He’s BaaaaacK! Michael Jackson in Vegas

by Erik Olsen on

Yes, you thought maybe we were rid of him. You thought that he’d found a comfy home among the Bahrainians, who not only still listen to has music, but seemed to enjoy Jacko’s veil-wearing antics. I regret to inform you, however, that the Jacko has landed…in Vegas. He arrived last Saturday at McCarran Airport‘s private executive hangar at 10:30 in the eve.

I really can’t think of a more appropriate place for him to while away the hours of his life. He”s not particularly good at blackjack, but his good buddy Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy is recovering from that tiger mauling incident and is doing dandy. Where else could an odd-ball has-been conjure up a comeback but Sin City? Which is exactly what he is doing, hoping to do a live show on the Strip in 2007. The strange get stranger.

Christmas Traditions Around the World

by Adrienne Wilson on

Something tells me we’ve surely done a post like this in the past, yet with each holiday season it never hurts to remind ourselves how individuals and families across the globe are spending their time on this very day. On this about.com page they list traditions from various countries which include Egypt, Argentina, Finland, and Papua New Guinea to name only a few. In the Philippines (the only Asian nation where Christianity is the religion chosen by the people), Christmas celebrations start up to nine days before with a mass called Misa De Gallo. The story continues and sounds pretty valid where some of the others seem a bit questionable, like Christmas in Micronesia and Iran. Who am I to say though? I’ve only celebrated the holiday in my home land, but I’d love to hear what traditions are practiced by our readers both near and far.

Mental Floss Geo Challenge

by Erik Olsen on

So you think you know the world pretty well, do ya? You can say all the state capitols and you bedazzle your friends during bouts of Trivial Pursuit? Well, a little bit ago, Adrienne posted a link to the San Francisco Chronicle Geography Quiz. That was fine and dandy and some of the questions were quite tough, but it was just a list of questions followed by answers. You had to scroll way down to find out if you were right.

Pretty lame. You’d of thunk that Silicon Valley’s paper of record would have come up with something more interactive than that. Well, the good folks at the magazine Mental Floss have done just that. It’s not as deep and involved a quiz as the CF Chron one, but you’re going to have a tough time I think getting a perfect score on this one. I scored 70 percent. Not bad, I think. I confess I wasn’t sure where Benin was. Yes, I knew Africa, but I wasn’t sure where. Anyway, see how you fare.

Literary Gadling: Mark Twain House

by Iva Skoch on

I have a confession to make. I am a literary memorabilia junkie. Yes, I like to go to famous writers’ houses and see how they lived, what inspired them (Kafka), how they partied (Twain) and try to figure out what made them commit suicide (Hemingway). Is this going to make me a better writer? I doubt it. But it always gets me motivated to sit down and actually write. And, as many of you know, that is half the battle.

Anyway, should any of you share my passion for writers, I will occasionally make a recommendation for a place/birthplace to visit. As a kick off to my “Literary Gadling”, I picked one that’s easy: the Mark Twain house in Hartford, Connecticut. Not only is it a beautiful Victorian mansion, but visiting the house makes you get a good insight into Twain’s happy personality. It made me realize I need to drastically increase my entertainment budget if I ever want to become a good writer.

And since Twain was probably America’s most productive quote machine, here is one to leave you with:

“It was wonderful to find America, but it would have been more wonderful to miss it.” Mark Twain

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of December 17

by Adrienne Wilson on

It has been a hectic day filled with holiday shuffle and travel and it has truly worn me out. I’m exhausted and with such a busy week I confess, even I missed out on some of these great plugs found here on Gadling. If your week was anything like mine be sure to check them out too.

5. Lots of Santas:
Ho, Ho, Ho… Considering the time of year and season it only makes perfect sense to feature this march of hundreds of thousands of Santas in Russia once more. I’m sure it was an awesome event for anyone visiting during the time.

4. Planespotting in Saint Martin:
Please give a warm round of sound to Justin Glow who makes his Gadling debut with this interesting post of how enjoyable it is to sit lazy with cocktails on St. Martin sand and well, watch the planes as they come fly very close to the ocean and far too close for my comfort zone.

3. The Austin Report Part 2: Bizarre Shopping:
Tis’ the season to be emptying your wallet and not look back. Looking for some gifts with character? Head to Austin with Neil as he points you to some neat shopping destinations around the Texas town.

2. Hanukkah in Honduras:
Spending the holidays abroad can be a blast, but depending on where you go it can also be a real hassle. Iva points us to a very nice read about an adventurous family spending Hanukkah in Honduras. I wouldn’t have put the two together, but I know little about menorah’s and what is done on each of the 8 days.

1. The Wandering Honeymooners:
Huggy, happy, honeymooners always bring a tear to my eye. I’m so envious right now. The Moran motto: “Get hitched. Hit the road.” I love it and love that Brendan and Sarah are sharing their beautiful matrimony on the road with all us single, lonely or simply travel deprived individuals.