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Coming to you live from Virgin America flight VX8001 at 30,398 feet!
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
Greetings Gadling readers! This post is coming to you live from 35,000 feet, on board Virgin America flight 8001
This special flight is full of fellow bloggers, Youtube celebs and representatives from Virgin and Aircell. The flight celebrates 2 new products; the introduction of the Gogo inflight Internet service on board Virgin America, and the launch of Youtube Live.
We took off about 25 minutes ago and I've just connected to the Wi-Fi signal. Connecting was extremely easy, and the speed of the connection is impressive. .
To give you an idea of just how much fun I am having, I've included some photos of the airborne party.
Later this afternoon, I'll post a list of products and services I tested during the flight.
Many thanks to Virgin America, Youtube and Aircell for putting together this amazing flight, it is without a doubt the most fun I have ever had in the air!
Now, if you don't mind, I have some more of these amazing Virgin America Cocktails to consume.
Coming to you live from Virgin America flight VX8001 at 30,398 feet! originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Scott Carmichael
更新日:2008年11月22日 19時15分
The most fun I have ever had waiting for a flight!
Filed under: Airline Reviews
Welcome to Virgin America flight VX8001. This party plane is about to take off and celebrate the launch of the Gogo in-flight Internet service on Virgin America. The flight will also be the launch location of Youtube Live. The celebration includes Youtube celebrities and plenty of Champagne, so it is bound to be a fantastic ride!
We take off in about an hour, so please check back for some live photos from the party in the air!
The most fun I have ever had waiting for a flight! originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Scott Carmichael
更新日:2008年11月22日 17時45分
Finland is building the world's longest cruise liner
A 1,200-foot-long Royal Caribbean cruise liner being built in Finland got a test run of sorts yesterday, launching into water not far from the country's capital, Helsinki.
The ship boasts 16 passenger decks, 2,700 cabins and can hold 6,300 passengers and nearly half as many crew. And get this: It's got an open-air arena that, according to the Associated Press, is the size of a football field!
It's also got a Greek amphitheater, a skating rink and much more. It cost about $2.5 billion to build.
The official name for the cruise liner is the Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has ordered another one from Finland, to be launched in 2010.
Shipbuilders say the inaugural liner will be completed in about a year and will then sail to Miami before taking on its first passengers. If you're a cruise fan, this is one ship you should keep an eye out for.
Finland is building the world's longest cruise liner originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jeffrey White
更新日:2008年11月22日 15時0分
Winner winner, chicken dinner: First-timer hits it big in Vegas
If you see Hawaii's Jessica Agbunag at a casino some time soon, you might want to rub up against her for good luck.
Agbunag, 24, made her first trip to Las Vegas this week and on Wednesday, at the California Hotel and Casino, she won a cool $2.4 million at a Wheel of Fortune slot machine. She pumped in about $16 into the machine before hitting the jackpot.
Agbunag is a babysitter who was in Sin City with her boyfriend and family on a commemorative trip in honor of her grandmother, who used to love the Vegas slots. She says she is going to use the winnings to pay off her car, and she will spread a little bit of the wealth around among her relatives, she told the Associated Press.
The real question is if this happened to you, would you ever go back to Vegas again? Not sure I would.
Winner winner, chicken dinner: First-timer hits it big in Vegas originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jeffrey White
更新日:2008年11月22日 14時0分
President Kennedy was killed 45 years ago today. Where to head to remember him
Filed under: History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Stories
"If we can not end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy was assassinated 45 years ago today. As one of the events that certainly shaped the collective consciousness of Americans, at least in my opinion, here are places I've been where I've thought of Kennedy and that fateful day where the words "grassy knoll" and "book depository" became part of history books.
As a former Peace Corps volunteer, his legacy has touched me personally.
Place 1: Dealy Plaza and the grassy knoll. There is a plaque here to commemorate Kennedy. The grassy knoll was made famous by the idea that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone. Theories abound that shots were fired from the grassy knoll as well. If you drive along Elm Street, you'll be on the route Kennedy's limousine was following when he became Oswald's target. The plaza is a National Historic Landmark.
Continue reading President Kennedy was killed 45 years ago today. Where to head to remember him
President Kennedy was killed 45 years ago today. Where to head to remember him originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jamie Rhein
更新日:2008年11月22日 11時0分
Welcoming home total strangers at JFK: ImprovEverywhere
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Blogs, Video, Airports
In an Absolut World, Everyone Would be Welcomed Home from ImprovEverywhere on Vimeo.
One Gadling post that consistently gets weekly hits, sometimes daily, is the one on ImprovEverywhere's "Frozen Grand Central." The Grand Central stunt is an amazing feat of ingenuity and organization on the part of this improv drama troupe that specializes in creating fun and amazement in public places. I think of it as a more creative, involved version of Candid Camera. Plus, it involves way more people.
My favorite ImprovEverywhere stunt, hands down, is Food Court Musical.
This most recent improvisation comes pretty close. It involved 20 ImprovEverywhere actors who were the greeters, and the unsuspecting travelers who arrived at JFK expecting to be met by a driver and no one else. The drivers (only the first one is shown) didn't know they were in on something a bit unusual.
The result is something charming and heartwarming. Very sweet and very fun. How terrific life would be if EVERYONE had such a greeting upon arrival at an airport. The closest I ever came was arriving in Hawaii and being given a lei. My great aunt and uncle met me, so don't expect a lei if you arrive in Honolulu. Maybe, but don't count on it.
Thanks to Intelligent Traveler for first posting on this gem. It made my day.
Welcoming home total strangers at JFK: ImprovEverywhere originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jamie Rhein
更新日:2008年11月22日 10時30分
Photo of the Day (11.22.08)
Filed under: Italy, Photo of the Day
I think this photo of Manarola, one of the five cillages of Cinque Terre, taken by stellarviewer, is very striking because of the dark clouds in the sky. What's even more interesting is that the photo was composed using five different images, which may be why we get such an intense sky.
Have your own great travel shot you think would make for a great Photo of the Day? Submit it to the Gadling Flickr pool for consideration.
Photo of the Day (11.22.08) originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Anna Brones
更新日:2008年11月22日 10時0分
TSA's "behavior detection" technology wrong 99% of the time
Filed under: Transportation, Airports, News
A program the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began in 2006 that attempts to catch terrorists and other criminals by their suspicious behavior has been wrong over 99% of the time, according to the TSA's own numbers.
The program, which trains TSA screeners to detect suspicious or odd behavior in passengers, has resulted in 160,000 stops of passengers, including pat-downs and in-depth questioning. Yet only 1,266 arrests were made out of those 160,000 stops, mostly for drug possession and carrying fake identification.
Unsurprisingly, many are critical of the "behavior detection" program, including Carnegie Mellon professor Stephen Fienberg, who calls the program "a sham," and says, "We have no evidence it works." Other scientists say that while objective observers may be able to detect nervous behavior, there's no way to tell whether it's because they're planning a terrorist attack or traveling to have an extramarital affair.
TSA spokesperson Ellen Howe puts a more positive spin on the numbers, however. She says the program has been "incredibly effective" at catching criminals.
Indeed. Saying the program is "wrong 99% of the time" sounds so negative. Why not say it has a success rate of almost 1%?
Via Boing Boing [HT: The invaluable Agitator]
TSA's "behavior detection" technology wrong 99% of the time originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Aaron Hotfelder
更新日:2008年11月22日 9時30分
Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Nov. 15---Nov. 21
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Skiing, Africa, India, Cuba
Where I'm sitting winter has arrived. Snow flurries and windchill. Brrrr. Now that winter looks like it's settling in, let's see if anyone has come up with places to that are warmer.
- Brenda's post on the drop in tourism in Hawaii, and what there is to do in this tropical paradise this time of year, ought to be reason enough for a person to rethink the budget and see if Hawaii is doable after all.
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Meg suggests sitting in the scariest swimming pool ever--Devil's Pool at the top of Victoria Falls
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Jeffery pointed out that Cuba knows how to treat its 2 millionth tourist--with an ice-cold mojito and a salsa band
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Along with the warning that snacks in India could cost more than you counted on, Josh sounded a warning to be careful of the party scene in Mumbai--you could find yourself drug tested.
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And, although New Mexico is not THAT warm, the great thing about traveling here to ski is that it feels warm during the day when the sun is out--kind of. The best part is, the sun almost always shines in New Mexico. Every day. All day.
Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Nov. 15---Nov. 21 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jamie Rhein
更新日:2008年11月21日 19時0分
Adelaide 2008-based time traveler attempts to pay bill with spider drawing
Filed under: Activism, Stories
In case you've been time traveling and are confused, utility companies in Adelaide, Australia do not accept drawings of spiders as payment for utility bills. Read the article here.I'm disappointed, of course, that artwork is still not accepted as currency. Just imagine the kind of economy we could build:
If someone rich was owed money by someone poor, the poor person could just draw a picture, and the rich person could hang it on their wall. Or, if a poor person wanted food, they could just draw a picture of the food they wanted and then leave the drawing on the shelf at the grocery store, confidently striding out the door with the item. But then, of course, rich people would want to pay for things with artwork, too, so eventually someone would have to judge how much each work of art is worth. Thusly, this new economy, which for just a moment teetered on the edge of communism, would become a dictatorship - unless, of course, there were some kind of international online community where everyone in the world could vote and value each piece of new art democratically. A new world economy would be born. What? It's better than the one we have right now. . .
I think maybe David Thorne traveled to the future.
Adelaide 2008-based time traveler attempts to pay bill with spider drawing originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Annie Scott
更新日:2008年11月21日 16時30分
Mexico City airport adopts Japanese man
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A Japanese man named Hiroshi Nohara has decided to take full advantage of his tourist's visa in Mexico City and has moved into the airport. He's been living there for two months, and the initial avoidance from the locals has recently turned into a curiosity.Nohara, who can't explain why he decided to live in the city airport, has been getting by on free donations from local fast food stands and kind visitors. Apparently he was gaining so much notiriety with the local media that he's even being sponsored by a few of the stands who give him free hats and shirts to wear. Now, as a tourist attraction in and of himself, people stop by the airport just to take their picture with him.
Meanwhile, Mexican officials can't do anything to remove him from the airport as it's a 24/7 facility and technically he's there legally. His tourist visa runs up in March.
Until then, make sure you stop by on your connection to Acapulco and get your photo taken with Mr. Nohara. It's a limited edition engagement so your photo will be worth millions on Ebay someday.
Continue reading Mexico City airport adopts Japanese man
Mexico City airport adopts Japanese man originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Grant Martin
更新日:2008年11月21日 15時30分
Sounds of Travel 9: Me Gustas Tu?
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Spain
Here at Gadling we'll be highlighting some of our favorite sounds from the road and giving you a sample of each -- maybe you'll find the same inspiration that we did, but at the very least, hopefully you'll think that they're good songs. Got a favorite of your own? Leave it in the comments below and we'll post it at the end of the series.Manu Chao is a vagabond by nature. He was born in Paris to a Spanish mother and father, but he's really from all over. Chao's music wanders and meanders like his personal life, drifting languages from Spanish to English to French, and picking up influences and passport stamps from South America to Spain and to France and then back again. His improvised concert tours are equally freewheeling, featuring actors, circus performers and tour stops only accessible by boat (?!).
I stumbled across Chao's free-form music while I was in college. There was something that sounded very culturally rich about it - it felt authentic and regional, yet somehow equally global and devoid of place. As I began to travel and see more of the world, I found Chao to be a poignant soundtrack for my travels, particularly in the Spanish speaking world where I happened to be visiting.
Whether wafting over the balconies of ancient windows in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, jingling from makeshift speakers in an apartment in Buenos Aires, or bouncing out of a car radio in Mexico City, Manu Chao's music somehow made a particular sonic sense to me. Perhaps my favorite example is his song, Me Gustas Tu:
Continue reading Sounds of Travel 9: Me Gustas Tu?
Sounds of Travel 9: Me Gustas Tu? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jeremy Kressmann
更新日:2008年11月21日 15時0分
Delta flight diversion doesn't save conjoined twins
After writing the Winona post another flight diversion story came out. Winona's seemed trivial in comparison, although I'm always interested to sift through vagueness of words like "sick," and who gets what treatment.
The latest diversion story that I read at CBCnews.com has a sad ending. Yesterday, a Delta plane taking Liberian conjoined twins from Brussels to New York had to make an emergency landing at Halifax airport after the twins stopped breathing. The mother, sitting next to them, noticed the problem. A doctor on board provided help, but the twins died before the plane landed.
The one month-old twins were on their way to New York for treatment. Once in Halifax, the mother and twins were taken to a medical examiners office to find out what went wrong, and the other passengers who were sitting close by were interviewed. The plane continued to JFK once the mother and babies were off and the interviews were completed.
Being on an airplane with conjoined twins would be dramatic as it is. When I read the story, I imagined what it would be like to be on the plane rooting for their survival, but to no avail.
Now, several people have had a flight experience and a story to tell that most of us will never have in our lifetimes. So sad to think about that mother. [This photo from One Tree Hill Studios is of a plane landing at Halifax.]
Delta flight diversion doesn't save conjoined twins originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jamie Rhein
更新日:2008年11月21日 14時30分
Photo of the Day (11.21.08)
Filed under: India, Photo of the Day
This surreal shot from flickr user arunchs was taken at Tsomoriri Lake in Ladakh, India. I love the rich, earthy colors and the sense of otherworldliness this photo brings to mind. Take a look at the Google Images of this lake, and it really looks like it's hard to take a bad photograph there.
Got a pic you want considered for Gadling's Photo of the Day? Submit it here.
Photo of the Day (11.21.08) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Aaron Hotfelder
更新日:2008年11月21日 14時0分
La Maison Du Chocolat opens on Wall Street.
Filed under: Food and Drink
When it comes to chocolate, I'm a bit of a snob. I grew up on European chocolate so I never quite understood the fascination with the Hershey bar. My favorite chocolate brand is La Maison Du Chocolat; a French chocolate maker with just a few stores around the world. Their prices are pretty steep, (about $45 for a box of champagne truffles) but the flavors are quite simply mind blowing. Thankfully they have something for every budget in their assortment, and you can pick up a box for as little as $7.50.
If you live in New York, you can visit one of their boutiques, including the recently opened Wall Street store, which opened just in time to sell chocolate to desperate traders.
If you are chocolate fan, then I highly suggest telling Santa about them, and begging for a sampler box. You will not regret it.
To me, nothing says I love you, more than A sweet and melting Gianduja praliné mixed with caramelized and finely ground hazelnuts.
The new Maison Du Chocolat store can be found at 63 Wall Street, if you can't make it to the store, they will gladly accept online orders from anywhere in the world.
La Maison Du Chocolat opens on Wall Street. originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Scott Carmichael
更新日:2008年11月21日 13時0分
US Airways Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry
You can't drive drunk. You can't operate heavy machinery on NyQuil. And you can't fly angry. At least according to US Airways. Consumerist picked up a story of a traveler who was hoping that US Airways would price match a ticket that he had purchased to the new, lower price. US Airways informed him that they couldn't match the lower fare. When he expressed his true feelings about the airline's inability to be polite corporate citizens, he was told that angry is the new al Qaeda.
Just check out this exchange from his conversation with customer service (CS):
CS: "Did you say you were going to be angry on the flight?"
James: "I totally did. If I know that the guy sitting next to me spent $150 less for his seats than me, you better believe I'm not going to be happy."
CS: "Well, if you're telling me you're going to be angry I'm going to notify security."
A representative from US Airways Executive Relations later reiterated that James had said that he was "going to be angry, and that's one of the words we look out for."
I'd love to know what other words get you added to the watch list. And is it just for security? If I say that I'm parched, do they warn the bartenders in the airport lounge? If I mention that I'm horny, are the flight attendants put on high alert (sorry Heather)?
So add vocabulary profiling to the list of airline security techniques. And the worst part? Now real terrorists know not to tell their customer service reps that they are angry. Beware of the happy man with a one-way ticket.
Continue reading US Airways Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry
US Airways Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Mike Barish
更新日:2008年11月21日 12時30分
Winona Ryder gets a British Airways airplane priority landing status. Could you?
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories, Airlines, Travel Health
Two days ago, Winona Ryder's British Airways flight to Heathrow airport was granted priority landing status after Ryder became sick on the plane. Jaunted's blurb doesn't say how she got ill. One wonders was it the food? Is this normal for her? What about me or you? Could we get special treatment? Could we get a plane to land before all the others?
I was on a flight once when the plane turned around before it took off because a woman was complaining of being sick. She did keep hitting herself in the face as she was being led to the ambulance that whisked her away. As much as going back to the gate wasn't a fun picnic, it was a good thing that she was let off the plane. Better that she was hitting herself in the face as she was getting off the plane than miles up in the air.
A quick Google search found these two articles about other diverted flights.
Continue reading Winona Ryder gets a British Airways airplane priority landing status. Could you?
Winona Ryder gets a British Airways airplane priority landing status. Could you? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jamie Rhein
更新日:2008年11月21日 12時0分
Galley Gossip: A question about traveling with kids and scoring an extra seat
Filed under: Galley Gossip
Dear Heather,
I've written to you before and now I have another question. So I've told you that we're traveling w/ our one-year old next month. No car seat, etc. Are there any sneaky ways to insure that we could get an 'empty' seat for her???? I think currently we have it booked so my husband gets the window seat and I get the aisle. We thought that might work as nobody would want to sit in the middle of us. But, I'm sure they'll have to put a single traveler in the middle. We're leaving on the 26th of December w/ American Airlines. I'm sure it will be busy, but what do you think?
Thanks so much!
Marlo
Dear Marlo,
I remember your question, as my answer did get quite a rise out of many Gadling readers, especially those who do what I do for a living. Flight attendants everywhere scolded me for telling you that it was okay to travel without the car seat, even though I did point out that it was much safer to book the extra seat and take the car seat along with you. For those of you who missed that one, here's a link to Galley Gossip: a question about traveling with car seats and strollers. If you'll be traveling with kids during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, make sure to check it out, along with all the informative comments it generated.
Continue reading Galley Gossip: A question about traveling with kids and scoring an extra seat
Galley Gossip: A question about traveling with kids and scoring an extra seat originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Heather Poole
更新日:2008年11月21日 11時30分
Daily deal - Garmin Nuvi 500 rugged outdoor GPS unit
Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal
My daily deal for today is for the Garmin Nuvi 500.This rugged and waterproof GPS unit is pre-loaded with topographic and city maps of the continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
The 3.5" display can be setup to assist with cycling, automotive, marine and pedestrian modes of getting around.
The device also features an SD card slot, a mini-USB connector for PC connectivity and can be expanded with a large variety of Garmin map products.
The Garmin Nuvi 500 usually retails for over $380, but you can currently pick one up from REI at just $289. If you select the REI "ship to store" option, you'll get free shipping.
(Thanks N.H.)
Daily deal - Garmin Nuvi 500 rugged outdoor GPS unit originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Scott Carmichael
更新日:2008年11月21日 11時0分
Big in Japan: Japan's best medieval castles
Filed under: Asia, Japan, Big in Japan
Modern Japan may be an über peaceful place of happy shiny people, but it certainly wasn't always like this...On the contrary, medieval Japan was at times a conflict-stricken land of warring clans and spirit-breaking feudalism, which gave rise to some truly monolithic castles.
Sadly, most of Japan's medieval structures were either burnt to the ground during the Meiji era of 'enlightenment,' or destroyed during WWII by Allied bombing.
However, there are still a few places in Japan where you can stand in awe before imposing castles that look as if they've jumped straight out of a Miyazaki anime.
On that note today's post is all about Japan's best medieval castles. While our list certainly isn't comprehensive - and may in fact leave out some of your favorites - keep reading to check out which ones made the cut.
Continue reading Big in Japan: Japan's best medieval castles
Big in Japan: Japan's best medieval castles originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Matthew Firestone
更新日:2008年11月21日 10時30分
Gadling's 10 days of gadget giveaways - day 5 - Otterbox iPod or Blackberry case
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
Welcome to day 5 of Gadling's 10 days of gadget giveaways.Today is your chance to win an Otterbox case for your iPod or Blackberry smartphone.
Otterbox cases were recently featured as one of the best travel technology products of 2008 in our top 25 lineup.
These sturdy cases provide an amazing amount of protection and are available in several versions.
Otterbox offers iPod and Blackberry cases for almost every model, including the new Blackberry Bold.
- To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us about your worst gadget accident.
- The comment must be left before Friday November 28th 2008 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- You may enter only once.
- Three Prize Winners will be randomly selected to each receive one Otterbox case for the iPod or Blackberry (If you win, you will be contacted to confirm your selection).
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
- The total value of each prize is between $19.95 and $49.95 depending on the requested case.
- Click here for the complete official rules of this giveaway.
Gadling's 10 days of gadget giveaways - day 5 - Otterbox iPod or Blackberry case originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Scott Carmichael
更新日:2008年11月21日 10時0分
83-year-old woman boards wrong US Airways flight, ends up in Puerto Rico
Filed under: Airlines, Airports
Ever go to pick someone up at the airport and realize that their flight has been delayed? Bummer, right? Well, now imagine that the person you're picking up is your 83-year-old, wheelchair-bound mother, and she's been accidentally put on a plane to Puerto Rico. Looks like you'll be waiting at baggage claim for a while.
This is precisely what happened a couple days ago to Vera Kuemmel, who was supposed to be picking up her mother from a Tampa* airport after her mother's trip to New York. But things went a little haywire as Elfriede Kuemmel (a great name for an 83-year-old woman, by the way) was trying to switch planes in Philadelphia.
