Paraglider escapes death, barely

Warning: Strong language

Paragliding makes the news again. Just last week Gadling reported about two climbers paragliding from the summit of Mt. Everest. This video, totally unrelated, shows a paraglider getting caught in his parachute but somehow pulling it off anyway.

This is one lucky guy.

Paragliding is a recreational and/or competitive free-flying sport where the pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, the shape of which is formed by its suspension lines and the pressure of air entering vents of the wing. DiscoverParagliding.com notes:

“With the proper training, you can become a well-educated, safety-conscious pilot capable of choosing flights ranging from peaceful and serene, to extended thermal climbs and cross-country experiences.”

The training and jump records of the paraglider shown in this video were unavailable.

Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger now on CBS Evening News

Chesley ‘Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who landed a crippled jet in the Hudson River two years ago, has been named the new on-air aviation and safety expert for CBS Evening News. The national hero made his debut yesterday as he chatted with anchor Harry Smith about the Air France crash into the Atlantic Ocean. Over the past week, 75 bodies have been pulled from the 2009 crash site.

Sullenberger retired from being an active pilot last year, but says he took the job because he wants to keep a close eye on the airline industry. He’s been keeping busy with public speaking, consulting, and penning his second book. There aren’t many recognizable figures when it comes to aviation safety, so we’re happy to see Sullenberger speaking out and getting viewers attention. Watch his first appearance below and look for his signature white mustache as you flip through the channels.

[Photo by Grego!/flickr]

VIDEO: 50 state stereotypes in 2 minutes

Enjoy poking fun at other American states? You might enjoy this video posted by our friends at Huffington Post Comedy covering all 50 state stereotypes in 2 minutes and change. From Alabama ”

Our state bird is the NASCAR” to Wyoming ”

We don’t have any gay cowboys, alright? Okay, maybe a few gay cowboys…”, no state is left unparodied (read the video transcript here). Lest you think video creator Paul Jury is making snap judgements, you may want to read his new book States of Confusion, chronicling his post-college 48-state road trip.

Have a good sense of humor about how others see your state or country? You might also enjoy this map of US state stereotypes as well as maps from other countries. Follow Gadling and AOL Travel’s Road Trip Across America this summer and see how the states live up to their reputation.

Video of the Day – Jellyfish Lake, Palau


Swimming in water filled with millions of jellyfish may be most people’s worst nightmare. But for visitors to the Palauan island of Eil Malik, it’s the main attraction.

Situated about 500 miles east of the Philippines, Jellyfish Lake is one of 70 marine lakes on Eil Malik that was formed when the ocean receded over 12,000 years ago. After being trapped in this natural basin, the jellyfish that inhabited the lake gradually evolved without the ability to sting since there were no predators sharing the same waters. Now, daring snorklers can fulfill their worst nightmares (or biggest dreams) by swimming among the jellyfish without being stung. However, those with sensitive skin are advised to wear a wetsuit or protective clothing.

This beautiful, dreamy music video comes from photographer/videographer Sarosh Jacob who captured his adventure with a Canon 5D Mark II and a Sigma 15mm fisheye lens, set to Radiohead’s “Nude”. For more great underwater videos, check out Sarosh’s Vimeo page.

What’s the most daring adventure you’ve been on? Share it with us! Upload photos to Gadling’s Flickr Pool or leave a comment with a link to your video in the comments below & we may select it as our next Photo/Video of the Day!

The “TSA Pokey Pokey”



What’s the best way to ensure you annoy the crap out of your friendly TSA agent the next time you head through an airport security line? Sing new song “The TSA Pokey Pokey,” just released by reason.tv. You’ll laugh (or cringe) at this parody video, made from the same guy who brought the popular DC Metro song.

Lyrics, for your enjoyment:


You put your shoes in this
you put your bag in that
you put your personal items
in a tiny plastic bag
I do the pokey pokey
and I touch you all around
That’s what it’s all about!

Hi, I’m from the TSA. The only government agency that can check the status of both your flight and suppository. Not familiar with TSA security regulations? Well come on!

You put your arms like this
you spread your legs like that
we send the pictures back
and maybe to the internet
I do the pokey pokey
and I touch you all around
That’s what it’s all about!

and while we check out pictures of your naked body, we’re also checking out the contents of your bag. Hmm, looks like somebody’s about to wage a jihad–against plaque!

Please put your shoes in this
Please go take off your shoes
it seems we can’t communicate
with anything that’s wearing shoes
I do the pokey pokey
and I touch you all around
That’s what it’s all about!

And if you’re not comfortable with the government taking naked pictures of your body, no problem. Here’s how you opt out!

You put your rights in that
your dignity in this
we pat you up and down
cuz you don’t want the naked pics
I do the pokey pokey
and I touch you all around
That’s what it’s all about!

And here at TSA we’re always employing the latest in terrorist profiling procedures. Like these!

we touch your you kid like that
we grope your kid like this
we touch them up and down
cuz they might be terrorists
I do the pokey pokey
and I touch you all around
That’s what it’s all about!

You’re welcome America!