This here blog serves mostly as a clearinghouse for my work in the travel field. However, other topics tickle my fancy from time-to-time. As such, I’ve created a Tumblr blog to catch all of the nonsense that piques my interest. If you’re so inclined, check it out.

OK, it’s really just one of my tweets that Olbermann mentioned and he pretty much butchered my name (that’s no way to treat a fellow Cornell alum, Keith). Skip ahead to the 1:50 mark to see Keith stumble through my missive. Nice to see one of my thoughts on the East Coast earthquake get some national coverage (assuming, of course, that anyone knows how to find Current TV on their cable box).

I’m excited to announce that I will be starring in SOYJOY’s “Real Take On” web series. I’ll be joining TJ Lavin and a few other experts discussing topics such as dating, fitness and, of course, travel. The webisodes will run on SOYJOY’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. You can already check out TJ’s introduction to the Show Us Your Real Life Adventure contest.

You can learn more about the contest right now and the “Real Take On” webisodes won’t be too far behind. I’ll be filming in a few weeks and sharing my tips on how to enjoy a daycation from your everyday life.

That’s all I can share for now. More to come. Stay tuned!

Yesterday, Cisco announced that it would be closing down its Flip camera operations as part of an effort to refocus on the company’s core business. Cisco bought Flip a mere two years ago and quickly made it the most recognizable brand of consumer HD video cameras. Suddenly, every Tom, Dick and Harry (and Mary, too) could record their kids, vacations and random acts of police brutality in 720p HD video. Travelers embraced the Flip because it was small, had no extra components to pack and allowed them to record their trips in stunning HD. Well, stunning assuming that the conditions were perfect (read: well lit and no background noise). However, as more and more smartphones and consumer cameras added HD video capabilities, the idea of having a second video device quickly became archaic. Why tote around a Flip when your DSLR, point and shoot or, heck, even your phone can do the exact same thing? And, with one simple press release yesterday, Cisco pulled the plug on the Flip. It burned hot, it burned quickly and now it’s gone. But, does anyone care?

Read Cisco kills the Flip and travelers just move on [Gadling]

AOL Travel (it still exists?) published a story today about travel writers who have taken on sponsored assignments. The author rated each subject on their work. They’re Paid to Travel and Write, But How Good Are These Travel Bloggers? showcased several writers and bloggers and included yours truly and my work in the Chevy Cruze-arati campaign. I had no idea that I was being profiled or graded. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to see that I did quite well.

The author, Lauren Fritsky, scored each travel writer in several categories. Here are my grades:

Writing: A-
Authenticity: B+
Information: B-
Spirit: A-
Reliability: B

While I think that my on-camera energy merits an A+ for Spirit, I’m just glad that I wasn’t graded in Math.

It’s an interesting look at writers finding alternative outlets for paying jobs and worth a read.

They’re Paid to Travel and Write, But How Good Are These Travel Bloggers?

I was a guest on the most recent episode of the This Week in Travel podcast. Hosted by Gary Arndt, Jen Leo and Chris Christensen, This Week in Travel covers the latest in travel news. I joined them for a lively discussion about killing elephants, remembering Nazis and America’s rudest people.

Go ahead and give the episode a listen. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Update: Now you can listen right here:

Subscribe on iTunes | Become a Fan on Facebook | Download the iPhone app | Download

From time to time, journalists like to do pieces on everyone’s favorite in-flight catalog, SkyMall. When they sit down to research their article or plan for the video segment, they typically find me. I’ve talked SkyMall on NBC and sat down for an interview on CBS News. Recently, I was contacted by a reporter from CNN.com asking to speak with me about SkyMall. I’m always happy to share my thoughts on the catalog and it’s wide-ranging appeal. Why do I think that the SkyMall catalog’s so popular? Check out the article on CNN to find out.

SkyMall fascinates, entertains travelers [CNN]

Ever wanted to see me do stand-up comedy? Will you be in NYC on September 15? Well, you’re about to fulfill a dream! A small, uninspired dream, but a dream nonetheless. I’ll be performing at Gotham Comedy Club at 8:00pm on September 15.

I strongly recommend that you make a reservation in advance. Just call 212-367-9000 and put your name on the list for the New Talent Showcase. Please be sure to mention my name when you do.

That’s all there is to it. Show up early, have some drinks* and laugh it up. Hope to see you there.

You can watch my past performances here, here and (embarrassingly) here.

Let me know if you’re coming by RSVPing on Facebook.

* About those drinks…you’ll be required to order two of them and there’s a $12 cover. Keep in mind that I give great thank you hugs that last just a few seconds too long.

The very first episode of Mike & Alex’s Travel Show is now live! iTunes subscriptions should be available later this week, meaning that you’ll be able to listen to future episodes on your iPods, iPhones, iPads and whatever else you use to take audio with you*.

For now, head over to the show site to give us a listen and please leave us some feedback. This is a work in progress. Heck, even Conan sucked when he started his first show and look how things worked out for him.

* Mike & Alex’s Travel Show is not available on cassette tape unless you press record on your boombox and hold it up to your computer.

Word leaked on Twitter yesterday (in no small part due to my not so subtle hints) that Alexander Basek and I are launching a travel podcast. Mike & Alex’s Travel Show will focus on travel, news, pop culture and humor.

For more information, check out our official site, follow us on Twitter, be our friend on Facebook and listen to the show when we launch next week!