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Gadlinks for Monday 11.9.09

Brenda Yun — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Learning, Blogs, North America, United States, Ecotourism

It's Wild America day here at Gadling, and we should feel grateful to have so many wild things to be crazy about here in America! Well, if nothing else, there's always "Where the Wild Things Are," which could very well be this year's sleeper of a film. Here are few more Wild America travel sleepers that should have caught your eye but for some reason didn't.

Aquariums might not at first strike you as particularly wild, but the underwater world certainly is, and this guide breaks down America's most family-friendly aquariums. [via Peter Greenberg]
After watching Ken Burns's "America's Best Idea," we should all be grateful for the beautiful wilderness of America's national parks. [via The Traveler's Notebook]
Whale watching is a worldwide pastime, and while whales may not be as endangered as they used to be, we still need to proceed with caution. [via Wall Street Journal]
Once you escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, Hawaii can be an awfully wild place. Check out these endangered island sights before it's too late. [via Honolulu Magazine]
It's important to consider animal welfare when we're out enjoying America's wilderness. Here are some good animal-friendly travel tips to get you in a more compassionate traveler. [via Intelligent Travel]

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Monday 11.9.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plan a luxury safari in the US with American Safari Cruises

Katie Hammel — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, North America, United States, News, Cruises

When most people think of a "safari" they think of hiking through the bush of South Africa or trekking through the jungles of Costa Rica in search of exotic animals native to the region.

But here in the US we have plenty of our own wild animals to see and going "on safari" here doesn't have to mean doing one of those drive-though "wild animal" parks where non-native animals like zebras and giraffes flock to your car for the food they know you're going to throw at them through your open window.

For a more upscale safari trip in the United States, check out American Safari Cruises, which offers small-group ultra-luxury all-inclusive sailings around North America. There's aren't your typical mega-cruises. The vessels are yatchs and are limited to 12, 22 or 36 guests. All meals, airport transfers, alcoholic drinks and shores excursions are included in the price. And according to the company's website, they institute green and sustainable practices, and give back to the communities they visit on each safari.

Some of the safaris offered include spotting whales, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, mountain goats and wolves in Alaska, birdwatching and snorkeling with sea turtles and exotic fish in Hawaii, and looking for whales, sea lions, seals, black bears and deer in the Pacific Northwest.

Cruises range from 7 to 14 nights and rates start at about $5000 per person.

Plan a luxury safari in the US with American Safari Cruises originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A review of Cheapflights.com's "Travelnomics: Calling on Cuba" guide

Brenda Yun — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Stories, Cuba, Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines, Transportation, Budget Travel, Internet Tools, Travel Deals, Caribbean

Change is upon Cuba, and American travelers are especially eager to capitalize on the end of the travel embargo. In anticipation of the easing of travel restrictions to Cuba, Cheapflights.com recently put together "Travelnomics: Calling on Cuba," a helpful PDF guide on traveling to Cuba. The guide provides travelers with a glimpse of life and travel in Cuba, travel accounts from writers familiar with the country, and a list of airlines that are or will fly to Cuba.

Having traveled to Cuba myself, I think this handy guide is an accurate reflection of what it's like to travel there. It provides interested travelers with a good overview of the country's sights, sounds, and smells, which helped remind me of what made Cuba such a unique place -- lost in time and unbelievably beautiful. Keith Jenkins of Velvet Escape and Cuba travel expert Christopher Baker further describe the country's real richness and warmth.

Continue reading A review of Cheapflights.com's "Travelnomics: Calling on Cuba" guide

A review of Cheapflights.com's "Travelnomics: Calling on Cuba" guide originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Museum Junkie: Oxford's Ashmolean reopens today

Sean McLachlan — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, United Kingdom

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

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.

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

Alison Brick — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Food and Drink, Grenada, Caribbean

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.

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Bowermaster's Adventures -- The Charles Darwin Research Center

Jon Bowermaster — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Learning, South America, Ecuador, Video, Ecotourism

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.

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Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09

Brenda Yun — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Food and Drink, Blogs, North America, United States, Airlines

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.

This astute article details the dark side of adventure holidays. [via Telegraph]
I'm ready for a sushi revolution, but are you? [via Hemispheres]
Trip Advisor advises us on how to protect the world's most important places. I'm all for it! [via Blisstree]
We all know about those negligent pilots who claimed to be using their laptops and bypassed their arrival city, but what's the truth behind pilots, laptops, and air safety? [via The Week]

'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.

