Free Audio Books

by Erik Olsen on

I posted recently about a site where you can download and read some classic books for free. Of course ,unless you read on your computer or on some handheld device, you’re likely to kill a tree if you want to print them out, so it is our hope you will be sparing. But here’s another idea: why not LISTEN to your books.

Now, I’ve also posted numerous times about the service over at Audible.com and how great it is. I’ve been a subscriber for a long time and get my monthly book and radio show with enthusiasm and glee. But here is a site where you can get some classic books for your ipod or other device for free. The book selection is solid, with some really excellent classics that you will be happy to add to your collection. These could make great listening while on the road or on a long flight.

Norwegian Moon

by Erik Olsen on

And you thought it was just the Germans and the Brits who behaved badly at soccer games (the Americans would probably give them a run for their money if they cared much about soccer). This is not a World Cup story, alas, but one about a mere match in (of all places China). Turns out it was the Norwegians pulling off shenanigans.

A 25-year-old Norwegian student at the University of Beijing got a wee bit upset and showered both the ref and spectators with abuse. He was shown a green card (green for naughty) and then a red one (really naughty). Then he was ejected from the game.  Not one to go out peacefully, e ten pulled down his shorts and mooned everyone. Apparently, the Chinese are not used to seeing naked buttocks in public, a least not ones so lily white, and so the match was suspended with the student facing punitive action, perhaps even being deported. Ah, those mad Norwegians. I call them kin, you know.

Rebuilding America’s Image

by Erik Olsen on

Unless you’ve been living in a cave (and if so, tell Osama I said hi…and then take him out) you’re probably aware that America’s image has taken some serious hits lately….well, in the last couple of years. Even today, there are protests against America in as nice a place as Austria. Well, one way to deal with this problem is for more of us Americans to head overseas and to be nice to people.

Lonely Planet is one company making this case. And good for them. But there is another group, who also has a vested interest in making sure that Americans, and American products, are not discriminated against. The group is called Business for Diplomatic Action, and is a nonpartisan collective of business leaders who are trying to spread the word. They published a World Citizens Guide for Americans which they hope folks will study before setting foot on foreign soil.

What kind of tips do they offer? Well, they suggest that we be on our best behavior while navigating unfamiliar cultures. Dress appropriately, don’t be so damn loud, don’t be offensive. All common sense stuff, but stuff that is worth bearing in mind as you head out.

World Refugee Day

by Adrienne Wilson on

Today is World Refugee Day and it wouldn’t feel right for me to blog without giving it a mention here on Gadling. June 20 was officially recognized as World Refugee Day back in 2000 when the United Nations General Assembly sought to celebrate the contribution of refugees worldwide. This year’s theme is “Hope,” where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hopes to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees globally, forced to flee their homes.

There are two events scheduled this weekend worth checking out if in the Washington D.C. area if you’re around. The first is an afternoon of exhibits, dance and musical performances by refugee artists and youth at the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall on Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 12 pm to 4 pm. Additional details can be found by clicking here and personally if I were anywhere around this venue I would seriously make it top priority this weekend.

Can’t make it, but still interested in World Refugee Day? Head to Slate where you can find a collection of Magnum Photos showcasing refugees from all over. The shot above is from a refugee camp in Kurkushetra, India from 1947 taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Roadside America

by Erik Olsen on

Everyone has heard of the World’s Largest Ball of Twine and the odd assortment of Americana that dots much of the American Highway System. But what about the Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida? Or, say, the Stevedore Man in Everett, Washington. 

These and many more quirky, but fun sights can be found and mapped over at Roadside America, a site dedicated to American arcana. I was surprised by how elaborate and well organized this site is, and have bookmarked it just in case my next big trip out of the city involves extensive driving. Because, let’s face it, we just don’t see enough off-beat, cheesy tourist destinations in our regular day.