Offers We Like - American Air companies is Supplying Position, Sorta

I received an extremely happy email from my buddy earlier in the day today saying he received an email from American Air companies providing Platinum position to him. Several hours later, a pal sent one to me offering him Gold status. So it seems like many individuals are becoming some great targeted offers. Jewelry status offer: Gold position offer: Unfortuitously I wasn't targeted, and I am really not sure who their audience is. I know my cousin is Gold (and received the Platinum offer) and has been traveling each week with American for yesteryear 5 months. While I'm life time Gold, I probably have flown with American once before 8 months approximately. Keep in mind though that registering for the campaign if you weren't targeted will in all probability not get you the promotion. For several targeted advertisements that I havenat been targeted for, Iave always registered just for fun and haven't received the benefits a therefore donat get your hopes up! Make sure to return and check always your mail from today and see if American reached out for your requirements. The subject line was either aYou Deserve Immediate Platinum Statusa or AaYou Deserve Instant Gold Status.a For this email was received by those of you who, appreciate your improved status and best of luck generating the points to keep the status for almost another 2 years!! Only donat forget to join up. Categories: American

Link: 'Shiny' new site Stanley FilmFestival

The Budget Traveler's Information To Cut-Price Restaurant Foods

Filling up on street food or tracking down food trucks are two tried and true methods used by backpackers and budget people all over the world, but those that desire to eat at traditional restaurants reduce their prices too. Listed below are five tips for eating at sit-down restaurants on a budget. Additionally you get to enjoy fish, meat and vegetables that are super clean and a fraction of the fee they'd be at an average restaurant. Quincy Market in Boston (see image above) and Kauppatori Market in Helsinki, Finland, are two types of areas offering great dinners. [Photo credit: Flickr users zoetnet; franklin_hunting; Darryl Whitmore; Christine Cowen] Registered under: Food and Drink

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Ghetto IFE - All change at Birmingham New Street – Half time changeover

For those who travel in the UK by rail, there are a couple of stations that can you make you physically scream. One of those happens to be a local mainline station for me – Birmingham New Street.

Birmingham New Street is one of the busiest stations outside London, handling 31.2 million passengers and 5.1 million passengers changing trains. It's also a station that has a reputation of being a a big dark hole, where anything can have the life sucked out of it (as those of you who read my trip reports will know I call the place Mordor Hauptbahnhof… with good reason).

In the past couple of years however, the station has been going through a major refit and rebuild, and the first visible results will be felt from today, with what Network Rail is calling "The Half Time Changeover"

As a result, the three current entrances will be closing at the end of service on the 27th April, with 3 new entrances opening on 28th April.

There's a full map at http://www.newstreetnewstart.co.uk/media/53927/final%20leaflet%20-%20jan%20&%20feb%20exhibitions_page_2.jpg and more notes at http://www.newstreetnewstart.co.uk/construction-progress/half-time-switchover.aspx

Passengers who wish to connect to the bus network will have to allow 5-10 minutes extra to connect to the new entrances . Similarly those who are connecting between Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham New street should allow extra time for your connections.

Those wishing to connect with Midland Metro at Birmingham Snow Hill will have pretty much the same connection as now providing you use the Stephenson Street exit

For those who are accessing the new street complex by car, the current carpark/Dropoff area off Smallbrook Queensway will close, with a pickup/Dropoff area opening at Hill Street. If you need to catch a taxi, you'll need to head to the Stephenson Street entrance/exit.

The refit is going well, and whilst it is still a concrete building site, it is an improvement over the old and increasingly cramp station, with concrete and lots of lights. Of course there is a lot of work to go… but it's a start.

Whilst the refit will be focusing on the station itself, it will not add extra rail lines in and out of new street (which can cause significant capacity issues as 2 pair of lines have only double tracks leading out of it, whilst lines heading out towards Gas Street basin are quad tracked).

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View From The Wing - Austin Food & Culture — and What it Taught Me About Barbecue and… Thai Food

I was in Austin recently, it's one of my favorite cities, both for classic Texas and for much more modern culture. One of the things I did over the weekend earlier in the month is picked up tickets for 'Master Pancake,' a live Mystery Science Theatre 3000 style performance in a theatre/draft house. So you get something to drink, you can pay extra for comfortable chairs (a very modest upcharge), and watch some cutting-edge comedy. In this case, one of the original MST3K folks joined Austin regulars as they mocked Hunger Games. I may not have the most exciting Saturday nights, but it was a lot of fun.

