Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Good airport behavior could change the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/step-back-from-the-baggage-claim-good-airport-behavior-could-ch/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/step-back-from-the-baggage-claim-good-airport-behavior-could-ch/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/step-back-from-the-baggage-claim-good-airport-behavior-could-ch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Back in April, Gadling reviewed Step Back from the Baggage Claim, a book Jason Barger wrote about human behavior based on a seven- day trip he took to seven airports without leaving any of them.

For the entire week he observed how people conduct themselves in airports and on planes--places he sees as metaphors for life.

This video, just released yesterday, encapsulates what Barger was looking for when he went airport hopping and what he hopes might occur because of his experiences and the book he wrote as a result of them.

Yes, dear Gadling readers, according to Barger, if we learn to behave at the airport, we might change the world.

Along with Barger's message, this video captures airport bustle and interactions in a nutshell.

Stay tuned tomorrow for an interview with Barger. All airports are not created equal.

Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Good airport behavior could change the world originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book reviewsBookReviewshuman behaviorhuman psychologyHumanBehaviorHumanPsychologyJason BargerJasonBargermetaphorStep Back from the Baggage ClaimStepBackFromTheBaggageClaimstresstravelTue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Bookmobile: swapping stories and hitting the road]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/23/the-bookmobile-swapping-stories-and-hitting-the-road/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/23/the-bookmobile-swapping-stories-and-hitting-the-road/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/23/the-bookmobile-swapping-stories-and-hitting-the-road/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's appropriate that at Litquake -- the recent week-long celebration of books in San Francisco -- I'd find out about unconventional ways of honoring the written word.

I came across the Bookmobile, parked on busy Valencia Street with its doors open wide, inviting visitors to come inside.

'Is it a library or a bookstore?' I wondered, trying to categorize it so I could understand it. The thing is, it's neither.

It's a truck that's empty inside, except for wooden shelves on each of the side walls, which are filled with books. The concept is simple and brilliant: step inside and get a book. In return, they don't ask for money. They ask to videotape your response to the question "what book influenced your life?"

Creative and thought-provoking, right? Even better, the Bookmobile will soon put its wheels in motion to reach people in small towns along the Lincoln Highway. It's set to leave San Francisco in April and arrive in New York City in mid-May.

At the helm is founder, Tom Corwin, who has had success as an author, music producer, and film producer. And if you think the driver looks familiar, you'd be right. Along the way, different authors -- including Amy Tan, Tom Robbins, and Dave Eggers -- will be joining the road trip and taking their turn at the wheel.

At the end of the project, Tom will combine the interviews with a history of the Bookmobile and create a documentary, appropriately named "Behind the Wheel of the Bookmobile." He hopes to finish the film by spring 2011.

"Books influence our lives in ways too often untold," says Tom. "Our trip is designed to tell some of those stories while our back roads route connects the project to America's literary history."

You can only imagine the stories waiting to be told -- both by people along the Lincoln Highway and the authors themselves. They're likely to be as varied as the books out there. Already in the archives is the story of Ralph Eubanks, the Director of Publishing at the Library of Congress, who recalls being thankful to visit a bookmobile during his childhood. As an African-American in Mississippi, he could get books there, when he couldn't get them at the library.

The Bookmobile on this trip is authentic, alright. Until recently, the "Old Gal" made her rounds of the suburban Chicago area for 15 years (and 70,000 miles) to bring books and the love of reading to children and adults. Bookmobiles have been used as mobile libraries for towns without library buildings and for people with difficulty accessing libraries -- the first U.S. bookmobile ran in Maryland in 1905.

Books have already been donated by libraries and publishers, but what the project could use now are money donations (from $35 for 'buy a mile' to more for 'buy a state').

If you're not on the cross-country route, you can still be a part of the Bookmobile experience. Submit the story of the book that influenced your own life (in 200 words or less) to the Bookmobile website. And follow along via the website's blog and interviews, or get updates on Twitter and Facebook.

