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[Is the TSA too rough with your stuff?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/19/is-the-tsa-too-rough-with-your-stuff/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/19/is-the-tsa-too-rough-with-your-stuff/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/19/is-the-tsa-too-rough-with-your-stuff/#commentsFiled under:

While waiting in line, just about everyone bitches and moans about the airport security screening process. But of the over 500 million fliers this year, only 12,000 have filed official complaints with the Transportation Security Administration. The rest of us just air our grievances on our blogs.

The number one complaint this year is that the TSA screeners mishandle personal property. This includes when items get damaged in the screening process, as well as lost and stolen. A TSA spokeswoman insists that the agency takes theft very seriously, and that the "TSA has let officers go who've taken 50 cents out of a bowl." It's good to know they care -- but we're not impressed with how long it took them to catch one agent who had stolen over $200,000 worth of travelers' property.

The second largest complaint the agency gets is reports of rude treatment. Most TSA agents I've crossed paths with recently have been perfectly friendly, but it just takes one meanie to leave a long lasting bad taste in a traveler's mouth -- and most security lines have at least one meanie, I've noticed.

If you have complaints for the TSA, they urge you to share your comments on their official website, www.tsa.gov. You can also call with complaints or fill out comment cards at the airport.

Is the TSA too rough with your stuff? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport-securitybaggagebagscomplaintsluggagemishandlingpack-smartersecuritytransportation-security-administrationTSAFri, 19 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ritz-Carlton announces Ritz-Carlton Reserve for global travelers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/18/ritz-carlton-announces-ritz-carlton-reserve-for-global-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/18/ritz-carlton-announces-ritz-carlton-reserve-for-global-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/18/ritz-carlton-announces-ritz-carlton-reserve-for-global-travelers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looking to expand the company's luxury brand to the far corners of the planet, the Ritz-Carlton has officially announced the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort in Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand.

These new resorts will be built in beautiful, remote destinations, with the guest suites designed for peaceful relaxation and seclusion, while resort amenities will feature all the luxury that is associated with the Ritz-Carlton name.

The Phulay Bay resort was designed by Thai architect Lek Bunnag, giving the property a modern style with local flavor. The guest rooms have gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea as well as private plunge pools and sheltered outdoor baths and rainforest showers. Public amenities at the resort include an infinity pool, fitness center, spa, casual and fine dining, cooking and batik painting classes, and an event space perfect for wedding of up to 80 guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve is now taking reservations for Phulay Bay for 2009. Visit www.ritzcarltonreserve.com for more information. Future resorts are planned for Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and The United Arab Emirates.

Ritz-Carlton announces Ritz-Carlton Reserve for global travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destination-weddingsescapesgetawayskrabiluxuryluxury-travelphulay-bayprivacyritz-carltonritz-carlton-reservethailandweddingsThu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA wants $42 million for retired space shuttle]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/18/nasa-wants-42-million-for-retired-space-shuttle/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/18/nasa-wants-42-million-for-retired-space-shuttle/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/18/nasa-wants-42-million-for-retired-space-shuttle/#commentsFiled under: ,

NASA has three space shuttles scheduled for retirement in the next two years, and for the first time ever, museums will have to shell out big bucks if they want to display the crafts.

NASA estimates that it will cost $42 million to get each shuttle ready for display -- including $6 million to transport it -- and they are asking the museums to foot the bill. NASA has never charged institutions like the Smithsonian in the past, but with the Ares I rocket and Orion capsule believed to be well over budget, NASA insiders say the program needs to pinch pennies wherever possible.

$42 million seems steep, but NASA isn't trying to squeeze a profit out of these charges. This is simply their estimated cost for safing, display preparation, and transportation of a shuttle. "Safing" means decontamination of the fuel systems and removal of other safety and environmental hazards.

No museums have commented yet as to whether or not they would be willing to pay NASA's asking price, which, by the way, is "subject to change."

