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[Exploring the Mekong River]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/08/exploring-the-mekong-river/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/08/exploring-the-mekong-river/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/08/exploring-the-mekong-river/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Some of the most amazing adventure destinations center around the great rivers of the world. Whether it's rafting the Rio Grande, kayaking the Congo, or simply taking a leisurely cruise down the Nile, we seem to have a fascination with these waterways that have played an important role in human development. One of those rivers is the Mekong, which stretches for more than 2700 miles as it meanders through Laos, Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

In Laos, the Mekong is known as the "Mother River" and it plays an important role in that country's culture and lore. Travel writer Kate Quill discovered this for herself recently when she made her own Mekong journey, sharing the details with us in this article from the London Times. Kate spent a week on the river back in October, and describes a tropical landscape filled with dense jungles and rocky peaks.

On her journey up the Mekong, Quill stopped at a remote village that gave her a sense of what life is like for those that depend on the river for their daily needs. Villages like the one she visited remain largely untouched by the outside world, lacking nearly all modern conveniences. She also notes that the Laos' lack of public health care is also evident when interacting with the villagers.

I've been fortunate enough to visit the four longest rivers in the world, spending time on the Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, and Mississippi. Each offered their own unique experiences and glimpses into the cultures of the countries that they flow through. The Mekong seems like it continues this tradition, and offers adventure travelers another destination to add to their list of must see places.

Exploring the Mekong River originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure cruiseadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureCruiseAdventureTravelmekongSun, 08 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[November is the month for arts in Madrid]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/08/november-is-the-month-for-arts-in-madrid/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/08/november-is-the-month-for-arts-in-madrid/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/08/november-is-the-month-for-arts-in-madrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Two major festivals in Madrid this month are enough to keep any culture lover happy.

The first and biggest is the Festival de Otoño, an annual extravaganza of theater, dance, music, and even a trio of circuses. The plays are all in Spanish, but dance and music are universal languages so you can still enjoy this festival even if you don't speak the the local lingo. The styles lean towards the modern and experimental, like the theater/dance fusion of the Belgian production Isabella's Room about an old blind antiquities collector recounting a life lived through the highs and lows of the Twentieth century, or the multinational collaboration of Whale Watching Tour that fuses avant-garde experimental and folk music. One show to watch out for is The New Vietnamese Circus, which will portray life in a traditional village through juggling, acrobatics, martial arts, and music.

Another cultural highlight this month is the XXVI Festival de Jazz de Madrid. Jazz in Madrid? Yep, while it's not as famous as Chicago or New Orleans, jazz is big here and there are a lot of cool venues that will be pulling out all the stops for this, the biggest annual jazz festival in Spain. There will be dozens of concerts at clubs around the city featuring artists playing all styles of jazz.

The Festival de Otoño runs from November 4-29. The XXVI Festival de Jazz de Madrid runs November 4-28.

November is the month for arts in Madrid originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancejazzjazz festivalJazzFestivalMadridpaintingperformance artPerformanceArttheatreSun, 08 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum Junkie: Oxford's Ashmolean reopens today]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/museum-junkie-oxfords-ashmolean-reopens-today/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/museum-junkie-oxfords-ashmolean-reopens-today/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/museum-junkie-oxfords-ashmolean-reopens-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The long wait is finally over for the grand reopening of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology.

After being partially or completely closed for the past three years, the museum's vast collection is finally open to the public again, with twice the exhibition space it once had.

The Ashmolean is the oldest public museum in the world, having opened in 1683, and while there have been a lot of changes over the years, none have been as big as this £61 million ($101 million) project. The expansion includes four temporary exhibition galleries so the Ashmolean can host blockbuster traveling shows, something it couldn't do with its previous space.

The permanent collection has gone through some major changes too. More of it is on display now, of course, but also the style of the displays has been revamped with the new idea of Crossing Cultures Crossing Time, which allows visitors to see how civilizations developed as parts of an interrelated world culture. This is an an improvement over the old-style way of displaying civilizations as separate entities when in reality they influenced one another on many levels. It also echoes the global perspective that Oxford's other world-class museum, the Pitt-Rivers, brings to its own collection.

The museum is best known for its collections of Anglo-Saxon, predynastic Egyptian, Asian, and Renaissance art and artifacts, but has a good sampling of treasures from just about every period and culture, everything from crocodile mummies to medieval beer mugs. Museum junkies will not want to miss the new Ashmolean.

If the pictures in the gallery below aren't enough for you, check out this collection of photos by yours truly and Mrs. yours truly.

Gallery: Treasures of the new Ashmolean

Cycladic figurine, c. 2500 BCDeath mask of Oliver Cromwell, 1658Ceramic Chinese horse, mid 8th centuryGreek tetradrachm of Lysimachus, 280 BC

Museum Junkie: Oxford's Ashmolean reopens today originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaeologyarcheologyarchitectureartenglandmuseummuseumsoxfordoxfordshireSat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 11.6.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/gadlinks-for-friday-11-6-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/gadlinks-for-friday-11-6-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/gadlinks-for-friday-11-6-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

I don't know about you guys, but I'm really grateful it's Friday! I need the weekend to decompress, but these great reads have already helped me on my way. 'Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Friday 11.6.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>couchsurfinggadlinksgeargraffitisouth americawineFri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 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<![CDATA[Bowermaster's Adventures -- The Charles Darwin Research Center]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/bowermasters-adventures-the-charles-darwin-research-center/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/bowermasters-adventures-the-charles-darwin-research-center/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/bowermasters-adventures-the-charles-darwin-research-center/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While in the Galapagos filming we ran into an American writer living in Puerto Ayora, the big town on the island of Santa Cruz, researching a book about exactly the same subject of our film - the current state of affairs across the archipelago.

Carol Ann Bassett's book is just out, published by National Geographic, fittingly titled "Galapagos at the Crossroads: Pirates, Biologists, Tourists and Creationists Battle for Darwin's Cradle of Evolution," and it's a fantastic tutorial for anyone curious about the natural and human health of the island state today.

I was particularly curious about her reportage on Darwin's initial reaction to the islands that will forever be linked with his theory of evolution.

Like other biographers of Darwin - who first visited in 1835 as a curious but inexperienced 26-year-old, born the same day as Abraham Lincoln - she labels his role as evolutionary mystery solver as "one of the greatest myths of the history of science." Citing a study by Harvard professor and MacArthur Foundation "genius" Frank Sulloway, the book details how little Darwin actually took away from the Galapagos after his five-week visit. He had "no eureka flashes of enlightenment," she writes, "it would take decades before his final theory transcended his religious beliefs and his enduring doubts."

Continue reading Bowermaster's Adventures -- The Charles Darwin Research Center

Bowermaster's Adventures -- The Charles Darwin Research Center originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowermasterbowermastersadventuresconsrvationecologyecosystemecuadorgalapagosgalapagos islandsGalapagosIslandsislandislandsjon bowermasterJonBowermasternatureFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trekking Tajikistan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/trekking-tajikistan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/trekking-tajikistan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/trekking-tajikistan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The mountain countries of Central Asia have been a bit of a hidden gem for adventure travel in recent years. While the vast majority of people can't find Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on the map as of yet, the more adventurous travelers have begun to hear tales of rugged, remote mountain trails that weave their way through mostly unspoiled backcountry with some of the most stunning views on the planet.

That's exactly what London Times reporter Caroline Eden found when she traveled through the High Pamir mountains of Tajikistan recently. She wrote about her experiences trekking amongst the 7000 meter peaks of the Geisev Valley, describing crystal clear mountain lakes, wide open skies, and tiny, remote villages populated by friendly, hospitable people. Best of all, the country has few tourists, which meant she often had the trails to herself, and many of her nights were spent staying with locals, which gave her a very personal glimpse into their daily lives.

The travel experience in Tajikistan has a lot to offer on the cultural and historical level as well. The former Soviet satellite has long been a crossroads for trade between the East and West, with major routes along the Silk Road passing through the country. Islam is the predominant religion now, but there are elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and even Zoroastrianism, each having an impact on the people that live there.

While that culture and history is interesting however, the big draw for the country is what it has to offer adventure travelers. Aside from the amazing trekking, there is plenty of rock climbing, horse and camel riding, and backpacking to keep you occupied for week, and mountaineers are also discovering the challenge of the "three giants" of the Pamirs, namely Peak Somoni, Peak Lenin and Peak Korzhenevskaya, which have earned there place amongst the top alpine climbing destinations in the region.

Trekking Tajikistan originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelcampingcentral asiaCentralAsiahikingtrekkingThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (11-4-09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/photo-of-the-day-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/photo-of-the-day-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/photo-of-the-day-11-4-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A close-up view of a building's features is one way to show it off its beauty This Buddhist temple's door is a perfect example. LadyExpat, who took this photo in Daejeon, South Korea, moved in for an intimate look so that the textures and nuances of the blue paint, the worn wood and the metal are a study of contrasts. Plus, think of the story they tell of the people who have passed through these doors over the years.

If you have a photo of contrasts and textures you'd love to show off, send it our way at Gadling's Flickr photo pool. It may be chosen as a Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (11-4-09) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buddhist templeBuddhistTempledoor knockerDoorKnockerdoorsKoreaPhoto of the DayPhotoOfTheDaySouth KoreaSouthKoreaWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This is the best day of the week, in my opinion: You're in a midweek groove, but the weekend is in sight. That's a perfect metaphor for how I'm feeling this week in life, too. I'm past the midpoint of many things in life, but the end is nigh! We have a whole lot of great travel reads to be thankful for as well, so let's get started.

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureair safetyAirSafetygadlinkspilotssushiworld heritageWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Christians protest transssexual Jesus]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/christians-protest-transssexual-jesus/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/christians-protest-transssexual-jesus/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/christians-protest-transssexual-jesus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A play in Glasgow, Scotland, has sparked an angry protest by local Christians. Jesus Queen of Heaven depicts Jesus as a transsexual woman and is part of the Glasgay! Festival celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered culture.

The festival, which runs through November 8, features plays, music, dance, comedy, and many other events and has drawn artists from around the world. The annual festival has been held since 1993, attracts more than 20,000 visitors, and receives partial funding from national and municipal arts councils.

While gay arts festivals and the inevitable protests against them are nothing new, Jesus Queen of Heaven has drawn special ire. The play, written and performed by leading transgendered artist Jo Clifford, looks at her personal path to faith as a transgendered person.

The description of the play begins, "Jesus is a transsexual woman. And it is now she walks the earth. This is a play with music that presents her sayings, her miracles, and her testimony. And she does not condemn the gays or the queers or the trans women or the trans men, and no, not the straight women nor the straight men neither. Because she is the Daughter of God, most certainly, and almost as certainly the son also. And God's child condemns nobody. She can only love..."

About 300 Christians, on the other hand, felt differently. They held a candlelight vigil outside the Tron Theatre last night, holding signs protesting the use of public funds for the festival and Clifford's depiction of Jesus. One read "God: My Son Is Not A Pervert." It is not clear if the sign was written by the protester or was a direct quote from the Almighty.

If November sounds like a bad time to go to Scotland, there's always Pride Scotia in June, a ten-day national LGBT event that culminates in a massive parade in Edinburgh. If you really want make sure you'll be partying in the sun, head south to Madrid, where the Orgullo ("Pride") festival is held in the toasty months of late June and early July.

Christians protest transssexual Jesus originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bisexualbisexualitygaygaysglasgowlgbtscotlandtheatertheatretransgendertransgenderedtranssexualtranssexualsWed, 04 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai to get a Disney theme park: Does it need one?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/shanghai-to-get-a-disney-theme-park-does-it-need-one/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/shanghai-to-get-a-disney-theme-park-does-it-need-one/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/shanghai-to-get-a-disney-theme-park-does-it-need-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In five to six years, Shanghai will have joined Tokyo, Hong Kong and Paris as a city out of the U.S. with a Disney theme park. China may or may not need a Disney theme park, but Disney's aim is that the Shanghai location will help create a mighty want for Disney products among the country's population.

With 1.5 billion people in China, Disney is hoping that the big bucks it will cost to dazzle the multitudes will pay off in other avenues. As anyone who has ever been to a Disney property knows, the theme park is not just a way to be wowed for a day or two; it's a gateway into other Disney habits. The hope is that the wow moments are enough to make you crave more.

Continue reading Shanghai to get a Disney theme park: Does it need one?

Shanghai to get a Disney theme park: Does it need one? originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessCaptain Jack SparrowCaptainJackSparrowChinadevelopmentDisneyDisney theme parkDisney TokyoDisneyland ParisDisneylandParisDisneyThemeParkDisneyTokyogrowthHong Kong DisneyHongKongDisneyJohnny DeppJohnnyDeppPirates of the CaribbeanPiratesOfTheCaribbeanShanghaiWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The <em>real</em> problem with dying languages]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-real-problem-with-dying-languages/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-real-problem-with-dying-languages/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-real-problem-with-dying-languages/#commentsFiled under: ,

When the last speaker of the Sechelt language, a tongue spoken by fewer than 40 people in southwestern British Columbia, eventually dies, an entire language will perish too. But, linguist John McWhorter wonders, so what?

In his recent article in World Affairs, McWhorter explores the phenomenon of dying languages and asks what we really lose when a language goes extinct. "The main loss when a language dies," McWhorter argues, "is not cultural but aesthetic. The click sounds in certain African languages are magnificent to hear. In many Amazonian languages, when you say something you have to specify, with a suffix, where you got the information. The Ket language of Siberia is so awesomely irregular as to seem a work of art."

Continue reading The real problem with dying languages

The real problem with dying languages originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get out and go: Events around the world (November 3-9)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-4-9/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-4-9/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-4-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a travel factoid for the day: It was 106 years ago today that Panama proclaimed its independence from Colombia. Apparently, today in Panama, which they call "Separation Day," even the bars are closed.

It's time to look at the festivals and events happening around the world, and this week has a particularly international selection of happenings. If you're close and have time, then you have no excuse to get out and go!
  • Japan - Bunka No Hi (Culture Day) is a national holiday held annually in Japan on November 3 for the purpose of promoting culture, the arts, and academic endeavour. Festivities typically include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.
  • Helsinki - The Kettupaivat Short Film Festival begins Wednesday, November 4, and continues until November 7.
  • British Columbia - Whistler's 13th annual art event, ARTrageous, takes place this Thursday, November 5, and features live art, roving performers and a live dance band.
  • New South Wales - The Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival will today take place this weekend, from Saturday, November 7 to Sunday, November 8 in New South Wales.
  • London - The World Travel Market 2009 will take place at the ExCel London from Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12. This travel expo enables businesses to network with each other and learn about the travel industry's latest innovations.
If you make it to one of these events, let us know how it was, or if you know of an event that's coming up, please let us know and we'll be sure to include it in the next "Get out and go" round-up.

Get out and go: Events around the world (November 3-9) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbeerbritish columbiaBritishColumbiacultureeventsfestivalsfilmget out and goGetOutAndGohelsinkijapanlondonwhistlerTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/bowermasters-adventures-welcome-to-the-galapagos/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/bowermasters-adventures-welcome-to-the-galapagos/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/bowermasters-adventures-welcome-to-the-galapagos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Often by the time the mainstream media runs big stories about an environmental battle it's often too late. I've seen it up-close dozens of times during the past couple decades and have reported so many David-versus-Goliath stories - usually positing good-hearted indigenous peoples and international environmental groups against greedy, monolithic utility companies and strong-arming government agents - that the stories have almost become fill-in-the-blanks. (Just change the name of the indigenous tribe, the utility company and the country and the story - and outcome - are usually very similar.)
Yet despite ominous recent headlines in the Wall Street Journal ("Galapagos Under Siege"), the Times ("Can Darwin's Lab Survive Success?") and UK's Independent ("Tourism, Over-Population and Overfishing Have Become the Blight of the Galapagos"), I happen to believe that the Ecuadorian archipelago will survive (even if more and more of its endemic creatures may not) and flourish. In some respects, as the standard bearer for the planet's evolutionary history, it simply must. As Alex Hearn, a marine biologist with the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz Island told us about the Galapagos future, "if we can't get it right here, where can we?" A microcosm of the planet's wildlife, if the Galapagos loses its wildness it will feel like the end is near for the rest of our wild places.

Continue reading Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos!

Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos! originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowermasterbowermastersadventuresecuadorgalapagosgalapagos islandsGalapagosIslandsjon bowermasterJonBowermasterTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homer Simpson's voice on GPS tells you where to go and more]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/homer-simpsons-voice-on-gps-tells-you-where-to-go-and-more/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/homer-simpsons-voice-on-gps-tells-you-where-to-go-and-more/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/homer-simpsons-voice-on-gps-tells-you-where-to-go-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Earlier today Mike wondered what Bob Dylan's voice would be like in a GPS system. Here's another voice idea. Greg Phelps, the art car aficionado who tells me about car oddities from time to time, told me about this one. Homer Simpson's voice can be downloaded to a portable TomTom GPS device.

Along with giving directions, Homer makes side comments to ramp up the amusement value. Homer pipes out with lines that carry the hope for food stops, as well as, lines like "You've reached your destination. You can hold your head up high because you're a genius."

In addition to helping you get where you want to go, I can see how Homer's voice would be fun to have as a companion in a traffic jam. I once gave my husband a bottle opener with Homer Simpson's voice that was triggered by popping the cap off. I didn't know there could be something better than that bottle opener.

Homer Simpson's voice on GPS tells you where to go and more originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilesBob DylanBobDylancarcarsGPS deviceGpsDeviceHomer SimpsonHomerSimpsonpopular culturePopularCulturetransportationMon, 02 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First map to name America goes on display at Library of Congress]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/first-map-to-name-america-goes-on-display-at-library-of-congress/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/first-map-to-name-america-goes-on-display-at-library-of-congress/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/first-map-to-name-america-goes-on-display-at-library-of-congress/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Visitors to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., have a rare opportunity to see the first map that used the name "America" for the New World.

The Library has the only surviving copy of the famous Waldseemüller map, created in 1507 by Martin Waldseemüller, a German cartographer living in France. The map was a major departure from earlier maps in that it relied less on the received wisdom of Classical geographers like Ptolemy and more on reports by the many explorers of the time.

Waldseemüller studied reports by Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci and decided Columbus was wrong in thinking he had reached India. Waldseemüller favored Vespucci's theory that the lands they were exploring on the other side of the Atlantic were actually part of a previously unknown continent. Waldseemüller rewarded Vespucci by naming the continent after him. America is the feminized Latin form of Vespucci's first name. All other continents had Latin feminine names, so it fit.

The map is not only correct about the New World, but also portrays other parts of the globe far more accurately than other maps of the time. It's a fine work of art too, with detailed depictions of terrain and portraits of Ptolemy and Vespucci.

Continue reading First map to name America goes on display at Library of Congress

First map to name America goes on display at Library of Congress originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartographycolumbusexplorationgps-daylibrary of congressLibraryOfCongressmapmappingmapsmuseummuseumsvespucciwashington dcWashingtonDcMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum Junkie: Manga and Moctezuma at the British Museum]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/31/museum-junkie-manga-and-moctezuma-at-the-british-museum/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/31/museum-junkie-manga-and-moctezuma-at-the-british-museum/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/31/museum-junkie-manga-and-moctezuma-at-the-british-museum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Trust the British Museum to have two completely different but totally cool special exhibitions at the same time.

There's still time to catch Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler, a dazzling collection of art from one of Mesoamerica's greatest civilizations. It focuses on the reign of Moctezuma II (1502-1520), who died at the hands of the Spanish conquistadores. He ruled over a large, complex civilization from his capital at Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City. While generally known for their bloodthirstiness, the Mexica, as they called themselves, were accomplished architects, administrators, and artists, creating vast cities and delicate carvings. This show closes January 24, and it's advisable to book tickets well in advance.

Another interesting show is just starting. Manga: Professor Munakata's Museum Adventure showcases a series of Japanese manga cartoons featuring leading manga artist Hoshino Yukinobu's most popular character exploring the British Museum, along with other adventures by the professor. There will also be a special "manga coffee shop" area where visitors can sit and leaf through a selection of manga books. The show runs from November 5 to January 3.

So if you're passing through London make some time for the British Museum. There's plenty more than just mummies, although those are amazing too.

Gallery: Moctezuma and Manga

Aztec artProfessor Manukata studies the Rosetta StoneProfessor Manukata explores more treasure of the British Museum

Museum Junkie: Manga and Moctezuma at the British Museum originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aztecaztecsbritish museumBritishMuseumenglandlondonmangamuseummuseumsSat, 31 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 10.30.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/gadlinks-for-friday-10-30-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/gadlinks-for-friday-10-30-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/gadlinks-for-friday-10-30-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I find costumes scary and Halloween night even scarier. I may love to travel, but on this particular evening there's no better place than the comfort of my living room. For those of you who are a bit more brave and eager to set out into the spooky evening donning a custom costume, have a ghoulish time! But for the others, like myself, who prefer to stay home, I invite you to read these Halloween-themed travel reads.

'Til Monday, enjoy the last of October!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Friday 10.30.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlesgadlinksgraveyardsgreen halloweenhalloweenhorrorhotelsFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Last minute oddball Halloween costumes that reflect your travels ]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/last-minute-oddball-halloween-costumes-that-reflect-your-travels/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/last-minute-oddball-halloween-costumes-that-reflect-your-travels/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/last-minute-oddball-halloween-costumes-that-reflect-your-travels/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While Catherine has Halloween costume ideas that reflect different types of travelers--(there are more ideas coming throughout today), and Heather previously posted on how to dress up like an awesome flight attendant, here are other costume ideas. These wander into the unusual--possibly the obscure.

Each are based on travel and incorporate souvenirs you may have brought home with you, particularly if you have problems passing up purchases. All were thought of at the last minute for a past Halloween and were worn at a party.

As a note, you may have to explain what you are, although the responses to each were positive.

Also, as you travel this year, think of costume ideas as you go. In this picture I see items that might come in handy. Read on.

Costume 1: A Homonym

Continue reading Last minute oddball Halloween costumes that reflect your travels

Last minute oddball Halloween costumes that reflect your travels originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BhutanBukit Timah Nature PreserveBukitTimahNaturePreserveHalloween costumesHalloween2009HalloweenCostumeslast minute halloween costumesLastMinuteHalloweenCostumesoddballSingaporeFri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Met returns stolen Egyptian art]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/met-returns-stolen-egyptian-art/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/met-returns-stolen-egyptian-art/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/met-returns-stolen-egyptian-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York announced this week that it will return a fragment of Egyptian sculpture to its homeland. Unlike the bust of Nefertiti or the recently returned frescoes that the Louvre gave up, the Egyptians weren't calling for its return for months or years. In fact, the Met bought the item from a collector with the specific intent of repatriating it.

The move is being seen as an olive branch offered by the Met's new director Thomas Campbell, and another victory for Egyptian head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, who's been getting tough with museums who own stolen Egyptian artifacts.

The artifact is a fragment of a naos, a shrine in the holy of holies of an Egyptian temple. It was dedicated to the 12th dynasty pharaoh Amenemhat I, who ruled from 1991 to 1962 BC, and was taken from a temple at Karnak, shown here.

History and art buffs face huge temptation when they enter an antiquities shop. Beautiful works of art and evocative everyday items from ancient civilizations are available for purchase, but this history and art buff has always resisted temptation. Much of what you see is either fake or stolen (witness the large numbers of Iraqi and Afghani artifacts on sale these past few years) and purchasing them encourages the destruction of irreplaceable archaeological sites by artifact hunters.

Once in Palmyra, Syria, a guy tried to sell me some "Roman" coins made of aluminum! Unfortunately the fakes are not always so easy to detect, as there's a major worldwide industry making new things look old. Even if they are real artifacts, there's a good chance they were stolen sometime in the past.

So congratulations to the Met and Dr. Hawass for a job well done. It's a shame the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is such a mess, but Dr. Hawass is working on fixing that too.

Photo courtesy of mikescrivener from the Gadling Flickr pool. Check out his really cool series from Egypt here.

Met returns stolen Egyptian art originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient egyptAncientEgyptantiquitiesarchaeologyarcheologyartifactsegyptianmetropolitan museum of artMetropolitanMuseumOfArtFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST