Youve Been Reviewed

Tennessee driving trails and scenic byways

2012-02-17T07:33:00.000-05:00

Tennessee travelers are fortunate to have tons of driving trails and scenic byways for that special road trip. These are perfect for getaways that are 'off the beaten path'. Some byways, like the Cherhola Skyway and the East Tennessee Crossing have been around for awhile and are well known.

Newer driving trails include the White Lighting and Sunnyside trails in East Tennessee. These commemorate the sunny side of life in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg plus a few other towns and counties.

The White Lightning trail begins in Knoxville and goes into Cumberland Gap, Newport and several spots along the way. It also goes past the Shady Grove Meadery in Norris.

The Tanasi driving trail begins in Chattanooga and takes travelers through many Cherokee sites of interest. It goes through several counties in the southeastern portion of the state.

Driving along the Tennessee Heritage Trail introduces travelers to some of our state history. Other driving trails take visitors along the Walking Tall Trail, Natchez Trace and other parts of our state.

A full list of driving trails is on the website for the Tn Trails and Byways. Each one is clearly marked. Look for the signs that show the mockingbird above the highway signs. Other markers include signs that read 'Sunnyside', 'White Lighting' (as pictured) and others.

Many of the trails are a short day trip from most of the major cities in the state. Find out more about them by clicking the links above. They allow visitors the chance to become familiar with some of the lesser known areas that are packed with culture, heritage and road trip experiences to last a lifetime.

Here are a few additional articles that you may enjoy:

Veterans' Monument in Historic Elizabethton, TN
My favorite 15 places to visit in Tennessee

You need a Disney travel agent; Here are three reasons why

2012-02-16T07:30:00.003-05:00

I love getting questions from my blog readers so please keep them coming! Yesterday, I was asked if you need a Disney travel agent. In my opinion, the answer is yes. The AAA agent that we use has been invaluable. Here are three reasons why you need a Disney travel agent.

Get your questions answered.

Booking the vacation can be confusing. You may find that you have more questions than you can get answered. Can you find cheap Disney packages? Should you stay on the property? How do you get a refrigerator? You need a Disney travel agent so you can get those answers.

Insight

Our Disney travel agent gave us tips that made the vacation even more fun. She was able to tell us about Wishes in the Magic Kingdom and gave us lots of information. Without her, we would never have known about the 'magical' anniversary buttons.

Someone to call, if something goes wrong

You need a Disney travel agent in case something goes wrong. We found out how helpful a Disney travel agent could be when it looked like illness would force us home early from vacation. A lot of money went into booking the vacation and we didn't want to lose it. I called our travel agent and asked what to do if that happened.

When I called our Disney travel agent she said not to worry. If we had to leave she was willing to rebook the vacation based on dates that I gave her. She also said that she would take care of making reservations for the trip home and would help us file with the trip insurance.

So yes, you do need a Disney travel agent. It doesn't cost anything and they can be a huge help. Ours gave us peace of mind so we could be unchaperoned adults at the Magic Kingdom.

More...
How to survive Walt Disney World with whiny teens
Why we went to Walt Disney World without the kids

Restaurant Week in Knoxville; Questions answered

2012-02-15T07:39:00.001-05:00

I've gotten a few questions about my experience with Restaurant Week in Knoxville last year. Let me try to address some of them here. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to shoot me an email at youvebeenreviewed@gmail.com.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Knoxville.
Isn't it pretty?

Reservations

Most of the questions seem to center around the need for reservations. The restaurants that we visited strongly suggested reserving a table in advance.

We went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and The Melting Pot and I would say that advance arrangements for a table are absolutely the way to go. OpenTable is an online reservation system that many eateries use. Otherwise, you need to phone the restaurant directly.

How busy was it?
We opted for roughly the same time of day for both restaurants. This was in hopes that going at an off-peak time would give us time to enjoy dinner before the rush. The plan worked. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse was the slower of the two restaurants that we tried. However; I would say that business was brisk by the time we left. The Melting Pot was very busy at the time we arrived and later.

Peak versus off-peak

Definitely try to book for off-peak. I firmly believe that it's the way to go.

Is the menu worth the price?
I would say that the menu is worth the cost for the restaurants that we tried. Each business is different so I have no way to compare any place except the two that we tried.

Would you do it again?
Absolutely! I'm trying to figure out where to go. There are so many good choices. Hubby and I have been able to whittle the list down to about 30 or so places to try.