The Bookmobile: swapping stories and hitting the road originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amy TanAmyTanauthorsBehind the Wheel of the BookmobileBehindTheWheelOfTheBookmobileBookmobilebooksDave EggersDaveEggersdocumentaryinterviewsLincoln HighwayLincolnHighwayNew York CityNewYorkCitySan FranciscoSanFranciscostoriesTom CorwinTom RobbinsTomCorwinTomRobbinsFri, 23 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadling Take FIVE-- Week of Oct. 10 to Oct. 16]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/gadling-take-five-week-of-oct-10-to-oct-16/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/gadling-take-five-week-of-oct-10-to-oct-16/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/gadling-take-five-week-of-oct-10-to-oct-16/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

During this week, the start of Gadling's 5th birthday celebration, we've also highlighted aspects of eco-friendly travel and have continued to ferret out travel bargains. Brenda found a screaming deal on a trip to China. Heather's weighed in on how to get free beer from a flight attendant and provides a reminder as to what NOT to do as well. I haven't been given free beer on a flight, but I have been given free wine.

Here five other posts that cover subjects from sports to destinations to eats. This week was filled with such goodies, it was hard to pick.

  • Although it may not be the cheapest destination to reach, Alice Springs, Australia has much to offer. Mike was fortunate enough to see this Outback location from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. Lucky him!
  • In one of the most creative ways to fund travel that I've heard about in awhile--if ever, Daniel Seddiqui lined up 50 jobs in 50 states. Katie's post highlights how Daniel did it and gives just enough of a taste to make us want more details about Seddiqui's grand idea. We'll have to wait for his book. Here's hoping he'll send it Gadling's way when he's done.
  • One of the great things about traveling is being exposed to the variety of ways in which people entertain themselves around the world. Grant found an amazing video of people playing Sepak Takraw in Thailand, something he relates to volleyball and hackey sack with an acrobatic twist.
  • Sepak Takraw isn't the only unusual aspect of Asia we've highlighted this week. Catherine found out about a dwarf village in China. This village near Kunming is actually a theme park where 80 dwarf residents perform musical numbers. I have to say, this place sounds odd, but very intriguing. Catherine's wondering if she should go there after she moves to Kunming in the next couple of weeks. I'm wondering how can she not?
  • In Chicago, Felony Franks is an intriguing restaurant that hires ex-convicts to serve up the dogs and french fries. Tom also points to similar establishments doing good work while serving the public in San Francisco and Trenton, New Jersey.

And one more. Here's some music for your weekend. In the "Top 10 travel-themed 50's songs," a follow-up to Jeremy's post on the "Top 10 travel-themed '80's songs," there are some songs you probably know. One song I didn't know before has become my new favorite. "Wayward Wind" captures so much about how hard it is to pin a world traveler down.

Gadling Take FIVE-- Week of Oct. 10 to Oct. 16 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alice SpringsAliceSpringsAustraliaChicagoDaniel SeddiquiDanielSeddiquidrawf villageDrawfVillagedwarfseco tourismeco-friendlyEcoTourismFelony FranksFelonyFranksGadling Take FiveGadlingTakeFiveSepak TakrawSepakTakrawsongs of the 1950ssongs of the 1980sSongsOfThe1950sSongsOfThe1980sWayward windWaywardWindFri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: "Flying Drunk" by Joe Balzer]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/cockpit-chronicles-flying-drunk-by-joe-balzer/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/cockpit-chronicles-flying-drunk-by-joe-balzer/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/cockpit-chronicles-flying-drunk-by-joe-balzer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Most people would question their career choice after working for five different airlines in their first six years as a pilot. But the early '90s were a turbulent time in the industry, and I was simply happy to be working, even if it was as a flight engineer on the 727. Flying is what I wanted to do.

But a flight engineer doesn't actually fly. This position, once reserved for experienced mechanics, was now populated with junior pilots working their way up the seniority ranks until they could hold a co-pilot or captain seat. I seemed to have had the unfortunate luck to be at my third airline working at that very junior flight engineer seat by 1996.

There I was, sitting in another indoctrination class, in a windowless room featuring six Office Depot particle board tables with twelve swivel-type desk chairs looking at a white dry erase board.

This time I would be learning about Kittyhawk Air Cargo; their rules, procedures, insurance benefits and hazardous material policies among other things.

If I had, even for a moment, felt that my career had been less than charmed up to this point, those thoughts would soon be eclipsed by a pilot sitting behind me and to my left. He was someone with a very well known past.