I expected consistency — restaurants that have been around for 15 years or 50 years probably make the exact same thing day-in and day-out. And that's not what I found at all. When I did a tour of Texas barbecue back in September I loved Kreuz Market's pork ribs and also their brisket the best. But this time the brisket was overcooked, I was eating the fatty brisket but most of the moisture was cooked out of it. Their sausage was still good, their pork ribs good (although not quite as good as last time). And overall it was much better barbecue than I've ever had outside of Texas. But the place seemed a bit off.

Now I know to go early for barbecue, not only because the places will sell out but because you'll have the best meal immediately once the meat is done cooking. It was still on the early side. Kreuz Market just wasn't as good this time as last, they aren't as consistent as I expected.

On the other hand, Black's seems the model of consistency. I didn't think they were the best at any single item on my last visit, though possibly they were the best at beef ribs and came in a close second with their brisket. But everything was very, very good. And on this visit everything was still very, very good. I give the nod to Kreuz for pork ribs, still. But I'll take Black's overall for its execution both last visit and this one. It becomes even a clearer favorite for me.

I didn't eat nearly as much barbecue on this visit as last, the point of the trip wasn't barbecue it was just a positive side-benefit. I did, however, decide to have one last bit at the airport on the way out of town.

I love the Austin airport for the rental car lot directly across from the terminal, that they've just added TSA PreCheck earlier in the month, and that they have an Admiral's Club (one of the great benefits of accessing the lounge as a British Airways elite is that they give me drink chits — which I trade in at the bar for bottled water and don't need to purchase any for the flight).

Now the local barbecue tradition doesn't emphasize barbecue sauce. Some places offer it, Kreuz is specifically opposed (don't dare ask for any!). That's how I like it — the meat should be good enough, flavorful enough, that you wouldn't wind to hide the taste with sauce.

There's an outpost of Salt Lick Barbecue in the airport, and I decided to give it a shot. It's been recommended highly to me in the past, and I tried their Dallas airport spot and found it to be awful. But that one never came recommended, and I've been told Austin's is quite good.

And it was perfectly fine for a sandwich at the airport but it shouldn't be described as barbecue, at least in the same breath or same metropolitan region as places like Kreuz and Black's. Moreover, they lather it in sauce at Salt Lick. They need to. The brisket was dry, unflavorful.

There is no way to offer good barbecue airside at an airport. And I should know that. You aren't going to be able to cook over an open pit all night in order to recreate the flavor that's offered in the best real barbecue spots. There's a reason that barbecue hasn't been successfully franchised and offered as a consistent product across the country. It's too much of a labor-intensive bespoke craft, not given to regimented duplication, which means it doesn't work well in the airport environment. I didn't mind the sandwich, it would be perfectly fine if I were eating it at home in the DC area, but it wasn't Texas barbecue at all. Still, much better than the sandwich I got at DFW.

Meanwhile, if there's any preconceived knock I had against Austin it's that while you can get decent Mexican food, there's a lively food truck culture, and the barbecue of course is amazing, Asian options just aren't going to compare to what I'm used to in the Northern Virginia suburbs (especially Thai and Vietnamese). Still, I wanted to test that theory and I did find a Thai restaurant in the Sunset Valley suburb that's pretty good — that I would return to even in DC — though it didn't achieve the heights that my better local places do at home.

It can be a reasonable strategy for Thai to just search reviews on places like Yelp, as long as you discount any comments about Thai food that mentions the words "pad thai."

As I've commented about eating in Paris, where the spice of Asian food can be helpful in cutting through all of the butter and provide a gastronomic break from French food, I think it can do the same for barbecue. So I'm glad to find something that reasonably approximates good Thai — something I didn't expect to find in Austin because the best ethnic restaurants are going to usually come from clusters of similar-style restaurants which provide both competition and supports well-developed supply chains.

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Crack My Vacation - Review: Kimpton Hotel Vintage Plaza, Portland