It supports charity.

No one has asked me about it yet but I want to remind everyone anyway. At least $5 of every meal is donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank. The work they do includes Knoxville and 18 counties in all. Supporting them is a no-brainer.

If you can't help during Knoxville Restaurant Week (which also helps bring tourism dollars to our area and promote jobs) then maybe you can make a small online donation. As Knoxville Restaurant Week demonstrates, even $5 is enough to make a big difference.

Valentine's Day love is in the air almost everywhere

2012-02-14T11:49:00.042-05:00

Valentine's Day gets more fun every year. I swear that love floated on the breeze at some points during the day. Part of what makes the day fun is all the little things that restaruants are doing. Restaurants and florists usually always offer specials but it seems like everyone is trying to pull business in this year.

I just got a text that Sonic is getting in on the action. If you have subscribed to their text messaging service then you probably received a bogo offer for a milkshake. Dunkin Donuts is offering heart shaped confections today and I received and unconfirmed report that at least one Bojangles was serving up heart shaped biscuits. Plus, other restaurants and florists were also offering specials.

Qdoba had the most unique promotion that I've heard yet. Customers who bring in someone to kiss at the cash register can get BOGO on certain items. Newlyweds should take note. You may have to exercise self-control at the register. The promotion says one kiss will do it.

Even the counter at my doctor's office was lined with flowers. I think that these offers are sweet and fun. However, most seven year olds will disagree. I swear I heard at least one kid proclaim 'cooties' as he fled out the door.

Oh well, I'm not seven so I can sit back and enjoy the fun. Valentine's Day is but once a year but true love is year round. But still, it's nice to have an especially romantic day even if it is just once a year.

Have a happy day!

Two cool ways to ask a girl to prom

2012-02-13T07:10:00.005-05:00

Prom season means fun, beautiful clothing and a wonderful date. First, you have to ask the right person to go with you and then you have to ask. For a lot of guys that means finding the right way to ask a girl to the prom. It's an intense time and there can be a lot of pressure to do it right. Here are a couple of cool ways that you can ask a girl to prom.

Asphalt

You can take a page out of one guy's book and write the prom invitation on asphalt. This guy bought some sidewalk chalk and left the message in the parking lot of where his potential date was employed. He went to a lot of trouble to draw arrows to her car. Then, he wrote the question to ask her to the prom in huge letters. It was a cute idea that won her heart. Just be sure to be sure that it is okay with her boss first.

Flowers

There isn't a girl anywhere that wouldn't love a bouquet of flowers. Pick up a bouquet and tie a note to them. Leave them on her doorstep when you know that she is home. Then, call her and ask her to come to the door. She will get the flowers and your note. Who could resist that? It's a cool way to ask a girl to prom and make her feel extra special at the same time.

To complete the prom experience all you need is a tuxedo (or suit), corsage and that perfect romantic restaurant. Here's wishing you and your girl lots of fun on your magical night.

Knoxville restaurant week returns for 2012

2012-02-12T07:38:00.002-05:00

Knoxville Restaurant Week is back for a second year. From February 26- March 2, 2012, diners can choose from a select menu at some of the top restaurants in Knoxville. The menus offer three course meals for a fixed price of either $25 or $35 per person.

Hubby and I tried a couple of places during Knoxville Restaurant Week last year. I'm not sure that I would have gotten around to trying the Melting Pot if it had not been for their participation. It's one of those places that we talked about trying for a special occasion. We just hadn't made time for it yet.

Restaurant week was the incentive we needed to go. It is a very different type of dining experience and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I'm happy to say that the Melting Pot is on my list of places that demands a return visit.

All we had to do was:
1. Choose the restaurant
2. Make reservations for Knoxville restaurant week
3. Arrive and choose from the fixed price menu
4. Relax and enjoy

This year, Hubby and I have decided to forgo our usual Valentine's Day dinner. We're going to put those dollars toward trying one of the places on the list. Not only do we get more bang for the buck but our purchase benefits charity.

During Knoxville Restaurant Week, $5 from every meal purchased goes to benefit the Second Harvest Food bank. Funding for all charities almost dried up when the economy tanked. Even though things are better, I'm pretty sure that the Second Harvest Food Bank can use the money.

