Gawker: Travel

ABC News Execs Suffer Hotel Apocalypse

Hamilton Nolan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:58:37 EDT

What's one more bit of bad media news on this dark, gloomy Friday? ABC News sent out a memo today saying that the bad economy is causing them to cut back on expense accounts, travel, and conference attendance, cancel all of their holiday parties, and, ironically, cancel all of their subscriptions to print magazines and newspapers (which will help the environment, they note!). And most painfully for ABC execs:

1. All executives are asked to fly one grade below what they're entitled to. Some have contractual provisions on air travel, and the company is not breaching any contracts. But we are being asked to use our discretion on this.

3. All executives are asked to stay in "B" level hotels. I'm told that Travel knows what this means.

Oh, they know what it means. The end is nigh. [NYO]

David Carr Invites You to Tour Beautiful Minneapolis

Pareene — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:29:11 EDT

Heading to the Republican convention? You could do worse than follow the advice proffered in today's Times "36 Hours in" column on the Twin Cities, penned by Minneapolitan David Carr. It's full of good advice for restaurants, culture, and entertainment. And bars. There are really just a couple of our favorite places that he missed: you can get a good (for the midwest) pizza and a cheap pitcher of Summit at Pizza Luce on Lyndale Ave. If the lot's full, there's usually street parking readily available a block away on 32nd and Garfield. Just make sure to lock up! [NYT]

Ben Karlin In Lawsuit About Spain Book For Some Reason

Hamilton Nolan — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:13:19 EDT

Ben Karlin, the funnyman former Daily Show producer who is, unfortunately, kind of a dick, is currently suing some company over a book about Spain. Mario Batali is involved, too. What in the world is Ben Karlin doing working on a book about Spain, which does not appear to be a comedy project? We don't know, but it sure sounds like the guy is (wisely) just signing up for any old book that'll cut him a check:

Karlin signed a contract for a book that was going to be tie-in for a new PBS series called "Spain ... on the Road Again," which starred flame-haired fatty celebuchef Batali and blonde actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

But in November 2007, a conflict arose when Mr. Pinsky allowed Mr. Batali to engage designers for the book, including one of Mr. Batali's relatives, instead of leaving the design to Mr. Karlin, as previously agreed, the lawsuit states. Mr. Karlin contends that Mr. Batali also expected him to write the book in its entirety, and refused to contribute recipes, pictures, or other material to the project, claiming to be too busy.
When Mr. Karlin asked to lessen his involvement in the book, the lawsuit states, Mr. Batali asked that the writer be fired from the project. He has not been paid, and is suing for $125,000, including the cost of two trips to Spain, according to the lawsuit.

Well, it sounds like Batali really flaked out here, and Karlin deserves to be paid for his hard work. Unless he's just making it up because he's, you know, a little bit of a dick.

[NYS; pic via NY]

Public Will Pay For Checked Bags Over The Airline Industry's Cold, Dead Body

Hamilton Nolan — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:56:37 EDT

One night last week I found myself watching the NBC Nightly News—a rare occurrence, because I am not yet old. The lead story was about how American Airlines was going to start charging a $15 fee for each checked bag. Grumbling! Populist outrage! What will these dang companies do next?! It became clear at that early moment that despite the economic necessity of the move, American was going to get absolutely slammed in the court of public opinion. And now the verdict is in: they did!

The company had a big PR plan in place for the announcement: talking points, economic facts, carefully crafted statements. Which was all a big waste of time, because people are going to be pissed about losing their sacred bag-checking rights, high oil prices be damned:

"We understood that consumers would be frustrated with another fee," said Mike Flanagan, senior VP at Weber Shandwick, American's public-relations shop of record. "Precisely for that reason; we did our best to communicate the full impact that oil is having on our business." Predictably, the public had little sympathy...
Regardless of American's honesty, consumers were still angered by the fee. "It's only a matter of time before airlines begin charging for our carry-on bag," wrote one commenter on Chris Elliott's travel blog. Blogs such as Sky Talk gauged traveler reaction, including a flier who said that "they're trying to nickel and dime us for too many things."

Hey, Joe Public, you're right: It is only a matter of time before they start charging you for carry on bags. Along with food and everything else on planes these days. The alternative is to raise ticket prices. But of course, the airlines can't do that because of... populist outrage!

As hard as it is to sympathize with the airline industry, they deserve a little sympathy. They were the victim of an easy cheap shot by the national media, which cried "Not another price increase!" while knowing full well that revenue needs to go up one way or another. American's only mistake here was being the first one to put in this fee. Now that they've broken the cherry, watch as all their fellow airlines fall in line.

The littlest victims in all this: the poor flacks.

[Ad Age]

Here is a Plane Crashing into a Crowd of Germans

ian spiegelman — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:08:07 EDT

Seriously, don't go to air shows. What good ever comes of it?

Cheap Ads For Cheap Airline Lure Cheapskates

Hamilton Nolan — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:24:35 EDT

Ryanair, the cheap European airline that you used that one time you got drunk on vacation in London and said "Dude, let's just go to fucking Dublin RIGHT NOW," is in a spat with regulators over the quality of its ads [NYT]. Well, not exactly the quality—they suck, obviously. The ad pictured got Ryanair in trouble with the UK advertising authorities because it "appeared to link teenage girls with sexually provocative behavior." Maybe true, but it also appears to link Ryanair's advertising department with one guy who has only a pair of scissors, a book of clip art, and a Xerox machine. And when the regulators tried to crack down, the company responded: hell, all these newspapers are dens of iniquity themselves! Our ad fits right in!

"The picture of a fully clothed model which appeared in a number of U.K. tabloid newspapers can hardly be deemed to be offensive when many of those same newspapers carry pictures of topless models and adverts for sex lines, etc.," Ryanair said in its complaint to the Office of Fair Trading.

The company promises to continue operating, making ads, making money, and charging markups for every single pack of peanuts they distribute no matter how peeved the advertising authorities get. They are shameless about using any news peg, including terrorism, to sell their cheap flights. It's the capitalist dream come true! Now please enjoy this bonus tasteful ad:

Kanye West Will Book You A Rental Car

Hamilton Nolan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:37:48 EDT

Going on a trip any time soon? Why not ask Kanye West? What? Why of course he has his own travel website! It's called KanyeTravel.com, and it just launched after a year of preparation. Why the fuck does Kanye West have a travel website, why would anybody use such a thing, and how in the world could it take a year to set it up? There are so many questions in this crazy world! [Ad Age]

Hot Wet Den Of Sex And Drugs Redundantly Opens In Vegas

Hamilton Nolan — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:51 EDT

The MGM Grand is rushing to fill in what Las Vegas has been lacking: a massive poolside nightclub that is a thinly veiled destination for celebrities to do coke and have semi-public sex. More specifically, it's "WET REPUBLIC," and it's Vegas' first "ULTRA POOL," and "water is the leitmotif." "Swanky"! Enjoy its "sultry lounge" and "sensuous South Beach ambiance" and "delicious atmosphere" and "massages by skilled therapists" and "seductively modern vibe" and "illusion of a never-ending flow of water." And while you're doing that, the VIPs will be upstairs getting naked in their cabanas with six groupies and a big pile of blow, without having to physically swivel their chairs.

While WET REPUBLIC's main area will entertain the crowds, the highest level will serve as an exclusive escape with six VIP bungalows, three private spas and dedicated restrooms. Bathed in beiges, browns and ruby red, the ultramodern bungalows will be decked out with plush offerings including a king-sized day bed, teakwood furniture, giant flat screen TV, video game console with the latest games, DVD library, fully stocked mini fridge, ceiling fan, telephone, personal safe and more. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be offered throughout WET REPUBLIC. Sheer drapery will offer optional seclusion for moments of privacy. Each bungalow will boast a panoramic view of WET REPUBLIC and have pool-goers salivating for a chance to reign at the top of the party scene.

Ten hip party cabanas that line the pools will be the hot spot to kick it with friends or meet new ones. Featuring a neutral palette resplendent with splashes of orange and green, the venues will feature L-shaped oversized couches and ottomans along with all the amenities and services of the bungalows. Diligent sun-kissed servers will attend to every detail from food and beverage orders to coordinating poolside massages by skilled therapists from the Grand Spa at MGM Grand.

In addition to the bungalows and cabanas, guests may reserve one of the 18 spacious day beds or more than 80 oversized deluxe chaise lounges placed throughout the poolscape. The innovative lounges are adjustable on both ends, allowing guests to soak up the best rays throughout the day without having to physically swivel their chair. Combining the best of both worlds, 18 water lounges will be located within the pool's six-inch-deep wet deck. All guests can swim and sun in WET REPUBLIC's two main pools or opt for a more intimate dip in one of three cozy spas located on the far side of the pool area near the main entrance.

Joe Dolce, Moral Compass

Hamilton Nolan — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:58:35 EST

Former Star editor and Jessica Coen enemy Joe Dolce is apparently knee-deep in some freelance Journalismism, writing a piece in Culture & Travel about a trip to Myanmar. There's not even any dead celebrities there! But there are some dead citizens once in a while, which has Joe "contemplating the ethics of traveling to a country with an oppressive regime." We can think of no one better to judge. [WWD]

No More First Class Flights At The 'Times' Magazine

Doree Shafrir — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:20:29 EDT

This afternoon, a memo went out from New York Times Magazine head Gerald Marzorati. It seems that staffers and freelancers have been flying business and first class while on assignment. Clearly this cannot stand! Although, why not? The magazine and those money-minters T, Play, and Key are raking it in for the business. (Seriously. The issue of T: Women coming out this Sunday is the biggest issue of a Times magazine since 1984. 183.3 pages of ads! Surely that can pay for a flight or two to Milan!) No matter! They have to find some way to pay those juicy word count rates. Approval to fly business class will only be granted after being run past Times Managing Editor John Geddes or Assistant Managing Editor Bill Schmidt. Got that? The full memo follows.

Greetings all, I am writing to remind everyone of our policies regarding air travel. We do not — and I do not — travel business class or first class on the company's dime. There have been a few recent violations and News Administration is not happy. Neither am I.
We can all be spared some headaches if we follow the following steps, which apply to EVERYONE — staffers as well as freelance writers and photographers.

First and foremost, coach is the way to go. If Dexter Filkins can fly to Baghdad in coach, we can get to Milan that way too — at least if the Times is paying. If an assigning editor does feel a trip warrants business-class travel, it must — MUST — be discussed with me. If I agree that the expense is necessary, I will ask approval for it from John Geddes or Bill Schmidt.

The flights that meet the criteria below should continue to be run past the managing editors of the appropriate magazine:

Approval is required for:

— International flights

— Tickets more than $1,000 per person

— Bookings using mileage points, because this usually requires the purchase of a full coach fare

Also: everyone gravitates toward World Connections, but we've recently found examples where American Express cost less. When you're looking for airfares, make sure you also check with AMEX.

When you submit a flight for approval, you must include the dates of trip, the issue the assignment is for, a price quote and, if it is a non-AMEX flight, what AMEX would charge.
Thanks.

Gerry

Please God, Give Us 'CondeHawk Down'

Jessica — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 11:50:53 EDT

There's something fucktarded in the air! Courtesy of Glamour magazine and DKNY Jeans, it's the Conde Nast chopper, a jet-setting helicopter rented by the companies to make the privileged folks' trek to Fashion Week seem all the more, uh, privileged. In the days leading up to the self-important ecstasy of Bryant Park, passengers have included Mandy Moore, Sheryl Crowe, and new eyeliner advocate Jared Leto. The flight plan is as follows:

...eight-minute shuttle trips every half-hour from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan's Downtown Heliport near Wall Street.

So all this cash is being shelled out so that luminaries might know the pleasure of a chopper ride from JFK, only to face the pain of heading 50 or 60 blocks uptown? You'd think Si Newhouse would save that sort of pointless cruelty just for his employees.

But seriously: no yacht?

Memo Pad [WWD]

Breaking: New Orleans Weather Changes Anderson Cooper's Life Again!

Jesse — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:05:49 EDT

The Coop was scheduled to speak at the 92nd Street Y tonight. But his talk has now been cancelled, because bad weather has prevented him from flying back from his most recent reporting assignment, in New Orleans. We're tempted compliment the FAA on the impressive work its officials are no doubt doing to keep planes and passengers safe, and to get them to their destinations as soon as possible, but we won't. Becauase we realize that to listen to people thanking each other and complimenting each other, you know, we got to tell you, there are a lot of people there who are very upset, and very angry, and very frustrated. And we get the anger that's there.

Anderson Cooper Will Be Here Thursday [92Y.org]

'Atlantic' Borrows Its Story Ideas From Greg Lindsay

Jesse — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:05:32 EDT

Alas, an uncredited and stripped-down borrowing — Greg spent three weeks in airports, far more impressive that Wayne Curtis' measly six days — doesn't make it onto the Greg Lindsay Career Trajectory. Poor guy.

Greetings From Airworld [Atlantic]
Earlier: Something Special in the Air

Santa Monica Michael's Is No New York Michael's

Jesse — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 11:40:59 EDT

Half of us was on vacation in Los Angeles last week — oh, that's sweet; we missed you, too — and so you can imagine our excitement when, walking back to the car in Santa Monica, we found ourselves passing the original Michael's.

There were, however, no media celebrities present. Alas.

'Times' Covers Exciting Escapes!

Jesse — Fri, 19 May 2006 10:56:15 EDT

Second prize, of course, is 72 hours in Syracuse.

(Thanks. We'll be here all week. Be sure to tip your waitress.)

36 Hours in Syracuse [NYT]

Gridskipper Goes to Dubai

Jesse — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:58:23 EDT

Feel you don't know quite enough about Dubai, the United Arab Emirate that could not possibly be trusted to own the company that runs our ports? Of course not. And this, friends, is why God — or, at least, Nick Denton — created Gridskipper, and wanderlusting little brother. This week, lil 'Skipper has broken the chains of Manhattan and set off, Lawrence-like, to explore this little corner of Arabia. Won't you follow him as he spends a fancy-free week in Dubai? He started things off by locating several Starbucksim, and we assure you things get even better from there. Bon voyage!

Dubai [Gridskipper]

'I'm the Queen of the World!'

Jesse — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:15:12 EDT

Speaking of England and queens, it seems worth pointing out this oh-so-clever press release, issued this week by powerhouse publicists Dan Klores Communications:

Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 11:34:38 -0400
From: [flack]
To: [flack]
Subject: Queens Take Over the "Queen"

Get Ready. The queens are getting ready to take over the "Queen" — the Queen Mary 2 that is.

RSVP, one of the leading gay travel companies (www.RSVPvacations.com) has signed an historic agreement to charter the award-winning Queen Mary 2 (QM2), for an all-gay and lesbian transatlantic crossing.

It's times like this you're sad the QM2 doesn't leave from the West Side piers anymore. So inefficient.

The complete release — which includes its best line: "RSVP is a strong, versatile and trusted LGBT travel brand," says a PlanetOut exec — is after the jump.

Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 11:34:38 -040
From: [flack]
To: [flack]
Subject: Queens Take Over the "Queen"

Get Ready. The queens are getting ready to take over the "Queen" — the Queen Mary 2 that is.

RSVP, one of the leading gay travel companies (www.RSVPvacations.com) has signed an historic agreement to charter the award-winning Queen Mary 2 (QM2), for an all-gay and lesbian transatlantic crossing.

Scheduled for a May 29, 2007 departure, gay and lesbian travelers will board the QM2 in New York City and sail to Southampton, England, enjoying events in both New York City before the cruise and London after their transatlantic voyage. The QM2's world-class accommodations will set the stage for entertainment, parties, activities and speakers specifically tailored to the LGBT community.

With 1,296 suites starting at $800 (based on double occupancy), the QM2 offers different degrees of style and comfort for sophisticated travelers who will spend time enjoying the ship's extensive athletic facilities, Canyon Ranch spa, full-scale planetarium, or 500-seat lecture hall. Called the "Greatest Ocean Liner of our Time," the QM2 carries 2,592 passengers, one crew member for every two passengers, 14 decks of sports facilities, shops, bars, lounges, five pools and 10 restaurants

With Atlantis also recently announcing that it has chartered the Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas for an all-gay Caribbean cruise in January 2007, there is certainly a trend story in gay cruise travel now.

If you are interested in further information (full press release below) or would like to speak with the president of RSVP, please feel free to let me know.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

RSVP Vacations Charters First-Ever Queen Mary 2 Gayand Lesbian Transatlantic Cruise Company Leverages Status as a PlanetOut Inc. Brand to Secure World's Largest Luxury Liner

The first-ever gay and lesbian charter for the QM2 Called the "Greatest Ocean Liner of our Time," the QM2 carries 2,592 passengers, one crew member for every two passengers, 14 decks of sports facilities, shops, bars, lounges, five pools and 10 restaurants

Scheduled for popular Memorial Day weekend — 2007 SAN FRANCISCO, April 6, 2006 — RSVP Productions, Inc. (RSVP), a travel and events marketing brand of PlanetOut Inc. (Nasdaq: LGBT), the leading media and entertainment company exclusively serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, today announced that it has signed an historic agreement with Cunard Line to charter the award-winning Queen Mary 2 (QM2), the largest ocean liner in the world, for an all-gay and lesbian transatlantic crossing.

Scheduled for a May 29, 2007 departure, gay and lesbian travelers will board the QM2 in New York City and sail to Southampton, England, enjoying events in both New York City before the cruise and London after their transatlantic voyage. The QM2's world-class accommodations will set the stage for entertainment, parties, activities and speakers specifically tailored to the LGBT community.

With 1,296 suites and staterooms, the QM2 offers different degrees of style and comfort for travelers who expect sophisticated adventures. Some guests will spend most of their time using the ship's extensive athletic facilities, others will love the Canyon Ranch spa, the full-scale planetarium, or the 500-seat lecture hall.

RSVP, recognized as one of the foremost presenters of gay and lesbian travel events, was also the first to offer full ship charters in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Northern Europe for the LGBT community.

"Now that RSVP is part of the family of leading brands at PlanetOut Inc., we can bring together our collective resources to offer gays and lesbians the amazing travel packages we've always offered, but now with even more robust itineraries and the ability to reach out to a much broader audience by leveraging the reach of PlanetOut's media brands," said Paul Figlmiller, president, RSVP Productions, Inc.

RSVP's business model as a value-added travel specialist specifically tailored to gays and lesbians, includes land tours in Ireland, Thailand, Peru, and a resort in French Polynesia. The company also offers tour and riverboat vacations between Prague and Budapest, and small ship cruise vacations on the luxurious Royal Clipper, the world's largest true sailing ship hosting 218 passengers. In addition to this QM2 transatlantic crossing, RSVP plans to offer other large cruise ship itineraries for 2006 and 2007, including the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Alaska.

"RSVP is a strong, versatile and trusted LGBT travel brand and we're very excited about the QM2 and the historic nature of this charter," said Jeff Soukup, executive vice president and chief operating officer, PlanetOut Inc. "Paul Figlmiller and the entire RSVP team have always been pioneers in the gay and lesbian travel business and their passion and knowledge really shines through with large events like this one. The QM2 charter is a perfect example of PlanetOut's strategy of building a diversified media and entertainment company by leveraging our online reach and multiple marketing platforms to offer our customers a suite of compelling products and services."

About RSVP Productions, Inc.

Established in 1985, RSVP was the originator of the gay and lesbian cruise concept, and offers distinctive travel packages designed for gay and lesbian travelers. More than 80,000 men and women have participated in RSVP's big and small ship cruises, riverboat cruises, land tours, and resort vacations. Planned destinations in 2006 include the Caribbean, Central America, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, French Polynesia, Peru and Thailand. RSVP is headquartered in Minneapolis and is marketed through travel agencies dedicated to the gay and lesbian community as well as through direct sales. For more information, please visit www.RSVPvacations.com.

About PlanetOut Inc.

PlanetOut Inc. is the leading global media and entertainment company exclusively serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. PlanetOut's brands include Gay.com, PlanetOut.com, Kleptomaniac.com, and OUT&ABOUT Travel, as well as localized versions of the Gay.com site, in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. PlanetOut brands also include The Advocate (www.advocate.com); Out (www.out.com); The Out Traveler (www.outtraveler.com); and, HIVPlus (www.hivplusmag.com), as well as other publishing, direct marketing and e-commerce properties, including Alyson Publications, SpecPub, Inc. and Triangle Marketing Services. Additionally, PlanetOut's newest brand is recently acquired travel and events marketer RSVP Vacations. PlanetOut, based in San Francisco with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, London and Buenos Aires, offers FORTUNE 1000 and Global 500 advertisers access to what it believes to be the most extensive network of gay and lesbian people in the world. For more information, please visit www.planetoutinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding RSVP's anticipated itineraries, as well as statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," and similar words. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the company's limited operating history and variability of operating results; the company's ability to attract and retain subscribers and advertisers; RSVP's ability to successfully book the transatlantic cruise on the QM2 and other cruises; the company's ability to integrate the acquired assets of RSVP; competition; timing of product launches; and the company's dependence on technology infrastructure and the Internet. Additional information concerning factors that could affect PlanetOut's future business and financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and other public filings filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Michael Barclay
Dan Klores Communications
386 Park Ave South
New York, NY 10016
P: 212 981 XXXX
F: 212 981 XXXX
C:914 643 XXXX

Earlier: CNN: God Save Our Flamboyant Queens

Our Readers Are Cooler Than We Are

Jesse — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:52:20 EDT

We spent our Sunday recuperating from a hangover, ordering in some bacon and eggs, and catching up on TiVo'd TV. A reader meantime, spent three hours on a JetBlue plane next to Anderson Cooper. Cathy, to whom the above boarding pass is inscribed, is our current hero. (Our beloved Anderson, on the other hand, needs a course in penmanship.)

Helicopters Are the New Cabs

Jessica — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:10:15 EST

Tired of schlepping to the airport via plebby mass transit or, worse, a cab that smells like chicken fried ass? Starting March 27th, US Helicopter will be offering service from Manhattan to JFK, LGA, and Newark. The commute takes a lovely 8 minutes, and you're screened by TSA lackeys before you board — which means you don't have to take off your shoes with a bunch of strangers.

Great, fancypants, but how much does it cost? A mere $139 each way. And while that's not exactly cheap for a ride to the airport, it's pretty decent for a ride in a helicopter. Good news for everyman, but bad news for the shiny folk. Now that the commoners can hitch a ride, the celebrity copter-hop to loses most of its lustre. How ever will society get to the Hamptons now?!

Your Helicopter Is Waiting [Cool Hunting]

GoTrump: For the Self-Loathing Traveler in Us All

Jessica — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 12:55:50 EST

Haven't we all had more than our fair share of Donald Trump? When he's not building something, he's firing someone; when he's not firing someone, he's suing somebody. Sure, he's great as an icon of bad hair and abstract wealth — but that can only support our Trump tolerance for so long. There's no need for Trump University, or Trump Cologne, and certainly no one wants a part of his latest venture, online travel search engine GoTrump. Maybe it's just us, but when we're planning our vacation, we'd rather not be anywhere near his creepy mug.

Trump: You're Fliered [OAN]

Look Out Old Kruci Is Back

Jesse — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 14:45:10 EST

It's been far, far too long since this familiar manifestation of naggery has appeared in the lower-right of our screen:

Yes, folks, he's back.

And we hear he can get you a great deal — such a bargain! just for you! — on that camera you've been looking for. (Now, the extended warranty you're gonna want, yes? Yes. Good.)

Welcome home, trusty mascot.

Earlier: Gawker's Coverage of Andrew Krucoff
Related (if only moderately accurate): Gawker Frums Out [Jewish Week]

Today in Judy: Where in the World Is Judith Miller?

Jesse — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:35:15 EST

Feeling like it's been too long since you last heard outraged self-justifications from Miss Once Ran Amok? We certainly feel that way. And so we've been wondering how she possibly let a whole week or so pass without a disastrous appearance on a television of radio show.

Thanks to Travel Agent, the newsweekly of the travel industry, we now have an answer:

Judith Miller, the former New York Times reporter jailed for refusing to divulge sources to a U.S. federal grand jury, is now sailing onboard Silversea Cruises, as a guest lecturer, part of the line's "Written Word" enrichment program. Miller is onboard the Silver Wind this week on a voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Valparaiso, Chile. Miller is lecturing on a federal shield law to protect journalists and the U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

Well, she did insist she'd spend her time advocating for a shield law. We just never realized her target audience would be retirees on vacation.

The cruise must have been her husband's idea.

Judith Miller to Lecture on Silversea [Travel Agent]

Is This the Little Krucoff We Carried? Is This the Little Krucoff at Play?

Jesse — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 12:54:16 EST

He can't hold down a job and he can barely hold together his everyday life. Yet, it's somehow not at all surprising that within three weeks of arriving in Jerusalem with no previous Hebrew training or Jewish education, beloved mascot Andrew Krucoff has not only decided he's ready for a belated bar mitzvah but has also managed to find a group of people — bloggers, natch — to coordinate it and enticed pervy Dov Charney of American Apparel to sponsor it.

Given that the service is at the Western Wall at 8 o'clock Thursday morning, and given the ten-hour flight to Tel Aviv, the time change, El Al's lengthy security check-in procedures, and the fact we haven't even started to pick out outfits, let alone pack, we figure our only chance to make it would be to catch the 11:50 out of JFK tonight, which would get us to Ben Gurion tomorrow afternoon and give us time to get over to Jerusalem, shluff a bit, and still make Krucoff's ~~maftir~~Torah portion. (Apparently there's no maftir at a non-Shabbat BM. We had no idea, having never been to one.)

We also figure booking a flight to Tel Aviv a mere 12 hours in advance is the surest way to get ourselves on a terrorist watch list. So we're afraid we're going to have to pass. (Also, we have dinner plans tonight.)

Still: Mazel tov, Kruc.

Now someone please send pictures.

Agora for Your Thoughts [Young Israelite]
Andrew Krucoff Bar Mitzvah Invite [Jewlicious]

New Airport Rules! Yay! No? Boo!

Jesse — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 12:17:40 EST

Oh, for fuck's sake. Who thinks it wasn't a good idea to ban scissors and tools? All we want to do is not have to go barefoot in LaGuardia. Is that really too much to ask?

Stupid government.

Scissors in Your Carry-On? Welcome Aboard [NYT]

Why in the World Is There a Matt Lauer?

Jessica — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 08:52:36 EST

We realize we're going nowhere new here, but after four days of watching the Today show's Where in the World is Matt Lauer campaign, we can honestly say that the segment is, without question, the stupidest fucking waste of money and energy we've seen in at least two days (and we actually like Lauer, too). As if the banefully catchy jingle (Where in the world is [beat] Matt Lauer?!) weren't eye-rollingly intolerable enough, starting your day by watching Lauer show the Austrian and Chinese trinkets he's bringing back to his co-hosts just might incite violence.

Here's a thought: If you're going to spend all this cash shooting Lauer off to far-flung locales, why not pick some that are relevant? We'd love to see the Parisian "cocktails" he'd find for Katie and Al.

Where in the World Is Matt Lauer? [Today]

Taradise: Sorry I Burned Down the Restaurant, Mom!

Jessica — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 17:15:10 EDT

A moment from the series finale of Tara Reid's Taradise, presented without comment.

Taradise: Tara 'Tards [Gridskipper]

Tara Reid Loves the State Department

Jessica — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 12:37:59 EDT

A correspondent sends the following image, captured in the wilds of 108th and Broadway:

In defense of this otherwise sad choice of advertising, some folks might actually consider Taradise to be a travel show.

Related: Taradise [Gridskipper]

Gottenyu! DOT Declares Markowitz's Meshugge Signage Kosher

Jesse — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 17:00:29 EDT

Not that anyone who knows anything about Brooklyn politics would have bet against this hondler, but, almost two years after Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz first proposed the idea, he's finally getting his way. The city's Department of Transportation two weeks ago approved a sign now posted on the Williamsburg Bridge, directed at Manhattan-bound drivers: "Leaving Brooklyn; Oy Vey!"

The Borscht Belt shtick is charming, of course. But we can also think of better uses for our tax dollars. So let's just count our blessings that LaGuardia and Kennedy are in Queens. Otherwise, it'd just be a matter of time until "And Boy Are My Arms Tired" billboards.

Thanks. We'll be here all week.

'Oy Vey' Traffic Sign Goes Up in Brooklyn [Newsday]

There's a Media Angle to Everything

Jesse — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 10:48:22 EDT

We here at Gawker cover New York City, and we cover media. So you'd think we'd have nothing to say about a story in today's Times recounting the tale of a JetBlue flight that took off from the Burbank airport, in Los Angeles, discovered a problem with its landing gear, circled for several hours, and then quasi-crash landed at LAX. But you'd be wrong. Because, naturally, there's a New York media angle to the story, buried at the end:

A passenger on the JetBlue flight, Alexandra Jacobs, said the most difficult part was knowing that her husband and parents might be watching the drama on live television, as she was. She is six months pregnant. "My first thought was for my husband," who met her at the airport in Los Angeles, she said. "I was thinking, 'You're going to lose your baby and me.'"

Ms. Jacobs, an editor for The New York Observer who lives in Los Angeles because her husband is a television writer, described the landing as "an out-of-body experience."

Join us tomorrow when we attempt to find a New York media angle to the weekend's train derailment in Chicago.

Plane Lands Safely in Chicago After Landing Gear Becomes Stuck [NYT]

Where in the World is Johnny Apple?

Jesse — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 09:59:08 EDT

R.W. Apple Jr.'s here's-what-I-ate-for-a-week Dining In/Dining Out datelines from the summer of 2005:

June 22: Satara, South Africa
July 6: Washington, D.C.
July 20: Walla Walla, Washington
August 17: La Trinit -sur-Mer, France
August 31: Santa Barbara, California
September 14: Sydney, Australia

It's hard work being a newspaper reporter.

Sydney's Chefs Settle Down But Still Shine [NYT]

Something Special in the Air

Jesse — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 16:01:34 EDT

Prepare for a glaring lack of Paul Smith stripes at any and all media parties you'll attend in the next few months: Greg Lindsay has left town. Everyone's favorite itinerant media reporter yesterday became even more so, embarking on a three-week trip through what he's termed "Airworld" on assignment for Advertising Age magazine.

He'll travel the world, exploring this "closed system of terminals and shuttling aircraft," which, he says "is its own vast media and retail ecosystem ... [and] one of the largest coherent stand-alone marketing venues on earth."

The whole thing, we have to say, sounds interesting. It also seems punishing, largely because he won't be leaving Airworld at all. Which means we need to update the Greg Lindsay Career Trajectory. As it now stands:

Staff, Inside.com
Contributing Editor, Folio
Staff, Women's Wear Daily
Freelance, Mediabistro
Freelance, Business 2.0
Freelance, Gridskipper
Freelance, Lindsayism
Sleeping in airports for three weeks, Ad Age

A Marketing Reporter's Journey Into Airworld [Ad Age]
Airworld Part 2: The JetBlue Experience"> [Ad Age]
Earlier:The Life of a Media Reporter: Greg Lindsay's Career Trajectory

Of Course This Would Be the One Thing They Do Well

Jesse — Mon, 22 Aug 2005 08:44:34 EDT

If true, going on strike is the first thing — not getting you where you're supposed to go when you're supposed to get there, not getting your suitcase there, too — Northwest has ever had a good plan for. Swell.

Well-Laid Plan Keeps Northwest Flying in Strike [NYT]

Oh. My. God.

Jessica — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 08:20:42 EDT

This ad was conveniently located in the Times' Washington section.
You know what? We're not even going to "snark" on this one. Instead, we're going to earnestly ask what the fuck is going on? Have we awoken this morning only to find ourselves in the 8th dimension, where the venerable New York Times has finally donned its Bonnie Fuller costume and is currently rushing Janice Min's sorority?

NYT