Photo of the Day (1.24.2010)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

You know when you look at a photo and can’t quite figure out why you like it? That’s how I feel about today’s selection, courtesy of Flickr user zackly76, who took this photo in Tel Aviv. Perhaps its the creepy “stalkerish” perspective? I feel like I’m spying out from behind a bush at this peculiar old gentleman. But more importantly, I like that the image feels like an unfinished story. Who is this man? Where’s he going? And why am I spying on him? The answer, it seems, is up to the viewer to decide.

Want your pics considered for Gadling’s Photo of the Day? Submit your best shots here.

Israel, Mecca … no difference to British BMI

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Passengers headed to Israel on a British BMI flight were alarmed to find their destination was Mecca, according to the in-flight map. The airline, it seems, isn’t terribly aware that the Middle East is know for a tiny amount of tension that’s lasted for decades (the most recent iteration, at least).

Pick your joke about “wiping Israel off the map” – the Sydney Morning Herald did.

BMI, of course, denies an anti-Israel bias and cites a technical screw-up. The carrier, which has operated low-cost flights to Israel for more than a year, says it bought two plans from a bankrupt charter company that focused on Muslim destinations. The in-filght systems were programmed to highlight Islamic holy places.

It’s not discrimination. Instead, it’s a careful blend, of laziness, stupidity and poor planning – all of which are excusable in the airline industry, right?

Wrong switch, gets Delta fighter jet escort

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Don’t slip!

A Delta Airlines pilot accidentally activated a hijacking alert on a flight from New York to Tel Aviv. As a result, Israeli fighter jets were scrambled to escort the plane “safely” to Ben Gurion Airport.

The fighter jets lingered briefly over the airliner and its 100 passengers … ultimately for no reason. Then, they escorted the plane – and probably a confused flight crew – into Tel Aviv. A technical malfunction, apparently, kept the pilot from communicating with the airport’s tower.

Nobody was hurt in this bizarre event, according to Israeli transportation ministry official Dani Shenar, and an investigation will be launched.

Concierge.com names Tel Aviv #1 must see destination of 09

by Grant Martin on

Many of the top destinations on Concierge.com’s 2009 “It” list may surprise you, starting with their number one pick: Tel Aviv. At they pitch it, however, Israel‘s second largest city and economic hub sounds glorious:

“…this newly hip city has plenty to celebrate, with a spate of new hotels and redevelopment, a happening contemporary art scene, and vibrant nightlife. Unlike more religious and conservative Jerusalem, Tel Aviv hasn’t seen a serious terrorist incident in years, and is the poster child for a more modern Israel“

Sound like it’s worth taking a visit? If you’re in the neighborhood, you might as well stop by number 10 on the list: Beirut, Lebanon. That’s right, the city still recovering from the 2006 Lebanon War has rebounded well enough to be included on this year’s It list as well.

Other top contenders?

  1. Tel Aviv, Israel
  2. Bolivia
  3. Utah
  4. Acapulco, Mexico
  5. Vilnius, Lithuania
  6. Central Philippines
  7. New York City
  8. Rajasthan, India
  9. Toronto, Canada
  10. Beirut, Lebanon

Stop by Concierge.com to check out explanations of each destination.

While visiting the “It” cities, will you encounter any of these 10 ridiculous laws?


(Click the images to see the 10 stupidest laws anywhere.)

Tel Aviv Still Okay to Visit

by Adrienne Wilson on

Despite the reassuring sound of this Washington Post piece, I doubt many people will be booking flights into Tel Aviv. While Israel’s northerners trapped in the grizzly realities of war between their country and Lebanon’s Hizbollah may head down for a nice relaxing time on the beach to escape the daily rocket attacks, for foreigners it would still fall too close for comfort. According to the article business has been great in Tel Aviv and the entertainment and commercial capital of Israel continues to thrive during the dispute.

Tel Aviv is located 130 miles (220 km) from Lebanon and hasn’t been struck by missiles since the Gulf War in 1991. The city houses some 235 public bomb shelters that have recently been prepared with equipment, stretchers, and water. Israel’s on my list and most certainly Tel Aviv, but I’d wait this one out.