London During the Holidays

I found these photos early this week on Flickr and it appropriate to share them on Christmas Day. As faithful readers of this blog know, London is one of my favorite cities and I have long thought of the idea of one day spending the holidays there. One day. Happy Christmas Everyone!

The London Eye
(photo: PhilHammond/flickr)

An unusual sight on the escalator on the London Underground.
(photo: tijo/flickr) 

Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas

One of my favorite collections of Christmas songs this year and likely for many years to come is Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas. The CD mainly features the actors who played the role of Frankie Valli in the Broadway, Las Vegas, the US National Tour, London and Australia productions performing holiday songs in the style of the Four Seasons.

The whole CD is a package of fun to past the time during the season. Among my favorites is "A King is Born" featuring Jarrod Spector (Broadway), "Angels from the Realms of Glory"featuring Bobby Fox (Australia) and "Santa Medley: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town/Here Comes Santa Claus/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" featuring John Lloyd Young (Broadway). Ryan Molloy (London), Rick Faugno (Las Vegas), Joseph Leo Bwarie (National Tour) and Travis Cloer (Las Vegas) are also featured in singing such holiday classics as:
"Joy To The World/O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
"Winter Wonderland"
"Little Drummer Boy"
"O Holy Night/Rise Up Shepherd"
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
"Jingle Bell Rock"
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
"White Christmas"
"I'll Be Home For Christmas"
"Silver Bells/Silent Night"
"Do You Hear What I Hear"
"Breath of Heaven/We Three Kings"
"Carol of The Bells/Angels We Have Heard On High"
"Auld Lang Syne"

Pick up a CD or digital copy. It will light up your holidays.

It should be noted that the CD version available from Target stores exclusively includes two bonus songs: "What Child Is This" and "The Merry Christmas Medley"by the original Four Seasons.

Recommended: Archtek Toothpaste Tablets

Back in May I published a post about Archtek Toothpaste Tablets. Today I finally took the opportunity to try out the product. They're very convenient to use. Just pop one tablet into your mouth, chew and begin brushing. After a few seconds the crumbs of the tablets began to stick to my teeth at which moment I began using a toothbrush. The product will foam as you brush. It does feel different from brushing with regular toothpaste but it still does the trick. After brushing my teeth, gums and tongue my mouth felt clean.

Because the product is not a liquid or gel, you don't have to include it in your quart-size plastic bag at security at U.S. airports. Just remember to pack a toothbrush as well. The product is unlikely to replace regular toothpaste for regular brushing but it's perfect for those long or overnight flights and long layovers.

For more information visit archtekinc.com. The item can be purchased from Archtek or from Magellan's Travel Supplies at $12.95 for 60 tablets. It's also available on amazon.com through other sellers.

  

"Rock of Ages" Movie Trailer Released

Finally moving images from the upcoming release of film version of the Broadway musical 'Rock of Ages' starring Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, Malin Akerman, Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta.

Scheduled to open nationally in June 2013, the film set in 1987 utilizes hit songs from the '80s as the numbers sung by the actors. One thing that appears the producers is keeping under wraps at least for now are any scenes showing Cruise singing. No doubt that may just bring in some curious moviegoers.

In the meantime, press play and enjoy the trailer of 'Rock of Ages' the movie. Click HERE for more info about the stage production.



From press for the film: Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen.

“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

A Gift from the 'Wicked' Preview Event

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

It's the holidays and though I'm in the midst of picking up the last of the holiday gifts on my list, it was nice to receive something before Xmas. At the sneak peek presentation this past Wednesday for the Honolulu premiere of the musical 'Wicked', gift bags were offered to the guests who held the original invitations to the event. The bags contained one large t-shirt which had the "Defying Gravity" printed on the back, a pin and sticker. Also included was a gatefold flyer featured images from the show.

Those wanting to purchase official 'Wicked' show merchandise can purchase them at booths at the show or the online Ozdust Boutique or Playbill.com. Surely one of the original souvenirs available has to be the projector pen.

Projector Pen image from the Ozdust Boutique online store.

Broadway in Hawaii: 'Wicked' Preview Event at the Blaisdell

Today officially launched group ticket sales for the Hawaii premiere of the hit musical 'Wicked'. A not so exclusive event of several hundred people at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu offered guests a chance to partake in a party atmosphere filled with lots of food and generous amounts of alcohol in a display accented by 'Wicked' and Emerald Oz accents. There was even a huge gleaming bowl of green-colored gelatin among the spread of food.