Continue reading NASA wants $42 million for retired space shuttle

NASA wants $42 million for retired space shuttle originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-and-space-museummuseumsnasasmithsonianspace-shuttleThu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sounds of Travel: Eddie From Ohio]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/09/sounds-of-travel-eddie-from-ohio/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/09/sounds-of-travel-eddie-from-ohio/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/09/sounds-of-travel-eddie-from-ohio/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here at Gadling we'll be highlighting some of our favorite sounds from the road and giving you a sample of each -- maybe you'll find the same inspiration that we did, but at the very least, hopefully you'll think that they're good songs. Got a favorite of your own? Leave it in the comments and we'll post it at the end of the series.

Folk musicians are very different from pop stars. They earn their living one gig at a time, and are always on tour somewhere, because if they weren't, they wouldn't make any money. They write their own music, and they often draw from their vast experiences on the road, which is why folk music makes great travel tunes.



Eddie From Ohio's 2001 release, Quick, is among the best of the best. Just so we're clear, Eddie isn't a solo artist -- but it is the name of the drummer in this band, not from Ohio but from the commonwealth of Virginia. Got it? EFO has been touring America since 1991, and Quick includes a great collection of travel-inspired tracks.

The tone of this album makes it perfect for the first CD of your road trip. The high energy title track will get you grooving behind the wheel before you're out of your driveway, and put you in the right frame of mind for an adventure.


Continue reading Sounds of Travel: Eddie From Ohio

Sounds of Travel: Eddie From Ohio originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eddie-from-ohioEFOfalcon-ridgefalcon-ridge-folk-festivalfolk-musicfrfflive-musicmusicQuickroad-trip-musicsoundsoftraveltravel-musicTue, 09 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forget shoe shine benches -- now there's airport karaoke!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/05/forget-shoe-shine-benches-now-theres-airport-karaoke/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/05/forget-shoe-shine-benches-now-theres-airport-karaoke/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/05/forget-shoe-shine-benches-now-theres-airport-karaoke/#commentsFiled under:

When I'm waiting for a flight, I like to dive into a book or pop open my laptop and try to forget my surroundings. Other travelers tend to annoy me, and I have a better time in transit if I can just ignore everyone else. So I'll be avoiding Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston from now on.

The Texas airport has recently set up karaoke booths for travelers inside the terminals. Airport assistant manager Caroline Schneider says that they hope singing will help travelers relieve some stress and anxiety. The singers will be awarded small prizes.

They get points for creativity, but I just don't think karaoke belongs in an airport. Travelers who are already edgy are not going to be the ones stepping up to the mic, and will probably only be further aggravated if their gate is next to the group of tone deaf teenagers stumbling through the words to "Love Potion #9."

I love karaoke, really, but I think it belongs in a bar -- one where the drinks aren't $8 apiece. I suspect that this new airport karaoke will bother more folks than it will entertain, but maybe I'm just being a typical travel grouch. What do you think? Cute idea, or good intentions gone very, very wrong?

Forget shoe shine benches -- now there's airport karaoke! originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportbush-intercontinental-airporthoustonkaraokesingingtexasFri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[China successfully flies into airplane manufacturing]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/01/china-successfully-flies-into-airplane-manufacturing/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/01/china-successfully-flies-into-airplane-manufacturing/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/01/china-successfully-flies-into-airplane-manufacturing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

China's very first fully homegrown aircraft has hit the skies at last, bringing China's aviation industry another step closer to competition in the global market. The ARJ-21, a regional aircraft built at the Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, flew its maiden flight last Friday, after delays from suppliers held up the jet for about eight months.

With its new jets, the Aviation Industry Corp of China, or AVIC, expects to compete with Canada's Bombadier Inc and Embraer SA of Brazil. AVIC officials expect the ARJ-21 to be certified airworthy by early 2009, and the company will start delivering planes to customers by the second half of next year if all goes according to plan.

According to the Chinese government, airlines have ordered 206 of the jets so far, and demand is expected to increase. Experts estimate that China's growing domestic airline industry will require about 900 new mid-sized regional jets over the next twenty years, and the ARJ-21 should control most of that market.

The jets are designed to carry 70-110 passengers and have a flight range of 3,680 kilometers, or 2,286 miles.

