tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90662115808843648172024-03-12T20:59:30.828-07:00Travel BuzzTravels near and far, with a Nashville flavor. Pack your bags, and let's go!Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-57538484851935373312014-09-03T11:56:00.000-07:002014-09-06T09:50:46.422-07:00Decline to Recline: Save the Coach Class ExperienceAs a frequent flyer, I am following the recent recliner fights with interest. If you are an occasional flyer, you may be oblivious or unconcerned about issues regarding personal space on a plane, because it doesn't really matter to you that much. But when you are a frequent flyer--flying one or more times a week as I define it--little things become personal, and perks make all the difference between a sane and insane experience. You spend so much time in the air you really need things to go smoothly.<br />
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I fly often enough that I am frequently upgraded to first class with no extra charge. When this happens, all is great. You have all the room you need and are pampered with drinks and snacks and personal attention from the flight attendant. <br />
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But other times I am not upgraded and am stuck in coach class. So I have become expert at trying to make this more workable. Here is what I try to do:<br />
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* Get an aisle seat (even though I prefer window) near the front of the plane, so you can get off faster and make your connection on time.<br />
*Get a free emergency exit seat if possible because you get more leg room.<br />
*Take carry-on luggage that will fit under the seat in front of you, so you don't have to put it in an overhead bin, and you have easy access to it during the flight and when you deplane. <br />
*Try to have what you are going to read or work on in your hands as you sit down, so you don't have to dig in your carry-on luggage.<br />
*Wear layers. In first class, you get a blanket, but in coach you have to fend for yourself. Usually it is cold on the plane, but as sure as I wear something heavy, it is unusually warm. Wearing layers keeps you comfortable no matter what the temperature. <br />
*Try to take a coffee, water, or other drink on with you, so you don't have to wait for the drink service onboard.<br />
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But back to perks and reclining. Obviously, people define these perks differently. Recliners think the ability to recline is a perk. I, however, take the opposite stance and feel that being free of recliners is a perk. How to resolve it? I propose that all airlines make it impossible to recline.<br />
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Why? First of all, reclining is a joke. Have you ever tried to recline? You get an inch or two at the most, which doesn't give you any measurable space, and has nothing to do with leg room. Second, I often have to work on a plane, and have to use my laptop and/or work folders, and if the person in front of me reclines, it makes it impossible to use my laptop. <br />
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So, please decline to recline. But if you must, please ask the person behind you if that is going to be a problem before doing so. At 30,000 feet, we all need to get along. Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-62019328930038396512014-07-24T11:13:00.000-07:002014-07-24T11:13:31.205-07:00Sorry Dear Readers--I Am Back Online!I am appalled I have been away from my blog for such a long time. I think my last post was two years ago. Eek!<br />
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In my defense, I have been <em>busy</em> the last two years, with family and work situations. But I have missed my blog, my writing, and my readers! I am back in the saddle, beginning today. I am also starting a new feature called "A Couple of Hours in (insert city name). These articles will highlight various things you can do if you only have a couple of hours in a city. I find that when I travel, I might have a few hours here or there, before I head home, and I need something quick and easy to see or do. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to contact me with suggestions for these features too.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-89343054756211395602012-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:002012-11-19T09:44:18.948-08:00Make multiple reservations for one hotel stay to lower costHere is an idea to keep your hotel bill down if you are staying more than one night. Check each day's rate individually and make multiple reservations if they are different. <br />
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For example, if you are staying in a hotel from Friday night to Sunday night, the Sunday night rate may be measurably lower. So you might want to make one reservation for Friday and Saturday (if the rate is the same) and another one for Sunday. On the other hand, if you say you are arriving on Friday night for three nights, you might get the higher rate for all three nights. (Different hotels may or not not do this.) The author of the article below suggests telling the hotel what you are doing to prevent being moved to a different room for the subsequent reservation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/15/tips-for-gaming-hotel-websites-to-get-the-best-room-rates/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing8%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D235135">http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/15/tips-for-gaming-hotel-websites-to-get-the-best-room-rates/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing8%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D235135</a><br />
<br />Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-19812158851393544842012-08-01T08:19:00.005-07:002012-08-02T07:28:03.002-07:00Home swapping--now I know how I will really see the world!This article in MSN today got me excited about another way to travel on the cheap. Like <a href="http://travelerbuzz.blogspot.com/2011/06/couch-surfing-seeing-world-one-sofa-at.html">couch surfing</a>, home swapping is a way to trade with others for accommodations. Couch surfing is more geared for shorter stays, and doesn't have to be simultaneous or even reciprocal. As in, you come sleep on my sofa for a weekend, and than at some point I may sleep on someone else's sofa.<br />
