Federal Court reverses ban on US Airways New Mexico liquor license

by Scott Carmichael on

This week, a federal appeals court overturned a ban the had been preventing US Airways from serving alcohol on flights to and from the state of New Mexico. The ban was put in place back in 2006 after an incident involving a drunk passenger.

The passenger, Dana Papst had been served two drinks on his US Airways Albuquerque flight, despite already being intoxicated. On his drive back home from the airport, he smashed into oncoming traffic, killing himself and five others.

For years, the airline had been in court trying to get the ban overturned, but it took a federal judge to rule in their favor.

US Airways had argued that airline alcohol laws are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and not local states. Part of the states decision to ban the airline from serving alcohol was based on a history of citation for over-serving passengers.

What do you think? If an airline has a history of over-serving, should states be allowed to revoke their liquor license?

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[Photo credit: AP]

Daily gear deals: Free iPod Nano case, $30 Swiss Army gift set and more

by Scott Carmichael on

Here are the hottest daily gear deals for today, Sunday December 5, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone.

Today’s first deal is for the TomTom iPod Touch GPS dock. This in-car mount adds GPS capability to your iPod Touch, and turns it into a full GPS navigation system. You will need to purchase the TomTom software from the app store. On sale for $29.99. Click here for this deal.

Next up is a great gift bundle of two popular Swiss Army Knives. For $29.99, you get their 20 tool ranger knife and a classic pocket knife. Just remember that they can’t go in your carry-on luggage or the TSA will confiscate them. Click here for this deal.

Our third deal is for a great discount on the limited edition Altec Lansing iMT320 iPod/iPhone speaker dock. This speaker normally retails for $90, but when you apply coupon code AMER10100001OFF, you’ll take 25% off the price. Only available on the green version of the iMT320. Click here for this deal.

And finally in today’s lineup is a free case for the newest iPod Nano. This colorful case holds the Nano and its headphones. Click here for this deal.

Follow Andrew Evans and Intelligent Travel on an adventure around the world

by Grant Martin on

Our good friend and writer-at-large Andrew Evans is on the road with National Geographic for the next few months, writing, video blogging and tweeting his adventure around the planet.

As part of his engagement with readers he’s leaving clues and tidbitds about his journey scattered across the interwebs, like tiny bread crumbs of travel fodder for his faithful fans to gobble up. Our favorite so far? From @wheresandrew:

My take on #Vegemite: If “oil spill” was an artisanal cheese.

Check out one of the opening videos from his journey below. You can follow the rest over at Intelligent Travel or on the Twitters.



Go heliskiing in Nevada

by Kraig Becker on

For many skiers and snowboarders, a heliskiing trip is at the top of their list of “must do” adventures. By hopping a flight on a helicopter, they gain access to pristine backcountry snow and slopes of untouched powder. Better yet, these locations are usually miles away from crowded lift lines and busy lodges, allowing skiers to enjoy a mountain all to themselves.

Heliskiing has become a popular activity around the globe, with numerous options in the U.S., Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, Europe and beyond. But one place you probably wouldn’t expect to find a heliskiing operation is in Nevada. But way up in the northeast corner of the state are the Ruby Mountains, which are often overlooked as a destination for winter fun.

For 34 years Ruby Mountain Heli-Experience has been offering customers access to an amazing winter wonderland that can only be reached by helicopter. They have over 200,000 acres of wilderness at their disposal, which allows them to meet the needs of skiers or snowboarders of any skill level. The Ruby Mountain setting has everything from gentle, wide bowls to steep, fast drops for the real thrill seekers.

At the end of the day, after a spectacular experience in the snow, you’ll return to the lodge where yet another surprise awaits visitors. Ruby Mountain delivers some fantastic gourmet cuisine for their guests, which simply rounds out an already fantastic experience.

Ruby Mountain Heli-Experience is one of the most accessible and affordable heli-skiing option in the lower-48 states and an unforgettable experience for adventure travelers. With the winter season just about to begin, its time to start planning your next snow adventure.

[Photo credit: Ruby Mountain Heli-Experience]


Ruby Mountain Heli Experience Highlights 2010 from Joseph Royer on Vimeo.

Proposed Orlando Thrill Park Reveals 14 Extreme Rides

by Joel Bullock on


While Orlando’s already known for its world-class theme parks, a developer thinks that there’s room for one more. The Baker Leisure Group has proposed a thrill-focused park that would be located in the Tangelo Park area near the Festival Bay Mall. It would be just a short drive from Universal Orlando Resort and its two theme parks. Central Florida is also home to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and my favorite park in the state, Busch Gardens Tampa. If that wasn’t enough, Legoland Florida will be opening in 2011 as well.

Like many, I’ve considered Central Florida’s theme park market saturated at this point. However, Orlando Thrill Park will offer something different. The park’s success will hinge on whether they can communicate its distinction as the home of the most intense and extreme thrill rides in Florida. If built, the park would easily attract roller coaster enthusiasts like myself. Of the fourteen rides that the park has proposed, eight of them are roller coasters. And of the eight, five or so are either prototypes or rare in the United States.Roller coaster enthusiasts are a tiny niche group in the overall theme park visiting public. So, the developers are hoping Orlando tourists will spend one day out of their week long vacations at the park. They’re also aiming for those local adrenaline junkies that are interested in extreme thrills. Currently, Busch Gardens Tampa and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are the only places that you’ll find somewhat intense thrill rides in Florida. It’s an area that’s heavy on theme and light on thrills. Orlando Thrill Park aims to fill that void.

The LA Times has created a photo gallery of Orlando Thrill Park’s 14 rides. The gallery includes similar rides that are currently in existence and prototype renderings.

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