In The News

Eat Pray Love…Buy

Dear Lizzie, Today USA Today weighed in on the commercialism that has become Eat Pray Love. I have decided a more fitting name for the book is Eat Pray Love Buy, which I think, you have to admit Liz, is better than Eat Pray Love Die. ‘Eat Pray Love’ is already at a store... »

Eat, Pray, Sell your Soul – Open Letter to Liz Gilbert

Dear Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz. HOW could you? How COULD you? How could YOU? Of ALL people? I am sending you this letter my dearest Lizzie, to tell you that at least one of your devotées – one of your most devoted of devotées, has fallen off the Eat Pray Love bandwagon... »

A Taste of Teen Macabre – Russian Style

Just a really odd little tidbit in the news. May want to wipe St Petersburg off the “Places to travel with Teens” list. ST. PETERSBURG — The Associated Press A Russian court has convicted two men of murdering and eating a 16-year-old schoolgirl in January. The St. Petersburg City Court says it sentenced a... »

France moves toward partial burqa ban – CNN.com

“French lawmakers believe the burqa is a growing phenomenon beneath which lies a not-so-subtle message of fundamentalism.” “French lawmakers Tuesday recommended a partial ban on any veils that cover the face — including the burqa, the full-body covering worn by some Muslim women. Commission members began their work six months ago after French President... »

Shout Out to Johnny Depp Stalkers With A Couple of Dablooms

To all the die-hard Captain Jack Sparrow stalkers, oops, fans out there – you know who you are. How much do you really love him? Enough to swim up to his yacht in the middle of the night, sneak up the rigging and lie in the bed, the very bed, he sleeps in? Well,... »

Calderone Dolphins Slaughtered in Denmark as Ritual Celebration

An e-mail has been going around highlighting the massacre of whales and Calderon dolphins in the Faroe Islands. In this day and age, how is this even possible? And in Denmark? Seems antithetical given their soft-spoken, proud nature. Japan, take heed, as well. Seems to me they should cull out the jack-asses and leave... »

The Power of the Pod – Air New Zealand Takes Business Class Lying Down

On a recent flight to Sydney on Air New Zealand, I experienced for the first time, the power of the pod – Air NZ’s answer to a good night’s sleep at 37,000 feet. Now 3-weeks later, I am dismally confident that this experience has set impossible expectations for all future air travel, and find... »

Wine, warm weather and wedding renewals – a weekend to remember in Sydney

We have just celebrated Stuart’s and my 10th year wedding anniversary with a soulful, southbound trip to Memory Lane, in the form of Sydney. Still coming off the buzz. What a lovely, lovely affirming thing to do. And to come to Sydney and share this important milestone with friends who have supported each of... »

Vancouver Winter Games Opening Ceremonies – Contemporary, Intimate, Soulful – Shane Koyczan’s “We Are More” a Standout

Shane Koyczan “We Are More” (Click on picture to see video) After watching tonight’s Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, I have enthusiastically fallen in love with Canada. I am completely overwhelmed by the Canadian spirit – the honesty, the incredible creative talent, the majesty and the life, so beautifully complimented by David Atkins incomparable artistic... »

Mamma Mia! ABBA Fans Have a New Place to Worship!

To all the Fernandos and Chiquititas out there… Opening just two weeks ago, ABBAWORLD is a museum-cum-theme park in London with enough music, mementoes and memory-lane appeal to satisfy even the most fervent ABBA fan (and you KNOW who you are). “It started with, ‘How do we give the visitor a big hug in... »

I Heart Haiti – Rediscovering the Power of Belief

“A man is pulled alive from rubble in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, after being buried for 12 days, the US military says.” As massochistic as it has been to watch each tragic, hopeless night of Haiti earthquake coverage – of the gut-wrenching, primal howling of a child in pain which affects me so deeply... »

Snapshot from the 2010 FADA Los Angeles Art Show

I am happily ensconced in a small booth working the LA Art Show for an important client, a well-know art publication. And I’m buzzed by all the art and creative people around me. Artists, hippies, bohemians, eccentrics, taggers-turned-fine artists, hip collectors, hot curators, kids living in an art collective, just doing their... »

Striking a Chord of Global Compassion – Can an Earthquake in Haiti Shift the Thinking of the World

“What’s so funny about peace, love and understanding?” — Elvis Costello I find myself struggling to hold back the tears while going about my evening routine, the TV on in the background, Anderson Cooper’s miffed, surprisingly flat, often emotional tone, for the third night in a row, describing the unfathomable sadness of lives lost... »

Yéle Haiti Foundation Earthquake Relief – Please Match Our Donation For Immediate Relief Assistance

Battered Orange Suitcase has just contributed $25 to musician & humanitarian Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund for immediate aid to the victims of the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti five hours ago. We are asking people to please match our $25 donation, OR DONATE WHATEVER YOU CAN. Those who want to help can... »

I Love Anthony Bourdain (But I’m Not Eating The Offal)

I am a big Anthony Bourdain fan. Like a case of nausea, my fervor for him comes in sharp waves. I’m riding a high one now, a result no doubt, of the Travel Channel’s unrelenting pre-season sell-in of “No Reservations”, during which past episodes are drudged out so we can all reacquaint ourselves with... »

Pop-Up Hotels – Porta-Tourism Thinks Inside The Box

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So the saying goes. Apparently the travel industry is following suit, and doing a little squeezing of its own for the budget-constrained, on-the-go traveler who doesn’t mind a bit of pre-fab construction. Pop-up hotels have been well, popping-up all over the world for a couple of years... »

Paolo Nutini – Toe-Tapping Traveling Music – Have A Listen

In keeping with the musical theme of global influence – yet another toe-tapping song to load onto your ipod. For those who may not know Paolo Nutini (no, not nutella), he’s an addictive though decidedly- odd combination. Italian by name; Scotsman by birth; and 1930s African-American scat singer by soul and style – all... »

Bamboo Taxis – Eco Chic Meets Gilligan’s Island

Is it a car or is it a traveling hut? Either way, this is an excellent fusion of form and function, with an eye to conservation. For any Gilligan’s Island fans out there – this just goes to show the professor was way ahead of his time. MANILA – Residents of Tabonton municipality in... »

In Celebration of A New Traveler

Jaidev Max Nesse began his life journey Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 1:09 PM. Only the size of a small carry on bag at the moment, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz, his parents, Julie and Jeremy will make sure that his life is a most excellent adventure. No doubt he will be accompanying his... »

Lal Meri – A Seductive Sound that Transports Body and Soul

The words “Lal Meri” in Hindi convey a great adoration, affection and belief to inspire a people to smile through the best and most troubled of times. I was immediately struck by Lal Meri’s sound months ago when their debut album of the same name was featured on NPR. Driving in the car, it... »

World Clock

French Word of the Day