China successfully flies into airplane manufacturing originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARJ-21AVICchinajetsplanesregional-jetsMon, 01 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The floating Aerohotel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/18/the-floating-aerohotel/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/18/the-floating-aerohotel/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/18/the-floating-aerohotel/#commentsFiled under: ,


Russian architect Alexander Asadov is fighting global warming with innovative building designs. His latest concept is a floating Aerohotel, pictured above. This floating island features a 200-meter hub containing hotel rooms or residences, cafes, winter gardens, and restaurants.

The Aerohotel is held aloft by a system of supports and three main legs anchored to the bottom of the site, and unlike man-made islands with tons of gravel fill, this design preserves the aquatic ecosystem below. Asadov's studio states that the construction costs and environmental impact of his design are significantly lower than gravel works projects.

This design can be installed in any body of water, and the plan includes docks for boats and a landing strip for zeppelins. Because if you're cool enough to live in a floating island, you're cool enough to travel by zeppelin.

The design is certainly interesting and futuristic, but is it aesthetically pleasing, or is it an eyesore? The idea is very appealing, but I'm not yet sold on the look. What do you think?

The floating Aerohotel originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerohotelalexander-asadovaquatecturearchitectureasadovfloating-cityfloating-hotelglobal-warminghotelsTue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activist calls for Utah boycott after California passes Prop 8]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/activist-calls-for-utah-boycott-after-california-passes-prop-8/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/activist-calls-for-utah-boycott-after-california-passes-prop-8/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/activist-calls-for-utah-boycott-after-california-passes-prop-8/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've noticed a sharp drop in the cost of traveling to Utah -- could it be because the state is trying to hedge against a tourism boycott for its role in the recent elections? It wasn't Utah's doing, exactly, but the Mormon Church, which makes up over 60% of Utah's population, poured millions of dollars and hours of grassroots campaigning into passing California's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in the state.

Activist and blogger John Aravosis of americablog.com blames Utah Mormons for taking away rights, and suggests that a boycott of Utah tourism is a good way to show dissatisfaction for the LDS church's role in passing Proposition 8. He's calling for skiers to choose anywhere but Utah this winter, and he's even urging Hollywood to back out of the annual Sundance Film Festival, which makes up a huge part of Utah's $6 billion annual tourism income.

While gay rights groups have not yet weighed in on the idea of a boycott, other individuals and websites are latching onto the cause, and the backlash against the Mormon Church and the state of Utah by extension has been intense. Aravosis and his supporters can't reasonably expect to change the church's view on gay marriage, but he says he intends to go after the "Utah brand," calling it a "hate state." He does not call for a boycott of California, saying "the Californians are the victims and the Mormons are the persecutors." A boycott may not get Utah Mormons to change their minds about gay rights, but Aravosis hopes it will at least get them to stop trying to impose their religious beliefs on the rest of the world.

Activist calls for Utah boycott after California passes Prop 8 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiagay-marriagegay-rightsldsmormonmormon-churchmormonsprop-8proposition-8salt-lake-cityskiersskiingUtahMon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mystic Caverns for sale on eBay]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/mystic-caverns-for-sale-on-ebay/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/mystic-caverns-for-sale-on-ebay/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/mystic-caverns-for-sale-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under:

Looking to invest in some real estate while interest rates are low? How about your own cave?

Steve Rush, owner of Mystic Caverns in northern Arkansas, is looking to unload this tourist attraction. He's put the set of two caves, which draw approximately 15,000 visitors per year, up for sale on eBay. He's asking just shy of $900,000 for what he calls a business investment.

Rush has been hosting visitors to Mystic Cave and Crystal Dome since 1992, but attendance has trailed off since a nearby amusement park closed in the late 90's, and Rush wants to devote more of his own time to Christian ministry. He says the buyer of the caverns should have a flair for entertainment, as visitors want more than just information.

The caverns are tourist-ready, with rock walkways, lighting, and a gift shop all included in your purchase. So far, nearly 20,000 visitors have viewed the listing, but it's still up for grabs as of this post. How many times do you get the opportunity to buy your own caverns? What would you do with Mystic Caverns if you could buy it?

