Photo of the Day (6.13.10)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Well doesn’t this look refreshing? Flickr user AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker caught this moment of bliss during a recent hiking trip along the border of Arizona and Utah. When you’ve been hiking all day under the heat of an unrelenting sun, this is apparently what happens – you find a nearby stream to cool off. I love the pose – the figure in the water seems to be enjoying a serious moment of refreshment. The figure is complemented by the vertical portrait-style framing of the shot. He seems to be looking up to the heavens as if to say “thanks.”

Taken any great photos taken during your travels? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Andaz 5th Avenue accepting reservations for August 1

by Melanie Nayer on

Hot off the hotel presses — the much-anticipated new Andaz hotel on 5th Avenue is set to open Aug. 1. The celebrate the second Andaz in New York, the hotel is offering a special preview rate of $295.

The Andaz 5th Avenue has been in the works since the beginning of the year and devotees of Hyatt’s boutique brand have been eagerly awaiting the hotel’s grand opening. Located at 485 5th Avenue between 40th and 41st streets, the Andaz 5th Avenue calls the New York Public Library and Bryant Park its neighbors, giving guests prime location to some of New York’s top attractions.

The Andaz 5th Avenue is set in the historic 1916 Rogers Peet Building – once a men’s retail store – and offers loft-style guest rooms, a restaurant, bar and room service. Of course, it will have a lobby “living room” area, Internet access, meeting room space and great views of the city, much like its sister property Andaz Wall Street. The special preview rate is available for booking now on the Andaz website.

Spirit Airlines grounded by pilot strike – UPDATED

by Scott Carmichael on

Spirit Airlines has found itself grounded this weekend, after contract negotiations with their pilots failed to result in an agreement.

The pilots have been negotiating for four years – and Spirit claims they have offered a 30% pay increase over the next five years, along with several other perks.

Sean Creed is the head of the Spirit Airlines pilot group within the union, and had the following to say:

“No one wanted this strike-certainly not this pilot group. We have sacrificed so much to see this company prosper. Now we are sacrificing our paychecks until we get a contract that reflects our contributions to this airline,”.

As of right now, the strike should end this evening, and all flights will resume as normal tomorrow.

UPDATE: The strike has been extended through Tuesday June 15 2010.

Passengers on canceled flights will be issued flight credits along with an additional $100 Spirit Airlines credit. More information on the strike can be found here.

It has been five years since the last strike at a major US carrier when mechanics and cleaners went on strike at Northwest Airlines. The last major pilot strike was back in 1998 – once again at Northwest Airlines. Of course, it could always be worse – British Airways just got out of their third batch of strikes in under a year.

Alabama Adventure theme park offers Father’s Day deal: $50 per carload

by Leigh Caldwell on

It’s one week until Father’s Day. Have you made plans with your dad?

The folks at Alabama Adventure near Birmingham suggest a day at the theme park. After all, what says, “I love you, Dad” more than screaming in his ear during a ride on the Rampage wooden roller coaster or digging your fingernails in his arm while being catapulted 185 feet in the air on the Space Shot?

Next Sunday, June 20, Alabama Adventure is offering a great deal for dad’s day: $50 admission for a carload. Now, they’re limiting that “carload” to six people, so don’t even think about sneaking the neighbor kids in in your trunk.

Still, that works out to $8.33 per person — less than a trip to the movies and way less than the general admission price of $29.99.

Alabama Adventure will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Father’s Day.

Flight attendant: Packing heat was a mistake

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Let’s be clear: Amber Robillard said she didn’t mean to put a loaded handgun into her carry-on bag. The flight attendant – keeper of order, safety and beverage cart service … not to mention explainer of the rules – says she accidentally packed heat, without a license, when she went to Indianapolis International Airport.

It’s all a big mistake.

On June 4, Robillard was charged with carrying a handgun without a license, in addition to “entering a controlled area in an airport with a weapon,” according to the Associated Press. The AP further explains:

Court records say the 39-year-old told police she mistakenly picked up a bag containing her gun during a trip to Indianapolis. Inspectors found the gun in her bag when she arrived at the city’s airport to work on a Delta Air Lines flight to Atlanta.

Yeah, she took her gun to work – with an airline. Genius. Next time this flight attendant tells you to turn off your Kindle or BlackBerry, how much credibility will she have?