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PAST FRONT PAGE STORIES
NEW RENTAL CAR SCAM
At least this is a new one on us. When they lean on
you to let them refuel your car at a guaranteed price upon return, they always
lie about the price inflating what the average price is in the area to try and
get you to use their gas. But in this case, a surprise fee showed up that
shocked us.
BEACH DOGS AND CATS
We've been to some of the best beaches on earth.
And on nearly every beach we've encountered, there has been a friendly stray dog
or cat. Come on in and meet some of the four legged friends we've met over
the years.
REUSE TOWELS AND LINENS - SAVE THE PLANET
For years we've resented placards in hotel rooms
urging patrons to save the world by reusing towels and so forth. They're saving
the bottom line is what they're doing, right? Well I thought one chain
might be in it for the environment when I thought they'd actually give
some sort of a refund to customers who reused towels. But no. Read
on.
FULL BODY SEARCH IN FT. LAUDERDALE
Security was extra tight shortly after the U.S. killed
Osama Bin Laden. And while passing through Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood
International Airport on a connection from Great Exuma, Bahamas to Detroit, the
TSA told me the body scanner "detected something in the groin area." So
off I went to the little room for the full body pat-down!
INTERESTING DINING EXPERIENCES
Like most world travelers, we've had some interesting
meals. We've had sea urchin in Malta, barnacles in Portugal, kangaroo and
crocodile in Australia and on and on. But probably the most unique
experience involved one, single fried egg. The venue of that meal was the
thing that put it over the top!
UPROAR OVER TSA SCANNERS & PAT-DOWN SEARCHES- EDITORIAL OPINION
Has the TSA gone too far with full body scanners?
Not in our opinion. What about those invasive pat-down searched, are they
going too far? On the contrary, not far enough if you really want to
detect explosives! And is it time for profiling in the U.S. to help
identify possible terrorists? Read more.
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS
- WAY TO GO!
After "our" airline, Delta, tried to squeeze more than $700 bucks
out of us for a quick round trip between Jacksonville and Detroit, we turned to
a new carrier -- AirTran. And we were extremely pleased with the
experience. Read more about it.
THE BEST U.S. CITIES FOR FRESH SEAFOOD
We've lived in some of the best coastal seafood towns
in America. See if you agree with our thoughts.
SEEING A DC-9 FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME
As kids when we got wind that a TWA DC-9 was coming to the
airport in Indy so that airline employees could see it, we took a bus to the
airport and wound up getting the royal treatment from TWA employees. Also
read about a unique "flightseeing" trip on a Lake Central Airlines Nord-262.
BREAKING THE
NEWS TO THE WORLD THAT THE KING WAS DEAD
I could be wrong about this but I truly believe that my radio
station in Dallas was the first in the world to break the news that Elvis
Presley had died in Memphis. The story should have never, ever gone
on the air but it was my decision. I was young and stupid back then! Read
how the whole thing unfolded on that fateful afternoon in August back in 1977.
AIRPORT HOTELS - THE BEST FOR AIRPLANE SPOTTERS!
If you like to watch airport action outside you airport hotel,
check this page out. Whether you're in Los Angeles or Seoul, South Korea,
we have some interesting suggestions.
A TEN HOUR SUNSET
What, a ten hour sunset? Yes, find out how it
happened.
DALLAS = BARBECUE
And Of
Course
BOSTON = LOBSTER
When you travel or live somewhere, each city usually has food
which is easily identifiable with it. Or there's a restaurant that pretty
much sums it up. Check out cities around the U.S. and around the World and
see if you agree with our choices!
GWEN AIR - NEW START-UP AIRLINE? NOT!
While working as News Director for WROR-FM in Boston, read
how I managed to get hoodwinked by this fake airline! It's a pretty funny
story - now, anyway!
NEW HOMELAND SECURITY MEASURES IN
DECEMBER 2009
GOOD OR A CROCK OF YOU KNOW WHAT?
Read our thoughts on the new requirements brought on by a
would-be bomber on a Delta/Northwest flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Is
forcing passengers to remain seated during the last hour of the flight really
going to make things safer in the future?
JUMPING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC UP
FRONT IN DELTA BUSINESS ELITE CLASS
We've done it dozens of times. Come along with us
and see if flying business class across the ocean measures up to what you might
expect.
AIRPORT HOTELS -
SOME OF THE BETTER ONES
We take a look at some of our favorites in the U.S.,
Canada, Europe and Asia.
THE INCREDIBLE
HARRODS IN LONDON
This is one heck of an incredible experience.
Everything you could possibly want in pretty much a self contained city.
Read about the delights of every kind you'll find at this
unbelievable place.
TRAVELING WITH DOGS - ONE BIG ONE AND ONE LITTLE ONE
Follow along as we moved from Tampa to San Francisco
and flew our two dogs out there with us. One of our beloved family pets
was a giant St. Bernard. It's not so easy for a big guy like that to
collect frequent flyer miles. Read about what it took to make that move
out west.
YOUR FIRST TRIP TO
EUROPE
When people find out that we have been to Europe many times we
are often asked for suggestions especially for people who have never been there.
We have a pretty standard list of suggestions for a starter trip to Europe.
Read about our suggestions and see if you're on the same page
HOTEL IRRITANTS
As world travelers there are certain things that bug us about
hotel stays. The worst is the hype over reusing your towels and bed linens
or we're going to destroy Mother Earth. Maybe we'll help destroy their
bottom line if we don't do this! Read more.
TWO INTERESTING DELTA FLIGHTS - ONE
INTERNATIONAL AND ONE DOMESTIC
One flight had us over Greenland, on purpose, for more
favorable head winds. Another took us way off course due to weather.
SKY MARSHALS? SKY MARSHALS!
Have you ever wondered whether their might be Sky
Marshals on your flight? Well suspicious behavior at a gate waiting area
triggered my curiosity and sure enough, there were two on our flight by
they sure didn't look much like air cops! Read on!
FERRIES AROUND THE WORLD -
GREAT AND SMALL
Read about sailing aboard luxurious, giant
ferries in Europe and South America, fast ferries in Hong Kong, commuter ferries
in Australia, ice crushing ferries in Canada and a tiny, little ferry in
Michigan that handles only a few cars at a time.
AIRLINE HOLD-UPS
Anybody who travels much at all can relate to hold-ups
that occur from time to time. We've had some interesting ones if you'd
like to read on.
SEARCHING FOR "THE REAL THING" -- TRADER VIC'S
While News Director of a huge rock and roll
station in Dallas in the 70s, I wanted to interview a person with genuine
Chinese roots on the celebration of the Chinese New Year. I figured that
Trader Vic's would be perfect. And not only was the interview fantastic,
but it turned into a long standing, wonderful relationship with two top level
employees there. And, I learned some very interesting things about the man
himself - "Trader" Victor Jules Bergeron
SMALL ALL
BUSINESS CLASS AIRLINES - TWO DOWN, TWO TO GO?
Read about failed all business class airlines, ones that
are still trying to hang in there and about some new concepts with major
airlines putting small 737s and A319s across the Atlantic in all business class
configurations. And read about one "big" all business airline in the
pipeline brand new from British Airways.
SOME INTERESTING & FUNNY MOMENTS AT ATL
We are extremely familiar with the world's
busiest airport in Atlanta and during the literally countless times we've passed
through here, some pretty funny things have happened.
ALOHA AIRLINES CEASES OPERATIONS
A sad day for a carrier that provided island hopping
operations for nearly 60 years and in it's final years, long hauls to the U.S.
Mainland and some far away Pacific islands.
BACK IN THE DAY - WHEN 707s AND DC-8s RULED
Tag along as my dad took us on our very first jet
flight. Make that jet flights!
HOTEL RESTAURANTS - THEY CAN BE REALLY GOOD!
Read about some very enjoyable and memorable
hotel dining experiences we've had in such places as London, Rome, Bermuda,
Kuala Lumpur and other locations around the world.
AVOIDING HUMAN CONTACT - THE
GOAL OF TODAY'S AIRLINES!
At least one airline has found a way to take it to the
next level. They are happy to point out that you cannot contact them by
phone 'cause they don't have a phone number!
AN INCREDIBLE "LIVE" HISTORY LESSON ON WORLD WAR
II
What started out as a routine train ride from
Salzburg, Austria to Munich, Germany turned into one of the most incredible
journeys we've ever taken. We learned so much about Germany and Hitler
during World War II from a woman who got caught up in it.
INAUGURAL
FLIGHTS - MD-11 & 777
Follow along on these first flights.
MAXJET CAPUT
A sad farewell to an all business class airline that gave
it a good go across the Atlantic.
N8153G
- REALLY FLYING UP FRONT
I was blown away when the cockpit crew of an
Eastern Airlines Boeing 727 invited me to fly a short segment in the cockpit!
SHORT INTERNATIONAL TRIPS - MAKE THE MOST OF
THEM
We've done two, three or four day weekends in London,
Dublin, Brussels, Munich, Panama City, Panama, Nassau, Anchorage and many
others.
Learn how to maximize your precious time!
WHERE TO GO IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC - A
GREAT AND WONDERFUL DILEMMA!
We shed some light on our travels to Polynesia, French
Polynesia and Melanesia. We'll also shed a little light on the other "nesia" and
that would be Micronesia.
FLYING ABOARD
"DISNEY AIRLINES" GRUMMAN G-1 N234MM
While working at Q102 radio in Cincinnati, I got to fly down to Orlando
aboard the business prop-jet that was hand picked by Walt Disney in 1963.
JET BLUE - MY
FIRST EXPERIENCE
Having changed our city of residence, it is
forcing us to sample airlines other than our normal airline of choice -- Delta.
Read about my first experience on JetBlue and see how it compares to your
experience with the economy carrier.
$120 BIG MACS IN
ZURICH!
This isn't the friendliest city in the world and we had a
really expensive encounter while just trying to have fondue. Read on!
TAKING A SPIN ABOARD THE GOODYEAR BLIMP
Travel along and see what it's like to fly on these
amazing airships!
ODD EATS!
World travel affords some great
opportunities to sample new food. We, for instance, have tried such exotic
sounding foods as sea urchin, barnacles and iguana.
ALL BUSINESS CLASS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
A GROWING TREND
Don't like the cattle call? We don't either!
Read about all business class airlines that hop across the Atlantic in all
business class configurations with great service and affordable prices!
PREMIUM AIRPORT AIRLINE
LOUNGES
Some are drop dead beautiful. Others are so-so.
And some are downright dumps. Read about some of the best and the worst
we've encountered in our world travel.
HOW DOES THE WORLD FEEL ABOUT
AMERICA & AMERICANS?
In our global travels there seems to be a common
thread on how people in other countries view America.
See if you've gotten the same input in your world travel.
THE
"NO LIQUIDS" POLICY IS LEAKING
Read about some recent lapses in security and an amazing
lack of airline employee knowledge on the new TSA regulations during a recent
long haul trip.
SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001 - NOT JUST AN ORDINARY DAY
IN ATHENS, GREECE
Where were you when the terrorists attacked the
United States on September 11th five years ago? We were in Athens, Greece
and like you, we'll never forget this sad day.
ONLY IN THE ISLANDS
We've always been "island people" and over the years
we've had some really fun and interesting experiences in islands all over the
world. Check it out.
NO LIQUIDS ON PASSENGER JETS
- HAVE WE GONE TSUNAMI ON THIS ONE?
As global travelers we realize how important safety and security is.
But did we overreact a bit on this one?
COME ALONG ON A MEDIA JUNKET TO LONDON
A quick and I mean quick hop across the
Atlantic and then back!
REMEMBERING OLD BUT TRADITIONAL
RESTAURANTS
Remember Victoria Station? How about Burger Chef?
TRAVEL CAN BE A TRIP!
Follow along on international trips when some very
amusing things happened to us.
ARUBA - OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY
2006 Marks the 20th anniversary of our first trip to
this fabulous island in the Caribbean. Read how this island has changed
from our first visit in 1986.
THE LAX MARRIOTT - A GREAT PLACE TO UNWIND
We always make it a point to "decompress" at this nice property after a long
flight across the Pacific. It's the staff that makes this place special.
And for airplane nuts, it's a great place to watch the jumbos come and go.
LIVING IN FLORIDA - PAIN OR PARADISE?
Chances are you have visited Florida at one point in
your life and fantasized about how nice it would be to live there year round.
Great weather, lots of sunshine, etc. We've lived it three times and while
it's not perfect, it's not bad either!
HAWAII - WHICH ISLAND?
This is one of the best dilemmas you'll ever be stuck
with. Get some insight on Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and the big island of
Hawaii.
EDITORIAL -
ARUBA
Despite the Natalie Holloway tragedy, Aruba is still a
great island with wonderful people. The locals should not be punished by a
travel boycott just because of this one incident.
SOME GREAT TRAIN RIDES
Travel by train is a great experience. Ride
along with us through the Bavarian countryside, through England, Italy, under
the Chunnel on the Eurostar and other journeys by rail.
STUPID TRAVEL
RELATED EXPERIENCES
Examples of what we consider to be dumb, dumber, moronic,
idiotic, and imbecilic experiences around the world.
TYPHOON
MAMEMI - A CLOSE BRUSH FOR US IN ASIA!
The worst part about this approaching storm is that we
could get absolutely no information on it as we flew into what we thought
might be its direct path. Talk about frustrating!
TROPICAL FISH
Responding to requests from viewers, we've posted some
underwater tropical fish pix shot around the world.
WORLD'S BEST AIRPORTS
One beats 'em all in our opinion. See if you agree.
DETROIT - SUPER BOWL CITY
A look at how the Motor City handled the 2006 Super
Bowl.
DETROIT - SUPER BOWL VISITORS GUIDE
An honest look at what to expect for Super Bowl
visitors to Detroit.
IF
SOMETHING APPEARED WRONG WITH YOUR PLANE - WOULD YOU SPEAK UP?
Some interesting personal experiences.
SKY TEAM ALLIANCE -
BEST OR BUST?
As passengers who have been used to upgrading to the
front cabin on partner airlines, we are irritated with the way the Sky Team
operates.
HATS OFF TO DELTA
FLIGHT ATTENDANT LAROYE STANSBERY
On a nasty red-eye flight from Honolulu to Cincinnati
we ran across a wonderful FA in first class. They all should be as
outstanding as Ms. Stansbery.
COMFORT SUITES OF CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA
This is an exceptional facility! Drop dead
beautiful views and a staff that really cares.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 16 DAYS
A very special 25th anniversary with much of it spent in the air circling the
globe.
AIRLINE HORROR
STORIES AND HOW TO MINIMIZE THEM
Overall, we've been pretty lucky in our global
adventures. But some glitches have popped up.
A WEEKEND IN
LONDON
Wheels up at 6:30pm Friday for a weekend anniversary
fling in London.
ROUND THE WORLD AIR
FARES
You'd be amazed at the bang for your buck you get
with RTW fares. You can go around the world, business class, cheaper than
just going biz class to Europe!
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