Airplane Manners: High Road or Load Road

(image: terminalu.com)

This info is from a 2008 Newsday article but I find it's still relevant today. The author presents different scenarios in regards to applying airplane manners (or lack thereof). Have you taken the high road or low road?

IN THE WAITING AREA
Low Road: Cluster around the gate. Put your briefcase on the chair next to you so nobody can sit there. Talk loudly on your Bluetooth and gesture wildly.

High Road: Make sure other travelers know that the seat next to you is available. If someone elderly or pregnant walks up, offer your seat. You might also find a nearby gate that's empty and sit there (while keeping track of time).

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
Low Road: Argue with them. Be demanding. They don't have anything to do but focus on your needs, right?

High Road: Develop empathy. Smile as you board. Say hello to them by name. Have eye contact, thank them when they serve you a beverage.

OVERHEAD BINS
Low Road: Put your carry-on bag in the first available bin toward the front, so you can jump up, grab it and exit quickly.

High Road: Put your carry-on above your own seat or, better, under your seat.

CRAMPED LEGROOM
Low Road: Aim your vent at the head of the person who is leaning into your lap.

High Road: Before you lean back, look behind you and ask eye-to-eye, "It is OK if I lean back just a little?"

TRAVELERS WITH KIDS
Low Road: Avoid eye contact with a harried parent assigned to a different row than his or her minor child. Is it your fault these leisure-travel losers were forced to take middle seats in separate rows?

High Road: Get over yourself! Be a mensch for three hours and give up your choice aisle or window seat. You'll be richly rewarded in heaven and, if not, you'll be richly rewarded by not having to sit next to the kid.

WINDOW ZEALOTS
Low Road: Drink lots of water (it's good for you when you're flying) and get out of your seat at least three times to use the bathroom.

High Road: Know that you drink a lot of water when flying and reserve an aisle seat.

AISLE ZEALOTS
Low Road: Create a trap for people seated in the middle and window seats. Bring on steaming coffee and footlong sub with chips. Spread out the food, paperwork and laptop on tray table, extend leg into aisle.

High Road: Adapt gracefully to your temporary environment. Discard food trash quickly. Work if you must, but don't forget to acknowledge your neighbors with a smile or small talk so they'll feel more comfortable asking to get past you to the restroom.

FOOD
Low Road: Pick up something in the airport food court that is really stinky. Spicy Italian is good, or onion rings, or maybe something with blue cheese.

High Road: Eat before the flight or pack healthful, smell-free snacks. Consider sharing with your famished seatmates.

Scenic Designs of Upcoming 'Rebecca' Musical

I have to admit that I still gaze in amazement when I see beautiful and extravagant stage set designs despite the quality of the play or musical. These set renderings of the scenic design by Peter J. Davison is likely to captivate audiences. Let's hope the musical a whole lives up to expectations.

'Rebecca' the musical, which will open on Broadway this March at the Broadhurst Theatre, is based on the 1938 Daphne du Maurier romantic thriller. Set in the West Country of England, it tells the story of Maxim de Winter, his new wife and Mrs. Danvers, the controlling and manipulative housekeeper of Maxim's West Country estate of Manderlay where the memory of his first wife, the glamorous and mysterious Rebecca, still casts a shadow.

The Broadway production is based on the 2006 Vienna staging where it debuted and played for over three years. Also starring in New York is Howard McGillin (Frank Crawley), Tam Mutu (Maxim deWinter), Karen Mason (Mrs. Danvers), James Barbour (Jack Favell) and Nick Wyman (Giles).

The musical has been staged in Hungary, Finland, Germany, Switzerland and Japan. The 1940 Academy Award-winning film "Rebecca" directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Laurence Olivier was also based on du Maurier's suspense novel that begins with the famous line, "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderlay again."

Featuring book and lyrics by Michael Kunze, music by Sylvester Levay, English book adaptation by Christopher Hamptom ('Sunset Boulevard') and English lyrics by Hampton and Kunze, the production will have co-directors Michael Blakemore ('Kiss Me, Kate') and Francesca Zambello ('The Little Mermaid').

Click HERE to view all the photos on BroadwayWorld.com and more articles about the upcoming musical.

(Update: on Jan 24, 2012 producers announced that the production has been postponed until next season)

Marquee of the Broadhurst Theatre.
(image: BroadwayWorld)

Quick Tip: The Ultimate Mileage Calculator

For anyone who constantly tries to figure out how to meet airline mileage goals to earn a flight reward or to maintain elite status with a carrier may want to visit the mileage calculator on WebFlyer.com. Unlike other websites that offer similar applications, the calculator on WebFlyer allows the user to enter layover stops.

I live in Honolulu, Hawaii and my choice of airline is American so if I'm flying to the New York City, I will have layover at one of their hubs in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Los Angels or Chicago. The miles can differ depending on the the number of connections and the location of the layover.

Some flyers intentionally take longer airline routes for the purpose of earning those extra miles to reach airline elite levels. Based on the pre-landing announcement of connecting gates, I have to learn some passengers fly, for example, from Honolulu to Dallas to Los Angeles.

This mileage calculator also offers the option to calculate elite and class of service bonus miles. Enter the price of your ticket and learn what you are paying per mile. Click HERE to view the calculator on WebFlyer OR enter your flight information below and your browser will be re-directed to WebFlyer.

The ultimate Mileage Calculator. Find the distance between two locations using this air mileage calculator. 

Mileage Calculator

Just enter two cities (or airport codes) in the fields below and click How Far?

Departing from:
Then flying to:
OPTIONAL
And on to:
And on to:
And on to:
And on to:
Elite bonus:	None  25%  50%  75%  100% (double miles)  125%  150%  175%  200% (triple miles)  225%  250%
Elite bonus based on:	Actual miles. Minimum miles.
Class of service bonus:	None  25%  50%  75%  100% (double miles)  125%  150%  175%  200% (triple miles)  225%  250%
Class bonus based on:	Actual miles.  Minimum miles.
Special promotion bonus:	None  25%  50%  75%  100% (double miles)  125%  150%  175%  200% (triple miles)  225%  250%
Promo bonus based on:	Actual miles.  Minimum miles.
Minimum per segment:	None  100  200  300  400  500  600  700  800  900  1000     miles  km
Ticket price(in dollars):

      

Note: These air mile distances are approximate and are based on data provided by various outside sources. This mileage calculator is meant to aid in air mileage estimation and may not reflect the actual frequent flyer miles awarded by each airline.

Aquaphor for Chapped Lips and Dry Skin On-the-Go

I first discovered the healing wonders of Aquaphor during a period when I was prescribed that severe acne drug Accutane. One of the side effects of Accutane is extremely dry and chapped lips. Most of us would think of applying a generous layer of Chapstick. But even applying this product regularly did nothing to stop the irritation of dry lips. But my doctor recommended Aquaphor Healing Ointment and I have been using it ever since long after my treatment with Accutane was complete.

From cold wet days in London to freezing snowy weather in Seattle to the dry heat of Las Vegas, I use Aquaphor as a regular therapy either in the morning or at night when I'm traveling. I found that lips irritated by spicy foods were healed with the use of this product as well. Look for the .35 ounce "healing ointment" travel-friendly size. It should be noted that Aquaphor is "petroleum-jelly" like-feeling compared to Chapstick so only a very tiny amount of the ointment goes a long way.

I have nothing against Chapstick which I still use just as often when I'm not traveling. Also Chapstick has one advantage over Aquaphor and that is cost. For example Walmart.com sells Chapstick singles from 98 cents to $1.80 noting that in-store prices will vary. A Chapstick three-pack is $5-$5.76. Walmart.com sells the two-pack Aquaphor Healing Ointment of .35 oz tubes for $5.27 (a better bargain than the Aquaphor Lip Therapy .35 oz single-pack for $3.97).

For more information visit aquaphorhealing.com.  Aquaphor can be found in most drugstores in the skincare aisle. Aquaphor is part of Eucerin's line of skincare products.

'The Mousetrap': 60 Years in London's West End

Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap' at St. Martin's Theatre, London
(image: Snapperz/flickr)

In the past couple of years, the West End musicals 'Les Miserables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera' celebrated 25 years on the London stage and still counting. But there is one show that has run 35 years longer. Running on the West End since November 25, 1952 Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetraip' is currently celebrating 60 years and the show's producers are the marking the diamond jubilee with events through the year.

Seen by 10 million people and running over 23,000 performance, the play is currently presented at St. Martin's Theatre. Marked by its brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner, the whodunit has become of the greatest pieces of theatrical history. It's title as long run champion in London was first attained on 1958.

During the record-breaking run, almost 300 actors and actresses have appeared in the play, 86 miles of shirts have been ironed and over 320 tons of ice cream sold at the show. The set had to be replaced in 2000 but it still has the same design as the original and the task completed over a weekend without the loss of a single performance.

Performance on 'The Mousetrap' set.

The show has seen the Cold War, Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and survived 12 British Prime Ministers. For the year-long 60th year celebration, the show producers announced it will begin its first ever tour of the UK in September 2012.

Another interesting fact about 'The Mousetrap': Agatha Christie gave the rights to her grandson Matthew Prichard as a birthday present and she stipulated that only one version could be performed outside of the West End annually.

Visit the-mousetrap.co.uk for more information.

Movies To Travel By: "Letters to Juliet" (2010)

A sweet, wistful romantic comedy, "Letters to Juliet" stars Amanda Seyfried (“Mamma Mia”) as Sophie, a fact checker for the New Yorker, on a pre-engagement vacation with her fiancée (Gael Garcia Bernal). She stumbles upon the courtyard of William Shakespeare’s Juliet in Verona and learns of the Secretaries of Juliet who answers the letters pinned to the courtyard walls by visitors who have been forsaken by love.

Sophie finds a letter written 50 years ago by Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) and with the blessing of the secretaries answers the letter. Claire, with her grandson (Christopher Egan) in tow, returns to Italy in search of her lost love. With Sophie, the three embark on a journey that is is beautifully photographed through bountiful picture postcard settings in Verona and the Tuscan countryside.

Vanessa Redgrave, Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan

Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Egan

Amanda Seyfried at the Juliet wall constructed for the film.
(film images: Summit Entertainment)

In his review (three out of four stars), Roger Ebert writes: “I know (the film) is a soppy melodrama, and I don't mind in the least. I know the ending is preordained from the setup. I know the characters are broad and comforting stereotypes. In this case, I simply don't care...All of this is wrapped up in imaginably beautiful shots of the countryside, the warmth of the friendship between Sophie and Claire, and visits to many of the men named Lorenzo Bartolini, which was the name of the boy Claire loved so long ago.”

In the DVD extras, we learn that after Hollywood popularized the legend of Romeo and Juliet (starting with the 1936 version Oscar nominated for best picture directed by George Cukor), an enterprising museum director thought he would help visitors to Verona meet their expectations. He remodeled Juliet’s house which was a rundown tavern. He constructed a balcony out of 14th century sarcophagi and recovered a gothic portal and rose window so that the house would resemble a medieval building.

Amanda Seyfried and Christopher Egan

At around the same time the custodian of Juliet’s tomb planted rose bushes, taught turtle doves to land on tourists shoulders and would accompany tourists on their visit. People would write letters about how they enjoyed their visit and he would answer them as the secretary to Juliet.

Though the secretaries in the film work above the Trattoria Lettere a Giulietta, this restaurant is a fictional place. The secretaries do exist today however. Called The Juliet Club, the volunteers of the association promote the legend of Romeo and Juliet and reply to thousands offering advice and support.

The film is based on the book "Letters to Juliet: Celebrating Shakespeare's Greatest Heroine, the Magical City of Verona, and the Power of Love by Lisa Friedman and Ceil Friedman which tells of these letters and the volunteers who have been writing responses for over seven decades.

Spoiler Alert: Ebert points out an irony in the casting of Lorenzo for the film. Played by Franco Nero, he and Redgrave starred in the movie musical “Camelot” in 1967 as Guenevere and Lancelot. From his review: “So you see, when Vanessa marries Franco 40 years after falling in love with him, and they are playing characters who meet after 50 years, and this all has to do with Juliet’s balcony – reader, what am I to do? I am helpless before such forces.”

The DVD / Blu-ray extras include:
- "The Making of Letters to Juliet: In Italia"
- "A Courtyard in Verona"
- Audio Commentary with Director Gary Winick and Amanda Seyfried
- Deleted and Extended Scenes

Throngs of tourist visit Juliet's house and balcony in Verona
(image: Dave-F/flickr)

Juliet statue in Verona. Touch her right breast for good luck
(image: ShakeFrog/flickr)

The real Juliet wall in Verona
(image: ShuBoPhotography/flickr)

"Letters to Juliet" book with tie-in movie cover.

Cheap Flights: Look for Airline Dead Zones

(photo: ChrisPederick/flickr)

As another year is upon many of us are already planning trips for the year and thinking about the cost and ways to save on a vacation. Rick Seaney, airfare expert, reported in USA Today last month about cheap flight deals during airline dead zones.

He recommends figuring out when everyone wants to fly, and then travel in the opposite season. Summer is popular therefore winter is a dead zone. But he cautions that peak holiday periods don't count.

Dead zones include:
- First two weeks of November.
- First two weeks of December.
- The month of January, beginning January 3rd.
- Most of February, excluding Valentine's Day weekend and the Super Bowl.
- Late August through September, excluding Labor Day holiday.

As a rule, Seaney indicates that the best dead zone travel prices occur in the 'dead of winter'.

The best times to shop for dead zone deals is at least three weeks before travel since sales for these periods require a 21-day advance purchase. The exception to the winter dead zone rule are to popular ski resort destinations and to places where people are seeking to escape the cold. So rule out Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Dead zones disappear during these periods:
- Summer from mid-June through late August.
- Spring Break - varies from mid-February to mid-April.
- Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel periods.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Hau'oli Makahi Hou (Happy New Year in Hawaiian) from The Hopeful Traveler

Aloha Tower and fireworks.
(photo: alohatower.com)

A Return to Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies, the high-end cookie and candy shop in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is always a definite stop when I'm there on business. This time I picked up a box of dark and white dipped coconut shortbread ($12, 9.5 oz). On a previous trip last month a couple boxes of milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts in favor boxes ($33 for 24 boxes). With the touch of a gold ribbon and a little note, they were perfect to give away during the holidays.

Visit their online store or call for catalog. A shop to keep in mind for holiday shopping next year.

See my previous post about their store in downtown Hilo by clicking HERE.

Visit bigislandcandies.com for more information. The gift shop at their factory located at 585 Hinano Street in Hilo, Hawaii (conveniently near Hilo International Airport) is open daily 8:30am-5:30pm. Toll-Free 1-800-935-5510 (US & Canada); 1-808-935-8890 (Outside the U.S.).

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies: A Delicious Way to Say Aloha

When visiting Kona and looking for some yummy gifts for family and friends (or something for yourself), be sure to stop by Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies. Situated at Kaloko Industrial Park between the Kona International Airport and downtown Kona on the Big Island, the small shop will entice you with their sweet and tasty array of freshly baked cookies.

I picked up a dozen and a-half gift box that contained a mix of cookies last week during a business trip to Kona. If you can't get to the store, visit their online store. All orders are shipped 2-day express to the U.S. mainland.

Choose among these delectable favorites starting from bags at $13.80 to two-dozen gift boxes at $37:
Macadamia Nut Shortbread
Chocolate Chip Mac Nut
White Chocolate Mac Nut
Coconut Shortbread
Chocolate Dipped Mac Nut

They also sell 100% Kona Coffee ($17-$150) and Macadamia Nut Brittle ($7-$25).

By the way box I bought didn't last the weekend.

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies is open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-4pm. Visit konacookies.com for more information.

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.