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The Spice Isle: Where trails are paved with nutmeg shells

Alison Brick — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Learning, Grenada, Ecotourism, Caribbean

"You can use it for tea" he says after picking the small leaf and handing it to me to smell.

There doesn't seem to be anything that Telfor Bedeau doesn't know about Grenada's plants. In the past 50 yards alone, he's pointed out trees that would've gone unnoticed as anything other than anonymous tropical trees. But now they're recognized as some of my favorite things in the world: guava, mango, cinnamon. I'm already imagining my next supermarket trip back home going a little differently.

Telfor would be considered spry for any age, but especially since he just turned 70. He celebrated the day by doing what he seems to do (and love) best: hiking up to the top of Grenada's highest peak, Mount Saint Catharine (2,757 feet).

It was his 157th time.

Known as the "Indiana Jones of Grenada," he reached the milestone of having hiked 10,000 miles throughout Grenada in 2005. Guiding since 1990, he hikes in jellies (plastic sandals) while everybody else on the trail relies on treaded sneakers and walking sticks. He's easy to extend a smile to everyone, and a hand to anyone who needs one.

It's not that I'm writing this to flatter him -- there's little chance that he'll read this, since he doesn't use a computer or have email. No doubt it contributes to his youthful appearance. That and all the hiking. And the fact that his diet solely consists of raw fruits and vegetables.

So it was with intrigue -- both in my hiking guide Telfor and the trail -- that I hiked to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls in Grand Etang National Park.

Gallery: Grand Etang National Park, Grenada

Continue reading The Spice Isle: Where trails are paved with nutmeg shells

The Spice Isle: Where trails are paved with nutmeg shells originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rosetta Stone TOTALe - Can you really learn a language online?

Annie Scott — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Internet Tools

Rosetta Stone contacted me and (full disclosure) sent me a free trial of their new Totale program. This online-based language learning system includes:

Social networking capabilities
Coach-led practice sessions
Engaging language games and access to native speakers
Encouragement from customer success agents

But can you really learn a language online? This is what I set to find out, because quick online language learning would be really helpful for travelers like you and me.

I chose to receive the Mandarin Chinese course, as I have four years of Mandarin under my belt. I wanted to be able to properly assess the way the language was taught. I donned and tested my headset (which they make very easy), and jumped in to Unit 1, Lesson 1.

My immediate reaction was that, firstly, it's really fun. The program uses photos and tries to get you to intuitively understand the subjects, for example, that one photo is of a young girl, and the next photo is a group of adult women. The system says the words in Chinese and displays them on the screen, and you click the picture to which you think the phrase corresponds. If you're right, you get a satisfying "Ding!" of approval. It makes you feel smart.

When it came to the computer recognizing my speech, I was very impressed by the speed at which I could speak and still be understood (and really glad I don't have roommates). One thing that concerned me about the program was the reading/writing. Chinese doesn't use regular letters (though a Pin Yin system of letters is widely used in teaching the language), nor do they even have an alphabet. Could this package teach anyone to read and write? I'll come back to that.

Continue reading Rosetta Stone TOTALe - Can you really learn a language online?

Rosetta Stone TOTALe - Can you really learn a language online? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos!

Jon Bowermaster — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, South America, Ecuador, Ecotourism

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.

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

Sean McLachlan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, United States

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.

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Museum Junkie: Manga and Moctezuma at the British Museum

Sean McLachlan — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, Japan, United Kingdom, Mexico

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

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.

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National Geographic Glimpse program accepting applications

Katie Hammel — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, North America, United States, News

If you are between the ages of 18 and 34 and will be living abroad for at least ten weeks between January and July of 2010, the National Geographic Glimpse program wants to hear from you.

Glimpse correspondents will take photos and write stories about their experiences abroad, receive training and support from professional editors, get a $600 stipend, and have the possibility of being featured in National Geographic Magazine.

Candidates do not have to be US citizens, but they must have access to the internet while abroad and commit to working with the program editors on their submissions, which will include photos, stories about the place they are living, the people they meet, and the experiences they share. Applicants need to submit two references and a writing sample, plus an $18 fee for consideration.

Applications are due November 8, and finalists will be announced December 15, 2009. If your time abroad doesn't coincide with the spring schedule, you can apply for the fall program (August to December) starting in April, 2010.