In the previous row I heard the typical banter of two new-hire pilots. The first pilot answered the most often asked question in this setting; where'd you come from?

It sounds rather direct, but there's no better way to get to know a fellow aviator; their experience and maybe even if they've flown with someone you know.

My ears perked up when I heard my classmate mention he'd flown in Alaska, since I had spent the first 3 years of my career up there. I quickly realized from eavesdropping, that we'd flown in different parts of the state.

"How about you?" The Alaskan pilot asked his neighbor sitting to the left.

"Remember those Northwest pilots who were arrested for flying under the influence?" He said, as everyone in the class glanced toward him like the famous EF Hutton commercial where people stop talking and turn to listen to a far more interesting conversation.

"I was the flight engineer on that flight."

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: "Flying Drunk" by Joe Balzer

Cockpit Chronicles: "Flying Drunk" by Joe Balzer originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholalcoholicbookDrinkingEAPFlying DrunkFlyingDrunkHIMSinterviewJoe BalzerJoeBalzerPilotpilotsFri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chesley Sullenberger, of Hudson River plane landing fame, touts new book on the Daily Show]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/chesley-sullenberger-famous-for-landing-plane-on-hudson-river/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/chesley-sullenberger-famous-for-landing-plane-on-hudson-river/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/chesley-sullenberger-famous-for-landing-plane-on-hudson-river/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, was the guest of last night's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Stewart, with the energy akin to an adolescent Golden Labrador, gave Sullenberger-- one of the more reserved and modest people on the planet, a venue to talk about his new book and rehash details about that day and its aftermath.

Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters is not only about that day back in January. It's about all the moments that led up to the point when Sullenberger decided to go for the river landing. For Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles, that decision changed how they view their purpose in life.

As Sullenberger says, the plane landing was much needed good news for people. Last January, when the river event happened, the economy was in shambles. Job loss and foreclosures were taking up much of the news and producing a sense of hopelessness. The plane landing gave a boost towards hopeful thinking.

As a result of that day, and the response afterwards, both Sullenberger and Skiles have looked for ways to continue to make positive contributions--in essence to keep hope alive.

Along with highlighting Sullenberger's book and rehashing the details of that remarkable airplane landing, the interview with Sullenberger was seasoned with Stewart's brand of wacky fun. Pick a situation and Stewart can find the absurd.

Continue reading Chesley Sullenberger, of Hudson River plane landing fame, touts new book on the Daily Show

Chesley Sullenberger, of Hudson River plane landing fame, touts new book on the Daily Show originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksCharles SullengerberCharlesSullengerberHighest Duty: My Search for What Really MattersHighestDuty:MySearchForWhatReallyMattershumorinspirationJeff SkilesJeffSkilessully sullenbergerSullySullenbergerThe Daily Show with Jon StewartTheDailyShowWithJonStewartWed, 14 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Interview with New York Times best selling author Allison Winn Scotch]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/24/galley-gossip-interview-with-new-york-times-best-selling-auth/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/24/galley-gossip-interview-with-new-york-times-best-selling-auth/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/24/galley-gossip-interview-with-new-york-times-best-selling-auth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been a long time since I've read a book I couldn't put down. In fact, your book, Time of my Life, made me wish my commuter flight from New York to Los Angeles would never end. It's that good! With heavy issues like abandonment, divorce, escape and fate, what inspired you to write the book?

Well, I'd been contemplating doing a time-travel story, but I wasn't quite sure how to go about it. I mentioned it to my agent, and I think she was deeply perplexed by both the idea and me! But I didn't know how to sort it out in my mind. But then one afternoon while the idea was brewing, my best friend called while she was on vacation where her ex-boyfriend lived, and she said, "I'm so weirded out...I can't stop thinking about what my life might have been like."

Then we had one of those intimate life conversations that you can only have with your closest friends, about her what-ifs and my what-ifs, and I assured her that this was all very normal, even though people didn't really talk about how much they wonder about what could have been. We hung up, and I headed out for a run, and BAM...the idea, characters and plotlines just presented themselves very clearly. I came home, wrote what are now the first 14 pages, and sent them off to my agent, who flipped for them. I think, as so many of us get older and look back on our younger years with nostalgia, it's very easy to consider what the other possibilities could have been --and I wanted to explore that.

