Welcome to Pasadena, California

JetBlue to go Wireless

2011-10-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Wifi is pretty scarce in the skies right now.

There are only seven airlines that offer wifi in the U.S., and even then, it's not available on every flight.

We found an easy way to check if your flight offers wifi with a website called HasWifi. The site is simple to use. Just select your airline and flight number and HasWifi will let you know if wifi is available.

You can also help improve the site's results by voting yes or no if you had wifi on that particular flight. Eventually, an API will be open to developers, so expect to see smartphone apps soon.

We’ve been hot on the trail of JetBlue’s plans for fleetwide WiFi access in the coming years, and it looks like tray table connectivity has just gotten a step closer to actually happening.

Just don’t get too excited if you have a trip booked for later in 2011, as in-flight WiFi on JetBlue won’t be happening until 2012 at the earliest.

JetBlue has been working with ViaSat on all the satellite technology to get the newfangled connectivity options off the ground.

Now the airline has reached an agreement to use ViaSat-1, which is the world’s highest capacity Ka-band satellite. Hmm—sounds speedy. Seriously though, it should be rapid fast for passengers—although they’re not giving specifics—as well as having increased bandwidth for whenever passengers hit YouTube all at once.

The price tag for the technology is going to cost at least $30 million, as JetBlue is planning to utilize the new technology on both its Airbus A320 and Embraer E190 jets.

One of the next steps is certification through the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that things work just as well up in the air as they do on paper. After that we’re thinking that it’s going to be a lot of late nights for those JetBlue employees working in the maintenance hangars.

Again, 2012 seems to be roundabout date you can expect to test things out for yourself, but we don’t know exactly which month—obviously we’re hoping for January. Once JetBlue, LiveTV, and ViaSat get all the kinks worked out with the new service, their attention will move over to Continental Airlines, as they’ll also be scoring some satellite technology within the next couple of years.

This post originally appeared in Jaunted

The 10 Most Downloaded Free iPad Apps Of All Time

2011-10-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

iPads are the way to travel now. No longer do you have to pull the device out of your bag as you go through security in the airport and for portable or short-term use you just can’t beat their convenience. Add all those reasons in with the fact that you can still get more apps from apple than any other provider and why wouldn’t you use one for travel?

Apple recently released a list of the top ten free iPad apps downloaded from the App Store.

Just because you spent serious cash on an iPad doesn't mean you need to spend even more to take advantage of various games and utilities for it.

Have a look and see if anything suits your needs.

1. Solitaire is the definitive one-player card game. Play it anywhere you go.

2. The Bible app is exactly what you'd expect it to be. Choose different translations, search words and phrases, or just read from it.

3. iBooks is Apple's exclusive online bookstore and eBook reader. Start reading differently.

4. Use Remote to control your iTunes library over wifi. Adjust volume and change songs effortlessly.

5. With Fandango, you can read reviews and buy movie tickets before you ever get to the theater. Stop waiting in line!

6. Yelp finds establishments near you and provides you with user reviews. Make an informed decision for your next impromptu dinner date.

7. Use Google Earth to help you arrive at your destination, or simply browse interesting satellite photos of the entire surface of the world.

8. Movies by Flixster sets you up with trailers, showtimes, and critic reviews of new movies. Know what you're getting yourself into the next time you head to the theater.

9. Search Google by voice, check your email, access your calendar, and more with the Google Mobile app from everyone's favorite search engine.

10. Pandora builds a radio station customized to your liking and streams it to you for free.

On the Go Diet Tips

2011-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

From fast food to room service, business travelers face a lot of unhealthy temptations on the road. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to abandon your diet when you're traveling for work. Learn how to make healthier choices with these easy tips.

1. Pack Your Own In-Flight Snacks

Unless you are in first class, you aren't getting anything to eat or drink without shelling out some moola. Not only that, but the snack boxes aren't exactly healthy (though we love pretzels and peanuts as much as the next person). Instead, stash a few healthy granola or protein bars in your carry-on, or pack some unsalted, heavy-on-the-fruit trail mix (hint: the ones with M&M's aren't the best pick here, sadly).

2. Eat Breakfast

Whether at home or in the hotel, try to make time for breakfast every day. You'll be less inclined to hit the office muffin cart or overeat at that lunch is you've started your day out with a healthy meal. If you are dining at the hotel, try to eat fruit and non-sugared cereal with a boiled egg. Carb-laden breakfast treats, while tasty, aren't your friend.

3. Do Your Own Cooking

If you are in an extended stay hotel, you'll most likely have a small cooktop and microwave. Avoid eating out and hit the local grocery store for some fresh fruit, oatmeal packets and healthy, microwaveable dinners (pay attention to the sodium levels!)

4. Drive-Through with Caution

It's hard to avoid the drive-thru on the road, but you can find healthy options amid the burgers and fried nuggets. Look for words like "grilled" and order all sandwiches without mayo, cheese or spcial sauces. Eliminating a bun can shave off extra calories, as well. Order salads with vinaigrette dressings on the side, and avoid fatty toppings like cheese, croutons and those tasty fried noodles. FitnessMagazine.com has compiled a handy cheat-sheet of the healthiest eats at fast food eateries and popular chain restaurants to make sticking to your diet even easier on the go.

5. Order Wisely

If you can choose where to eat, steer your dinner party toward Japanese over Chinese, Pizza instead of Mexican. Salads might seem like an obvious choice, but fad-laden dressings and toppings can pack on the calories, so be sure to choose light dressings (on the side!), grilled chicken or fish protein and filling ingredients like beans and avocado. Opt for the plainest chicken or fish dish on the menu, avoid buttery sauces, and ask for extra broccoli or veggie medley instead of fries or a potato.

Packing Tips

2011-10-21T11:44:00.001-07:00

Knowing how to pack a suitcase is essential to being a good traveler. Ever wonder how to pack light and still stay in style, my suggestion is to pick a basic color that you enjoy wearing and then add two other accessory colors and when you do this it will look and feel like you have several different outfits, for the males it is easy just a different shirt or tie and they are set.

The first think you want to do is start making a list of all the different items you will need for your trip, mentally take a note of all the activities and places you will be visiting and what you will be doing there so that you can gather all the items you will need for them. Pack a couple of plastic coat hangers in your bag, it seems like they never have enough hangers in the hotel rooms, if you pack plastic ones they weight almost nothing and are very handy to have.

When packing liquids remember they can expand under pressure, so never fill to the top and/or take some out if it is a new container. Toiletries should be as small as possible, and packed in sealable plastic bags for protection against spillage.

Pack each outfit in its own large re-sealable plastic bag, the rolling method works well for this packing style. If you have bulky items like for skiing use space bags that suck out all the air, you can fit so much more in your suitcase. The only word of caution here is that you want your suitcase to be packed firm so the contents won't shift and also you want to keep in mind to pack so your clothes will unpack wrinkle free.

Guard against lost luggage woes by packing your plastic bag(s) of toiletries in your carry-on bag, along with your most valuable items, and one change of clothes. Put all of your camera and computer items together in one carry-on bag, it will be easier during inspection, and then easier to put it all back together again after inspection.

Be vigilant in removing metal and in packing your carry-on. You also need to be aware of metal and batteries etc in you checked luggage, as that sometimes sets off an inspection alarm and may delay your luggage, it is easier to carry these items in your carry on so they can inspect them during your personal check in, rather than delay your checked in luggage.

No matter what type of bag you are packing, you will want to avoid spilling any liquids on your clothes or equipment and when you arrive at your destination unpack your bags as soon as possible after you get into your hotel room.

Classic Halloween Movies

2011-10-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

If you’re like me you want to take in a couple of classic horror films around this time of year. I’ve compiled a list of some of my GO TO movies that never get old. Hope you like them.

The Shining, 1980

What's scarier than a haunted house? Try a haunted hotel. Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film centers on the young Torrance family — writer dad Jack (Jack Nicholson), homemaker mom Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and clairvoyant son Danny (Danny Lloyd) — who've taken on the task of caring for the remote Overlook Hotel in Colorado during the off-season. However, isolated in the snowed-in location, it isn't long before cabin fever and writer's block (not to mention the hotel's ghosts) begin to drive Jack murderously insane. Despite being markedly different from the Stephen King novel it was adapted from, The Shining is widely considered to be one of the scariest movies of all time, full of creepy twin girls, decaying corpse ladies, blood-spewing elevators and one hell of a hedge maze.

The Haunting, 1963

It's no surprise that a movie based on one of the best haunted house tales ever written (The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson) would be this good. A scientist and two women with psychic gifts visit an evil-looking mansion named Hill House, a place where everything is just slightly wrong, where the angles at which walls meet are off by half a degree, so that doors are always closing on their own. The trio is accompanied by the skeptical young heir to Hill House. As directed by Robert Wise (who had a delightfully diverse career, helming movies from The Sound of Music and West Side Story to the first Star Trek film, as well as being the editor on Citizen Kane), The Haunting perfectly demonstrates the power of suggestion. We never see any ghosts. We hear them — banging, giggling, crying behind walls. We feel them. But they always remain just on the other side of the door. Which is where they are scariest. For the second after we first see the thing is the second at which the fear begins to fade.

Poltergeist, 1982

The brilliance of Poltergeist isn't in its special effects or its Steven Spielberg-branded movie magic. It's in the film's mundaneness. The Freeling family home is an ordinary house inside an ordinary suburban community. The characters aren't overly likable, special or interesting. The Freelings could be any typical American family. Therein lies the terror. While the film lends itself to some wonderfully quotable moments, it also brought the good old fashioned haunting into the modern suburban home. As the Freelings got sucked into closets and harassed by electronics, audience members began to glance suspiciously at their own TVs, and white noise began a reign of terror that reached its apex with 2002's The Ring.

The Lost Boys, 1987

"Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It's fun to be a vampire." That says it all! This one is just plain fun. The cast features Kiefer Sutherland as a punky teen vampire, Jason Patric as the newest reluctant convert, and the two Coreys (Haim and Feldman). Feldman plays one of two wacky brothers (Edgar and Allen) who insist the town is crawling with vampires. They made the phrase "vamp out" famous.

The Evil Dead, 1981

Filmmaker Sam Raimi first hacked his way to notoriety with 1981's The Evil Dead. The film follows a band of students on a weekend getaway to a rickety Tennessee mountain cabin, where they plan for the typical sex and booze-type debauchery. Unfortunately for them, the gang encounters a group of demons and quickly realize these are no idle spooks. Even the forest greenery is under their control. (Is it possible for a tree to be misogynist? Watch and find out.) The gore fest, in which all the usual horror appliances get ample screen time (by film's end, the dagger, ax, chainsaw and shotgun get more than their share of screen time), was widely criticized as too gruesome by critics and theaters alike, which only seemed to hasten the audience's desire to watch the corn syrup flow.

The Others, 2001

Grace (Nicole Kidman) is alone with her kids. Stuck in a giant, fog-shrouded manor on the British isle of Jersey during World War II, Grace can't leave because her son and daughter suffer from extreme sensitivity to sunlight. She's isolated and anxious. But Grace and her kids are not alone, because there's something with them in the house. Kidman shines as a mother incapable of connecting to her kids, a mother who hides her fragility behind a stern countenance. The film begins with Kidman shrieking loudly and near the end, she breaks down in hysterics. The Others is as affecting as it is chilling.

Nosferatu the Vampire, 1922

Let's start at the beginning with F.W. Murnau's silent film featuring the creepiest looking vampire ever -- Max Schreck. Rumors at the time of the film circulated that the strange looking Schreck was indeed a real vampire. That became the inspiration for the film Shadow of the Vampire. But you can decide for yourself.

Arachnophobia, 1990

Spiders. John Goodman with a blowtorch. Who's scarier? I'm sure we could ask Roseanne, but that's the subject of a much more frightening movie. Anyway, as anyone who has ever squashed a spider can attest, things with eight legs are creepy. Gross. Big ones that fly through the air when provoked? Even worse.

Amityville Horror, 1978

A family moves into a perfectly nice house in Amityville, N.Y. Then things begin to happen: black goo comes out of the toilet, flies appear (does this have anything to do with the toilet?), a voice tells a priest to "get out," and something with glowing red eyes peers through the windows at night. Sure it was an "Exorcist" rip-off, but it was "based on a true story!" That's got to count for something.

The Exorcist, 1973

Spinning heads. Vile expletives. Buckets of vomit. Sound like your last blind date? It was worse for Ellen Burstyn and Max Von Sydow, who had to play opposite Linda Blair in "The Exorcist." When this puppy first hit the silver screen, people were running out of the theater in droves. Now we call those people sissies. But as approximately 6,453 previous "Scariest Movies of All Time" lists have noted, this movie is scary.

Haunted Hotels

2011-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

You don’t have to worry about stray ectoplasma in our hotel but if you go to some of these Haunted Hotels you may want to put the Ghost-Busters on speed dial!

Hotel Provincial's elegance evoke the charm of old New Orleans and it modern ' Haunted' appeal.

For a good case of haunted chills and a great touch Southern haunted hospitality, head to the Hotel Provincial in New Orleans. You will be haunted not only by Haunted New Orleans it's great beauty but by one of the many ghost that haunt this Haunted New Orleans hotel.

Many a haunted New Orleans Honeymoon couple have told of their ghostly occurrences in the Big Easy over the years. And others or rather skeptical. But more stories of this spook filled Haunted Hotel keep occurring.

A Couple from Haunted Washington State related to us their recent ghost filled tale Convention stay. Their room is said to be haunted by a soldier with a deep love and penchant for country music. This was told to them as they entered the room by a staff member. He said that once a hotel employee opened the door to show guest into their room and they say they saw a man dressed in a 1930's Khaki military uniform, Complete with hat and many medals, the Ghost looked them in the face then disappeared. The couple reported to us that the entire stay was filled with a feeling of being watched. And many a cold chill, they say that they captured his spirit on film.

The very haunted Hotel Coronado, located just outside haunted San Diego, has a ghostly tale of unrequited love. Employee's, workers and guests have been puzzled by odd noises, spirited breezes, strange faces and the ghostly figure of a young lady wearing a black lace dress.

Rising from water's edge on the quaint island of Coronado in San Diego , the Hotel del Coronado is considered one of America 's most beautiful beach resorts. A classic historic hotel, The Del was built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, The Del offers travelers contemporary luxury in an enchanting Victorian atmosphere. Add to this, the resort's beachfront location, and it's no wonder USA Today calls The Del "one of the top ten resorts in the world."

The most well-known legend and ghost story told is that of it's ghost Kate Morgan, who checked into the hotel in 1892 to meet her estranged husband.

He never showed up, and days later she was found dead on the beach from a gunshot wound. Some believe her lost lonely spirit still haunts the hotel, and there have been ghostly cold spots, numerous reports of noises, odd breezes in closed rooms and sightings of more then one ghosts.

This haunted hotel inspired Steven King to write "The Shining" while he stayed in room 217, but it is room 418 that reports the most ghostly activity.

There is no "red rum" in the haunted Stanley Hotel and Conference Center in the Rockies, but it is the place where Stephen King wrote half of "The Shining". The made-for-TV version of the film was shot at the Stanley, and King fans should book Room 217, which is where he stayed. It seems that strange haunted paranormal things were happening at the Stanley long before King came.

The hotel, which opened in 1909, is supposedly haunted by Flora Stanley, the wife of the owner, who likes to play the piano late at night. Her ghost is said to be very visible and a high profile haunting.

People who have stayed in Room 408 reported hearing children playing and laughing loudly outside their door, when getting up to investigate there weren't any. They also say they have left the room for a few seconds only to return and find the entire room in a dismay. And hand prints of small children on the mirrors.

Often called by many locals "The Belle of New Orleans." The Le Pavilion hotel offers guest turn-of-the-century charm in the heart of downtown Haunted New Orleans.

Twenty foot Italian statues representing "Peace and Prosperity" greet you at the Poydras Street Lobby front door. Inside t his spectacular grand reportedly the most Haunted New Orleans hotel, you'll find crystal chandeliers, historic antiques and several lively ghost to haunt you.

This New Orleans hotel makes all guests feel right at home by providing homelike touches, like complimentary evening peanut butter finger sandwiches.

At one point a few years ago the hotel management was said to have hired several local well known paranormal investigator, who identified several ghosts in the hotel. One group found four and recorded EVP"s saying "Please, get out." and " Hold On I see You Now.", another Investigative team say they documented over 100 individual Ghost and haunted hotspots in the hotel. And still another Ghost group said it was actually a portal to the other side.

Strange noises in the night, vaporous apparitions of figures standing at the foot of your bed. Coverlets and bed sheets being tugged into the air, from early morning to after midnight. Anytime is the right time to find a ghost here in this Haunted Hotel.

An elegant masterpiece in the heart of downtown Portland Oregon, the Heathman Hotel is a timeless classic that has all the comforts of somewhere other than home.

This is the only famous haunted hotel is in Haunted Portland, Oregon. and related is one of the most haunted tales of any hotel to be told.

Guests staying in one of the column of rooms that end in "03" (presumably room 703) have reported odd events. Moving objects, rapping's and tapings and cold spots. Ghost photos in this room show a dark cloud over the entire room. And sometimes a distorted face peering at you from a dark corner. Odd shadows on videos and many EVP's.

One guest related to me, that they stayed in the room only an hour or two this tale was stated by the guest, and an Ex-front desk clerk. In late April of 2004, The front desk clerk got more then wall call that many the guest felt a presence in the bed with them. One particular guest related that he could hear heavy breathing and he felt the sheets wrap around him so tight that he could not move.

When in this point of panic The guest told, that he tried to get out of the bed, but was trapped and the breathing got louder and closer. By the hand of God he said, he managed to break loose of the ever tightening sheets and turned on the light to see both of his large heavy suitcase fly across the room towards him.

A dark image of a man then ran into the closet. When upon help was called to from the front desk, for he thought someone had broken into his room. Security arrived, and upon investigation of the closet, proved he was quite alone in the room.

I myself don’t believe in ghosts but if you have any good ghost stories please share!

5 On-the-Go Breakfast Recipes

2011-09-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is brain food, but it can be a challenge to feed the kids healthfully and get out the door in time for school. These 5 simple on-the-go breakfasts will give your kids the energy to get through the morning -- without sucking up your time, too.

Dressed-up Yogurt

This is a quick way to add sweetness and crunch to plain yogurt. You'll get the nutritious benefits of yogurt without the excess sugar so often found in flavored yogurts.

Dressed-up Yogurt

What you need:

7 oz container plain yogurt (I recommend Greek yogurt)

1 Tbsp. raspberry jam (or any other favorite - raspberry just happens to be mine)

1 tsp. honey

2 Tbsp. toasted almonds, roughly chopped

Combine all ingredients in the yogurt container. Grab a spoon and go!

Extra: Any jam or nut combination can be added. Pair strawberry jam with pistachios for a colorful alternative.

Kicked-Up Quesadilla

These healthy quesadillas get a bright, fresh kick from the addition of tangy Granny Smith apples. Prepped and ready in less than 5 minutes, it's the perfect meal to munch as you head out to the car.

Kicked-Up Quesadilla

What you need:

2 flour tortillas (regular or whole-wheat)

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar

several thin slices of a Granny Smith apple

Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over one tortilla. Scatter the apple slices on top of the cheese and top with the remaining tortilla. Microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts. For a crisper tortilla, use a large skillet and crisp for 1-2 minutes on both sides, until the cheese is melted. Cut into 6-8 wedges.

Breakfast Pizza Margherita

Now you can let the kids have pizza for breakfast with this healthy English muffin-version. The tang of the tomatoes, the creaminess from the cheese and the fresh burst of basil are just as delicious in the morning.

Breakfast Pizza Margherita

What you need:

1 whole wheat english muffin

1 large slice of tomato

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella

*optional fried egg

1 tsp fresh basil, finely chopped

Turn on your broiler.

Top one half of the English muffin with the sliced tomato and then shredded mozzarella. Place it on a baking sheet, along with the other half of the English muffin. Slide under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and browned in places. Remove from the oven and add the fried egg, if desired, and the fresh basil. Top with the other half of the English muffin.

Crepes On-the-Run

While crepes may not seem like a quick go-to breakfast, with a little planning you can enjoy homemade crepes any day of the week. Simply make a large batch of crepes, refrigerate or freeze, then enjoy all week long.

Crepes On-the-Run

Makes about 15 crepes

What you need:

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

3 Tbsp. melted butter

1/4 tsp. salt

additional butter, for coating the pan

Blend all of the ingredients until completely incorporated (an immersion or regular blender works well for this). Let batter chill in the fridge for at least one hour. (This allows the bubbles to subside, making your batter nice and smooth.) Your batter can be made up to 48 hours in advance.

Heat an 8"-10" non-stick pan over medium-high. Add butter to coat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly (you want a very thin even layer of batter -- adjust amount of batter according to the size of pan you are using). Cook for 45 seconds and flip. Cook for another 20 seconds.

Refrigerate any leftover crepes in a resealable plastic bag with a sheet of wax paper between each crepe to prevent sticking. Well-sealed, they can be frozen for up to one month.

When you are ready for breakfast, kids can help fill their crepes with ham and cheese, fresh fruit and cream cheese, Nutella and bananas, peanut butter and jam or any combination that appeals.

Roll up crepes like a burrito or fold in quarters to make a simple, portable meal.

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

These fruity, creamy shakes are refreshing on a hot day. They come together in minutes, use ingredients that you most likely have on hand, and pack nutrition and energy in every satisfying sip.

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

What you need:

2 cups frozen berries or fruit

2 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate (or 1/2 cup orange juice)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup yogurt

1 frozen banana

1 Tbsp. honey

Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until completely smooth.

*Optional: Add 1-2 Tbsp. of flax seeds to the blender for even more nutrition.

How not to loose something

2011-09-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

We’ve have items forgotten at the hotel all the time. I hope by putting together these brain exercises maybe it can help just one person keep their items. A fair number of people I know have a great deal of trouble keeping track of small personal effects: wallets, sunglasses, keys, and the like. When they encounter someone who does not have this problem, they assume it’s because of some inherent superiority of memory. In my experience, this is not the case. What differs between those who lose things and those who do not is the degree to which they are systematic.