National Geographic Glimpse program accepting applications originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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South by Southeast: The Tao of long-term travel

Jeremy Kressmann — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning

Welcome back to Gadling's newest series on Southeast Asia, South by Southeast. Long-term travel is a topic with considerable baggage, both in the travel community and the world at large. For those tied to life's obligations - jobs, children, mortgages - checking out to spend a few months (or years) on the road is irresponsible. For those righteously living out of a backpack on the other side of the world - nodding their heads smugly at their "enlightened lifestyle" - the people back home are afraid to take chances.

But both sides of this debate get it wrong. No matter your perspective on the issue, the decision to take a long-term trip must be grounded in personal circumstances and aligned with reality. To do it any other way is to fall victim to the same old travel cliches.

So what is long term travel really about? And how is it different than a vacation? The answer to this question is complicated - there are as many justifications for long-term trips as their are places to visit. But in order to give some perspective to the topic, let's take a look at some of my own reasons for taking a long-term trip. Whether you empathize with me or think I'm an idiot, it will help explain why long-term travel isn't just "another vacation." Click below to see why...

Continue reading South by Southeast: The Tao of long-term travel

South by Southeast: The Tao of long-term travel originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vintage candy making in Maine

Jamie Rhein — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, United States, Video

Ever since 1915, Haven's Candies has been making hand-crafted candy in a traditional way, much like the company's founder Herbert Haven and his wife did when they first started making candy in their kitchen. They sold their confections from the parlor of their house on Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine.

Now there are three Haven's Candies locations. The company's flagship candy making facility, that includes a retail and wholesale store, is in Westbrook, Maine. Other retail locations are in Portland and Scarborough.

If you've ever wondered how candy is made the old fashioned way, this video clip of Haven's Candies covers it. From peanut butter cups to coconut haystacks to candy canes, it's all here. By the end, you'll have a sweet tooth craving.

It is possible to see Haven's Candies being made in person. There is an open house at the candy factory every year on Columbus Day. Guided tours are also available at other times. Plus, the candy making area of the Westbrook location has glass windows. When the store is open you can watch the candy production.

Vintage candy making in Maine originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marblehead--colonial jewel of New England

Sean McLachlan — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, United States

In a country dominated by big box stores and strip malls, it can be easy to forget our past, but there are occasional spots that are so well preserved they overwhelm you with a sense of another age. Marblehead, Massachusetts, is one of them.

Founded in 1629, Marblehead soon became a prosperous fishing village. In the 18th century it was home to privateers (a politically correct term for pirates) who attacked shipping in the Atlantic. When the American War of Independence started it was Marblehead men who crewed the first ship in the American navy, the Hannah. The town also supplied crews for the boats that ferried Washington over the Delaware river. You don't get more Yankee than that!

But that promising beginning did not lead to greater things. Marblehead became a sleepy fishing and yachting backwater. This was just what it needed. "Development" generally passed it by, allowing the Colonial houses and winding, cobblestone streets to survive intact. I've been all up and down the New England coast and I can think of few places that evoke the 18th century like Marblehead. When antiquarian and horror writer H.P. Lovecraft first saw it in 1922 he was so taken with its beauty he used it as inspiration for his fictional town of Kingsport, the setting of several of his stories. Don't worry, there are no sinister denizens summoning up unclean gods, just wealthy New Englanders with an appreciation for the past.

The best way to see Marblehead is to simply wander in the old town center, where historic homes cluster around the harbor. You'll spot buildings that are two or even three centuries old, and while you may be familiar with this sort of architecture, seeing so much of it is what's truly impressive. It's a bit like a Yankee Pompeii, where the vistas once admired by periwigged gentlemen can still be seen and entire blocks once inhabited by America's early merchants are still preserved. The homes of 17th century fishermen and the cemeteries of Revolutionary War heroes are much as they were. Don't forget to stop by the J.O.J. Frost Folk Art Gallery to see the work of the famous local artist and the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum. These two stops will give you some historic background to the town.

Marblehead is great for history buffs, but it's a popular fishing and yachting destination too. I'm not much of a sailor (although I did catch a sand shark off Cape Cod once) so I don't have any first-person experience with this side of the Marblehead experience, but the beautiful harbor and numerous yacht clubs show a lot of promise. Vicarious landlubbers can get a splendid view of the harbor from Fort Sewall, dating back to 1644.

