May 9, 2008
Google Maps - Sort of travel-related
This is the most interesting use of Google maps I’ve seen. A man locates the addresses of interesting times in his life and tells a story at each marker, with a photo of the location. If you follow the link to his  site at http://www.drivenbyboredom.com, be aware that it is NSFW and is not remotely travel-related.
May 6, 2008
Travel Tips for Globetrotting Geeks - Wired How-To Wiki

Wired gives its take on being connected in the rest of the world. I’ll offer a difference of opinion on a couple of their suggestions.

I agree that laptops are a pain to carry around. Louise and I take an EEE PC, and that’s small enough to be worth it, although the screen and keyboard are smaller than we’d like. It’s a compromise between having one and not.

If you’re not taking a laptop, the suggested CD-Rs for back ups isn’t going to work. A storage device such as a Giga Vu Pro or Epson in their latest models will do your back ups for you. Trying to upload huge gigabyte files from an internet cafe isn’t how I want to spend my time on vacation.

If you need a phone overseas, check our “other options” section in “Calling the US.”

The Associated Press: Air safety, passenger rights bill hits dead end in Senate
The reporter says the bill died because of inter-party squabbling over non-aviation provisions; each side claims the high ground, of course.
May 1, 2008
Air marshals grounded in list mix-ups - The Washington Times
Paybacks are hell. Some Federal Air Marshals are being denied boarding because their names (or similar names) are on the no-fly list.
April 29, 2008

Strandings on the tarmac may be solved

Or maybe not. 

File under be careful what you wish for.

Today’s Wall Street Journal (page D1) says airlines are addressing the problems with planes getting stranded out on the tarmac for 3 or 4 or 8 hours. They’re canceling flights. This is truly better. Rather than being on the plane for hours as the water, toilets, and alcohol are completely consumed, you’ll be stranded in the airport for hours, maybe overnight.

Strandings are still occurring, according to the article, but with less frequency compared to the same period last year, while cancellations are up. So you may not be stuck on the tarmac in a stinking plane with raving lunatics. They’ll be with you in the airport.

April 28, 2008
Princess and the Bea-kini | The Sun
Dang! I”m never on St. Barth when the royals are. Sheesh!
Martinique: The Slave Memorial at Anse Cafard from our Smugmug gallery.
Martinique: The Slave Memorial at Anse Cafard from our Smugmug gallery.
April 26, 2008
Declarations - WSJ.com

Yow! A sizzling indictment of air travel today under Bush. Ms. Noonan gives voice to the anger we can’t voice at the gate. A few jewels in her article: ‘costly and harrassing kabuki,’ equal humiliation to everyone in order to show our high-mindedness, ‘We are a nation of Willy Lomans,’ and none of the candidates is going to make our lives any better.

Bitter stuff. 

Newsvine - Tips to ensure the TSA doesn't swipe your stuff

Just another report of items lost or stolen during TSA searches of your luggage. Other people have had their locks lost or stolen, too, it seems. Oh the irony.

Your carry-on isn’t safe either - if you haven’t had to check carry-on bags because there’s no room on the plane, you will. Executive summary:

  •  Bottom line: if you want to see your valuables again, don’t let a TSA agent near them.

 

L. B. Cebik is a silent key (Not about travel - sorry)

I’d guess all amateur radio operators know who L. B. Cebik is. He was found dead in his home this month where he lived alone after the death of his wife in 2002.

Mr. Cebik authored more books and articles on antennas than anyone I know of. He was generous, courteous, and right. (The last often precludes the first two, but not for Mr. Cebik.) 

His very helpful site now requires a login, and his works are now collected on a DVD for offline browsing.  

 He was incredibly knowledgeable and incredibly, generously helpful. I never knew him, but I will miss him.