Up Up & A Gay: A Flight Attendant Blog (travel, humor)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Up Up & A Gay: A Flight Attendant Blog , by Bobby Laurie.

WEB ADDRESS: http://upupandagay.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Travel the country through the eyes of a Flight Attendant. UpUp&AGay takes you along for the ride through turbulent skies, rude passengers, funny situations and anything else that happens a long the way.

MY REVIEW: I enjoyed this blog. It's written by a flight attendant, and I think all flight attendants will be able to relate to it and enjoy it. Travelers can enjoy it too, because you get a glimpse into the world of the flight attendant and some idea of what goes on behind the scenes.

Despite the title, the author doesn't focus on his sexuality - to date what I've read is all about the trials and travails of being a flight attendant only. He's out and proud, but it's his work that's the focus of the blog.

(If you visit the website itself, you can check out a book he's written, called Planely Speaking. Looks like fun, also)

Sample post

Perk of being a Flight Attendant: Bags

Trying to get home from work today was such a hassle. I landed in San Francisco at 10:45am, but there was no way for me to get home. All of the non-stop flights from SFO to Phoenix were sold out, as were the flights from Oakland but there was one flight from San Jose that might get me out of the Bay area.

Now, usually, when I non-rev in uniform I don’t have to adhere to the “1+1″ carry-on rule that the TSA put in place. For those not in the US, all passengers are allotted one personal item (laptop bag, purse, etc) and one carry-on (rollerboard, duffel bag).. this is supposed to apply to off duty crew as well, but no airline enforces it.

When I got to San Jose, I got to the gate and asked for a jumpseat form. The agent looked at her computer and said “well, stranger things have happened” shaking her head no, conveying the message that I wasn’t going to make it. I filled out the form and stood close by anyway.

I got called. Just as they called my name they announced the overhead bins were full and they had to start checking bags. As crew, I hate checking bags. I need my things to go to work and if they get lost.. I’m headed up the creek without a paddle. As she handed me my boarding pass, another agent was printing out checked bag tags for about 20 people. She told me to board and the agent there would “tag your bag.”

So, I walk over to board, and hear “uh uh uh uh.. You didn’t listen to me! I said, no more bags!” As I turned around, she saw my wings.. and quickly said “Oh! I’m so sorry! Let me get you a gate claim tag.” She tagged my bag to be delivered back to me in the jetbridge. Oh course some passengers saw this, and were upset.. to which the agent who issued me my boarding pass said “well, he’s crew — he’s treated differently.” She then turned to me, winked, and said “have a good flight.”

Thanks US Airways for taking care of me today.. and my luggage. With the condition of the airline industry and how our companies are treating us lately, every small perk and “act of kindness” to each other really counts and goes a long way.

RECENT POSTS:
--People Watching at the Airport
--Flying as a Passenger
--Day 5 of 6
--Non-Rev Jinx
--Perk of being a Flight Attendant: Bags

_______________________
Ms. Cairo writes several blogs including:
Seaborn: Oceanography Blog
Star Trek Report: Space SciencesTopical Murder and Dated Death

The Longest Way Home

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: The Longest Way Home

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: An overland journey around the world, now in its 5th year. From a rough upbringing this is the fascinating story of a guy breaking travel boundaries and pushing his limits to find something many are looking for. A place that truly feels like home.

Includes stories about people most tourists never get to see nor meet, stunning photography and a great ongoing real life travel journal from a remarkable journey.
This inspirational travel blog contains an overland journal from travels through Europe to Iran and Pakistan during emergency rule. Across India and high into the mountains of Nepal; before emerging into the riots of Lhasa in Tibet and going overland across China.

Now in Asia this live and current journey continues with an attempt at living in The Philippines. How easy is it to live on beautiful island? The answers informative, surprising; and things are about to change dramatically on this incredible quest ...

MY REVIEW: I absolutely recommend this blog. It's not my idea of travel - I prefer to be a tourist and travel the well-trod tourist byways. This author gets into the heart and soul of the countries he visits - at the moment he's in the Philippines.

Check it out.

RECENT POSTS:
--Welcome to Davao city, why are there so many foreigners here?
--Food from the Philippines: Lanzones
--Through the Bukidnon Highlands: rainforests, lost tribes and cool weather
--Back on the Road: Travel Blog Update & future changes
--

_______________________
Ms. Cairo writes several blogs including:
Seaborn: Oceanography Blog
Star Trek Report: Space Sciences
Topical Murder and Dated Death

Tripbase Travel Blog (Travel)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: Yes

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Tripbase Travel Blog

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.tripbase.com/blog/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: The Tripbase Travel Blog is all about destination ideas.

From magnificent lakes to magical places, to phenomenal food vacations, you'll certainly be spoilt for choice!

You’ll also find expert travel tips and some fun stuff to brighten up your day.

Don’t miss out on these travel gems! Sign up and travel the world with us!

MY REVIEW: There doesn't seem to be much content in the blog that matches what the blog description says, it's mostly lists ... perhaps the authors haven't been able to go travelling recently. Hopefully now that summer is here, they'll go off on some adventures.

Still, it's worth a sample subscription.

Sample post
(I don't share the cute photos of the dogs interspersed with this entry.)

1) Do it for the reliable and lovable company!

2) Your companion won’t tell the same old stories over and over.

3) Your companion won’t mind if you tell the same old stories over and over.

4) You get to decide the itinerary every day.

5) You’ll spend more time walking and getting acquainted with new neighborhoods.

6) There will always be someone to talk to.

7) Pets are a great conversation piece – chat more with the locals!

8) It will be great to feel needed when you’re far away from home.

9) You can have the best part of home wherever you are.

10) You don’t have to find a pet sitter or a kennel.

11) Cuddles!

12) Pets will make you laugh and remind you not to take anything too seriously.

13) Dogs let you take as many photos as you want.

14) You don’t have to worry about someone else’s care.

15) You’re that much safer with a pet by your side.

16) Your puppy might take you to places you wouldn’t go otherwise.

17) Pets reduce stress. Check in delayed? How about a game of catch!

18) You won’t need an alarm clock – wet kisses are all it takes.

19) Exercise and time in the sun with your pet will help you recover from jetlag faster.

20) Not thrilled by the local cuisine? I can think of someone else who might take your leftovers…

21) Thrilled by the local cuisine? That’s ok – you’ll be getting extra exercise.

22) A bit of routine when everything around you is foreign can be nice.

23) A little nuzzling makes a tough day better.

24) You won’t be able to lose all sense of responsibility.

25) Who could leave something so cute behind?

RECENT POSTS:
--25 Reasons to Travel with Your Furry Friend
--22 Signs You’re a True Expat
--The Best (Brazilian) Dessert You’ll Ever Make
--Photo Essay: 15 Stunning South America Pics
--13 Silly Signs Guaranteed to Make You Smile

___________________
Ms. Cairo writes three blogs of her own:
Topical Murder and Dated Death
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

DC Like A Local (local travel)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: Yes

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: DC Like A Local, by tim Krebb

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.dclikealocal.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: DC Like a Local is designed to give you highly subjective, totally biased, and possibly useful tips and techniques for getting the most out of a visit here.

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent blog for anyone who is planning to visit the DC area. The only problem is that the entries aren't as frequent as they might be. For example, the last entry to date was on Wednesday, April 21. (Prior to that, he'd posted for four straight days. Prior to that, a ten day gap.)

Nevertheless, for 99 cents a month, give it a try.

Sample post:

Kicking Off Your Visit - Where to Start
Monday, April 19, 2010 at 3:08PM

Whenever I visit a city, I always like to know where to start. A good place to get information, ideally talk to knowledgeable locals, centrally located, and part of the fabric of the city I'm visiting. Without someone to show you the ropes, it's hard to know where to start. Recently, I fielded a question from a reader on that topic that might serve to help others. Afshan would like to know that if "there is a place from where he can get the map of all the attractions. Is there a place like "Welcome Center" that offers maps and guides?"

As in so many things in DC, this is a somewhat complicated question. The DC Chamber of Commerce used to operate at Visitor Information Center at the Reagan Building, but it's now closed. To be frank, I didn't think this was the greatest location and don't miss it to much, but it still confuses visitors as signs for it still exist and its website remains up. Additionally, the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) operates a Washington Welcome Center on the corner of 10th and E NW across from Ford's Theater, which isn't bad, but I just don't find it terribly useful either. It's a great place to go if you're looking for a FBI t-shirt or a kitchy souvenir, but the place is normally overrun with 8th graders and the staff is too harried to answer questions.

So where do I think you should start your visit? Here are a few options:

1. Old Post Office: I've mentioned this before and it's where I try to start tours with out of town guests. The Old Post Office's tower is one of the best views of Washington, DC at a fraction of the hassle of the Washington Monument. While there's no place inside I'd recommend, I'd say start off at the Barnes and Nobles a few blocks north on 12th and E NW, swing by the local section on the first floor, and pick up a guidebook and map. Armed with this new info, head over to the OPO on 12th and Penn, take them up the tower, and spend as long as you like scouting out the city from the high ground. Often, there will be a National Park Service ranger up there to answer questions, and if it's not busy, he's probably grateful for the company.

2. White House Visitors Center: While this is a must see if you are that tiny proportion of DC visitors who actually expect to get in the White House, the Visitor's Center is worth going into even if you didn't get lucky with WH tickets. The reason: one of the best help desks in all of Washington. Off the 8th grade circuit (more or less), the staff at the Visitor's Center is full of information and often without people to share it. They can give you the Park Service's Washington, DC map, which is every bit as good as the the commercial available ones, and the Visitor's Center can give you the single most document in Washington, DC: a comprehensive list of the openings and closings of the majority of DC attractions (pdf). Print it up now, bookmark it, or just swing by the Visitor's Center to get a fresh copy.

3. Union Station: Built to serve as a ceremonial gateway to the nation's capital, with a stunning vista of the Capitol Building, you end up looking at the ass end of Christopher Columbus as you exit Union Station. Which is a bit apropos. Union Station should be a one stop shop for people coming to see Washington, DC. It's accessible to intercity travelers via Amtrak and Bolt Bus, to regional visitors via Virginia and Maryland commuter lines (VRE and MARC), to local transit users via Metro Rail and Bus and the Circulator, to drivers with an on-site parking garage, to pedestrians, and even to bicyclists with a shiny new bike station. And it features access to various tour buses to take an intro tour of the city (more on that to come). But if you're looking to talk to people to pick up advice, be prepared: everyone at Union Station is either too busy catching their train, trying to sell you something, or simply tourists more befuddled than you (they didn't even know enough to check out this blog). So if your entry to DC is Union Station, great! Stroll through the building, swing by the Barnes and Nobles to get a guidebook, and go check out the rest of DC. Union Station is adequate as a visitors center, and has huge potential. But it's not there yet.

So, to recap, these are the top three best places to start your DC visit, in my humble opinion, and in roughly that order. If you've got places you like to send visitors as they arrive, throw them in the comments.

(Note - all you get are the posts. The comments don't feed over.)

RECENT POSTS:
--DC Like a Local Around Town
--Get Thee to a Nunnery!
--Kicking Off Your Visit - Where to Start
--Historic Congressional Cemetery - All the History, A Fraction of the Crowds
--White House Spring Garden and Grounds Tour


___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

Healthy Travel Blog (travel, health and fitness)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Healthy Travel Blog, by HTH Worldwide

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.healthytravelblog.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Welcome to healthytravelblog.com sponsored by HTH Worldwide.

We started this blog because staying healthy while traveling the world can be challenging.

It is our hope that this forum helps you understand the interplay between travel and health and lets you share your insights with your fellow travelers. We encourage you to check in often for updates on news, trends, issues and solutions—everything you should consider before you pack your bags for a vacation, business trip, study abroad program or expat assignment.

Tell your friends and family about this site because healthy travel is the only way to go.

MY REVIEW: If you're planning on traveling abroad, this blog is a must read. It has all the information you need. It's well written, and updated on a regular basis.

Sample post:

Virtual Kidnapping: Advice on How to Handle a Widespread Scam
April 14th, 2010 by Frank Gillingham, MD

It is the phone call every parent of a child abroad is horrified to receive: “Mom, Dad, please help me!” followed by a concealed voice making monetary demands for the safe return of the kidnapped child. In years past, this usually meant that the child had indeed been abducted and was being held for ransom. In recent years, however, many of these calls are placed by “virtual kidnappers” who may be nowhere near the alleged victim.

One of the consequences of the “information age” and social media such as Facebook and My Space is the widespread availability of names, addresses and phone numbers. The resourceful virtual kidnapper is someone who collects data on prospective victims who have shared details online about upcoming adventures such as a trip down the Amazon, a hike to Machu Picchu, or an African Safari — all places where cell phone reception is spotty or nonexistent, creating the conditions for scams to go undetected.

The calls to the families of the “virtual victims” convey a sense of urgency — that the victim will be executed within the hour unless funds are transferred to a foreign bank account, for instance. Since the family has no way to determine the veracity of the kidnapping, payment is made. Sophisticated virtual kidnappers go to great lengths to “fake out” the families of their victims by pretending to be the victims themselves — speaking in short, frantic sentences that are muffled by “poor cell phone reception.”

Because cell phone coverage has grown ever wider– even the remote jungles of sub-Saharan Africa are often reachable today — many virtual kidnappers do not limit their victims to those whose cell phone reception is marginal. Instead, perpetrators contact prospective victims and tell them that their phones should be turned off for an hour or two for servicing. The virtual kidnappers take advantage of the window to make their calls back home.

The problem has become so severe in Mexico that the country’s government has set up a hot line for victims of virtual extortion. The U.S. State Department, in its section on travel precautions for Central and South American countries such as Mexico, Venezuela and Peru www.travel.state.gov/ suggests that families of victims should: 1) not reveal any personal information over the phone, 2) insist on speaking with the victim to corroborate his/her identity and 3) contact the nearest US Embassy or consulate. Although the temptation to respond immediately to demands is very high, most “virtual kidnappers” will abandon their efforts within an hour or two if payment is not received.

Here are a few imperatives to avoid becoming a victim of “virtual kidnapping”:

Register with the State Department prior to travel

Verify cell phone reception at all proposed locations on the itinerary
Do NOT turn off a cell phone at any time- claims that a phone must be disconnected for servicing are universally false
Do NOT share any information about an upcoming trip on line
Maintain regular contact with family and loved ones back home
Establish a code word to be used to verify any kidnapping claims
Never travel alone, particularly in Latin America, Africa and the mid East where both real and virtual kidnappings are epidemic

RECENT POSTS:
--No Approval Yet for the Jet Lag Drug
--The Gender Gap Around the World: Implications for Health and Happiness?
--Volcanic Ash Health Effects Expected to be Minimal
--Volcanic Ash Spillover: Travelers Encounter Medical Issues
--Virtual Kidnapping: Advice on How to Handle a Widespread Scam

___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

Tracy J. Thomas Photography Blog

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: Yes!

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: BLOG NAME HERE

WEB ADDRESS: http://tracyjthomasphotography.wordpress.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: This blog provides a glimpse into the creative process that exists behind my photography and describes the feelings that affect my subject choices.

MY REVIEW: Usually when I review a photography blog, I say, "Great blog, but unsuitable for the Kindle." That's because the photos are in color, and the Kindle of course gives them in greyscale.

But for Tracy J. Thomas' Photography blog, I take it back. The photos reproduce excellently in black and white. They weren't originally shot that way - they are in color at her website and look pretty good there, as well, but for whatever reason, they also make great b&w portraits... more so than those from other photog blogs I've looked at. (Perhaps it's the resolution at which she produces them?)

In addition, the author also talks a bit about the photo, andabout her creative process, which makes the blog doubly interesting.

The only flaw, both on the Kindle and at her actual website, is that she shrinks the photos too much. Oh, the impact is still there, but it'd be nice if they were larger. But I suppose since she is a professional photog (which means she sells these photos as prints), she doesn't want to reproduce them lifesize.

I recommend this blog highly.

Sample post

Photo: UFO Watchtower, Hooper, Colorado.

There certainly are a lot of mysteries in this world. Things beyond human comprehension that do not seem to fall into the realm of logic. Some of us toy with the possibility of a spiritual realm, using strange tools like EVP’s, IR illuminators and thermal imaging to try to capture evidence of the ethereal. For centuries now, humans have been praying blindly by faith without any concrete evidence whatsoever, that something greater than themselves actually hears their pleadings. If Christians can believe in a Holy Spirit and the resurrection, then why not believe in the existence of ghosts? Alternately, there are those on this earth who doubt the possibility of anything beyond the concrete and the physical. They choose to place all their faith in that institution called “science” to prove or disprove reality. So if one’s faith is in science, then what of Quantum Physics with its invisible units of energy? Our own planet is but a tiny grain of sand surrounded by a universe that stretches into infinity. How is it that we as human beings became so egocentric that we believe we are the only planet with any form of intelligent life?

Whether you believe in the possibility of little green men with advanced technology traveling from afar to visit our world or you guffaw at the notion that there is any entity out there with an intelligence far greater than yours, all must pay a visit to the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, Colorado at least once in their lifetime. Peruse the alien abduction books in the bookstore. Pick up a glow-in-the-dark Alien Frisbee for the kiddies, then stroll through the Healing Garden and leave your own quirky offering at the alien shrine. Before you leave you must stand for a while on the metal platform to soak up the breathtaking view of the Sangre de Cristo’s in the distance. Take a few moments to look towards the Heavens, and maybe if you are lucky, you might spy something otherworldly in the sky.

RECENT POSTS:
--UFO Watchtower…Really
--Abandoned
--For the Love of Birds
--In Search of Open Spaces
--Rusty Pier

___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

F'Burg News (regional, Frederciksburg, VA)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: No

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: F'Burg News

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.fburgnews.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Get the latest news, events, opinions and random posts from around the Fredericksburg VA area.

MY REVIEW: This is another blog where the feed doesnt' seem to work properly. If you live in Fredericksburg or are thinking of visiting, check it out on the web. The author posts links to weather blogs - storm chasing is a hobby of his, and other things.

RECENT ARTICLES:
--AccuWeather.com – WeatherMatrix | Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning All Down in 2010
--Wetness on the way
--Redskins Minicamp
--Michael J Fox: Unschooled by Hollywood?
--Casting aspersions on next weekend’s convection

___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

Today's News For White Sands Dive Shop

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: No, Unsuitable for Kindle

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: White Sands Dive Shop

WEB ADDRESS: http://scubalessonsbelize.blogspot.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Belize, Scuba, Diving, Instruction, Classes, PADI, Las Terrazas/Journeys End Resort, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

MY REVIEW: Looking at this blog - at its webhome - makes me yearn for Belize and going scuba diving. Sea turtles, scuba divers, bright sunshine, white sand.

Unfortunately, there's little point in subscribing to the blog on the Kindle. The beautiful color photos lose everything in greyscale, and there's not much information given apart from photos. They take photos of their scuba graduates and share them, and photos of their dive shop, and photos of the clear blue water and white sands... ah, Belize....

RECENT ARTICLES:
--Todays Newest Advanced Open Water Divers in the World
--The Dive Shop Early This Morning.
--Todays Newest Diver in the World
--Today
--White Sands Dive Shop installs more mooring buoys at the reef.
___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

Pampering Campers (Travel)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Pampering Campers, by Jo W. Leach

WEB ADDRESS: http://pamperingcampers.wordpress.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Travel, Camping and Work Camping Information. Links to useful camping and outdoor recreation services. Many outdoor pictures of campgrounds and animals that we share the outdoors with.

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent travel blog for those who wish to explore the US. The articles are well written, informative, and liberally sprinkled with illustrative photographs. (Of course, the photos appear in greyscale on the Kindle, as opposed to color on the web.)

The blog is part of a larger website, PamperingCampers.com.

If you're planning on travellling in the United States this summer season, give this blog a try.

Sample post:

Goblin Valley, Utah [Note - several photos are included in the post, which I don't reproduce here]
We continued on Hwy 24 until the little brown sign pointed to Goblin Valley. If we’d turned when the GPS told us to, we’d have taken a dirt road and we didn’t feel up to that. They’ve done some improvements to the campground since we were here 10 or so years ago. Each campsite now has a cover over the table. I don’t remember much of a restroom, before, but now there is a nice one with showers. There is an RV dump station and drinking water spigots throughout the campground. We paid $16 – no hookups. You can make reservations here. They have some tent-only sites and the RV sites have lots of pavement.

We also saw quite a few campers and trailers, boondocking, on the property outside the State Park. The unique rock formations are the reason people come here. We had beautiful blue skies but the icy wind was a little annoying.

There is a nice observation deck at the trail parking area. It was a great alternative to being sandblasted. Look at all these little goblins! Can you imagine discovering this for the first time. A cowboy, looking for his lost cattle, discovered this area. I think he’s the one who called it Mushroom Valley – someone, later, renamed it to Goblin Valley (probably someone in Tourism.)

We don’t know this guy but it’s a good reference to see the size of the rock formations. We walked through here the last time we were here with our son and granddaughter. It’s amazing how quickly you can get lost. I was worried about loosing the kids! I think we left with them all?

We took off the camper and went exploring down one of the dirt roads. The Goblin Valley area is the tidal zone of an ancient, migrating, sea. We noticed the similarities in the cliffs along the Oregon Coast. You can also see the similarites to the large cliffs that the natives used to build homes in. That’s Don, way in the background

We walked around this area and admired the unusual mineral deposits and small rocks that have washed out of the layer of sand. I think the crystal is gypsum. It’s amazing that anything can grow here!

It was in the upper 40’s here today but felt colder because of the wind. I’m sure it got down into the 30’s over night. Winter is NOT over in Utah yet! But, Spring is kind of ‘bi-polar’ anyway.

RECENT ARTICLES:
--Goblin Valley, Utah
--Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Hite, Utah
--Gallup, NM to Natural Bridges Monument, Utah
--Ft Sumner to Gallup, NM
--Lake Brantley State Park (north of Carlsbad) to Ft Sumner Lake State Park

The 42 Bus (travel, local)

REVIEWED BY: Ann Currie

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: The 42 Bus

WEB ADDRESS: http://the42bus.blogspot.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Weekly updates and humorous posts on retail and restaurants openings, reviews, local news, and events listings along Metro's 42 bus route in Washington DC. Neighborhoods include Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan, Dupont, Chinatown and Penn Quarter.

MY REVIEW: This is an informative blog well written about the goings on in this neighborhood in DC. The writer does a good job capturing the essence of the area. You feel like you are walking down the street or on the bus with him as he comments about the change of the name of long time business or gives you the information about a new yoga program.

The author is thorough and goes beyond just commentary, he adds details including the location, dates, times, links - all the local information you need to participate in the goings on. You learn that the local library is being temporarily relocated, where and why. A lot of work goes into keeping this current and getting these details and adding humor to it. A great blog, the area should be appreciative that someone cares. He posts almost every day.

RECENT ARTICLES:
- Real world restaurant
- Free yoga at Adams Morgan Studio
- Bestway becoming Bestworld(?)
- Parker Posey movie marathon at Asylum

___________________
Ann Currie writes two blogs of her own:
My Life a Bit South of Normal
Silver Pieces: The Strange and Peculiar

Retro-review Sunday: My Life a Bit South of Normal

Yes, this is one of the two blogs of my associate reviewer, Ann Currie, who signed on to be a reviewer for The Kindle Blog Report after I'd written this review. Posted way back in early Feb when this review blog was just getting started. She also writes a blog on "strange and particular silver." Feel free to subscribe to both. ; )


REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: My Life a Bit SOuth of Normal

WEB ADDRESS: www.abitsouthofnormal.com

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Every once in awhile I stop and ask myself, "I don't think everyone lives this way." In fact, "I don't think anyone else lives this way." I have an ordinary existence with an insane extraordinary cast of characters. When I think about it, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. Yes, folks it's all true, and it could only happen in the south.

MY REVIEW: The author of the blog, who updates it every couple of days, is a 50-year old southerner who lives in the Deep South. I believe this means, South Carolina. (I’m from Minnesota, for all that I currently live in Virginia.) Most regions of the US (or indeed, of any country) have different traditions, menus and so on, as does every generation. (I’ve read about collards in books, for example, but I’ve never felt the need to dine on them. Sufficient to know that in the Deep South they are still a traditional dish!)

If you’re interested in people, you’ll enjoy these entertaining and amusing, and culturally-instructive anecdotes.

Sample post:

Cars of All Kinds
Well now here's a news bulletin, according to Forbes.com "Porsches smack of success. Hondas preach practicality. And, according to a recent report, Chevys proudly proclaim of their owners, 'I don't use the Internet.' " It goes on to say "If you'd like to cultivate an image of sophistication, try buying a 'Mini Cooper'." Apparently Rolls-Royce felt they were not fairly polled "As you can imagine, our customers do not really take surveys," says [a] Rolls-Royce spokeswoman.

Then there are the Toyotas, said to be "the quintessential family brand", one in four Toyotas is in a household with children under the age of eighteen (they had to sell the Porsche to afford the kids), the median age of owners is 55 (now that the kids have left, they have those college debts to pay off), and 60% have college degrees (they were smart enough to buy a good car that would last through those years). And with all Toyota's current troubles, I would still buy one today without a second thought and we plan to keep the four we currently have.

I grew up in a Buick family, now known as "one of Detroit's geriatric brands". Back then, they were a big deal. I remember our first Buick Electra 225 (duce and a quarter my Daddy used to call it). We had arrived. All I knew was it was big and fast. (I wasn't supposed to know about the speed part, but I tested it, and it passed.) Now Buick was on its way back with the help of Tiger Woods - or at least GM thought it was a good idea at one time.

Every time my DH and I look at cars he wants me to consider a mini van. Ain't gonna happen. I have my limits and they stop way before a mini van. He can go on for days about the great use of space, the utility value, the cargo room, yada yada yada. It's not going to happen. I want my regular 4 door sedan.

I like station wagons (now that dates me doesn't it) but Toyota doesn't make one large enough. I'm not sold on cross overs and since I live in the sunny south, I really cannot justify a SUV that was designed for foul weather and off road conditions. Think about it, the carpool line in any given southern town is full of these huge vehicles that were originally designed for hunters, outdoors men, and workers in inclement weather and treacherous road conditions. I don't think GMC had Maple Drive Elementary School in mind when they put the Suburban on the drawing board. And, don't even get me started on Hummers. But, now if you want to discuss the Porsche Carrera, I'm all ears. We can all dream.

My desire for a Porshe Carrera is pure lust, I could care less what image it portrays. After all, it is the thrill of the drive. The dream started when I was 16 and started begging Dad for a TR-6, dated a guy for his vintage Jaguar - it was sweet and he was pretty nice also. Then in college, fell in serious like with a great guy and is serious love with his MGBGT. At least, I am honest, like the late Ted Kennedy put it so well, ". . . the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

As a postscript, I could be practical - Porshe now makes a four door sedan, the turbo charged Panamera. After all, I am all about sedans. But in this case, I am all about me and four doors is not in the plan.

RECENT ARTICLES:
--A New Puppy
--Planning for Tomorrow
--Jury Duty
--Ah, but then . . .
--A Realization of Faith
--Cars of All Kinds
--The Pleasures of Running Water

Virginia is For Kids (travel)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: Yes, with reservations

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Virginia is for Kids, published by Tina Merritt

WEB ADDRESS: http://virginiaisforkids.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: All about travel, tips and things to do with kids in Virginia. From museums to discounts to festivals and events, we have it all!

MY REVIEW: This blog hasn't been updated since Feb 15. On the other hand, it does look as if the author doesn't update this blog very regularly - one or two posts a month seem to be the norm.

When I first started this review blog, I dismissed such offerings out of hand. If someone pays 99 cents a month for a blog, I thought, they deserve to get an entry a day. But I think my sensibilities have improved since then. The way I look at it now, for the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can get updated on blogs that aren't updated regularly, so you don't need to visit the blog fruitlessly every day, you get each entry when its made!

Having said that, when there's a month between posts, it does make you wonder if the blog has gone inactive.

It's too bad if so, this blog had some good info for Virginia tourists and even locals who wanted to do a bit of exploration of their own state.

Sample post

Free Planetarium Shows:
The Radford University Planetarium offers FREE shows to the general public on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30pm and on Saturday mornings at 10:30am. The shows vary by the season, time etc. so be sure to check their website for the shows currently running. The Saturday morning shows are usually specifically for children.

Current shows include:

The newly-acquired show “The Planets” which takes audiences on a tour of our solar system, explaining how our solar system and its planets formed, why things rotate around the sun in the ways they do, and eventually looks at the planets that have been discovered around other stars. This show was produced by the Southeastern Planetarium Association and is narrated by Kate Mulgrew (aka Captain Katherine Janeway of “Star Trek: Voyager”) .

The three shows in the “Explorers” series. These were produced by the Bishop Museum Planetarium in Hawaii and address many of the national and Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) for K-12 students.

The children’s show “In My Backyard”, produced by the Calgary Science Center. This show takes younger audiences (from 3 years old to second graders) on a tour of many of the objects that can be seen in the night sky without a telescope.

“Dinosaur Prophecy”: The audience joins paleontologists at the scene of the crime, excavating bones and wondering what killed the mighty dinosaurs. Be amazed as your favorite giants come to life, roam across the dome, and meet their catastrophic deaths. Find out how NASA scientists monitor the Earth and solar system for potential disasters!

And the always-popular Christmas show ” ‘Tis the Season” chronicles many of the legends and traditions of the Christmas holiday season, including the story of a certain star.

Tina’s take: I brought my son and a couple of his friends here for an evening show. They loved it and can’t wait to go back! Curie Hall, where the Planetarium is located on the Radford campus, is easy to find and free parking is available right behind the building. The young lady leading the show we attended seemed to be very passionate about her work and took extra time to answer all the kid’s questions. Shows last anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes.

RECENT ARTICLES:
--Abingdon, Virginia and a Few Steps Back in Time
--New Year’s Eve is for Kids!
--Why Parents Need a Kindle
--Free Planetarium Shows!
--What to do with all that Halloween Candy???

Flyover America (US Travel)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Flyover America

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.readflyoveramerica.com

BLOG DESCRIPTION: We are two writers in love with America. Every diner and prairie and highway of it. The places that many people consider flyover territory—Lincoln, Nebraska; Lubbock Texas; Bayonne, New Jersey, and the like—grab hold of us. Flyover America is as much a state of mind as a place. Flyover America is packed with stories, discoveries and soul. And it’s got some great malls, too.

MY REVIEW: This is a fun blog, and a very informative one. The author(s) write well, in an informal, friendly style. In addition to reviews of travel spots, they talk about movies ("Maine Does Not Sound Like Queens" in which the author comments on the movie Welcome to Mooseport.

The premise is that an outgoing United States president (Hackman) moves to small-town Maine and runs for mayor against a local hardware store owner (Romano).

Fine and dandy, it’s a film of no consequence, but I must ask the filmmakers: Why on Earth would you set a film in Maine and cast no one with a New England accent? Maine!–which has an accent as thick and distinctive as Georgia! And yet , in a lead role we get the distinctively Queens, New York honk of Ray Romano. At least Maura Tierney was born in Boston, so her flatter intonations are not glaringly inappropriate. Most disappointing were the bit characters, the quirky old guys and gals who looked like all sorts of flat vowels and dropped R’s would come out of their mouths. But no, they sounded Midwestern, at best. This did not stop bothering me through the entire film.

Just ‘cause there’s moose in the movie doesn’t mean you’ve captured Maine.

(Sounds like the movie makers could have taken a lesson from the Coen brothers, who did Fargo using several local Minneapolis actors in bit-parts. (On the other hand, the movie took place in Minnesota, and Fargo is, y'know, located in North Dakota... And one of the locations they used for the movie, a small diner right near where I lived, never re-opened after the movie finished filming there. I guess they must have paid its owners so much money to use it, that they closed up shop and headed off to retirement land in less-snowier climes!)

But back to the blog under review. I enjoyed the writing, enjoyed the eclectic types of posts - but all travel related in some way, and I think you'll enjoy this blog as well.

PARAGRAPHS FROM A SAMPLE POST:

Write a blog for long enough and, at some point, your patterns will start to emerge. You’ll notice the themes you return to time and again, the grooves of the record that are worn deep. I have a thing for the abandoned and the dying: American ruins, Rolley-Hole Marbles, Presbyterians. Psychologists, really, hold your tongues. I don’t care what it means.

So, while doing a bit of web wandering the other day, I got lost in GhostTownGallery.com. It’s a not-necessarily-beautiful-but-pretty-damned-fun travel blog written (and shot) by Daniel and Ligian Ter-Nedden, a couple who live in Zurich, Switzerland. They’ve visited more than 200 ghost towns in nine U.S. states. (Yes, I’m also keen on people who get mildly-to-completely obsessed with…whatever.)

RECENT ARTICLES:
--What’s Left Behind, Again
--Road-trip Rituals
--That’s One Swell Silver Screen
--Cadillac Ranch: You Should Go
--A U.S. Library I Love (or, Sigh, Loved and Lost)

JGDS - the Junior Geography Detective Squad series blog

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: Yes

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: JGDS - the Junior Geography Detective Squad , published by Elysabeth Eldering.

WEB ADDRESS: http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: This is where information about the JGDS series will be posted. The books are about each of the fifty states, one state per book, and are written like a handheld game that gives the kids clues all leading up to the state. It is a cross between Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy, and if you watch Jeopardy, some of the categories of late have been about the states as well as final Jeopardy answers have been geared toward one state

MY REVIEW: Given the sorry state of kid's knowledge of geography today (well, their knowledge of any topic today), a books series like this sounds like a lot of fun and hopefully will be successful.

The blog itself doesn't talk about the writing of the books, but rather of their marketing. There are also talks with the authors of other children's books.

It's a fun blog, and I would think that the parents of young kids, and prospective authors, would enjoy it. Give it a try.

[As an aside, here's the actual website for the book series (as opposed to the blog): http://junior-geography-detective-squad.weebly.com/index.html. Should the author of these fun books visit this review, please, jazz up that website! At least put some clip art -of kids running around, perhaps - on it! That will catch people's eyes much more successfully than what's there now. [Also, this is a review of the blog, not of the books, so I won't comment on the stereotypical female characters, either! Except for a Grr.]

Here's a few sample paragraphs from a blog entry:

Wow. I just looked at my previous updates for newsletters and have not done any since the first part of August 2009. Updates are definitely needed.

I found a cool site that lists homeschool conferences for Canada, Guam, and every state in the United States. I found four more in the four states closest to me, within a five-hour driving distance of me, in addition to the Love 2 Learn one in Charlotte. I will be an exhibitor at four, maybe a fifth (still awaiting updates as to when it actually will take place, where and an exhibitor application) this summer with a presenting workshop at each one ("Writing Roads" a combination of writing and geography games for the kids). See my Blog Tour page on the sidebar for the listed events.

If anyone is interested in finding homeschool conferences in their area to either attend or exhibit at, here is the link for you to check out. Eventually, I'd like to attend conferences in every state but until I have some funding (either a sponsor or the books are supporting me), then traveling to more than a few states on the east coast is going to have to wait a while. I think these will be a good thing this year. Will definitely keep you posted how things go this summer.

JGDS SERIES NEWS: State of Reservations is slated to be released February or March 2010; since Aidana has had the flu and her son has the piggy flu, I hope by the end of March this will be released. State of Altitude is slated to be released in April or May of this year; again, hopefully by the 1st week of June so I can have four titles to carry with me to the homeschool conferences. And we have a title for #5 - State of Secession which is about halfway completed (struggling to get it done due to work situations that have taken over me but I do promise to have it done soon). It is slated to be released August (if I remember correctly), which would be nice to have that book available for the conference in August. Book #6 is titled State of Nature and my son has picked the items to be on the cover which will be pretty cool looking (I think and if Aidana and Vivian agree). Book #7 is pending approval for a title, so will wait to let you all know what the title will be with that.

In December I wrote to the Jeopardy!(R) folks asking them to sponsor my series. So far I haven't heard anything back yet, so I can only hope that the old adage "No news is good news" is true for this. As soon as I know something on this end, I will update my fans and readers.

RECENT ARTICLES:
-SC Book Festival Day 1
-Book festival bound
-JGDS Newsletter - Feb 2010
-Vote today
-Want to find out how reading can be fun and educational at the same time?
-Free book anyone? Your school could really use this book
-Book trailer video on Books in Sync contest

Hidden TravelGems (Travel)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: NO

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: Hidden TravelGems

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.hidden-travel-gems.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: The Hidden Travel Blog offers a vast collection of worldwide travel news and tips. Learn how to plan the perfect trip and avoid unwanted surprises.

MY REVIEW: This blog is rather popular on the Kindle, if the sales ranking is to be believed. (#134,314 in Kindle Store). It kind of surprises me, because I wouldn't think it's suitable for the Kindle. Lots of the articles have "Click here to read more" lnks. Oh, the links work, and perhaps I'm in the minority of people who don't like to use the Kindle to get onto the web. If you're going to have to do that on a regular basis, you may as well just bookmark the blog itself.

While the authors certainly go to interesting destinations (there seem to be several authors) the articles aren't in-depth enough to be really valuable. They provide just a soupcon of a taste of the destination, no more than that.

Therefore, I can't give this a recommendation.

RECENT ARTICLES:
-Seen that? Terre-de-Haut, Guadelupe (Feb 21, 2010)
-Boutique Hotels for Valentine's Day (Feb 11, 2010)
-Living in the Manchester airport (Feb 4, 2010)
-Glitz and Glamour: Beirut Reborn (Jan 31, 2010)
-Hotels: Luxury Can Be Worth It (Jan 27, 2010)
-Airport Hotels Can Make Business Travel Easier (Jan 27, 2010)

Wander Mom: Resources for Independent Family Travel

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES.

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: Wander Mom

WEB ADDRESS: http://wandermom.com

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Michelle Duffy is the author of 'Traveling With Kids' in the Wanderlust And Lipstick guidebook series. On Wandermom.com she blogs about family travel giving great practical advice on destinations, gear and activities you can enjoy when you travel with your children.

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent blog - she (and her guest posters, currently her sister) travel to interesting places and share lots of good info. It's also well-written, which is a big plus.

If I had any kids, I'd dump 'em on inlaws before doing any travelling. However, that's just me! If you've got kids, you'll enjoy the kid info and the travel info here.

Unfortunately, the blog is only updated once a week or so, on average.

RECENT ARTICLES:
-Villars, Switzerland – A Family Friendly Ski Village
-British Comfort Food in Seattle
-Western China and the Silk Road
-Holiday Decor Florida Style

From Here to Uncertainty

REVIEWED BY: Ann Currie

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: From Here to Uncertainty

WEB ADDRESS: www.fromheretouncertainty.com/blog

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Two parents, two kids and too damn much luggage... Life wasn't working, and the job was going down the drain, so the Redpath Family has sold nearly everything they own and set off for Europe for a year. Watch as they figure out their new lives as digital nomads.

MY REVIEW: Take a family of four and send them on their way. Give them a Kindle, blogging parents, and the adventure of a lifetime and you a get a great blog. Sometimes the father posts, sometimes the mother, sometimes both. Most of the time there are pictures of the family trips and what they are experiencing. The posts are well written and not formualatmatic. They vary depending on what the subject is – a day trip to Stonehenge, a mother-daughter day out, a father pondering life, a discussion with a friend about his new book. The posts are frequent, well written, and long enough to be interesting, but short enough to hold your attention and get you to come back for more. Most of all it is a digital journey their friends can follow and they can treasure for the rest of their lives. I highly recommend this blog for those of us who fear throwing caution to wind and stay in our 9 to 5 lives.

RECENT ARTICLES:
--Golden Reel Awards, I'll be missing the party--Unintended Consequences
--Happy Chinese New Year
--Like Mother, Like Daughter
--We love Paris in the Winter

________________________

Ann Currie publishes
My Life a Bit South of Normal
Strange and Peculiar Silver

Travel Deals, News & Tips : Grab2Travel.com

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo


OUR RECOMMENDATION: NO


AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: Travel Deals, News & Tips : Grab2Travel.com


WEB ADDRESS: www.grab2travel.com/blog


BLOG'S DESCRIPTION: Travel blog on vacation packages, destination guide, travel advice & travel news to make reader's vacation experience easy.


OUR REVIEW:  It’s difficult to decide whether or not to say Yes or No to this blog. For one thing, it’s the type of blog that is a referral site – in order to get the deals they offer (and you’ll see a sample of those in the 5 latest entries list below) you’ve got to click on the links to go to a new webpage to make your booking. The entries don’t give you any information about the travel spot in question, just the deals that are on offer.



THE GOOD: It does alert you to savings that are available.


THE BAD: Over all, I think I will say NO. This is the kind of blog – any blog that calls your attention to Travel Deals – that you really need to visit its home on the web to use properly.


RECENT ARTICLES:

• $349 + : Secret to get Apple vacations all-inclusive deals and save more
• Cheap Mexican Airlines deals – Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift to Your Love
• Get Marriott Promotion Codes Specials & Deals Here and Save
• Cheap Mexico All-Inclusive Vacation Deals Hunt Made Easy
• $519 Vacation Deals for Spring Break Vacation in Caribbean

Lifestyles : Miami

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MYRECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: Lifestyles : Miami

WEB ADDRESS: lifestylesmiami.blogspot.com

BLOG DESCRIPTION: Have you ever wondered how people in Miami have so much money and live such extravagant lifestyles, while the rest of the country struggles?

Miami, for many reasons, doesn't seem to get hit as hard during the recessions The United States periodically endures. Want to know why?

The Real Estate Market is stronger, Jobs are plentiful, and Money seems to flow like rivers in this beautiful and cultural city... Want to know why?

There is no "1" reason. But we know the secrets.

There is lots of information on Real Estate, Educational Institutes, Lifestyles of The Wealthy, Culture, History, Landmarks, Notable People, Parks and Recreation and How You Can Afford to live like the wealthy even on a modest income.

Lifetsyles : Miami walks you through the lifestyles of the many wealthy and super-wealthy people who live in Miami and explains how this flourishing city remains one of the most desirable places to live, despite it's sordid history.


OUR REVIEW: Another blog written by people who actually live and work in the city about which they are writing, I also recommend this blog highly for anyone who wants to visit Miami in the future or who is thinking of living there. You get a real sense of the city and the people from these well written and informative blog entries, not to mention learn a lot of history!

RECENT ARTICLES:

• Miami Entrepreneurs: William D. Pawley (1896 -1977) an article on the man who helped bring Claire Chennault’s Flying Tigers into being, among other things!
• WMPD Community Service – an article on West Miami Police Department Community activities, (Bike Safety annual training) with lots of photos
• Miami’s Top Restaurant – the Palm
• Miami’s Top Real Estate Agent – Audrey Ross of Esslinger Wooten Maxwell, Inc, Realtors
• The 2010 Real Estate Market

Hawaii Vacation Blog

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: Hawaii Vacation Blog

WEB ADDRESS: www.blogcatalog.com/blog/explore-hawaii

BLOG DESCRIPTION: An adventure blog to guide you to all the hotspots on the islands of Hawaii. Hop onboard and follow the tracks of the Trailblazer Travel Book authors.

OUR REVIEW: Ah, how I’d love to be in Hawaii right now. It’s not in the cards however, so the Hawaii Vacation Blog is a nice substitute. It’s written by people who actually live in and have traveled throughout all the Hawaiian islands. (Just as a point of interest, the Big Island of Hawaii is not actually the one people think about when they think of Hawaii, that’d be Oahu, on which is located Honolulu. Just in case you don't know that!)

RECENT ARTICLES:

• Staying on Oahu
• Guide Me (uninformative title for an entry about the Big Island
• The Once and Present Place to Be – Mauna Lani Resort
• Lyon Arboretum – it’s grrreeat!
• Some enchanted evening article on the Fairmont Orchid Hotel