As a flight attendant, I love my job because it allows me to jump on a plane and go wherever I want whenever I want, as long as there's an open seat available. Just knowing I can travel like that brings a sense of calm to my life. My job also allows for a little "me time" since I'm gone for a few days at a time each month. Women today are so busy working full time jobs and then going home to clean the house, make dinner and take care of others, they have a tendency to forget about themselves. Which is why I believe escape is a popular theme for women and why so many women wonder about what could have been if they had made different choices in life. Have you as a wife, mother, and a New York Time's best selling author, ever wondered - what if?

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Interview with New York Times best selling author Allison Winn Scotch

Galley Gossip: Interview with New York Times best selling author Allison Winn Scotch originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Allison Winn ScotchAllisonWinnScotchbookfearflyingkidsNew YorkNewYorkTIme of my lifeTimeOfMyLifewritingThu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hungry Planet: What the World Eats]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/20/hungry-planet-what-the-world-eats/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/20/hungry-planet-what-the-world-eats/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/20/hungry-planet-what-the-world-eats/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

A few months back I heard a fascinating bit on NPR's All Things Considered about a coffee table book that was recently published called, "Hungry Planet: What the World Eats," by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio. I had been meaning to find it in the bookstore, but like most things in life the intention was lost. Then, earlier this week I stumbled upon the book sitting on a table in my sister's living room and immediately immersed myself in its contents.

The premise of the book is fairly straightforward: Identify 30 average families from 24 countries around the globe and photograph the family with a week's worth of food. The results, however, were astounding. For instance, the family in Bhutan eats meals made up entirely of fruits, vegetables, and rice, which by the looks of it barely appears to be enough for its 7 adults and 7 kids. In contrast, the family of four in the United States has a diet almost completely made from processed and packaged foods.

Continue reading Hungry Planet: What the World Eats

Hungry Planet: What the World Eats originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookcoffee table bookCoffeeTableBookhungry planetHungryPlanettravel readTravelReadSun, 20 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 9.18.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/18/gadlinks-for-friday-9-18-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/18/gadlinks-for-friday-9-18-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/18/gadlinks-for-friday-9-18-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I'm both happy and sad that it's Friday: happy because this begins my final weekend on the mainland before I head home after two months of travel; sad because I have to say goodbye to my adorable nephew. Every Friday brings something new and exciting, so does the world and so do these interesting reads for this Friday installment of Gadlinks. Enjoy!
  • I love traveling to remote places in the world. Here's just a sneak peek at a few of Earth's final frontiers. [via Open Travel]
  • Even grown adults (such as myself) can't get enough of Harry Potter, so to quench that thirst a bit Universal Studios in Orlando is opening a Harry Potter Theme Park next spring complete with a Hogwarts School, Hog's Head Pub, and more. Hooray! [via Faster Times]
  • Maybe it's because my cousins are on a safari of their own that I happened upon this. Check out these 6 ways to see endangered species without endangering them anymore. [via Treehugger]
  • And finally, if you're brave enough and have the stomach enough, then give these weird foods from around the world a try. [via BootsNAll]
'Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Friday 9.18.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endangered speciesEndangeredSpeciesfoodgadlinksHarry PotterHarryPotterremoteweird foodWeirdFoodFri, 18 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel Read: The 10 Best of Everything for Families]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/travel-read-the-10-best-of-everything-for-families/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/travel-read-the-10-best-of-everything-for-families/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/travel-read-the-10-best-of-everything-for-families/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

With summer coming to a close, don't despair. Use Labor Day's respite from work as a time to set your sights on future travel. Pouring over the pages of National Geographic's 10 Best of Everything for Families by Susan H. Magsamen is an eye-candy path to an ideas bonanza. Having future travel goals can help one feel better about being back to work or school.

When I leafed through this book, it was clear, it could take years to sample even a fraction of the ideas. Close to home or far away, the "10 best of everything" includes 10 several times over. For example, do you want to know where you can find the 10 best sandcastle competitions? The 10 best coastal cliffs? How about the 10 best farm visits? The 10 best African gatherings? It's all here and more.

Magsamen must have had a time of it keeping track of her notes and figuring out how best to organize this vast body of information. The result is impressive.



Continue reading Travel Read: The 10 Best of Everything for Families

Travel Read: The 10 Best of Everything for Families originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 best of everything for families10BestOfEverythingForFamiliesCarlsbad CavernsCarlsbadCavernsfamily travelFamilyTravelMammoth CaveMammothCavenational geographicNationalGeographicSusan H. MagsamenSusanH.Magsamentravel readtravel resourcesTravelReadTravelResourcesWed, 26 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Monday 8.24.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/24/gadlinks-for-monday-8-24-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/24/gadlinks-for-monday-8-24-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/24/gadlinks-for-monday-8-24-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



One of summer´s last weekends has come and gone. Enjoy the warm sun while it lasts! ... and take some time to enjoy these travel tales as well.

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Monday 8.24.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cubafestivalgadlinksicelanditalyoperasweetsveronawritingMon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Travel Podcast launches new magazine]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/21/indie-travel-podcast-launches-new-magazine/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/21/indie-travel-podcast-launches-new-magazine/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/21/indie-travel-podcast-launches-new-magazine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Craig and Linda Martin have been traveling the world together since 2006. In that time, they've launched the Indie Travel Podcast and turned it into a successful website (they were named Best Podcast in Lonely Planet's 2009 Travel Blog Awards) and an excellent source of information for the independent traveler. Now, in a time when major glossies seem to be folding right and left, they've launched a magazine. You've got to admire that kind of moxie.

The Indie Travel Podcast website combines inspiring destination features with practical advice, like how to use Skype and other internet phone services or what to look for when booking a hostel. There are also entertaining and informative podcasts, videos and hotel reviews. The newly launched magazine combines the best features of the website with the same Indie Travel focus - it's geared towards independent, adventurous travelers, and budget and long-term travelers.

The Indie Travel Podcast Magazine launches September 1. There will be four issues per year, available at NZ$40 (around US$27) including postage. I had a chance to take a sneak peak and was quite impressed with the quality of the production and the writers (familiar names in the blogosphere) attached to the project.

Continue reading Indie Travel Podcast launches new magazine

Indie Travel Podcast launches new magazine originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogblogospherebudgetbudget travelbudget-travelbudgettravelindependentindieindie travel podcastIndieTravelPodcastlaunchlonely planetLonelyPlanetmagazinemagazinespodcastsolosolo travelSoloTravelsubscriptiontim pattersonTimPattersontravel magazinetravel websiteTravelMagazineTravelWebsitewebsitewomen travelersWomenTravelersFri, 21 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GuideGecko's travel writing contest]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/19/guidegeckos-travel-writing-contest/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/19/guidegeckos-travel-writing-contest/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/19/guidegeckos-travel-writing-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It was just about four months ago that Gadling reported the launch of a great new travel resource and bookstore, GuideGecko.com. Now, GuideGecko, the innovative publishing platform for travel, lifestyle and entertainment guides, has just announced its first travel writing contest in conjunction with the world's largest book fair in Frankfurt, Germany.

From now to September 24, authors from all over the world can submit their own travel, lifestyle or entertainment guides, and the winning titles will be showcased at the fair. The top prize is a personal trip to the fair in October 2009.

Continue reading GuideGecko's travel writing contest

GuideGecko's travel writing contest originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbookscontestfrankfurtgermanyguideguide geckoGuideGeckotravel guidetravel writingTravelGuideTravelWritingwriting contestWritingContestWed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to Times Online's eco-holiday discussion today!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/07/listen-to-times-onlines-eco-holiday-discussion-today/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/07/listen-to-times-onlines-eco-holiday-discussion-today/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/07/listen-to-times-onlines-eco-holiday-discussion-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Times (UK) is launching a new series of online chats with a discussion on green travel this morning at 8 a.m. EST (1 p.m. London time). Richard Hammond and Jeremy Smith, co-authors of 'Clean Breaks' the new Rough Guide to eco-friendly holidays, will answer questions on green travel.

Richard Hammond, the founder of www.greentraveller.co.uk and the co-author of Clean Breaks - 500 new ways to see the world' will answer questions and recommend fun holidays that tick the right green boxes. Hammond also wrote an article about 10 green trips for The Times last week, which was based on his Clean Breaks book. He wrote a second article for Times Online on the 'opposition' - his five favourite green travel guidebooks.

