arranged privately or in a group for sky events like meteor showers, guests learn more about the constellations, take a closer look at the planets of the solar system and explore the eerie crater surface of our nearest neighbor, the moon. Follow Departures Magazine on Twitter: www.twitter.com/departuresmag [6] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ The best stargazing locations ^ Departures ^ Stunning Sunrise Views ^ Asian Hotels With Captivating Views ^ Spectacular Hotel Rooftop Pools ^ www.twitter.com/departuresmag

Italian Summer Travel: Six Off-The-Beaten-Path Getaways

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:20:23 -0400

For a summer getaway, there are few places better than the Italian seaside. Great food, prime weather and small, picturesque towns welcome visitors from around the world. Everyone knows about the Amalfi Coast[1], Sicily[2] and Venice[3]. But to beat the crowds, summer like a true Italian and head to one of these smaller, more intimate beach towns. 1) Marettimo The first in a series of secret summer destinations, The Telegraph explored the island of Marettimo[4], off the coast of Sicily. With just one hotel and no cars, Marettimo is a true escape. 2) Livorno A favorite of locals, Livorno[5] offers some of the best beaches in Central Italy. Rocky beaches from Antignano[6] down to Rosignano[7] welcome sunbathers and adventurous swimmers. Adjacent beach towns boast boardwalks, where visitors can grab an espresso, gelato or a quick bite to eat. 3) Maremma Another Tuscan favorite, just south of Livorno, Maremma[8] offers the perfect variety of activity for a beach town. There are long beaches to relax on, seaside villages to explore, lush Tuscan hills to climb and the famous Saturnia[9] natural thermal springs. 4) Sanremo Sanremo[10], a Ligurian resort town known for its casino, sits on the Italian Riveria, just miles from the France-Italy boarder and nearby French Riveria towns like Nice and Monaco. The medieval town center, gardens and harbor offer plenty of activity and some of the best seafood in Italy. 5) Camogli A tiny fishing village on Portofino peninsula, Camogli[11] offers a reprieve from fast-paced life. Also situated on the Italian Riveria, near Genoa, this charming town would make a great, authentic getaway, or a stop along a tour of the Riveria. 6) Bari For a more urban feel, head to Bari[12], the capital of the Puglia region in southeastern Italy. Bari is a large, urban seaside city with a castle, historic center and plenty of beaches to experience the Adriatic Sea. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Amalfi Coast ^ Sicily ^ Venice ^ the island of Marettimo ^ Livorno ^ Antignano ^ Rosignano ^ Maremma ^ Saturnia ^ Sanremo ^ Camogli ^ Bari

Matthew Christopher Photographs Derelict Spots Across The Country (PHOTOS)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:20:18 -0400

If you read HuffPost Travel at all, you know that we have a teeny, tiny obsession will all things abandoned. The laundry list of places we've covered includes theme parks ; sights , a Catskills institution , a NASA structure , not to mention ghost towns[11] and an assortment of other abandoned spots around the world[12]. Philadelphia-based photographer Matthew Christopher started visiting abandoned sites around the country roughly a decade ago[13]. Of his passion for the subject, he told the Daily Mail, "I want to be able to convey the respect, appreciation and awe that I have for the locations I visit. Trying to tell someone about a place conveys so little compared to being able to show it to them." He added, "My favorite part of exploring ruins is that to me, it is peaceful. I can focus on what I am seeing and experiencing rather than being wrapped up in my thoughts all the time...Discovering new or intriguing places, finding something you know not many people have seen, or managing to get permission to somewhere you'd really like to see are also a lot of fun." Christopher has now focused on photographing the remains of this country's infrastructure, hotels and churches, among other subjects. Check out some of the haunting images of a former church, elderly care center and jail below. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Holy Land ^ Spreepark ^ Wonderland ^ Terra Encantada ^ Mexico's abandoned "Eiffel Tower ^ mines in Leadville, Colorado ^ asylums in New England ^ entire town in Spain ^ Grossinger's Resort ^ abandoned in Bermuda ^ ghost towns ^ assortment of other abandoned spots around the world ^ visiting abandoned sites around the country roughly a decade ago

Carnival sues shipyard that took in Triumph

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:59:26 -0400

Alabama's BAE Systems did repair work on the vessel after it lost power at sea.

Tokyo-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner diverted to Seattle

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:58:50 -0400

United flight from Denver lands in Seattle after discovery of oil filter problem.

United adds spending threshold for elite-status qualifying

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:34:00 -0400

United today announced that it will add a minimum spending threshold in order for its customers to qualify for elite frequent-flier status.

What are your rights when your flight is canceled?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:12:06 -0400

Each week, USA TODAY Travel reporters and editors answer timely travel questions in a short video.

Silversea plans another epic world cruise for 2015

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:51:12 -0400

The 115-day trip will include stops in the South Pacific, Australia, Asia and Africa.

%#$*#@ Siri! Survey says most drivers led astray by GPS

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:22:16 -0400

Survey says most GPS users have gotten bad directions and many still use paper maps.

Boeing launches 787-10, United to be 1st in North America

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:56:57 -0400

Boeing officially launched its Boeing 787-10, which will be the carrier's largest version of the jet.

For great corned beef sandwiches, head to Detroit

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:47:42 -0400

Detroit comes as close to corned-beef-sandwich heaven as any place in America.

'Magical' dates for frugal fliers

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:33:09 -0400

These are the dates when airlines decide that the peak season is over and lower prices.

Grand Canyon National Park: Enormity and beauty

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:52:55 -0400

Each year more than 4 million people visit one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders.

Airline satisfaction climbs a bit; hotels fare better

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:27:03 -0400

Survey also shows high marks for hotels. Poor airline service, though, remains a problem.

Airbus, Boeing rivalry on display at Paris Air Show

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:22:13 -0400

Jetmakers' fight over the widebody jet market has become a top plot line.

Louisville Slugger Factory And Museum Lego Exhibit Attracting Fans

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:12:36 -0400

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A baseball-themed exhibit built entirely from Legos is attracting adults and children to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum. The exhibit occupies a large space inside the museum and is filled with baseball-themed art, including a 58,000-piece model of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. There are also portraits of famous major league players built out of Legos, and a model of Milwaukee's Miller Park with a retractable roof. Curator Nathan Stalvey says the "Big Leagues, Little Bricks" exhibit was created just for the Slugger Museum. Cameron Crossley, an 11-year-old from Pembroke Pines, Fla., was visiting the museum last week and was impressed by the sculptures. Crossley says he would love to have a job building Lego creations when he grows up. The exhibit runs through Labor Day. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

Las Vegas' restaurant Dinner in the Sky to open

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:10:33 -0400

New restaurant to suspend tables 180-feet in the air.

Carnival sues shipyard that took in Triumph

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:08:50 -0400

Alabama's BAE Systems did repair work on the vessel after it lost power at sea.

Kidnapped and Gagged in Rome--Then Rescued

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:50:42 -0400

The most horrible thing happened to me while doing my work in Rome. An evil man pretending to be me did all sorts of wicked things. It's a long story...kind of a nightmare. But thankfully, three young and courageous girls -- forces for cuisine justice -- rescued me, and everything turned out OK. This video tells the saga of a day in Rome I'll never forget. Watch more of The Food Police's adventures at http://foodpolice.it. Learn more about the producers at www.cross-pollinate.com and http://orvietoorbust.com. Follow Rick Steves on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@RickSteves [1] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ www.twitter.com/@RickSteves

Jonathan Adler And Simon Doonan's Shelter Island, NY Home Is A Botanical Wonder (PHOTOS)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:49:45 -0400

We have to admit, when we first saw what Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's Shelter Island, NY home[1] looked like when they bought it, we were shocked. But after checking out the "before" and "after" photos on Gardenista, it was evident that the grounds were originally sad looking and undernourished. But knowing how chic and stylish this design duo is, we knew they would never have kept it like that for long. The two hired Vickie Cardaro of Buttercup Design Group[2] who created a relaxing outdoor space complete with stunning plants, flowers and soothing accessories. Their serene pool, for example, is surrounded by Elijah Blue fescue[3] on one side, and a cool cabana on the other. The rest of the property has a more exotic vibe with crushed shells as driveway gravel, pine-needle mulch and Alluaudia cactus [4]from Madagascar. We have to give these two props for really creating a space that's one-of-a-kind, but of course now we're wondering: Can we come over for a game of ping pong? Scroll through the photos to see their amazing home and be sure to head over to Gardenista for more information[5]. Get inspired to spruce up your own garden by clicking through our slideshow.Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr[8] and Instagram[9].[6][7] ** Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's Shelter Island, NY home ^ Buttercup Design Group ^ Elijah Blue fescue ^ Alluaudia cactus ^ head over to Gardenista for more information ^ Twitter ^ Facebook ^ Tumblr ^ Instagram

Bruce Lee Statue In Chinatown Could Be LA's New Iconic Photo Opportunity

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:57:22 -0400

The Hollywood Sign. The Walt Disney Concert Hall. The TCL Chinese Theater. The "Urban Lights" installation at LACMA. These are just a few of Los Angeles' most iconic images for residents and tourists alike. Now, thanks to the Los Angeles Chinatown Corp. and the Bruce Lee Foundation, photographers have another must-snap destination: the Bruce Lee statue in Chinatown. The 7-foot bronze statue made its debut Saturday evening and is the first statue of its kind commemorating Lee[1] in the United States, reports the Los Angeles Times. In addition to celebrating Bruce Lee's legacy in Hollywood films and the local impact he had in Los Angeles, the statue also commemorates the 75th anniversary of LA's Chinatown and the 40th anniversary of his death. Lee's daughter Shannon Lee, president of the Bruce Lee Foundation, was on hand to celebrate the unveiling. "Seeing it there in its permanent spot with the night sky of Chinatown ... it really struck me," said Shannon Lee to the Times. The bronze statue depicts Bruce Lee holding a pair of nunchucks in his right hand and underneath his arm. His left hand is extended in a martial arts pose. In the photo below, Min Cheung of West Covina, Calif. struck a similar pose for a photo taken by Getty Images on Sunday. Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images. Business leaders still need to raise $150,000 to permanently install the statue in Chinatown's Central Plaza. To learn more about the project, check out chinatownla.com[2]. See more photos of the statue in the slideshow below. Bruce Lee Statue Unveiled: June 16A visitor strikes a kung fu pose beside the new statue of the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee is seen in Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles June 16, 2013. The 7.6-foot tall bronze statue of the Hollywood legend was unveiled yesterday and will be on temporary display during the summer as organizers work to raise the additional USD $150,000 needed to permanently install the statue. Bruce Lee Statue Unveiled: June 16Min Cheung of West Covina, California yells out as he strikes a pose in front of the new unveiled statute of the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee, in Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles June 16, 2013. Bruce Lee Statue Unveiled: June 16Visitors examine a new statute of the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee is seen in Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles June 16, 2013. Bruce Lee Statue Unveiled: June 16A boy looks up at a new statue of the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee is seen in Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles June 16, 2013. Bruce Lee Statue Unveiled: June 16A statute of the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee is seen in Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles June 16, 2013. Bruce Lee Statue Unveiled: June 16A statute of the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee is seen in Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles June 16, 2013. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ first statue of its kind commemorating Lee ^ chinatownla.com

The 50 Best Craft Beers In America In 2013, According To Zymurgy Magazine

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:39:55 -0400

Geeks love lists -- in theory, if not always in practice. Film geeks eagerly anticipate the decennial release of Sight and Sound magazine's lists of the greatest films of all time. Board game geeks love to track their favorite releases on the "Top Game" list on BoardGameGeek.com[1]. Wikipedia geeks have even compiled a site on their favorite encyclopedia called "List of Lists of Lists!"[2] Few groups of geeks are as devoted to their geekdom as craft beer fans. And true to form, they love to make lists of the best beers out there. The two most influential lists of this type are probably the Top 50 on RateBeer.com[3] and the Top 250 on Beer Advocate[4]. But you could argue that both those lists are a little bit too geeky for normal beer drinkers. Few of the beers ranked near the top are distributed across the country, or even year-round, so they can be frustrating guides to the craft beer world. That's where Zymurgy magazine's annual list of the best commercial beers[5] in America comes in. The magazine, which is put out by the American Homebrewer's Association, conducts a poll of its members each year asking for their favorite beers. And though the results sometimes overlap a bit with the RateBeer and Beer Advocate lists, they tend to skew a bit more mass-market. Many more of the beers on the Zymurgy list are widely available across the country. The magazine just released its list for 2013; scroll down to see what their members liked best. In case you're curious, we've marked the beers that are among the top 50 on RateBeer with an asterisk and those that are among the top 50 on Beer Advocate with a caret . 48 . Ommegang Three Philosophers48 . Lagunitas Brown Shugga'48 . Green Flash Palate Wrecker48 . Deschutes the Abyss *^46 . Ommegang Hennepin Saison Ale46 . Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro45. Firestone Walker Parabola *^42 . Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous42 . Russian River Blind Pig I.P.A.42 . Odell Myrcenary39 . Russian River Pliny the Younger *^39 . Left Hand Milk Stout39 . Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald38. Odell IPA37. Stone IPA36. Lagunitas IPA35. Avery the Maharaja32 . Russian River Supplication ^32 . New Belgium La Folie32 . Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale 31. Russian River Consecration ^30. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA27 . Troegs Nugget Nectar27 . Green Flash West Coast IPA27 . Deschutes Black Butte Porter 26. Surly Furious25. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout *^23 . Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin'23 . Firestone Walker Union Jack21 . Three Floyds Zombie Dust ^21 . Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA20. Firestone Walker Wookey Jack19. Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale17 . Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout *^17 . Firestone Walker Double Jack16. The Alchemist Heady Topper *^15. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale12 . Stone Enjoy By IPA ^12 . Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA12 . North Coast Old Rasputin ...and click through below for the top 11 craft beers in Zymurgy's list: 9 . Sierra Nevada Celebration9 . Stone Ruination IPA9 . Lagunitas Sucks8. Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye7. Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale6. Founder's Breakfast StoutAlso among the top 50 on RateBeer.com and Beer Advocate.5. Ballast Point Sculpin IPA4. Bell's HopslamAlso among the top 50 on RateBeer.com and Beer Advocate.3. Dogfish Head 90-Minute IPA2. Bell's Two Hearted Ale1. Russian River Pliny The ElderAlso among the top 50 on RateBeer.com and Beer Advocate. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ "Top Game" list on BoardGameGeek.com ^ "List of Lists of Lists!" ^ Top 50 on RateBeer.com ^ Top 250 on Beer Advocate ^ Zymurgy magazine's annual list of the best commercial beers

10 Travel Tips We Never Follow

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:34:19 -0400

We give travel advice all the time -- and we hope you follow some of it. But there are plenty of recommendations that we hear all the time but often choose to ignore. Here are 10 tips we disregard when we're on the road. Wear a Fanny Pack Fanny-pack wearers will fervently defend[1] their hands-free "fashion" choice, but we never listen to experts who tell us to wear the silly pouches on the road. Wear a normal cross-body purse or keep your wallet in your front pocket, and follow these safety tips instead[2]. You'll blend in and be better protected against pickpockets. Don't Overschedule Travel gurus exalt the virtues of having a light schedule on vacation, leaving plenty of time for relaxation and spontaneity. We love this idea in theory, but when you're short on vacation time and money, you quickly realize that this might be the only time you're ever in this destination-and you want to pack in as much as possible. Just don't overschedule so much that you're seeing everything at a blur as you run past. Roll, Don't Fold Some of us at SmarterTravel don't roll with the idea that clothes should be rolled up for packing. We like folding everything neatly and putting it in compression bags instead. If worst comes to worst, hotels almost always have irons. Don't Talk to Strangers It's advice you've heard since you were a kid-strangers equal danger, so don't talk to them. However, if you heed this warning on the road, be prepared to miss out on new friends, secret recommendations from locals, and the authentic experience of a new place. Just be smart about whom you talk to, and don't go off alone down dark alleys with new friends. Skip the Touristy Sites Everyone's always saying that you shouldn't waste your time at the crowded, famous, touristy attractions while on vacation and, instead, you should head to the lesser-known, secret spots. But we can't help it: Sometimes we are tourists while on the road, and while we like a little bit of balance, we can't miss seeing the famous sights of a city while we're there. We just try to follow up a trip to the Eiffel Tower with a coffee at a hidden cafe that's not in any guidebook. Confirm Reservations In the days of confirmation emails and online check-ins, it seems redundant to call and double-check a reservation. SmarterTravel's Senior Editor Christine Sarkis says, "I never confirm reservations. I still remember calling airlines, hotels, and hostels well into my twenties to verify a few days before travel, but now that pretty much everything is done online, it seems outdated and unnecessary. And since the last few days before travel are inevitably chaotic, I'm happy to trim out any superfluous busywork. I would make an exception when traveling to a hotel that can only be booked over the phone or by snail mail, but that's a definite rarity these days." Bring a Blanket for the Plane Yes, planes are cold, and we like to sleep on them, but you'll never catch us wasting precious packing space with a travel blanket. A big scarf, pashmina, or sweatshirt works just as well as an in-flight blanket and does double duty off the plane. Save Money by Staying Outside the CitySure, you can oftentimes save money by staying in the suburbs of the city that you're visiting, away from the main attractions. But time is money, and we don't want to waste our precious vacation minutes commuting in and out of our actual destination. Plus, extra transportation costs usually negate the cost of staying further out anyway. Don't Eat Street Food Must you eat only at five-star restaurants if you want to avoid Delhi belly or Montezuma's revenge? We say no. Just exercise caution when selecting a cart or food truck to dine at -- look for vendors that are frequented by locals, avoid places that look unsanitary or have bug problems, and steer clear of anything made with or washed in unfiltered water, unless it's cooked or boiled. Don't Book in Advance Have an adventure! Be spontaneous! Spend the night on the street because there was a festival you didn't know about, and everything's booked! We like to be flexible, but we also like knowing that we have a room for the night -- and we hate wasting time wandering around trying to find a suitable hotel. Plus, booking in advance lets you check out other people's reviews, so you know what you're getting into. --By Caroline Morse You Might Also Like: Read the original story: 10 Travel Tips We Never Follow[3] by Caroline Morse. Caroline is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel[5]. Follow SmarterTravel on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@SmarterTravel [6] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ fervently defend ^ follow these safety tips instead ^ 10 Travel Tips We Never Follow ^ Google+ ^ SmarterTravel ^ www.twitter.com/@SmarterTravel

Kickstarter Map Shows How People Around The U.S. Decide What To Crowdfund

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:28:02 -0400

Sure, the tech sectors in California and New York are bustling. But would you expect Minnesota have the third most Kickstarter-funded tech startups? According to a trio of researchers from the University of Toronto, that's the case. Ajay Agrawal, Christian Catalini, and Avi Goldfarb explored crowdfunding's increasing popularity in a paper published this month[1]. The most fascinating item from their work is a map of Americans' preferences on the sorts of Kickstarter projects they fund, state by state. Some findings are unsurprising. California, New York and Tennessee are hot spots for music, for example. But many of the discoveries are more surprising. Texans have a tendency to invest in gaming, and Minnesota is all about tech. Pennsylvanians are interesting in dance and photography projects, and North Carolinians are preoccupied with food. Who knew Massachusetts was so into fashion? This data can give us a new perspective on America's regional quirks. In their paper, the three University of Toronto researchers compared crowdfunding to more traditional forms of funding like venture capital. Crowdfunding offers different incentives and different risks to investors than venture capitalism does. Kickstarter is one of the biggest crowdfunding sites out there. Since it launched in 2009[2], Kickstarter has been home to over 102,000 projects[3], and the public has successfully funded over 43 percent of them. As this paper shows, the total amount of money raised by successfully funded Kickstarter projects has been steadily and rapidly rising over the past 3 years, so it's time to take crowdfunding seriously. "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ in a paper published this month ^ Since it launched in 2009 ^ home to over 102,000 projects ^ h/t Business Insider

Amtrak Bicycle Baggage Cars Could Boost Tourism, Lawmakers Say

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:08:19 -0400

RENSSELAER, N.Y. -- New York lawmakers want Amtrak to add baggage cars to its passenger trains that would be capable of carrying bicycles. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and state Sens. Betty Little of Warren County and Brad Hoylman of Manhattan said Monday such a move would get more visitors and tourism dollars into New York state. They discussed their plan at Amtrak's Albany-Rensselaer station. The lawmakers are asking Amtrak to add baggage cars that could carry bicycles on the Adirondack and Ethan Allen trains, which run from Penn Station in Manhattan to the Albany area, Saratoga and destinations in New York's North Country and Vermont. "Folks already come from all over New York and the East Coast to visit the miles of scenic bike trails along Lake Placid, Lake Champlain and throughout the Adirondacks and the North Country," Schumer said. "Now we have the opportunity to boost bicycle tourism further by getting bikes in board our Amtrak trains. Amtrak said bikes can now be checked in as baggage for $10 each at some larger stations on the Adirondack and Ethan Allen routes, including Penn Station, Rensselaer and Schenectady, and it's generally looking at ways to accommodate more cyclists. The railroad has limited "walk-on bicycle service" on its Boston-to-Maine, New York-to-North Carolina and St. Louis-to-Kansas City runs as well as some routes on the West Coast. It also offers bike racks on some trains. It said it's working on retrofitting some trains with more racks and building new baggage cars with built-in racks. Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; });

Cat Cafe Plan For Paris Sparks Upset Among Animal Rights Activists

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:07:47 -0400

Super EggCookie Smith shows off a normal egg and a "super egg" Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Abilene, Texas. Cookie Smith went to collect eggs from her three laying hens on Monday afternoon, and discovered one normal egg and one "super egg" in her coop. Dog With World's Largest EyesBruschi, a four-year-old black and white Boston Terrier, who lives with his owner, Victoria Reed, in Grapevine, Texas, holds the Guinness World Record for "dog with the largest eyes" -- a whopping 1.1 inch in diameter.Calico LobsterThis May 9, 2012 photo provided by the New England Aquarium in Boston shows a rare calico lobster that could be a 1-in-30 million, according to experts. The lobster, discovered by Jasper White's Summer Shack and caught off Winter Harbor, Maine, is being held at the New England Aquarium for the Biomes Marine Biology Center in Rhode Island. The lobster is dark with bright orange and yellow spots. 30,000 Bees Stuck In New Jersey AtticBee removal expert Gary Schempp removed a 25-pound hive from the attic of a home in Cape May, N.J. The hive had 30,000 bees living in it.Giant RatAn English man named Brian Watson killed a large rat his granddaughter's boyfriend found while cutting grass on April 21, Sky News reports. The water rat was so large, Watson broke a boat paddle trying to kill the critter. Giant Shark Caught In Mexico.Two fishermen in northeastern Mexico claim they netted a dead great white shark estimated to be near 20-feet-long on April 15, 2012.PradaThis March 8, 2012 photo shows Nicole Andree feeding a hamburger to her dog, Prada, a 4-year-old pit bull mix, at an animal control facility in Nashville, Tenn. Andree is fighting a lengthy legal battle to save her dog's life after the animal was ordered euthanized for attacking other dogs. Homer Simpson FishThe Stargazer fish which bears an uncanny resemblance to Homer Simpson. Kitten Found In Car EngineAfter driving about 85 miles to Santa Cruz, Calif., a man discovered that this runaway kitten had been inside his car's engine in March 2012. World's Smallest Dog?At two weeks old, Beyonce, a Dachsund mix born at a Northern California animal shelter, is just under four inches long and is in the running for the title of World's Smallest Dog. Here she is pictured resting on an iPhone.Piglet In Hotel LobbyThis adorable injured baby pig was found roaming a hotel lobby near Honolulu's airport. The Hawaiian Humane Society renamed her Pukalani and says she'll be available for adoption later in March.Cat Cafes Threatened In TokyoTOKYO - JANUARY 20: A woman strokes a cat at Nekorobi cat cafe on January 20, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. Changes to Japan's Animal Protection Law threaten the future of these furry bars by imposing a curfew on cats and dogs. A Woolly Mammoth In Siberia?This newly released video taken during the summer of 2011 allegedly shows a living woolly mammoth crossing a river in Siberia. There is much speculation and debate as to whether this is, indeed, a living specimen of prehistoric elephant-related animals that were thought to be extinct. Albino Penguin -- Jan. 2012A rare, mostly white-colored penguin was discovered in Antarctica in early January 2012. The picture was snapped by naturalist David Stephens.'Cupid' The Cat -- Jan. 2012This stray orange tabby in Houston earned the nickname 'Cupid' after he survived a piercing shoulder to shoulder wound in January 2012. A vet safely removed the arrow and 'Cupid' is expected to make a complete recovery.Lucy: World's Smallest Working Dog -- Nov. 2011Lucy, a mini Yorkshire terrier from Absecon, New Jersey, is now in the Guinness Book of World Records. Weighing just 2 1/2 pounds, Lucy was named the world's smallest working dog last week, bumping out a 6.6-pound police dog in Japan. Polydactyl Kittens -- Jan. 2012Undated Cats Protection handout photo of 4-month-old polydactyl kittens named Fred and Ned , currently in the care of Cats Protection, Gosport Town Branch in the United Kingdom. They will shortly be going to their new home once they've been neutered. Ned has an extra eight digits, while his brother Fred has 10 more than the usual 18, making a total of 54 digits between them. Crocodile in Belgium -- Dec. 2011A man holds a crocodile with tape around its mouth, as workers from the Natuurhulpcentrum, a wildlife rehabilitation center, collect several crocodiles at a villa in Lapscheure, near the Dutch border, on Dec. 22, 2011. Police discovered eleven Nile crocodiles and one alligator in a villa rented by a German man, Rolf D., during an investigation into financial fraud.Booie The Smoking Chimp DiesBooie, a chimpanzee that kicked a smoking habit and used sign language to beg for candy, died at the age of 44 at a California animal refuge in mid-December.Taxidermied Squirrel -- Dec. 2011Rick Nadeau has saved up quite a nut by creating taxidermied squirrels that he puts in unusual outfits. He sells his works starting at $65 all the way up to $200.Giant Crocodile Captured In Philippines -- Sept. 2011In this Sept. 4, 2011, photo, Mayor Cox Elorde of Bunawan township, Agusan del Sur Province, pretends to measure a huge crocodile, known as Lolong, which was captured by residents and crocodile farm staff along a creek in Bunawan late Saturday in southern Philippines. Elorde said that dozens of villagers and experts ensnared the 21-foot male crocodile along a creek in his township after a three-week hunt. It was one of the largest crocodiles to be captured alive in the Philippines in recent years. Skywalker The Rodeo Bull Gets Stuck -- Nov. 2011Skywalker, a rodeo bull in Hawaii, could not eat or drink while a 50-pound tire was stuck around his head. A ranch hand was able to pry it off after Skywalker exhausted himself, allowing the worker to get near the cranky animal. Gorilla Check-Up -- Oct. 2011Yakini the gorilla received a medical check-up from vets at Melbourne Zoo before being moved to a new multimillion-dollar exhibit at Werribee Open Range Zoo, on Oct. 28, 2011, in Melbourne, Australia.3-Eyed Nuclear Fish -- Oct. 2011Fishermen landed a three-eyed fish in Argentina near a nuclear reactor in October 2011. Earthquake Dog -- Oct. 2011Roman Akisen carries Cip, a 5-year-old German shepherd who found 18-year-old Imdat Padak alive under the rubble of a collapsed building more than 100 hours after a magnitude 7.2 quake, in Ercis, Turkey, Oct. 28, 2011.Tiger Goes To The Dentist -- Oct. 2011Dr. Doug Luiten drills the tooth of Kunali, a 300-pound, 7-year-old Siberian tiger, during root canal surgery at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2011. This was the first procedure in a recently opened operating room and the first for the zoo's new veterinary table, complete with hydraulic lift and fold-out leafs to accommodate limbs and tails. Moose In A Pool -- Oct. 2011This New Hampshire moose was swimming a little too deep, forcing nine rescue workers to help remove it from the pool.Mass For Animals -- Oct. 2011Gil Florini, of Saint-Pierre-d'Arene's church, blesses donkeys with holy water after a mass dedicated to animals on Oct. 9, 2011, in the southeastern French city of Nice.World's Smallest Living Cat -- Oct. 2011Fizz Girl, a Munchkin Cat from San Diego, Calif., has grabbed the record title for Shortest Living Cat. Measuring in at just 6 inches tall from floor to shoulder, Fizz Girl weighs 4 pounds, 2.3 ounces. Munchkin cats are a special breed that have little legs caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation.Kayaker Snags Shark -- Sept. 2011This is the jaw-dropping moment a canoeist landed a 6-foot shark after it dragged him through the water for 10 minutes. Brave Rupert Kirkwood, 51, had paddled a mile off the United Kingdom's Devon coast when he suddenly felt a snag on his line. The 70-pound beast nearly pulled him overboard, before pulling his 16-foot canoe through the water as he desperately clung on. After 10 minutes of wrestling with the beast, he eventually hauled the massive fish on board.Baby Elephant at San Diego Zoo -- Sept. 2011A newborn African elephant lifted his trunk in search of his mother at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In this rare moment, the calf stood alone after he had wandered off a few steps, but shortly thereafter, his mother, 5-year-old sister Khosi , and 2-year-old brother Ingadze rushed over to tend to the unnamed calf. The Safari Park is now home to 18 elephants . Elephant Polo -- Sept. 2011Elephant polo players from the Spice girls team and the British Airways British Army team battle it out for 5th place during the final day at the King's Cup Elephant polo tournament Sept. 11, 2011, in Hua Hin, Thailand.This year marked the 10th edition of the polo tournament with 12 international teams participating for the unusual annual charity sports event. Orangutan Quits SmokingAn orangutan in Malaysia is kicking its smoking habit. Wildlife officials have removed Shirley from a state zoo after the captive primate was regularly spotted smoking cigarettes that zoo visitors had tossed into its enclosure.Boy Suckles From A CowTha Sophat, a 20-month-old Cambodian boy, suckles from a cow in Koak Roka village, Siem Reap province, Cambodia, Friday, Sept. 9, 2011. Tha Sophat started suckling the cow in July after he saw a calf do the same since his parents moved to Thailand in search of work, said his grandfather UmOeung.This Little PIggie Has Two SnoutsThis tiny porker has an excuse for making a pig of himself at mealtimes. He really does have two mouths to feed. The bizarre two-month-old youngster -- part of a litter born on a farm in northern China -- can use both his mouths to eat and appears otherwise normal, say his owners. Drunk MooseA moose is seen stuck in an apple tree in Gothenburg, Sweden, September 6, 2011. The police believe the moose was trying to eat apples from the tree and became intoxicated by fermented apples. The moose was freed by police officers and after a dose on the lawn, he sobered up and returned to the woods. Woman Punches Bear to Save DogBrook Collins holds her dog, Fudge, at her home in Juneau, Alaska on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011. Collins punched a black bear in the snout after the bear attacked Fudge on Sunday, Aug. 28.Elephant with Prosthetic LegMotala, age 50, rests in the afternoon sun with the new prosthetic made for her at the Friends of the Asian Elephant elephant hospital in the Mae Yao National Reserve August 29, 2011 Lampang,Thailand. Motala lost a foot many years back after stepping on a land mine and now is on her third prosthetic, as they need to be changed according to the weight of the elephant. The world's first elephant hospital assists in medical care and helps to promote a better understanding of the elephant's physiology, important in treating them for illness. For generations elephants have been a part of the Thai culture, although today the Thai elephant mostly is domesticated animal, since Thailand now has few working elephants. Many are used in the tourism sector at special elephant parks or zoos, where they perform in shows. In some cases Thailand is still deals with roaming elephants on the city streets, usually after the mahout, an elephant driver, becomes unemployed, which often causes the elephant serious stress. Elephant in Water ReservoirIndian army personnel use a bulldozer during a rescue mission to save a wild elephant trapped in a water reservoir tank at Bengdubi army cantonment area some 25 kms from Siliguri on August 30, 2011. A wild elephant fell into the water reservoir tank as a herd crossed the area. Army personnel of 16 Field Ammunition Depot along with wildlife elephant squad of Mahananda wildlife sanctuary joined forces to save the animal.Open Rabbit Sport TournamentLisa Marie Bach leads her pet rabbit Marie through an obstacle course in the middle-weight category at the 5th Open Rabbit Sport Tournament on August 28, 2011 in Rommerz near Fulda, Germany. Eighty rabbits competed in light-weight, middle-weight and jumping-for-points categories at today's tournament in Rommerz that is based on Kanin Hop, or Rabbit Hopping. Rabbit Hopping is a growing trend among pet rabbit owners in Central Europe and the first European Championships are scheduled to be held later this year in Switzerland. Hippo Goes To The DentistNorth Carolina Zoo Chief Veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis recently returned from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where he helped perform a dental procedure on a 3,000-lb. old friend. Loomis, along with veterinarians and keepers from the Parque de las Sciencias museums in Bayamon, conducted dental surgery on "Tomy," a 39-year-old male hippopotamus that the N.C. Zoo veterinarian has been treating on a semi-regular basis for two decades.Dolphin's Fake TailWinter, a six-year-old dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, lost her tail when she was three months and now uses a prosthetic tail made especially for her.Otis The Skydiver"Otis'' the pug gets his harness put on him before making his 64th skydive at the Parachute Center in Acampo with his master, veteran skydiver Will DaSilva of Galt. Otis knows that harness means he's going skydiving and sits patiently while it is put on him. City ChicksJohn Huntington poses with one of his chickens on a lead in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 15, 2011. Mr Hungtington's 'City Chicks' are chickens for those living in an urban enviroment, complete with small walking leads and harnesses and elasticised nappies. 'City Chicks' will be showcased at Sydney's ABC Gardening Australia Expo. Dolphin FlipA dolphin flips in the air and splashes water over a watching crowd during a summer attraction at an aquarium in Tokyo on August 17, 2011. Theme parks and attactions such as this one are booming in August when many people try to beat the summer heat by visiting indoor attractions. Sprinkles The Koala'Sprinkles' the Koala following her life saving radiation treatment at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre in Brisbane, Australia, August 9, 2011. Suffering from an extremely rare case of excessive drooling, sprinkles developed a skin infection due to the excessive moisture flowing from her mouth.Sprinkles The KoalaVeterinary specialist Dr Rod Straw holds 'Sprinkles' the Koala following her life saving radiation treatment at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre in Brisbane, Australia. Suffering from an extremely rare case of excessive drooling, sprinkles developed a skin infection due to the excessive moisture flowing from her mouth. Mobile Home Filled With 154 ReptilesInside Walter Kidd's North Carolina trailer home were 154 reptiles, including cobras, vipers and Gila monsters. About 100 of the animals were dead and frozen, according to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office. Camel In The Familyt's not every day you can say that a camel has shared your breakfast - unless you're Nathan and Charlotte Anderson-Dixon. Each morning they and their 18-month-son Reuben are joined by pet camel Joe, who pokes his head through their conservatory window to help himself to something to eat. The three-year-old happily munches eats bread, fruit and cereal plucked from the table at the family's detached country farmhouse. Joe, who measures 17.5 hands, loves bananas on toast but hates toast with cheese or Marmite. He lives with four other camels but is the only one to share breakfast with his owners. The others have to eat hay, barley, straw and corn mix in their stable in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Nathan, 32, has owned Joe for two years and uses him for camel racing.Camel In The FamilyCharlotte Anderson-Dixon pushes her 18-month-old son Reuben on the swing as Joe the camel watches.Camel In The FamilyNathan Anderson-Dixon, his wife Charlotte, their 18-month-old son Reuben, Joe the camel and a reindeer.

China Air Freight Worker Throws Boxes Like It Ain't No Thang (VIDEO)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:35:11 -0400

This air freight employee was reportedly spotted at the Guangzhou Airport in China. Efficiency in loading cargo is not the top priority in this clip. Via Viral Viral Videos[1] Also on HuffPost: "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ Viral Viral Videos

4 Tips for the Best July 4th Travel Deals

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:14:09 -0400

Summer's here, it's time to celebrate your independence this Fourth of July -- without paying through the nose. We've compiled our annual list of great deals for the July Fourth holiday[1] weekend. Here are four tips for stretching your dollar as far as it will go this year: 1. Go early: With the holiday falling on a Thursday this year, deals are a bit harder to come by on hotels and vacations for the long weekend . But, even those that have hiked their rates for the days following the Fourth are offering deals for the days preceding the holiday . Make your travel plans for the days before the Fourth, and you'll save a lot of coin. 2. Be flexible: If you are flying over the Fourth[2] -- and don't have your tickets yet -- you will need to be flexible on the dates you're traveling to find the best deals. But even during high-demand periods, there are soft spots for airlines. This year, our research is showing that those soft spots fall on June 29, July 2, 4, 6 or 9. Check our Today's Best Fares[3] tool and Fly.com Fare Calendars[4] for deals on the route you want to fly, and plan accordingly. 3. Hit the city: As counterintuitive as it would seem, many of the country's biggest cities are hot spots for deals over the long holiday weekend. Even with the parades and festivities in places such as New York City[5], Chicago[6], Miami [7]and San Francisco[8], deals are there for the taking. The holiday cuts business and convention travel significantly, and upscale hotels discount to fill rooms. And with many locals also getting out of town for favorite weekend spots, it's also a great time to take advantage of Local Deals[9] on gourmet dining, spa days, events and top-rated activities. Download our free app[10] so you have these deals at your fingertips wherever you end up. 4. Extend the fun: Nothing takes the shine off of long holiday weekend more than sitting in traffic or a crowded airport at the end of your trip as seemingly the whole world returns home on Sunday evening. Staying over on the Sunday will score you lower rates in many popular destinations, such as Las Vegas[11]. And, if you can wait until the weekend to start your holiday, you'll be coming just when the crowds are going. The week following a major holiday often has much lower occupancy, and much better deals. It's not too late to head out of town this holiday. Check out our July Fourth travel deals[12] for last-minute inspiration. -- Andrew Young is Travelzoo's U.S. Web Editor and is based in New York. Travelzoo [13] has 250 deal experts from around the world who rigorously research, evaluate and test thousands of deals to find those with true value Follow Travelzoo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@Travelzoo [14] "; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed; }); References^ great deals for the July Fourth holiday ^ flying over the Fourth ^ Today's Best Fares ^ Fly.com Fare Calendars ^ New York City ^ Chicago ^ Miami ^ San Francisco ^ Local Deals ^ Download our free app ^ Las Vegas ^ July Fourth travel deals ^ Travelzoo ^ www.twitter.com/@Travelzoo

Business etiquette for your summer wardrobe slideshow

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:08:38 -0400

CarolRoth, author of the New York Times Bestselling book, The Entrepreneur Equation, considers herself to be a recoveringinvestment banker—and though she hasn’t left Wall Street completely , she might be the only person with afinance background who has had a fashion doll made in her likeness. Heraffection for clothing doesn’t stop there, either: She devotes a significantshare of attention on her well-trafficked blog to covering corporate dress,which…