Mystic Caverns for sale on eBay originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkansascaverns-for-salecrystal-caveebaymystic-cavemystic-cavernsozarksMon, 17 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hôtel de Glace version 9 is coming soon]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/15/hotel-de-glace-version-9-is-coming-soon/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/15/hotel-de-glace-version-9-is-coming-soon/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/15/hotel-de-glace-version-9-is-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,

When the nights are long and the weather is icky, you can make like a bear and tuck in until spring, or you can make the most of it and have fun with the cold weather. Maybe you've outgrown your sledding and snowman days, but you can still live it up in a real winter wonderland at Québec's Hôtel de Glace.

Open every year from January through March, this ice hotel is newly rebuilt every year with a new design, featuring sculpted archways and enchanting ice sculptures. There are 36 rooms and theme suites for overnight visitors, all featuring ice beds with heavy duty sleeping bags. Temperatures inside the hotel are steady between -3°C and -5°C, no matter what the weather is like outdoors. The hotel's information guide tells you everything you need to know about dressing for a trip like this.

You can tour the hotel without spending the night, or you can take advantage of the special packages the Hôtel de Glace offers -- they have special couples packages, a dogsledding adventure, and even several wedding packages.

Visit the Hôtel de Glace website between now and November 26th, and you can enter to win a free stay at the ice hotel.

Gallery: Hotel de Glace



All photos courtesy Hôtel de Glace and used by permission.

Hôtel de Glace version 9 is coming soon originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotel-de-glaceice-hotelquebecromantic-getawayweddingswinterSat, 15 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The scariest swimming pool EVER]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/13/the-scariest-swimming-pool-ever/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/13/the-scariest-swimming-pool-ever/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/13/the-scariest-swimming-pool-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Acrophobia is described as an uncontrollable, irrational, and often crippling fear of heights. I'm not sure if this concept has an opposite -- acrophilia, maybe? Love of heights? -- but that's how I'd describe anyone brave (crazy?) enough to go for a dip at the Devil's Pool.

The Devil's Pool is a natural swimming hole surrounded by just-below-the-surface rocks at the top of Africa's Victoria Falls, right at the edge of the 108-meter falls on the Zambezi River. When I say right at the edge, I don't mean near the edge, or sort of close to the falls, or in the grass next to the falls -- I mean it is on the edge of the falls.

Just looking at pictures of the tourists who've gone there makes me a bit light headed. I know myself well enough to know that I could never, ever get in that water -- but the photos from those braver than I are absolutely stunning. No, these aren't photoshopped. It's allegedly very safe, but I can't help but think that those who scoot out over the edge for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph are really pushing their luck.

Are you brave enough to dive in?

Gallery: Swimming in the Devil's Pool

3

The scariest swimming pool EVER originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-poolvictoria-fallszambiazimbabweThu, 13 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flight attendant ruled too fat to fly]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/02/flight-attendant-ruled-too-fat-to-fly/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/02/flight-attendant-ruled-too-fat-to-fly/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/02/flight-attendant-ruled-too-fat-to-fly/#commentsFiled under: ,

A 20-year legal battle between Philippine Airlines and flight steward Armanda Yrasuegi has finally ended with a Supreme Court ruling that grounds Yrasuegi for good. The airline dismissed Yrasuegi in 1989, because the 5'8 217-pound man had failed to lose weight, as required in his contract.

Yrasuegi cried discrimination, stating that his weight was a "sickness and physical abnormality" beyond his control, but this argument carried little weight when the flight attendant refused repeated offers of medical weight loss assistance. The Supreme Court upheld a lower court's ruling in favor of the airline, stating that Yrasuegi's weight "indicates absence of willpower rather than an illness."

The ruling went on to say that Yrasuegi's weight would likely keep him from performing his job efficiently, especially in the case of an emergency. According to Gadling's own flight attendant, Heather Poole, flight attendants must be able to fit through the exit door and buckle up in the jump seat, which may be difficult for a man nearly 60 pounds overweight.

