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SkyMall Monday: Rechargeable Heated Slippers

Jan 16th, 2012
by mike barish.
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What do you wear to stay warm? A hat? Some mittens? Perhaps a pair of boots? You’re a fool. When temperatures plunge below freezing, you can’t rely on down and wool to keep you from dying of hypothermia. And body heat alone won’t suffice when you’re lost in the wilderness. If you’re going to keep frostbite at bay you need to bring your own heat to the party. This week, SkyMall Monday looks at the latest in feet-warming technology with this gem from SkyMall: Rechargeable Heated Slippers.

Read the entire SkyMall Monday post on Gadling.

SkyMall Monday: Leaf Rake Hands

Nov 28th, 2011
by mike barish.
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skymall monday leaf rake hands gadlingAs kids, it’s natural to imagine ourselves as superheroes. Heck, some of us still fantasize about that as adults. How cool would it be to have super powers and to defend the world against supervillians. Sadly, however, reality is such that this isn’t really possible. Even if you tried to be a superhero, you’d probably just end up in trouble with the law. At the end of the day, there are no supervillians and vigilante justice is frowned upon. So, even if you had otherworldly powers, you’d still be stuck in your humdrum life. Even if I could fly, I’d still be writing SkyMall Monday every week, albeit from different places around the world. Even this week’s featured SkyMall product, which resembles Wolverine’s claws, will simply make landscaping your yard only slightly cooler. Even X-Men need to keep a tidy lawn, and that’s why you need the Leaf Rake Hands.

Read the entire SkyMall Monday post on Gadling.

There’s No Shame In Travel

Feb 3rd, 2011
by mike barish.
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san francisco golden gate bridge california travelOver drinks last night with Kim Mance of TBEX and Galivanting fame, we got to talking about places we had never been. Eventually, we began to confess about places that we visited way later in our lives than we’d ever hoped or expected. What we realized, however, was that there was nothing wrong with us. While some people might say, “You’ve never been to [insert name of place],” while staring at you incredulously, you should never feel bad about how or where you’ve traveled. Having a wish list is great. Being envious of your friends’ trips is natural. But there is nothing wrong with you if you haven’t been to as many places as you’d like. There’s no shame in travel. (more…)

Why Hotel Beds Suck

Jan 31st, 2011
by mike barish.
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hotel bed pillows bedspread comforter travel

There are many perks to staying at a hotel. You get to crank the air conditioner without having to pay the electric bill. You can leave your wet towels on the floor and find dry news ones perfectly folded in your bathroom later. M&M’s are always close by (assuming you don’t mind the minibar price of $34.98 for a single-service bag). What often does bother me in hotels, however, is the beds. Hotel beds are a mixed bag, but I can usually count on certain things that always grind my gears, Here’s what bugs me most: (more…)

Turkey Trot

Jun 7th, 2010
by mike barish.
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I’m off to Turkey for just over a week on a trip sponsored by Intrepid Travel. I’ll be tweeting along the way, so be sure to follow me. I’ll also be posting stories on Gadling about the trip. I’ll be trying my best to write from the road, but we all know how tricky that can get after a night out with some raki.

In the meantime, I’ll be eating my weight in shaved meat, indulging in numerous honey-coated desserts and trying my best to learn at east 14 Turkish words – all while trying to find worthwhile stories and experiences to share with you.

Westward, Ho!

May 5th, 2010
by mike barish.
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I’m off to Jackson, WY for a couple of days and then driving up to Yellowstone National Park for the weekend. Looking forward to good people, fresh air and some wild game (both for viewing and eating). Expect some radio silence on the ol’ blog until I’m back in the big city.

Know any hot spots in Jackson or tips for Yellowstone? Let me know, will ya?

Takin’ It To Texas

Apr 30th, 2010
by mike barish.
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Tacos are great (even the chocolate variety). To that end, I’m heading to Texas for the weekend. I’ll be in Austin until Sunday evening. Holler if you’re in town or if you have any good recommendations.

Travel Tip #72: Celebrate Clichés

Mar 10th, 2010
by mike barish.
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People are so sensitive these days. Everyone wants to be so progressive and politically correct. That’s made jokes about other cultures and stereotypes completely off limits. However, many stereotypes and clichés are rooted in truth and it’s OK to laugh at them.

This French guy rode passed me with a baguette sticking out of his bag. Japan is riddled with Harajuku girls. Iceland really does treasure trolls and their homes. Clichés exist everywhere and stereotypes often hold true. Heck, we’re often known as “Fat Americans” and, well, we’re pretty plump. I’ve seen it firsthand.

I’m not saying that mean-spirited jokes are appropriate. To the contrary, racist and hurtful comments are just plain wrong. But playful joking and taking the piss out of each other on a global level is really no different than teasing our friends. So, celebrate clichés, embrace stereotypes and laugh with each other rather than at each other.

Travel Tip #20: Share a Room

Feb 12th, 2010
by mike barish.
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There are several reasons to share a room with a friend when you’re traveling:

Safety: There’s strength in numbers. Staying with others helps ward off criminals looking to steal your money and/or innocence.

Savings: Often accommodations will be the most expensive aspect of your trip. Splitting the cost of a hostel or hotel will leave you with more money to splurge on snow globes.

Camaraderie: You may think that you know your friend well. But nothing strengthens a friendship like having to see each other in your pajamas. If you can survive sharing a bathroom in India, you can guarantee that you’ll be friends for life.

It’s Adorable: This may only be true if you’re husky puppies.

Whatever your reason for sharing a room on the road, you’ll end up with more money in your pocket, less attempts on your belongings and a stronger bond with your friend. It just makes sense.

Travel Tip #72: If You’re Sick, Find a Doctor

Jan 11th, 2010
by mike barish.
1 comment

It’s one thing to not feel 100% like yourself when you’re traveling. Long flights can leave you dehydrated and you’re bound to get the squirts on one of your trips. But if you feel really sick – the kind of sick that has you calling home to tell your mother that you loved her – then your best bet is to find a doctor.

There’s no shame in seeking medical help. It might just be the difference between you telling the tale yourself someday or the NY Post doing it for you with an awful pun.

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