Marblehead--colonial jewel of New England originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadlinks for Saturday 10.24.09

Brenda Yun — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Festivals and Events, Blogs, Stories, North America, United States

Did you know today is the International Day of Climate Action? According to 350.org, "People in 181 countries are coming together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people are gathering to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis." In keeping with this special day, I've saved our usual Friday Gadlinks for today to present you with travel-oriented reads related to climate change. Hope you enjoy!

CNN covered 350.org's climate change initiative today, and the world is responding. [via 350.org]
Here are five of the coolest climate change stories from around the world. [via Inhabitat]
If you're in Honolulu, there's a free screening of a climate change documentary playing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's campus this afternoon. [via Honolulu on the Cheap]
In a personal effort to raise awareness on climate change, one man is biking around South America. [via Tree Hugger]
That bike trip may be a bit extreme. If you don't have that much time or energy to campaign for climate change, here are six small things you can do to save the environment. [via Go Green Travel Green]

'Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Saturday 10.24.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling Take Five: Oct. 17--Oct. 23

Jamie Rhein — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Business, Festivals and Events, Gear, United States, Airlines, Budget Travel, News

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.

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Get out and go: Events around the world (October 21-25)

Brenda Yun — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Asia, North America, Oceania, Japan, Canada, Jamaica, United States, Australia, Caribbean

Here's a travel factoid for the day: Did you know that it was 32 years ago today that three members of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd were killed in the crash of a chartered plane near McComb, Mississippi?

...But don't let that fact prevent you from traveling and experiencing the world!

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!

Montreal - The Travel and Adventure Film Festival begins Wednesday, October 21 and continues until the 24th. The festival celebrates both short and long films.
Brisbane - The Caloudra Music Festival will take place at King Beach Bark in Caloundra, near Brisbane, on Thursday, October 22. This is a family-friendly event aimed at celebrating diversity in the local community and will continue until October 25th.
Kyoto - Kurama Himatsuri, Japan's legendary fire festival, will see boys carrying torches through the streets of Kyoto, eventually converging at the Yuki-jinja Shrine, this Thursday, October 22.
Montego Bay - Wata Rose Hall Health and Wellness Festival begins Friday, October 23, and culminates with a triathlon on October 26.
Boston - Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens at Boston's Museum or Science this Sunday, October 25. The exhibition showcases the supreme artistry and craftsmanship that went into the making of the ever-popular film series.

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 (October 21-25) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photos of the Lakota: a lesson in culture and inclusion

Jamie Rhein — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Photos, Stories, North America, United States

In Mike's post on he brought up the conflict one can experience in cultural tourism. He was prompted to write down his thoughts after visiting the Tiwi Islands in Australia. In the photo essay and interview in the New York Times, "Behind the Scenes and Still Wounded" Aaron Huey, who found himself drawn into the terrible beauty of the Lakota tribe of the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, Huey alludes to similar ideas.

It is impossible for people to develop an accurate impression of a culture in one visit.

Huey has spent the past five years photographing the Lakota who live in Manderson, one of Pine Ridge's most impoverished towns. This process that has developed friendships that are as close as family and an understanding of the Lakota that few have been able to attain. But, even then, Huey's experience has not brought him any closer to knowing the answer, "'Who are the Lakota?'"

As he writes: In many ways, I feel like it is not my question to answer. The Lakota are a people who have been wronged many times over. Coming from the dominant society and attempting to define them is a guaranteed failure for a white journalist. I have no right to define them.

Huey's photos and essay, along with Mike's musings, are a reminder that as we travel, we're merely picking up tidbits of what a place is about.

What I think happens is that as we travel, we're mostly finding out about who we are by looking through a lens of the "other." If we arrive back home with a better understanding of who we are through our interactions and experiences, we've done well. To really know a place and what a particular culture is about takes years--and even then, it may not make us an expert.

Reading the interview with Huey and looking at the images he captured in Manderson is one place to start on a journey of trying to understand the complexities of the Lakota. It certainly gives an insight into Huey.

(The Hamner Photos image was taken on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Click here for more of them. From what I can tell, they were taken as part of a work camp to build houses on the reservation, just a Band-aid to the poverty problem, according to Huey.)

Photos of the Lakota: a lesson in culture and inclusion originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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