Fly Non-stop on Delta to China

Shanghai at Night by Bhavit Naik

China by Mark Foreman

by Pavla Brcakova


Its official, you can now take a Direct Flight on Delta Airlines to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport from Atlanta, Georgia. Delta is stepping up its game and flying to China every single day! Yesterday, the Governor of Georgia - Sonny Purdue along with 40 other bigwigs, made history as the first to fly nonstop to Shanghai on Delta. We're hoping this will boost International Economy in Atlanta and the Southeast.

If you've never been to China, its definately worth a visit. Paris of the Orient: that's what they called Shanghai in the past, when it was still the leading power in trade and opium. Enter the communist revolution, which swept Shanghai into anonymity. Nonetheless, some traces of old can be found in present Shanghai. Today, Shanghai is the commercial center of China and has one of the most dynamic skylines in the world. The 17-million-citizen-strong city shows her dualistic face in every corner of the city. The Old Centre in the Yu Yuan area, where you can find one of the oldest streets of China, the ' sights, is the heart of the modern town. It is a good starting point for a boat trip on the Huangpu river or a visit to the Yu Yuan Market. You will find many city museums and interesting sites along your way, making Shanghai is quite a walkable city. Although the city is fairly commercial these days, Shanghai's residents have made an major effort in creating 'green zones' in the city....and they've succeeded. There is always a park or traditional garden in the vicinity. Sit down, relax and let others do the meditating for you.

Are you tanning your tattoo?

Tatoo on the beach by Gary Romin


It's getting warm and some of us have already started working on our base tans. I have two tattoos - a butterfly on my chest and a heart on my back. The heart is the oldest, about 15 years old. Yes, the color has faded and you can't make out my name in the middle. The 10 year butterfly is close to the tan color of my skin, so its ok. Until I have it re-done. If you love to tan, you better protect your artwork! Those colors will fade even faster. The best way to do this is to use the highest sunblock possible. New Tattoo? Don't even think about tanning until it completely heals. At the very least, cover it up before going into the sun. The irritation isn't worth it.

Free Food for Animal Shelter

Dogs on the beach in Capo Miseno by Pietro Ricciardi

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple.. Please tell ten (or
more) friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble
getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting
free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes
less than 20 seconds to go to their site and click on "feed an animal in
need" for free. It's in a purple box in the middle of the page. This
doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the
number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in
exchange for advertising. It's that simple. No obligation.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

The Dixie Twister

Photo by Tara Jenkins

Nostalgia Funny Car

Owner: Randall Davis

Loganville, GA

House Boat Cruising in Kerala, India

House Boat Cruise by Kumar Murukan

Travel Wish List - Kerala, India

Today in Kerala, a leopard was chasing a dog and fell into a well. They managed to get him out and that lucky dog got away. Kerala, known as "God's own Country", is in southwestern India. To the west is the Arabian Sea and the Mountains of the Western Ghats are spread towards the east. Many consider it the most beautiful state in India. Palm tree lined beaches, lush greeney, wildlife, and waterfalls. All within two hours of each other. Its emerald backwaters provide a soothing background for their houseboat cruises. The House Boats Kerala offers 22 hour cruises with Navigator, Cook and Staff. You can see exactly what the inside of one of these look like on their website. It may seem remote, but Kerala has become popular among niche and eco-tourists. Kerala Backwater Tours is a wonderful resource for exploring the different types of cruises and all this exotic place has to offer. Cruising to the market town of Alappuzha is a must! If you're a history buff, Kochi is the place to go. The Jewish Synagogue and old European church are still there. Kerala is 100 percent literate and the cleanest state in India.

Building Nests for Barn Owls in Austria

Photo by Philip Mackenzie

Once upon a time, I had an owl living in one of the trees in my back yard . From the bedroom window upstairs you could see the large nest. It was always exciting to a see the owl come home, its wings spread across the sky. I never saw the owl up close, but you could tell it was huge. It lived here for about 6 years. One day I realized the nest was gone. What happened? Did the storms blow it away? Had it found somewhere else to live? I'll always wonder. One owl that I find interesting is the Barn Owl. I love its heart shaped face but don't let that fool you. This bird can swallow its prey whole. You can find them all over the world but they're harder to find due to the lack of places to nest and rest. The Barn Owl Conservation Project in Austria is helping to provide man-made nests in hopes of saving their population. They even tell you how to build one on their website.

Dublin, Ireland

Liffey at Night by Sarah Cuypers

Church in Dublin by Andrzej Windak

Dun Longhaire, Dublin by Andrzej Windak

Travel Wish List - Dublin, Ireland

The capital city of Ireland is one of those places that you should take the time to see. The weather may not be that great but there's lots to do. South of the Liffey River is a starting point for the history lovers looking for museums, churches, and culture. The Temple Bar Area is know worldwide for its exciting nightlife. You'll also find a good variety of restaurants and pubs. Farrington's is popular with tourists. The Guinness Storehouse will probably be one the coolest places you'll visit. Each floor represents a different time in the beer's 250 year old history. There's a Skybar on the top floor, with a Breathtaking View of Ireland. I didn't post a picture because you'll love their virtual tour. After the real tour, everyone gets a Guinness with foam in the shape of a shamrock. Now if you're underage you'll get a softdrink. For lovers of the Arts, take a stroll down O'Connell St. The Dublin Writer's Museum contains work from Wilde, Yeats, Shaw and other literary greats.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Englishman living in Ireland by Steve Ford Elliot

Famous Irish Quote

"Travelling - I was all my life at it. I'd still rather be travelling around. I'm always thinking of it. It was a better and a nicer time on the road - more freedom along the roads. We'd be selling tinware, saucepans, cans - country people knew us well at those times and were very nice."- Former Irish Traveller (or "Tinker") Nan McDonagh

Saving Tara Hill

Tara Hill by Mette Finderup


The name "Tara" is Irish Gaelic meaning "tower" or "rocky hill". My name is Tara and I've always had a fascination for the history behind it. The Hill of Tara in Ireland was a famous gathering place for Irish Kings during pre-historic and historic times. There are plans for a new motorway that put the Hill of Tara on the World Monuments Fund's 2008 Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world. If you'd like to sign a petition to save Tara Hill, you'll be among thousands hoping to convince the Prime Minister of Ireland that this monumental place is worth saving.

Obama has Irish Heritage

The Guinness Museum in Dublin by Marc McGrath


Did you know that about 40% of our Presidents really have Irish ancestors? And the biggest surprise of all is that Barack Obama may be one of them. I know what they've been saying, but his mother's great, great grandfather was an Irishman named Fulmuth Kearney. It's a small world after all. I found a very interesting site with useful information on tracing your ancestry called How to Find Your Roots.You'll find a variety of topics to use as a reference and starting point for beginners. And additional information for those who are already on this journey.

Easy Irish Stew

Clover by Agzu

I know St. Patrick's Day is Monday but I thought you might need some inspiration. I'm a meat and potatoes girl and Irish Stew is wonderful for Sunday dinner. It's so easy even I can make it. The best Corned Beef and Cabbage I've ever tasted was made by my friend Desmond from Trinidad!

Enjoy these Free Irish Recipes and celebrate.

1 pound lean mutton pieces
1 pound carrots
1 pound onions
1 pound potatoes
salt & pepper
pinch of thyme

(Serves 4)

Place the mutton with thyme in a saucepan and add cold
water to cover. Bring slowly to the boil and simmer for
one hour. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, all peeled.
Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until
vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning. May be served
alone or with cooked green cabbage or sprouts.

Storm Hits Georgia Dome during SEC Tournament

Atlanta by Lars Sundst

Tonight a severe thunderstorm and tornado, rocked the city of Atlanta during the SEC Game. A big rumble shook the Dome, causing some spectators to leave their seats. But that didn't stop the game! There's a lot of debris around the city and some of the windows in the Omni Hotel were blown out. Several parked cars were damaged. Some hotels evacuated. Its a hot mess ! For more coverage, go to CNN.

The city has never been hit by a tornado but was literally burned down on September 1,1864.The strange coincidence is - this was also a leap year!

General William Sherman led an army of men on a mission to gain control of the major confederate suppliers in Chatanooga, Atlanta and Macon. They invaded Atlanta and took control of the railroad, forcing them to surrender. Atlanta burned to the ground.

Careful with that Car Rental

Photo by Michael Norskov Jensen


I've learned some valuable lessons that I'd like to pass on to you.Yesterday when researching a Leading Car Rental Company, I found major price differences in quotes for the same day and time.

Client wants to rent a Minivan for week - Pickup Locations

Airport - $516.99 with tax $660.70

Marriot - $399.00 with tax $504.07

Courtland St - $285.99 with tax $321.47

Did you know that if you pick up your rental from the Airport or a Hotel , they charge an additional Concession fee of at least 10%?

Plan Ahead!

Find out the different locations for the Rental Car Company and get a quote for each location

Signup ahead of time for the Rewards Progam.

You can get real money-saving discounts with the online coupons.

Let them do the work!

Many companies will arrange to pick you up for free within a certain distance from that location.

Enjoy this Relaxing Sand Artist Video

Sand art is a live performance where the artist uses sand to create pictures with their hands. Originally made famous by Caroline Leaf, you'll agree that this is a visually mesmerizing.

Grand Canyon flooded for the third time

Grand Canyon by Lisa Cordon

The Government is flooding the Grand Canyon in hopes of saving the fish. The blue head sucker and specled dace are still swimming but the native humpback chub and razor sucker are endangered. Ever since the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona was built in the late 50's,early 60's, scientists have noticed a huge decline in sandbars. The dam regulates the flow of the Colorado River through the Canyon. The big problem is, the Grand Canyon doesn't receive the natural flooding it needs to keep the sediments flowing.The sand that the Grand Canyon would naturally receive is now being trapped in the dam. Silt is also building up in the areas where the fish live. This is one flood I'd love to see!

Gas Money

Fuel by Angel Fragallo

Gas prices going up. Here's how you can save some money.

• If you're in the market for a new or used car, seriously consider buying a car that is good on gas. Last year I bought a Toyota Corolla that boasts 32 mpg city / 41 mpg hwy. I love my car... it's affordable, comfortable, sleek, 6 disc cd changer...
  

• The way you drive can also save some cash.Just a few minor changes can stretch that tank of gas . Check out these gas saving tips , and use at least three.
  

• Read the Terms and Conditions of your major credit card.

Give yourself time to be able to read and understand what they include. Many companies provide the car rental insurance so you don't have to purchase it from the rental company. Call your credit card company before you rent the car, to verify what they cover. This alone, will save you about $20 per rental day. A lot of people fib and say they have coverage to avoid paying, hoping nothing happens. Good News! You may already have coverage.