Be systematic

The first vital aspect of being systematic is to maintain consistency in where things are placed. One’s keys should always be in the same pocket when out or at work, and always on the same table of shelf when at home. One’s gloves should likewise always be kept in the same place, at least during seasons when they are required, and moved to a consistent but less accessible place during the summer. All this is made dramatically easier by choosing clothes with a similar array of pockets. Having a single jacket with lots of pockets is an enormous boon: I always know that my wallet is in the right-side breast pocket, while my camera is in the left. The small sub-pocket under that holds a four-color pen. The inside left pocket has a pair of liner gloves, while the inside right pocket has an iPod Shuffle and space for valuable things carried rarely. Having a consistently used bag with lots of pockets is similarly useful.

Trust, but verify

The second vital aspect is frequent auditing. If you have followed the advice of using the same pockets at all times, this will soon become automatic and second nature. You learn to be intuitively aware of the presence or absence of objects from their designated spaces. If they are not there, you know to seek them out immediately and return them to their designated position.

Never trust yourself to remember a deviation from the system. Moving something into the wrong place – perhaps to make it more convenient to carry something else – will only produce anxiety while you are tying to remember the deviation and frustration when it leads to things being misplaced or not immediately accessible.

Fashion is your enemy

The real trouble begins when you have a wardrobe that has dramatically different elements: trousers with no pockets, multiple jackets, purses with differing internal compositions. For those who insist on such variety, I can offer no aid. Unless your memory is much better than mine, you are probably doomed to lose things relatively often.

Some level of variety must certainly be dealt with by anyone, and this can be accomplished by having a number of set collections of gear with defined associated positions. One might have a ‘no jacket because it is sunny out, still carrying photographic gear’ option, as well as an ‘out biking in the countryside, repair tools required’ configuration. In my experience, it is feasible to maintain a good number, provided they are as similar as possible (wallet always on the same side, non-included items left in defined positions at home) and they are always identically configured. Objects only carried rarely are by far the easiest to lose. I virtually never carry an umbrella (preferring to rely on waterproof clothing), so I constantly forget them when I have been carrying one for whatever reason.

Naturally, there are plenty of people for whom the above is too much work for too little value. The point is less to convince people that they should or should not adopt such a system and more to argue that losing or not losing objects is a reflection of planning and habit, rather than inherent cognitive characteristics. That said, a certain fascination with gear and a somewhat compulsive nature certainly help in the initial development and constant refinement of such an order.

One option is to keep related items together by having several pre-packed bags for different activities – for instance I keep all gear needed for snowboarding in the snowboard bag, all gear needed for a day cragging in my climbing backpack, all gear needed for mtbing in my mtb backpack, all my waterproofs together etc. This might mean duplicating some items (sunscreen, energy bars, sunglasses) but it saves considerable time & effort. My problems arises over the items that can’t be easily duplicated like a wallet, cellphone or ipod – I need to transfer those from bag to bag as required and don’t leave the house without checking that I have them all.

Of course, a major reason people lose things is simply because they keep their belongings in a god-almighty mess. Systematic behavior doesn’t help if it means that you put everything ‘important’ on the top drawer but then have to search the whole chaotic, overflowing drawer several times a day. Similarly, my brother’s strategy of keeping everything he owns on the bedroom floor means that he is certain of its approximate location, but it still takes a long time to locate things. Tidiness has many benefits ;0).

Misplacing items is the most common non-event of humans. Have you ever hid something so no one could find it. Your subconscious immediately erases it from your mind so that you can’t find it later. An event or link must be made each time so you can retrieve it later from your mind.

Purposely create an event when you place something somewhere. If you do lose something don’t panic. That emotion will block your mind from logically trying to retrieve the information you need.

Seven myths about caffeine

2011-09-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

For many of us, a morning without coffee or tea is a like the proverbial day without sunshine. For me, much of it is about the ritual. OK, who am I kidding? It’s about the caffeine. Mmm, I love caffeine -- that naturally occurring alkaloid found in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of more than 63 plant species worldwide. But at what risk do I indulge in my morning coffee and afternoon espresso?

Caffeine is most famous for its role as a stimulant and its ability to delay fatigue. I clearly get a boost of energy and clarity, as had been scientifically proven. But caffeine has also acquired a bad-boy reputation -- an unfair one, perhaps? Extensive studies into its safety show that there are still many misconceptions about caffeine. Allow me to tackle some of the myths surrounding my beloved alkaloid.

Myth No. 1: Caffeine is addictive

Reality: Well, this depends on what you consider “addictive.” Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system, and regular use of caffeine might cause mild physical dependence–but caffeine doesn’t affect your life the way addictive drugs do, and thus most experts don’t consider caffeine dependence an addiction, per se. When regular caffeine consumption is quickly halted, some of us experience symptoms that last from one to several days–this can be avoided if caffeine consumption is reduced slowly.

If you’ve tried to stop cold turkey, you may have experienced one of these symptoms:

•Headache
•Fatigue
•Anxiety
•Irritability
•Depressed mood
•Difficulty concentrating

Myth No. 2: Caffeine causes insomnia

Reality: It depends. The human body absorbs caffeine quickly, but it also flushes it quickly. Processed mainly through the liver, caffeine has a relatively short half-life. On average, it takes four to five hours to rid half of the consumed caffeine from your body -- after another five hours 75 percent of it is eliminated. Unless you are very sensitive, a morning cup or two shouldn’t affect your sleep.

But if you have a quick latte at the 3:00 p.m. slump or an espresso after dinner, you may be counting sheep for a lot longer than you’re comfortable with. Your sleep shouldn’t be affected if you steer clear of caffeine for at least six hours before bedtime. Your sensitivity may vary, though, depending on your metabolism and the amount of caffeine you regularly consume.

Myth No. 3: Caffeine increases risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer

Reality: Moderate amounts of caffeine -- about 300 milligrams, roughly three cups of coffee -- apparently cause no harm in most healthy adults. Although some people are more sensitive to its effects, including older people and those with high blood pressure. Here are the facts by condition.

Osteoporosis: At high levels (more than 744 milligrams per day, around seven or eight cups of coffee), caffeine may increase calcium and magnesium loss in urine. But recent studies suggest it does not increase your risk for bone loss, especially if you get enough calcium. You can offset the calcium lost from drinking one cup of coffee by adding just two tablespoons of milk. However, research does show some links between caffeine and hip fracture risk in older adults. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine on calcium metabolism. If you’re an older woman, discuss with your doctor whether you should limit your daily caffeine intake to 300 milligrams or less.

Heart disease: According to the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, caffeine consumption does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and does not raise cholesterol levels or cause irregular heartbeat. A slight, temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure is common in those who are sensitive to caffeine -- but the rise is minimal and comparative to normal activity like walking up stairs. That said, if you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about caffeine intake as some people may be more sensitive to its effects. Also, more research is needed to tell whether caffeine increases the risk for stroke in people with high blood pressure.

Cancer: According to The New York Times, scientists conducting an international review of 66 studies found coffee drinking had "little if any effect on the risk of developing pancreatic or kidney cancer. In fact, another review suggested that compared with people who do not drink coffee, those who do have half the risk of developing liver cancer." And a study of 59,000 women in Sweden (the country with the highest coffee consumption per capita in the world) found no connection between caffeine consumption and breast cancer.

Myth No. 4: Pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant should avoid caffeine

Reality: I don’t know -- it seemed natural for me to avoid caffeine both times I was pregnant, but a study conducted at State University of New York and another study published in the journal Epidemiology looked at the effects of caffeine-containing beverages on reproductive factors, and the results suggests that moderate caffeine consumption is safe. However, one study found that women who consumed the caffeine equivalent of five or more cups of coffee per day were more than twice as likely to miscarry as those who consumed less caffeine or no caffeine at all, suggesting that “drinking very large amounts of coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages may increase a pregnant woman’s miscarriage risk,” said Mark Klebanoff, M.D., Director of NICHD’s Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research. “However, serum levels of paraxanthine that are usually seen among women consuming only about two or three cups of coffee a day do not appear to increase this risk.”

Questions remain about the effects of high doses of caffeine and it is wise for pregnant women to practice moderation (less than 200mg per day). The Food and Drug Administration’s advice? “Pregnant women should avoid caffeine-containing foods and drugs, if possible, or consume them only sparingly.”

Myth No. 5: Caffeine is bad for kids

Reality: Ack -- The Journal of Pediatrics published a survey showing that in the U.S., 5- to 7-year-old children drank approximately 52 mg of caffeine daily and 8- to 12-year-old children drank 109 mg daily. In general, kids have the same ability to process caffeine that adults do. A study by A. Leviton published in Clinical Pediatrics suggests that caffeine-containing drinks and foods -- consumed in moderation -- have no detectable effects on hyperactivity or attention span of children. However, in sensitive children, higher doses of caffeine, may cause temporary effects such as excitability, irritability, reduced sleep, or anxiety.

But really, in my opinion, kids have their entire lives to be (non-) addicted to caffeine. Even if studies do suggest that up to 300mg of caffeine daily is safe for kids, the vehicles by which they are consuming it (sodas and energy drinks) are undeniably unhealthy.

Myth No. 6: Caffeine can knock out the alcohol

Reality: Such a cliche -- a cup of coffee will erase the martini before, wine with, and the cognac after dinner. What research actually suggests is that people only think caffeine will help them sober up. Alcohol can be very clever that way. People who drink caffeine along with alcohol think they’re fine behind the wheel, when actually reaction time and judgment are still impaired. In fact, college kids who drink both alcohol and caffeine are actually more likely to have car accidents. According to Thomas Gould, PhD, of Temple University, ”The myth about coffee’s sobering powers is particularly important to debunk because the co-use of caffeine and alcohol could actually lead to poor decisions with disastrous outcomes.”

Myth No. 7: Caffeine has no health benefits

Reality: I can tell you right now, based on personal experience, that caffeine improves alertness, concentration, energy, clear-headedness, and feelings of sociability. Brain-fog be gone! Scientific research at John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and Harvard support these subjective experiences -- and have shown that caffeine may also improve memory and logical reasoning. A French study showed a slower decline in cognitive ability among women who consumed caffeine: “Caffeine is a psychostimulant which appears to reduce cognitive decline in women,” said study author Karen Ritchie, PhD, of INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, in Montpellier, France.

Caffeine-containing beverages have been in the headlines lately for their high level of antioxidants, which appear to promote heart health and cancer prevention. Other recent reports suggest (although not yet conclusively) that caffeine may be useful in treating allergic reactions due to its ability to reduce the concentration of histamines, the substances that cause the body to respond to an allergy-causing substance. More research is need in this area before conclusions can be drawn however. Limited evidence suggests caffeine may also reduce the risk of the following: Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Moderation and caffeine levels

As with everything, moderation is the key. But what is a moderate intake of caffeine for an adult? About 300 mg a day.

Instant coffee: 75mg per per 6-ounce cup
Brewed coffee: 80mg-135mg, per 7-ounce cup
Espresso: 100mg per 2 ounces
Brewed tea: 50mg per 6-ounce cup
Energy drinks: 28-87mg per 8-ounce glass
Cola drinks: 8-53 mg per 8-ounce glass
Other soft drinks: 24mg per 8-ounce glass
Chocolate: 5.5-35.5mg per 1.7 ounces

Save a Wet Cell Phone

2011-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve been guilty of doing this twice. I’ve had a cell phone in my pocket and jumped in the pool. I had insurance on the phone in that case and had the phone replaced that time but the time before when I wore my phone on a hip holster and was in the airport and had it fall in the toilet… that one hurt. I mean first I had to grab it… ewww! Then it was a company phone and I had to explain it to my boss. Great.

In discussing this I found out that this is fairly common. It happens more often than we want to admit. Some of the more common ways to soak a phone: dropping your cell phone in the sink, or the toilet; leave it in your pocket and run it through the washer; swim with your cell phone in your pocket. Ever have it fall into the pet's water bowl?

Getting your cell phone wet usually means you have to replace it, but sometimes if you're fast enough, you might be able to save the phone! Follow the steps outlined in this article to try and save your wet cell phone.

1) Take the phone out of the water as soon as possible. The plastic covers on cell phones are fairly tight, but water can enter the phone in a short period of time, perhaps only 20 seconds or less. Grab your phone quickly. Don't switch the phone on, or shut it down immediately, as being powered on can cause it to short circuit – if it has been in water, assume it needs drying immediately whether or not it is working.

2) Don't panic. Your phone will probably not be too damaged if you take it out of the water right away. A longer period of immersion, such as being in the washing machine cycle, will be cause for more alarm but it is still worth trying the following steps before giving up completely.

3) Remove the battery. This is one of the most important steps. Don't take time to think about it; electricity and water do not mix. Cutting power to your phone is a crucial first step in saving it. Many circuits inside the phone will survive immersion in water provided they are not attached to a power source when wet.

4) Remove the SIM card if you have a GSM carrier. Some or all of your valuable contacts (along with other data) could be stored on your SIM. For many people, this could be more worth saving than the phone itself. SIM cards survive water damage well, but some of the following steps might damage it, so getting it out immediately makes good sense. Just pat it dry and leave it aside until you need to connect your phone to your cellular network. (This step does not apply to CDMA carriers such as Verizon, Alltel, US Cellular, Sprint, etc.)

5) Remove all other peripherals and covers that can be removed. Remove any covers and external connectors to open up as many gaps, slots, and crevices in the phone as possible.

6) Dry your phone. If there is even one drop of water left inside, it can ruin your phone by corroding it and making the wrong contact. Obviously you need to remove as much of the water as soon as possible, to prevent it from easing its way into the phone:

Note: Gently wipe off as much water as possible without dropping the phone. Avoid shaking or moving the phone excessively, so as to avoid moving water through it.

Note: Wipe down using a towel or paper towel. Ideally, try not to clog the wet paper in the gaps and grooves of the phone. Keep wiping, to gently remove as much of the remaining water as possible.

Note:(Optional): If you pulled the battery out in time, cleaning the inside of your phone with cleaning alcohol (alcohol will displace the water) or distilled water to remove extra corrosives such as salt from the ocean, sugar from soda or juice or soap from the washing machine. Contact spray might work for just water.

7) Use a vacuum cleaner if possible. If you want to try and suck the liquid out of the inner parts of the phone, try using a vacuum cleaner. Remove all residual moisture by drawing it away with a vacuum cleaner held over the affected areas for up to 20 minutes, in each accessible area (take it in turns with a friend). This is the fastest method and can completely dry out your phone and get it working in thirty minutes. However, unless the exposure to water was extremely short, it's not recommended to attempt to turn your phone on this soon. Be careful not to hold the vacuum too close to the phone, as a vacuum can create static electricity, which is even worse for the phone.

Note: Do NOT use a hairdryer! This can push the water into other areas of the phone and the heat could do additional damage.

8) Use a substance with a high affinity for water to help draw out moisture. Leave the phone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice overnight. The rice would absorb any remaining moisture

Note: If available, it is preferable to use desiccant instead. Desiccant will absorb moisture better than rice. If you use this method, slip the cell phone inside a plastic bag that can be sealed or a plastic container (airtight). Add the desiccant packet (often found with shoes, noodle packets, etc.) in with the cell phone. Leave as long as possible (overnight) to absorb the moisture.

9) Let the phone sit on absorbent towels, napkin, or other paper. After removing the phone from the rice or desiccant (or if you were not able to use either method), place the phone on absorbent material. Remember that the goal is to evacuate all of the moisture and humidity, not to trap it or add even more.

10) Test your phone. After you have waited at least 24 hours, or longer if possible, check to see that everything on and in your cell phone is clean and looks dry. Re-attach the battery to the phone. Try turning it on.

Note: If your phone still does not work, try plugging it into its charger without the battery. If this works, you need a new battery.

Note: If not, try taking your cell phone to an authorized dealer. Sometimes they can fix it. Don't try to hide the fact that it has been wet – there are internal indicators that prove moisture and they're more likely to be able to help you if you explain exactly what has happened.

11) LAST RESORT: Take the phone apart if your phone doesn't turn on at all. If you feel comfortable doing this, try taking it apart. First, make sure that you have all of the right parts and know exactly where they go. Be sure to put everything back in its proper place once finished. As you're disassembling it, pat each individual part dry with a small towel and use the vacuum cleaner once more on the crevices (but be careful not to accidentally suck up any loose parts – keep them well to one side, or stretch a length of old pantyhose over the nozzle). If this doesn't work, or you're too unsure about undoing your phone, get help from cell phone professionals.

Car Duds or Soon-to-be Collectors?

2011-09-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

When writing about Nissan's Murano CrossCabriolet recently, I was reminded how difficult it is to create a new automotive concept -- and how harshly the market treats original ideas. The CrossCabrio is the ambitious -- or perhaps foolhardy -- attempt to create a crossover with a convertible top.

Bright ideas are hard to pull off. For every Chrysler minivan or Ford Explorer four-door SUV, there are dozens of one-hit wonders and new concepts that failed to catch on. The Pontiac Aztek, an unholy combination of minivan and SUV, is the classic example, but there have been many others through the years.

Willys Jeepster 1946-1950

A brave attempt by Willys to broaden the Jeep's utilitarian image beyond agriculture and forestry uses, the Jeepster featured a convertible canvas top, flat-topped fenders, and a 62-horsepower engine. But no four-wheel drive was offered, advertising was sparse, and fashion-seeking post-war shoppers with many more choices looked elsewhere. Fewer than 20,000 Jeepsters were built.

AMC Pacer 1975-1980

AMC billed it as the "first wide small car" because the two-door compact Pacer was more than six feet across. Car and Driver called it "the Flying Fishbowl." The Pacer had so much glass that backseat passengers got sunburned. Despite sparkling early-adopter sales, AMC's financial limitations and multiple engineering compromises doomed this original concept as it did earlier ones like the sawed-off Gremlin.

General Motors EV-1 1996-1999

The first modern mass-produced electric vehicle, EV-1 lost its reason for existence shortly after introduction when California loosened its requirements for zero-emission vehicles. Only 800 of the range-limited cars with outdated technology found customers. Losing thousands of dollars on each vehicle produced, GM discontinued the EV-1 and recalled them, suffering a huge public relations embarrassment in the process.

Suzuki X-90 1996-1998

A two-seat SUV with a T-top and four-wheel-drive, the X-90 was known as the "shoe car" to some because of its extreme rounded styling. Its ungainly proportions and limited functionality (it was equipped with a tiny 95 horsepower engine) consigned it to the dustbin of history after three years of production, during which just 7,205 made their way to the U.S.

Plymouth Prowler 1997-2002

A modern interpretation of the classic hot rod, the Prowler was built to capitalize on the success of another retro car, the Dodger Viper. It was undone by a series of engineering compromises deemed "inauthentic," such as a V-6 engine and automatic transmission. Wickedly unstable because of the light front end, only 1,426 cars, priced at $44,625 apiece, were built during its last year of production.

Ford Excursion 2000-2005

All but obsolete upon introduction, the 8,500-lb., three-and-a-half-ton Excursion tested the outer limits of SUV size with its jumbo proportions. The longest and heaviest SUV ever built, it had only three rows of seats but carried quantities of luggage. Capable of just 14-16 miles per gallon in city driving, it received an Exxon Valdez award from the Sierra Club because of its poor fuel economy and sank without a successor five years after launch.

Chevrolet SSR 2003-2006

The world's first hardtop convertible pickup truck -- and, so far, the only one -- the SSR (for Super Sport Roadster) was one of the less-good product ideas General Motors tried before the ascendancy of Bob Lutz. The SSR tried to piggyback on the pickup truck boom with a topless version whose roof folded into the bed when retracted. Built on the Chevy TrailBlazer platform, the SSR was badly overweight and overpriced at $42,000. What seemed cool on an auto show turntable became an overpriced novelty when it went into production, which customers quickly figured out.

Subaru Baja 2003-2006

Combining four-passenger seating and a car-like ride with all-wheel-drive and an open pickup bed, Subaru tried to create the all-purpose utility vehicle, using components from the Legacy and Outback wagons. But in an attempt to liven up the Baja, it ladled on plastic body cladding and painted early models a garish silver and yellow. The 41-inch bed wasn't very useful either, and Subaru sold only one-quarter as many Bajas as planned before ending production.

GMC Envoy XUV 2004-2005

A weird combination of pickup truck and SUV, the Envoy XUV was distinguished by a retractable rear roof section, creating an open-topped load area that could accommodate tall objects. Customers didn't know what to make of the homely, expensive creation, and the market for people carrying small trees and tall case clocks proved small. GM expected to sell 90,000 annually but managed only 12,000 in 2004 and put the XUV out of its misery early in 2005.

Acura ZDX 2010-

Combine the looks of a coupe with the functionality of a sedan and the utility of an SUV, and what do you get? Edmunds.com calls it a head-scratcher -- "a hefty crossover SUV that's about as practical as a compact hatchback with a cramped backseat and compromised cargo capacity." Buyers are staying away in droves; Acura sells only about 150 a month.

Best Travel Books

2011-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Whether you're looking for a birthday gift for your favorite traveler or a great read for your next trans-Atlantic flight, we've got you covered! The staff of IndependentTraveler.com has gathered 10 of our favorite travel titles -- including both timeless classics and fresh new releases -- that are sure to please any traveler who loves to escape into the pages of a great book.

Miss New York Has Everything
By Lori Jakiela

A small-town girl wants to get out and leave the suburbs of Pittsburgh, and her family, behind. What's a girl to do? Lori Jakiela became a flight attendant and got ready to see the world. The trouble is, short layovers, even if they are in Paris, do not a world traveler make. Instead of the glamorous life she imagined in New York, she finds herself broke and living in a decidedly unglamorous neighborhood in Queens filled with roommates and roaches. As we follow Ms. Jakiela through her stumbles and struggles, we begin to understand just how strong the ties that bind her to her small-town life are -- particularly to her father, with whom she has a complicated but deeply loving relationship.

This memoir is a sometimes humorous and sometimes painful look back at one young woman's struggle to create a new life and to escape the people and the places that define her -- until she realizes that back in suburban Pittsburgh is exactly where she belongs.

Excerpt:
Not only was I not glamorous. I was also not a German speaker.

This is what I told Sheldon in Scheduling, when he called, for the third time in one month, to give me another twenty-four-hour layover in the industrial wasteland of Frankfurt, Germany.

Lost and Found
Carolyn Parkhurst

"You've lost the game, but what have you found?" That's the question posed by the host of a ficticious "Amazing Race"-type reality show that serves as the backdrop for this new novel, in which teams are eliminated from a worldwide scavenger hunt. Chapters are devoted to individual players and even the show's host as we learn their secrets -- what's behind the mother/daughter team with the strained relationship? What's with the newly married couple who, until just recently, were both leading lives as homosexuals? Why are the two former child actors really on the show?

Fans of "The Amazing Race" will love the moments when we get a glimpse of the show's production team trying to "out" a participant or the contestants' struggle to complete the tasks needed to get ahead. However, the book is much less about the contest than it is about the people who are playing the game -- and in the end, they are all able to answer the question, "What have you found?"

Excerpt:
"I'm just going to the bathroom," I say to him. "You can stay with Abby."

"Sorry," [the cameraman] says. "I've gotten instructions to follow you."

I was going to go around the far side of the column, out of Abby's sight, but I change course and head towards the public restrooms near the steps of the terrace. I hope Ken will follow; I don't know how I am going to manage a private conversation with him, but he clearly has something to say to me, and I can't have him following me and Abby.

Robert and I reach the door of the men's room, and I step inside alone. ... After a moment, Ken walks in. It embarrasses me to look at him directly. I turn on the water and hold my hands under the cold spray. Ken walks over and stands at the sink next to mine.

"Hi there," he says. "Romantic little spot you've chosen."

Traveling While Married
By Mary-Lou Weisman

Though not necessarily a how-to guide on traveling better with your spouse, "Traveling While Married" does provide insights, many of them hilarious, into what it is like to travel with your husband or wife. It's largely an account of the travels of Mary-Lou Weisman and her husband Larry, but any married couple will see themselves in the pages of this book. Weisman touches on topics like traveling with other couples, doing things you hate because the one you love wants to, and "fantasy real estate" -- the compulsion to own property in every wonderful place you visit.

For couples who love each other and love to travel, this is a touching and insightful read. We can all relate to the opening page of the book when the author professes, "I, Mary-Lou, take you Larry, to be my constant traveling companion, to Hong and to Kong, in Cyclades and in Delft, for deck class or deluxe, so long as we both can move."

Excerpt:
Travel can put an extra strain on a marriage. Being the same old couple in a new and different place is a disorienting experience. All too often, when people don't know where they are, have jet lag, don't speak the language and can't figure out the money or maintain intestinal regularity, they get hostile. And since they don't know anyone else in Kyoto to take it out on, they take it out on each other.

Some marriages are saved by going on vacation. While the marriage is at home, the partners may be contemplating divorce, but send the marriage on vacation and they're on a second honeymoon. On the other hand, a marriage that gets along swimmingly at home can be a fish out of water on vacation.

The Singular Pilgrim: Travels on Sacred Ground
By Rosemary Mahoney

Trudging on weary feet along Spain's road to Santiago de Compostela, visiting the holy shrine at Lourdes and rowing down the waters of the Ganges, Rosemary Mahoney is a modern-day pilgrim, traveling to some of the world's holiest sites in search of answers to her own spiritual questions. As a self-described rational person who is predisposed to doubt rather than to believe, she views the passion of true believers with mingled fascination, envy and bemusement. Can she find her own faith by following in the footsteps of the faithful before her?

I was drawn in immediately by Mahoney's compelling, ruminative account of her own pilgrim's path. She describes each stop on her journey with insight and compassion, but the chapter that lingered in my mind was the one about her stay in Varanasi, India. There she meets Jaga, a remarkable 16-year-old boy who is not only her guide to the city but also a kindred spirit: "His faith, I knew, was similar in nature to mine -- faded, worn, resentful, and stubbornly evasive. And yet it was there." By the book's end, Mahoney's faith is not drastically changed; there are no easy answers to the difficult questions she poses here. But her journey leaves both her -- and the reader -- with a measure of peace.

Excerpt:
I was only halfway to Santiago. I folded the map up and threw it across the room so that I couldn't touch it. I fumed a while longer, then went quiet, because I knew that what was really upsetting me was that love was failing in my life. At its core, love, like faith, was not a product of reason. ... Real love required a risk, an act of daring. In my relationship there was not enough trust and too little daring. Walking to Santiago I had tried not to think too much about it, but it was the most important thing in my life at that time, and it kept cropping up in front of me and blocking my path.

Honeymoon with My Brother
By Franz Wisner

What happens when the worst thing that's ever happened to you turns into the best thing? Franz Wisner learns the hard way when his fiancee, whom he'd loved for the better part of a decade, breaks up with him only five days before their wedding. Devastated and confused, he decides to go on his honeymoon anyway -- with his younger brother. The two-week honeymoon proves only a taste of what was to come. Soon after they return home, the brothers do what many of us have only dreamt of: quit their jobs, sell their houses and take a much longer honeymoon, this time around the world.

In this memoir, Wisner captures their two-year, four-continent journey with a keen eye and an appreciation for the little ironies they encounter in their travels -- like the time they show up at a restaurant recommended in their guidebook and find "ten tables, Anglo faces at each one ... Mass at the Church of the Lonely Planet." (It's then that they decide to ditch the guidebooks and rely on the kindness and wisdom of locals, a decision they never regret.) The brothers gradually fall into the rhythm of the road, leaving their past lives and loves behind and developing a deep friendship with each other. Wisner's straightforward, concise writing style isn't always effective; I found myself wanting more detail in some parts of the book and grimacing at a few cute but clunky rhymes ("the tired, hired, and mired trying to replace the fired"). But for the most part I found "Honeymoon with My Brother" a moving, funny account of the best kind of travel: the kind that not only takes you around the world but also changes your life.

Excerpt:
Vietnam today is the young Buddhist monk, draped in orange robes, taking pains to prune a bonsai tree on the grounds of an ancient and decaying temple. ... It's the women in their pencil tip bamboo hats, crouched on the sidewalks, hawking delicious noodle soups piled high with bean sprouts and fresh basil. ... It's the dragon face long boats on brown rivers that shuttle tourists during the day and sleep families of ten at night. It's warm Cokes and bad karaoke (is that redundant?), a new house for every thousand old steel-roof shanties, bicycle rickshaws carrying dead cows, and bootleg everything. It's fishing nets, war trinkets, and warm baguettes.

The Poisonwood Bible
By Barbara Kingsolver

The setting is the Belgian Congo in the 1950's. Fresh off the plane is a fundamentalist Christian preacher from the American South named Nathan Price, who has brought his wife and four daughters with him to spread the Word to what he considers a godless continent. But as Reverend Price aggressively pursues his missionary agenda in the face of increasingly fierce local resistance, it is his family who must suffer the consequences.

"The Poisonwood Bible" is a haunting novel about what happens when cultures collide -- specifically, when an outsider blunders up against the customs and beliefs of a society he doesn't even try to understand. Kingsolver effectively captures that prickly feeling of being outside one's comfort zone, one many will recognize from their own travels. She also writes beautifully about the landscape of Africa, its colors and smells and sounds, in the voices of four very different young women attempting to adapt to their alien surroundings. The novel builds steadily to a devastating climax, but then inexplicably continues for another several hundred pages -- making the last quarter of the book feel a bit directionless. But that's a forgivable flaw in a novel as lush and powerful as this one.

Excerpt:
Imagine a ruin so strange it must never have happened. First, picture the forest. I want you to be its conscience, the eyes in the trees. The trees are columns of slick, brindled bark like muscular animals overgrown beyond all reason. Every space is filled with life: delicate, poisonous frogs war-painted like skeletons, clutched in copulation, secreting their precious eggs onto dripping vines. Vines strangling their own kin in the everlasting wrestle for sunlight. The breathing of monkeys. A glide of snake belly on branch. A single-file army of ants biting a mammoth tree into uniform grains and hauling it down to the dark for their ravenous queen. And, in reply, a choir of seedlings arching their necks out of rotted tree stumps, sucking life out of death. This forest eats itself and lives forever.

Dave Barry Does Japan
By Dave Barry

If you've read too many deep, nuanced, "I went around the world and found myself" travel books, here's your remedy: "Dave Barry Does Japan." The syndicated columnist known for his sophisticated sense of humor (booger jokes, anyone?) hits the road with his wife and 10-year-old son, leaving political correctness and cultural sensitivity back in the U.S. The family spends three weeks bumbling around "in a disoriented, uncomprehending manner" in search of their next train, their next meal (preferably food that isn't still alive) and the secrets of Japanese success in the auto industry (hint: robots). Along the way Barry presents indispensable travel tips such as how to eat with chopsticks: raise them in the air to call your waiter and ask him for a fork.

I found myself laughing helplessly throughout the book, but my favorite part was Barry's description of the Kabuki play he went to see in Tokyo. Here's part of the plot as he understands it: "Everybody is upset and whining. Meanwhile some assassins are lurking around." If you're looking for an in-depth analysis of Japanese culture, look elsewhere. Aside from a chapter on Hiroshima, which not even Barry can joke about, this book unapologetically aims no further than drawing a few laughs -- and he succeeds, effectively skewering not only Japanese culture but also our own.

Excerpt:
One night in Tokyo we watched two Japanese businessmen saying good-night to each other after what had clearly been a long night of drinking, a major participant sport in Japan. These men were totally snockered, having reached the stage of inebriation wherein every air molecule that struck caused them to wobble slightly, but they still managed to behave more formally than Americans do at funerals. They faced each other and bowed deeply, which caused both of them to momentarily lose their balance and start to pitch face-first to the sidewalk. Trying to recover their balance, they both stepped forward, almost banging heads. They managed to get themselves upright again and, with great dignity, weaved off in opposite directions.

"Around the World in 80 Days": A Companion to the BBC Mini-Series of the Same Name
By Michael Palin

In 1989, Michael Palin succeeded in getting someone to cover the necessary expenses to travel around the world. His premise involved following the route -- as precisely as possible -- taken by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days." Palin would restrict himself to the means of travel available to Fogg -- so boats, trains, horse-drawn coaches, children and camels would all be allowed.

In an effort to squeeze every penny out of Palin, the BBC decided to publish the journals he kept during his trip. And although the book was intended as a companion to the 1989 BBC mini-series of the same name, the journals really do stand alone. The feel of the book is fully informed by a man who took every occasion to dress up in women's clothes for a laugh (stirring conclusion to "The Meaning of Life" for instance). He doesn't take himself very seriously, and yet his intelligence and self-awareness allow him to convey the ridiculous circumstances in which he finds himself. At the Pyramids, a camel renter insists that the camel is named "Michael" and that Palin don a traditional Arab headdress. He dines on salted squid innards -- a dish his guide tells him is literally unpalatable to Europeans -- in Tokyo, before giving a rousing rendition of "You are My Sunshine" at a local karaoke bar. Aboard an L.A.-bound container ship, he takes part in a bizarre ritual involving copious amounts of fake blood (ketchup), break-dancing and King Neptune's blessing as he crosses the International Date Line. But you don't have to take my word for it. Read it yourself.

Excerpt:
I venture into the streets of Bombay in search of someone to remove eight days' growth of beard ... Sandwiched in between a professional letter writer and a man who organizes mongoose and snake fights, I find a barber who shaves me then and there on the grubby pavement with a cut-throat razor. Not something I shall tell my mother about, especially as I'm convinced from the way his fingers rather than his eyes seek out my face that he is blind. By the time he's finished shaving me, a crowd has gathered that would not disgrace a third division football club.

The Monk and the Philosopher: A Father and Son Discuss the Meaning of Life
By Jean-Francois Revel and Matthieu Ricard

Instead of detailing an actual road trip, "The Monk and the Philosopher" is a book about the "spiritual journey." Jean-Francois Revel, a prominent French intellectual entrenched in Western science and thought, meets his son Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk, in Katmandu to discuss both why Ricard decided for a clean break from the West and the difference between Eastern and Western thought in general. Ricard was once a promising young scientist in France, but after successfully defending his doctoral thesis, he shocked his family and friends by moving to Bhutan and becoming a monk. What drew him to the East? What are the points of contention between father and son? How have the ways each has chosen to live affected their relationship? These concerns drive the dialogue.

The book begins with a conversation about how Ricard has evolved from aspiring scientist to ordained Buddhist monk. But after clarifying how and when Ricard abandoned his research career, the men begin to engage in a dialogue informed by pride, bitterness and sincerity. Much of the book is an elucidation of the Buddhist approach to life, and Ricard's insistence that Buddhism is not unflinching dogma, but a living, breathing framework, from which one can arrive at a spiritual destination. Revel seems incapable or unwilling of understanding this key point, and this tension speaks volumes about the differences between East and West, father and son. Even for a Buddhist monk, the very embodiment of serenity, Ricard's patience is repeatedly tried. Both are trying to come to some understanding of what the other holds dear, while also resolutely defending their methods for tackling philosophy's primary quests -- eliminating the fear of death, while living the "good life." Their unique experiences traveling through life are certainly food for thought -- perhaps inspiring enough to start the reader on his or her own quest.

Excerpt:
No dialogue, however enlightening it might be, could ever be a substitute for the silence of personal experience, so indispensable for an understanding of how things really are. Experience, indeed, is the path. And as the Buddha often said, "it is up to you to follow it," so that one day the messenger might become the message.

Travels with Charley in Search of America
By John Steinbeck

As one of the great American authors, Steinbeck has little to prove in terms of writing. But there came a time in his life where he began to get the sense that the America he had written of in his seminal works had morphed into something wholly unfamiliar. To reacquaint himself with a clearer picture of his motherland, he decided to set out on a three-month journey with his friend Charley the standard poodle. The natural beauty he encounters along the way in places like Montana and the redwood forests of California are juxtaposed against the ugly bigotry and closed-mindedness of many Americans he meets. This hatred is certainly very painful for Steinbeck, and the sad realization that his ideal vision of America -- an America where the loss of innocence may open the door for positive growth -- may never materialize makes for a melancholy experience.

Steinbeck is a natural reporter, able to convey scenes, such as his route through the changing New England foliage, with great accuracy. But he also injects his writing with experience and passion, and this is what makes "Travels with Charley" so engaging.

Excerpt:
For many years I have traveled in many parts of the world. In America, I live in New York, or dip into Chicago or San Francisco. But New York is no more America than Paris is France or London is England. Thus, I discovered I did not know my own country.

Beat the post-travel blues

2011-09-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with you? You've just had a fabulous holiday and you should be feeling all serene and enriched, right? Instead you're sluggish, cranky, maybe even a little weepy, and everything seems washed-out and no-account. Looks like you've got a case of the post-travel blues. Don't panic! Experienced travelers learn to recognize the symptoms and apply the remedies. Here are a few of our favorite ways to get out of the post-travel doldrums.

Dream big!

Turn your post-holiday depression into pre-holiday anticipation. It may be a little way off, but that only gives you permission to dream it up a storm. Now's the time to be getting all misty-eyed about cruising to Antarctica, basking in the Maldives, eating your way around Paris and other fancypants pleasures. As you get closer to the actual planning stage you might have to bargain yourself down to equally rewarding but more pocket-friendly destinations. In the meantime, let your imagination off the leash!

Start a piggy bank

Every traveler knows the gloom of coming home broke. Perhaps you even have to go through the slog of setting yourself up with a new house and a new job — and all without the spare cash to treat yourself to a mood-lifting splurge. Now's the time to start saving for your next trip. Even if it's just a few coins in a jar each week, at least you'll feel like you're doing something tangible to get back on the road. And if you start thinking laterally about money and possessions, you could be you'll be winging off in less time than you think.

Be a tourist in your own town

The wonderful thing about going to new places is the way it opens your eyes, makes you curious and observant, surprises you, freshens your senses. But there's no reason why your own town can't do exactly the same thing for you. All you have to do is get out of your rut. Take turns you've never taken before, follow the tourists to places you've never been, take photographs, talk to strangers — experiment. Feel better already?

Share the love

You're full of knowledge about, and passion for, the places you've just been — so share it. No, not with your friends — most of them don't care. Find a community of people who are mad about your favorite places and talk them up, learn more about the destinations that thrilled you and come through with some advice for aspiring novices.

Make art

Instead of boring your friends with your travel stories, do something creative with your memories. Make photo books and playlists, turn your journal scribbles into travel writing ... or bore your friends spectacularly, ironically, fantastically by making an old-fashioned slide show, complete with music and snacks that match the destination.

This story, 5 ways to beat the post-travel blues, originally appeared on LonelyPlanet.com.

Shocking Mom Secrets

2011-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Moms share all in a new survey from TODAY.com, the online home of America's No. 1 morning program, and Parenting.com, the website of Parenting and Babytalk magazines, who today released the results of a joint "Mom Confessions" study which asked moms to divulge the secrets they definitely wouldn't share on the playground. From why they judge each other to what they would change if they could have a "do-over" and how they really keep their kids in line, more than 26,000 moms got real with their responses.

According to TODAY Moms senior editor Rebecca Dube, "The revelations we uncovered in our survey should put a stake through the heart of the myth of the perfect mother. Moms everywhere are overwhelmed and they often feel like they're the only ones – but our findings show that they're not; everyone shares the same challenges. Whatever your mom confession is, someone out there is in the same boat – and talking about it makes moms feel a lot better!"

NEARLY 3 OUT OF 4 MOMS WANT A DO-OVER:

• If given the chance, 23% of moms would choose a different spouse/partner and 21% would have more children.

• Out of the moms who ever wished their child was the opposite sex, nearly two-thirds are moms of boys.

WOULD YOU RATHER? THE MOMMY VERSION

• Weight versus smarts: 45% of moms would choose to weigh 15 pounds less rather than add 15 points to their child's IQ.

• Money versus time: 42% would prefer to get a 50% raise at work than have 50% more time to spend with their kids.

• Sex versus sleep: 53% would choose a night of uninterrupted sleep over a night of mind-blowing sex.

DESPERATE MOM MEASURES:

• Nearly 1 in 5 moms confessed to medicating their child to calm him/her down before a big trip – and nearly 1 in 12 do so on a regular night just for some peace and quiet.

• 49% have knowingly sent a sick child to daycare or school.

EVERYONE'S A CRITIC: 87% OF MOMS JUDGE EACH OTHER

• More than 1 in 3 admits to judging moms of overweight kids.

• 43% judge moms who still breastfeed their toddlers.

"Moms are so often idealized as superwomen, a role that comes with a tremendous amount of pressure and feelings of 'everyone is getting it right but me,'" said Rachel Fishman Feddersen, director, digital content, strategy, and design for Parenting.com. "The survey provided moms with a private, anonymous forum to tackle these issues, allowing them to dish on what it's really like to raise a family today."

Methodology

This survey was hosted on TODAY Moms and Parenting.com between June 13 and 20, 2011. A total of 26,138 mothers participated in the study.

Cars That Thieves Don't Want

2011-09-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Highway Loss Data Institute recently released its annual list of the most- and least-stolen vehicles, and a perusal of the top 10 most stolen cars list indicates thieves still favor large pickups and SUVs. The No. 1 stolen car of the year, for instance, was the Cadillac Escalade, a large luxury SUV. Thieves are also going for large cars known for their power (or Hemi) engines, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima.

Conversely, the cars appearing on the least-stolen list tend to be small or midsize vehicles that are more sedate in appearance and, as senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute Kim Hazelbaker says, in some cases just not worth going to jail for.

"It's a mixed bag of vehicles," Hazelbaker says. That mixed bag includes some unexpected vehicles.

Measuring the madness

The Highway Loss Data Institute bases its ranking on data provided by insurers representing about 80% of the market for privately insured vehicles.

That means it doesn't include information on thefts of uninsured vehicles or vehicles insured by non-reporting companies. It also doesn't address whether the theft was of the entire vehicle, vehicle parts or vehicle contents, instead identifying which cars are most often targeted by thieves across the board.

Claim frequencies are determined per 1,000 insured vehicles and form the basis of the ranking. Vehicles are from 2008-10 model years unless otherwise noted.

2011 Mini Cooper Clubman

Mini Cooper Clubman

Claim frequency: 0.7

Average loss payment per claim: $1,883

Vehicle size/type: Mini two-door car

Chevrolet Aveo (2008-2010)

Claim frequency: 0.6

Average loss payment per claim: $7,642

Vehicle size/type: Mini station wagon

BMW 5 series 4WD

Claim frequency: 0.7

Average loss payment per claim: $12,200

Vehicle size/type: Large luxury car

Hazelbacker explains that one of the reasons BMW's 5 series and (spoiler alert!) two other luxury vehicles popped up on the list of least-stolen vehicles is that these types of cars have excellent ignition immobilizers, which prevent vehicles from being hot-wired.

"It's a technical issue," he says, explaining that one of the reasons pickups are popular amongst thieves is that, until recently, they didn't have immobilizers as part of their standard equipment package.

Saturn Vue

Claim frequency: 0.6

Average loss payment per claim: $3,747

Vehicle size/type: Midsize SUV

Lexus RX 350 (2010)

Claim frequency: 0.6

Average loss payment per claim: $6,084

Vehicle size/type: Midsize luxury SUV

Chevrolet Equinox 4WD (2010)

Claim frequency: 0.6

Average loss payment per claim: $4,870

Vehicle size/type: Midsize SUV

Volkswagen CC (2009-10)

Claim frequency: 0.6

Average loss payment per claim: $7,098

Vehicle size/type: Midsize car

Chevrolet Equinox (2010)

Claim frequency: 0.6

Average loss payment per claim: $2,069

Vehicle size/type: Midsize SUV

(The Chevrolet Equinox and the Chevrolet Equinox 4WD are the same car with different features.)

Mercury Mariner

Claim frequency: 0.5

Average loss payment per claim: $1,970

Vehicle size/type: Small SUV

Audi A6

Audi A6 4WD

Claim frequency: 0.5

Average loss payment per claim: $16,882

Vehicle size/type: Large luxury car

In addition to having better immobilizers, Hazelbaker attributed Audi's disfavor to its appearance; along with its luxury counterparts the Lexus RX350 and the BMW 5 series, availability issues also prevent theft. For instance, he says, these cars "are more likely to be spending the night in a suburban garage" than on a city street.