There are so many tempting choices! We haven't decided which eatery to try yet but I'll post a review of our experience after the visit. The list for Knoxville Restaurant Week is online. Are you going to participate? If so, which one are you thinking about and why? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.

Why The Grey movie has me wishing for a refund

2012-02-10T22:37:00.000-05:00

This movie review may hit some people the wrong way. On the other hand, some of you've been through the movie The Grey and know exactly what I'm talking about. Normally, I enjoy Liam Neesen films and have reviewed a few of them. The Grey caught my attention for several reasons.

The premise is that The Grey movie is set in Alaska. Passengers aboard a downed plane are left to fend for themselves in the cold Alaska wilderness. The rag-tag group of remaining oil rig workers is led by Ottway (Liam Neesen) in their fierce struggle to survive the elements, and each other.

I had high hopes for the film. The reviews looked good and the trailers seemed promising. Unfortunately, those hopes crashed and burned in the first few minutes of the movie along with most of the aircraft passengers. The Grey goes against the realities of Alaska, the people who live there and the behavior of wolf packs. Overall, I felt that the movie came across as gory and contrived rather than believable.

To say more about The Grey would be to give away spoilers (which I don't want do in this review). Let me suggest that this movie isn't one that you can relax and enjoy watching. For me, it's 2 hours of my life that I will never get back and I'd really like to have that refund.

Megabus announces Knoxville to Nashville and Memphis route

2012-02-06T19:22:00.002-05:00

There is more good news in the travel transportation category. Megabus just announced their new Knoxville to Nashville and on to Memphis route. Many riders are familiar with the service to Christiansburg, VA and on to Washington, D.C.

Megabus at Union Station in Washington, D.C.

I've blogged about my experiences with Megabus before here on You've Been Reviewed.

My journeys have been largely successful and the new route definitely has my interest. After seeing the online route map, the routes to Atlanta, Orlando and other cities in the southeast also have my interest.

Megabus uses social media sites, blogs and other online means as a way to gauge potential interest in new routes. The company heard the buzz from people who were interested and responded by opening several new routes including the Knoxville / Nashville / Memphis route.

One of the best things about Megabus is the low cost. Some seats on every route are as low as $1.

As with airlines, riders have the best chance of getting the low cost tickets by booking early. WI-FI, on board bathrooms and electrical outlets help add value to the bus trip. Business travelers can ride with little down time, students and young people can stay attached to their virtual friends.

It is important that riders understand that the WI-FI perks may not work. Parents on Megabus may need to plan ahead. A few snacks and games for kids always make a road trip go by faster.

Megabus says that they will try to offer these services but do not guarantee them. Terrain, the number of users and other factors can negatively impact the quality and availability of the signal and electricity. Refunds won't be given if these services are not working. However; for seats as cheap as these are, I'm willing to take the risk.

I-40 westbound reopened Sunday

2012-02-05T07:33:00.004-05:00

Update: Tennessee 511 is reporting that one lane of I-40 Westbound in Cocke County, Tennessee is now open. The affected part of the interestate is between mile marker 450 and mile marker 451. Motorists should expect slowdowns and potentially lengthy delays until the rock slide is fully cleared.

A second rock slide developed on the North Carolina side of I-40 Westbound on Friday. NCDOT 511 is reporting that all lanes effected by the rock slide are now open.

Earlier story below ................

Officials have been hard at work to reopen I-40 westbound in Cocke County, Tennessee. WATE is reporting that one lane of the roadway may be open as early as 2:00 pm today. The rock slide that closed this portion of I-40 happened just under a week ago.

On Friday, another rock slide struck on the North Carolina side of I-40 westbound. This section of the interstate was already closed. Officials there hope to have the roadway open by Sunday evening. Traffic has continued to flow normally on the unaffected eastbound side.

Weather conditions can potentially slow down efforts to reopen the interstate. Drivers can call 511 twenty-four hours a day for updates on road conditions throughout the state.

Tennessee 511 system can be followed on Twitter for some parts of the state. The TDOT SmartWay Mobile is also available. It is free and nothing has to be downloaded. Visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/tdotsmartway/default.htm.

These articles on Tennessee byways may be of interest for future trips

Knoxville one-tank trips

A few national scenic byways in Tennessee

Links for 2012-02-03 [Digg]

2012-02-04T00:00:00-08:00

Avg vs. Avira Antivirus: Review & Coupon Code
Avg anitivirus and avira both are good demanded antivirus now but which one is better is good to know and also about viruses and antivirus, today its very important to find good antivirus for computer protection and good software for that. Today virus became a big evils for computer.

Logans Roadhouse in Cleveland, TN; Youve Been Reviewed

2012-02-03T07:27:00.000-05:00

Hubby and I rarely have time off together. Our fun date lunch at the Logan's Roadhouse in Cleveland, Tennessee; was just what we needed to escape. (Or more accurately, he escaped while I wrote this post for You've Been Reviewed.)

Logan's Roadhouse interior

Logan's Roadhouse is the kind of steakhouse that I like. You can dress anyway you want as long as it is casual or business casual.

Country music or light rock blares from the jukebox. The hardwood tables and seats are just right for you to sit back and relax.

Small buckets of peanuts are on the table. Peel them apart and throw the hulls on the floor at Logan's Roadhouse. Mama's not looking. If she is, then she's probably throwing the husks on the floor too so don't worry about it.

I was on the phone when we were seated at Logan's Roadhouse. Hubby ordered iced teas and an appetizer. He passed on returning my favor from Uncle Buck's Grill in Kodak. Drinks, peanuts and buttery homemade rolls hit the table as I slid into the booth. The mushrooms arrived just as we finished ordering.

Dating makes you want to splurge so we did. Hubby ordered the chopped steak with homemade chips and sauteed mushrooms.
My meal was a small sirloin, baked potato and grilled mushrooms. My steak was undercooked on our previous visit and almost charcoal after the re-cook. I was a little concerned about history repeating itself and spoke with the server before ordering. He promised that this steak at Logan's Roadhouse would be good and he proved to be a man of his word. It was on the red side of pink but very juicy and savory.

I ordered the plain baked potato over the jazzed up variety. It tasted okay but had that mild rubbery texture that comes from sitting a little too long. However, if the potato was lacking the skewer of grilled mushrooms made up for it.

Logan's Roadhouse has outdone themselves with this side item. These were the best part of the meal. The 'shrooms picked up enough of the chargrilled flavor to taste good but weren't on the grill long enough to dry out. The hardy smoked flavor worked well. This is going to be a repeat side dish for me.

Hubby enjoyed his meal as much as I did mine. His chopped steak was hidden beneath a pile of sauteed onions. The homemade chips looked good but the mushrooms were mixed with onions. He said it was good so we'll take his word for it.

Lunch at Logan's Roadhouse cost about $35. We planned to use a $5 coupon but it was forgotten when it time to settle up. That's not all bad. I now have an excuse to schedule another date sometime soon.

More on You've Been Reviewed
Agean Mediterran Grill: Good lunch-great price
Boma at Walt Disney World

Wedding planning and honeymoon

2012-02-02T18:39:00.000-05:00

Wedding planning is still going on in full force. I never knew that anything could be so much fun and be so intense at the same time. The kids have nailed down a venue, caterer, wedding cake designer and D.J. The gown and bridesmaids dresses are in the fitting process. Flowers are decided upon. We have the location of the bridesmaids luncheon selected and booked. I'm picking up decorating items and ideas from everywhere.

It may sound like much of the work is complete but we still have a long way to go. The honeymoon is the next big hurdle. I've written about some of the possible locations before. My daughter and her fiance are not taking anything off of the table and are looking at all options.

Finding the best travel deal is at the top of their necessity list. Like every engaged couple, my daughter and future son-in-law want to have that perfect honeymoon. They want an experience that will top all of the other experiences in their lifetimes. And like every other engaged couple, my daughter and fiance are being smacked in the head by reality.

The kids are both scouring the internet to see what kinds of deals and promos that they can find. Both of them are looking at destinations, rental cars and attractions. Southwest Airlines promotional codes are especially good because the airline flies to so many different cities.

In fact, Southwest Airlines have carried more passengers than any other United States airline since 2006. A track record like this one is reassuring to anyone who is planning a honeymoon. Such a high number of travelers may indicate a good level of customer service. (We all know how rare it is to have good customer service these days!)

The disappointing part about the airline is that it does not fly into Knoxville. My daughter will have to either fly or drive from here to Atlanta. Depending on where they decide to go, the extra time spent traveling will shorten the length of the honeymoon. The extra travel will definitely make any Southwest Airlines promotional codes even more important.

