New Nonstop Service Between Detroit and Beijing

by Grant Martin on

Get your dose of cultural China now, before its all gobbled up by the West.

According to the Detroit Free Press, March of ’09 marks the beginning of new non-stop service between the Motor City and China’s capital on China Southern Airlines. This means fewer connections, better access to Asian routes and a fun trip over the arctic circle. Furthermore, as a member of the Skyteam Alliance, those flying on CZ will be able to bank frequent flyer miles on Northwest, Continental, Delta and your favorite junior alliance member.

For those of you concerned with flying on an unfamiliar carrier, I’ve flown China Southern before between Shanghai and Shenzhen and they’re a very legitimate airline — directly comparable to any domestic group. The nice thing about flying transpac in this case is that you’ll likely be on the 777, which is a usually a real pleasure to fly: large, quiet and spacious.

If any of you hipsters think that you would rather see Shanghai, the gateway to the west, take some time to consider the cultural benefit of Beijing. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and bucketsfull of cultural mishmash are in China’s Capital, with the Great Wall not a stones throw away. Before long, Google, Starbucks and Apple will have purchased and trademarked the entire planet- go before they take control.

Excuse Me, Sister, But Are You Hiding Something Under Your Habit?

by Justin Glow on

Flickr user cjdavis snapped this shot in the Detroit airport yesterday. He writes, “This was captured as I collected my things from airport security (Detroit Metro Concourse A). I think of it as something like a Rorschach test. Is an elderly Catholic nun being frisked by a Muslim security agent the celebration of blind justice? Or is it simply an admission of absurdity?”

I barely even noticed the al-amira on the female TSA agent, which — along with the bored teenager watching from aside — made this a truly interesting photo.

How about a caption contest?

[via]

Photo of the Day (7/4/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on


For some reason or another Moody75 just got around to tossing this shot into our Gadling Flickr pool. Without the tags I probably wouldn’t have guessed this was taken at DTW airport in Detroit. What strikes me the most is the number of people in wheelchairs the photographer managed to capture. From the movement to the colors, I’d say it is a pretty gnarly shot.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of October 29

by Adrienne Wilson on

The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived at last. An unforgettable week… The most amazing things in blogging history, right here, now… It’s Gadling’s Take Five!!! A little too dramatic? I agree. Let’s just get to what you missed.

5. Star Locator:
Here’s a gear piece for all camp-loving individuals who like to stare off into starry nights, but have trouble finding popular constellations like Orion’s Belt. Maybe you just want to take a glimpse at Mars… Now you can do so with this handy dandy gadget, but you’ll have to visit this one yourself. It’s really rather cool!

4. On Stebastopol:
I’ve never heard of Stebastopol and if someone had asked me prior to reading this piece I would have told them it was in Estonia somewhere. Who says travel bloggers know it all? Stebastopol is mentioned here by Erik who passed through not too long ago and also mentioned by Outside Magazine. They say it’s one of the great towns to live in… Hmm…

3. Get Paid to Travel to Iran:
Someone please sign me up for this promotion! How bad I want to travel to the country of Iran I cannot say, but it looks as though they are making more efforts to bring tourists from the West on in to show them they aren’t as dangerous as the media makes them seem. Travel agents – encourage people to travel to Iran and you could be making some extra cash.

2. Bad English:
This is a book all of us might want to pick up, because in my mind bad English is everywhere, including in English speaking countries. Get your quick laughs about goof-ups found across the globe, but I urge you to spell check yourself and make sure your grammar is on point. You’ll probably find that some foreigners are better at grammar usage than you. I have from time to time.

1. Most Dangerous U.S. Cities:
Pack a glock if you find yourself headed to St. Louie, Flint, or Detroit anytime soon. These three just ranked tops in most dangerous U.S. cities. Okay, don’t pack a glock or any kind of weapon, but do look at the list to see why all the violence. You may be surprised where your own city ranks.

Most Dangerous U.S. Cities

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here’s a news story I’d like to first dedicate to my father who seems to lose his wits any time I mention travel overseas. Sure the places I go aren’t always high traffic areas or flooded by tourists, but that doesn’t necessarily classify them as dangerous. What I’m really trying to say is you can be smiley and friendly anywhere you go, but just watch your back as well. And to my father who I’m sure will read this blurb at one point or another – perhaps it’s time to consider relocating. According to this CNN piece St. Louis has been officially named most dangerous U.S. City.

It was only a matter of time before St. Louis, Missouri took the number one spot. The city had been lurking in the top 10 for quite several years and with a surge in violent crimes this year it took the lead over other dangerous locals such as Detroit, MI in second, Flint, MI coming in third place and good old Compton, Cali right up there in fourth. As for St. Louie vthe murder rate jumped 16 percent from 2004 to 2005. That’s quite a hike in the wrong direction. At the moment I happen to be sitting in the confines of my hotel room in the second most dangerous city (Detroit) and yet all feels safe at this late hour, however I’m glad to know my present hometown of Tampa, FL didn’t make the top 10 dangerous city list. On the flipside it also didn’t make the top 10 safest either which include Brick, NJ in first; Amherst, NY in second; and Mission Viejo, CA in third.

So are there any Gadling readers out there residing in the top 10 of either list? Please share your thoughts and let us know if it really is all bang-bang, shoot em’ and kill or butterflies and roses.

To see the full story head to CNN.