The airline industry is one of the few where weight requirements aren't discrimination, but rather simply necessary. We don't know what Yrasuegi's contract with Philippine Airlines specifically required in terms of weight, but it doesn't seem that any airlines are asking their employees to have unrealistic Hollywood bodies. It also sounds like Philippine Airlines was willing to pay for its employee's weight loss program -- how many other companies would do that?

Continue reading Flight attendant ruled too fat to fly

Flight attendant ruled too fat to fly originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flight-attendantobeseobesityPALPhilippine-AirlinesweightSun, 02 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The sounds of travel 2: "The Mountain"]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/28/the-sounds-of-travel-2-the-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/28/the-sounds-of-travel-2-the-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/28/the-sounds-of-travel-2-the-mountain/#commentsFiled under:

Here at Gadling we'll be highlighting some of our favorite sounds from the road and giving you a sample of each -- maybe you'll find the same inspiration that we did, but at the very least, hopefully you'll think that they're good songs. Got a favorite of your own? Leave it in the comments below and we'll post it at the end of the series.

Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer -- "The Mountain"




The first time I ever heard a live performance of "The Mountain," I was sitting on the hillside at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in the Berkshires of New York. Tracy Grammer was singing the song written by her late partner, Dave Carter, and the melody and poetry put me in a trance. What mountain is she talking about, I wondered. For a while, I believed the song must be about the very mountain I was on at the time.

To me, it felt like the song was about finding peace, and there is no place I'd ever felt more at peace than at Falcon Ridge, surrounded by gentle spirits, people who love the world well. Dave Carter wrote a lot of music about wandering the earth, going places and seeing things, and listening to Dave & Tracy's albums always fills me with a desire to hit the road, but "The Mountain" always takes me to specific destinations.

First it was Falcon Ridge, and sometimes it still is, but then I visited Portland, Oregon. Dave had lived there when he wrote the song, and seeing Mount Hood for the first time, it dawned on me that this was probably the mountain in the song. While traveling in Oregon, I felt constantly drawn to the mountains, and so much at peace when I could just sit and stare at them. I felt like I really got the song this time. I wrote to Tracy Grammer to confirm my theory. She wrote back and told me this: "'The Mountain' isn't about any particular mountain, far as I know. The song was inspired by a dream Dave had, where he stood on a mountain and watched the wind move through the long grass in waves ... a place he felt the power of grace as if for the first time."

Perfect. That's exactly the way I felt sitting on that hill at Falcon Ridge for the first time, thinking This! This is where I need to be. This is where I need to keep coming back. And I do return for the festival every year (so does Tracy Grammer). It's also how I felt when I saw Mount Hood for the first time, like I would always feel happy as long as I had a clear view of the Cascade Range. Mount Hood became my Utopia, and I know I'll keep returning to it for the rest of my life.

"The Mountain" is closely associated with my two favorite places in the world, and whenever I hear the song, I feel at peace the way I imagine Dave Carter felt when he wrote it. I think the underlying theme of the song is not necessarily about going to the mountains but rather being exactly where you want to be. This song takes me there.

Click here for previous Sounds of Travel

Continue reading The sounds of travel 2: "The Mountain"

The sounds of travel 2: "The Mountain" originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-and-tracydave-carterfalcon-ridgefalcon-ridge-folk-festivalfrffmount-hoodmountainsmusicsoundsoftravelthe-mountaintracy-grammerTue, 28 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Politics, the Vegas way]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/27/politics-the-vegas-way/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/27/politics-the-vegas-way/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/27/politics-the-vegas-way/#commentsFiled under: ,


Who knows what kind of publicity John McCain expected to drum up when he selected little-known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate -- but he probably wasn't counting on anything like this.

Club Paradise in Las Vegas recently held a risque Sarah Palin lookalike contest. Contestants had to compete in a debate and strut in a swimsuit while guests voted on who looked most like the vice presidential candidate. The winner received over $10,000 in cash and prizes, including a trip for two to the January 2009 inauguration in Washington, DC. Will there be one or two Sarah Palins there in January, though?

This may be the first time that sex appeal has played such a prominent role in a major US election. But will Palin be able to draw voters to the polls the way she brings people to the stripper poles? We'll find out in a few days. If her ticket falls to Obama/Biden, at least Palin knows she can find work in Nevada.

You can watch a video of the contest here, but it's almost certainly not safe for work.

Politics, the Vegas way originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-paradisejohn-mccainlas-vegaslook-alikelookalike-contestpoliticssarah-palinsarah-palin-toplessMon, 27 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Last chance for your photo op with Sarah Palin in Brooklyn this weekend!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/25/last-chance-for-your-photo-op-with-sarah-palin-in-brooklyn-this/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/25/last-chance-for-your-photo-op-with-sarah-palin-in-brooklyn-this/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/25/last-chance-for-your-photo-op-with-sarah-palin-in-brooklyn-this/#commentsFiled under:



Sarah Palin has already come and gone to New York City, but you can still take a picture with her at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition if you visit by the end of this weekend.

Artist Dawn Robyn Petrlik created "Photo Op with Sarah Palin" after she saw a newspaper photograph of the vice presidential candidate posing with her daughter and a dead caribou. Now visitors to the display can suit up in a faux fur vest, grab a prop rifle, and pose with the Palins.

The piece has drawn visitors from both the left and the right. While Palin supporters happily pose with the display, many of her critics pose with their rifle pointed at her. Petrlik put a price tag of $12,500 on the piece. She says that way if it pisses someone off and they want to take it down, they can buy it from her.

"Photo Op with Sarah Palin" has been on display since September 13th, but it's coming down this Sunday, so your opportunity for the photo op won't last long. If you get a good shot, feel free to share it with us in the Gadling Flickr Pool.

Last chance for your photo op with Sarah Palin in Brooklyn this weekend! originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brooklynBWACcaribouhuntingnew-yorkphoto-op-with-sarah-palinsarah-palinSat, 25 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New TSA rule aims to improve security and cut down on hassle]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/23/new-tsa-rule-aims-to-improve-security-and-cut-down-on-hassle/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/23/new-tsa-rule-aims-to-improve-security-and-cut-down-on-hassle/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/23/new-tsa-rule-aims-to-improve-security-and-cut-down-on-hassle/#commentsFiled under: ,

Up until now, airline passengers have only been required to provide as much as their first initial and last name to get a plane ticket. However, due to the high rate of false matches to names on the government's terrorist watch list, passengers will soon be required to provide their full name and birth date before they can fly.

If your name resembles a name on the watch list, you might get held up at security. It has happened to Senator Edward Kennedy as well as to numerous children, but the TSA says that if they have a full name and birth date for every passenger, they won't get all the false matches they get with the current first initial and last name system.

Airlines have resisted because of the cost and hassle of updating their computer systems, but as of July 2009, full names will be mandatory. Travelers who book flights without giving all the required information will be unable to print or receive boarding passes until they confirm the missing information with an airline ticket agent.

While the TSA is confident that the new procedure will greatly reduce false matches, it's not clear that it will actually improve security. Security expert Bruce Schneier says terrorists could get around the rule by buying a ticket using someone else's name.

New TSA rule aims to improve security and cut down on hassle originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport-securityflyingfull-namesecurityterrorismterrorist-watch-listTSAwatch-listThu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama to hold election night party at Chicago's Grant Park]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/22/obama-to-hold-election-night-party-at-chicagos-grant-park/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/22/obama-to-hold-election-night-party-at-chicagos-grant-park/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/22/obama-to-hold-election-night-party-at-chicagos-grant-park/#commentsFiled under: ,

Want to spend election night with Barack Obama and thousands of his closest friends? The Obama campaign announced yesterday that the Democratic nominee for president will be hosting what he hopes is an election night celebration outdoors at Grant Park in Chicago.

Obama will appear at Hutchinson Field at the south end of the park, which is often referred to as Chicago's "front yard." The park is often used for major events like festivals, sporting events, and concerts. Pope John Paul II held a mass here in 1979 that drew a crowd of nearly 1 million people.

The Obama campaign has not yet announced ticketing details, but those who wish to attend will likely need to register online or get tickets in advance, as the Illinois Senator and Presidential hopeful has been drawing huge crowds throughout his campaign.

If you're going to attend, be sure to dress warmly. The windy city can be bitterly cold in November.

Obama to hold election night party at Chicago's Grant Park originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamachicagodemocratelection-2008election-dayelection-nightelection-partyillinoisjoe-bidenobamaobama-bidenobama-campaignpartypolitical-rallypoliticsWed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum of Funeral Customs]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/22/museum-of-funeral-customs/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/22/museum-of-funeral-customs/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/22/museum-of-funeral-customs/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're looking for another great Halloween fun house, this isn't it, but if you want to learn a few things about death and funerals, you'll probably enjoy a visit to the Museum of Funeral Customs in Springfield, IL, conveniently located near the most popular tomb in America.

As one of few things every human experiences, death and grieving rituals have a wide, multicultural and ancient scope. Exhibits at the museum shed light on many different types of funeral rituals, and offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look into body preservation and presentation. You'll see lots of different gadgets and tools used in the embalming process as well as a postmortem fashion display, showing popular funeral outfits for the deceased.

Of course, there's a gift shop. The most popular souvenir, according to the director, are the locally-made chocolate coffins. When you open the lid, there's a chocolate mummy inside. Now there's something you can give out to trick-or-treaters!

After your visit to the museum, go less than a mile to Lincoln's tomb, and while you're there, be sure to visit the defiant tomb of Mr. Accordion, which is another fascinating and amusing story. Read about it here.

Museum of Funeral Customs originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiant-tomb-of-mr-accordionfuneral-customsfuneral-historyfuneralshalloweenillinoislincolnlincolns-tombmuseummuseum-of-funeral-customsWed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Air Canada passenger sues over spill]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/21/air-canada-passenger-sues-over-spill/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/21/air-canada-passenger-sues-over-spill/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/21/air-canada-passenger-sues-over-spill/#commentsFiled under: ,

Have you ever had a flight so bad that it just ruined your whole vacation? An Air Canada passenger claims that a clumsy flight attendant spoiled her month-long vacation to Africa and Europe in 2006 when she spilled a hot beverage on the passenger's lap.

Now, two years after the alleged incident, the passenger is suing the airline for $85,000. She thinks she's entitled to the money because she required medical treatment for burns while on vacation, suffered mental distress, and "diminished enjoyment" of the vacation due to the burns on her inner thighs and "private areas."

$85,000 sure sounds like a lot of money, but compare that to the multi-million dollar 1994 judgment in the now infamous McDonalds coffee case (wherein a woman spilled coffee on herself), and it doesn't seem like much to ask -- especially given that the plaintiff couldn't enjoy full use of her "private areas" on vacation!

I guess we'll soon see if the Canadian legal system is anywhere near as outrageous as it is in the US. Air Canada has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

Continue reading Air Canada passenger sues over spill

Air Canada passenger sues over spill originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentsair-canadalawsuitlawsuitsstupid-lawsuitstupid-lawsuitsTue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Missing: Jamaican beach]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/20/missing-jamaican-beach/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/20/missing-jamaican-beach/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/20/missing-jamaican-beach/#commentsFiled under: ,

A beach has gone missing in Jamaica, and no one is blaming erosion, global warming, or stormy weather. Police suspect that someone(s) stole five hundred truckloads of white sand from a planned resort at Coral Spring Beach. The theft was in July, but no arrests have yet been made, which begs the question: How does the removal of five hundred truckloads of sand -- or anything -- go unnoticed?

Many suspect that there's been some sort of cover-up, and even the police spokesperson has said that some officers were probably involved in the theft. Yet they insist there has been no cover-up. They simply say that the lack of charges in the case is due to its complexity and the number of people involved. But do they even know who was involved? That much is unclear.

Illegal sand mining is common in Jamaica because the sand is a valuable construction material. However, the volume and type of sand stolen suggests that the thieves are probably from the tourism industry, like other hotels. The beach that was stolen from Coral Springs was to be part of a $108 million resort complex, but its theft has held up the development plans.

Missing: Jamaican beach originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachcoral-springjamaicamissingsandstolenMon, 20 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST