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[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[Top five winter-trip items you might not think to travel with]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/five-winter-trip-items-you-might-not-think-to-travel-with/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/five-winter-trip-items-you-might-not-think-to-travel-with/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/five-winter-trip-items-you-might-not-think-to-travel-with/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday I posted on packing light for a cold trip - definitely something new for me since I live in Alaska and prefer escaping to warm climates. As I stuff my small backpack with fleecy bulk, a few items have come to light as being practical yet not necessarily things you would think of for when packing for cold. Here are the top five I've discovered:

1. A headlamp. Since, generally speaking, colder weather usually means winter, and winter usually means less daylight, a headlamp will come in handy more hours of the day than a summer trip. I keep mine in my purse whenever I travel.

2. A bandanna. A cotton kerchief isn't going to save your life in a blizzard, but it packs down small and will keep your ears warm. As someone who requires clip-on earmuffs year-round, I rely on the bandanna both for ear warmth and bed hair. Additionally, it can come in handy as toilet paper, tissue, and as a bandage.

3. A scarf. Sure, it makes sense in the city, but if you're a gear-head like me you might not think to use up pack space with a scarf. Think again. What's great about a simple black scarf is it can work multiple-duty as a wrap, headpiece, neck-warmer, pillow and outfit dresser-upper. Wrap it under your jacket or accessorize your dressy clothes with it -- or both.

4. A down sleeping bag. I want to emphasize down here: it is lighter and packs down much smaller than synthetics do, and is much warmer than that cotton or silk bag you use in hostels. If you're sleeping in huts (rather than a tent), you can probably get away with a tiny down bag, and it will also keep you toasty in chilly hostels. I have a 15-year-old North Face that is rated to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and takes up less room than my fleece hoodie.

5. Tights. Ladies, the 80s are back in style. You can now use footless tights as long underwear, running pants, pajamas, or simply under a skirt to stave off a chill. Gentlemen, you can use them for all of the above as well, if you so please. Pick out a synthetic pair to keep you warm(er) in wet weather.

Top five winter-trip items you might not think to travel with originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold weatherColdWeatherNorth FaceNorthFacepacking lightPackingLightWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:30:00 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[GPS Footwear: Program your shoes and start walking?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/gps-footwear-program-your-shoes-and-start-walking/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/gps-footwear-program-your-shoes-and-start-walking/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/gps-footwear-program-your-shoes-and-start-walking/#commentsFiled under: ,

Perhaps one of the worst travel experiences is being lost and on foot in a city without a decent map or a sense of direction. This is particularly horrendous when one has walked and walked and walked only to discover the same buildings and streets that one saw hours ago. A shoe GPS system might be the answer to such foot torture and travel woes.

This shoe + GPS is an idea that has a design already. If these shoes are ever made, Footwear with GPS will be shoes equipped with a GPS unit and transponder.

After reading the description and looking at the diagram of this shoe at Funny Patents and Inventions, I'm not exactly sure how this system works, but it does seem that even if you don't know where you're going, this shoe could be helpful for determining where you are.

I wonder how the system fares in rain? Could you get shocked if you happen to slog through a puddle? Also, I wonder if you could have a bit of fun with someone and program one shoe to point a person in one direction and the other to point the opposite way?

This Footwear with GPS system idea reminds me of the saying, "Wherever you go, there you are." Perhaps that could be a slogan for an ad campaign.

GPS Footwear: Program your shoes and start walking? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city travelCityTravelcreativefootwearFunny Patents and InventionsFunnyPatentsAndInventionsGPS systemGpsSysteminventionslostoddballshoesstrangewalkingweird ideasWeirdIdeasMon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Would you want Bob Dylan to voice your GPS?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/would-you-want-bob-dylan-to-voice-your-gps/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/would-you-want-bob-dylan-to-voice-your-gps/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/would-you-want-bob-dylan-to-voice-your-gps/#commentsFiled under:

Earlier today, we ran a poll asking readers if they prefer their GPS devices to have a male or female voice? Andy Murdock, an astute reader, left us a comment pointing out that Bob Dylan is in negotiations to voice a GPS unit. Sure, Dylan's a music legend and an icon, but is his voice conducive to getting me from Point A to Point B?

I've seen Dylan in concert. I would consider myself a fan. I've understood about six words I've heard him speak in interviews. He sounds like he keeps marbles in his mouth. I need my GPS to sound clear and keep me advised of my route. The last thing I need is Bob Dylan warbling, "The speed limits they are a changin'," as I approach a school zone.

This news did get me thinking, though. What celebrities would I want to voice my GPS? Eartha Kitt would be amusing. And everything is better when voiced by Morgan Freeman. Christopher Walken does a great Lady Gaga, but not sure he could spit out turn-by-turn directions quickly enough for my taste.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. Having Bob Dylan tell you to turn left is a good idea for someone. But it ain't me, babe.

What celebrity would you want to voice your GPS? Leave us a comment below.

Photo by Flickr user ♣Tigerlily ♣.

Would you want Bob Dylan to voice your GPS? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob DylanBobDylanChristopher WalkenChristopherWalkenEartha KittEarthaKittGPSMorgan FreemanMorganFreemanMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is your GPS male or female?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/poll-is-your-gps-male-or-female/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/poll-is-your-gps-male-or-female/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/poll-is-your-gps-male-or-female/#commentsFiled under:

I've been in plenty of cars on several continents that had GPS units. I've heard robotic male Aussies instruct me through a roundabout and seductive French women tell me to U-turn in 300 meters. And for giggles, I've set the devices to Chinese, Portuguese and several other languages that I do not speak or understand simply to hear them come out of a tiny box mounted on my windshield. But, at the end of the day, I need to hear my directions in English and I like to hear them dictated in a woman's voice (particularly one with a sensual British accent). I'm not sure what that says about me, but it's the truth.

What about you? Do you set your GPS to a male or female voice? Vote in our poll and explain your preference in the comments below.

View Poll



Photo by flickr user Jimmy_Joe.

Poll: Is your GPS male or female? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivingGPSgps-daynavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystempollMon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Underwater Cell Phone System]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/skymall-monday-underwater-cell-phone-system/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/skymall-monday-underwater-cell-phone-system/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/skymall-monday-underwater-cell-phone-system/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here at the SkyMall Monday headquarters, the motto is "Be Prepared...Always" I considered copying the Boy Scouts' motto verbatim, but I just can't support any organization that places so much emphasis on neckerchiefs. That said, I like to be ready for any situation, and thankfully the SkyMall catalog anticipates every situation imaginable (and some that only a person on a tremendous amount of hallucinogens could possibly consider). So, while some people are content with put their faith in maps, GPS systems and charts, I require a Plan D. I need to know that, at any time, I can contact my SkyMall Monday support team for assistance. As I often find myself 40 meters underwater and completely lost, I can't be trying to read a soggy AAA TripTik with outdated notes about speed traps. No, I need real help. Thankfully, SkyMall anticipated this completely common and harrowing situation and responsibly chose to distribute a product that can help me when nothing else can. The next time I'm disoriented below sea level, I'm going to call the Gadling editors and ask for help on my Underwater Cell Phone System.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Underwater Cell Phone System

SkyMall Monday: Underwater Cell Phone System originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpha UWCPAlphaUwcpcell phoneCellPhonegps-dayphoneSCUBASCUBA divingScubaDivingSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaytelephoneunderwaterunderwater cell phone systemUnderwaterCellPhoneSystemMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fun with your global positioning system: GPS drawing]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/fun-with-your-global-positioning-system-gps-drawing/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/fun-with-your-global-positioning-system-gps-drawing/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/fun-with-your-global-positioning-system-gps-drawing/#commentsFiled under:

GPS systems are everywhere these days, thanks largely in part due to ubiquidous iPhones and Blackberries. The technology, proper, isn't very cumbersome either -- one can get a GPS chip small enough to uplink into a laptop computer or even to tie to a dog. That's what Jeremy Wood did in the below video, creating a virtual map of two dogs running around a park in Oxford.

Me and You from Jeremy Wood on Vimeo.

It's all part of his project over at GPS Drawing where Mr. Wood has collected oodles of drawings created by adventurous GPS owners and a lot of spare time. Excellent examples are the Elephant in Brighton, UK and Mosquito (!) from Bangkok, Thailand. See if you can do better next time you're out on the road.

Fun with your global positioning system: GPS drawing originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangkokgpsgps drawinggps-dayGpsDrawingthailandMon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep your home address out of your GPS unit]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/keep-your-home-address-out-of-your-gps-unit/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/keep-your-home-address-out-of-your-gps-unit/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/keep-your-home-address-out-of-your-gps-unit/#commentsFiled under:

Have you ever considered what could happen if your vehicle is stolen, along with your GPS unit? A thief could tell the GPS unit to "go home". If you are like most people, you'll provide easy access to your home with the garage door opener in your vehicle.

Now, I'll admit right away that this scenario does build heavily on some pretty healthy paranoia, but I'm of the opinion that "better safe than sorry" applies here.

When you program your home address into the GPS, program it without a house number, or better yet - set it to a couple of blocks away. You know where you live (I hope), and if you need the GPS to get you home every night, you need more help than a GPS unit can provide. Removing your home address is just one more way to help keep you, your family and your belongings safe.

Keep your home address out of your GPS unit originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsgps navigationgps-dayGpsNavigationgpsreceiverhome addressHomeAddressMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Hampshire museum dedicated to vintage camping]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/museum-of-family-camping-dedicated-to-vintage-camping/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/museum-of-family-camping-dedicated-to-vintage-camping/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/museum-of-family-camping-dedicated-to-vintage-camping/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There once was a time when family vacations meant loading up the car and hitting the road for a camping trip that involved setting up a big canvas tent or parking a silver Airstream camper in a vaguely wooded area, and enjoying some time in the great outdoors. It was a simpler time, when mom packed sandwiches in a wicker picnic basket, or dad helped cook dinner by sliding a hot dog on to a stick that would be hovered over the fire for an indeterminate time.

Fortunately, that era isn't completely lost to us thanks to the Museum of Family Camping located in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. The museum was the brainchild of one Roy Heise, who first proposed such a site back in 1990. Heise spent years collecting all manner of camping gear starting with his years with the Boy Scouts and extending to his later life, when in 1955 he opened the first public campgrounds in New Hampshire. Heise's collection became the launching point of the museum when it finally opened its doors back in 1993, and since that time, the number of items on display has risen to more than 1500.

This slice of camping Americana begins with the building itself. The museum is housed in a wooden bunkhouse that dates back to the 1930's, with several 50's era campers flanking it on either side. Moving inside, you'll find all manner of vintage gear, including old lanterns, coolers, tents and sleeping bags. There is even a full campsite set up in a manner of the time period, that gives us an indication of just what "roughing it" meant in bygone years.

As if all that old gear wasn't enough of a draw, the museum is also home to the Family Camping Hall of Fame, which includes such luminaries as Teddy Roosevelt, L.L. Bean, and Roy Heise himself. One wall inside the old log cabin is filled with plaques dedicated to memorializing those that made camping fun and adventurous for families everywhere.

The museum is a perfect walk down memory lane for those who have fond memories of camping with the entire family, but modern campers will get a kick out of it too, as they realize how much their gear has evolved and changed over the years. If you're ever in Allenstown, stop by to see how camping in the U.S. has changed over the years and be glad that our tents now weigh a third of what they once did and our campfire dinners have improved immeasurably.

New Hampshire museum dedicated to vintage camping originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camp groundsCampGroundscampingcamping gearcampinggearmuseumnew hampshireNewHampshireoutdoorsvintagevintage campingvintageamericaVintageCampingMon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Solafeet Foot Tanner]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/skymall-monday-solafeet-foot-tanner/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/skymall-monday-solafeet-foot-tanner/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/skymall-monday-solafeet-foot-tanner/#commentsFiled under:

This week, as promised, I'm featuring the best new product in the Holiday 2009 SkyMall catalog. And it couldn't come at a better time.

This may shock you, but being America's leading SkyMall expert doesn't pay very well. So, I've applied for a lot of jobs to supplement my income. My resumé is impressive. I interview well. But at the end of the process, I always get turned down. And my status of a Doctor of SkyMall also doesn't attract as many woman as you might think. So, I end up asking out random females every chance I get. It's not that I have trouble meeting women. I can usually entertain them with witty anecdotes and cheap liquor. But when the time comes to have adult relations, they always point and laugh. To be honest with you, I was about to kill myself after all of this rejection. But then I realized that the problem was right there in front of me. Well, more accurately, it was underneath me. My pale feet were making me a social pariah. But how could I possibly remedy such an acute condition? How could I treat a problem as complex and localized as Pale Feet Syndrome Disease Condition (PFSDC)? Depressed and out of socks, I turned to my Primary Care Physician: SkyMall. And what did the good catalog prescribe? You guessed it: The Solafeet Foot Tanner.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Solafeet Foot Tanner

SkyMall Monday: Solafeet Foot Tanner originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feetSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaySolafeet Foot TannerSolafeetFootTannertantan linesTanLinestannertanningMon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder - enter the Gadling anniversary contest for your chance to win an IPEVO Kaleido R7 photo frame!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/24/reminder-enter-the-gadling-anniversary-contest-for-your-chance/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/24/reminder-enter-the-gadling-anniversary-contest-for-your-chance/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/24/reminder-enter-the-gadling-anniversary-contest-for-your-chance/#commentsFiled under:



You have got till Monday, October 26th at noon to enter our anniversary contest for your chance to win one of five IPEVO Kaleido R7 WiFi enabled photo frames. These fantastic frames can display live galleries with content from Flickr, Picasa, Google image search and a variety of other sources.

Entering is simple, and you can pick three different ways for your chance to win - and we'll even allow you to enter all three ways, greatly increasing your odds at winning! Head on over to the contest page for the instructions and don't forget to check out the IPEVO Kaleido R7 product page to learn more about this great product.

Reminder - enter the Gadling anniversary contest for your chance to win an IPEVO Kaleido R7 photo frame! originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gadling giveawaygadling giveawaysGadlingGiveawayGadlingGiveawaysipevoipevo kaleido r7IpevoKaleidoR7Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadling Take Five: Oct. 17--Oct. 23 ]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/24/gadling-take-five-oct-17-oct-23/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/24/gadling-take-five-oct-17-oct-23/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/24/gadling-take-five-oct-17-oct-23/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Each time I read through posts for Gadling Take Five, I look for those that may have been missed by readers. I also look for posts that may fit together in some sort of cosmic theme. It's often hard to choose five. While browsing the offerings this week, it seems this was a week of great ideas. This week I found a gold mine.

Here are ten great ideas:

  • When Alison was at Litquake in San Francisco she discovered The Bookmobile, a former actual Bookmobile that has been turned into an experiential gathering place for readers, if you will. If you see the Bookmobile somewhere along the Lincoln Highway this year, step inside. You might encounter a famous author driving it. The material being gathered during the Bookmobile's journey will be turned into a documentary.
  • A good idea worth considering is reducing the number of traffic signs. Although Aaron is a swell driver, he's given some thought to how he might be better at it if there were fewer signs to distract him. There is research to prove him right. Fewer signs have been shown to decrease accidents.
  • As world travelers, we're often introduced to problems we wouldn't have been otherwise. In Tibet, blindness is a problem. In Sean's post on the Planeterra Foundation, you can read more about the organization's wonderful idea to tackle blindness and how you might get involved.
  • Kraig, who knows a thing or two about adventure travel, highlights the reasons why hiking the Continental Divide Trail is a good idea. In the case of hiking this trail, Kraig suggests a good idea is to plan for extremes. For example, on one section there's a lack of water. On another, you'll be on the look out for grizzles.
  • Here are two airlines with great ideas. KLM is giving away personalized luggage tags. Scott tells you how to get them. Virgin America is considering testing out this good idea. Those without carry-ons can board first. Alison did think about how this good idea might not be so good after all.
  • If you're on a long flight, Tom has come up with great ideas for how to be more productive. Since one of my favorite things to do on a plane is zone out, Tom's tips are extra handy.
  • For anyone looking for where to have a destination wedding. Look no further than St. Maarten. Katie has the scoop on why having a wedding on this island is a great idea. It's free.
  • You probably came across Annie's post on 10 things not to forget to pack when you go on a trip. Pajamas is one of them, something I consistently forget.
  • Here's a good idea that might be a bit weird. I found out about GoGirl, a device that helps women pee like men.
  • And here's a shout out to Heather's grand idea even though it's already found great press. It's such a great idea, I had to include it. Heather has turned Laviator into a household word. I still have yet to become a Laviator. It's probably because of my tendency to zone out on a plane. One of these days, though--one of these days.

Gadling Take Five: Oct. 17--Oct. 23 originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continental divide trail allianceContinentalDivideTrailAlliancedestination weddingsDestinationWeddingsGadling Take FiveGadlingTakeFiveGoGirlKLMlaviatorluggage tagsLuggageTagsPlaneterra FoundationPlaneterraFoundationst. maartenSt.Maartentraffic signsTrafficSignsVirgin AmericaVirginAmericaSat, 24 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 10.21.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/21/gadlinks-for-wednesday-10-21-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/21/gadlinks-for-wednesday-10-21-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/21/gadlinks-for-wednesday-10-21-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hump day is upon us, and for today I have some pretty fresh, eco-friendly/Asia-themed travel reads for you. Snuggle up with your laptop and enjoy!

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 10.21.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air travelAirTravelecogadlinksindonesiaislamtaiwanWed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Device helps women on the go "go" in the woods or elsewhere]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/device-helps-women-on-the-go-go-in-the-woods-or-elsewhere/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/device-helps-women-on-the-go-go-in-the-woods-or-elsewhere/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/device-helps-women-on-the-go-go-in-the-woods-or-elsewhere/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're a woman traveler, you've probably been in a quandary at one time or another wondering how and where you might pee. Gazing about, it seems that no bush is big enough. Trees seem skinny. Where is the best angle to squat to be the most discrete in case someone unexpectedly rounds a corner?

If in a vehicle and nature calls, the nearest gas station or fast food place may seem like the only solution.

For a guy, it's a different story. I mean, really--don't guys just seem to go any old place?

Here's a new solution for women that's better than the portable toilet that Catherine wrote about two years ago--no offense to the portable toilet. It may be a swell idea for a car trip, but it's not as if you'll lug one along on a hike.

The GoGirl, however, looks practical. According to the description of how it works in Hilary Howard's New York Times article , it could be fun. The contraption allows women to pee in "an arc-like penile stream" while standing up.

Sarah Dillon, the president and founder of GoGirl, is currently focusing on the women hikers and women traveling with young children market. Another market Dillon might consider tapping into big time is women who are traveling to countries where squat toilets are widely used. Squat toilets create another dilemma.

Squatting and peeing straight down takes practice. GoGirl might be a perfect solution to keeping shoes pee free. With its small size and affordable price of $6.99, GoGirl could be easily added to Annie's Top 10 things not to forget on a trip. For women, make the list a Top 11 list for peace of mind.

Gallery: Top Ten Strangest Hotel Guest Requests

Can you turn down the ocean?Can I get a New York Cheesecake? From New York?My dog needs her own room. Can I have a bonfire on the terrace?Can you cut holes in my sheets?

Device helps women on the go "go" in the woods or elsewhere originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devicesgearGoGirlhikingNew York TimesNewYorkTimesoutdoorspeeingportable toiletPortableToileturninatingwomen travelerswomens healthwomens travelWomensHealthWomensTravelWomenTravelersTue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top ten things not to forget on a trip]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/top-ten-things-not-to-forget-on-a-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/top-ten-things-not-to-forget-on-a-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/top-ten-things-not-to-forget-on-a-trip/#commentsFiled under: ,

SuitcasesWe all usually try to travel light, but when you succeed, do you feel a little nervous? I do. If I can lift my suitcase without grunting, I'm fairly certain I've forgotten something. Here's a list of the Top ten things not to forget on a trip -- hopefully both you and I can remember to check it next time we're about to head out of town!

1. Cell Phone Charger. They've started carrying universal chargers (with multiple heads) at places like Walgreens, but that's $15 to $20 you really shouldn't have to spend.

2. Program Your Phone. Do you have the airline and hotel phone numbers in your phone? You should. It's also a good idea to list your destination's number for taxis, and someone with ICE (In Case of Emergency) before their name.

3. Passport and Tickets or Itinerary. You need some form of photo ID to travel even domestically, so don't forget it. The passport is obviously important for foreign travel, but make sure it isn't about to expire; many countries won't let you in with under six months left. Also, even if you booked all your travel online, customs will sometimes ask to see your full itinerary, so bring tickets or print it all out.

Continue reading Top ten things not to forget on a trip

Top ten things not to forget on a trip originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>packingtipstips-and-tricksTop 10Top TenTop10TopTenTue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Reader Favorite]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/skymall-monday-reader-favorite/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/skymall-monday-reader-favorite/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/skymall-monday-reader-favorite/#commentsFiled under:

Kia ora from New Zealand. I'm in the Southern Hemisphere for the fourth time this year since Spring is better than Fall and I wanted to miss the first sign of snow in New York City. I also wanted to take a long trip to maximize my time with the new SkyMall catalog (more on that later). While I may be away, I have been monitoring last week's SkyMall Monday reader poll very closely. I was flattered, humbled and honored at the outpouring of responses. It's been a thrilling ride over the last twelve months as I've explored the nooks and crannies of the Skymall catalog and I'm glad that you've enjoyed it so much. The competition was fierce and people had strong opinions about which SkyMall Monday was their favorite. It was a good, clean fight and in the end, I think we were the biggest winner. I mean, SkyMall has solved all the problems that we never knew we had! That said, I was a tad surprised by the results of the poll. I expected a much closer competition, but instead we had a very decisive winner. So, what was your favorite SkyMall Monday of the feature's first year?

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Reader Favorite

SkyMall Monday: Reader Favorite originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baseball Bat Pepper GrinderBaseballBatPepperGrinderCruzin CoolerCruzinCoolerDouble UmbrellaDoubleUmbrellaSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaySkyRest Travel PillowSkyrestTravelPillowWine Glass Holder NecklaceWineGlassHolderNecklaceMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/12/skymall-monday-anniversary-gift-card-giveaway/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/12/skymall-monday-anniversary-gift-card-giveaway/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/12/skymall-monday-anniversary-gift-card-giveaway/#commentsFiled under:

Get the champagne on ice, don your finest party hat and put out a cheese plate, because today we are celebrating the ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SKYMALL MONDAY! On October 13, 2008, Gadling charged me with delivering to you, our dear readers, one SkyMall product review per week. Did I want that responsibility? Yes. Do I enjoy doing it? Of course. Should I be celebrated for it? Absolutely. But you know who else should reap the benefits of our weekly SkyMall dalliances? You! So, to celebrate the first anniversary of SkyMall Monday, we're giving away a $100 gift card to...SKYMALL!

First things first. Let's take a walk down memory lane and look at some of the best products featured in SkyMall Monday over the past 12 months. From massive travel pillows to motorized coolers to umbrellas built for two, I've reviewed plenty of amazing gear that you most certainly now own. And to make things interesting, we have a poll to decide which SkyMall Monday was your favorite.

After the jump, a look back at some of our favorites and your chance to win that $100 SkyMall gift card.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway

SkyMall Monday: Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryBaseball Bat Pepper GrinderBaseballBatPepperGrindercontestcoolerCruzin CoolerCruzinCoolerDouble UmbrellaDoubleUmbrellagift cardGiftCardPepper GrinderPepperGrinderpillowpollSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaySkyRest Travel pillowSkyrestTravelPillowTravel pillowTravelPillowumbrellawinewine glassWine Glass Holder NecklaceWineGlassWineGlassHolderNecklaceMon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Climb a mountain for charity in 2010]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/12/climb-a-mountain-for-charity-in-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/12/climb-a-mountain-for-charity-in-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/12/climb-a-mountain-for-charity-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The details for the 2010 Summit For Someone program were announced late last week, and registration has gone live this morning, allowing for experienced and aspiring mountaineers alike to climb a mountain for a cause next year. The program, which is sponsored by Backpacker Magazine, has become an annual fund raising event for Big City Mountaineers, an organization that enhances the lives of at risk urban kids by introducing them to a variety of outdoor activities.

The concept behind Summit For Someone is simple. You select a mountain that you would like like to climb from a list of iconic peaks, that includes the likes of Denali, Rainier, or Whitney, amongst others. Each mountain has a dollar value attached to it, and when you fill out the registration, you are committing to raising that amount of money for the Big City Mountaineers. Climbing Rainier, for instance, requires a pledge of $4000, while the more remote and technical Denali is $7500. You can choose to pay for the climb yourself or recruit your friends and family to sponsor your climb, but either way, the cash is going directly to a great cause.

Once you're locked into your climb of choice, you'll also receive a gift card for MountainGear.com that will help you pick out some of the equipment you'll need for your adventure. The value of the gift cards also vary depending on the mountain you select. For instance, using the same two examples above, Rainier would garner you $800 in gear, while Denali nets you $1200 in loot.

Continue reading Climb a mountain for charity in 2010

Climb a mountain for charity in 2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelbackpacker magazinebackpackermagazinebig city mountaineersBigCityMountaineersclimbingdenalimountaineermountaineeringrainiersummit entertainmentsummit for someoneSummitEntertainmentSummitForSomeoneMon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Travel Writer Favorites]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/05/skymall-monday-travel-writer-favorites/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/05/skymall-monday-travel-writer-favorites/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/05/skymall-monday-travel-writer-favorites/#commentsFiled under:

October is a very special month for SkyMall Monday (and not just because Halloween makes this thing more appropriate). You see, come October 13, this li'l ol' feature will be exactly one-year old! That means it's finally eating solid foods, sporting a luxurious head of hair and wetting itself constantly. It's been a heck of a year for SkyMall Monday, and I've met a lot of great people along the way (including one very special friend). Sharing my love of SkyMall with others and hearing about their experiences with every traveler's guilty pleasure has kept me laughing during many long layovers. In that spirit, to kick off Gadling's month-long celebration of SkyMall Monday, I asked several travel writers to write about their favorite SkyMall products. The hard part wasn't getting them to participate. No, it was getting them to select just one product about which to gush. Who knew people loved SkyMall so much? Well, you and I did. Duh! So, below you will find the SkyMall wish list of some of the best travel writers around. And in italics you will find my review of their selections. Hey, I still run this joint.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Travel Writer Favorites

SkyMall Monday: Travel Writer Favorites originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex BasekAlexander BasekAlexanderBasekAlexBasekAlexi UeltzenAlexiUeltzenAmy WiddowsonAmyWiddowsonAndrew EvansAndrewEvansCustom Inflatable CostumeCustomInflatableCostumeDavid FarleyDavidFarleyearphonesIndiana JonesIndiana Jones Leather BullwhipIndianaJonesIndianaJonesLeatherBullwhipKing TutKing Tut Life-Sized CabinetKingTutKingTutLife-sizedCabinetNicole LernerNicoleLernerNileGuideRobert ReidRobertReidShureShure Se530ShureSe530SkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaytruck antlersTruckAntlersVictoria GuitierrezVictoriaGuitierrezWine and Liquor AcceleratorWineAndLiquorAcceleratorMon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST