Selena's Musings About Travel and Culture

The Beach for Winter?

2009-10-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Heading down South in the coming winter? Either going to Florida or going to Brazil, you probably might want to lose your gut! Do you know how to lose stomach fat? Well there are many theories out there on the Internet, but for me the only two ingredients are: 1) reduce your caloric intake and 2) do regular physical activity! That's it -- sure you will lose weight all over, but the tummy will go too! What do you think about all this? Do you believe in spot fat reducing?

Where is Gas Heading Now?

2009-09-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Do you think we will ever get back to gasoline being less than $1 a gallon here in the U.S.? It could be! I've seen gas go from $4.19 to $3.29 to $2.99 to $2.16 to $1.99 to $1.84 here in Atlanta in just the past six months! No joke. And guess what the price of gas today is? $2.48 a gallon!!! That's right, gas has climbed all the way back up to almost $2.50 a pop. How high will it go or will it start to drop in the Fall?

Have You Moved?

2009-09-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Have you had to move int he past 12 months because of the economy? Whether it was directly or indirectly caused by the bad economy, did you have to pack up your moving boxes and leave town, your city, or just down the street? Did you have to downsize from a home to apartment, or from a home to a smaller home? Please share you stories of moving and what it has meant to your family life.

Don't Call Me Cheap!

2009-09-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

I am a "Thrifty Shopper", meaning I do not pay full price for anything. I buy my clothes on clearance and the rest of my family. I find it silly to pay full price because if you wait it will go on sell. However I do believe every once in awhile you should go for it if you can. For example I pretty much know my husband company will have a Christmas party so I found this great dress the fit, the style the look is great so I bought it. I figured the amount I am paying for this one dress just about adds up to all the money I have saved in the past being so thrifty with my shopping.
So the way I look at is if you have earned it by saving than you deserve to splurge sometimes. Just like when you are dieting sometimes you can have the piece of chocolate cake.

The Future of American Health Care

2009-09-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

What an ominous title to this post, huh? I mean American culture is about a lot of stuff but health care? Yeah, it is and it could be about to change dramatically in the coming months with health insurance reform. Whether you are uninsured now or have Blue Cross North Carolina, the changes that the government are trying to make are going to change things. For the better? For the worse? Only time will tell so let's keep our eyes out and see.

The End of Checked-Backage Charges

2009-08-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

How has the practice of charging people for checked-baggage by the airline affected your luggage habits? For me its clear -- I went out and bought all new luggage that all fits as carry-on. Remember, you can take one bag for free carry-on size and one back pack or purse or laptop case on the plane. When you travel with kids, each of your kids may take a large carry-on too -- just be prepared to pull those bags yourself. I predict the whole practice of charging for checked bags will eventually die out. Think about it -- first companies one by one start charging and one day they will one by one start announcing the end of checked bag fees as a way to differentiate themselves!

Car Culture

2009-08-14T16:11:00.004-07:00

Its true -- America is a country in love with the automobile. No mater what happens to the big three U.S. automakers, Americans will always love their cars and trucks. That's why the entire industry, from car makers, car parts makers, to truck accessories makers, is so important to this country and must survive. Companies come and go but the American love affair with the automobile will never die.

Who Hates Summer Travel?

2009-08-14T16:11:00.001-07:00

Here's an observation I've had -- as airlines have cut down on the number of planes and flights to save costs, chances have increased that:

a) more flights are over crowded
b) more flights are delayed
c) more people are frazzled

What exactly are the airlines trying to do to us? -- Make us not want to fly anymore? I mean, seriously, make slying a happier time and people will do it more often.

The Power of the Sun

2009-08-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Sun can be dangerous and the Sun can be helpful -- its all about moderation. The Sun had long been heralded as the source of life, the improvement of health and even the best acne treatment, but when you get too much you can seriously get injured. Serious sun burn can lead to permanent skin damage and even cancer, so beware! Its all about moderation -- the power of the sun is nothing to play with.

Virgin Going Where?

2009-08-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

Virgin is the fancy airlines from Sir Richard Branson that has made a splash in the U.S. Named consistently as a top airline for travelers, Virgin has certainly made its name but what cities does it really serve? Virgin America is the branch which serves the continental U.S. and this website provides all the details. Here are the nine cities:

California

* Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport) Focus City
* Orange County (John Wayne Airport)
* San Diego (San Diego International Airport)
* San Francisco (San Francisco International Airport) Hub

Florida

* Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport) Begins 18 November

Massachusetts

* Boston (Logan International Airport)

Nevada

* Las Vegas (McCarran International Airport)

New York

* New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport)

Virginia

* Washington, D.C. area (Washington Dulles International Airport)

Washington

* Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport)

Truth in Advertising

2009-08-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what standard exist for truth in advertising for television ads? From the latest diet pill that works to the cure for a better night's sleep, there are so many TV commercials about new aids that I'm not sure who to trust. On a related subject, there is a new show coming to TNT called Truth In Advertising. Weird, isn't it? I bet it will be a lot like Madmen on A&E.

TV Culture 2010

2009-08-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

What shows are you looking forward to watching in 2010 (or late 2009)? For me its the return of 24 which intrigues me. Also I am looking forward to the new season of Medium. It was canceled from its old network last year but it got picked up on CBS for the new season. What new shows are you looking forward to? TV culture is culture so don't be timid -- let me know!

Speaking of TV...

2009-08-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

Did my last post get you excited about TV again? Did you remember a show from last year which you missed over the summer? Well make sure you never miss a show again by upgrading your TV to have a DVR or Slingbox. If you have cable or satellite service, there's a good chance they offer a digital video recorder built in to your tuner. This usually allows you to record 100 hours of TV to watch anytime you want, skipping commercials. What's a Slingbox? Its a device which takes your recorded shows and enables you to watch them from any TV in your house or from any Computer in the world (over the Internet)!

TV Fall Schedule

2009-08-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a part of culture, many Americans love: The TV fall schedule! Its time for a new season start to your favorite TV shows. New seasons might bring new characters, new arching plot lines, and new twists and turns. Which shows are you looking forward to? I am looking forward to 24, Nip/Tuck and Medium!

Fitness Training Around the World

2009-08-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

Tired of your old work out routine? Tired of the treadmill and the dumbbell? Well, mix it up a little my looking for fitness ideas from around the world. Instead of Yoga class, try Pilates. Instead of dumbbells, try Kettlebells. Instead of the treadmill, try out a cross-country ski machine. Using diverse workout ideas keep you healthy, keeps you motivated and keeps you enjoying the idea of working out.

Are We There Yet?...

2009-07-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am planning on a 500 mile trip to Florida and back (1000 miles total) with two kids under the age of 6... and did I mention we will drive? Actually it isn't so bad. Why? Sleepy kids? Nah, we had an overhead video system installed before the trip and was able to pull out the movies whenever the kids got a little antsy.

Which Ocean Do You Love?

2009-07-08T19:29:00.002-07:00

That's the beautiful thing about the U.S. -- you've got not one but two oceans and a gulf to vacation on. So which body of water will you be visiting this summer? I love the beach -- I'll be going to Daytona on the ATLANTIC ocean. So how will I get in shape before it? No diet pills for me -- apatrim, hydroxycut, slimfast -- nah, I will head to the gym and do some extra crunches instead!

Fly or Drive: Which is Better For Your Pocketbook?

2009-07-08T19:29:00.001-07:00

Look the cost of fuel is getting crazy but driving to your vacation destination is probably still cheaper than flying there. And, although I hate to say it, taking a train is probably more expensive too. What's the deal? When it all happens when multiple people travel together. Sure a single airline ticket is comparable to a round trip gas tanks, but when you can transport 4 people for the same gas versus 4 airline tickets, driving costs less.

Your Door Says It All

2009-06-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Forget curb-appeal when it comes to your home; How about just focusing on the front door! No seriously people -- your home's front door is like the gateway to your home and personality. Check out these doors from this Ft Myers custom doors shop. I bet you can pick out the perfect door to reflect your personality and your home's feel. For me, its a solid classic door in a nice deep blue! What's your front door style?

Old Skool Video Game Culture

2009-06-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

Video games are so advanced these days, the border between reality and fantasy is becoming hard to recognize. So why would someone want to play and old 8-bit video game? Nostalgia! Classic video games are all the rage with people wanting to relive their 1980s childhood. I'm no video game player, but the allure is there. Duck hunt, anyone?

Motorcycle Culture

2009-06-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

Trust me -- I would love to get in motorcycle culture but there are a few things holding me back. First, I have no idea how to ride one or even drive stick. Secondly, I have a young family which needs me very much. I can't take unnecessary risks no matter how good the Pleasanton motorcycle accident attorney is. Lastly, motorcycles are a costly hobby and I just don't have the cash to devote to it right now. Sad but true!

Buy a Hybrid... This Weekend!

2009-06-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Want to save money on your summer road trip? Here's a timely tip -- buy a slightly used hybrid car this weekend! No seriously, as gas prices begin to inch up and up, used hybrids and new ones will become more in demand. Beat the rush and the price increases by buying one tomorrow! Trust me -- we will see $4 a gallon gas again and when that happens you will look very smart for owing a hybrid car!

Cosmetics from Abroad

2009-06-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

When you travel to Europe and elsewhere, you might see a lot of strange medical and cosmetic products. Should you try them? Should you buy some and bring it home? Well make sure its legal in the U.S. Sure stuff like Face creme and Liporexall is OK, but growth hormone is not! OK, that's a little unlikely an example, but it did cause Sylvester Stallone some trouble a few years back. Some great European products you can buy over the Internet from U.L. and Euro sellers and have it shipped to the U.S. Then you don't have to worry about bringing items back through customs.

Video Game Culture

2009-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

With the economy in the dumps these days, I've seen on the news and in magazines some reports that the success or failure of the video game industry lies in step with the U.S. economy. But its not clear which way this trend goes. When the economy goes down, then do video game sales go up, meaning more people are staying home and playing games instead of spending money outside the home? Or does the correlation show that the video game industry drops as discretionary spending drops?

Video Games on the Go?

2009-06-07T11:48:00.001-07:00

Would you let your kids travel with a video game? I'm not talking about their XBox or Wii -- I've talking about a portable hand-held gaming system like PSP or Nintendo DS. Is it to keep them quiet? Or does it prevent them from enjoying the scenery and the destination? Think about it -- do you really want your kid to have their nose buried in a game their whole vacation?