Black Sheep of Britain Needs Your Love Poems

by Kelly Amabile on

April is National Poetry month here in the US, and it seems the town of Luton, outside London, is getting in on the fun, in an attempt to inspire the muses.

In 2004, Luton, a former millinery and car manufacturing center, was declared the worst town in Britian. Since then local agencies have worked to change that image. And now a promotional consortium called Luton First has announced a creative way to sweeten the image of their home. The group, which includes among them, the Luton Airport and the University of Luton, is seeking poetic odes about the town that will eventually be published in a paperback titled Love Luton. Performance poet and Luton’s own hometown hero, John Hegley, is also backing the project.

Will Lutonites put pen to paper and produce poetic prasie for their ego-injured city? As one local put it when the worst town rating came out back in ’04: “Whether it is Newark, Coventry, Salford or Stoke, crap towns have always inspired and motivated those with bigger dreams.” I guess it must be possible that the next great work of literature could indeed emerge from good old Luton. If you feel inspired to visit and do some writing of your own, why not head over for the annual Luton Carnival, which takes place on May 28.

One for the Road (04/05/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

You may not have even filed your taxes yet, but it’s never too early in the season to begin thinking seriously about your tan. This book is just perfect for all you bathers looking to get rid of unsightly tan lines once and for all. Bare Beaches is your go-to-guide for a list of more than 200 of the world’s best nude beaches.

Destinations covered include Spain and the Spanish islands, France and Corsica, the Greek islands, Portugal, the Caribbean, Croatia, Bahamas, Mexico, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The book was released in the UK in 2004, so it’s nice to see this related blog that continues to add and update the list. There are also all-important-updates about celebrities and travel writers who like to bare all in the sand. Who knew?

Authors Mike Charles and Nick Mayhew-Smith are also behind Bare Britian, your exclusive guide to bum-friendly beaches throughout the UK. The book (and related update blog) contains information on 50 beaches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, as well as full listings of more than 100 naturist clubs and naturist-friendly venues and travel agents.

Have fun, just don’t forget your SPF.

Fisher’s Travel SOS: Emergency Guides for Travelers

by Willy Volk on

Fisher’s Travel SOS is a unique guide for leisure and business travelers. Rather than point out what sights to see, however, Fisher’s tells you how to avoid some of the dangers that might befall the unwary visitor. Detailing what to do when faced with an emergency, each guide provides critical contact information for dozens of locations around the world, as well as information concerning:

  • Ambulance
  • Police (local & national)
  • Fire services
  • Embassy
  • Consular services
  • Hospitals
  • Pharmacies
  • Lawyers

Available as a printed booklet delivered through the mail ($16) or as a self-print guide ($12), Fisher’s guides would appear to be a must-have if you’re traveling into any of the world’s most dangerous destinations. However, the most dangerous destinations in their library appears to be Johannesburg. That said, it’s worth pointing out that you can run into medical or legal trouble in any country at any time — even the “safest” countries in the world. Then, of course, it doesn’t really matter if you’re in Somalia or Prague.

One for the Road (04/04/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

Alfredo Estrada’s personal tribute to Havana was released last month. Havana: Autobiography of a City tells the story of Estrada’s hometown from its’ 1519 founding to present day, covering such topics as cigars, slavery, gambling, rhumba, Hemingway and baseball. Publisher’s Weekely says “Estrada is at his best chronicling Castro’s revolution…and pays particular attention to…Che Guevara’s authoritarian streak and talent for guerilla warfare.” PW does note that the book is a bit too fact-heavy to make it an enjoyable read for some, but history buffs should find it a useful primer on this fascinating place.

And again (I’m three for three this week!), it just so happens that we’ve got information on an appearance by the author, taking place tonight at 7 pm, deep in the heart of Texas. Austin folks, head over to Bookpeople on North Lamar to see Estrada for yourself.

One for the Road (04/03/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

A collection of “intimate essays and prose poetry” about life as a female climber — sounds like an interesting combo for the memoir of an adventurous athlete, no? But that is exactly how Steph Davis’ new book is described by her publisher. High Infatuation: A Climber’s Guide to Love and Gravity gathers new and previously released material that touches on “universal themes of life, love, friendship and personal empowerment” all told through the lens of an expert climber.

This concert pianist turned risk-taking rock climber is now respected as one of the world’s most accomplished in her sport. Davis has been profiled in publications including Outside, Men’s Journal, W Magazine, and Sports Illustrated and is sponsored by brands like Mammut, Patagonia and Clif Bar.

And lucky Gadling readers near Bellingham, WA can head over to Village books where Davis will be appearing this evening.