Old Movies Even the Younger Generation can enjoy

2011-09-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd put together a list of the movies that have been well received by my younger generation friends in case you're ever looking for a movie everyone can enjoy. Granted, they may still make fun of them and not fully understand their brilliance, but some movies are so good that even the hippest young adults can forgive their corniness.

On to the list ...

• Some Like it Hot - probably our most successful Old Movie Night to date. It's just full of good stuff that will never go out of style: the Mafia, men dressing up as women, hot blond chicks. Plus there are also plenty of dirty innuendos that any young crowd is sure to love.

• Psycho - This movie is so famous that anyone who hasn't seen it will at least know about the shower scene. And while some of it is a little corny and strange, it's still scary enough to creep everyone out.

• Casablanca - A classic that even then youngsters have heard of, and is still good enough to hold everyone's attention. Plus it contains a number of quotes that are commonplace even today.

• The Sting - Paul Newman/ Robert Redford never fails.

• Sunset Blvd. - This movie is insane and who doesn't love insanity? Once Norma buries that monkey, there's no turning back.

• The Philadelphia Story - Everything about this one is great. It's funny and it helps that most people know Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart. It's just a good time.

• The Birds - It's a little corny, but still pretty scary and definitely a favorite amongst my friends.

• Singin' in the Rain - I was hesitant about a musical but this is a CLASSIC. Young people usually just doesn’t understand them. But luckily, Singin' in the Rain is famous and fabulous enough that the crowd dismissed the painful unreality of it and just enjoyed. Plus that Gene Kelly is a dreamboat and everyone knows it.

• Miracle on 34th St. - Really just a classic!

• Goldfinger - Pretty much everyone loves James Bond and gold painted ladies laying in a bed.

Marriott's Website Named Fastest in Industry by USA Today Study

2011-08-11T16:21:00.001-07:00

Top-Ten Consumer Website Ranked #1 in Performance.

When booking a hotel room online, marriott.com users are experiencing the best the Internet has to offer. According to a recent USA Today-commissioned study, Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) beat all others as the fastest and best performing lodging website.

By winning the top spot, marriott.com (http://www.marriott.com) earned the Gold Award for “Best of the Web.” This designation came from USA Today’s partner in the study, Compuware. The study’s metrics included speed, navigation and room details. Extensive testing found that marriott.com loads quicker than two seconds. Other hotel websites were sluggish, some taking up to eight seconds to load.

FULL USA TODAY ARTICLE:

http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2011/06/Which-travel-websites-are-the-fastest/47916944/1

How to Prepare as Kids Ready for College

2011-08-11T16:18:00.001-07:00

High school graduation can sneak up on kids and parents alike. One moment, you are changing dirty diapers or wiping running noses, and the next, you are cheering as your child walks across a stage and receives a diploma. College is a big step for many kids. No longer do they have their parents or guardians to wake them up, make sure they get to class and make sure they do their homework. When at college, kids also are out on their own living on college campuses, many for the first time. They are responsible for caring for themselves and for studying on a daily basis. You can get your kids ready for college with some preparation

Get kids ready for college years in advance by challenging them to work hard on their college preparatory courses in middle and high schools. Help kids develop strong study habits by sitting down with them at the same time each night to complete school work. Help them study for tests by giving them practice tests verbally and in written form. Check their work and help them learn from their mistakes.

Set up a savings account for kids and help them contribute to their college funds starting in elementary or middle school, if possible. Contribute as much money as you can afford each month and watch the savings compound for their college lives.

Apply for college early. Ask the kids to meet with their high school guidance counselor to look at different college options. School guidance counselors typically maintain files for many different colleges and have a wealth of information ranging from student life to academic programs to applying for colleges. Colleges typically admit new students for fall courses during the spring months. Applying for colleges should be done during the fall and winter months prior to admission to programs. Help the kids apply for the programs of their choice and make sure they have all the materials they need for the applications. Wait to be accepted to the schools and help the kids select which college to choose by visiting different campuses in person and by talking with current college students and staff members.

Prepare a budget for the kids prior to entering college. Make a list of all the expenses that will be included with going to college. This will include costs for room, board, tuition, dorm room supplies and extras. Look at how much money that is saved for school. Help your child apply for financial aid through scholarships and grants by making sure the child fills out the applications on time, completes any corresponding essay questions and tests and sends in the materials.

Shop for dorm room supplies for the kids before sending them off to college. Dorm room supplies will include: bathroom supplies like towels, toiletries and soaps, flip flops for the showers and bathrobes; bedding materials like clean sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow covers; a small dorm refrigerator, if you would like, with beverages and snacks for studying and studying supplies like a computer, notebooks and pens.

Answer any questions your kids have about your college experiences. The more knowledge they have about what can be expected, the more relaxed they will be on the day when they go off to school. Many kids report having a great deal of anxiety during the days they go to college. You can alleviate some of that stress by being calm yourself and telling them how great they'll do in college.

End of the Summer Vacay!

2011-08-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Find a place that can offer relaxation, physical activities and cultural interest

Large families often have a wide age range of children, and even small families can have kids that are rather spread out in age. What's a family with a 4-year-old, an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old to do? Families with kids in multiple age groups know how hard it can be when a teen is giving you the silent treatment, sulking with their headphones on as a cranky, whining toddler who needed a nap hours ago is throwing a fit. Is it possible to have a great family vacation for everyone in the family? Of course it is!

Family camping trips are great for everyone. The kids can burn off their excess energy at the beach, the lake, or on the hiking trails, and parents get the chance to share their love of the wilderness with the kids. But for some families, the driving trip on the way to the campground is the most challenging part of the whole adventure. If you aren’t sure what to do with your kids on your next long drive, pack a few of these travel games in your knapsack and keeping things fun the whole way there.

The License Plate Game

This classic game is a staple of all road trips, and it has a few variations. The easiest version is to ask kids to look for letters of the alphabet, one letter at a time. They can get the letters from road signs, billboards, and, of course, license plates. When someone finds “A,” everyone moves on to “B” and so forth. License plates come in handy for tricky letters like Q, X, and Z!

A variation of this game for older kids is to try to spot license plates from every state in the U.S. (excepting Hawaii and possibly Alaska). For younger kids, print out a map of the U.S. and let your child color in the states as you spot license plates from each one. Keep these maps over various road trips and see if you can get them all filled in.

Yet another variation involves making up sayings to go with the letters on license plates. RGF might be “really good Friday” or “rabbits go frolic.” And you can watch for different collections of numbers, like numbers all in a row (4, 5, 6) or groups of three of the same number (3, 3, 3) on one plate.

Fun with Maps

If you get tired of being asked “how much farther is it?,” try giving your child their own map. You can photocopy part of your road map or atlas, then show your child how to use signs and markers to find your location. If your child is old enough, you can ask them challenging questions like “what’s that mountain range over there?” or “how many miles is it to Round Lake?” Part of the fun of travel for kids is getting accustomed to different place names, river names, and the look of the land. Ask your child to pick out their favorite town name or to let you know when you’re going to cross different rivers or forests. You can pick the town or city you’d most like to live in someday or watch for the funniest looking car.

Kids can also have fun making their own maps. They can draw a different picture for every big town you go through or of different landmarks like bridges, mountains, and rivers. At the end of the day, line all the pictures up for a visual reminder of where you’ve been.

Secret Writings

If you have more than one kid in the car, have one child close their eyes and put out their hand. The other child uses their finger to trace a letter on the palm of the out-turned hand. Try to guess the letter, then trade places. If the kids are good at guessing, they can try spelling out whole words.

Two kids can also enjoy playing classic paper games like Hangman, Tic Tac Toe, and the paper version of Battleship. Card games like Crazy Eights, Old Maid, and Gin Rummy are also great ways to pass the time. And don’t forget to sing songs. Nothing passes the time like a sign-along!

Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with kids? KidsCamping.com has a wide variety of articles, activities, games and learning tools to inspire kids of all ages to love camping and the outdoors

No Equipment Travel Workout

2011-08-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it often reeks havoc on your fitness regimen. Fortunately our onsite gym can make sure your lifestyle remains uninterrupted but some people are not comfortable with working out in a new environment. We understand.

Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, it usually never makes it out of the suitcase until it’s unpacked when their back home.

But travel from home doesn’t have to result in an interruption or complete abandonment of your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise time when away from home, regardless of whether you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate. Even if bad weather forces you into seclusion in your hotel room, there are exercises you can complete without a single piece of equipment.

Below are some tips to help you stay fit away from home.

Be realistic. You probably won't be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that's okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.

Plan ahead. Before leaving town, find out what facilities your accommodations will have or if there is a nearby park or jogging track (weather permitting, of course).

Scope out local gyms. If you are staying somewhere that doesn’t provide a workout area then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers or community centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.

Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine.

Don’t deprive yourself of all local delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Ask the restaurants to prepare your favorite dishes with a few lower fat ingredients.

Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try biking, hiking, a pedal boat excursion, water skiing, beach volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren’t limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.

Try out your travel routine at least once at home. A new workout that you’ve never done before will require more time and preparation. This type of frustration just makes for an easy excuse to skip the workout.

Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren’t forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.

Play in the pool. If lounging poolside is part of your vacation plans, then hop in the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or higher water for a really challenging workout).

Get comfortable. Don’t forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination’s climate.

This workout targets the entire body and is great for travelers or those who don't have a lot of equipment. All you need is a thick phone book (or any other thick, heavy book) and a stool or chair. Some exercises are very advanced, so use caution and modify the workout to fit your fitness level.

1. Begin with a warm up of light cardio

2. Beginners perform 1 set of 12-16 reps of each exercise, modifying each move to fit your fitness level

3. Intermediate/Advanced: Performs 2-3 sets of 10-16 reps with short rests in between

4. Add intensity by adding weights or slowing the movements down

5. See your doctor if you have any injuries or illnesses

6. Click on pictures for a closer view

Staggered Pushups

Try a different version of your usual pushup by putting one hand on a phone book (or any other object) and the other on the floor. On your knees or toes (and with body straight) lower down into a pushup and push back up. Do as many as you can and move on.

Good Mornings

Stand with feet about hip-width apart holding phone book (or medium weight) straight up overhead. Keeping abs braced and knees slightly bent, tip from the hips and lower the torso until it is parallel to the floor, keeping the arms in line with ears. Lift up and repeat. Keep the abs braced throughout the move. If you have any back problems, skip this move!

Pike Shoulder Pushup

This is a very advanced exercise, so use caution! Place your toes on a step or stool and hands on the floor. Lift your body up into a pike position with your hands directly under your shoulders and the top of your head facing the floor. Bend the elbows and lower body into a pushup. Push back up and repeat. The move is shown on a ball which is even more advanced. Be careful!

Rear Delt Fly

With feet hip-width apart, tip from the hips until back is flat and parallel to the floor, abs braced. Lift the arms straight out to the sides to shoulder level with thumbs pointing up to the ceiling. Lower and repeat. Add light weights for intensity...if this hurts your shoulders, skip it!

Triceps Dips

Sit on a bench or chair with hands resting next to thighs. Push up and bring the hips out, butt just brushing the bench, knees bent. Bend the elbows and lower body down (staying close to bench) until elbows are 90 degrees. Push up and repeat. Straighten the legs for more intensity.

Triceps One-Armed Pushup

Lie down on left side, hips and knees stacked. Wrap the left arm around torso so that left hand is resting on the right waist. Place the right hand on the floor in front of you, palm parallel to the body. Squeeze the triceps and push your body up. Lower and repeat before switching sides.

Squats on Tiptoes

With feet wider than hips, squat down and place hands on phone book in front of you. Raise up on the tips of your toes. Staying on tiptoes and fingertips, lift hips up towards the ceiling and straighten the knees as much as you can. Squat back down and repeat, staying in tiptoes the entire time. Modify by placing hands higher (on a chair or bed).

Lunge with Arms Overhead

Stand in split stance with feet about 3 feet apart. Hold phone book or weight straight up overhead. Bend the knees and lower into a lunge, bringing both knees to 90 degree angles, front knee behind toe. Keeping weight overhead, push back up and repeat before switching legs.

Single Leg Lift and Squat

Place hands behind the back and tip forward until back is parallel to the floor and flat, abs braced. Take right leg out to the side, resting on toe. Squat down with the left leg while simultaneously lifting the right leg a few inches off the ground and out to the side, leg straight. Straighten and repeat for all reps before switching sides.

Calf Raise

Stand on phone book with heels hanging off the back. Keeping body straight, lift the body up onto tiptoes by contracting the calves. Lower and repeat. You can do this on the floor as well.

First-class dining arrives at airports around the world

2011-07-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

In these days of budget flights and travel for all, airports are no longer the hermetically-sealed Sno-Globes of "Mad Men"-style glamor. They are crowded, crushing hubs filled with people fretting over suitcases with busted seams and wondering if their online booking was actually the real deal.

Fittingly, dining at the airport is often a dreary, cash-fleecing exercise in gastronomic boredom. Why so much fast food when we have so much time to kill? If ever there was a need for slow food, the airport, with its interminable security checks and distended lead-up times, is it.

Which could be why the travel times, they are a-changin'. Over the last few years, some of the world's most famous chefs have opened restaurants at airports — and the trend shows no sign of abating.

New York's LaGuardia has made the move to fancier eating options, not dissimilar to the airy, loungey JetBlue terminal at New York's JFK airport where you can enjoy mushroom and pepper salad with fried rosemary (the menu was designed by Del Posto's Mark Ladner) at AeroNuova while vintage Italian movies screen overhead. Gordon Ramsay has opened Plane Food at London's Heathrow (whiskey pannacotta!), Rick Bayless is installed at Chicago's O'Hare. Soon it'll be hard to tell the difference between people waiting for a flight and people waiting for a table.

Beijing Airport’s Langham Place has impressive chefs galore fashioning delicacies at the various restaurants. Ramping it up is Geneva Airport’s Altitude restaurant with two chefs who have received Michelin stars for their city-based operations. Not to be outdone, Top Air restaurant at Stuttgart Airport is actually a Michelin-starred restaurant in its own right. A Michelin-starred restaurant. At the airport.

Food-mad Melbourne, Australia, is swiftly getting on board the phenomenon. Shannon Bennett of Melbourne's lauded Vue de Monde, has opened the whimsical Cafe Vue at Melbourne Airport where you can sit with a glass of sparkling and a neat little "lunchbox" of four small courses. Another chef, Raymond Capaldi, has crafted the menu of Plonk, a wine bar that aims to capture some of Melbourne's famous laneway culture.

And while there's a whole raft of new eateries peppering the freshly renovated LAX, for my money nothing beats a final meal at Encounter. Housed in that Jetsons-tastic building, it serves perfect pre-flight food — bright fresh salads, free-range chicken dishes — and cocktails. And you can watch the planes come in.

Of course, you do have to remember that, although you can have a lovely little duck cassoulet instead of a sloppy burger, this is still travel. Your knees will still be scraping up against your carry-on luggage by your side. There'll still be someone using their backpack for a pillow just within your eyesight and your meal will still come with a nervy side-serve of “I have got my passport, right." But it beats a burger. And it beats staying home.

Senior Travel Safety Tips

2011-07-31T14:45:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing and many people are planning their seasonal vacations, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a weeklong trip to an exotic locale.
But before you book your trip, it’s important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a travel consumer. We hope your holiday is everything you want it to be. Here are a few steps to ensure you have a smooth journey:

Start with trust. Book your travel through a licensed B.C. travel agent, and make sure you check them out at vi.bbb.org first. When you book with a licensed B.C. travel agent and do not receive your contracted travel services, you may be eligible for compensation from the B.C. Travel Assurance Fund.

Read all the fine print. A deal may look great but there may be restrictions on when you can travel, what services are covered in your “all inclusive,” or what charges are included on the advertised airline price.

Know your cancellation rights and refund policy. Sometimes the unexpected happens and you may decide to cancel your trip. Know the terms and conditions for what refund you might be entitled to if you voluntarily cancel your trip.

Check your insurance. It’s always a good idea to check into travel insurance, whether it’s to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or stolen valuables. But before buying any insurance, check your existing policies, like your home insurance and employment benefits - you may already be covered.

Be credit card smart. Many credit card companies monitor their clients’ transactions looking for irregular purchases, and may suspend their accounts to protect them. Let your credit card provider know when and where you’ll be travelling to avoid any inconvenient situations.
Protect your identity. If you’re travelling outside of the country, keep your passport, any other identification and valuables locked away in your hotel’s safety deposit box. Even if you’re vacationing close to home, it’s a good idea to keep important personal identification locked away, rather than carrying them around.
Don’t be surprised when it comes to auto rental charges. Read the fine print of your car rental agreement carefully. Make sure you understand the additional fees: insurance (you may already be covered via your personal auto insurance, credit card coverage and home or life insurance policies), damages (closely inspect the automobile for any damage before leaving the lot), and fuel (it is more cost effective if you refill the car with gas yourself immediately before returning it).

Confirm your booking. If you make reservations online, whether for airline tickets, hotel rooms or car rentals, make sure your booking is complete by contacting the hotel or airline directly.

The Top Spots For Forgetting Your Cell Phone

2011-07-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Our Hotel has three of these areas that can be a hazard for forgetfulness. Just the other day our staff ran after one of our guest with their forgotten phone. This got me thinking and thanks to the internet here are some of the areas where the phone is the most forgotten.

Airport

Public restroom

Top of the car

Restaurant tabletop

Pool

Not sure if the poolside was due to leaving your phone at the lounge chair you fell asleep at and now you are darker on one side than the other… or if you forgot it was in a pocket and jumped in the water… either way is no fun so please keep these hotspots in the back of your mind so you remember your phone… or lifeline as they have become!

Try our Mobile APP for Blackberry HERE: http://www.marriott.com/marriott.mi?page=marriottmobile

Try our Mobile APP for iPhone HERE: http://www.apple.com/webapps/travel/marriottmobileforiphone.html

Who pays top dollar to fly?

2011-07-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Zip Codes where the most first-class, round-trip airline tickets costing at least $2000 were purchased from, January through May… Let’s face it, it’s because of THESE prices that drive all our prices up… and if its not that’s my story and I’m sticking with it!

1) 90210, Beverly Hills. So they have 2 shows named after their zip code makes them feel they have to travel first class. This is probably the least surprising zip code on the list.

2) 06830, Greenwich, Conn.

3) 94027, Atherton, Calif.

4) 33480, Palm Beach, Fla.

5) 19041, Haverford, Pa.

One of the tid-bits that I found interesting is that the zip codes that are reportedly the highest paid are not on the list. I did a quick check and these are the highest paid communities.

1) New York, NY

2) Potomac, ML

3) Chicago, IL

4) Redmond, WA

5) Glenview, IL

Not sure why our highest paid communities are not on the list for most expensive airline tickets but it is definitely interesting!

Celebrity Auction Items

2011-07-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

The power of celebrities never cease to amaze me. Michael Jackson’s coat from Thriller (signed ‘love Michael Jackson’) just auctioned off at $1.8 million and the guy who bought it is turning around and auctioning it off again for charity… that tells me that he thinks there is MORE to be made on the jacket. WOW!

It got me thinking what other pieces of celebrity items have been sold for astrological amounts?

When Justin Timberlake finished a breakfast interview at the New York radio station Z-100, the DJ put the left over french toast on eBay. A fan bought the food for $3,154. Her plans? She told the DJ, "I'll probably freeze-dry it, then seal it...then put it on my dresser." Ew.

After 83 bids, the tissue actress Scarlett Johansson used to blow her nose on 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno was sold on eBay for $5,300. (All proceeds will benefit USA Harvest. )

Remember when Britney Spears went crazy and took an umbrella to hit an empty car? Well, the umbrella went up on Ebay -- starting at $25,000. Although the auction site took the item down, bids exceeded the starting price (and may have been bought offline.)

John Lennon's Steinway piano, which he composed 'Imagine,' went for $2 million. The buyer? Singer George Michael.

A clump of Elvis Presley's hair sold for $15,000 at a Chicago auction. But that's nothing. In 2002, a clump of the singer's hair went for almost $115,000!

During a 1999 auction, Marilyn Monroe's infamous "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress went for $1,267,500.

Radio host Dave Ryan won Bob Barker's trademark skinny microphone with a $20,000 bid on eBay, calling it a "cool opportunity to win... a one-of-a-kind piece of American pop culture." His wife on the other hand wasn't pleased with the purchase and tried to get him to back out of the auction.

Audrey Hepburn's black Givenchy cocktail dress worn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' sold in 2006 for $923,187.

John Lennon's hand painted Rolls Royce Phantom V was sold to Canadian businessman Jim Pattison in 1985 for $2.23 million.

Judy Garlands ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' sold to a private collector in 2000 for $666,000.

Based on some of these prices I’m going to say we had in one of our rooms uh, Mr. Al Pachino… no DeNero… wait it was Marlon Brando Jr. Yeah and as I recall he trashed the room and left some uneaten breakfast items… We haven’t touched the room since… but you can have the luxury of getting a piece of this history for only $500… no $1000… wait… ONLY $2500 per night. (hey just teasing… If just one of those actors stayed with us I would have already auctioned off the whole ROOM!!)

History of Firecrackers

2011-07-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Fireworks are probably the most identifiable event for Fourth of July. Fireworks have been associated with Fourth of July since 1777. Firework shows are held in many states and families and groups even buy them for private use. Fireworks are often accompanied by singing or music of patriotic songs.

The history of fireworks goes back thousands of years to China during the Han dynasty (~200 B.C.), even long before gunpowder was invented. It is believed that the first "firecrackers" were likely chunks of green bamboo, which someone may have thrown onto a fire when dry fuel ran short. The rods sizzled and blackened, and after a while, unexpectedly exploded. Bamboo grows so fast that pockets of air and sap get trapped inside of the plant's segments. When heated, the air inside of the hollow reeds expands, and eventually bursts through the side with a long bam!

The strange sound, which had never been heard before, frightened people and animals terribly. The Chinese figured that if it scared living creatures so much, it would probably scare away spirits - particularly an evil spirit called Nian, who they believed to eat crops and people. After that, it became customary for them to throw green bamboo onto a fire during the Lunar New Year in order to scare Nian and other spirits far way, thus ensuring happiness and prosperity to their people for the remainder of the year. Soon, the Chinese were using bursting bamboo for other special occasions, such as weddings, coronations, and births. The "bursting bamboo", or pao chuk as the Chinese called it, continued to be used for the next thousand or so years.

Although now we don’t use the explosives to scare off spirits but to celebrate our spirit! We did not get the idea from the Chinese but the Italians. the Italians had been fascinated with fireworks ever since the explorer Marco Polo brought back firecrackers from the Orient in 1292. During the Renaissance in Europe (1400-1500), the Italians began to develop fireworks into a true art form. Since this was a period of artistic creativity and expression, many new fireworks were created for the first time. Military rockets could be modified by adding powered metals and charcoal in order to create bursts of gold and silver sparks in the sky.

The Italians were able to develop aerial shells - canisters of of explosive composition that were launched into the sky and exploded at the maximum altitude (the Chinese also developed shells that were spherical in shape). However, the most spectacular firework displays were still those made at ground level. Firework makers discovered how a special slower-burning gunpowder mix could be put in an open-ended tube, which would give off sparks when lit. The dense showers of bright sparks resembled water spewing from a fountain, so the new pyrotechnic device was named accordingly. If rocket engines were attached to a wooden wheel framework, it would spin around rapidly and give off sparks in a circular pattern. Sculptors would carve giant, detailed models of castles or palaces, which would be adorned with fountains, wheels, and torches. These "temples", as they were called, were a beautiful and crowd-pleasing sight when ignited. Such displays became in high demand throughout Europe. The idea of controlled fire was fascinating to all, and kings saw no better way to show their wealth and power then by having fireworks at their religious festivals, weddings, and coronation ceremonies.

These firework displays grew more and more elaborate over the years, employing the work of carpenters, metalworkers, masons, and painters to help construct the temples. Firemasters learned that the effects of fireworks could be greatly enhanced by setting them on small floats in water, where more light and noise would be reflected back towards the audience. Starting in the early 1530s, fireworks would usually be ignited by "green men", a term given to firemasters who covered their faces in soot and dressed in leaves in order to both protect themselves from sparks and be hard to see as they ran around lighting fuses. From 1500-1700, the most popular type of firework was the "dragon". The massive device consisted of a wooden framework which was covered in painted paper-maché scales. Inside, it was loaded with fountains, firecrackers, and rockets, some of which would shoot out of the mouth to make it "breathe fire". Often times, two or more dragons would be constructed and aimed at each other as they ignited to "battle".

Around the 1730s, firework shows in England became huge public displays rather than just the private entertainment of royalty. People from all over Europe would come to witness the spectacular fireworks displays at amusement parks in Britain. The discovery of "quick match" - a fast-burning fuse made by putting regular fuse into a small, continuous paper tube - gave firemasters the ability to ignite many fireworks simultaneously, and enabled the construction of set pieces. Set pieces are giant pictures/words made from hundreds of small burning torches, which were often created in the likeness of popular figures such as royalty.

Settlers brought fireworks over to the Americas around the 1600s, where they continued to be used to celebrate special occasions and to impress or scare off Native Americans. The very first 4th of July celebration was in 1777, only one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The United States was still in the midst of the Revolutionary War and the outcome was still uncertain, but beautiful displays of fireworks instilled a sense of hope and patriotism in the citizens of the young nation. When trade relations were established between the U.S. and China less than a century later, Chinese firecrackers became a major import in America.

For nearly 1000 years, the only colors that could be produced by fireworks was the orange flash/sparks from black powder, and white sparks from metal powders. But in southern Italy in the 1830s, scientific advancements in the field of chemistry enabled pyrotechnicians (the modern term for the old "fire masters") to create reds, greens, blues, and yellows by adding both a metallic salt (strontium=red, barium=green, copper=blue, sodium=yellow) and a chlorinated powder to the firework composition. Potassium chlorate (KClO3), a new oxidizer that burned faster and hotter than potassium nitrate, allowed pyrotechnicians to make the new colors deeper and brighter. The harnessing of electrical energy made it possible to obtain pure magnesium and aluminum by electrolysis, which also made fireworks burn brighter. When fine aluminum powder was mixed proportionally with an oxidizer, the resulting mixture - flash powder - burned much hotter and faster than black powder, allowing for the manufacture of louder firecrackers and salutes in aerial fireworks.

4th of July Traditions

2011-07-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

July Fourth is our American Independence Day and celebrates our spirit of Patriotism and Freedom. The only holiday dedicated to America, 4th of July is associated with many traditions the major ones of which are discussed here as well as some of my childhood ones.

The day has forever been associated with favorite customs like fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball, outdoor parties, public and private events honoring the nation etc. Being a summer holiday, most events and entertaining takes place outdoors.

Growing up the kids on the block and my cousins would get together for some football in the street. We’d break into teams of six on six and maybe one of the Dad’s would play a full time quarterback for a game or two before he would have to refill his beer. Mom would yell, “CAR!” and we would stop play to go to either side of the street to let them by. Then we would resume right where we left off.

Picnics and Barbecues have become Fourth of July traditions due to many reasons. The first reason being that summer is a lovely time to be spent outdoors and the second being that these two are easiest way to entertain a large number of guests.

We always had more people than we had tables and chairs for our BBQs (a testament to my mom’s cooking!!) and dad and I always had to pull out the saw horses and planks of wood, covered with a makeshift tablecloth, to help hold all the food. Since we never had enough chairs there was the standing rule grown-ups get the chairs kids can sit on the grass or a blanket.

Public events are common in most cities with state politicians making an appearance for giving patriotic speeches. Singing of the national Anthem and other patriotic songs is also common. Fourth of July parades are mostly held in the morning with red, white and blue decorated floats.

Baseball, Football and Frisbee Games and other outdoor and beach games are popular. There also usually a host of activities for kids like face painting, fairs and carnivals etc. organized at various public places.

Patriotic displays are commonly seen everywhere. People customarily deck their houses with flags, buntings and streamers in Red, White and Blue, the colors of the American flag. Even the clothing worn by people on Fourth of July reflects the colors and designs of the Flag.

For more information on the History and Traditions for Fourth of July and other useful ideas for Fourth of July Parties, Fourth of July Recipes, Decorations and Free Downloads and Printables, visit Celebrating-FourthJuly.com

Share some of your stories with us!

Eight websites every traveler needs

2011-07-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

vacationist.com

Private flash sales on stays at some of the world's most stylish and luxurious hotels.

hopstop.com
Subway and bus directions for eight domestic (New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., among others) and two international (Paris and London) cities.

oanda.com
T+L’s currency converter of choice, covering 164 different currencies.

thebathroomdiaries.com
Public restroom locations for more than 120 countries.

travel.state.gov
Travel advisories covering everything from civil unrest to health concerns.

travelersnet.com
Lists phone numbers for more than 100 domestic and international airlines.

urbanrail.net
Comprehensive subway maps for 250–300 cities worldwide.

world-airport-codes.com
Searchable database of more than 9,000 worldwide airport codes.

Give Up or Find New Inspiration!

2011-06-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Whenever I feel like giving up, which seems like a lot more often as I get older, where do I find inspiration? How can I make myself get back on that bull that just knocked me down?

New Experiences

Inspiration can come about because of a change or seeing the possibility of change. You must search out and have new experiences in order to find inspiration. This works by seeing new places or people that can inspire you. There are many ways to find and the inspiring moments and things will different for everyone. Here are some ideas to find inspirational:

• Creative art and writing

• Stylish music and sound

• Innovation and brain science

• Life impact stories

• Underdog stories. ‘Remember the Titans’ always makes me feel good!

• Overcoming crisis and trauma

• Go a day or a week without TV

These are just a few and everyone will have their own personal favorites that interest and inspire them.

Keep An Open Mind

Once you do find new experiences, the unknown often drives fear or a defensive attitude towards it. The change that inspiration is generated from will only be held back by those initial worries or reactions so you must keep an open mind in these situations to see them from new perspectives. You want to let it shape you thoughts, change your initial response and give yourself some time to ponder the new things before denying any possible acceptance or further exploration of the subject. You never know what you could be missing if you close your mind to new ideas.

Watch Your Emotions

Emotions are often tied to that initial response but they also relate so closely to your past experiences they are often limiting or blinding what we dare to see or believe. A story that might be inspiring to one person can easily make another upset or angry based on how they relate their own experiences to that. Pay attention to your emotions, watch them carefully and try to control them. They can hide many subtle things that lead to inspiration at the wrong time or place. Keeping them under control and always trying to change the perspective you experience things in can help with getting past a negative emotional response.

Your emotions could just as easily be signals to find inspiration as often you feel deeply connected to something or you care a great deal about specific topics so you naturally gravitate and have interest their. Use this when it ties in well with the types of inspiration you want in your life.

Share the Experience

Finding inspiration comes a whole lot easier when you are actually talking about it doing that and talking with other people. This is where inspiration feeds inspiration in many cases as simply sharing one inspiring story with a friend or colleague can spark them to think of their own inspiring messages and it often waterfalls into a deeper relationship as you discuss important things between you. Each of those items shared also reveals something that has meaning to a person and knowing that thing is meaningful to them will automatically add importance to it in your life, especially if you already valued it.

Sharing stories of meaning and value are also a great way to discover new things and inspiration as well. The first step about searching for inspiration is made a whole lot simpler when other people bring those stories to you directly in conversation. Of course you will never feel the same hear about a story then experiencing it directly but often it inspires you enough to go make a similar experience yourself and get over your fears of leaving your comfort zone. Offering that same to others by sharing your experiences builds a stronger relationship where you can continue to share the inspiration and drive each other to find more of it.

Seek Out Solitude

While sharing your experience with others has it’s set of advantages and methods to find more inspiration, so does solitude at the opposite end of the spectrum. Solitude offers a way to focus your mind and body, which can allow you to tune in to your surroundings, your thoughts and your life. It lets you notice some of the things that inspire subtly and that you would have missed if stuck in a hectic noisy environment.

Solitude is also a place where we can find time for reflection and deep thinking. It helps a person link their actions and experiences to their thoughts, their hopes and their faith. Spending time in solitude can relax the mind and sharpen your senses which makes the impact of inspiration often more intense and lasting. Solitude will be different for different people, some may enjoy that time to think and study, others may meditate to relax the mind and body, and some may spend the time connecting spiritually through prayer and their internal connection to God. All these things help calm the emotions, alert the senses and help to make points of inspiration more obvious in your life, an important way to find more of the inspiration you are looking for.

Keep in Mind Your Role Models

Role models come about because they either inspire a person or make them jealous. Ask yourself what does your role model do that you like about them. Don’t look for what they have or can offer you, but only in what they do. Is it how they handle a situation, the steps they take to overcome hardship, their ability to lead and accomplish great things or perhaps it’s the methods they use to build and encourage strong relationship. Whatever it is, you can draw on that not only for seeing the inspiration but also to seek out more.

Do your role models align with the areas in your life you are passionate about? In other words, are they the source of inspiration that is most important to you? It’s worth looking at how your role models steer you as often people have role models that steer them away from the important areas of their life and do so more because of social influence than heartfelt inspiration. I’m not suggesting you carve out your role models only from what is important to you right now, as that would limit finding new inspiration, however, it is important to ensure your role models are truly impacting you with inspiration that matters to you and not just because of social influence.

Align Your Actions

While most of this step will be broken out in my next article about taking action on inspiration, I think some alignment of your actions with what inspires you will also help you find more inspiration. Taking action towards something reinforces in our minds that action and it can quickly build the neural connections in your brain to learn that new action and associated inspiration that led to it. This makes inspiration last and grow in value in your mind so putting attention to something that inspires you along with specific actions will only strengthen that. This stronger connection will drive you to seek out even more, as the value you have towards that grows stronger and stronger.

Follow Your Faith

Finding inspiration is not easy, especially in our hectic world with so many false social influences and media bombardment. Connecting what is really important to you with what you encounter is something that you must learn to do to separate the noise from the inspiration in your life. This comes as no small tasks and while the steps above might all help in that, it’s going to come down to you trusting yourself and your beliefs to actually recognize what is inspirational to you. You must learn to trust your own judgment here, no matter the source. That source of judgment is founded in the faith you have towards knowing what matters, knowing what is right and knowing you will recognize the differences as you encounter them. This faith, whether you consider it spiritual or not, is one to be followed when seeking out inspiration.

Long Distance Relationships even for a Short Time

2011-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

A lot of our guests have to travel frequently and never or seldom think of the impact this has on the ones we leave behind, even if it’s for a day or two. Remember you GET what you put into any relationship. So I went out and got some tips for our road warriors to think about or use to keep the home fires burning!

Ask the important questions at the onset, to make sure you are both clear on the parameters of the relationship. Setting parameters such as naming your relationship (dating, seeing each other, boyfriend-girlfriend, engaged) as well as defining exclusive (limited to one person,) or non-exclusive. These can be difficult and awkward questions to ask, but will save you great heartache and misunderstanding down the line. Example: "Are you open to the possibility of relocating if the relationship should become more serious?" or "What are you looking to get out of the relationship?" Stating your end goal or ideas will allow each person to maintain what they need.

Consider using Skype video chat calls every day, text messaging, phone calls and email every day. It is important to maintain contact and to be in each other's daily lives as much as possible. The video feature is really great and it’s free if you det up accounts for both of you!

Do things together. Defy the distance. As a long distance couple, it's important to do other things together besides the usual phone call. In a long distance relationship, interaction over the phone can become dull in the long run. Incorporating other forms of interaction are important. Just think... People in short-distance relationships do not spend the majority of their time talking, but rather doing things with each other. Try to replicate this by finding things to do together such as watching a TV show or movie simultaneously. Here's a free list of 90 things you can do with your long distance partner

Take advantage of the benefits a long distance relationship offers: more time with friends and/or family, no arguments over toothpaste caps, the pleasure of seeing your sweetheart again after a long absence, time to mull your options (rather than snapping at your partner impulsively) before you respond to that email s/he wrote that seemed so rude the first time you read it, not being dragged into a bunch of chick flicks, etc. Most important, being far apart gives you a chance to maintain your individuality—something that can get lost in the shuffle when couples spend all their free time together. Here are additional benefits of long distance relationships.

Pursue common interests, even if it means pursuing them apart. If there's a movie you're both interested in seeing, watch it individually and then call each other afterward and talk about it. Hulu.com is a great site to go to catch up on shows even though your traveling and it’s free. Read a certain book at the same time. Stargaze while you're on the phone. Set your watches to go off at the same time every day, and synchronize your alarm with that of your partner. Make it a point to think of each other when your watch goes off, and revel in the fact that he or she is thinking about you, too. Find creative ways to bond.

Avoid jealousy and be trusting. One of the easiest ways to destroy a perfectly healthy relationship is to poison it with jealousy and drama. When you start a long distance relationship, you must be realistic of the difficulties ahead. It always helps if you go in a relationship with the idea that everyone is innocent and worthy of trust until proven otherwise. Don't fall in the trap of interrogating your partner every time he/she decides to go out for a drink with people you haven't met or he/she didn't get back to you right away when you called and left a message. Just because you are in a long-distance relationship doesn't mean your lives will pause. Your partner will naturally have a social life where he/she lives and so should you. Sure, it helps to have your eyes open and not be totally naive, but being overly suspicious is unhealthy for you and your relationship too. You should both maintain your social activity and be happy with yourselves.

Villains of Summer!

2011-06-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

The bad guys have taken over the box office! As Loki looks to serve his brother, Thor, up to the goddess of the dead in the film that kicked off the summer it made the statement, ‘villains make the movie.’ You can look at this summer’s list of movies and if you like the villain or really hate him then you’ll probably like the movie.

I’m impressed with the line up of summer movies and the bad guys lined up to take shots at the good guys. Whether that’s from something for the kids with, Lord Shen in ‘Kung Fu Panda’ to a serious drama with Uday Hussein in ‘The Devils Double,’ and back again to the special effects extravaganza of Lord Voldemort in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.’ These bad guys are what makes a movie SOMETHING!

But it doesn’t do much for us the hotel. Could you imagine coming your favorite hotel only to find out that Freddy the gloved knife-wielding front desk agent took your luggage and hid it away from you. Maybe that’s not so bad because Freddy always hides everything in the boiler room.

Then there’s Jason the masked maintenance guy who got your thermostat stuck at 90 degrees and the only tool he brought to fix it was a machete. You know how hard it is to press those tiny buttons with a machete not to mention the mud those big boots of his tracks in.

Let’s not forget the self-conscious, scared of her shadow but don’t make her mad, housekeeper Carrie. Somehow she can vacuum, mop, and clean the bathroom by just staring intently at your room. It’s just when you ask for extra towels that things go wrong.

All these villains don’t add up to a comfortable stay for you here at Courtyard by Marriott in Pasadena but don’t worry there are no villains here. And maybe after your stay here you might even have a new hero or two for your summer travels!

Hot Rides for the Summer

2011-06-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ok I’m going to warn you now… if you show up at our hotel in one of these three HOT new cars you may find me next to it oogling over your car. And if you’re thinking about a new summer car these are my first choices:

Aston Martin has done a remarkable job designing each and every one of its cars in a way that appeals to both the style-minded and performance-obsessed buyer. For some, however, the body lines and badge letters begin to blur somewhere between the DB9 and DBS models, to a degree in which it is almost impossible for a prospective buyer to distinguish between the two. Now, to fill the gap between the 470 hp DB9 and the 510 hp DBS, the British automaker adds yet another model to its ever-growing family of vehicles: the Virage.

Equipped with the same 6-liter V-12 engine as its DB-designated counterparts, the Virage fits perfectly in between the DB9 and DBS models—producing 490 hp. The Virage, however, is not about splitting the difference between the two DB models; it is about finding that perfect balance between a hard-edged sports car and a big-engine tourer.

Weighing in at just under 4,000 pounds, the Virage may not be as lithe or nimble as a true sports car, but it still manages to sprint to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 186 mph. Despite these performance credentials, drivers will notice that the car is well mannered enough to keep tea from spilling all over your passenger’s lap—or even worse, the dash. This smooth ride is due in large part to Aston Martin’s VH architecture—the basis for cars like the DBS and Rapide—on which the British automaker continues to build each model better than the one that came before.

At $209,995, the Virage comes dangerously close to the performance credentials of the DBS coupe, while keeping much of the touring character of the DB9. To say that the Virage is the best of both worlds may be a stretch, but it certainly has its place in the British automaker’s stable.

Those familiar with the Porsche brand know that the letters “RS” are strictly reserved for the most extreme iteration of a specific model line. The Porsche GT3 RS, for instance, is just shy of qualifying as a track-only model, and the forthcoming GT2 RS certainly follows suit. With roughly 500 examples slated for worldwide production, this limited-edition model was developed with serious collectors and the most devout Porschephiles in mind. So what makes this model stand out from the “standard” Porsche GT2? It all starts with the power train. While Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin all rely on V-12 engines to power their top-of-the-line performers, Porsche engineers continue to squeeze every ounce of performance from their tried-and-true in-line 6-cylinder motor. With a massaged version of the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged engine found in the last year’s GT2, the RS model cranks out an additional 90 horsepower, upping output to 620 hp. This added power helps the GT2 RS reach its 205-mph top speed and claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 3.4 seconds. Believe it or not: Porsche is actually notorious for being conservative with this figure. To top it all off, this tuned-up 911 weighs in at an ultra-svelte 3,020 pounds, making it as light—and as lithe—as a Lotus Evora. The most important statistic, however (especially if you ask Porsche) is the GT2 RS’s Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 18 seconds. This über-Porsche is priced around $250,000, which is a small price to pay for anyone interested in owning the fastest, most powerful road-going Porsche ever made.

When the V-8-engined Audi R8 trounced its Car of the Year competition two years ago, it sent a wake-up call to those marques that were resting on their exotic, mid-engined laurels. Practical but possessing great finesse, Audi’s sports car set a new benchmark as the sensible supercar. With the V-10 engine came additional power and performance, and now the Spyder adds top-down fun to the original love-it-or-hate-it design. This exotic daily driver is as amiable in the parking lot as it is on the open road. But the rasping exhaust gives voice to a potent V-10 that begs to be revved and taken through the gears. Make mine the 6-speed manual, please.

Addition by Subtraction

Audi’s R8 was innovation enough. Then came a V-10 version, and the world’s sports-car market shuddered. Now the R8 V10 has become a convertible, which only intensifies the exhilaration the coupe delivers. Most roadsters are just coupes rendered topless, but the R8 Spyder has undergone reconstructive surgery that included removing the broad strakes attached to the coupe’s flanks. Their absence reveals intake ducts that help cool the 525 hp V-10 and add menace to the car’s rugged beauty. Handling is precise and predictable—not necessarily what one expects from a 195 mph two-seater.

Back for Seconds

The R8 Spyder impressed on every level. In addition to praising its performance and handling, judges lauded the car’s mechanically magnificent retractable top and its redesigned body panels. The Spyder has lost the side blades that adorn the coupe—which placed second in last year’s Car of the Year competition, its performance prowess barely overshadowed by the panache of the gullwing-doored Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG—and added styling that appears, dare we say, Italian. The look is fitting, considering that the car’s 5.2-liter V-10 engine is similar to the one that powers the Gallardo LP 560-4 by Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Audi.

SPECIFICATIONS

Configuration Mid-engine, all-wheel-drive convertible Engine 5.2-liter V-10 Transmission 6-speed manual or 6-speed R tronic Power 525 hp at 8,000 rpm Torque 391 ft lbs at 6,500 rpm Curb weight 3,957 pounds (manual), 3,968 pounds (R tronic) Zero to 60 4 seconds Top speed 195 mph Base price $161,000.

Ten Family Travel Med Kit Essentials

2011-05-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you listen to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” then all you need is bandades and Windex for a medical kit! That would be the easiest but not very practical and I can’t see spraying Windex on a hurt knee. OUCH!

I usually pack a bunch of ointments, sprays, and salves, but there was definitely a time, probably very early on, when I was a lot more careful and thorough and current about what to bring on family vacations.

So I reviewed the literature, as they say, and identified some products and preventatives that we all might consider packing on the next trip.

1. Butterfly band-aids. Not the first shape that springs to mind, is it? But if you’ve got young kids like mine who wait until they’re well away from cushiony surfaces before doing their tumbles and face plants, the butterflies are “helpful for minor cuts that need to come together,” says Dr. Christine Wood, a practicing pediatrician and spokesperson for USANA Health Services.

2. Mederma for Kids. This is a cream Wood recommends parents use “on cuts or scrapes that are scarring. The product does truly help in minimizing the appearance of scars,” she says. (I use Neosporine with a germicide)

3. Hand sanitizer. The Centers for Disease Control Yellow Book has a handy section on traveling safely with infants and children. One of the book’s blander bits of advice is that “when proper hand-washing facilities are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used as a disinfecting agent.” But there’s a twist: “Alcohol does not remove organic material,” the CDC says, “so visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water.”

4. Children’s Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel. This is one of several itch-stopping topical gels parents might use for stings and bites, Wood says. If you also pack the Benadryl capsule it not only helps with allergies in general but it helps the kids sleep through long trips!

5. Insect repellent. To DEET or not to DEET? Parents debate this one in pharmacy aisles everywhere, and the CDC cites the American Academy of Pediatrics, which “recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants younger than two months old. Also, the CDC reminds us that “products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus specify that they should not be used on children under the age of three.”

Plus, here’s one I know you didn’t know, which is that “repellent products must state any age restriction. If there is none, EPA has not required a restriction on the use of the product,” according to the CDC.

6. That part of your brain that keeps your fingers out of your mouth. Our friends at the CDC remind us not to “apply repellent to children’s hands” as “children tend to put their hands in their mouths.” I never remember this.

7. Sun-blocking garments. Nothing is more loathsome to me in summertime – other than jacked-up ice cream pricing – than all the time it takes to lather and re-lather kids with sunscreen. That’s why I love the CDC reminder that “there are sun-blocking shirts available that are made for swimming and preclude having to smear sunscreens over the entire trunk.” This kind of shirt and protective, fully brimmed hats are good ideas for kids of all ages.

8. Sea-Bands. Given that meds like Dramamine can cause drowsiness, Wood has used Sea-Bands on her own son. The bands, she says, “work as acupuncture bands on the wrist and minimize motion sickness.”

9. Probiotics. “For those children who are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea,” Wood says, a probiotic can be incorporated into a child’s food “to soothe indigestion symptoms.”

10. Ziploc bag. On a weekend bus ride last summer I mopped up my younger daughter’s vomit with a long-sleeved shirt, which I disposed of in the convenient Ziploc bag I had been carrying it in. From that trip forward our family has traveled with several strategically-placed gallon Ziplocs, each containing a few paper towels. A throw-up kit. Don’t leave home without it.

Advisory and disclaimer: Don’t try out any new medications, nutritional supplements, or treatments on your child without consulting your family doctor. In addition, although I don’t personally endorse the products mentioned in this post, I don’t feel I can say “zip-top” bag and be taken seriously, hence “Ziploc.”

Dining

2011-05-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

We post our impressions of where to go and enjoy a great meal but when you go to other cities this maybe a great way to get ahead on your dining experience.

Sniff out critics' favorites

If you're more interested in getting a recommendation on the spot, download Urbanspoon. The app makes a game of finding a restaurant: Search options are displayed slot-machine style, with neighborhood, cuisine, and price as the categories. Refresh with a simple shake of the device, or click off for critics' reviews and some menus. Free. Download it: Android, iPhone/iPad.

Make reservations

Instead of calling 12 restaurants to find one that can seat your party of four, let OpenTable do the work. Search more than 15,000 restaurants in Canada, the U.K., Mexico, and the U.S. by the number of diners and your desired reservation time, and then sort by cuisine, price range, and neighborhood. And in about five taps — voilá! — you've got a reservation. Free. Download it: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone/iPad.

Sip smarter

With more than 1 million bottles of wine from Chile to Cali cataloged, the Cor.kz app is like a pocket sommelier. Search by region or varietal, peruse an exhaustive glossary, or scan a bottle's bar code with your smartphone to call up expert ratings and tasting notes. $4. Download it: Android, iPhone/iPad .

Avoid menu mistranslations

Foreign phrases can be unforgiving — and that's where On The Menu comes in. A database of more than 1,400 terms from all over the globe allows users to solve culinary conundrums with a quick Google-style search. Bagna cauda? That would be Italian for anchovy fondue. $2. Download it: iPhone/iPad.

Rub elbows with regulars

It's no easy feat to cut through the restaurant-of-the-moment hype in an unfamiliar city, which is where the no-holds-barred user reviews on Yelp's app come in. Using your GPS-mapped location, the app reveals the highest-rated places near you, as determined by the people who know best. Search thousands of dining options in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland by price, neighborhood, or the handy "what's open now." Free. Download it: Android, Blackberry, iPhone/iPad.

Ask the experts

Crowd-sourced restaurant reviews on Urbanspoon or Yelp can be telling, but you never really know who's behind them. The owner's mom? A foodie fussbudget? LocalEats relies on (relatively) objective parties-food bloggers, newspaper dining critics, alt-weekly columnists to compile its top-100 lists in America's 50 largest cities. Locally owned spots are in, national chains are out, ensuring you'll find an authentic meal without too much legwork. Android, iPhone/iPad, $1; BlackBerry, $3. Download it: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone/iPad.

Stay in touch with the World

2011-05-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

The new News Republic smartphone app is launching on new platforms including iPad, Blackberry, Symbian, Bada, Windows Phone 7 and webOS and Android Honeycomb tablets. Smartphone users can also search, discover and share news stories using email, Twitter or Facebook. Giving you the ability to stay in touch with world news no matter where you are from.

Then you might fancy the News Republic smartphone app, which enables users to search and organize news stories. The app, featuring TagNav news tracking and navigation system, has attracted 400,000 iPhone and Android users with its English, French and Italian editions. This week, the app launched a Spanish edition and a German edition is expected shortly.

Users can create their own news channels from breaking news stories from 50+ news agencies and media sources worldwide including AFP, AP, Reuters, ITN, Adfero, Techradar, eWeek and WENN. The company says it has licensing agreements with content providers so users access the full news stories, images and videos within the app. They can also reference external resources including Wikipedia, YouTube and Google.

The News Republic app is available at the App Store, Android Market, Blackberry Appworld, Samsung Apps and Ovi Store in the News Sections.

For more info, visit the the News Republic site.

Image and video courtesy of News Republic.

Bike, Scooter Sales Shifting Gears

2011-05-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

As gas prices surge beyond $4 a gallon, more Americans are cycling as a way to stay fit, save money or both. There’s definitely an obvious link that one leads to the other when it come to taking a bike instead of a car.

Bike sales rose 9% in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2010, and sales of road bikes – commonly used in commuting – shot up 29%. Sales for gas-powered scooters are up even more: nearly 50% in the first quarter compared with a year ago.

Census data show that when gas prices last peaked, in summer 2008, bike commuting rose 15% nationwide from 2007. If gas keeps going the way the experts expect it to go I expect this will be no different this time around. We embrace our travelling biker. We’ve seen a few bikers booking with us and we feel it’s due to several of the nearby bike trails that we have.

In the past two years the federal government has made a $2 billion investment in aiding the growth to bike trails. Cities have capitalized on this and the number of U.S. communities designated “bicycle friendly” by the league of American bicyclists has grown from 25 in 2003 to 179 this year. See how our state or your state rates in bicycle programs by clicking HERE.

Travel Tips for the Solo Traveler

2011-05-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

To minimize risks, follow these five practical tips, gathered from experts including Whitman, Schlichter, and travel guidebook author Rick Steves.

(1) Project strength. Walk purposefully, and show no fear — even if you have to fake it. Pickpockets prey on travelers who look like confused, easy victims. Common areas for Pickpockets are crowded areas. Pickpockets probably hit thousands of tourists a day around the world. Follow these simple steps, and you'll avoid them:

Keep your money in three places. The big money, credit cards, and passports go into a money belt under your clothes. More money and perhaps one credit card go into a more easily accessible change purse or zippered pocket. Finally, small money, for tips and taxis, goes into a front pocket, where most pickpockets work. This way, if successful, they get only the small stuff.

Inner pockets of jackets are less likely to be lifted but if I pickpocket notices you putting your wallet there than they can and will attempt to relieve you of it’s contents.

Keep your purse or luggage locked in transit. Also when sitting keep your bags in a visible area. Do not hang your purse on the chair as this is a common area thieves will riffle or take while you are distacted.

(2) Always remain alert. "It's those few seconds of inattentiveness when your bag or purse could get snatched," Whitman says. "Thieves are generally looking for a quick steal, so bring a cable lock to secure your belongings to your seat on trains, and lock the zippers of your bags together so no one can easily open them."

(3) Readjust your schedule. If you feel uncomfortable going out at night, don't force it. Instead, sightsee during the day, make lunch your biggest meal, and turn in early. "Everyone should avoid walking alone at night," Schlichter says. "I've heard plenty of stories of male travelers who put themselves in bad situations — they made the mistake of assuming they'd always be fine because they're guys."

(4) Avoid the flirts. Steves has long advised single female travelers to wear fake wedding rings, especially in Mediterranean and Latin countries, where the men tend to pay more attention to women than Americans are typically used to. Getting hit on doesn't always turn into a safety concern, of course, but a simple gold band could save you some headaches.

(5)Follow your gut. If your radar goes off, listen to it — no matter who sets it off. "Woman and young children are just as likely to be pickpockets in some European countries — not men with knives," Whitman points out. "They often get away with it, I think, because people don't want to be rude to a nice-looking, middle-aged lady holding a baby, even if she's being pushy."

Trends for Sping and Summer

2011-05-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

As Pasadena weather starts to warm up and the stores have completed their switch from winter items to warmer weather items these are the typical trends to be aware of. Our weather in Pasadena runs about 40 degrees to 70 degrees in the spring but about mid June we start to see temperatures averaging around 60 degrees up to 100 degrees. Humidity is also a factor so if you plan to be outside you’ll want to keep this in mind when packing.

Afraid to try the latest trends because you don’t have the body of an 18-year-old supermodel? Never fear! Many of this season’s hottest trends are wearable for all ages and body types. Trying a new trend can be scary! Don’t be shy - Try one at a time and mix them in to what you already own. Summer is a great time to try something new or with a splash of more color than you’re used too. Here’s a couple of spring and summer trends that just about anyone can pull off:

This season dresses, and skirts will remain must haves... But this season fashion designer's have also given us all kind of fun fashions, fashions that will offer wonderful vivid prints, stripes, and geometric prints... The main theme this spring is somewhat tailored, and classic, but with a touch of bold, and edgy.

According to many fashion experts, super tight denim (commonly called ‘jeggings’) are a thing of the past. Instead, opt for wide-leg and trouser-cut silhouettes, which are flattering on all body types! Another trend making a comeback is flare jeans. If you have a curvy figure, flares are your best bet. They balance out a fuller top nicely and will make you look slimmer.

Hope this helps you as you plan on what to pack coming into our city. See you here!

Would You Like Some Vodka on Those Pancakes?

2011-05-05T08:26:00.001-07:00

That could be the question someone might jokingly ask upon first learning of this unusual, individualistic, and hauntingly flavorful vodka from Vermont, which lends credence to the fact that it is made with the sugars from 100 percent natural maple syrup. That in itself makes Vermont Gold maple vodka ($40/$20) a very limited, annual production, as the sap from New England’s maple trees only flows for less than six weeks in the spring, when warming daytime temperatures combine with still-frigid nights to allow the stored sugars to be released as sap. This in turn is boiled into maple syrup, which is then combined with a pure, non-grain vodka, then triple distilled and lightly filtered through charcoal to allow the delicate maple essence to come through in this 80 proof spirit. Only pure Vermont spring water is sourced for the distillation process, and no additives or preservatives are used. The distiller, Harry Gorman, handcrafts everything in-house. The result is a distinctly American-made, small-batch vodka with a smooth, semi-rich flavor of maple, a liquid tribute to a unique product of the Green Mountain State. Primarily available in the Northeast, it also can be ordered online. (866.998.6352, www.vermontspirits.com)

Traveler’s Bill of Rights

2011-04-26T15:12:00.001-07:00

Enter The Coalition for Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights
A one-woman juggernaut named Kate Hanni was on the American Airlines flight that was grounded in December, and has taken her story all the way to Congress. Hanni formed the Coalition for Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights, which is calling for a passenger bill of rights to be written into law; the organization's Web site is worth a look.

The Coalition's proposed Bill of Rights reads thusly:

All American air carriers shall abide by the following standards to ensure the safety, security and comfort of their passengers:

· Establish procedures to respond to all passenger complaints within 24 hours and with appropriate resolution within two weeks.

· Notify passengers within 10 minutes of a delay of known diversions, delays and cancellations via airport overhead announcement, on-aircraft announcement and posting on airport television monitors.

· Establish procedures for returning passengers to terminal gate when delays occur so that no plane sits on the tarmac for longer than three hours without connecting to a gate.

· Provide for the essential needs of passengers during air- or ground-based delays of longer than three hours, including food, water, sanitary facilities and access to medical attention.

· Provide for the needs of disabled, elderly and special-needs passengers by establishing procedures for assisting with the moving and retrieving of baggage, and the moving of passengers from one area of airport to another at all times by airline personnel.

· Publish and update monthly on the company's public Web site a list of chronically delayed flights, meaning those flight delayed 30 minutes or more, at least 40 percent of the time, during a single month.

· Compensate "bumped" passengers or passengers delayed due to flight cancellations or postponements of over 12 hours by refund of 150 percent of ticket price.

· The formal implementation of a Passenger Review Committee, made up of non-airline executives and employees but rather passengers and consumers -- that would have the formal ability to review and investigate complaints.

· Make lowest fare information, schedules and itineraries, cancellation policies and frequent flier program requirements available in an easily accessed location and updated in real time.

· Ensure that baggage is handled without delay or injury; if baggage is lost or misplaced, the airline shall notify customer of baggage status within 12 hours and provide compensation equal to current market value of baggage and its contents.

· Require that these rights apply equally to all airline codeshare partners including international partners.

Is this a fair response to years of shoddy treatment of the flying public? You bet it is. And is it better than what we have now? Absolutely. The current Customer Service Initiative mostly says "we'll try our best, but we don't really promise anything." It contains nothing whatsoever setting benchmarks, meeting deadlines, setting compensation amounts, requiring notifications, or just about anything hard and fast. It's all squish and slip.

For example, read American's policies regarding "Essential Customer Needs During Extraordinary Delays"; it's clear that these promises rang extremely hollow in late December 2006. The biggest change in the new bill of rights is that these "policies" will become law. It will no longer be enough to say "it's not our policy to starve our passengers on the tarmac" and have the issue just go away.

Is it unreasonable to ask this of the airlines? I don't think so, as, for the most part, the proposed bill simply holds the airlines to their own policies.

When You Deserve The Best

2011-04-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Many folks struggle with the idea of being deserving. They feel that there is something wrong about them. That's why they feel they don't deserve happiness, love, wealth, you name it. Here are three things to avoid when trying to change your life. When you are trying to feel you do deserve all the best.

1. Avoid comparing yourself with others, especially if they have more than you of whatever. You are unique and your situation does not match anyone else's. See yourself as an individual with your own special range of influence, which you truly have.

2. Avoid comparing your present life with your life as a child. You were essentially powerless as a child, as is every child. What was then when, you were a child, does not control what can be when you are an adult.

3. Avoid negative thinking. It is said that people have between 50,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day - - most of them negative. If most of your thoughts are negative, and they will be unless you make a concerted effort to change them, just think how you are perpetuating negativity in your life.

So, there is another side to this coin of thinking you deserve all the best. Here are three things to seek in your daily life - - leading to a better feeling about what you deserve.

A. Seek to define yourself as who you really are. One idea you need to distinctly consider is this: You are a child of the Universe. Yes, if you will, you are divine. Therefore, you deserve all the best.

B. Seek to know that what occurred in the past, whatever is was, need not limit you now. The past is gone. As much as is possible, forget it. Live in this moment. Make the most of this moment.

C. Seek to express yourself positively. You start that by be conscious (aware) of your thoughts when you take a minute, make a minute, to consider what you are thinking. Sounds peculiar, I know. But in order to halt the negativity in your thoughts, you must be come aware of those thoughts. Then, when you discover negativity, replace it immediately with positivity.

Now, take these things to avoid and things to seek and apply them to life now. I believe you will feel immediately more deserving.

Travel Gadgets

2011-04-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

When the first iPad came out just over a year ago, we were sure it would transform travel: Apple's tablet computer married work and play utilities so well, it rendered a laptop excess weight on a vacation. Thirteen months later, our computing behavior has already evolved drastically. Everyone from VPs to restaurant sommeliers to preschoolers are using iPads everywhere. It did not take long for the tablet to find a place in our lives.

Since the second generation iPad was released a month ago, much has been said about the new lighter, smaller, faster model. And the fact that Apple has added significant new features to iPad 2—such as the front- and back-facing cameras—without raising the price (it starts at $499). Let’s consider what the iPad 2 does to further transform travel with its smaller size, new cameras, innovative new travel apps, and iMovie travel videos.

iPad 2 For Travel

1. Packable Size, Speed

Yes, the iPad 2 is light (33 percent lighter than iPad 1) and thin (thinner than the iPhone 4). It’s so fast—two times faster thanks to the A5 chip—that the graphics seem to fly across the screen as you use it. The sleek, skinny iPad 2 disappears in your handbag, tote, or backpack. And at the airport, iPads do not have to be screened separately in the security line.

2. Ample Battery Life

The ten-hour battery life means you can literally not worry about charging your iPad for days. Battery life is simply not an issue. The iPad also has its own voltage converter, so you just need to find a power adapter for your host country and you are all set.

Here are three ways to maximize your iPad’s battery life:

• Turn down the brightness of the screen.

• Limit the apps in your multitasking. Each open app is using a bit of battery. Close out of the apps you aren’t using.

• Turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings when you are not using them. They soak up battery power.

3. Cameras for Video Chatting, Hi-Def Video, Photos

The much anticipated front- and back-facing cameras enable FaceTime chats from wherever you have a Wi-Fi signal—airport layovers, coffee shop chats, Madrid’s Plaza de Santo Domingo. More and more cities are publishing maps of their free Wi-Fi hotspots. Though the cameras' video is hi-def, the photos are less sharp than photos taken with the iPhone 4. But in reality, shooting photos and video on the iPad is a little strange. For my iMove travel video (below), I used my iPhone 4 to shoot photos and video, then synced to my computer, then to my iPad. You can also use the USB adapter to sync iPhone 4 photos directly to iPad.

4. Top Travel App Innovations

With the addition of the new gyroscope and cameras, and the existing GPS, the world of travel apps is about to take off. The gyroscope and GPS could enable some very cool virtual tour guides of favorite travel sites—say an iPad tour of Machu Picchu where you point your iPad at a feature and it tells you historical facts. Here are some of the more impressive new iPad travel apps out there:

• iMovie - $4.99

Optimized for the iPad, this app could transform you into a filmmaker. For travel videos, it’s amazing. It makes editing videos simple—little kids could do it. See the section below to read the full review.

• National Geographic National Parks Maps HD App - $4.99

This app pairs hi-res images of points-of-interest within National Geographic HD topo trail maps for 15 parks (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, and ten others). The iPad’s Digital Compass will locate you within the park when you are ready to start exploring.

• JetSetter - Free

This visually stunning, content-driven travel app lets you discover travel destinations through a gorgeous layout and photography. The stories and editorial reviews will tantalize you to take a trip—and the app even allows you to book a hotel stay with a cool calendar feature. It also has “Flash Sale” limited-time travel deals.

• Word Lens - Free, $9.99 per language

This app utilizes the camera to photograph and translate text. Right now it only works for English to Spanish and Spanish to English. Still it’s a remarkable service on the iPad. It’s not perfect. I tried it on my friend Mark Adam's new book title, Turn Right at Machu Picchu. It came up with “Turno Correcto a Machu Picchu,” which is a little off, but the possibilities are exciting.

• TripAdvisor - Free

Thanks to the iPad’s digital compass, TripAdvisor’s vast database of user reviews are made available on Google Street maps. Simply locate yourself via the GPS, then read reviews of nearby restaurants and hotels positioned on a Google Street View map. What’s surprising is all the local information. I always considered TripAdvisor to be best for international hotels. But with the app, I located myself in my apartment in Brooklyn and it showed me all the restaurants and businesses on my street with contact info and user reviews.

• Fotopedia Heritage - Free

Brilliant photos illustrate the world’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in this app. The Machu Picchu slide show alone has 59 images.

• FlightBoard - $3.99

This app quite simply lets you see the Arrivals and Departures flight boards in any airport. Pretty handy if you are dealing with weather delays.

• AllSubway HD - $.99

This is the first collection of subway maps from the world’s great cities, from Moscow to Munich to Perth. You don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to use it, so subterranean navigation is possible.

Starting in May, Apple is going to offer free travel app workshops for consumers at their 200+ U.S. stores. At these workshops, Apple instructors will show the latest and best travel apps available.

5. iMovie: Geo-Referenced Travel Videos

iMovie ($4.99), which we loved for the iPhone 4, is now optimized for iPad and so easy to use. The added screen real estate allows for great control and precision while editing your trip video. You can trim video clips before you add them to your edited material, and then re-edit the cuts throughout the process with multiple video editing tracks. The app is so superior, it gives you the confidence to actually cut together a video you could be proud of.

Sleeping Through Meetings

2011-04-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I was walking by one of my meetings and popped my head in to check and make sure everything was refreshed and looking good. Our meeting space comfortably holds quite a crowd so frequent checks help insure we consistently have everything for our meeting goers. In this case I had to stifle myself do to the man in the back of the room. He was head down, arms crossed and I’m sure tow breaths away from snoring.

This really got me thinking. I’ve been in meetings before that have been dry or tough to get through but I thank coffee or soda for getting me through those tough times, but how many people catch some Z’s in meetings?

You can find in the news how council members sleep through meetings or Youtube videos of people falling asleep there is a ton of stuff showing people falling asleep in meetings. So the guy in my meeting was not unusual but comical just like the girl in the video.

So what is the reason for people falling asleep? Is it a dry, monotone speaker, lack of sleep, not enough coffee? If you find yourself in a meeting and need to stay awake here are a couple of tips to use to keep your peepers open:

· Pretend to take notes. Writing things down will make you look fastidious, efficient and incredibly interested. Rather than notes, however, your pad of paper can be filled with an array of fun activities.

· Play word games. This is as easy as picking a word, such as "corporate" and seeing how many other words you can make from the letters. "Corporate" gives you: rat, rate, poor, coop, crop and crap, just to name a few.

· Count words. Certain speakers, in their monotone, may be prone to repeating certain words, utterance or phrases. It's fun and easy to count how many times Nancy in marketing says "newfangled," Vance in budget says "earmarked" or George from human resources utters "Um."

· Rate neckties. Start with a list merely rating all the different ties in attendance from 1-10. The list can then be broken down to rate the most colorful, the most original and one you would do nothing but hang yourself with.

· As mentioned, always keep one ear open to what the suits are rambling on about in case someone decides to ask your opinion.

· Don't doodle. Doodling on your notepad may be fun, but someone is bound to glance over and note your pages are filled with eyeballs, smiley men or other funky little illustrations. Whatever you are writing cannot be read from far away.

· If you must doodle, don't draw evil caricatures of the people in attendance. Someone is bound to see.

· Don't play tic-tac-toe with the person next to you. That's just too obvious.

Local Experiances

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

We took the team to Il Fornaio, in Old Town Pasadena. It might not have been my first choice as it's a chain restaurant. Natalie Robles of their establishment convinced me otherwise when I was looking for a venue. Natalie arranged a nice private room and still allowed us to order off the menu. All of the food was excellent and absoultly save room for dessert...even if you think you are full, when that cart rolls in, it's tough to resist. The three course Prix Fixe menu is a great value at just under $30.00. Take a look at ilfornaio.com or give Natalie a call.

Another great local experiance is Mignon Chocolate just a block from the hotel on Holly Street. I was working on creating a custom Easter Basket and came upon them. Opened 76 years ago, to this day they still produce amazing hand made truffles & fine chocolates. Anoush was very accomodating and helped me find just the right items. Taste the chocolate with Sea Salt or the Chile infused dark chocolate and you will know what heaven feels like. Mignonchocolate.com will set you on the path to redemption, but walk there instead, then you will feel like you have earned a treat.

Hotels in Japan

2011-04-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

This story originally appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle but being in the hotel industry we never want to see this kind of thing happen to us so it is good to hear how some of our hospitality brethren handle times of distress. Here’s the article:

Here's a very interesting and heartfelt Q&A with Clarence Tan, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan about the current situation at hotels in the country. (IHG is one of the world's largest hotel chains, with brands that include Holiday Inn, Crown Plaza and InterContinental hotels.)

I offer huge thanks to Mr Tan for taking to time, in the midst of Japan's crisis, to sit down and correspond via email with me (and the readers of this blog) about the situation.

Here goes:

Q: Have your hotels seen any normalization yet?

We operate 33 hotels across Japan, and we were extremely fortunate that none of our hotels sustained any serious damage. With the exception of ANA Holiday Inn Sendai [near the center of the quake] all our hotels are operating normally.

We have seen occupancy levels drop in the northern zone below the normal average. With the uncertainty of the developments at the Fukushima Power Plant and growing concerns relating to food contamination and safety, we are seeing the impact due to:

>Advisories on non-essential travel to Japan still in place

>Expatriate communities are heeding embassy advisories and leaving Japan

>Most multinational corporations have executed their business continuity plans and are either operating outside Tokyo or have temporarily relocated to other Asian offices

>Major airlines are also cutting back routes to Japan

In spite of the dip in occupancy, we are committed to staying open. We have activated crisis response and ensured contingency plans are in place at all levels according to our risk management procedures, but where possible we have kept the hotels running as normally as possible.

Clarence Tan, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group, Japan

Q: What about areas well away from the northern zone....perhaps down south in Osaka and other cities?

Due to the effect of relocation and contingency plans for most companies, we are seeing for the short term strong occupancy levels in areas such as Osaka, Fukuoka and Kobe.

Q: Is there any proof that the entire country is not shut down and that business travel is actually still taking place?

International business travel is very slow. Locally, we are still seeing travel traffic -- there is a general sense of people outside the affected areas trying to get back to normal as well as a strong display of the Japanese 'Can Do' spirit.

From our observation, the Fukushima incident and the associated concerns such as radioactivity contamination need to be resolved. Once that happens and rebuilding commences, there's a good chance that travel advisories will be lifted. The positive impact of this will lend itself to the road to recovery of the travel and tourism business.

On the whole, the country isn't 'shut down' -- it's coping with this unprecedented crisis with dignity and efficiency, and as an international business with deep roots in Japan, we are committed to helping with the recovery efforts to the best of our ability.

Q: Do you have any other observations to share from your hotels there?

It's too early for us to assess the full impact to our business; our energies have been focused on the welfare of our guests and our employees.

Other than the obvious impact we're seeing in terms of cancellations and low occupancy levels, we think it will be a while before we see the return of large scale events such as weddings, conferences and incentive trips as the country rebuilds itself -- both from an emotional and physical perspective.

We need our neighbors and everyone to understand and believe that Japan is safe and things are well under control once the Fukushima issue is put to bed.

We remain cautiously optimistic however -- the appeal of Japan as a travel destination is not likely to waver. In fact the support for the nation is overwhelming. I believe the tourism sector has the right platform to instill consumer confidence and we should work together as a community in the recovery-building phase following this truly unfortunate situation.

From our perspective as hoteliers -- our main role in hospitality is to provide shelter and service, and despite all the challenges brought on by the quake, this hasn't changed. It's been absolutely humbling to see the manner with which the people of Japan have reacted to this crisis. The discipline and national pride I've witnessed will stand Japan well in the road to recovery.

If you've got friends for family in Japan, or are trying to decide when or if you should travel there yourself, be sure to read my current BBC.com post "The State of Travel in Japan."

Travelers Diet

2011-04-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it. You’re on a plane, traveling around for business. Airports, hotels, fast food… none of these scream you can eat healthy. Of course in some hotels you can find some menu items tthat include something healthy that won’t add too much to the waistline. Even airports are trying, but how long have those sandwiches been sitting there in their vacuum packed wrappings. And fast food is, well, fast food.

I know none of this is not the same as home cooked but here are some snacks that can have your taste buds enjoying themselves and you not having to let your belt out another notch:

Popchips Barbeque Potato Chips

PER SERVING (19 chips): 120 calories, 4g fat, 250mg sodium, 20g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugars, 1g protein

What Are They? These chips are innovative -- they're popped (not fried), so they taste great without all the oil. Clever!!!

Why We Love 'Em… Although there's no shortage of BBQ-flavored chips out there (even guilt-free ones), these are on a whole different level. Just the right amount of tanginess and crunch. Delicious!

Baked Classics Vanilla Frosting Multigrain Crisps

PER SERVING (one 1-oz. bag): 120 calories, 4g fat, 60mg sodium, 19g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g sugars, 2g protein

What Are They? The newest flavor from Baked Classics, these crisps are layered in a light coating of vanilla-frosting flavor.

Why We Love 'Em… They didn't look like much when we opened the package, but when we took our first bite, WOWEE! These really do taste like yummy vanilla frosting! Need we say more?

Guiltless Gourmet Tortilla Chips

PER SERVING (1 oz., about 18 chips): 110 - 123 calories, 2 - 3g fat, 26 - 250mg sodium, 19 - 23g carbs, 2g fiber, 0 - 1g sugars, 2 - 3g protein

What Are They? These are our go-to guilt-free tortilla chips. Why? Because they're just so crispy and come in eight impressive varieties.

Why We Love 'Em… Flavor, flavor, and more flavor! The Chipotle chips are fantastic (a bit hot and sweet). The Mucho Nacho ones are awesomely cheesy. And we also enjoy the Yellow Corn (both salted and unsalted) and Spicy Black

Special K Sour Cream & Onion Cracker Chips

PER SERVING (27 chips): 110 calories, 2.5g fat, 230mg sodium, 22g carbs, 3g fiber, 1g sugars, 2g protein

What Are They? Don't let the name fool ya. These are just Popchips copycats. Not sure where the cracker part comes in, but they still taste great.

Why We Love 'Em… Sometimes sour cream & onion chips can be a bit overpowering in flavor, but these have just the right amount of zip. And 27 chips per serving is insane (in a perfectly wonderful way)!

Now next time your travelling and you rent one of those movies in your room, pop the top on one of these snacks and ENJOY!

Transition and a New Beginning

2011-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hello and greetings from The Best Hotel in Pasadena. My name is Stephen Blaine and I am the new Director of Sales, here at the Courtyard by Marriott, Old Town Pasadena. I have now been here just about a month, which is just about enough time to start "swimming" on my own. I wanted to take a moment to pay homage to my excellent "swimming" coach and past Director of Sales, Mr. Mike Owen. After seven years here in Pasadena, Mike is moving on to bigger things and is now the General Manager of our brand new Courtyard in Santa Ana. It's being built right this very moment and is due to open in just a few short months. If you have have any business for Santa Ana, Mike would love to hear from you.. OK Mike, there is your 30 second commercial that I promised with the agreement that it is not business moving from this hotel to your new hotel....OK?.

Back to Pasadena.... Mike has really set me up for success here and for that I am forever thankful. Mike actually started this blog and now it is my turn to take the reigns. Reading past blogs from Mike both Basketball and Dog's seem to be the theme to which these two subjects I am not nearly as proficient as in, expertise (basketball) nor in, numbers (he has 5 dogs). I do enjoy both. I watched the final four yesterday and while I did not have a favorite, I almost always route for the underdog... go Butler! What matters most to me is that it is a great competitive game where the two teams slug it out until the very end.

Dogs are cool as well. We have two little dogs...Zsa Zsa, a Maltese, who is nine years old and our brand new puppy, Max (see picture above). Max is half Maltese, half Shih Tzu. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and he is...all four pounds of him. Don't get me wrong, I love big dogs as well but anything that requires a large shovel to clean up after, is just not appealing to me. I am also under no illusion that these two offer any kind of protection what so ever...in an emergency, they will be the first to run away. The two dogs are still getting used to each other and are not quite sure if they like each other or not, competing for attention much like brother and sister. I hung out with these two alone all weekend and they did nothing but follow me around, everywhere like a shadow. I sit, they sit, I go to the kitchen they go to the kitchen, I take a shower.... you get it... This is the reason while dogs are great.... no other creature offers this kind of unqualified love.

This which strangely leads me to a quote I heard just yesterday from one of those financial gurus who was counseling someone about to lose their home. She has certainly made herself wealthy giving advice to others and actually once in a while stumbles upon the truth... she said " People come first, money and then things". This quote rings especially true to me. People do make the difference.

I have been in the hotel business my entire adult life. This is the ninth hotel in my career which has taken me from DC to Miami to Maui to San Francisco and to Los Angeles. My first hotel job was at a small hotel located in the Port of Miami. Every walk of life came through those doors from every nation in the world. No two days were ever the same and most days no two hours were ever the same. This is a place where a client just in from the Bahamas would bring me a cooler full of fresh Conch or lobster as a tip for making their last stay a great one. Truely amazing people and that is why I have been hooked on this business ever since.

At the end of the day, I am much more interested in hearing your stories than telling mine. So as we move forward in this relationship please share all you can about yourselves and about your passions and your lives. I am truly interested and most appreciative of the time you have graced me with today.

Pac 10 comes up short...just like the NCAA

2011-01-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm sure lots of people saw the BCS Championship game last night as Auburn and Oregon battled it out to a disappointing Auburn win. However, as disappointed as I am, it was still the better team that won. Why? Because they won. I'm not a fan of Auburn or Cam Newton as I bought into whatever the media told me about him and his dad and whatever underhanded dealings were going on there. But its not so much them that is frustrating, but the way in which it was handled. And to totally expect that four or five years from now that Cam will be stripped of the Heisman and Auburn stripped of this title is a pretty foregone conclusion. And in five years will anyone remember that Terell Pryor got a tattoo for free...probably not. He broke the rules and has received his punishment which in comparison to the Newtons, is pretty unfair. Will people continue to break the rules? Absolutely. But you have to punish them to keep some semblance of control over sports.
When Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmel, they had a bad intersection that was the site of a lot of accidents because people just flew right on through. Clint's solution: Put up a stop sign and maybe then, they'll at least slow down.
People will always break the rules, but when the powers that be find out, they have to punish and keep that ever-growing gray area called control.

Congratulations to Auburn as it was a good game, however tarnished it may have been. I love college football as they play their hearts out every game to get to the NFL and hopefully make a living doing this. It would be interesting to see how many people would be involved with it if there wasn't the big pay day...it would be simply because they love to play.
These people exist and you can see them right here in Pasadena. They are professional civil servants and they will be playing at the Rose Bowl this Spring.
They are the LA Heat (http://www.losangelesheat.org/index.php) And not to be confused with over paid, over-hyped people from Miami.
Come make a weekend out of it and stay with us at the Courtyard Old Pasadena www.marriott.com/laxot

We hope to see you all there.

Winding down the College Football Season

2010-11-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

We're down to the last two weeks of the college football season, however everything seems to still be up for grabs. We have the Iron Bowl beginning in just about an hour, Oregon vs Arizona and then rounding out the day with Boise St vs Nevada. All of these matchups could help determine who goes to the National Championship and then who comes to see us for the Rose Bowl.
We still have rooms available for anyone needing them over this timeframe and we understand that people will not make their reservations until they find out if their team is coming. We'll be ready for your reservations on next Sunday afternoon, December 5th. Also, go right to www.marriott.com/laxot and you can make your reservations there. Yes, the rate is a little higher, however once you get here, you don't have to worry about driving again. You're only 3 blocks from the Rose Parade and there is a shuttle that picks up from the parking lot across the street from the hotel to go to the Rose Bowl Stadium.
If you're a college football fan, the next two weeks will be super exciting and don't sell yourself short on this excitement. Do I want you to stay at my hotel, of course I do. But at the same time, if you're from Wisconsin or Stanford, this is a really big deal to come to the Rose Bowl and you deserve the best.
Good luck to all of the fans out there...especially Oregon and Boise State as that would be the GAME of the YEAR.

Forecast...Rain...What Could Be Better

2010-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

Its set to rain this weekend in Pasadena and Southern, California. We don't handle this as well as some parts of the country due to all of the sunshine we get on a regular basis. When the sun goes away, it tends to take away our motivation to move around. But this is when we have to revert back to our Southern California roots.
And our roots tell us to kick back and relax.

And what better time to relax than when it rains. Normally, we can head up and do some hiking in the San Gabriels or come cycling along the foothills, but not when it rains. This is the time when relaxing with a good book, a good football game or even taking in the new Harry Potter flick. Old Town Pasadena has the great new Gold Class Cinema which is an experience in itself and shouldn't be missed. www.goldclasscinemas.com

And then there's the big UFC event on Saturday night that can be viewed at Barney's Beanery, Jake's Billiards or the 35er.

Don't miss the opportunity to relax and enjoy a rainy weekend. There's always more than enough to do as far as chores, obligations and outdoor activities, but not very many rainy weekends. Don't let this one pass you by.
http://www.ehow.com/list_7351214_rainy-weekend-ideas.html

Laps around the Rose Bowl

2010-08-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

One of the really great parts about living in the Pasadena area is the free workout facility. Head over to the Rose Bowl ( www.rosebowlstadium.com ) any weekday evening and you'll see exactly what I mean. Lots of people running, walking and cycling. However, I don't have the schedule to stay consistent with evening workouts, so its off to the Rose Bowl in the morning hours. I normally have only about an hour to dedicate in the morning before work, but the Rose Bowl is perfect for it.
This morning I didn't see any other cyclists and just the few regulars walking and running the perimeter. I was able to get in 3 laps and then ride back home, however I got a really good victory in today. I normally exit the route headed north on Rosemont, as that will bring you out on Windsor and then its just a quick trek to get up to Altadena. However that hill getting to Windsor is very much on the steep side. Normally, I put it in the granny gear, and just pedal my heart out, however this morning I decided to take it on full force. I stood up, kept the bike in the high gear and decided to pedal it out until I gave out. I wasn't sure which would go first, my legs or my lungs, however they both decided to give out at the same time, which was at the top of the hill. We'll see if it gets any easier tomorrow.
18 days to the big ride.

Cool Breeze Century

2010-07-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want to do something big to challenge themselves? Probably a lot of people, however the thought most of the times sounds good. After all, Rocky wasn't able to make 6 movies without having a good story line.

Mine is now the Cool Breeze Century. My goal is two fold, as I want to do the Rocky training and hopefully get the Rocky result. The nice part of cycling is that the only person you compete with in a ride like this, is yourself. The ride is on August 21st and my goal is the 100 miles completed in 6.5 hours. That's not 6.5 hours of riding, but 6.5 overall, including any breaks and stops along the way. So, my goal would be three fold, and that would be to not have any flat tires.

My blog over the next month or so will be dedicated to updates with the training. It will start in the morning and go for the next 5 weeks.

The To Do List continued...

2010-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the To Do list is still there, however its continuing to dwindle down. However here are the joys of being a homeowner. I successfully completed number one of cleaning out the coils on the air conditioner, however as that one was crossed off, another was added on, of calling out the AC repairman. Can anyone say neverending... :)
But I can't complain, as the weather this week in Southern California is not bad at all. For anyone who may read this and is not familiar with June in LA, we have what is called June Gloom. The marine layer comes in from the Pacific and helps keep us somewhat cool. So this is not a bad week to not have the AC working.

Next week is supposed to be a little more warm which should give our friends attending the E 3 Conference in downtown LA, a more traditional California experience. I've not been to the conference before, however it looks to be all about the gaming industry and what's new and exciting. I have a dartboard in my garage and a couple of board games. Needless to say, if you are fighting traffic next week to get into the LA Convention Center, you will not be fighting me. I will be at home playing darts. And not electronic ones...good old fashioned ones that make holes in the wall.

Okay, along with the darts will be the To Do list. So have fun, those of you visiting for the conference next week, however make sure you get around to see some sights in LA...we're more than just a downtown.

To Do List

2010-06-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Most everyone seems to have a 'To Do' list in some form or another. I notice that as I get older the list gets longer. I have great ideas for home and just don't implement them, it seems. My current list includes items like:
fix duct in attic
clean coils in AC unit
empty boxes in office
empty more boxes in guest room
fix the front yard (there are a couple of holes created by a mole and then heavy downpour)
install cabinets in garage
fix gate going to backyard
build fence around pool pump
fix wood rot on side of house
I'm happy to say that my list of nine things has had several wiped off in the last few weeks...however, it still continues to grow. But this is what I've come up with. When I now see projects that appear, I take the Buddhist path and acknowledge them and move on. I don't want my list to grow as unfortunately for me, this list is a point of discontent. I can't relax while that list is still there.
We just celebrated Memorial Day and with this day off, I worked from 7am-5pm on my list and considered it a great day. At any rate, my list of 9 has been reduced to a list of about 4 and a half as I'm halfway done with that front yard.
If I get to the point of taking vacation days for my list I will, at that point, remove all paper from my house.

Stop and smell the flowers

2010-03-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Its now the third day of the time change and even though its been difficult getting up in the mornings, its really great to have that extra hour of sunlight in the evening. Let's face it, most of us are working until 5 or 6pm and to go home while its still light out is a big motivator to get outside and enjoy the outdoors a bit during the week and not just saving that for the weekend.

One thing that I've noticed this week, and maybe its all the sunlight I'm being exposed to, but Pasadena smells just like a fresh dryer sheet. In other words, you get the aroma of flowers every where, just as if it were the first day of Spring. If you haven't stopped to take a deep breath this week, go ahead and take a moment and it shouldn't be very hard to smell those flowers. I'm not sure what kind they are, but its been very, very nice waking up to that and going home to it in the evenings.

Pasadena is very characteristic of a lot of Los Angeles in that we are exposed to a lot of sunshine, however we build our lives around it and appreciate it. We're not like a New York or a Boston, but seem to have a little more landscape instead of being a concrete jungle. Maybe that's the reason public transportation isn't the greatest here and we Southern Californians will drive to get down the block since we all have cars to get around, but you know what...I'll take it.
Give me a bunch of different cultures, lots of great restaurants, taco trucks a-plenty and as much sunshine and flowers as I can stand.
I love LA...Pasadena to be more specific. :)

Don't you just hate it when...

2010-02-10T11:43:00.001-08:00

Don't you just hate it when someone comes up with a catchy phrase that the general population decides to use, but you don't care for it. You obviously would fit into the category of it, but do not like being classified that way. I have a friend from Australia whom I used to make fun of on a regular basis by using the term, 'krikey'. She would always respond with, "We don't say that and I hate it." Which of course this made me want to say it all the more often.

I've come into contact with a term that I don't care for, however it would seem that it will be applying to me soon. The term is 'man cave'. There's not really anything that is wrong with this term, however I get the image of some guy in Malibu, living in a mansion, that has purposely decorated a room or building to have 'man' stuff that he never uses; he just figures that its a macho image and plays with the fact that he's not supposed to have this stuff around women.

So back to, what is essentially, 'my room'. Its not that the rest of the room don't belong to my wife and I, however as she is ruler over the kitchen, I am becoming ruler over the garage. We've established that this is mine to decorate and utilize as I see fit.

My first order of business was to take care of the floor. I don't have to have things to be spic and span, however I'm a big believer in a quote by George Carlin that goes something like make your home comfortable and peaceful because its the place you go to to get away from the world. There are a lot of great George Carlin quotes.

So, at any rate, I decided to put a nice epoxy coat on the floor and start building my room from the ground up. I'm not sure if I'll share pictures of the absolute completed product, however I will share pictures of the floor. You can use your imagination for the rest.

Oh, and if you live in Malibu and just spent a lot of money on 'man-looking' stuff, can I have your old stuff?

Rain, rain, rain...

2010-01-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

Day 5 of the rains:
Today is supposed to be the last day of the rains in Southern California, or at least of major rains. Its supposed to do a little something through the weekend, but hopefully we've made it through the worst part. Our local neighbors of La Canada, Lacrescenta and those areas had some evacuations which I can only imagine is heart wrenching and very difficult. My home was only about a 1/2 mile from an evacuation area back in September with the Station Fire. And we all knew that when the rains came, we would be back to possible evacuations.
We are in hopes that all of those folks are able to get back into their 'untouched' homes and go back to living normal lives at some point this weekend. The good part of the rain is that we are supposed to be slightly ahead of pace for rain this year, but I'm sure our good news media will find something negative to say and we'll be right back into drought conditions come next week. If you can't find anything bad to say, then you're not going on the air.

With the rain comes possible challenges in the homefront. I have a skylight at home, which was actually part of what made our home so attractive when we purchased it. Well...those things leak. The first time it leaked, which was from just a small amount of rain, I attempted to repair it. I caulked it, caulked it and then caulked it some more. With the second round of rain, I watched in anticipation to see what would happen. Drip, drip, drip.
Back up on the roof, I noticed some loose shingles, so I got a lesson from the internet on how to install shingles. Well, with this last rain, I headed up to the attic and wouldn't you know it...drip, drip, drip. But the drips were not caused by me and my roofing skills, so I got a great lesson in how to install a tarp. And that has fixed the leak. And it only took me about 20 minutes to install it.
But my wife informed me that we are not in Southern Virginia and will not be living in a house with a permanent tarp installed on it. So I will be right back at it when the sun comes out again...you know, when the sun comes out and there's a forecast for rain. But I don't feel too bad about this as my dad told me its a trial and error process. I think I can live with that. Otherwise, I have my tarp on standby.

Can I tell you something...again

2010-01-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day of the BCS National Championship where Alabama and Texas will square off against each other and try to remain undefeated on the season. The hotel, coincidentally, is filled with Burnt Orange and Crimson colors every where and just like last week, there's a great air of excitement all over.
With there not being a parade for this game, people aren't staying quite as long and so our raffle drive for the commemorative football was a lot shorter timespan as well. We had about 24 hours to try and earn as much money for the Pasadena Humane Society, whereas when our good friends from Ohio State and Oregon were with us, we had twice as much time. Well....
our friends from Alabama and Texas didn't let our community down. The drawing was yesterday at 6pm and at about 5:40pm we had a mad rush for tickets and to put their names in for the football. Even with half the amount of time the folks from both teams responded like champions and once again helped raise almost $400. Please keep in mind that this is with one raffle ticket per dollar, so over 400 individual entries.

So with both raffle drawings complete, we were able to raise $800 for the Pasadena Humane Society. We didn't expect that there would be this kind of response to a local organization, however the fans and alumni for all four of these schools should be extremely proud. They are only visiting for a few days, but have helped leave a positive, lasting impression.
To our friends from Alabama, Ohio, Oregon and Texas: Thank You!

Can I tell you something...

2010-01-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who lives here in LA, however hails from Boston, Mass. One of my favorite phrases that he uses is to start off a statement or story with, "Hey, can I tell you something." That statement may be groundbreaking and it could be as simple as what a nice day it is outside. I guess I like having something to look forward to and that statement lets me know that something good is coming. So...can I tell you something.
I love the people from Ohio State and University of Oregon. We asked them to open their hearts (which is an indirect way of asking to open your pocketbook) to our local humane society here in Pasadena. We hoped to create a little extra buzz around the Rose Bowl festivities and maybe raise a little money in the process, however the response we received was anything but little. We witnessed people buying 20 tickets at a time to win a pretty great football, however were more interested in helping out an organization which in turn helps out animals who can't help themselves. Even with having to spend a lot of hard-earned money on Rose Bowl tickets, travel to get to Pasadena and entertainment during their trip, they still gave without hesitation.

We ended up raising over $400 for the Humane Society, which might not seem like a lot, but please take note that our hotel only has 314 guest rooms and each raffle ticket was only $1. So this means that we had 400 separate entries that came together.
It is our hope that Oregon and Ohio State return to Pasadena again. These have been wonderful people who both deserve to have their team win today. I hope they know what a difference they have helped make to a community that is their's for only a few days, but that will remember them fondly always.

Go Buckeyes and Go Ducks! The best of luck to you both today.

Rose Bowl Commemorative Football

2009-12-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update to yesterday's posting. Here is the football that the winner of our contest will receive.

It only costs $1 to enter, however you can enter as many times as you like and at the end of the day, all proceeds go to the Pasadena Humane Society.

We promise you that you'll not find another football like this one.

Good luck!

Rose Parade, Rose Bowl & BCS Championship

2009-12-28T20:23:00.001-08:00

January is set to be a very busy month in Pasadena, CA. And that's just taking into account the first 7 days of the month. The annual Tournament of Roses Parade will take place on schedule at 8am on January 1st with the Rose Bowl taking place in the early afternoon. Everyone is super excited to have Captain Sullenberger in town as our Grand Marshal of the parade, and this year's theme, 'A Cut Above'. And then to have Ohio State and Oregon in town, should cap off a wonderful day.

To make sure we stay grounded at the hotel, we're making sure that we keep an emphasis on our hometown of Pasadena and getting things off to a good start in the new year. We will be offering a commemorative football for the Rose Bowl and the two teams playing that is decorated with pictures of Pasadena that will hopefully be a wonderful keepsake of this year's Rose Bowl. To enter, they simply need to donate a dollar to the Pasadena Humane Society, and they'll be all set. They can even enter multiple times to increase their chances.

We'll post a picture of the ball soon to hopefully help get the word out.

As far as the homeowner front, I'm afraid I've been slacking. With posting blogs that is. I finished up the wooden gate, but didn't have the before and after pictures, so as far as everyone knows, I could have been taking a picture of a neighbor's gate; I wouldn't want to risk any scandal with this. Also, I had my first stab at roofing this past weekend and trying to fix a leak that is coming in over my skylight. Its really a never-ending process, but so far as I keep learning, and can keep fixing things, I guess it must be okay. I'm not sure what the next project is going to be, however if we can get some money raised for the Humane Society, then that will be a good enough start to the new year. That and my roof not leaking any more.

Until next time...

Training, training and more training

2009-11-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Training...
This has been the be all, end all, trav-all and learn all for the month of November. I've been trained up one side and twice down the other, but I've made it through. For anyone who is under the assumption that hotels simply hire personnel, give a little OJT and then let them go, please be assured that nothing could be further from the truth. Now that theory does hold true with my home improvement projects, but we take out hotels a little more seriously.

The first training took place in Seattle Washington and surprisingly enough, in pretty good weather. I learned everything there is to know about Courtyard and Marriott hotels and if you thought bacon being accompanied by eggs is just an old adage passed down through time, its not. Marriott came up with that. Okay, maybe not, however when you come to breakfast, dinner or even get a snack out of the market, all of these things occur according to a very specific plan. A place for everything and everything in its place.

The second training took place in Washington, DC. President Obama wanted to get together to go over some of these policies and standards, however really, who has the time. I apologized very graciously and continued on with my training. This section went over all kinds of great things that go into making the team that is at the hotel as successful as possible. And in hotels, the happier our team members are, the more successful they are. I had a severe case of jet lag, a sinus infection and was on the verge of information overload, however when they put you in a room, blindfold you and tell you to figure out what parts are missing from a puzzle you and your class are holding, you can't help but be interested. And you learn the value of communication.

So at the end of this, I'm a little smarter and hopefully will perform my job a little better. The next thing is to see if it will help with the next home improvement project. That will consist of replacing a chain link fence with a new wooden fence. I'll have pictures shortly.

Thanks for reading.

U2 and the Happy Cat

2009-10-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Its Monday morning in Pasadena at our hotel, the Courtyard Old Pasadena. The sun is taking a little while to get up and going, but the weather outside is nice and cool, so we'll take it for now, as I'm sure the sun will be out shortly.

We had a good busy weekend with our Cal Berkeley and UCLA fans in over the weekend. There's nothing like being in an area that hosts college football games on a regular basis. Our hotel is super convenient as we're just across the street from one of the overflow parking lots for the Rose Bowl, so our guests literally walk across the street and down a block and jump on the shuttle.

With the last UCLA home game for October past us, we move on to the big U2 concert this weekend. We are still in disbelief of the fan following that U2 has. The Rose Bowl concert is their only stop in Southern California and it shows. We are on track for one of our busiest weekends other than the Rose Bowl game itself, so it should be very exciting. For those of you who haven't heard, the concert is next Sunday, Oct 25th, and I believe the Black Eyed Peas are the opening act. It should be a great show.

The homefront saw the completion of my project, the cat tree. I can't tell you how exciting I know all of this sounds after writing about college football, a U2 concert and now on to....a cat tree. For those of you with cats, you'll know that the first two topics are of no interest, but the last is an endless source of relaxation and entertainment.

I started working on the carpet around 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon; I was done by 8 o'clock. I'd never worked with a hot glue gun before, but now am fairly experienced. I also have a couple of scars where the glue kept coming when I had it over a hand or arm; but nothing that will last.

I've not decided on what will be the next project, but its looking like a wooden gate to replace a chain link one at the house. And no, the leak hasn't been fixed yet from the skylight. I'm hoping to gain the assistance of our Chief Engineer with that one.

An any homeowner will say, your work is never ever ever done.

The rain is gone and here come the Cal Bears

2009-10-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

The rains have finished, the air is clean and everything is green. And we are all set for a warm weekend and more UCLA football. They are facing the Cal Berkeley Bears this Saturday at noon. If you plan on tailgating and have nothing to do on Saturday morning, Texas is playing Oklahoma at 9am, but you'll have to catch that one on TV. Being from the east coast and naturally an early-riser, I can't tell you how much I love morning football; the earlier the better.

We are all set for a busy weekend here at the hotel. Our staff knows exactly when the games occur and start asking at the beginning of the week. A full hotel is a happy hotel.

On the homeowner side, I discovered a leak in my skylight with the recent rain. Unfortunately, this is not one of those projects that can be placed on the backburner, so I'll have to get it taken care of this weekend or early next week. These things happen, but on to the project at hand.

The structure for the cat tree is all complete and ready for the carpet to be put on . And as I mentioned, this thing could probably hold up a Buick, so its very structurally sound. Everything was designed 'playing it by ear', utilizing some scrap wood and things that I had around the house from other projects; some that were finished and others that were not. I've put 3 shelves on the structure and reinforced with 2 x 4's EVERYWHERE. I've not had the pleasure of working with carpet or a hot glue gun, but that project is set for this Saturday, where hopefully I'll have it all complete, and post a picture of the finished project.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend.

Rain can't slow us down...

2009-10-13T08:36:00.001-07:00

Its Tuesday morning and SoCal is getting its first rain of the season. The hotel is running well, with all of our guests grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading out into the weather. Most likely, a good part of our guests are prepared, however we do lend out umbrellas at our Front Desk on the honor system. In other words, if you don't return it, we honor you by coming by your room in the evening to collect our umbrella. Just kidding. We're a little nicer than that.

On the homeowner side, one thing I've found is that there is always something to do. While I was an apartment dweller, there was no yard work, roofing repairs or walls to paint. I never even thought of those things. Since moving into a house, I can't get a break. Every time I look around, I see something else I want to do...something I want to improve. Normally, though, its the regular routine maintenance that takes up time. But that's changing. And I'm bringing this blog along with me. You'll get to experience all of my home improvements from the before to the after. I will include pictures and progress reports. The only thing you won't have access to are all of the bad words that come with me trying to do home improvements.

My first one that I'm working on isn't even a home improvement, but more a practice run at wood working. My wife's sister has this crazy cat that I've offered to build a cat tree for. For those of you who do not know, a cat tree is basically a skeleton of wood and parts that is then covered with carpet that creates a resort area for the kitty. There are two advantages to this first project of mine. Number one is that its giving me good practice with sawing, drilling and nailing wood pieces together, along with working with a hot glue gun. Number two, is that since I'm a beginner and this thing may turn out to not be structurally sound, that crazy cat might finally get what's coming to him.
That last part is a joke, as that cat weighs about 8 pounds and this structure I'm building can probably hold a Buick. So we're safe.
I'll post the before pictures and keep a running count of bad words until we get to the after.

Have a great rainy Tuesday and be careful driving.

UCLA Football to Long Beach Marathon-LA has it all

2009-10-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned cool here in Southern California and Pasadena; perfect for everything outdoors. It was perfect for some cycling on Saturday morning and as I was headed down to the Rose Bowl for a few laps, I noticed all of the blockades for the football game. Oregon was in town for a noon game and didn't go away disappointed. Home games at the Rose Bowl always put an extra air of excitement into the normal relaxed hum of Pasadena. People who aren't fortunate enough to have their team play here don't realize what they are missing. To have Old Town Pasadena so close to such a great sporting institution like the Rose Bowl makes for a really great combination; so much to do before, during and after the game.

Home games, however, do not make the best environment for doing laps around the Rose Bowl. I said a quick hello and good-bye to one of the friendly officers helping with traffic, and I was on my way towards east Pasadena. It took me a couple of moments to get my sense of direction back, but in just a few moments I was back on track on Orange Grove Blvd and headed towards the little town of Sierra Madre. Its pretty flat getting out there so not too tiring, however as I was passed up by a more experienced cyclist and I tried to keep up, my legs grew a little tired any way.

After Sierra Madre, I turned it around to Altadena Dr and started the long climb back up the mountain to home. I love living in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, however no matter where I go cycling, I always end it by going uphill to home.

This was a great Saturday morning and the next day would have me going to the city of Long Beach for the marathon; not to run it, of course, but to support a friend who'd spent the last 5 months training for it.

Wiggle Waggle to UCLA Football

2009-10-06T15:37:00.001-07:00

The Wiggle Waggle Walk was a great success. My apologies on not posting anything before now, however apparently, this year was a record-setting year. And there were a lot of dogs out there. I had a Mastiff, Pug and Dachsund (Hildegaard, Boe Boe & Stogey), with me and I wasn't sure if the Pug was going to make it. However, after several water breaks and putting water on the head and tummy, Boe Boe made it just fine.

And now its on to UCLA vs Oregon this weekend, Oct 10th. Normally, its all about USC when talking about Pac 10 teams, however both Oregon and UCLA are doing wonderfully this season. We'll see what this weekend brings.
Everyone in Pasadena is especially excited about College Football this year, as we will be hosting both the Rose Bowl and BCS Championship games.
Our Accounting Manager says to keep your eye on Stanford for the Rose Bowl.

Wiggle Waggle on Sep 27th

2009-09-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

We're moving forward with helping out the Pasadena Humane Society and participating in the Wiggle Waggle Walk on September 27th at the Rose Bowl. One of our team members has been kind enough to bring several dogs, so a lot of the younger generation will have dogs to walk. This should be a great event that once again, goes to a great cause.
This walk is around the Rose Bowl once and starts at 9am. It is open to all and doesn't require any type of sign up fee. So come out and please feel free to bring a pup with you to keep you company. We hope to see everyone there.

Charity Dog Wash...a clean finish!

2009-08-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the title is a little cheesey, however the dog wash was anything but. Thank you to everyone who came out to help support the effort. We ended up raising a bit of money for the Pasadena Humane Society, as well as getting a lot of clean pups in the process. Not to mention, that several of our staff now know how to clean up a self service doggy bath.
A huge thanks to Michael and Rene of Bathe R Doggie (www.batherdoggie.com) .
They were very kind to offer their facility free of charge and then to provide a very generous donation themselves.
If you're ever in need of getting your pets cleaned up, please check out Bathe R Doggie. They not only provide self serve doggie baths, but also full service options as well. My little Dachsund now has nails that she can live comfortably with thanks to these nice folks.

Thank you all again and we hope to do it again. Now, on to the Wiggle Waggle Walk.

9 Days Out - August 22 Dog Wash

2009-08-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

We're only 9 days away from our dog wash for the Pasadena Humane Society. We've designed a new T shirt that our volunteers will be wearing and hopefully, we'll get that up on the blog pretty soon. We hope to see everyone come out for this event. Remember, its a self serve dog wash, but we'll have everything you need at Bathe R Doggie. We're looking forward to seeing everyone and every dog there.

Charity Dog Wash

2009-08-05T14:18:00.001-07:00

We're big pet lovers here at the Courtyard Old Pasadena and are having an event on August 22nd, Saturday. Instead of the car washes that you normally see around town, we're doing a dog wash, and donating all of the contributions to the Pasadena Humane Society. Its a rough time out there right now to be a pet without a home, so for the great folks at the Humane Society, we want to make sure we're helping out.
Check out our calendar for Aug 22nd and it has all the details. We're just getting started with getting the word out, so if you're reading this, we can use your help. Tell anyone you know with a dog about it and that not only do they get a clean dog out of it and contribute to a worthy cause, but we'll have some great food and prizes as well.
We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Soccer at the Rose Bowl

2009-07-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

There's an exciting soccer game happening this weekend at the Rose Bowl. For the second game of this season at the Rose Bowl, the LA Galaxy, lead by David Beckham, will show their skills against Barcelona. This is a very rare chance to see International Soccer at a local level. We hope to see you all there for this exciting event.

Jason David's Golf Tournament on June 26th

2009-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and along with it our wonderful June gloom. For anyone not from or in Southern California, what this is, is the marine layer comes in heavy and doesn't allow as much sunshine in as people come to expect with 'Sunny Southern California'. We've actually had a little rain and not had to run air conditioners at our homes as its been cooler than normal. I say all this to say...its almost over. And what better way to celebrate it than with a game of golf. And what better day to play golf than on a Friday. Our hotel, the Courtyard Old Pasadena, will be participating in Jason David's Golf Tournament on Friday, June 26th, at Brookside Country Club. It should be a great event and with great weather. This is the first year for this event and we are all excited to be a part of it.
Summer is here in Pasadena and we look forward to all of the great things there will be to see and do.

Summertime in Pasadena

2009-06-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Summer is pretty much here and we have some exciting things happening in Pasadena and our hotel, the Courtyard.
There's a big party on the Colorado St Bridge in June where they shut down traffic and everyone gets to party on the bridge, with some of the best views of any where in Pasadena. Its an extreme change for the bridge that was once known as suicide bridge.
Also, we will have European soccer coming to the Rose Bowl in July when Chelsea plays AC Milan. That one should be a lot of fun. I don't follow soccer very much, however I do enjoy the Europeans and Latin Americans playing soccer. There's so much passion and love for the sport that you can't help but get caught up in it.
And for our team here at the Courtyard, we are looking for our next project as a hotel. We completed the Autism Walk to try and help out the community that way, but now its time for the next great thing. Stay tuned for what comes next.
Thank you for joining us and we'll be back soon.

Wedding Show...a Huge Success

2009-06-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and visited us on May 17th. I'm a little late in posting my thank you note, however I wanted to make sure that we got the news out there. We had a little over 30 vendors and quite a few couples join us for our first annual show.
We have a great location and enjoy the wedding couples and groups that come to see us.
So, thank you again, and we hope to see you all again real soon.

Courtyard Old Pasadena Hotel Wedding Show 2009

2009-05-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Our team is busy putting the last few details on the wedding show at the hotel today. For anyone who may be reading this, its from 11am-2pm on Sunday, May 17th. One of our Sales Managers has put a lot of effort and hard work into the show, and this followed by a full team effort to make everything come off without a hitch. We'll see how it turns out, but it should be a good time for all. We look forward to seeing everyone out there today.

2009 Pasadena Autism Walk - Success!

2009-04-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great day yesterday and were very happy with the tremendous turnout for yesterday's autism walk. We had a good turnout as well from our Courtyard team. And unlike last year with HOT weather, this year was nice and cool and a great day for a walk.

We're very proud of our hotel, team and city for making this event so great. We can't wait til next year.

2 Days Out

2009-04-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

We are just two days from the Autism Walk and our team has done a great job with the turnout and signup for this. We currently have 41 people who have signed up and are looking forward to a great event. We are making all of the T-shirts for the event, so we have lots of ironing to do tonight.

Autism Walk...only 4 days away

2009-04-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we're only 4 days away from the Autism Walk at the Rose Bowl and our team at the Courtyard Old Pasadena. We did a sign up log with a link on the last entry, however we set that up prior to asking our team members how they wanted to donate. We're a little old school, so we're actually going to bring the donations with us in old fashioned things like, cash, checks and money orders.

I'm including a picture of our Tshirt on this blog that we'll all be wearing for the event. We're making these inhouse and they're turning out a lot better than last year's. If you recognize them on Saturday morning, please stop and say hi.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for reading and hope to see a great turnout for Saturday.

Less than 3 Weeks to the Autism Walk

2009-04-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

We are less than 3 weeks from the Autism Walk at the Rose Bowl for 2009. Its on April 25th. Our hotel has set up a webpage for donations and are looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish.
Tony Robbins once wrote that you get a lot further along with a goal of one million dollars than you would with a goal of a hundred thousand dollars. You may not make it to either, but the first one gets you further. So we've set our goal at $1000. (Hopefully, Tony will understand)
We're hoping to make this goal and do our part in the research against Autism.
If you happen to be reading this and want to help out, you can go to https://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=288321&lis=1&kntae288321=83D63E3ABD6D491BADA786E98929426F&supId=252515670&team=3376921
That's a long link, but it will get you there. Thanks for reading and hopefully our next posting will have our Tshirt design up for the walk.

Getting Ready for the Wedding Show

2009-03-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

We're doing our very first wedding expo on May 17th this year from 11am-2pm. Lots of things to prepare for this as if we are the ones getting married. :)

We'll have all of the hotel information which normally caters to wedding receptions of about 120ppl. We are busy getting everything set as far as food, drinks and then all of the necessary vendors as well. I believe we will all be expert wedding planners after this event.

We still have about a month and a half to go, so we're looking forward to it. Hope to see everyone there.

Autism Walk at the Rose Bowl 2009

2009-03-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

Our staff here at the Courtyard Old Pasadena is planning to participate in the Autism Walk at the Rose Bowl. This is our first blog posting and we thought it would be fitting to show one of the things we do in the community. The Rose Bowl is a perfect location for an event like this and it gives us the chance to get together outside of work for a good cause. I'm going to try and post a picture of last year's event and then we can see if we are any better looking this year. :) Thank you for taking the time to view this and we hope to see everyone out there next month.