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Home swapping, or home exchange, on the other hand is geared for longer stays, such as a month, and is reciprocal. As in, you and I swap homes for a month. Kind of like the movie <em>The Holiday, </em>with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. <br />
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The people in this article have a condo in San Diego and swapped with a couple from Cannes for a month. I can commiserate with the San Diegans, worrying about "their dump back home" after seeing the wonderful condo in Paris with a view of Seine. My condo is small, but in Nashville and near Music Row, so it does have appeal. Maybe some around the world would want to swap with me. <br />
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But then there is the problem of time and money. Who can afford to go abroad for a month, even if the accommodations are free? The couple profiled are retired, so that works for them. Or if you are between jobs and have money saved up. Or if you have a lot of vacation time and money saved up--that would work too. I think if you can take a month off to do this, you will figure out how to pay for the rest.<br />
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<a href="http://money.msn.com/family-money/a-months-stay-in-paris-for-120-dollars-mucken.aspx">http://money.msn.com/family-money/a-months-stay-in-paris-for-120-dollars-mucken.aspx</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-64616525495994877802012-07-13T14:56:00.001-07:002012-07-19T08:07:51.098-07:00When in Charlottesville, VA, the downtown mall is a mustI'm sitting outside on the patio at a restaurant in the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Va, and am thinking the rest of the world needs to know about this place. A lot of people do of course--the University of Virginia, a top university is located here, and that often brings the world to Charlottesville. But the Downtown Mall is a special place unto itself and not to be missed.<br />
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I have visited the mall over the last couple of decades and am happy to say it is more thriving than ever. I am waiting on Fridays after Five to start--a weekly free music event. But there are also numerous trendy restaurants and high end shopping. Also some vendors if you want a pair of nice looking but inexpensive sunglasses or a sun hat. It is definitely the place to see and be seen. Make sure you schedule time in for a trip to the mall on your next trip to the vicinity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/?action=display&listingID=337">http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/?action=display&listingID=337</a></div>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-3056912103975330532012-02-24T10:57:00.004-08:002012-02-24T17:26:39.466-08:00Going To Orlando For The First Time In Years? There Is Plenty Waiting For YouIf you are like me, you haven't been to Orlando in years. As a teenager, I went on a couple of family trips to Disney World, made a stopover trip during a college spring break on the way to a cruise, and went to Epcot as a young adult. A good friend of mine recently moved there, however, so a trip may be in my near future. <br />
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I started researching Orlando and found that there is a ton more to do there now. There are many great <a href="http://www.orlandoescape.com/">Orlando Hotels</a>, but I will be able to stay with my friend, which will help keep costs down. A trip to the Magic Kingdom and Disney World may be in order, but I might prefer to go to some other sites, such as Universal and some of the attractions they have there, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Space Center, the Wild Africa Trek, Disney--MGM Studios, and the Richard Petty Driving Experience might be fun. I'm not sure though--I say now it sounds fun, but I can't imagine driving a race car. And the Jack Kerouac House sounds intriguing. I think that would be one of my top picks. And even though I wouldn't be staying at an <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&georestrict=input_srcid:ea793851681c2736&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=14&vpsrc=0FirefoxHTML\Shell\Open\Command">Orlando Hotel</a>, maybe we could go to one for brunch or the spa. <br />
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It might be good to go to Orlando and just have some crazy, silly fun. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy Orlando!Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-54791074915335199282012-02-23T17:34:00.001-08:002012-02-23T17:38:01.764-08:00When In NOLA, Check Out Brad Pitt HomesWhile in New Orleans, try to take a Katrina tour to see the progress that has been made in rebuilding homes for people. The news came out recently that the last FEMA trailer left the city! Many of the destroyed homes have been fixed, rebuilt, or replaced. Brad Pitt has invested a lot of time and energy in providing new homes for people in the devastated ninth ward. Here are a few of the pictures of the homes. More info at<br />
<a href="http://www.makeitrightnola.org/">http://www.makeitrightnola.org/</a> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GHIeeO6YCI/T0bo22q5h-I/AAAAAAAAALU/Az_AFm6HLi0/s1600/NOhomes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GHIeeO6YCI/T0bo22q5h-I/AAAAAAAAALU/Az_AFm6HLi0/s320/NOhomes1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPcUasgn1EQ/T0bpGLbbQ2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/AlT2hDJP0ng/s1600/NOhomes5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPcUasgn1EQ/T0bpGLbbQ2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/AlT2hDJP0ng/s320/NOhomes5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-64707820578705253362012-02-21T09:59:00.001-08:002012-02-23T17:19:18.562-08:00Mardi Gras 2012!The only time I have gone to Mardi Gras in New Orleans was in the 1980s. Of course, I had a great time! I went with two friends, and we booked a hotel room outside of New Orleans to save some money, and because it was really, really hard to find a room in or near the French Quarter.<br />
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Some things I learned from that Mardi Gras trip:<br />
<ul><li>Prior to my trip, I had only heard of the raucous, depraved side of Mardi Gras. I found the celebration to be much more family friendly than I expected;</li>
<li>In my 20s-something mind, I thought the parades would be boring. Little did I know, they were so much I wanted to experience them all to the end;</li>
<li>When you put 100s of mardi gras beads around your neck, they are really hard to detangle and remove at 3 a.m the next morning;</li>
<li>You don't have to do any thing risque to get those beads;</li>
<li>Some floats are more likely to give you beads than others. You can yell at some floats all you want, and you still won't get them;</li>
<li>Pralines still are wonderful;</li>
<li>It really would be a good idea to get a hotel room in or near the Quarter, as you don't want to spend all of your time fighting the crowds to go 25 minutes away.</li>
</ul>Let the Good Times Roll!<br />
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<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/mardi-gras-celebration-rocks-new-orleans-with-fat-tuesday-music-revelry-and-parades/2012/02/21/gIQAjfeMRR_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/mardi-gras-celebration-rocks-new-orleans-with-fat-tuesday-music-revelry-and-parades/2012/02/21/gIQAjfeMRR_story.html</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-73201150383344060392012-01-01T21:51:00.000-08:002012-01-03T15:26:02.646-08:00Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise 16--Another Week In Paradise<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cruiser Log: </span></b><br />
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<b>Day 1</b>--Set Sail From Tampa Florida, January 10, 2010<br />
The weather is cold in Tampa, but the excitement is hot as cruisers look forward to another week in music and cruising paradise. The gangway is raised, we do the drill, and we are on our way.<br />
Nick Connolly, Wayne Toups, Marcia Ball, Mingo Fishtrap, Big Joe, host Delbert McClinton, and the first night jam kick off the week-long music fest.<br />
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<b>Day 2</b>--Day at Sea<br />
A day at sea is a day in music heaven for the Sandy Beach cruisers. Concerts, dancing, noshing, imbibing, reveling make it a nonstop party. And of course mingling with your favorite artists and catching up with friends from cruises past. Everyone is so happy that Delbert provides this opportunity. (I overheard someone say that she is very grateful--that the cruises have changed her life because she has met so many lifelong friends over the years.)<br />
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On the schedule today: the singles mixer, Seth Walker, Teresa James, Cyril Neville, Nick Connolly, Clay McClinton, Tab Benoit, Raul Malo, Big Joe, Fred Eaglesmith, Jimmy Hall, the Songwriters panel, and of course, the jam session.<br />
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<b>Day 3</b>--Cozumel<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4-tjKXbiuE/TwE7slNoYrI/AAAAAAAAAKU/rE4iFt69m8k/s1600/DSCF0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4-tjKXbiuE/TwE7slNoYrI/AAAAAAAAAKU/rE4iFt69m8k/s320/DSCF0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>I was excited about Day 3, because not only do I love the music, I love the sightseeing too, and I have wanted to go to Cozumel for a long time. The order of the day was to figure out how to get the most out of the day. Do we rent mopeds or a jeep? Consensus was a jeep, and five of us went tooling around the island. Of course, we took time out for margaritas and a little shopping too.<br />
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When they say the gangway is raised at 4:30, boy do they mean it. If you are late, too bad! Mingo Fishtrap provided the sailaway concert, and other performers that night included Nick Connolly, Raul Malo, Doyle & Debbie comedy show, Paul Thorn, Mike Farris, Foy Vance, and Marcia Ball, as well as a songwriter-o-rama and the nightly jam session.<br />
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<b>Day 4</b>--Costa Maya<br />
Seemed like a hop, skip, and a jump to Costa Maya in Mexico. It was still a little cool to swim and rain threatened, so many of us stayed close to the pier where the ship was docked. Plenty of things to do there. Good food and great drinks. A market for shopping. What else do you need?<br />
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Dick 50 did the sailaway cruise that evening, and Nick Connolly did his nightly Ocean Bar gig. The lineup also included Wayne Toups, Fred Eaglesmith, Cyril Neville, Big Joe, Mingo Fishtrap, Songwriter's panel, and jam session.<br />
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<b>Day 5</b>--Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras<br />
The excitement of going to Honduras was tempered by learning more about the grim results of the earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday while we were in Cozumel. Oddly enough, Haiti was really not that far from where we were.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TS8CEwh5i8/TwFBkklENwI/AAAAAAAAALM/tySi4hAWd0Y/s1600/DSCF0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TS8CEwh5i8/TwFBkklENwI/AAAAAAAAALM/tySi4hAWd0Y/s320/DSCF0639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Some cruisers ventured into Roatan, but others stayed on Mahogany Bay. The weather was warm enough to swim for the first time, so some of us jumped in,. There was a great bar by the beach and rumors have it that some were dancing on the bar!<br />
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Music that night included Tommy Castro for the Sailaway concert, Nick Connolly, Gary Nicholson, Clay McClinton, Jimmy Hall, Raul Malo, Teresa James, Songwriters panel, and jam session.<br />
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<b>Day 6</b>: Another Day at Sea<br />
Sailing and music make a perfect combination. Concerts included Mingo Fishtrap, Pianorama, Wayne Toups, Delbert, Nick Connolly, Clay McClinton, Doyle & Debbie, Seth Walker, Paul Thorn, Whitey Johnson, Fred Eaglesmith, Cyril Neville, and of course the jam session.<br />
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In addition to our special music, cruisers also get to enjoy more standard cruising fare during the week, such as fitness classes, spa and health workshops, champagne art auctions, digital workshops, blackjack tournaments and casino, etc.<br />
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<b>Day 7</b>: Final Day at Sea<br />
Day 7 is always bittersweet. Everyone enjoys another day at sea, relaxing and listening to music, but it also signals the end of the cruise. Oh no! I want a couple more days.<br />
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Music on the last day included Mike Farris, Tab Benoit, Teresa James, Nick Connolly, Jimmy Hall, and Marcia Ball, and our grand master, Delbert.<br />
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Usually on the last night, you see more of the ship's personnel out and enjoying the concerts too. I think they are sorry to see it end as well. See you next year!Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-61224834909283460072011-11-02T16:15:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:15:33.023-07:00EurotripWritten by my friend Teodoro Martin<br />
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We upgraded to <a href="http://www.direc4u.com/">High Definition Satellite</a> just in time to watch a few travels shows before we made our trip to Europe. We were gone for four weeks. We started in London because we had both never been. We loved the city and the history, but the weather was lousy for the few days we were there. We took the famous Chunnel to France. We spent time in my absolute favorite city in the world, Paris. We had so much fun together there. We splurged and stayed in a fancy hotel for a few nights. I felt like Carrie on Sex in the City when she wore couture, went to Paris, and stayed in a fine hotel. The only difference was that I was really excited to be there. On a travel show we watched, it suggested taking a day trip to Normandy. It was truly a highlight of the trip. The beach and the history is extremely moving. We traveled to Monaco, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-90576101800794708562011-10-28T10:51:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:47:58.239-07:00Trying out my new car on a roadtripThere is really nothing like getting in your car on a pretty day and heading down the road. I had a long distance trip scheduled this past week, and in addition to looking forward to getting out of town, I was anxious to try out my new car on its first roadtrip. The stereo system is very nice, and the interior of the car is quiet, unlike my previous car, so I was happy to find out I could listen to music without having to crank it up to split eardrum level. All was well until I got back into my car after lunch and headed back to the highway.<br />
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A few seconds later, the absolute worst noise surrounded me. I couldn't hear the radio anymore. The sound was indistinct--almost seemed like a pulse that was getting louder and louder. Then I noticed a squeezing pressure on my eardrums. I became frightened, thinking, what is this? The noise just came out of nowhere. The car still seemed to be driving all right, and there were no warning lights on the dashboard. I pulled off at the next exit and got out to look at the exterior <a rel="nofollow"href="http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/auto-parts-accessories/pc/115">auto parts</a>. I thought maybe I had a flat tire, even though it didn't seem like that was the case. And no one passing me had been pointing at the tires, like people do when you have a flat.<br />
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I circled the car--no flat tire. I didn't see anything wrong--not that I would have known what to do if I had. I got back in the car, hoping miraculously it had disappeared. I started the car up and drove off, and it was fine--for a second. Then the loud, almost sonic boom started again. I felt dismayed. The car was driving OK, and I had an appointment that I had to keep. Is there anyway I could drive 250 more miles under this condition? Do I dare consider that? No, I didn't think I could. And what if continued driving hurt the car? It is driving fine now, but what about tonight? Maybe it would strand me in the middle of nowhere. <br />
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I looked around at the surrounding billboards, hoping to see an <a rel="nofollow"href="http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/auto-parts-accessories/pc/115">auto parts</a> store advertised, but no luck. The best I could hope for would be to get to the next town, find an auto repair place or an <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/auto-parts-accessories/pc/115">auto parts</a> store to see if they could figure out what was wrong. And fix it quickly! <br />
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Just as I was about to despair, I turned my head around and looked into the back seat. My right rear window was down. I must have hit the automatic window button by accident. Could that be the problem? Holding my breath it was, I hit the button to roll it back up. Success! How could a rolled down window have caused that racket? And that weird sonic boom feeling? Well it did. I continued down the highway once again a happy camper. And my car was a 10 on the road.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-23072617443603619122011-10-13T16:33:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:17:21.577-07:00Vote For Your Favorite Cool Small Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hBk8BMn9kU/Tpe2lgPgnCI/AAAAAAAAAIo/KYjaW__aChc/s1600/bleakley+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hBk8BMn9kU/Tpe2lgPgnCI/AAAAAAAAAIo/KYjaW__aChc/s320/bleakley+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em>Budget Travel </em>Magazine is again running its Coolest Small Town Contest. Only towns with a population under 10,00 are eligible. And they must have that <em>je ne sais quoi. </em>Plus neat independent shops. Culture. Good energy. And good coffee! You can vote once a day. My favorite small cool town is Franklin, PA. <br />
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<a href="http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/coolest-small-towns-2012-nominations,8/">http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/coolest-small-towns-2012-nominations,8/</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-15310539429200918302011-10-03T15:51:00.000-07:002011-10-03T15:57:52.706-07:00Irritated by hotel internet fees? You're not alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-216DR5U3bvU/Too96AoAgwI/AAAAAAAAAIc/CSu7uu4eOHA/s1600/wifi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-216DR5U3bvU/Too96AoAgwI/AAAAAAAAAIc/CSu7uu4eOHA/s1600/wifi.png" /></a></div>Checking into a nice hotel a few months ago, I held my breath. I regularly use my netbook and was hoping there was not an internet fee. I asked the clerk, and she said no. I was a happy camper!<br />
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But more and more nice hotels are charging as much as $14.95 a day for connection, and some charge per computer. That could add to some some hefty extra fees if multiple people in the room have a computer. <br />
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Mid-range and lower priced hotels tend not to charge for internet connection, because they want to entice you to stay there and don't assume their guests have big expense accounts. <br />
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Hopefully more luxury hotels will drop the fee. They assume their guests can afford the fees or are on expense accounts. It is what the market can bear, says one person quoted in the article below. But even so, that doesn't mean they want to pay it. Guests may pay the charge, but stay somewhere else the next time. <br />
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/09/16/hotel.internet.fees/index.html?hpt=hp_bn12">http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/09/16/hotel.internet.fees/index.html?hpt=hp_bn12</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-35522656614646189122011-10-01T17:02:00.000-07:002011-10-01T17:41:11.058-07:00Gaylord Opryland Hotel Is Back In BusinessIt has taken me a while to get out to the reborn Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. You may remember that it sustained a great deal of damage in the 2010 Nashville flood, with water 10 feet deep inside the hotel. Closed for approimately six months, it reopened about a year ago. To the casual eye, you can't really tell that anything is different. It looks wonderful, just as it always did. Except for one major change. The main entrance is no longer the Magnolia entrance but the Cascades. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6IK9EPBCqM/ToedGDrpdcI/AAAAAAAAAHc/1HQCphL6WMU/s1600/opryland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6IK9EPBCqM/ToedGDrpdcI/AAAAAAAAAHc/1HQCphL6WMU/s400/opryland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from the Gaylord Opryland Website</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>To the uninitiated, Magnolia and Cascades refer to major parts of the hotel, along with Delta and Garden Conservatory. Each of these arms of the hotel have distinguishing features. Cascades, as you may suspect, has waterfalls, Delta has a lazy river with boat rides, the Garden Conservatory is like walking through one of the largest greenhouses, and Magnolia is the original part of the hotel. In addition, there is a gigantic convention center. <br />
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Sitting in the Cascades dining area this afternoon, I soaked up the afternoon sun coming through the glass roof and watched conference attendees come and go. And I listened to the indoor waterfall just to my right. It is just like being outdoors, exept you are indoors! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CznoNzvL_8k/ToejCK6nPEI/AAAAAAAAAHg/kwzsf2QveIw/s1600/DSCF1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CznoNzvL_8k/ToejCK6nPEI/AAAAAAAAAHg/kwzsf2QveIw/s640/DSCF1987.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Cascades</span></strong></div><br />
You can find almost anything here in the hotel--shops, food, entertainment, even indoor boat rides. It truly is a little city under a roof. Those from out of town must feel like they have stepped into hotel heaven. So many things to do and no reason to leave the hotel. Those in Nashville, however, may hesitate to go out there, because of the steep parking fee ($18). But just grab a meal while you are there, and you can get your parking ticket validated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0gS7Oo3UPw/ToekQitpYnI/AAAAAAAAAHk/WfOD0uy8SlM/s1600/DSCF2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0gS7Oo3UPw/ToekQitpYnI/AAAAAAAAAHk/WfOD0uy8SlM/s400/DSCF2031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Delta Boat Rides</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From the Cascades, you can walk through the Garden Conservatory to get to the Delta or Magnolia areas. There are both lower and upper walkways through the Garden Conservatory. Are you in a greenhouse, an arboretum, or the jungle? A little bit of all of it. Some guest rooms overlook the conservatory area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XP_5yu3Qeug/Toemq70XepI/AAAAAAAAAHo/7aLy5WI45Us/s1600/DSCF1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XP_5yu3Qeug/Toemq70XepI/AAAAAAAAAHo/7aLy5WI45Us/s320/DSCF1998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Views from the Garden Conservatory Walkway</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDUnj6b3DwY/Toem0qL_-II/AAAAAAAAAHs/NipSRB0GHn8/s1600/DSCF2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDUnj6b3DwY/Toem0qL_-II/AAAAAAAAAHs/NipSRB0GHn8/s320/DSCF2000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YzdDuqvB18/ToenctwLszI/AAAAAAAAAH0/p_Xh8M6GffY/s1600/DSCF1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YzdDuqvB18/ToenctwLszI/AAAAAAAAAH0/p_Xh8M6GffY/s320/DSCF1996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are buildings inside the hotel. Below is the Old Hickory Steak House.</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSybr5tmkCs/ToeoXr4X_RI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qDouBvn9PB0/s1600/DSCF2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSybr5tmkCs/ToeoXr4X_RI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qDouBvn9PB0/s400/DSCF2018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Old Hickory Steak House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDiDHuzWPVs/Toetmng_GXI/AAAAAAAAAIE/k-TKSFhfSLo/s1600/DSCF2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDiDHuzWPVs/Toetmng_GXI/AAAAAAAAAIE/k-TKSFhfSLo/s400/DSCF2058.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Magnolia Area</span></strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Magnolia area is the original area at the hotel and has its own convention rooms and ballrooms. Luckily, the great murals in Magnolia, such as the one above of the original Kirkland Hall at Vanderbilt University, were left unhurt by the flood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>There are a number of fine dining restaurants at Gaylord Opryland Hotel, as well as some quick eating options. There are also a number of nightlife spots and retail stores. Buy a pair of cowboy boots while you are there!<br />
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Guests have access to a couple of pools, a spa, and a video arcade. The Grand Ole Opry House is next door and a golf course is in the neighborhood. Downtown Nashville is less then 15 minutes away.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">At the end of the day, how did the new hotel compare with the older version? As a Nashvillian, I spent many hours in the past at Opryland Hotel attending various functions. I always had trouble finding my way around. But today it seemed like a breeze. What made the difference? Was it that I am older and wiser? That I finally picked up a hotel map for the first time today at the concierage desk? Or is it because they must have reworked the hotel to some degree to make it more navigable? Probably all of it. </div>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-61873563246073098852011-09-29T15:49:00.000-07:002011-10-03T14:53:19.428-07:00Passenger Bill of Rights: What it means for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBLwZ-I7m7Q/ToouxGZtjgI/AAAAAAAAAIY/HhE-i76A4f0/s1600/planes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBLwZ-I7m7Q/ToouxGZtjgI/AAAAAAAAAIY/HhE-i76A4f0/s400/planes.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>The new airline passenger bill of rights was supposed to go into effect around the end of August-- about a month ago.<br />
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What is supposed to be different? Well, hopefully there will be no more 8 hour delays on the tarmac. Domestic flights are supposed to have a three hour limit for being stuck on the tarmac, and international flights a four hour limit, before the passengers can deplane. <br />
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H.R. 729 states that airline carriers must implement at a minimum a plan for :<br />
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1) Essential needs for passengers on aircraft that is delayed taking off or delayed in disembarkation including<br />
<ul><li>adequate food and potable water</li>
<li>adequate restroom facilities</li>
<li>cabin ventilation and comfortable cabin tempertures</li>
<li>access to necessary medical treatment</li>
</ul>2) The right for passengers to deplane and return to the terminal if:<br />
<ul><li>three hours after the passengers have boarded, with cabin doors shut, the aircraft has not taken off, or</li>
<li>three hours after landing, the passengers have been unable to deplane</li>
<li>these options will be available to passengers at least once during every three hour successive stay on the tarmac</li>
<li>exceptions to this are if the pilot determines that letting passengers deplane would jeopardize passenger safety or security, OR, if the pilot determines that the plane will take off, or the passengers will deplane not more than 30 minutes after the three hour delay</li>
</ul>Also incuded in the bill is the establishment of a passenger complaint hotline.<br />
Passengers are also supposed to see other developments such as being refunded baggage fees if your luggage is lost, higher compensation if you are bumped from your flight because of overbooking, and to make taxes and fees on airline tickets more visible to purchasers.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-78836149823375280422011-09-06T22:22:00.000-07:002011-09-06T22:39:14.432-07:00Nashville's Exit/In Celebrates 40th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUF38SK9vzA/Tmb9GSD8T2I/AAAAAAAAAHU/6xT7ZSR4I7I/s1600/exit+in+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUF38SK9vzA/Tmb9GSD8T2I/AAAAAAAAAHU/6xT7ZSR4I7I/s320/exit+in+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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If you are familir at all with Nashville's live music scene, you have heard of the Exit/In. Chances are your favorite group or musician has played there at some point. Check the photo above of the wall outside the establishment to see some of the greats who have graced the stage: Eddie Money, The Police, REM, Steve Martin, Waylon Jennings, The Talking Heads, Billy Joel. And that is only part of the wall displaying names of those who have played there over the past 40 years. <br />
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This week, Exit/In is celebrating its big birthday with a series of concerts benefiting MusiCares, a foundation that provides musicians in need with housing, emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, and other services. Standing tickets are only $15; seats up front are more. <br />
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Check out the schedule below and come here some of the best music around.<br />
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Tuesday, Sept. 6: <br />
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Buzz Cason, Barefoot Jerry, Mac Gayden and Skyboat, Dianne Davidson, Tracy Nelson, and Marshall Chapman.<br />
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Wednesday, Sept. 7:<br />
Cowboy Jack Clement, Roger Cook, Lee Clayton, Denny and the Jets, Ballhog!, and Ranch Ghost. <br />
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Thursday, Sept. 8<br />
The Babushka Brothers, The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker, Old Union, Alex Harvey, Tom Kimmel, and James Talley.<br />
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Friday, Sept. 9<br />
Matthew Perryman Jones, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Daniel Ellsworth & the Great Lakes, Griffin House, and Daddy<br />
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Saturday, Sept. 10<br />
Walk the West, The Cadillac Black, The Weeks, Buffalo Clover, and New Pleasure.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-6141504070572112011-06-01T09:05:00.000-07:002012-04-27T20:36:49.084-07:00Couch Surfing--Seeing The World One Sofa At A Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJtEE6Xbu0w/TeZgDUXnOUI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/pd-U1OHN9js/s1600/couch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJtEE6Xbu0w/TeZgDUXnOUI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/pd-U1OHN9js/s320/couch.png" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>
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Have wanderlust, but a travelbust budget? Try couch-surfing, the best way to bring your hotel costs down to $0. Coachsurfing is an honest to goodness international nonprofit network that connects hosts willing to share their couches with world travelers. Not only does it save big bucks in hotel costs, but it helps develop one-on-one friendships around the world.<br />
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Sounds risky, you think? Well, members are verified and can vouch for each other. And references are left on the site. If you trash someone's couch, well then everyone is going to know about it. You can sign up as either a host or a surfer or both. According to the sites TOS, you are not allowed to make money from the process, but a surfer may want to buy the host a gift or a meal, or do something nice like help clean the house. <br />
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The top 10 couch surfing countries are United States, Germany, France, Canada, England, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Australia, and China. The topc 10 couch surfing cities are Paris, London, Berlin, Istanbul, Montreal, Vienna, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, New York, and Barcelona. Couch surfers range in age from 18 to 89.<br />
Check it out <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/about.html">here</a>.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-36874224421942461072011-03-15T16:40:00.000-07:002011-10-13T10:35:19.249-07:00500 days and counting: London 2012 Olympic tickets on sale today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H_0gUjDlkic/TX_5LrALvHI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8Qo9RyJy6EY/s1600/olympic-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H_0gUjDlkic/TX_5LrALvHI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8Qo9RyJy6EY/s1600/olympic-logo.jpg" /></a></div>The Olympics are never a budget travel proposition, but many people including me have a fascination with the games and hope to go someday. For those wanting to attend the London 2012 Games, tickets went on sale today. <a href="https://www.cosport.com/">Order here</a>. Ticket prices range from $44 to more than $3000, but never fear, supposedly there are some free viewing areas for the marathons and the cyling part of the triathlon. <br />
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Tickets are on sale until April 26 and are not processed until that time, so are not first-come, first-served. Events that are over-subscribed will be handled by random ballot. And if you go, don't forget to take your Visa card!Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-63216084210573927422011-02-04T10:31:00.000-08:002011-02-04T10:38:47.295-08:00Cruises: thumbs up or thumbs down?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CEStDXRh-h0/TUxHsGTkcmI/AAAAAAAAAHI/y_eBhzCXBDU/s1600/cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CEStDXRh-h0/TUxHsGTkcmI/AAAAAAAAAHI/y_eBhzCXBDU/s1600/cruise.jpg" /></a></div>Despite many people saying they don't like cruises, the number of people sailing keeps multiplying. For those who haven't cruised in a long time, you might want to try one again. Even the cheap rooms are nice now, and not the prison cells of yesteryear. It is an easy way to travel and see multiple ports. It is just one way to travel that you might want to put in your repetoire.<br />
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<a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2011-01-28/travel/cruise.ship.divide_1_wave-season-cruise-travel-agent?_s=PM:TRAVEL">http://articles.cnn.com/2011-01-28/travel/cruise.ship.divide_1_wave-season-cruise-travel-agent?_s=PM:TRAVEL</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-11381573845142598802011-02-04T09:58:00.000-08:002011-02-04T09:58:51.140-08:00Why Americans Don't Travel AbroadOnly about 30 percent of U.S. citizens have passports, a number way too low for such a rich country. <br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/04/americans.travel.domestically/index.html?hpt=Sbin">http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/04/americans.travel.domestically/index.html?hpt=Sbin</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-46133706042563233922010-06-05T07:42:00.000-07:002010-06-05T10:21:38.952-07:00Love Letter To The Gulf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CEStDXRh-h0/TApgtgYW2II/AAAAAAAAAGs/Th4faHft_IA/s1600/gulf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CEStDXRh-h0/TApgtgYW2II/AAAAAAAAAGs/Th4faHft_IA/s400/gulf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The oil spill is so sad for many reasons--environmental, economic, and just plain emotional. </div>Many of us have never lived along the gulf, but have vacationed over the years at the beaches with the world's whitest sand and feel it to be ours.<br />
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Waiting is hard--no one knows yet how bad the oil is going to be if and when it does reach Destin and surrounding beaches. It could happen at any minute. It has already reached Pensacola. TV reports show tarballs on the beach there, but people enjoying themselves anyway. I guess that could change tomorrow. <br />
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Also hard is knowing that those who live there are going to be negatively impacted economically, amounting to a double whammy in this already tenuous economic time. <br />
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Dear Gulf, I wish I were there now. I miss your white sand, your clear, sparkling water, invigorating sea air, your seashells, your seagulls, and yes even your occasional seaweed and, gulp, jellyfish. The dolphins in the morning and late afternoon. Your calm demeanor, but also your very strong waves when storms kick up. Hoping things stay this way. Sending good thoughts your direction; we'll keep a vigil. And we won't buy BP gas.<br />
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Follow this link to read a wonderful CNN iReport titled "Dear Gulf, I'll Miss You," written a few weeks ago. The author, a local, fears the region will never be the same.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-439533?hpt=C2">http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-439533?hpt=C2</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-36185592885342323382010-05-16T20:26:00.000-07:002010-05-16T20:29:06.366-07:00Vacationers Sued Over Negative Online Hotel ReviewIf you have a negative experience at a vacation spot, you might want to think twice before posting a negative review online. The link below talks about a Murfreesboro, TN man who posted a negative vacation condo review online and may be sued for $15,000. He says he had a crappy hotel experience; the owner denies his allegations and says it cost her a lot of business.<br />
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Truth is an absolute defense to defamation, but the internet is still considered the wild wild west when it comes to these kind of issues. First amendment advocates are afraid this will chill speech of those with valid complaints. There is sure to be litigation from both sides on these issues.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100516/NEWS01/5160350/Online+review+of+condo+triggers+libel+suit+against+Murfreesboro+man">http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100516/NEWS01/5160350/Online+review+of+condo+triggers+libel+suit+against+Murfreesboro+man</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-12144187601438739852010-05-07T15:26:00.000-07:002010-05-07T15:43:55.310-07:00Gaylord Opryland Hotel FloodedNashville's largest hotel, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, closed its doors temporarily because of the recent flood in Nashville. Guests were safely evacuated to a local high school before water from the nearby Cumberland River inundated the hotel, rising as high as 10 feet inside. Company executives expect the hotel to reopen in about six months. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfL5j9ckcyo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfL5j9ckcyo</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CEStDXRh-h0/S-STT0CwUcI/AAAAAAAAAGk/FroDCiy_yjk/s1600/snorkel+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CEStDXRh-h0/S-STT0CwUcI/AAAAAAAAAGk/FroDCiy_yjk/s320/snorkel+color.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-85809761782104257542010-04-18T11:42:00.000-07:002010-04-21T11:18:58.621-07:00Museum of Bad Art: A Tribute to the Best of the WorstYou've heard of MoMA, but what about MoBA? <br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=trabuz-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1580089119&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Do you get tired of only going to "good" museums? Tired of only seeing flawless masterpieces? Have a taste for the quirky and weird? If so, the Museum of Bad Art might be just your thing.<br />
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I learned of the museum when I went to visit my sister Laura in Dedham, MA. We went to see the movie <em>The Road </em>(based on the book by Cormac McCarthy) in the Dedham Community Theater. She said we might stop by the Museum of Bad Art after the movie. We didn't have to go far, as the museum is in the basement of the theater, located outside the men's room. Scattered around the one-room gallery is a hilarous collection of art mishaps.Some of the pieces produce a giggle, some a scratch on the head. <br />
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The art is bad in the way that something went wrong--very wrong-- in the creation of each piece. Some artists have a modicum of talent but just couldn't pull it off. Other artists.....well, we're just not sure what happened there. Check out the collection and see what I mean:<br />
<a href="http://www.museumofbadart.org/collection/index.php">http://www.museumofbadart.org/collection/index.php</a><br />
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There is now a second MOBa gallery in the basement of a theater in Somerville, MA. If you are in the area, you must stop by. But if not, you can experience it via the website. You can even donate your own art, donate money, or become a guest interpreter.Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066211580884364817.post-88210311791552375112010-03-17T07:29:00.000-07:002010-03-17T07:40:49.748-07:00Everyday Is St. Paddy's Day at Silky O'SullivansIf being Irish once a year just isn't enough for you, head to Silky O'Sullivan's in Memphis where everyday is St. Paddy's Day. Located on Beale Street, the restaurant is a blend of Irish and the blues, shamrocks and barbecue. The service can be a little slow, but sitting on the patio in the afternoon sun listening to live music is definitely a delight. Make sure you check out the live goat on the patio! <a href="http://www.silkyosullivans.com/index.html">http://www.silkyosullivans.com/index.html</a>Worldwindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03473439137614646819noreply@blogger.com0