Vintage Macy’s: A bit of the parade and a lot of movie clips

by Jamie Rhein on

Macy’s in New York City is one of those icons that features into many a trip to the Big Apple.

Our travel agent in Singapore told us when she visited the U.S. that Macy’s was her favorite stop in NYC. Of course, she also told us that one week in Disney World was not enough.

This video that spans several years shows just how much Macy’s has played into American culture. Ignore that it’s an ad for Macy’s. I was impressed by just how many movies have made reference to this store. There are shots of the Thanksgiving Day Parade as well. I haven’t seen this ad before. Perhaps, you have. At any rate, I am fond of movie montages, so here it is. Regardless of whether one likes Macy’s or not, this is sure an example of the cross between consumer economics, travel and culture.

Welcome to Milwaukee airport, you are now free to recombobulate!

by Scott Carmichael on

Who said the airport checkpoint was a bad place to hang out? Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport has turned the area past their security checkpoint into a recombobulation area.

The sign is the brainchild of airport director Barry Bateman, who thought it would be a fun way to take the stress out of travel. I’ve got to hand it to him, it really is one of the first bits of humor I’ve seen added to the checkpoint area.

Being able to have a chuckle and a place to sit down and unwind after having your bottle of water confiscated in the name of national security is a great idea. Many airports have added seats after the TSA checkpoint, but I’m usually doing everything I can to get away from that area as soon as I can.

(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online, via Consumerist.com)

French adventurer Alexandre Poussin talks about walking across Africa

by Jeffrey White on

I wonder whether many Americans are acquainted with the accomplishments of French traveler Alexandre Poussin.

He’s an adventurer very much of the old school, best known for an epic walk across Africa with his wife, Sonia. The two trekked from the Cape of Good Hope at the souther tip of Africa all the way to Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, the pair documented the adventure in every way imaginable and ultimately produced both a film about the journey, a television series and a well-regarded book, Africa Trek: In the Footsteps of Mankind.

I’m probably wrong, but it feels like these kinds of adventures are a dying breed in the travel world, with modern day “travelers” seemingly more content to move to some place, say a Spanish village, for a year and write a book about it. I’ve always preferred to read or hear about the long journey of many months and miles, from point A to point B. Poussin’s tale certainly falls into that category.

Luckily, now you can hear more about Poussin’s African adventure and what inspires him to travel over at Wend magazine. Gadling’s own Anna Brones recently interviewed him for Wend‘s Digital Story Project.

You can listen to the podcast on the page.

Thai Protesters Shut Down Bangkok’s Airport

by Josh Lew on

Anti-government protesters in Bangkok have ramped up their campaign against the the party of prime minister Somchai Wongsawat. Early yesterday, supporters of the PAD (People’s Alliance for Democracy) stormed past police lines and entered Suvarnabhumi International Airport. When they reached the departure areas, airport officials decided to shut the airport down. Several thousand tourists and travelers were stranded in the airport while more than a dozen flights had to be diverted to Bangkok’s old international terminal at Don Muang Airport.

Over 14 million tourists came to Thailand last year. Violence between the pro and anti-government groups had done little to dissuade tourists from visiting because foreigners have not been targeted. However, the situation seems to finally have spilled over into the country’s tourism industry.

Top Thai army generals have called for the government to step down. Despite promises to the contrary, it seems that another coup is possible (even likely). Meanwhile, things don’t look good for those stranded at Suvarnabhumi. PAD supporters have vowed to “close Suvarnabhumi Airport to send a final word… to Somchai and his cabinet: resign immediately and without conditions.” But the government is not budging. So looks like those trying to get into or out of The Land of Smiles are in for some frustration.

[related story]

Daily deal – Rosewill laptop travel kit for $10

by Scott Carmichael on

Welcome to my daily deal for Thursday November 27th 2008. I hope you are all having a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Despite being excited about my upcoming turkey dinner, I still managed to make some time to find you all a great deal!

Newegg started their Black Friday sale yesterday, and one of the highlights in the “under $10” area, is this Rosewell laptop productivity kit.

In the $9.99 kit, you’ll find a retractable webphone (headset), a folding mini card reader, and a USB retractable optical mouse.

The kit even comes with a handy nylon travel bag. To make this deal even better, Newegg even throws in free shipping!