Travel News – Monthly Newsletter July 2010

Travel News – Monthly Newsletter July 2010

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Louisiana State Museum staging $7.5 million hurricane exhibit

Louisiana museum staging major Katrina exhibit

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana State Museum is using the start of hurricane season to announce a major exhibit that will open this fall.
Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond is a $7.5 million exhibit. Museum officials say it will include exhibits connected to the massive storm that hit almost five … Read more >>>.

Watch those miles: Websites help you make sure your frequent flier miles don’t expire

Websites to help you manage frequent flier miles

What good are a million frequent flier miles if they expire before you can use them?
All of the major airlines except Continental have slapped expiration dates on their frequent flier miles, generally one to two years. Activity on the accounts – like flights or credit card awards – …. Read the original article : here.

US State Dept. lifts travel warning for Thailand, saying it’s safer now

US lifts travel warning for Thailand
WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department has lifted its travel warning on Thailand, saying safety has improved after political unrest.

A department statement issued Tuesday night said the travel warning for Americans issued last Thursday was no longer in effect “due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country.”
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at : US State Dept. lifts travel warning for Thailand, saying it’s safer now.

Airline passengers would have 24 hours to cancel reservations, get up to $1,300 if bumped

DOT: Airlines should pay bumped passengers more

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration wants to raise the amount airlines have to compensate passengers bumped from full flights to as much as $1,300. They pay up to $800 now.
The Transportation Department unveiled the proposals Wednesday. The proposed changes also would give passengers 24 hours to cancel reservations without …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Hawaii Tourism Authority launches new Heritage Sites of Hawaii program

New Heritage Sites of Hawaii program launched

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Tourism Authority has launched the new Heritage Sites of Hawaii program to promote some of the state’s special places.
HTA said Wednesday that 20 “must see” historical, cultural and environmental places of interest will be marked with a Heritage Site of Hawaii sign, acknowledging their significance … Original article on : Hawaii Tourism Authority launches new Heritage Sites of Hawaii program.

VFS India Screens Visa Applicants

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- VFS India which is based out of Mumbai has been granted permission by the Malaysian Government to screen all visa applicants. Reportedly, VFS India (Visa Facilitation Service) will be in charge of the screening of the visa applicants to verify whether they are bona fide travelers visiting Malaysia.
VFS India happens to be … Read more >>>.

Eurotrip Offer For Car Buyers

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- The benefits of buying a luxurious car from companies like BMW or Audi are far from the flaunt vale and driving comfort. The customers are on for a treat as the carmakers are offering trip to the European manufacturing facilities for them. They can pick the car up from the factories … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Eurotrip Offer For Car Buyers.

RI exhibit explores Newport’s relationship with tennis, takes visitors back to the Gilded Age

RI exhibit focuses on Newport’s ties to tennis

NEWPORT, R.I. – A new exhibit in Newport explores the history of tennis in the city as well as the early years of a social club called the Newport Casino.
The exhibit opened last month at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum and will be up for … Original article on : RI exhibit explores Newport’s relationship with tennis, takes visitors back to the Gilded Age.

Norman Rockwell paintings of Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn to get exhibit in Winona Marine Art Museum

Winona museum to show Rockwell paintings
WINONA, Minn. – The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona is exhibiting a collection of Norman Rockwell’s paintings of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

The exhibit opens June 15 at the Winona Museum and runs through Aug. 8. The 16 signed prints from Rockwell’s collection were commissioned in 1935 when publisher … Read more >>>.

Cleartrip Flights Introduces Small World

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Cleartrip Flights have introduced Small World as a new inclusion to their exclusive travel plan. Reportedly, Cleartrip Flights have added Small World to their existing website which includes 3.2 million travel destinations. Besides it also makes it easy for each and every traveler to find all details for a particular destination …. Source : Cleartrip Flights Introduces Small World.

Spain to reopen Altamira caves with prehistoric paintings, despite scientists’ warnings

Spain to reopen Caves of Altamira despite warnings
MADRID – A cave complex boasting prized prehistoric paintings will reopen after eight years of closure, despite scientists’ warnings that heat and moisture from human visitors damage the site known as the Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art.
The Culture Ministry and the site’s board of directors said … Read more : Spain to reopen Altamira caves with prehistoric paintings, despite scientists’ warnings.

Centuries after vanishing, Galileo’s fingers go on display in Florence science museum

Galileo’s fingers in Florence museum
FLORENCE, Italy – Two of Galileo’s fingers, removed from his corpse by admirers in the 18th century, have gone on display in a Florence museum now named after the astronomer.

The Museum of the History of Science had shut down for two years for renovations. It reopened Tuesday, calling itself The Galileo …. Original article : Centuries after vanishing, Galileo’s fingers go on display in Florence science museum.

Transportation Security Administration shows off new full-body scanner at Omaha airport

Full-body scanner debuts at Omaha airport
OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha’s Eppley Airfield now has a full-body scanner that will allow security officers to effectively see through a passenger’s clothes during screening.

The Transportation Security Administration demonstrated the new imaging technology Monday, a day before the scanner was to go into use. By mid-June, Eppley is expected to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Transportation Security Administration shows off new full-body scanner at Omaha airport.

Museum of Science and Industry offers free general admission

Chicago museum offers free admission this week

CHICAGO – Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is offering free general admission this week.
Among the exhibits included is Science Storms, which opened in March. The new permanent exhibit explains the mysteries of physics and chemistry through recreations of tornadoes, lightning and avalanches.
The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. … Original article on : Museum of Science and Industry offers free general admission.

Revisiting the wagon ruts of the Oregon Trail is a memorable family vacation and reality check

In the footsteps of the Oregon Trail pioneers

BAKER CITY, Ore. – You can tell your kids how easy they have it, and maybe they’ll listen for awhile. But to prove how simple it is to wash dishes or clothes in the 21st century, try showing them how pioneer children did it as they crossed the … Read : Revisiting the wagon ruts of the Oregon Trail is a memorable family vacation and reality check.

Exhibition on homosexual love to open at Poland’s National Museum

Gay love exhibition opening in Warsaw museum

WARSAW, Poland – The director of Poland’s National Museum says it is opening an exhibition on gay and lesbian love designed to provoke discussion on the place of homosexuals in this conservative and overwhelmingly Catholic country.
The head of the National Museum in Warsaw, Piotr Piotrowski, said Wednesday the museum …. Original article : Exhibition on homosexual love to open at Poland’s National Museum.

Officials rankled by errors about Tampa Bay area attractions in Florida tourism brochure

Tampa officials fume over Fla. tourism brochure

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay area officials are fuming over glaring errors in a Florida tourism brochure that went out in newspapers last Sunday.
The color brochures stuffed into 1.7 million Florida newspapers put Clearwater Beach in north Florida, the Salvador Dali Museum in Tampa instead of St. Petersburg, … Read more : Officials rankled by errors about Tampa Bay area attractions in Florida tourism brochure.

16 Year old Sailing Around the World: Abby Sunderland Went Missing

Abby Sunderland, a 16 year old teen sailor who started sailing around the world with the zeal to set a record as the youngest suddenly went missing. According to AP, she is missing between somewhere in Africa and Australia.
Abby was sailing into the Southern Indian Ocean when she faced a storm. Reportedly, she lost … Read more >>.

Spirit Airlines close to strike deadline with pilots; airline says little about weekend plans

Spirit Airlines nears deadline with pilots

Negotiations between Spirit Airlines and its pilots were entering their final stage on Friday, with pilots threatening to walk out at midnight if they don’t get a new contract.
Both sides have said they would rather make a deal, and strike threats are a common feature of the endgame of airline … Original source on Gaea Times at : Spirit Airlines close to strike deadline with pilots; airline says little about weekend plans.

As strike deadline nears, Spirit Airlines cancels some flights, stops sales of weekend tickets

Spirit Airlines begins cancellations
Spirit Airlines said on Thursday it has begun canceling some flights as a strike deadline approaches this weekend.

Also, a check by The Associated Press showed that Spirit is not selling tickets for any flights on Saturday or Sunday. It wasn’t clear what Spirit’s plans were for passengers who had previously bought tickets … Read : As strike deadline nears, Spirit Airlines cancels some flights, stops sales of weekend tickets.

Experts say rare Civil War-era photo of slave children found in NC attic, sold for $30,000

Rare photo of slave children found in NC attic

RALEIGH, N.C. – A haunting 150-year-old photo found in a North Carolina attic shows a young black child named John, barefoot and wearing ragged clothes, perched on a barrel next to another unidentified young boy.
Art historians believe it’s an extremely rare Civil War-era photograph of children who … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Experts say rare Civil War-era photo of slave children found in NC attic, sold for $30,000.

Garland lovers gather for 35th annual festival celebrating Minn. native, “Wizard of Oz” star

Garland lovers gather for Minn. festival
MINNEAPOLIS – Get out your ruby red slippers, it’s time for Minnesota’s yearly Judy Garland Festival.

It’s the 35th annual festival celebrating Grand Rapids native and “Wizard of Oz” star Garland, who died in 1969. This year’s festival is being held in the Twin Cities and kicks off Thursday, which would … Read more : Garland lovers gather for 35th annual festival celebrating Minn. native, “Wizard of Oz” star.

Talks continue between Spirit Airlines and pilots, suggesting that strike threat is receding

Spirit Airlines and pilots keep talking
Negotiators for Spirit Airlines and its pilots are settling in for a long night of talks.

Pilots had threatened to strike early Saturday if they didn’t get a deal. But the talks were extended twice, suggesting the two sides have found enough common ground to keep the negotiations going. The National …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Talks continue between Spirit Airlines and pilots, suggesting that strike threat is receding.

Pilots say talks with Spirit Airlines extended by 2 hours

Spirit Airlines talks extended 2 hours
Negotiations between Spirit Airlines and its pilots were extended an extra two hours, the union said early Saturday.
A union hot line message recorded soon after the 12:01 a.m. EDT strike deadline said the National Mediation Board asked for the talks in Washington to continue. Pilots had been … Read : Pilots say talks with Spirit Airlines extended by 2 hours.

Kodak gives Colorama archive of panoramic pictures to NY’s George Eastman photography museum

Kodak donates Colorama collection to photo museum

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Eastman Kodak Co. is turning over its archive of panoramic Colorama images to a hometown photography museum in upstate New York where its founder lived.
George Eastman House said Friday the collection includes original negatives and prints of all 565 gigantic Coloramas displayed in New York’s Grand … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kodak gives Colorama archive of panoramic pictures to NY’s George Eastman photography museum.

Delta Air Lines adding daily winter flights to Montrose-Telluride area

Delta adding daily winter Telluride-area flights

TELLURIDE, Colo. – Delta Air Lines is adding daily flights between Atlanta and the Montrose-Telluride area in Colorado for next ski season.
Delta previously offered winter Atlanta-to-Montrose flights on Saturdays, but from Dec. 18 through April 3, it will offer daily flights between Montrose and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s …. Original source : Delta Air Lines adding daily winter flights to Montrose-Telluride area.

Taste of Charlotte festival Guide

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Taste of Charlotte is a street fair that features food from many Charlotte area restaurants. The festival starts today June 11th and will last till this Sunday. This is a festival to enjoy delicious food from the local and national sponsors while strolling down the South Tryon Street. It starts from …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Spirit Airlines pilots strike entering 2nd day; thousands stranded as carrier cancels flights

Spirit Airlines pilots strike entering 2nd day

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Spirit Airlines flights are being canceled again as a pilot’s strike enters its second day, shutting down the discount carrier and stranding thousands of travelers.
Spirit’s CEO said no talks were scheduled with picketing pilots, and a union leader said the pilots “will not return to …. Source : Spirit Airlines pilots strike entering 2nd day; thousands stranded as carrier cancels flights.

Spirit Airlines pilot strike strands thousands as discount carrier cancels Saturday flights

Spirit Airlines pilot strike strands thousands

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Spirit Airlines says it’s canceling all of its Sunday flights after its pilots went on strike.
Pilots walked out Saturday morning in a pay dispute with the small, Florida-based discount airline. The strike has already stranded thousands of travelers.
Spirit says it is refunding tickets and trying to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Spirit Airlines pilot strike strands thousands as discount carrier cancels Saturday flights.

Special exhibition of O’Keeffe abstractions draw thousands to Santa Fe museum

O’Keeffe Museum transforms with abstract works

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum has been transformed.
Missing are the iconic paintings of flowers, bones and colorful landscapes that have made the American modernist famous the world over. In their place are streaks of yellow and red, brilliant pastel swirls, blocks of contrasting color and stark charcoal … Read more : Special exhibition of O’Keeffe abstractions draw thousands to Santa Fe museum.

Spirit Airlines pilot strike may delay thousands as discount carrier cancels Saturday flights

Spirit Airlines pilot strike could delay thousands

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A strike by Spirit Airlines pilots Saturday threatened to disrupt thousands of travelers flying between the eastern U.S. and destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.
The discount carrier canceled all its flights for the day after its pilots walked out in a dispute over pay. … Read more : Spirit Airlines pilot strike may delay thousands as discount carrier cancels Saturday flights.

Spirit Airlines pilots go on strike; discount carrier cancels Saturday flights

Spirit Airlines cancels flights as pilots strike

Spirit Airlines pilots went on strike Saturday in a dispute over pay, and the discount carrier immediately canceled all of its flights for the day.
The walkout and cancellations were expected to affect thousands of travelers. Spirit flies from several airports in the eastern U.S., through Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to …. Original source : Spirit Airlines pilots go on strike; discount carrier cancels Saturday flights.

Talks to resume between Spirit Airlines and striking pilots, but walkout will continue

Talks to resume between Spirit and striking pilots

Spirit Airlines and its striking pilots are set to resume negotiations on Tuesday.
Even with talks beginning again, relief is still at least a few days away for stranded Spirit travelers. It has canceled all flights through Wednesday.
Sean Creed, the head of the pilot union at Spirit, says the …. Original article : Talks to resume between Spirit Airlines and striking pilots, but walkout will continue.

First stages fo Egypt’s new museum completed, including state-of-the-art conservation center

Initial stages of new Egypt museum completed

CAIRO – Egypt’s massive new museum for its famous antiquities now has a power plant, a fire station and its own conservation center, and over the next two years it will become home to some 100,000 artifacts, officials said Monday.
A partial opening for the 120-acre museum complex, which will … Original article on : First stages fo Egypt’s new museum completed, including state-of-the-art conservation center.

State of the art conservation center for Egypt’s Grand Museum inaugurated

Conservation Center of Egypt’s Grand Museum opens

CAIRO – Egyptian officials say the initial phases of the country’s massive new museum for its ancient heritage have been completed, including a state-of-the-art conservation center.
The $600 million Grand Museum of Egypt located at the foot of the Giza pyramids will stage a partial opening by the fall of … Original article on : State of the art conservation center for Egypt’s Grand Museum inaugurated.

Spirit Airlines cancels flights through Wednesday as pilot strike continues; no talks set

Spirit Airlines cancels flights through Wednesday

Striking pilots at Spirit Airlines grounded the carrier again on Monday, forcing the discount carrier to cancel all of its flights through Wednesday.
Spirit aircraft have not flown since pilots walked out on Saturday in a pay dispute. At one time the airline had hoped to keep flying through the strike.
Spirit … Read more »».

History museum presents exhibit on 400 years of Jewish life in NC

Museum presents exhibit on Jewish life in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Museum of History is hosting an exhibit on 400 years of Jewish life in the state.
“Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina,” on view beginning Monday, chronicles how Jews blended their traditions into Southern culture while at the same time maintaining their … Read more : History museum presents exhibit on 400 years of Jewish life in NC.

June 19 tour guides to offer insights on New Mexico ranch of famed author D.H. Lawrence

June 19 tour of author D.H. Lawrence’s NM ranch

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Fans of the English author D.H. Lawrence will be able to tour his New Mexico ranch on June 19.
The ranch is located in the mountains north of Taos along an ancient Kiowa Indian trail. The tour is being offered by experts from the Friends … Read : June 19 tour guides to offer insights on New Mexico ranch of famed author D.H. Lawrence.

Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story

Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In a story June 11 about the donation of Kodak’s archive of Colorama images to the George Eastman House photography museum, The Associated Press, relying on a press release from the museum, included an incorrect quote attributed to Alison Nordstrom, curator of photographs at the museum. Nordstrom’s original statement …. Source : Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story.

Spirit Airlines cancels Thursday flights; talks with striking pilots planned

Spirit Airlines cancels Thursday flights
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Spirit Airlines says it won’t fly on Thursday, as a pilot strike continues.

Pilots walked out on Saturday in a dispute over pay. The airline has not flown since then.
Negotiators for the pilots union and the airline are expected to meet today, although it’s not clear what the … Read : Spirit Airlines cancels Thursday flights; talks with striking pilots planned.

Spirit Airlines in tentative agreement with pilot union to end strike; flights resume Friday

Spirit Airlines makes a deal to end pilots’ strike

Spirit Airlines made a deal with its pilots on Wednesday that will end their strike, and the airline said it would fly again starting Friday.
The strike won’t officially end until pilots sign a back-to-work agreement, the union said.
“I think our people will be more than willing to …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Spirit Airlines in tentative agreement with pilot union to end strike; flights resume Friday.

When to look, when to book? That is the question: With airfares, rules differ by the holiday

When booking summer airfares, rules are changing

NEW YORK – You scour websites. You set up fare alerts. But the real secret in getting the best price for an airline ticket boils down to two things: when you look and when you book.
Trouble is, not all peak travel times are created equal. The sweet spot when …. Read the original article : When to look, when to book? That is the question: With airfares, rules differ by the holiday.

New Disney dress code no longer requires pantyhose for female theme park workers in skirts

No stockings, now no problem at Disney theme parks

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Female workers at Disney theme parks have been granted the right to bare legs.
Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez says women working at the Anaheim theme park in California and other Disney resorts no longer have to wear pantyhose when dressing in skirts.
The change was announced …. Original source : New Disney dress code no longer requires pantyhose for female theme park workers in skirts.

Los Angeles-to-New Orleans nonstop planned by Southwest Airlines

LA to NO nonstop planned by Southwest
NEW ORLEANS – Southwest Airlines Co. is starting nonstop service between Los Angeles and New Orleans.

The airline also is adding another daily nonstop flight between Dallas Love Field and New Orleans. The Los Angeles service begins Nov. 7, while the Dallas service begins Nov. 8. At that time, there …. Source : Los Angeles-to-New Orleans nonstop planned by Southwest Airlines.

NY’s Frick Collection throws itself a yearlong birthday party to celebrate 75

Frick museum celebrates 75 years
NEW YORK – New York’s incomparable Frick Collection is throwing itself a birthday party this year to mark the 75 years since the museum opened its doors to the public.

As might be expected from an institution established by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick as a “public gallery of art to which …. Read the original article : here.

Israel expected to ease Gaza land blockade in coming days, keep naval restrictions in place

Israel expected to ease Gaza blockade
JERUSALEM – Israel is likely to significantly ease the land blockade of Gaza in coming days in an effort to blunt the international outcry over its deadly raid on a blockade-busting flotilla, officials said Wednesday.

Israel has been scrambling to find ways to ease the embargo and its own growing international … Read more : Israel expected to ease Gaza land blockade in coming days, keep naval restrictions in place.

Event at Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit looks at 2 new exhibits for its 50th year

Event at Great Lakes Museum looks at new exhibits

DETROIT – An event at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit is highlighting two new exhibits at the museum.
Detroit Historical Society Curator Joel Stone on Wednesday is scheduled to discuss “Life on a Long Ship: Great Lakes Sailors” and “Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Celebrating 50 Years” … Read more »».

Universal Travel to raise $20 million with sale of 2.9 million new shares

Universal Travel to raise $20M with stock sale

NEW YORK – Universal Travel Group priced an offering of about 2.9 million new shares on Wednesday at $7 each, bringing total proceeds to about $20 million before expenses.
The Chinese travel services company plans to use the proceeds to fund recent acquisitions. It expects to close the sale … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Universal Travel to raise $20 million with sale of 2.9 million new shares.

Lebanon: Tiny country offers layers of history and remnants of many civilizations

Within 60 miles of Beirut, 3 millennia of history

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Lebanon has been conquered and colonized many times over in the last three millennia. Among the famous invaders: Alexander the Great, Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and the Muslim warrior Saladin.
Others include Persians, Romans, Egyptians, Christian Crusaders, Ottoman Turks, the French and English in World War … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lebanon: Tiny country offers layers of history and remnants of many civilizations.

Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday on Milwaukee Art Museum’s grounds

Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday
MILWAUKEE – Work from more than 180 artists will be displayed this weekend on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday and runs through Sunday on the museum’s grounds. It also features food, music, a silent auction, a sculpture garden and children’s activities.
The museum’s director of …. Source : Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday on Milwaukee Art Museum’s grounds.

Beach birthday: SC’s Broadway at the Beach celebrates 15th birthday with beach bash

Beach bash: SC’s Broadway at the Beach turns 15

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – One of South Carolina’s biggest tourist attractions is celebrating its 15th birthday with a 10-day celebration.
The party at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach begins Thursday with a concert by the New Orleans-based group Cowboy Mouth. On Saturday there’s a concert by …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Beach birthday: SC’s Broadway at the Beach celebrates 15th birthday with beach bash.

Karnataka Tourism Getting A Boost

MANGALORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The eco-tourism wing of Karnataka Tourism Department named Jungle Lodges and Resorts have plans to set up 7 additional resorts in Karnataka, as was confirmed by G. Janardhana Reddy the tourism minister of the state. The new resorts would be built on the coming two years. Around 30 crore INR would …. Source article : Karnataka Tourism Getting A Boost.

Thousands at Universal Orlando Harry Potter park opening with Daniel Radcliffe

Crowds jam Universal Orlando Harry Potter opening

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of people waited in line for hours Friday to get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on its opening day, as Daniel Radcliffe and other stars from the movie greeted fans at the minipark.
Aerial photos showed thousands of people in a … Original article on : Thousands at Universal Orlando Harry Potter park opening with Daniel Radcliffe.

Thousands at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening with Daniel Radcliffe

Crowds jam Universal Orlando Harry Potter opening

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of people waited in line for hours Friday to get into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on its opening day, as Daniel Radcliffe and other stars from the movie greeted fans at the minipark.
Aerial photos of Universal Orlando showed thousands upon … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thousands at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening with Daniel Radcliffe.

Mermaid Parade 2010 Celebrations in Coney Island

New York (GaeaTimes.com) – One of the most beautiful summer events, Coney Island Mermaid Parade took place on 19th June 2010. This parade takes place at Coney Island every year. It began in the year of 1983 and it was conceptualized and organized by Dick Zigun. The 2010 Mermaid parade started at 2 pm at …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Mermaid Parade 2010 Celebrations in Coney Island.

Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders

Vietnam scraps $56B bullet train project over cost

HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnamese legislators rejected a proposed bullet train over its $56 billion cost – the assembly’s first rejection of a major proposal submitted by the all-powerful Communist government.
The nearly 500-member assembly typically acts as a rubber stamp but voted over the weekend to deny plans for …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders.

Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’

Grand Rapids Public Museum plans “Summer Fun Days”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Public Museum is kicking off nearly three months of activities for “Summer Fun Days.”
Starting Monday, hours and admissions prices will change. Carousel rides – usually $1 – will be free and visitors may take part in special daily activities. Regular hours … Read more : Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’.

University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent

U. of Mich. art museum hosts Corita Kent prints

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of prints from artist Corita Kent, whose works include the “Love” stamp that she designed for the U.S. Postal Service.
The traveling exhibit “Sister Corita: The Joyous Revolutionary” has just opened and runs …. Original article : University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent.

BASS founder Ray Scott opens personal fishing retreat with presidential allure

BASS founder lures guests to personal fishing hole

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Ray Scott helped make bass fishing big business. Now, he’s created a business out of his personal playground.
The founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and well-known fishing impresario has launched his own BB&B: bed, breakfast and bass.
Ray Scott’s Trophy Bass Retreat opened in January, …. Source : BASS founder Ray Scott opens personal fishing retreat with presidential allure.

Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders

Vietnam scraps $56B bullet train project over cost

HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnamese legislators rejected a proposed bullet train over its $56 billion cost – the assembly’s first rejection of a major proposal submitted by the all-powerful Communist government.
The nearly 500-member assembly typically acts as a rubber stamp but voted over the weekend to deny plans for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders.

Mermaid Parade 2010 Celebrations in Coney Island

Karnataka Tourism Getting A Boost

MANGALORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The eco-tourism wing of Karnataka Tourism Department named Jungle Lodges and Resorts have plans to set up 7 additional resorts in Karnataka, as was confirmed by G. Janardhana Reddy the tourism minister of the state. The new resorts would be built on the coming two years. Around 30 crore INR would … Original article on : Karnataka Tourism Getting A Boost.

Thousands at Universal Orlando Harry Potter park opening with Daniel Radcliffe

Crowds jam Universal Orlando Harry Potter opening

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of people waited in line for hours Friday to get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on its opening day, as Daniel Radcliffe and other stars from the movie greeted fans at the minipark.
Aerial photos showed thousands of people in a …. Original article : Thousands at Universal Orlando Harry Potter park opening with Daniel Radcliffe.

Thousands at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening with Daniel Radcliffe

Crowds jam Universal Orlando Harry Potter opening

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of people waited in line for hours Friday to get into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on its opening day, as Daniel Radcliffe and other stars from the movie greeted fans at the minipark.
Aerial photos of Universal Orlando showed thousands upon … Read : Thousands at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening with Daniel Radcliffe.

Lebanon: Tiny country offers layers of history and remnants of many civilizations

Within 60 miles of Beirut, 3 millennia of history

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Lebanon has been conquered and colonized many times over in the last three millennia. Among the famous invaders: Alexander the Great, Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and the Muslim warrior Saladin.
Others include Persians, Romans, Egyptians, Christian Crusaders, Ottoman Turks, the French and English in World War …. Read the original article : Lebanon: Tiny country offers layers of history and remnants of many civilizations.

Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday on Milwaukee Art Museum’s grounds

Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday
MILWAUKEE – Work from more than 180 artists will be displayed this weekend on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday and runs through Sunday on the museum’s grounds. It also features food, music, a silent auction, a sculpture garden and children’s activities.
The museum’s director of …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday on Milwaukee Art Museum’s grounds.

Beach birthday: SC’s Broadway at the Beach celebrates 15th birthday with beach bash

Beach bash: SC’s Broadway at the Beach turns 15

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – One of South Carolina’s biggest tourist attractions is celebrating its 15th birthday with a 10-day celebration.
The party at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach begins Thursday with a concert by the New Orleans-based group Cowboy Mouth. On Saturday there’s a concert by …. Source article : Beach birthday: SC’s Broadway at the Beach celebrates 15th birthday with beach bash.

Spirit Airlines in tentative agreement with pilot union to end strike; flights resume Friday

Spirit Airlines makes a deal to end pilots’ strike

Spirit Airlines made a deal with its pilots on Wednesday that will end their strike, and the airline said it would fly again starting Friday.
The strike won’t officially end until pilots sign a back-to-work agreement, the union said.
“I think our people will be more than willing to …. Original article : Spirit Airlines in tentative agreement with pilot union to end strike; flights resume Friday.

When to look, when to book? That is the question: With airfares, rules differ by the holiday

When booking summer airfares, rules are changing

NEW YORK – You scour websites. You set up fare alerts. But the real secret in getting the best price for an airline ticket boils down to two things: when you look and when you book.
Trouble is, not all peak travel times are created equal. The sweet spot when … Read more : When to look, when to book? That is the question: With airfares, rules differ by the holiday.

New Disney dress code no longer requires pantyhose for female theme park workers in skirts

No stockings, now no problem at Disney theme parks

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Female workers at Disney theme parks have been granted the right to bare legs.
Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez says women working at the Anaheim theme park in California and other Disney resorts no longer have to wear pantyhose when dressing in skirts.
The change was announced … Read more : New Disney dress code no longer requires pantyhose for female theme park workers in skirts.

Los Angeles-to-New Orleans nonstop planned by Southwest Airlines

LA to NO nonstop planned by Southwest
NEW ORLEANS – Southwest Airlines Co. is starting nonstop service between Los Angeles and New Orleans.

NY’s Frick Collection throws itself a yearlong birthday party to celebrate 75

As might be expected from an institution established by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick as a “public gallery of art to which … Read more >>.

Israel expected to ease Gaza land blockade in coming days, keep naval restrictions in place

Event at Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit looks at 2 new exhibits for its 50th year

Event at Great Lakes Museum looks at new exhibits

Universal Travel to raise $20 million with sale of 2.9 million new shares

Universal Travel to raise $20M with stock sale

NEW YORK – Universal Travel Group priced an offering of about 2.9 million new shares on Wednesday at $7 each, bringing total proceeds to about $20 million before expenses.
The Chinese travel services company plans to use the proceeds to fund recent acquisitions. It expects to close the sale …. Read the original article : Universal Travel to raise $20 million with sale of 2.9 million new shares.

Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story

Flood-damaged railway to famed Incan citadel at Machu Picchu to be fully restored July

Full rail service to Machu Picchu resumes July 1

LIMA, Peru – PeruRail says train service to the famed Machu Picchu ruins will be fully restored July 1.
The popular 68-mile rail line from Cuzco is the only land route to the Incan citadel. The line was damaged by heavy rains in January that left hundreds of …. Source : Flood-damaged railway to famed Incan citadel at Machu Picchu to be fully restored July.

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Motown museum in Detroit, includes photographs, awards and uniforms

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit’s Motown museum

DETROIT – A Jackson 5 exhibit has opened at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, marking the one-year anniversary this week of Michael Jackson’s death.
Starting Tuesday, the public is able to view photographs, awards and uniforms the group wore throughout its career.
Museum chief curator Lina Stephens says the …. Original article : Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Motown museum in Detroit, includes photographs, awards and uniforms.

Travel spending rose in 1st quarter, led by lodging; airline prices rise at 13.3 percent rate

Government says travel spending rose in 1st qtr

WASHINGTON – Tourism spending rose at an annual rate of 3.9 percent during the first quarter, led by increased spending on hotels and other accommodations, according to a government report issued Tuesday.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis said the increase compared with a 1.5 percent drop during the fourth … Read more >>>.

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit museum with photos, costumes

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit museum
DETROIT – A Jackson 5 exhibit is now on view at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, marking the one-year anniversary this week of Michael Jackson’s death.

Photographs, awards and costumes are all on display in the show, which opened Tuesday.
Museum chief curator Lina Stephens says the exhibit celebrates the …. Read the original article : here.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival on DC’s National Mall uses food to bridge cultural divides

Smithsonian Folklife Festival in DC starts June 24

WASHINGTON – The Smithsonian Institution is building its first tequila distillery on the National Mall. That’s right. The family friendly museum complex is preparing to brew booze. The catch is there won’t be a drop of tequila to drink.
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, running June 24-28 and July …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Smithsonian Folklife Festival on DC’s National Mall uses food to bridge cultural divides.

Click-click: Historic wooden roller coasters near Pittsburgh attract coaster enthusiasts

Click of Pa. wooden coasters attracts enthusiasts

PITTSBURGH – For a city built on steel, some of the most sought- after attractions in Pittsburgh are actually made of wood.
Just ask the more than 400 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who have come to Kennywood amusement park for the 7,000-member group’s annual convention. The highlight will … Read more >>>.

Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’

Grand Rapids Public Museum plans “Summer Fun Days”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Public Museum is kicking off nearly three months of activities for “Summer Fun Days.”
Starting Monday, hours and admissions prices will change. Carousel rides – usually $1 – will be free and visitors may take part in special daily activities. Regular hours …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’.

University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent

U. of Mich. art museum hosts Corita Kent prints

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of prints from artist Corita Kent, whose works include the “Love” stamp that she designed for the U.S. Postal Service.
The traveling exhibit “Sister Corita: The Joyous Revolutionary” has just opened and runs …. Original article on Gaea Times at : University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent.

BASS founder Ray Scott opens personal fishing retreat with presidential allure

BASS founder lures guests to personal fishing hole

Walt Disney World begins offering pay-by-month option for Floridians’ annual park passes

Disney World selling passes on installment plan

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is now allowing Florida residents to spread the cost of an annual park pass out over 12 months.
The company won’t charge extra for the new installment plan, but the passes must be purchased online. Unlimited access to Orlando-area Disney parks costs $393 for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Walt Disney World begins offering pay-by-month option for Floridians’ annual park passes.

Taste of Chicago 2010

Chicago (GaeaTimes.com) – Chicago food festival is one of the most attracting festivals in Illinois and is known as “Taste of Chicago”. The people of Chicago spend the most joyful time of the year during this massive festival. In this festival musical entertainment is also there to make the environment charming for everybody. Visitors have …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Taste of Chicago 2010.

Galleries mark new milestone for Cleveland art museum expansion and renovation

Ohio art museum expansion marks another milestone

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Museum of Art has given some of its prized treasures more elbow room to show off.
Galleries housing Egyptian, Greek, Roman, early Christian, Byzantine and African art open Saturday. The new space marks another milestone in an eight-year, $350 million expansion and renovation that began in …. Original article : Galleries mark new milestone for Cleveland art museum expansion and renovation.

Jobbie Nooner 2010

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) – The annual Jobbie Nooner blast will be held today on Gull Island at the north end of Lake St. Clair. The party is especially known for heavy drinking and rewarding woman with plastic beads for baring their breasts. This special party is held every year around the automakers’ vacation for model … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jobbie Nooner 2010.

Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art creates colorful Alexander Calder exhibit

Chicago’s MCA hosts summer-long Calder exhibit

CHICAGO – Colorful mobiles made from boldly painted sheet metal and steel wires will dangle above visitors’ heads this summer as the Museum of Contemporary Art displays an exhibit of 60 works by Alexander Calder.
But this Calder show, which debuts Saturday, doesn’t only feature the artist’s abstract pieces in the … Read more >>>.

Pride Parade Chicago 2010

Chicago (GaeaTimes.com) – On the last Sunday of June of every year, one of the well known parade shows is organized in Chicago. It is known as pride parade and this year it is for the 41st time. The parade was scheduled at noon. Various colors of social, cultural, athletic and political events have enriched …. Original article : Pride Parade Chicago 2010.

No more boring pictures of world-famous places: 9 tips for better vacation photos

9 easy tips for improving your vacation photos

WASHINGTON – My shoe boxes of travel photographs bring back memories of the pictures that got away.
Mom in Paris in springtime, except the Eiffel Tower is sticking out of her head like a rocket. My friend Russell on the steps of Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library in Florence, not that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No more boring pictures of world-famous places: 9 tips for better vacation photos.

Nearly year after being shuttered, Detroit Children’s Museum reopening with revamped exhibits

Detroit Children’s Museum reopening with facelift

DETROIT – The Detroit Children’s Museum, which was shuttered last year amid cost-cutting by the city’s school district, has reopened with revamped exhibits, a new preschool area and more of its thousands of artifacts on display.
Hands-on components are now incorporated into all exhibits, museum director Julie Johnson said. Newly displayed …. Original source : Nearly year after being shuttered, Detroit Children’s Museum reopening with revamped exhibits.

Report: More flight delays across country blamed on Atlanta airport than any other

Atlanta airport delays have most ripple effects

ATLANTA – A study says more delays at major airports across the country were attributed to problems at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport than at any other.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said the report by the Government Accountability Office shows that problems in Atlanta affect air traffic all over the country. Hartsfield-Jackson …. Original source : Report: More flight delays across country blamed on Atlanta airport than any other.

NC county may say whoa to increasingly popular wild horse tours along Outer Banks beaches

NC beach county may rein in new wild horse tours

COROLLA, N.C. – A county along North Carolina’s Outer Banks is considering limits on increasingly popular tours to see wild horses galloping along the beach.
Currituck County commissioners told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., they are considering a moratorium on new horse tours to protect the animals …. Source article : NC county may say whoa to increasingly popular wild horse tours along Outer Banks beaches.

Pride Parade Chicago 2010

Walt Disney World begins offering pay-by-month option for Floridians’ annual park passes

Disney World selling passes on installment plan

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is now allowing Florida residents to spread the cost of an annual park pass out over 12 months.
The company won’t charge extra for the new installment plan, but the passes must be purchased online. Unlimited access to Orlando-area Disney parks costs $393 for …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Walt Disney World begins offering pay-by-month option for Floridians’ annual park passes.

Taste of Chicago 2010

Galleries mark new milestone for Cleveland art museum expansion and renovation

Ohio art museum expansion marks another milestone

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Museum of Art has given some of its prized treasures more elbow room to show off.
Galleries housing Egyptian, Greek, Roman, early Christian, Byzantine and African art open Saturday. The new space marks another milestone in an eight-year, $350 million expansion and renovation that began in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Galleries mark new milestone for Cleveland art museum expansion and renovation.

LIMA, Peru – PeruRail says train service to the famed Machu Picchu ruins will be fully restored July 1.
The popular 68-mile rail line from Cuzco is the only land route to the Incan citadel. The line was damaged by heavy rains in January that left hundreds of … Read more : Flood-damaged railway to famed Incan citadel at Machu Picchu to be fully restored July.

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Motown museum in Detroit, includes photographs, awards and uniforms

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit’s Motown museum

DETROIT – A Jackson 5 exhibit has opened at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, marking the one-year anniversary this week of Michael Jackson’s death.
Starting Tuesday, the public is able to view photographs, awards and uniforms the group wore throughout its career.
Museum chief curator Lina Stephens says the … Read more : Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Motown museum in Detroit, includes photographs, awards and uniforms.

WASHINGTON – The Smithsonian Institution is building its first tequila distillery on the National Mall. That’s right. The family friendly museum complex is preparing to brew booze. The catch is there won’t be a drop of tequila to drink.
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, running June 24-28 and July … Read : Smithsonian Folklife Festival on DC’s National Mall uses food to bridge cultural divides.

Click-click: Historic wooden roller coasters near Pittsburgh attract coaster enthusiasts

Click of Pa. wooden coasters attracts enthusiasts

Ringo Starr’s gold-plated snare drum to appear in special exhibition at NYC’s Met museum

Ringo Starr gold drum to be displayed at NY museum

NEW YORK – New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will display Ringo Starr’s gold-plated snare drum in a special exhibition honoring his 70th birthday.
The museum said Tuesday the drum will be shown from July 7 – Starr’s birthday – through December.
The instrument was presented to …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Ringo Starr’s gold-plated snare drum to appear in special exhibition at NYC’s Met museum.