Jeremy Smith, the former Editor of The Ecologist and co-author of 'Clean Breaks' will also be on hand to give advice. They will be joined by Steve Keenan, Times Online Travel Editor and Ginny McGrath, Times Online Assistant Editor.

To join the discussion, go to http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/green_travel/article6741434.ece.

Listen to Times Online's eco-holiday discussion today! originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean breaksCleanBreaksgreengreen travelrichard hammondRichardHammondFri, 07 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 8.5.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/05/gadlinks-for-wednesday-8-5-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/05/gadlinks-for-wednesday-8-5-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/05/gadlinks-for-wednesday-8-5-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We have some pretty wonderful Wednesday offerings for you faithful Gadling readers -- one that comes from our very own blogger, Katie Hammel, so let's get started!
  • Katie offers you not 10, not 20, but 28 (!!!) ways to save money for traveling. I didn't even know I spent my money in more ways than one! [via BootsNAll]
  • I can't tell you how many times I've been underwhelmed by a travel destination because my expectations of the place were too high. This article about tourist traps for real travelers helps us understand this phenomenon. [via OpenTravel]
  • Gadling just wrapped up Hotel Month, so I guess I've had hotels on the brain. Our witty friends over at Travel Rants give us several things to consider with regard to the future of quality hotel reviews.
  • If you own a Kindle or are willing to lug these doozies around, they make for great travel reads -- especially if you're on a very long journey somewhere. [via Vagablogging]
'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 8.5.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksbudgetgadlinggadlinkshotel reviewsHotelReviewsmoneytourist trapTouristTraptravel readsTravelReadsWed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[America travel inspiration: Blue Highways]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/03/america-travel-inspiration-blue-highways/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/03/america-travel-inspiration-blue-highways/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/03/america-travel-inspiration-blue-highways/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For many Americans, dream trips involve far-flung international destinations. Traveling thousands of miles from home to a foreign land just seems more exciting. You get to experience a new culture, sample unfamiliar cuisine, and of course, get that all-important passport stamp to add to your collection.

A trip within your own country just can't compete with that. The food is the same, the history is shared, the language is (usually) easily understood and you don't even have to exchange money. There's nothing exciting or exotic about that. Or so you may think.

But travel around your own country with open eyes and an open mind and you may realize that the good old US of A isn't as homogeneous as you thought. Approach your homeland with the same anthropological curiosity and cultural hunger than you do to foreign lands and you'll see that there may be as much to learn about different regions in your own country as there is places on the other side of the world.

One of my favorite sources for inspiration to explore more of the U.S. is William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways: A Journey into America. Down on his luck Heat-Moon takes off on an epic journey around the country, sticking only to the two-lane country roads called blue highways. Along the way, he finds solace in the road and in the characters he meets on his journey. He explores the cultural differences that can exist between people of the same country and paints a captivating picture of life in rural and small town America. If you've never had much interest in traveling the lesser-known routes of the U.S., just wait until you see the country through Heat-Moon's eyes. I know that I can't read the book without feeling an urge to hit the open road and discover my own America.

America travel inspiration: Blue Highways originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americablue highwaysBlueHighwaysbooksdrivinginspirationroad triproadside-attractionsRoadTripruralrural americaRuralAmericasmall townsmall town u.s.a.small townsSmallTownSmallTownsSmallTownU.s.a.travel booksTravelBooksMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel Read: The Weight of Silence, Invisible Children of India]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/01/travel-read-the-weight-of-silence-invisible-children-of-india/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/01/travel-read-the-weight-of-silence-invisible-children-of-india/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/01/travel-read-the-weight-of-silence-invisible-children-of-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've been to India you've seen them--they beg at the train stations, or collect plastic from the side of the road, or sell candy and tissues on the buses. They're India's 25 million abandoned children, and the ones you see count themselves lucky. Millions more are worked to death in sweatshops or brothels, or simply left in the wilderness to die.

The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India, a new book by Dog's Eye View Media, explores the struggles of India's homeless or orphaned children. Author Shelley Seale's discovery of this human tragedy led her life in a whole new direction, and it is this that gives the book its impetus. Not only do we learn about the struggles of India's children, and the living saints who dedicate their lives to helping them, but we watch Seale's personal transformation from a Yuppie into something much more real.

Besides her personal story, two things really set this book apart from the "see the horrible things happening in the Third World" genre. Firstly, it takes a mostly positive spin. While Seale doesn't flinch from the uglier side of Indian life, she focuses on the children's resilience and dreams. They don't come off as poor victims waiting for rich peoples' help. Her main point is that these kids aren't in need of handouts, but the basic human right of a childhood.

The second strong point is that the book is well grounded in fact, skillfully interwoven with the narrative so that it never slows down the writing. We learn such nasty tidbits such as that rural doctors give their patients the wrong medicine 50% of the time, or that only one in three rural medical practitioners know how to make rehydration solutions to treat diarrhea, and horrible statistics about child prostitution. All of these are carefully annotated.

The Weight of Silence is part travelogue, part expose, and gripping reading. The fact that this book shows deep respect for India's people while not ignoring their faults sets this book apart. Even people who have traveled extensively in India will learn a lot.

Gallery: Children of the World

Burmese baby at Theingyi Zei marketPaddling in GuatemalaBurmese boy wearing thanaka Mapuche children, ChileBrother and sister in India

Travel Read: The Weight of Silence, Invisible Children of India originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book reviewBookReviewchild laborChildLaborchildrenorphanorphanageorphanstravel readTravelReadSat, 01 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Road trip tip: Best audio books for a drive]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/28/road-trip-tip-best-audio-books-for-a-drive/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/28/road-trip-tip-best-audio-books-for-a-drive/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/28/road-trip-tip-best-audio-books-for-a-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Saturday's road trip tip--how to stay awake while driving, listed listening to audio books as one technique.

The last audio book I listened to on a road trip (from New York City to Columbus, Ohio along I-80) was David Sedaris's Live at Carnegie Hall. It isn't an audio book per se, but a taped performance of Sedaris reading some of his essays. I was awake and laughing--hard.

This weekend, as I was leafing through a magazine (Better Homes and Gardens?) at a friend's house in Wooster, Ohio, I came across a sidebar-type article on the 7 best audio books for the road. One of them is a fabulous choice because of its lovely language alone.

Continue reading Road trip tip: Best audio books for a drive

Road trip tip: Best audio books for a drive originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audio booksAudioBooksCharlottes WebCharlottesWebDavid BowieDavid SedarisDavidBowieDavidSedarisGeorge WinstonGeorgeWinstonHarper LeeHarperLeeLive at Carnegie HallLiveAtCarnegieHallMeryl StreepMerylStreepPeter and the WolfPeterAndTheWolfroad trip tipsRoadTripTipsThe Velveteen RabbitTheVelveteenRabbitTo Kill a MockingbirdToKillAMockingbirdTue, 28 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Six great beach reads for travelers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/six-great-beach-reads-for-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/six-great-beach-reads-for-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/six-great-beach-reads-for-travelers/#commentsFiled under:

There's a special joy that comes with losing yourself in a good book while relaxing on a beach. The warm sun on your skin, the sand between your toes, and the sound of waves gently breaking on the shore create the perfect environment for shrugging off your cares and transporting yourself to a new world. Here are a few of my favorite travel books - perfect picks for an easy summer read no matter what your style.


If you're looking for a trashy novel. . .
Summer beach reading should be light, fun, and maybe a little tawdry. Thomas Kohnstamm's Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? fits the bill perfectly. The subtitle, A Swashbuckling Tale of High Adventures, Questionable Ethics and Professional Hedonism, describes the plot quite well. The book tells the story of Kohnstamm's first guidebook-writing assignment for Lonely Planet. He gives up his apartment, job, and girlfriend to travel to and write about northern Brazil and soon realizes he's in far over his head. What follows is a hilarious and controversial account of his adventures, how he learns the ropes of guidebook writing, and just how guidebooks are created.

If you're looking for a travel-writing how-to. . .
Rolf Potts' Marco Polo Didn't Go There: Stories and Recollections from One Decade as a Post-Modern Travel Writer is perfect for the aspiring travel writer, or anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a travel story. The book includes some of Potts' published work (well-written, insightful, and entertaining stories on their own), followed by interesting end notes about how each story came about, from what really happened and what didn't make it into the final copy to the long road from experience to published article.

If you're looking for an inspiring story. . .
If you dream of one day taking charge of your life and pursuing your passions, Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story is for you. The story traces the creation of the Lonely Planet empire, from Tony and Maureen Wheeler's decision to take an overland journey from Europe to Australia to the publishing of their first guidebook and the subsequent failures and triumphs of the company. Even if your goals don't involve building one of the top travel book publishing companies in the world, the story of chasing your dreams and finding success will inspire you.

Continue reading Six great beach reads for travelers

Six great beach reads for travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony bourdainAnthonyBourdainbeachbeach readingbeachdayBeachReadingbill brysonBillBrysonbookbookseric weinerEricWeinerlonely planetLonelyPlanetreadingrolf pottsRolfPottsthomas kohnstammThomasKohnstammMon, 20 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida hotel offers free electronic books]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/15/florida-hotel-offers-free-electronic-books/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/15/florida-hotel-offers-free-electronic-books/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/15/florida-hotel-offers-free-electronic-books/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Miami's new EPIC Hotel is offering something different to guests who want to curl up with a good book--a free ebook on a Sony Ereader.

The hotel's EPIC Page Turner program will loan free ebooks to their Club level guests and those using the pool deck, and a Sony Reader (pictured here) to read it on. There's also an EPIC Virtual Nightstand through the rooms' desktop computers, although this shows only excerpts, not whole books.

The titles include current bestsellers and new releases. EPIC will be hosting a series of readings and social events with authors during the hotel's daily wine hour.

"Ebook", for those still stuck in the late 20th century, stands for electronic book, a book that exists as a computer file that can be read on a special reader or regular computer. Ebooks have been around for about 25 years now and are beginning to get noticed. Ereaders are becoming more user friendly and ebook sales have risen steadily for several years now, although they still comprise less than one percent of total book sales in the U.S:

The EPIC program apparently has no connection with EPIC, the Electronically Published Internet Connection, the world's largest association of electronically published authors. EPIC sponsors the annual EPPIE awards, considered the most prestigious awards offered to electronically published books. I emailed the president of EPIC a week ago asking about the similarity in the name, but didn't receive a response.

This program sounds like an innovative way to get people to read ebooks, as well as free up space in their luggage, but it has one major flaw--you can't take the book home with you.

Florida hotel offers free electronic books originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebookebook readerebook readersebookreaderebookreadersebookselectronic bookelectronic book readerselectronic booksElectronicBookElectronicBookReadersElectronicBooksFloridaWed, 15 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Giveaway: Win a copy of David Farley's An Irreverent Curiosity]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/giveaway-win-a-copy-of-david-farleys-an-irreverent-curiosity/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/giveaway-win-a-copy-of-david-farleys-an-irreverent-curiosity/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/giveaway-win-a-copy-of-david-farleys-an-irreverent-curiosity/#commentsFiled under:

Last week, Gadling interviewed travel writer David Farley. Now, we're excited to give away a copy of his hilarious, quirky and fantastic new book, An Irreverent Curiosity. Chronicling his tales in the tiny Italian village of Calcata in search of the lost foreskin of Jesus, An Irreverent Curiosity is a great read.

Back in 2006, David Farley uprooted his life in New York and moved to Italy with his wife and dog to solve a mystery: What happened to Jesus' foreskin? The townspeople didn't trust him. The Vatican rebuffed him. And the odd cast of characters kept him amused, befuddled and intoxicated. It all makes for a fantastic tale and now a copy of the book can be yours. For FREE!

Leave a short comment sharing what missing relic, artifact or curiosity you'd love to find. The Holy Grail? Noah's Ark? The secret to Miley Cyrus' popularity? You name it, and the winner will be randomly selected.

  • The comment must be left before Friday, July 17 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • The winner will receive a signed copy of the hardcover book An Irreverent Curiosity (valued at $25).
  • Click here for complete Official Rules.
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.

    • Giveaway: Win a copy of David Farley's An Irreverent Curiosity originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    An Irreverent CuriosityAnIrreverentCuriositybookbooksDavid FarleyDavidFarleyforeskingiveawayItalyJesusJesus ChristJesusChristrelicMon, 13 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST