Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Auctioning a family heirloom for a cause: With this Ring Project]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/30/auctioning-a-ring-for-a-cause-with-this-ring-project/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/30/auctioning-a-ring-for-a-cause-with-this-ring-project/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/30/auctioning-a-ring-for-a-cause-with-this-ring-project/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's true that it takes very little to make a difference in people's lives. A few thousand dollars could either cover a fraction of an American wedding, or stretch pretty far in philanthropic work in places like Nepal, Mexico, or Ecuador.

Or in this case, both at once.

Starting January 1st, a serious blind-the-wedding-party diamond ring is going up for bid on With This Ring's website for five weeks. The project's founder, Chris Ammon, inherited it - but as beautiful as it is, it's not her style.

What's a philanthropic gal of the world to do? Chris is auctioning it off and donating the money to eight international grassroots projects that she's personally been touched by -- including quilt making in Nepal that helps send kids to school, veterinary assistance in Mexico, and schooling for low-income children in Ecuador.

If you're in the market for a ring, this is one for the record books - a platinum setting, with an emerald-cut 2.75 ct. main diamond and smaller diamonds on the side. Its estimated value is $22,000.

You can place your own bid for the ring on the website's blog until February 7th.

Auctioning a family heirloom for a cause: With this Ring Project originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbiddingChris AmmonChrisAmmonCommitted to the WorldCommittedToTheWorlddiamong ringDiamongRingdonatingphilanthropicWed, 30 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ivana Trump forced off Palm Beach flight]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/27/ivana-trump-forced-off-palm-beach-flight/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/27/ivana-trump-forced-off-palm-beach-flight/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/27/ivana-trump-forced-off-palm-beach-flight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What does Ivana Trump dislike about airplanes more than peanut packets or lines outside the lavatory?

Children running around, making noise in the aisles.

That's what threw her over the edge on her Delta flight departing Palm Beach Airport yesterday.

Originally what made he upset was something about her first-class seat in the LaGuardia-bound plane. Flight attendants tried to calm her by offering her another seat and headphones. Then, it was the children running up and down the aisles that really made her angry.

The way that sources tell it, she turned belligerent and swore up a storm at everybody around her -- the kids, the adult passengers, and even the sheriff's deputies who asked her to voluntarily get off the plane.

She put up a fuss, then finally gave in and deplaned -- only after the airline offered to let her fly on a later flight.

All told, the plane had to return to the gate and the scene caused a two-hour delay.

Ivana Trump forced off Palm Beach flight originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrenDeltaescortedFloridaIvana TrumpIvanaTrumpPalm BeachPalmBeachSun, 27 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Groom arrives at Corpus Christi Airport to a surprise wedding -- his own]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/23/groom-arrives-at-corpus-christi-airport-to-a-surprise-wedding/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/23/groom-arrives-at-corpus-christi-airport-to-a-surprise-wedding/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/23/groom-arrives-at-corpus-christi-airport-to-a-surprise-wedding/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cinnabon-tinged air. Mumbled overhead announcements. And a few hundred weary strangers by your side.

Now that's romantic.

But that's probably what Robyn Moore must've gotten when she arranged an impromptu wedding for her fiance, William Acosta, at the Corpus Christi International Airport.

He arrived on his flight from Toledo, Ohio, wearing jeans and a sweater, and clutching his carry-on bags. She greeted him, wearing a wedding gown and accessorized by a justice of the peace.

They said their "I do"s right there in the terminal, surrounded by some family and the travelers who were nearby. Official photos were taken near the Christmas tree at a security checkpoint.

The two had already picked up a marriage license last week, with the idea of getting married before the end of the year -- except they didn't know where or when.

Why an airport? They had been dating long distance between Texas and Ohio for a year and a half. Moore figured an airport wedding was appropriate, considering they had spent so much time during their relationship in airports.

Groom arrives at Corpus Christi Airport to a surprise wedding -- his own originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brideCorpus Christi International AirportCorpusChristiInternationalAirportgroomimpromptulong distance relationshipLongDistanceRelationshipsurpriseweddingWed, 23 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyatt's 24-hour sale today: 40% off]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/16/hyatts-24-hour-sale-today-40-off/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/16/hyatts-24-hour-sale-today-40-off/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/16/hyatts-24-hour-sale-today-40-off/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A holiday gift is landing on your doorstep -- but you'll only get the chance to unwrap it today.

Until 11:59 p.m. tonight, you can get 40% off a stay at a Hyatt Hotel. It's only available for hotels in North America, but that includes Lake Tahoe, Maui, and Curacao (opening in March). You have a wide window of opportunity for your stay -- it can be between now and May 31, 2010.

Get an extra perk -- a wine/fruit welcome -- when you mention code 24TWT during your reservation.

Hyatt's 24-hour sale today: 40% off originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-hourdiscountHyatt HotelsHyattHotelssaleWed, 16 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey shows best airports for making your (love) connection]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/11/survey-shows-best-airports-for-making-your-love-connection/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/11/survey-shows-best-airports-for-making-your-love-connection/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/11/survey-shows-best-airports-for-making-your-love-connection/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you think about it, all of the stars are aligned at an airport.

Get a group of people together with a) a common interest in travel, b) extra time on their hands, and c) good ol' human chemistry, and you've got a petri dish with love connections in the making.

But a new survey argues that not every airport is equal in opportunity. Oh no.

The top three airports are Newark, JFK, and Philadelphia. Foreign rendezvous aren't excluded, mind you. The first three international listings are Paris' Charles de Gaulle, London's Heathrow, and Rome's Fiumicino.

The 33 largest international airports were rated on on-time statistics, historical weather conditions, and amenities (bars, restaurants, activities) per person per airport.

For example, a connection is more likely to happen if you have a long layover at a place with great restaurant options.

Along with the report on AXE's Facebook page are suggestions for making the most of your wait time, such as: "Spark conversation by casually pulling out your small wad of left-over foreign currency."

The survey was created by Sperling's BestPlaces, and commissioned by Axe (makers of grooming products for men).

Continue reading Survey shows best airports for making your (love) connection

Survey shows best airports for making your (love) connection originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axebest airportsBestAirportscharles de gaulleCharlesDeGaullefiumicinoflirtheathrowjfklove connectionLoveConnectionnewarkphiladelphiasperlings best placesSperlingsBestPlacessurveyFri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Largest Floating Christmas Tree: No wimpy Charlie Brown tree for Brazil]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/08/worlds-largest-floating-christmas-tree-no-wimpy-charlie-brown/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/08/worlds-largest-floating-christmas-tree-no-wimpy-charlie-brown/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/08/worlds-largest-floating-christmas-tree-no-wimpy-charlie-brown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The question is: who puts the star at the top?

It's an head-scratching combination. Sure, if you have the mountains that Rio de Janeiro has, placing a Christ the Redeemer statue on top is only natural. But placing a huge Christmas tree on the water?

The Guinness Book of Records officially proclaims the tree of lights that floats in Rio's Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon as the "Largest Floating Christmas Tree in the World."

It's as tall as a 28-story building (85 meters high). If you're imagining your tree at home (with maybe a string out lights out), you'd best add a few million more lights to your imagination. This tree uses 2.9 million miniature bulbs spread over 52 kilometers of strands to produce its colorful twinkles, available in 11 sequential patterns. And what's Christmas without Christmas music? Yes, it does have a sound system that plays carols that were recorded in Italy.

Designed by Brazilian artist Abel Gomes, the tree and its lighting have been a tradition since 1996. It's no small event either -- the Christmas tree lighting is actually the third biggest event in Rio after the Carnival and New Year's Eve.

And before you get turned off by the thought of all of the energy expended, consider that the lights are powered by biodiesel generators. Plus, we're told that any carbon dioxide emissions produced by the set-up, display, and tear-down of the tree will be offset by the planting of trees.

You still have time to see the lights, before they go out on January 6, 2010.

Continue reading World's Largest Floating Christmas Tree: No wimpy Charlie Brown tree for Brazil

World's Largest Floating Christmas Tree: No wimpy Charlie Brown tree for Brazil originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epiphany dayEpiphanyDayguinness book of recordsGuinnessBookOfRecordslargest floating christmas treeLargestFloatingChristmasTreerio de janeiroRioDeJaneiroTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seniors to lose camping discounts with US Forest Service proposal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/07/seniors-to-lose-camping-discounts-with-us-forest-service-proposa/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/07/seniors-to-lose-camping-discounts-with-us-forest-service-proposa/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/07/seniors-to-lose-camping-discounts-with-us-forest-service-proposa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wasn't this supposed to be one of life's fair trades? After you spend decades working hard, the US government treats you to a senior's half-off discount at US Forest Service parks during your retirement.

Well, now the Forest Service is rethinking that.

Last week, it proposed cutting back the discounts for Senior, Access (permanent disability), Golden Age, and Golden Access to 10%, instead of the current 50% -- a discount that has been in place since the mid-60s.

These changes would go into effect at the campgrounds operated by private concessioners, which make up 50% of National Forest camping capacity and 82% of reservable campsites.

Among the reasons for the change are (to quote the Forest Service) "application of the 50 percent discount to holders of Senior and Access Passes is unreasonable in view of the growing number of senior citizens in the United States." Also, "the 50 percent discount requires concessioners to raise camping fees to compensate for the loss in revenue, thus increasing prices for non-seniors and discouraging a future generation of campers."

Thankfully, the new policy is not set in stone quite yet. The public has until February 1, 2010 to dispute the proposal.

Those who wish to can submit comments via the website www.regulations.gov, or via mail to U.S. Forest Service, Attn: Carolyn Holbrook, Recreation and Heritage Resources Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1125, Washington, DC 20250-1125.

Seniors to lose camping discounts with US Forest Service proposal originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accesscampinggolden accessgolden ageGoldenAccessGoldenAgeproposalseniorsenior discountSeniorDiscountus forest serviceUsForestServiceMon, 07 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sale on German train tickets starts Dec. 7]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/03/sale-on-german-train-tickets-starts-dec-7/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/03/sale-on-german-train-tickets-starts-dec-7/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/03/sale-on-german-train-tickets-starts-dec-7/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Starting on Monday, December 7, German Railway train tickets will go on sale -- and it's quite the guter Kauf (bargain). They're only 66 Euros for two one-way tickets, on local or regional trains anywhere in Germany and Austria.

The tickets will be sold at the German discount supermarket Lidl. The tickets must be for travel on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, between January 4 and March 31, 2010. Children under 14 years-old can travel free.

A standard one-way train from Berlin to Munich costs 113 Euros, and Cologne to Vienna is 146 Euros, so this is a sale with big savings.


[Thanks, GoGermany.about.com]

Sale on German train tickets starts Dec. 7 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>German RailwayGermanRailwayLidltrainThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stevie Wonder named UN Messenger of Peace]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/03/stevie-wonder-named-un-messenger-of-peace/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/03/stevie-wonder-named-un-messenger-of-peace/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/03/stevie-wonder-named-un-messenger-of-peace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Stevie Wonder is singing a new tune. Okay, not literally, but he has just taken on a new role: UN Messenger of Peace.

Blind since birth, Wonder will support the United Nations' work, specifically to advocate for people with disabilities, through planned public appearances, interaction with international media, and humanitarian work.

The winner of 25 Grammy awards, Wonder may be best known for his singer-songwriter career. But he has long been an activist -- spearheading the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a holiday in the U.S., advocating for ending apartheid in South Africa, as well as writing and performing songs to benefit humanitarian issues.

Wonder is the latest of the celebrity UN Messengers of Peace -- there are 11 in total -- including George Clooney (peacekeeping), Michael Douglas (disarmament), and Charlize Theron (ending violence against women).

"I recognize that he has consistently used his voice and special relationship with the public to create a better and more inclusive world, to defend civil and human rights and to improve the lives of those less fortunate," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement.

Stevie Wonder named UN Messenger of Peace originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlize TheronCharlizeTherondisabilitiesGeorge ClooneyGeorgeClooneyGrammysMessenger of PeaceMessengerOfPeaceMichael DouglasMichaelDouglasStevie WonderStevieWonderUNUnited NationsUnitedNationsThu, 03 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Louvre, Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel on strike alert tomorrow]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/01/louvre-versailles-mont-saint-michel-on-strike-alert-tomorrow/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/01/louvre-versailles-mont-saint-michel-on-strike-alert-tomorrow/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/01/louvre-versailles-mont-saint-michel-on-strike-alert-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,

Workers at Paris' modern art center Pompidou are already on strike over planned job cuts, but those at other French museums and landmarks could join in their fight tomorrow.

Seven unions are threatening to walk off the job on December 2nd if their demands aren't met by the MInistry of Culture. They're boycotting the government's plan to cut cultural positions, which would replace only one out of every two civil servants who retire.

The Pompidou Center is Paris' second most popular museum. If the cuts move forward, 400 of the museum's 1,100 jobs could be cut over the next 10 years. More than 40 percent of workers there are 50 years or older.

Other tourist sites potentially shutting down during the strike are Notre Dame, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Pantheon. However, the Eiffel Tower would not be affected.

Louvre, Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel on strike alert tomorrow originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francelouvremont saint-michelMontSaint-michelmusee dorsayMuseeDorsaynotre dameNotreDamepantheonparispompidoustrikeversaillesTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[London theater for all: Device translates performance into 8 languages]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/29/london-theater-for-all-device-translates-performance-into-eight/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/29/london-theater-for-all-device-translates-performance-into-eight/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/29/london-theater-for-all-device-translates-performance-into-eight/#commentsFiled under: ,

Captions aren't just for the opera anymore.

London theater is becoming more welcoming to foreign visitors by offering AirScript -- a hand-held device that gives live translations in eight languages. The captions scroll throughout the performance -- about seven lines at a time -- in orange letters on a black background to cut the glare factor. Theater-goers can pick from English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.

The first theater in London to offer the device is the Shaftesbury Theatre for its current show, Hairspray. The price to the patron? £6. 200 AirScripts can run at one time in a single theater.

Because it's important that lines sync with the action on the stage, a manual operator cues the translations -- the job can't be automated.

London theater for all: Device translates performance into 8 languages originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airscripthairspraylondonshaftesbury theatreShaftesburyTheatretheatertheatreSun, 29 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Coconuts banned on Rio de Janeiro beaches]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/27/coconuts-banned-on-rio-de-janeiro-beaches/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/27/coconuts-banned-on-rio-de-janeiro-beaches/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/27/coconuts-banned-on-rio-de-janeiro-beaches/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If it's your dream to go to Rio de Janeiro, and walk Copacabana Beach while drinking from a coconut, here's a reality check for you: you have to nix the coconut.

Starting December 1st, coconuts will be banned from being sold by beach vendors in an effort to clean up Rio's beaches in time for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Officials make a good argument. Who knew that 30 tons of husks have to be picked up daily? And if they're not collected, they attract rats.

But critics point out that husks are natural and biodegradable. And coconut water will still be available for sale, but only in bottles and cans -- personally, I'd rather get it from the source and not have the man-made waste. Maybe there's a way to step-up the beach cleaning, while still making the coconuts available?

Let's see if Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes changes his mind. He's offered to rethink the ban if beach-goers do a better job at picking up after themselves (although obviously it won't be coconuts that they're picking up, because they'll have already been banned.)

Coconuts banned on Rio de Janeiro beaches originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachescoconutseduardo paesEduardoPaesolympic gamesOlympicGamesolympicsRio de JaneiroRioDeJaneiroworld cupWorldCupFri, 27 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Who was tops in Zagat airline survey?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/who-was-tops-in-zagat-poll-of-fliers/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/who-was-tops-in-zagat-poll-of-fliers/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/who-was-tops-in-zagat-poll-of-fliers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The fliers are having their say, and Zagat is there to record it.

It's time for Zagat's annual Airline Survey, tracking travelers' experiences with 16 U.S. airlines and 73 foreign airlines, and 30 U.S. airports. Each airline was rated on its comfort, service, food, and website.

These are the airlines to come in first this year:

Large Domestic (Premium class): Continental Airlines
Large Domestic (Economy class): JetBlue Airways
Midsize Domestic (Both Premium and Economy): Virgin America
International (Both Premium and Economy): Singapore Airlines

Any guesses on the top-ranked airport? Portland, Oregon. And the worst? LaGuardia, New York.

The full survey goes on to list everything from best luggage policy, to best in-flight entertainment, to quips from the 'write in' portions, such as "Treats occasional fliers like dirt, and treats frequent fliers like a better class of dirt."

In total, the survey gathers the collective consensus of 5,895 frequent fliers and travel agents, who took 97,600 flights altogether in the past year.

Who was tops in Zagat airline survey? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airline SurveyAirlineSurveyairportbestpoll of fliersPollOfFliersZagatTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Magic: Disney Park's new app for wait times]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/22/mobile-magic-disney-parks-new-wait-time-app/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/22/mobile-magic-disney-parks-new-wait-time-app/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/22/mobile-magic-disney-parks-new-wait-time-app/#commentsFiled under:

Disneyland all to yourself -- a kid's dream. (A parent's dream, too, I think.)

Disney is making the inevitable crowds a bit more manageable. They've just announced Mobile Magic, the mobile app that announces wait times for rides and the nearest location for a character hug. It can be used at Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks.

No, it's not the first app for wait times at Disneyland, but it's the first official one from Disney Parks.

And likewise, it's not exactly flawless -- it only works on Verizon Wireless phones. It's not available on BlackBerrys or the new Motorola Droid.

You can give it a spin for $9.99 for a 180-day subscription.

[Thanks, NYTimes.com]

Mobile Magic: Disney Park's new app for wait times originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appDisney ParksDisneylandDisneyParksGPSMobile MagicMobileMagicwait timeWaitTimeSun, 22 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New to Hong Kong Disneyland: Big Grizzly Mountain]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/new-to-hong-kong-disneyland-big-grizzly-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/new-to-hong-kong-disneyland-big-grizzly-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/new-to-hong-kong-disneyland-big-grizzly-mountain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Wild West is going farther west. So far west that it's the far east.

The newest roller coaster announced for Hong Kong Disneyland is Big Grizzly Mountain. Set to open in 2012, it will be the main attraction in Grizzly Trail -- Hong Kong's version of the original park's Frontierland.

The ride follows a runaway mine train through the mining town of Grizzly Gulch, which comes decked out with a stagecoach, a jailhouse, and the world's largest nugget of gold -- plus the ubiquitous audio-animatronic bears, of course. Disney legend has it that Grizzly Gulch was founded by gold prospectors on August 8, 1888 -- all of the eights make it the luckiest day, month, and year in Chinese culture.

Big Grizzly Mountain will be part roller coaster, part water ride -- with geysers, leaking buildings, and a splashdown finale.

These are big days at the theme park. This ride is just part of a $500 million expansion that will add on three new theme lands -- Grizzly Trail, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land -- to increase the size of the park by 23%.


[Thanks, LATimes.com]

New to Hong Kong Disneyland: Big Grizzly Mountain originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Big Grizzly MountainBigGrizzlyMountainFrontierlandGrizzly GulchGrizzly TrailGrizzlyGulchGrizzlyTrailHong Kong DisneylandHongKongDisneylandMystic PointMysticPointroller coasterRollerCoastertheme parkThemeParkToy Story LandToyStoryLandwater rideWaterRidewild westWildWestMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frontier's new seating: 'Stretch' for some, 'scrunch' for others]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/frontiers-new-seating-stretch-for-some-scrunch-for-others/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/frontiers-new-seating-stretch-for-some-scrunch-for-others/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/frontiers-new-seating-stretch-for-some-scrunch-for-others/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, I think it's great that Frontier is introducing Stretch -- a new premium economy section in the first four rows of coach that adds more legroom.

But what I don't like is that they're not taking out any rows in back. Instead, they're squeezing the space between the other rows to make up for the extra room.

Sounds as though you're either moving up to riches, or being pushed back to rags.

Originally, seats were 33 inches in pitch -- meaning the space from a spot on your chair to the same spot of the chair in front of you. The Stretch section now gets 36 inches. The other seats behind are scrunched to 31 inches -- or even 30 inches.

Because of Frontier's tier class system, the only way that you can get a Stretch seat at the time of booking is if you're a Classic Plus member. For you, it's free. For everyone else, you get your chance at check-in. Those in the Classic class can get an upgrade for $15 per flight segment. Those in the Economy class pay $25 per flight segment.

You can currently find Stretch in the airline's Embraer 190s. A320s, A318s, and A319s will follow suit in the next few months. The new seating class just started earlier this month.

Continue reading Frontier's new seating: 'Stretch' for some, 'scrunch' for others

Frontier's new seating: 'Stretch' for some, 'scrunch' for others originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneFrontier AirlinesFrontierAirlineslegroompitchStretch seatingStretchSeatingSun, 15 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday the 13th: a lucky day for booking a hotel reservation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/friday-the-13th-lucky-day-for-booking-a-hotel/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/friday-the-13th-lucky-day-for-booking-a-hotel/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/friday-the-13th-lucky-day-for-booking-a-hotel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Superstitious or not, if you're thinking about booking a hotel, you might want to wait until Friday the 13th to book.

(Is that like intentionally waiting for a black cat to cross your path?)

What can we say? That's the day that Hotels.com is discounting a lot of its properties by 50% in a Friday the 13th Sale.

Pick from about 200 properties, including locations in Mexico, Argentina, and the Caribbean. The Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago is going for $89/night (instead of $199), and so is the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco (instead of $170).

The sale is valid when you book a reservation on Friday, November 13th, and complete your stay by November 27th.

Friday the 13th: a lucky day for booking a hotel reservation originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50 off50OffargentinacaribbeanFriday the 13thFridayThe13thHotels.commexicoWed, 11 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle of the bulge: Breeding season starts soon for elephant seals at Año Nuevo]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/battle-of-the-bulge-breeding-season-starts-soon-for-elephant-se/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/battle-of-the-bulge-breeding-season-starts-soon-for-elephant-se/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/battle-of-the-bulge-breeding-season-starts-soon-for-elephant-se/#commentsFiled under: ,

Pull up a chair and start placing your bets -- it's about to get ugly.

No, really, the elephant seals will be gathering soon at Año Nuevo State Park in California for their breeding season. (And have you seen one before?) All nose and gut, the males vie for alpha male status, bellowing their complaints and battling it out by throwing their chests against each other.

They make the Central California coast their home from December to March, and visitors can take a guided tour to see the breeding colony up close -- from the first arrival of the males to the final departure of the pups.

Año Nuevo is the world's largest mainland breeding colony of the northern elephant seal. But back in 1892, fewer than 100 elephant seals existed anywhere because of hunting. Now, thanks to legislation first implemented in Mexico and then the US, they are more protected. Their numbers have increased to about 150,000 -- many of them come to Año Nuevo annually.

Advance reservations are recommended for the 2.5-hour walking tours, which run December 15-March 31. First, read the FAQs about the walks, then book your reservation either by phone (650-879-2033) or online. The admission price is $7.00 per person (free for children 3 and younger).

Año Nuevo is located along Highway 1, just 20 miles north of Santa Cruz. Another elephant seal spot is farther south on Highway 1 at Piedras Blancas (7 miles south of San Simeon), which is home to about 15,000 elephant seals. No admission fee or reservation is required there.

Battle of the bulge: Breeding season starts soon for elephant seals at Año Nuevo originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ano NuevoAnoNuevobreedingCaliforniaelephant sealsElephantSealsPiedras BlancasPiedrasBlancaspupswalking tourWalkingTourwildlifeMon, 09 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Spice Isle: What the Grenada guidebooks might not tell you]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/the-spice-isle-what-the-grenada-guidebooks-might-not-tell-you/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/the-spice-isle-what-the-grenada-guidebooks-might-not-tell-you/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/the-spice-isle-what-the-grenada-guidebooks-might-not-tell-you/#commentsFiled under: ,

Grenada is so off the radar for a lot of Americans that it leaves a lot to be learned about the country. (For one, how it's pronounced. Answer: "Gren-ay-da.")

But here are some of the more practical tidbits that I learned while in the island country that might also serve you well on your visit:

Keep your swimsuits to the beach. An indecent exposure law forbids it elsewhere. Cover up, even if it's just a little bit.

Don't wear camouflage. It's illegal to wear it in any color or format.

Ask before taking that photo of someone. It's good tact in any situation (although goodbye to spontaneity), but I especially felt the need to in Grenada. In fact, a few people called me on it when I didn't. My instinct was to snap photos left and right at the market, but I intentionally stopped to talk about and buy produce first.

US money. Yes, you can use it and businesses accept it.

Go SCUBA diving. Grenada has the most wreck dives (sunken boats) in the Caribbean.

Gallery: Tropical Flora in Grenada

Continue reading The Spice Isle: What the Grenada guidebooks might not tell you

The Spice Isle: What the Grenada guidebooks might not tell you originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbendsbikinicamouflagecashchocolatedrivingdriving permitDrivingPermitgrenada chocolate companyGrenadaChocolateCompanyhydrateinsect repellentInsectRepellentlocalsmoneymosquitosoff the radarOffTheRadarpatoisphotophotographyscubaslangspiceislespicesswimsuitwaterSat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Spice Isle: Making the most of a cruise stopover in Grenada]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/the-spice-isle-making-the-most-of-a-cruise-stopover-in-grenada/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/the-spice-isle-making-the-most-of-a-cruise-stopover-in-grenada/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/the-spice-isle-making-the-most-of-a-cruise-stopover-in-grenada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's official -- the cruise season in Grenada has begun. Actually, the first day of the season fell on a day when I was there recently. I might've missed the influx because I was across the island during most of their 12-hour stay, but I saw the big boat sail in during my breakfast, and sail away during my dinner.

Ideally, you'd want several days on the island where you could see waterfalls in the inland mountains, leatherback turtles off the northern beaches, and French and British influences in the capital town of St. George's. But if you plan it right, you can see some amazing things in the short amount of time.

Get out on the water:
I know. You might be thinking that the last thing you want after being on a cruise ship is to get on another boat. But a Grenada Seafaris boat isn't just any boat. When it powers at full-speed, it's a fun wind-in-your-face ride. And it stops for snorkeling at the underwater sculpture park, designed by Jason de Caires Taylor. The 2.5-hour tour also includes off-coast stops up the west coast and discussions about conservation and local marine life.

Continue reading The Spice Isle: Making the most of a cruise stopover in Grenada

The Spice Isle: Making the most of a cruise stopover in Grenada originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BelvedereConcord FallsConcordFallsconservationcruiseDougaldstone Spice EstateDougaldstoneSpiceEstateGouyaveGrand Anse BeachGrand EtangGrandAnseBeachGrandEtangGrenada SeafarisGrenadaSeafarisJason de Caires TaylorJasonDeCairesTaylormarketsnorkelspiceisleSt. GeorgesSt.Georgestourunderwater sculpture parkUnderwaterSculptureParkFri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST