I have been doing some R&R here in Sedona AZ, and one of the activities I have done was a jeep rental. My wife and I rented a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and did two moderate to advanced forest roads, one of them called "Outlaw Trail". Below is a pictu...
American Exceptionalism, my ass
If you listen to any politicians these days, they seem to be incapable of going more than 2 minutes without commenting on the veracity of "American Exceptionalism". Today, I am going to debunk that claim. I am currently vacationing in Sedona, AZ, ...
From the “How come…” files – Why do the females in a relationship have 2nd rate gear?
I am on vacation here in Sedona, and I have noticed this twice so far. We are out walking around, and a couple will come cycling by. Invariably, the man has the uber cool, new, top of the line bicycle, and the woman will have the beat, old Trek th...
My MacBook Pro is feeling its age
Alas, as it nears its 3rd birthday, I have to admit that my trusty sidekick, my Macbook Pro (late 2008, unibody) is beginning to feel its age. It has been through two OS upgrades (first to Snow Leopard, and lately to Lion) and a HD upgrade. Workin...
Marriott Courtyard Hotels
When I do domenstic travel, I usually try to stay in Courtyard hotels. It is not because of point, or miles. It is because it is a decent room, at an acceptable price. Just be sure you are not near the elevator or the ice machine, and it is as goo...
Travel Notes – Ridiculous Air Conditioning
Livign in Tucson, I thought I was used to AC set low. Some people keep their offices/homes cold enough to hang meat. I just got to Austin for the ITEXPO conference (had to give a media interview, and will be participating in a panel discussion tom...
Travel Foibles: Part 8 (of too many to count) – “Premium” Seats
Since when was an aisle seat or a window seat "premium" and worth $15 to $40 more? I understand the psychology of airlines, and their addiction to the nickel and dime charges that travelers are willing to outlay. But, come on. Tomorrow, I am flyin...
Travel Foibles: Part 7 (of many) – Hotel “green” initiatives
You have probably seen it, you get into your hotel room, and there are placards that describe how you can help them "save the environment" by any of a number of actions that include: Not changing the bedding daily Reusing your towel Turning off li...
Travel Foibles: Part 6 (of too many to count) USA Today
I will admit to being a fan of newsprint. Something about leisurely reading of the daily rag is something that I enjoy. At home, we subscribe to the local newspaper, and read it every day. While I read the NY Times everyday online, I still subscri...
Travel Foibles: Part 5 (of many) – Carry on baggage
Time for another sarcastic look at the state of travel, and the law of unintended consequences. Today, the (now) ubiquitous carry on baggage shuffle. A few years back, airlines cottoned on to the idea that they could charge for the basic amenities...