But the real event was the preview which featured 'Wicked' producer David Stone, Michael Braxton of MagicSpace Entertainment (presenter for the Honolulu show dates) and Honolulu City and County Mayor Peter Carlisle. A taped presentation featured the show's composer Stephen Schwartz. Another video presentation of highlights of the production was enthusiastically received by the audience which was topped by a live performance from two actresses playing the roles of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda (the Good Witch) in the National Tour singing two songs from the show.

Cocktail tables decked out in a 'Wicked' theme at the exhibition hall at
the Blaisdell Center.

The actual presentation took place in the Pikake Room with live and
filmed presentations.

By my observations many who attended were expecting to be treated to more than just a couple of numbers from the musical. Though many left immediately after the presentation, a long line of people remained to submit their orders forms and snag priority seats to the Honolulu performance dates of 'Wicked'. The final tally on my order form was 30 tickets for family and friends. We were told that orders placed today would be fulfilled first before the official group sales begins next week.

The last time I saw 'Wicked' was four years ago in London and before that in 2004 in New York City. The event did its job on me as I actually now can't wait to see the show again in Honolulu almost a year from now. I have to admit the excitement began two weeks ago when I got the invitation to this preview event. Of course part of the joy is seeing the show and sharing the experience among a local crowd without the cost of airfare and hotel.

Signs at the event announcing the arrival of
'Wicked' to the islands.

It's been a while since the announcement of a Broadway musical playing Honolulu was launched with such fanfare. 'Mamma Mia' underwhelmed when it played the Blaisdell Concert Hall in 2009. It's likely 'Wicked' will be met by the same enthusiasm that greeted 'The Lion King' when it played Honolulu in 2007 and broke the local box-office record for a musical that held steady since 1993 by 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

It appears that 'Wicked' is also charging the most for premium price seating at $150. 'The Lion King' did offer premium seats at a similar price but it was part of a package that included a show souvenir merchandise so in the way if one were to proportion the cost of each item, the premium seats at 'Lion' were less expensive. Also unlike 'Wicked' a whole patch of prime orchestra seats was not devoted to premium ticket sales. Premium seats for 'Wicked' only includes the reserved prime seating. It should be noted that group ticket sales are 10% off full-ticket prices and service fees are less substantial than the charges of Ticketmaster.com.

Group ticket sales opens to the general public on December 19th by calling (808) 593-2468. Visit the Broadway In Hawaii website for order forms and more information. Single ticket sales date to be announced (anticipated for late spring).

The DETAILS
Official Show Website: wickedthemusical.com
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
When: Tue-Thu 7:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2 & 8pm; Sun 1pm & 6:30pm (additional dates available)
Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including one intermission)
Ticket Prices: $40-$150
Opening: November 24, 2012
Closing: January 16, 2013
Book Online: ticketmaster.com
Book by Phone: 1-800-745-3000
Cast Recording: Original Broadway Cast Recording

The line finally opens for advance group ticket orders.

This reception area (above and below) of the Blaisdell Exhibition area
would be packed once the 'Wicked' preview event was about to begin
in the adjoining auditorium. 

Gift bags were offered only those holding official invitations to the
event. Other guests left empty handed. See my next post on the
'Wicked' swag contained in each bag.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

AMR parent of American Airlines Bankruptcy Filing

American Airlines Boeing 737-800.
(photo: The Boeing Company)

It's been two weeks since the announcement that American Airlines parent company AMR Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York. As readers of this blog know American Airlines is my airline of choice where I currently hold a platinum elite level status in their Aadvantage program.

However at this point I can only be reassured that the airline will conduct business as usual as it attempts a reorganization process to unload debt built by years of accelerating jet file prices and labor struggles. As any flier who has built a loyalty in one frequent-flier program, it would be difficult to start from the ground up again. In addition as a matter of habit frequent fliers know what to expect of the airline in terms of service and cabin comfort.

American Airlines and American Eagle has contacted customers mainly via email that they would:

• Fly normal schedules with 3,300 daily flights.
• Honor tickets and reservations
• Fully maintain the Aadvantage frequent-flier program, with miles remaining in intact.
• Continue Admirals Club amenities for eligible customers.

The airlines will also continue to provide employee wages and benefits. It should be noted that American is last of the legacy airlines to seek protection from creditors. News reports indicate the airline reports that is spent more than any other airline to abide by labor-contract rules as it avoided bankruptcy. United and Delta were to able to scrap their existing labor contracts after filing for Chapter 11.

American Airlines JFK Terminal
(photo: Urbanphotoz/flickr)

Even with the bankruptcy announcement being fairly recent that some news outlets are already speculating that one of the major carriers is planning to buy American. That kind of guess work is far too premature.

Coincidentally the filing is the 100th by an airline since 1990, according to the Air Transport Association. Some airlines including Hawaiian Airlines and US Airways, have filed for bankruptcy more than once so it it is amazing that American held out this long. One of the most high-profile filings was the Chapter 7 liquidation of Eastern Airlines in 1991. The ATA does not note that some of the 100 bankruptcy filings comes from smaller unknown carriers such as Mahalo Airlines in 1997, which attempted to complete with Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines in Hawaii's inter-island carrier market. The list also includes cargo carriers.

Digital Camera Mistakes To Avoid

(photo: PauloBrandao/flickr)

Consumer Reports featured some quick and simple tips to avoid some common mistakes when using a digital camera. However unlike when we used camera film, today we shoot many shots and choose the best ones when we return home. But as we all know this becomes a chore after a while. Better heed these tips to save time while on vacation and when reviewing the photos back at home.

Not reading the user manual. This will deprive you of features that could greatly improve the shots you take. You should brush up on it at home or while traveling to your destination.

Not bringing a spare battery. Even if you charged the battery the same morning, reviewing shots on the camera can deplete it by late in the day. Exposure to cole can also reduce battery life. Charge a spare and keep it on hand.

Trying to squeeze too many photos on the storage card. You can do this by lowering the resolution or increasing compression, but both will reduce the quality of larger prints. Memory cards are cheap. It's better to bring extra along.

Using a flash when you shouldn't. Flash can cause red-eye, wash out skin tones, and flatten scenes. To avoid using flash, shoot with the sun or light source to your back or move the subject closer to a window or other sources of light. Never use flash on a subject more than a few feet away as you'll get a dim subject with a black background.

Using a very high ISO. If your camera has this option it's tempting to crank up the ISO to the highest setting. But this will degrade the quality of the photos you snap.

Click HERE to view the full article.

Architectural Wonder or Curiosity: Wacky Buildings in China

As part of a sports complex in Anhui province's
Huainan City is the "Ping Pong" Hotel.
(Rendering Huainan Municipal Bureau of Sports)

Steering clear of anything traditional, building designers in China continue to push architecture beyond the imagination. In 2008 when Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics, the world gazed upon some of these achievements in the "bird's nest" Olympic stadium and the glowing Water Cube swimming venue. New buildings constructed today and on the drawing boards will help to bring attention to China's design aesthetics for years to come. Take a look at these unusual buildings from an Inman News report.

The "Ping Pong" Hotel is planned as part of $260 million sports complex spread over 165 acres aimed for completion in 2016. The $46 million 500-foot hotel is shaped like a giant ping-pong racket and will include a viewing deck in the handle.

The sports complex itself will include buildings shaped like a volleyball (to house a swimming pool), a soccer ball, basketball and an American football.

Overview of the planned sports complex in Anhui province.
(Rendering Huainan Municipal Bureau of Sports)

Above are two views of the "Piano House".
(photos: Xinhuanet)

Also in Huainan province is the "Piano House" shaped like an open grand piano and a giant glass violin resting against its side. The violin houses an escalator. Built in 2007, the building has been used as a performance and practice venue and an exhibition space.

Above are renderings of the planned Comics and Animation Museum in
the Zhjiang province, 111 miles southwest of Shanghai.
(Photos: MVRDV Architectural)

Probably the most striking of these new architectural wonders is the plans for the Comics and Animation Museum. To be built in Zhejiang province, location of the International Comic and Animation Festival, the museum will include eight interlocking buildings shakes like speech bubbles. Within the bubbles will be a roof terrace restaurant, comic library and three cinemas. The museum is part of the 33-acre Comic and Animation Centre which begins construction in 2012.

Renderings of the Shenzhen Bao'an International Terminal 3.
(photos: ARUP Engineering)

Less odd but still unusual is the Shenzen Bao'an International Airport Terminal 3 which is shaped like an airplane. Located in the Guangdong province, along the South China Sea, the new terminal is currently under construction and should increase passenger traffic at the airport from 26.7 million to 45 million per year.

Click HERE to view the full article on Inman News which is the leading source of independent real estate news.

Prevent the Recline With A Water Bottle

How's this for an enterprising passenger. A couple of days I included a post about the Knee Defender gadget which is banned by the airlines but no illegal according to the FAA. So maybe a water bottle will do the trick. I'm impressed with the utter simplicity and cleverness of the idea.

Reclaim your seat space as revealed on lifehacker.com.

Knee Fender in Defense of Reclining Seats

The airlines have banned it but the product is still available for purchase. The Knee Defender available at GadgetDuck.com is advertised to "protect" the space from recliners. There is no use of language to say that the gadget "prevents" the passenger in front you from reclining his or her seat.

Introduced in 2003, the product costs $17.95 per pair and can only be used while using tray tables that unfold from seat backs. The gadget slots on to one of the struts that hold the table in place jamming the seat in front in an upright position.

There are reports that the gadget has caused arguments and broken seats but GadgetDuck.com states on their website "What the FAA says" from a 2003 Washington Post report: the clips were not against federal aviation rules as long as they weren't used during taxiing, takeoffs or landings.

And so the argument continues on when it is right to recline an airline seat. Internet reports indicate the device does work preventing recline of no more than one inch. Obviously the passenger whose seat is obstructed to recline will know something is up so being discreet about using the device is out of the question. Expect flight attendants to step in and ask the gadget to be removed.

The most polite passengers will let the passenger behind them know they intend to recline. Myself I usually don't recline if I know the passenger behind me is using their tray table to eat a meal. Best advice: some seats have no recline due to their proximity to emergency exits; book the seats behind them.

What Baggage Handlers Won't Say....

(photo: dwightsghost/flickr)

We all have something to complain about while flying in the cabin of the an airline jet. Imagine what our checked bags would say about their experience. Since that's never going to happen, SmartMoney.com has published a list of ten things that baggage handlers won't say.

1. Don't pack light we need the money. Fliers are checking fewer bags to avoid baggage fees but they are cramming more into them requiring more upper-body strength of bag handlers.

2. We're losing fewer bags because there are fewer to lose. Passengers are checking fewer bags so there is less luggage to lose.

3. Some of us have sticky fingers. One passenger lost out filing a claim for a camera missing her checked bag because the airline's 30-day window had passed. Some airlines require you report stolen goods before leaving the airport.

4. Sure we handle your pet but can your pet handle us. Animals are exposed to loud noises and extreme temperatures when flying as cargo.

5. We don't actually do that much. Most of the heavy lifting is done by machines. The primary task for handlers is transferring bags onto the plane.

6. Not all bags are created equal. The materials of some bags are better than others. Ballistic nylon is the pinnacle of the best. Polycarbonate of hard-shell suitcases is lightweight but strong. Though handlers may like spinner wheels which rotate in circles and easier to move, they are more susceptible to damage.

7. Stressing about baggage claim? You should. What happens if someone walks off with your suitcase at baggage claim? Airlines hope it won't happen. It's more of an honor system. Legally until your belongings are back in your hands, they're still the responsibility of the airline.

8. Many of us don't work for the airlines. Many are contract workers employed by ground-handling companies. Third-part vendors are popular as a way for airlines to save money but can mean slower service and mistakes.

9. We can't handle unusual items. Check airlines rules. They may cover rules regarding checking things such as varied as cremated remains, sporting equipment and antlers.

10. If you think we're bad here, just wait till you go abroad. In some parts of the world, smugglers have been known to transport drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers or security is lax and pilfering of bags is of greater concerns.

Visit smarttravel.com to view the complete report.

A bagge handler collects critters that look like baby crawfish that
escaped from their checked container.
(photo: scattered1/flickr)

Re-imagined 'The Phantom of the Opera' to Embark on UK Tour in 2012

One of the most anticipated productions in 2012 will not play Broadway or London. Instead a brand new tour of 'The Phantom of the Opera' will play various dates in the United Kingdom. As 'Les Miserables' was rejuvenated for a world tour in 2010 and now touring the U.S., the new 'Phantom' tour will feature new set designs and direction.

John Owen-Jones

In press statement, producer Cameron Mackintosh said: After 25 phenomenal years and a glorious celebration of the show's success at the Royal Albert Hall, I'm delighted to announce that a spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary musical will open its National Tour next March in Plymouth. With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Bjronson's amazing costumes, be the first to surrender to the music of the night and fall in love with the Phantom in the his new guise all over again.

Earl Carpenter

John Owen-Jones and Earl Carpenter will share the role of the 'The Phantom" and Katie Hall will play Christine. Laurence Connor, director of the 25th anniversary celebration, will stage the tour with new choreography by Scott Ambler. Lighting design is by Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Mackintosh.

'The Phantom of the Opera' New UK Tour Dates. John Owen-Jones stars as The Phantom until Sep 29, 2012; Earl Carpenter assume the role on October 1, 2012:

Theatre Royal Plymouth, Feb 27-Mar 3, 2012 

Manchester Palace Theatre, Apr 4-May 19, 2012 

Bristol Hippodrome, May 22-Jun 30, 2012 

Dublin Grand Canal Theatre, Jul 4-Aug 4, 2012

Leeds Grand Theatre, Aug 8-Sep 15, 2012 

Edinburgh Playhouse, Sep 19-Oct 20, 2012 

Milton Keyes Theatre, Oct 24-Nov 24, 2012

Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre, Dec 4, 2012-Jan 12, 2013

Southampton Mayflower, Jan 22-Feb 16, 2013

Further dates to be announced.

Visit thephantomoftheoperatour.com for more information. Play the teaser trailer below.

Keeping A Cruise Ship Afloat: Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis of the Seas docks in Port Everglades where every Saturday
by 6am, semi-trucks unload 750 pallets of food, flowers and supplies.

Entertainment deck
(all photos: Barbara P. Fernandez/WSJ)

The Wall Street Journal published an interesting article about keeping 6,300 people fed, housed and having the time of their life while on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Here's some info about and what it takes to operate the Oasis of the Seas operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

• Five times as large as the Titanic.
• Population during a seven-day Caribbean sailing is larger than many American small towns.
• More than 8,600 are on board when fully booked including staff.
• As long as five Airbus A380 airplanes.
• Includes a small-scale imitation of New York's Central Park surrounded by some of the ship's 24 restaurants.
• Three smokestacks can retract to pass under the bridges.
• Includes a helicopter landing pad for emergencies.
• The ship has a jail where lawbreakers are held until the ship can reach port.
• Entertainment options includes a carousel.
• 700 tons of new supplies are loaded each Saturday.
• Guests consume about 20 gallons of maraschino cherries and 80,000 bottles of bear.
• Activity spots include two rock climbing walls, a zip line and surf machines.
• Competitor Carnival Corp compares the ship to the Mall of America.
• The ship is too big to dock in popular spots such as Venice and Bermuda.
• The outdoor Aqua Show is cancelled about once a week due to rough seas.
• Dozens of people and 18 robots wash windows each day.
• The laundry room hums 24-hours a day with 34 crew members.
• 20,000 pieces of linen such as towels, table cloths and sheets are washed daily.
• Three doctors are on board.
• An intensive care unit can keep one peers at a time on life support.
• One of ship's doctor reports that ever few weeks a passengers has a heart attack.
• During a seven-day sailing, the medical staff dispenses about 2,000-3,000 meclizine (a drug that treats seasickness).
• 200 crew members are dedicated to entertaining passengers.
• 26 kitchens feed the thousands on board.
• Each Saturday trucks unload about 750 pallets of food, flowers and supplies on to the ship.
• Supplies are fluctuated: When more Germans are on board, extra pork is ordered; Americans tend to favor chicken and beef; in the summer when lots of families sail, more ingredients for Caesar salad is needed.
• To prevent disease, food storage, food preparation and actual cooking are done in separate areas.
• Weights 225,282 tons.
• Three Azipods (giant propellers) under the ship's belly can rotate 360 degrees.

Visit RoyalCaribbean.com to learn more about the Oasis of the Seas. Click HERE to view the full Wall Street article.

Where's Julie McCoy: The cruise director manages a 200-member
staff who work in entertainment on the ship.

The ship's recycling center.

Top loaded alcoholic drinks: (in order) Corona, Budweiser and Bud Light.

Common area inside the ship where guests enjoy food and drinks.

One of the three doctors on board.

The ship pulling out of the Port Everglades.

Loft Suite.