Honeymoon destinations that have been discussed include both international and domestic possibilities. Nashville is an international airport and the new Megabus route can help them arrive at the airport for less money than they can drive it.

The honeymoon isn't the responsibility of the bride's parents but that doesn't lessen our excitement or stress. Our responsibility is the trousseau and helping her make selections. Compared to the shopping, then it could well that the honeymoon decisions are the easiest. We'll see.

Peace Pole Project

2012-02-02T07:31:00.000-05:00

This Peace Pole caught my eye and stirred my curiosity when we were in Manassas, Virginia. The pole seems to be appropriate for an area that was fraught with so much conflict. Planting a pole is a way for communities to connect with one another and spread the message of piece. They are found in front of municipal buildings, in parks, gardens or even indoors.

Peace Pole in Virginia

Each one of the markers is multi-sided . The words 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' is on each of the side and each is done in a different language.

The poles are increasingly popular and can be placed in just about every setting.

Peace Project.org says that so many poles have been planted globally that they lost count. Globally, the estimate is that roughly 200,000 have been placed so far.

Peace Pole in
Manassas, Virginia.

If you know of the location of a pole be sure to let us know. Please leave a message in the comment section below. I would like to be on the lookout for them on my journeys and post the photos here.

From street crimes to war, it's nice to be reminded that most of us simply want to live in harmony with one another. The message behind the Peace Poles is one that all of us can share.

Appalachian Trail 3 great blogs

2012-02-01T07:53:00.019-05:00

Blogs have caught my attention ever since I stood on the Appalachian Trail. You don't have to hike forever to enjoy this footpath. There are numerous trailheads that are close the to the road. All you have to do is park, walk and enjoy.

A handful of people will hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail like these three people did and keep blogs of their adventure. These hardy souls are called 'through hikers'.

It takes months to follow the Appalachian Trail through from end to end and almost the same amount of time to gather supplies for the outdoors. Hiking gear, camping supplies and sleeping bags have to be purchased that will last for the entire trip.

Most of the rest of us will enjoy the Appalachian Trail for much shorter periods and will need less in the way of outdoor equipment. Day hikes, afternoon hikes and short walks are all refreshing. Most require hiking boots or a sturdy pair of shoes, a bottle or two of water and a tube of bug-repellent sunscreen.

Here are a couple of blogs about the Appalachian Trail that you might find interesting.
WhiteBlaze.net
Advice, stories and photos are the name of the game at this forum. It is a good place to learn and absorb information. The fellow hikers all seem to be friendly and eager to help each other.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
No blog guide is complete without this one. From facts to history and terrain maps this is the first place to look for information.

These three blogs tell their own story about life on the hike. When reading the blogs, it is easy to see how each person who writes is changed by the trail in some way. I think that each one of the blogs are worth a look for different reasons. If you decide to hike the AT have fun and be safe. Bloggers are welcome to leave a comment below and link to the blogs that tell your stories.

More articles:
An unusual spring break idea
Iron mountain trail signs
Big South Fork National Park

Email blogging for the first time

2012-01-31T22:43:00.002-05:00

this is my first attempt at email blogging from my new smart phone.
Mayce it will be ok after I figure out all the fancy buttons. I asked
a friend what it means if you can't put the back on your new smart
phone after you charge the battery. I can share her answer when she
stops laughing tomorrow. One thing that has me completely befuddled is
how to take a photo with it. I guess there are reasons for manuals to
exist. Now may be my time to read one. Heck, maybe it will even tell
me how to make paragraphs in email blog posts. If so, I guess I had
better get to reading.
--
Read my work on the Yahoo ContributorNetwork, Factoidz and Youve Been Reviewed. Follow me on Twitter @gaylecrabtree for all the latest updates.

2012-01-31T13:05:00.001-05:00

This is a test to see if my new phone will play nice when blogging. Please disregard. Thanks.

Mardi Growl photos, dog friendly event set for 2012

2012-01-31T08:21:00.002-05:00

Mardi Growl in Knoxville, Tennessee is set for March 3, 2012. The event runs from 11 AM - 2 PM on Market Square Mall. If you have a dog and haven't been to Mardi Growl this may be the year to go.

My daughter, Tomlin and I attended last year. We met my daughter's future husband in the free parking in the State Street Garage before walking over to Mardi Growl. Knoxville may have gone to the dogs but we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

There was a parade of of pooches and each one was smartly dressed in Mardi Gras splendor. We didn't participate but I couldn't help but appreciate those who did. Purple, green and gold was everywhere!

