Insurance Study Finds Red Light Cameras Save Lives

We have all seen those little cameras that sit on top of the traffic lights, waiting to capture images of speeders, and those who blow right through an intersection after the light has turned red. Most people look at those cameras with distain. No one wants a traffic ticket, (even if it is a deserved one). A study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety finds that those little cameras actually do help save lives. Perhaps we shouldn’t be cursing at them, after all. It is never a comfortable experience to be pulled over by the police, and asked … Continue reading

Have a Merry New York Christmas

It’s been nearly eight years since I posed in front of New York’s most famous Christmas tree. The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree serves as a seasonal centerpiece in the Big Apple during the holidays, but it’s just one of many, many highlights you will experience if you decide to spend December in NYC. Other must-visit holiday-themed attractions include: Soak in spectacular views of the city from 70 stories up at 30 Rock’s Top of the Rock observation deck. Kick your holiday season into gear by taking in a magical Christmas performance at Radio City Music Hall. Remember the true … Continue reading

Have Fun at the Airport

It is possible. Of course, “fun” is a relative term. Whether your time at the airport is self-imposed or you got slammed by an airline like me (Bitter? Maybe.), then you might find the following information quite helpful. Believe it or not there are airports that are helping passengers pass the time with fun events, amenities and activities, such as: LAX Foodies have one more reason to welcome a layover at Los Angeles International Airport. Pink’s, the legendary Hollywood hot dog stand, just opened a branch of the popular eatery in the pre-security food court at the Tom Bradley International … Continue reading

Getting Your Camera Vacation Ready

Memory cards, memory cards, memory cards… if only I had remembered the memory cards. I just returned from a trip to Hawaii where I learned a few lessons about digital cameras… the hard way. First, memory cards. I did remember to place one in my digital camera prior to flying 5,000 miles from my house. However, that’s all I brought—-one. Granted it was a 4GB memory card that could accommodate more 1000 images on my particular digital camera, but here’s the rub: Not all stores in Hawaii are equipped with photo printing kiosks that can read cards with more than … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: What Not to Pack Inside a Suitcase and What to Order at a Hotel

Note to travelers: Don’t try this one on your next trip. With the skyrocketing cost of airfare, plus a slew of new (and outrageous) service fees I’m surprised someone hadn’t tried this months ago. Sure, it really is a dumb idea, but I bet it will make you chuckle. Swedish airport officials were less than amused when they found a dwarf trying to stowaway on an airplane inside of a suitcase. The prank was short-lived as the entire scene was staged by a TV comedy show. Still, that didn’t stop employees at Bromma airport from calling police when the dwarf … Continue reading

Saving Money on Weird and Wacky Travel

Regular readers of this blog know that I have a soft spot for wacky travel attractions and events. I get a kick out of visiting quirky spots that are off the beaten path and I always enjoy spotlighting them so as to encourage others to venture beyond their traditional vacation itineraries and see what else this fine country has to offer. If you are planning an end of the summer family trip and are looking for ways to save money on your journey consider the following hotel packages. Each includes one night’s deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two and a copy … Continue reading

Summer Travel Tidbits: Roadkill, Reckless Driving and Record High Gas Prices

ROADKILL If you are planning to drive along Illinois highways this summer don’t expect the views to be very pleasant. Unless you enjoy staring at miles and miles of roadkill, you will likely find the drive somewhat… well… gross. According to the state’s transportation department, it simply doesn’t have enough money to pick up as much roadkill as it normally does this time of year because it spent too much of its budget during the winter months. Representatives from IDOT say they spent more than twice the allotted $40 million to clear ice and snow during last winter’s severe storms … Continue reading

Film Cameras Fading Away

In a previous blog I mentioned that my traditional film camera decided to go on vacation while I was on vacation. My trusty Canon EOS Rebel K2 went on strike during part of my trip to Hawaii a few months ago. Needless to say, I spent the better part of an entire day trying to track down a camera repair shop that could help me salvage my cherished sharpshooter. It was a frustrating endeavor to say the least for one simple reason: film cameras are becoming obsolete. I can’t tell you how many camera storeowners were shocked to hear that … Continue reading

Choosing an Underwater Camera

In my last blog I revealed that my new goal for 2008 is to experiment with underwater photography. Currently, I do not own an underwater camera so I have been doing research on what type of equipment I will need and how much it will cost me. It didn’t take me long to realize that underwater photography is far from a cheap hobby, though the results seem to make the time, effort and money worth it. If you too are interested in taking beautiful pictures under the sea (or in the deep end of the pool) you are going to … Continue reading

Have Camera Will Travel Part 2

I know avid photographers who remember to pack their camera cleaner but forget to bring along clean underwear on vacation. In my previous blog I provided a list of some photography essentials you don’t want to leave home without. In this blog I thought it might be helpful to list some shooting reminders that are often overlooked by travelers taking aim in foreign lands. Tip #1—–When you are shooting subjects in foreign countries and you don’t speak the native language, the simple act of smiling, pointing to your camera and then pointing to the subject is enough to communicate that … Continue reading