Elfriede, who was seated in a wheelchair and helped to her (or not her) plane by a US Airways attendant, accidentally ended up on a flight headed for San Juan, Puerto Rico, instead of one arriving in Tampa, Florida.
In San Juan, the woman was (let's hope) profusely apologized to and soon put up at a hotel and provided with food until the next flight to Tampa.
A US Airways spokesperson says she's not sure how the passenger's incorrect boarding pass didn't set off alarm bells, but says "we're looking into what we could have done on our end to prevent that."
I don't know, maybe, check the woman's boarding pass?
On the plus side, Elfriede says she did enjoy the first class flight back to Tampa. Hey, take it when you can get it, right?
More here.
*correction made
Continue reading 83-year-old woman boards wrong US Airways flight, ends up in Puerto Rico
83-year-old woman boards wrong US Airways flight, ends up in Puerto Rico originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Aaron Hotfelder
更新日:2008年11月21日 9時30分
San Jose to Spend $1.1 Million on Mural at Airport
Filed under: Airports
The San Jose city council recently approved an art project with an $1.1 million dollar price tag. A huge mural will be installed at Mineta San Jose International Airport on the side of a newly constructed parking garage. Impressive? It will be San Jose's largest piece of public art (62 feet high, 76,000 square feet). The mural is inspired by a high resolution photograph of different hands making different gestures. (No, I assume the gesture you are thinking of right now is not a part of the picture. But I can't say for certain). San Jose is not a new city, but its growth over the past couple of decades has been explosive. While it might be a nice place to live, many visitors find it sterile and lacking in atmosphere. This is especially the case if you compare it to nearby San Francisco. Perhaps a mural, even a million dollar one, is a good idea. At the very least, you'll be able to chuckle as you try to find double meanings for those hand gestures.
[Related Story]
San Jose to Spend $1.1 Million on Mural at Airport originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Josh Lew
更新日:2008年11月21日 9時0分
T&L names 2008's best, worst airlines for on time arrivals
Filed under: Airlines
Travel & Leisure magazine has put together its annual list of the best and worst airlines for 2008 in terms of on time arrivals.The rankings deal with airlines' records for punctuality, with those oft-delayed carriers necessarily showing up on the worst list, and those that arrive on time figuring on the best list. No great science there. But before I list the magazine's picks for best and worst, it's worth noting the remarkable improvement -- in T&L's eyes, anyway -- of US Airways.
Last year it ranked third on the worst carriers of the year list, with the magazine saying fewer than 68 percent of its flights having arrived on time. This year, it's at the third spot on the best list, with nearly 80 percent of its flights arriving on time.
Anyway, here are the best:
- Hawaiian Airlines (92% on time)
- Southwest (80%)
- US Airways (79%)
- Frontier (78%)
- Skywest (78%)
- American (68%)
- United (69%)
- Comair (70%)
- American Eagle (71%)
- Atlantic Southwest (72%)
T&L names 2008's best, worst airlines for on time arrivals originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jeffrey White
更新日:2008年11月21日 8時30分
Got an extra hundred grand lying around? Then this inauguration package is for you
The Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington has gone public with what has to be easily the most expensive inauguration travel package to date.
It's called the Commander-In-Chief Package, and it goes for $440,000 -- that's for four people to share the hotel's two-room Presidential suite for four nights around inauguration weekend.
What do you get for this money?
How about:
- A private jet for arrival and departure
- A private dinner with its own entertainment
- Chauffeur 24/7
- Entrance to all inaugural events
- A shopping spree worth $44,000
- Free makeovers at Elizabeth Arden
- A puppy
So, if you have some extra cash to burn, this inaugural package just might be the ticket. You won't be able to end the Iraq War, but for a few days you'll nevertheless be treated like a president.
Got an extra hundred grand lying around? Then this inauguration package is for you originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jeffrey White
更新日:2008年11月21日 8時0分
What the financial meltdown means for the future of globalization
Filed under: China
There's been a lot of chatter recently over what the global financial crisis and impending recession means for the future of globalization. You see, critics have latched onto the recent failures of markets as the perfect argument for why we need to curb international economic integration.
Although many economists strongly argued for the impending dominance of emerging economies, I think the ongoing global financial crisis has really shown us that these developing countries have not decoupled from the developed ones. We haven't seen an unwinding of the US current account deficit, for instance, and in fact, in the last month, there has been a flight to safety to the dollar.
Thus, one detail to keep in mind is that while the relative growth of these emerging economies is quite impressive, their absolute economic power still does not yet rival that of the US, Japan, EU, etc for dominance. Furthermore, the spread of the global financial crisis to emerging economies (salient examples include Russia and China) signal that these markets have not achieved a degree of magnitude large enough to have decoupled from developed markets.
So what's really at stake here? It's pretty much accepted science that globalization, taken as a whole, has helped mankind to an unimaginable extent. That's not really being debated now. But that doesn't mean there aren't losers.
Continue reading What the financial meltdown means for the future of globalization
What the financial meltdown means for the future of globalization originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jerry Guo
更新日:2008年11月20日 22時0分
Baby born at 33,000 feet during long-haul Finnair flight
Filed under: Airlines
Back in the summer I posted about a woman going into labor on a Korean Air flight and giving birth at 37,000 feet. Now comes the latest high altitude delivery. A Swedish woman traveling on a Finnair flight today gave birth to a baby girl at 33,000 feet while flying over Kazakhstan on her way from Helsinki to Bangkok.
Who came to the woman's aid? Luckily there were two doctors and two nurses among the 227 passengers on this 11-hour flight; they quickly responded, stayed by the woman's side and saw her through the delivery (technically, they only assisted the birth, since there was a satellite hook-up to medical service on the ground).
Finnair says it's the first time a baby has ever been born on one of its flights, and is reportedly giving the new family a free return trip from Bangkok.
Both mother and new born daughter are reportedly doing fine.
Baby born at 33,000 feet during long-haul Finnair flight originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jeffrey White
更新日:2008年11月20日 18時0分
Photo of the Day (11/20/08)
Filed under: Photo of the Day
Today's photo of the day is by Flickr contributor Bedouin77. These gulls were the perfect target for his Canon 5D. The clarity and sharpness of these birds in flight is rather impressive. The shot was captured in Solalé, Cuba last year.
It reminds me of a scene out of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. It's as if the two parents are squawking behind Jonathon saying:
"Why Jon, why?" His mother asked. "Why is it so hard to be like the rest of the flock, Jon? Why can't you leave low flying to the pelicans, the albatross?
Nice work, Bedouin77!
Are you a Flickr user who'd like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling's Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!
Photo of the Day (11/20/08) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Kent Wien
更新日:2008年11月20日 16時0分
Obese passengers in Canada have the right to two seats for price of one
Filed under: North America, Canada, Airlines, News, Consumer Activism
Obesity on airlines is becoming a big issue. Just a couple weeks ago a flight attendant was ruled too fat to fly, and of course the overweight passenger debate is always one that flares up people's opinions. There are two schools of thought. The first is from the view of the passenger stuck next to an overweight one who takes up more than their fair share of space; a lot of people believe that they should have to pay for a second seat. But the second opinion comes from overweight passengers themselves, who believe that they have a right to more space. According to Reuters, today the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the direction of the latter, declaring that obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one on flights within Canada. The original decision had been made by the Canadian Transportation Authority, who claimed that people that are "functionally disabled by obesity" deserve to have two seats for one fare. The Canadian airlines went to appeal, but the high court declined to hear it, meaning that the decision now stands.
Do you think the official decision is a fair one?
Obese passengers in Canada have the right to two seats for price of one originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Anna Brones
更新日:2008年11月20日 15時30分
Zero Star Hotel opens in Switzerland fallout shelter
Filed under: Germany, Switzerland, Hotels and Accommodations, Holiday Ideas
Oh, Switzerland.In a subterranean fallout shelter in Sevelen, Switzerland, the Null Stern Hotel, biliing itself as "The World's First Zero Star Hotel" is preparing to open its crappy, crappy doors.
"Null stern" actually means "zero star," which is a little relieving. They're being clever, not insane. Normally, this is a cultural misunderstanding we have with Norway. Maybe we've misjudged Switzerland.
The Null Stern Hotel will cost between 6 and 18 euros per night, and includes former bomb shelter facilities, no daylight, slippers, earplugs, communal bathrooms and showers, and a butler (there was one in the photo shoot, I'm not sure he'll be there when you show up).
We don't know why they get earplugs.
The Null Stern hotel will open in early 2009, but recently opened up to volunteers for a test run. See the photos here.
What to do in Sevelen? I don't know. But at least you know there's a bomb shelter where you can stay. If you can read German, here you go.
Zero Star Hotel opens in Switzerland fallout shelter originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Annie Scott
更新日:2008年11月20日 15時0分
Product review - Philips goLITE BLU light therapy device
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
In this product review, I'm going to introduce you to the Philips goLITE BLU light therapy device.The goLITE is a portable bluewave light, designed to reduce the impact of seasonal affective disorder, or other disorders where your bodies clock is messed up, including jetlag.
I first became interested in the technology behind these devices when I picked one up at a Costco several years ago. Being the geek I am, anything with lights and buttons that claims to help make me feel better is always worth trying.
Thankfully, the positive effects of blue light treatment are not just another wacky technology sold in infomercials at 3am. The effects have been studied by the Mayo clinic, Nasa and the US National Institute of Health.
Subjecting yourself to blue light, stimulates your brain to create more Serotonin, which is what researchers believe to be the key to reducing winter blues and other mood and energy problems.
The blue light also suppresses the creation of Melatonin, which is responsible for our hibernation patterns.
Finally, researchers have also concluded that the blue light can help reset our circadian rhythm, which is particularly helpful if you are trying to reduce the impact of jetlag.
Continue reading Product review - Philips goLITE BLU light therapy device
Product review - Philips goLITE BLU light therapy device originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Scott Carmichael
更新日:2008年11月20日 14時0分
The flight attendant who helped land a plane when co-pilot had an emotional melt down was a hero
Filed under: United Kingdom, Canada, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, News
If you ever saw the movie Airplane, the spoof on airplane disaster movies, you probably still laugh out loud thinking about it. Remember the scene when Julie Hagerty took over for the co-pilot but had to fight off the automatic co-pilot who was a blow-up doll? She was trying to help Striker (Robert Hays) land the plane.
That was a spoof.
In a real life story, a female flight attendant recently came to the assistance of a Boeing 767 commander after the co-pilot had a mental meltdown. On an Air Canada flight from Toronto to London's Heathrow, the co-pilot, who had shown up for the flight acting slightly flustered and on edge -- not his usual outgoing, chipper self -- lost most of his marbles over the Atlantic.
After the co-pilot became increasingly belligerent and erratic, and refused to move from his seat, the flight commander asked the crew to help remove the co-pilot from his seat.
Once the co-pilot was removed -- into the capable hands of doctors who happened to be on board -- the flight attendant took over the co-pilot's job. She had a commercial pilot's license, thus was a huge help to the commander. The flight was diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where she helped land the plane. Upon arrival, the co-pilot spent 11 days in a mental hospital before being transported back to Canada.
Although this real-life drama happened this past January, the investigation has just been completed. The commander and flight attendant were found to be heroes, although that term wasn't used in the official report.
The official report is an interesting read about how decisions are made in the air to keep both passengers and crew safe. It's a PDF file and was sent along by Gadling's own Kent Wien who has the insider track to about everything.
The flight attendant who helped land a plane when co-pilot had an emotional melt down was a hero originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Jamie Rhein
更新日:2008年11月20日 13時30分
Mumbai's Party Scene Takes a Hit
Mumbai's rave scene has grown exponentially over the past few years. The influx of new money and the city's urban flare make it a ripe place for a party. But don't be confused, it ain't Goa. The plentiful drugs and thumping bass of the former Portuguese colony and hippy hangout will never be duplicated in India's largest city. That is, as long as the authorities have something to say about it. Police in Mumbai raided a party in a restaurant outside the city called Bombay 72 Degree East. Not only was everyone in possession of narcotics arrested, but everyone was tested for drugs. Over 100 people, almost half the attendees, tested positive. Among the arrests: the son of Bollywood star Shakti Kapoor. Ecstasy and amphetamines were among the narcotics seized.
The punishment for getting high? Those whose tests came back positive can volunteer to undergo some sort of rehab program or face up to one year in jail. Would-be Mumbai partiers, consider yourselves warned. There is a chance (probably a very small chance) your night of dancing and drugging in Mumbai could end up like this: you peeing in a cup and wondering if your friends can find an ATM and withdrawal enough for bail.
[Related Story]
Mumbai's Party Scene Takes a Hit originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments作者:Josh Lew
更新日:2008年11月20日 13時0分
Aussie Backpackers Look to London Sperm Banks to Fund Their Travels
Filed under: United Kingdom, Australia, News
London fertility clinics are reporting that up to one-third of their sperm donors are from foreign countries. Many of these donors are Australian backpackers on extended tours of the UK and Europe. They have found fertility clinics to be a decent source of income. Thou