Last week-end was when I took the train bus down to Portland to own dinner with some readers my first stay at a Kimpton property. I wrote earlier about my status match with Kimpton, which will make me about 11 free nights this year. Six of those free nights are at new hotels, and new changes to the terms and conditions of position suits need at least three paid nights before they become available. Sounds like a mission if you ask me. The Hotel Vintage Plaza was really among the cheaper alternatives that night and is located between the Pearl Districtas bars and eateries, the Amtrak station, and the downtown shopping core. I could make it happen by foot about five minutes after coming to the station without requiring much direction. But, it can blend to the area. The surrounding resort, which can be flashier and has large glass photo windows, contrasts with the Hotel Vintage Plazaas historical building and always-missing doorman. However, once inside, it had been really wonderful. The name aVintage Plazaa was fitting. A lot of the decor could be called vintage, while I assume thatas all of the rage in hipster meccas like Seattle and Portland. The building actually features a narrow courtyard going all the way up to a skylight, creating plenty of natural daylight and opening up the hallways despite the hotelas compact size. I was greeted immediately at the front end desk, and she came up to meet me personally if the boss overheard my name. Iam uncertain how much of my knowledge is linked to my first stay as an Inner Circle member or my first stay at a Kimpton, but I did so get the impression watching other guests during that eveningas wine party (free for many guests) that the company is generally comfortable and welcoming. No mention was made from an upgrade at check-in, but I arrived at my place on the ninth floor to see I'd a name on the door. Called bedrooms are always great. So you can tell your friends you stayed in exactly the same area as Scott Mackenzie! request the Van Duzer collection by name I went in and found a sizable but otherwise normal hotel room. There was a stuffed dog on the mattress, which was lovely, but nothing strange until I turned the corner. The dining table by the rear wall had an palm tree and several minis of tonic and gin water on ice. Windows were covered with tropical scenes. The table had more, bread, cheese, candy, and cookies. There is a good note saying they would deliver up a glass of milk to savor with my cookies easily asked! I wrote more relating to this last week if you missed it. I was such shock I just returned downstairs to speak to the director and make sure every time is happened by this wouldnat. They were just having a great time since it was my first stay, but I was glad to own some friends with whom I might share my bounty. Iave also noticed that some Inner Circle members have acquired both the custom requirement and the $10 minibar credit offered to InTouch members. That wasnat wanted to me, but the choices did look extensive a' as well as that which was in the fridge below. Because I was around for this type of small amount of time, I didnat love the additional space the selection presented, but I could say the mattress was very comfortable. The couch I wasn't a lover of. It'd inadequate support and the arms were small. To obtain a feeling of my model, I've a La-Z-Boy at home that Megan keeps threatening to burn. What was unique concerning this selection is that, after coming back from a shopping trip, I discovered that one of many awindowsa was actually a glass door to a personal outside desk. And on that deck were a hot tub and four chairs! In Portland of all places! This is the reason I pack to a bathing. Reports Iave read on the web declare that it is very common for Inner Circle members to obtain nice updates. Many hotels are small since it isnat a well regarded sequence and therefore the policy is generally abest place available,a, the number of Inner Circle people is relatively low. Prepare to be impressed with additional facilities like my hot tub or, in the event of the next stay I've at booked at the Alexis in Seattle, rooms with fireplaces or even specific designs. Because they produce a feeling of being at home these are, in my opinion more important than pure room. My apartment is not significant, but itas comfortable. Going back again to the bathroom, the setup was fairly normal and is one reason I didnat really perceive this as a room when I first joined. But, the toiletries were a step up from what I often find at likewise priced hotels. Gilchrist & Soames is actually one of my favorites. Some may possibly mind, although I donat, they were presented in large hand pump containers. At the very least they certainly were capped off. There clearly was another note waiting for me in the toilet, inviting me to a free of charge espresso or juice at breakfast in the hotelas restaurant. As I'd already reserved a AAA rate that involved a $20 food and drink credit, which was enough to cover my whole bill I did not bring them through to the present. Breakfast was very good a' perhaps not surprising for a business officially named aKimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group.a I make salmon scrambles all the time, but I donat frequently see them at hotels, nor have IAever seen maple bread provided as an solution for toast. Plus they had Caffe Vita, my favored Seattle coffee roaster. I have known for quite a long time that Kimtpon could be a little nice. When they opened the Cypress Hotel in my own hometown of Cupertino, my dad is remembered by me commenting that, though it was leagues above the opposition, it was asome bizarre hotel with pet designs all around the place.a I didnat observe anything too severe at the Hotel Vintage Plaza beyond Kimptonas standard pet printing gowns and a subtle zebra pattern (white on white) woven to the sheets. The session, but, is two-fold. First, even if you donat feel thereas a Kimpton at your location, you must check always anyway. 2nd, adifferenta doesnat need to be a negative word. I canat remember the final time I had an event quite as personable as this one, even though Iave been improved to the Presidential Suite or received a cake for my birthday.

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Travel Enthusiasm, One Step At The Same Time

But we don't need to be into skiing, surfing, cycling, climbing or backpacking possibly. Many tourists get the first faltering step towards the adventure of a lifetime starts with some thing simple. An image submitted by one friend on your way, a twitter saturated in fun from another at some festival or an old-fashioned call filled up with unbridled joy could be just the enthusiasm we must start planning. Have a look at this movie, pack your bags and hit the road; it may be that simple to make some substantial vacation happen in your lifetime right now. Registered under: Climbing, Understanding, Europe, North America, United States

Paris Redux: Basic Parisian Neighborhoods As Seen Through Typography

Design geeks and French fans beware: this video was created for you. Using some of Paris' many iconic areas and discovering simple visual representations of them, the video was made as a holiday credit card by international style firm Havas Worldwide. My personal favorite is Canal St Martin, an area most tourists understand from the "AmAlie" stone-skipping scene and today with the variety of bars, bars and small retailers, the preferred destination of Parisian hipsters. It is cleverly represented by a link in the form of a mustache. [Via: Huh Magazine] Registered under: Europe, France

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How Exactly To Eat Bolivian Street Food (Without Shame)

While I also sneak discusses maps and guidebooks on the DL when I am lost, the thing that really troubles me has been clueless about local or national etiquette while food, especially when it concerns block food (my raison d'Atre). I research beforehand a' understanding, for instance, that in Thailand the scoop is the primary eating utensil; it is abhorrent to place a fork into your mouth and chopsticks are merely employed for noodle dishes and generally in the North. However it may also be difficult and soon you are now in the minute (above, Bolivian lustrabotas, or shoe shine men, eat on the road) to learn local custom I'm convinced it was I that was scarred by a long-ago trip to Vietnam. I had experienced the country most of a few hours, and was eating my first dinner. I was sitting at a tiny table on the sidewalk in coastal Nha Trang, happily wolfing down bAhn cuon. That's, before the small Vietnamese guy alongside me, who unfortuitously spoke some English, informed me that I was eating it the wrong manner, and creating something of an of myself (yet providing entertainment for the less expressive tablemates). I was mortified, and affirmed, I discovered the snickers and giggles due to how the silly round-eye was eating her rice noodle roll. In all honesty, I can not even remember how to eat bAnh cuon, but during the time, it had been obviously emotionally challenging. When I arrived in Bolivia yesterday, I leapt of out bed my first day to visit the Mercado Lanza to test some salteAas and tucumanasa' two Bolivian street specialties which can be variations on the common empanada. Empanadas are my Kryptonite, so I was prepared to do some harm. On top of that, there's no learning curve. Insert in mouth; enjoy. I naively thought their Bolivian relatives are just as simple to gobble. SalteAas (right) are cooked pastries produced in to domed half-moons. They're often filled with a meat and egg combination, but their essential purpose will be saturated in juice. I understood this, but grossly underestimated the amount of they are the Shanghai soup dumplings of pastry. The proper way to consume them isn't to simply purchase and take a large bite (note to self), because that can lead to a.) scalding, meaty juice overflowing in the mouth area and singing its way down your esophagus, and b.) oily, aromatic, meaty juice squirting around your clothes (like, say, your actually costly microlight down coat that you utilize for backpacking). You can also attract the attention of passerby, who will smirk at the idiot gringa who only had a salteAa increase her face. I later learned, from a selection photograph at a salteAeria, this 1 is supposed to consume them with a spoon. I am not sure how that applies to the road, but let us just say my second go was less embarrassing, and far more successful. That said, I'm not a large salteAa lover, because it turns out.Tucumanas are basically the same form as empanadas, except they are usually fried. They're often filled with an assortment of potato and chicken, and after my sad salteAa encounter.Determined to not function as same idiot twice my first taste occurred about quarter-hour, I saw a street vendor (right) baking and serving tucumanas at warp speed. My block food credo is to only purchase from stalls or carts that are doing a rapid organization, to ensure a product (plus, it's an indication that the food is good, if maybe not great). I observed the many patrons consuming their tucumanas, and when I felt ready, I bought one. It absolutely was rapturous a light as air, yet fragrant and savory. I stood hovering next to the cart, treating a bit of mayonnaise-based salsa into the tucumana after every bite. I hunched, whilst to not dribble any components of stuffing. The salsa squeeze bottle was shared by me. My mouth was wiped by me with the square of paper it'd been covered in. Then I bought yet another. You know you have achieved neighborhood food nirvana once the seller doesn't desire money until you have eaten your fill. Thank you, Bolivia. [Photo credits: Laurel Miller] Registered under: Activism, Drink and Food, Africa, South Usa, Vietnam, Bolivia, Budget Vacation

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Points Miles & Martinis - 101 Free Travel Images Published At Shutterfly Plus 6x Chase Rewards Factors!

Now through April 2, 2013, you will get 101 free styles at Shutterfly.com! Now is your chance!, if you've some journey photographs that you have been planning to print How To Get 101 Free Images Produced Main Point Here We got 101 free prints and all we'd to cover was shipping and taxes! Sign up for EmailA

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