Mardi Growl in Knoxville also has a serious side. Microchipping was available for $10. You can see in the photos that Tomlin (our dog) was not appreciative. In the end, he tolerated things okay and the microchipping was done. Impressively, it took the tech less than a second to place the microchip. Having help from future son-in-law and my other daughter went a long way toward holding him still.

Is your pet vaccinated against rabies? If not, Mardi Growl offers another huge bargain. This simple shot goes a long way to protecting everyone against the disease. Rabies vaccinations are also only $10. It's a offer that you can't refuse.

Pet products and samples are also available. There were a variety of booths with all of doggone good things. Tomlin picked up a pet treat here and there. I was able to pick information. We all stopped by Rita's Water Ice before we headed for home.

Mardi Growl is held rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Young-Williams Animal Shelter. Find out more about the event at www.young-williams.org. Don't forget. If you see me be sure to say hello. I'll be visiting the event again this year.

See more articles:
Mardi Growl; A howling good time
Things to consider before getting a service dog
Pet-friendly Victor Ashe Park

Memories of visiting the TVA Melton Hill Dam

2012-01-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

The TVA Melton Hill Dam has always been a fun place for me to go. I have fond memories of going fishing there with my grandfather. Whether we caught anything was always secondary to spending time with him. Let it rain if it would. When we'd gather up the tackle boxes, fishing poles and head to the dam it was always a good day.

Judging from my last visit to Melton Hill Dam there were other people who felt the same way. The huge 103 ft structure creates a reservoir that draws people from all over East Tennessee. Families, couples and individuals were all out enjoying the weather.

With over 130 miles of shoreline the reservoir offers more than fishing. It has one of the most popular rowing courses in the area. There are two boat ramps, year round camping and trails.

If you are looking for a place to get outdoors this weekend the TVA Melton Hill Dam may be the place to be. Be sure to say hello if you see me there

More:
Indian Boundary Campground on the Cherohala
Carver's Gap in the Pisgah National Forest

Yankee Jim Canyon in Yellowstone National Park

2012-01-29T22:54:00.001-05:00

Yankee Jim Canyon is said to contain some of the best whitewater rapids in Yellowstone National Park. The section from Gardiner to Yankee Jim is popular for fishing. I'm told that the trout fishing here is excellent.

It seems that it has rained on my first visit to every national park that I've visited. This trip was not the exception. The skies opened with full force in early afternoon on our trip to Yellowstone National Park.

See the white spots in the photo? Those are rain drops that were hitting the camera lens.

We didn't get to see much of the Yankee River Canyon but what we saw was incredible. We're hoping for better weather on our next trip.

I'm also hoping to find out why it's a historic site. Searching the net didn't show up much of anything. Here's hoping some of my readers can fill me in. Leave me a message in the comments section please.

Articles with more about Yellowstone National Park.
Thermal photos and information
Beryl Spring

Visiting Yellowstone National Park

45th Parallel in Yellowstone

2012-01-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Between the equator and north pole lies the 45th parallel. Yellowstone National Park is where I took the photo of this sign in 2009. It's near a small nondescript parking lot that is frankly, easy to miss. Without GPS, we were very fortunate to have stumbled across it.

Add caption

For years, the sign was situated in Yellowstone National Park between Gardiner and Mammoth Springs. Prior to 2008 the sign placement was inaccurate. In 2008, it was moved to the current location where I snapped the photo.

The geology of Yellowstone did not allow for the 45th parallel sign to be placed on the exact dot where the 45th parallel intersects on the roadway. However, the National Park Service assures me that it is within 1,200 feet of that spot.

A little looking around is probably all it took to see the exact spot. Even if we didn't it's okay. Being somewhere along the parallel is pretty cool. I don't know about you, but to be within 1,200 feet of where the 45th parallel intersects with the roadway close enough for me to be happy.

More articles about Yellowstone National Park:
Visiting the park
Old Faithful Video
Mammoth Campground

Superzoom product comparison Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm cameras

2012-01-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Superzoom cameras are increasingly popular with consumers. I enjoy my Fujifilm 18x superzoom. It gets the shots and want and delivers almost every time. Recently, I've been hearing about cameras the 24x, 30x and even 35x telephoto capabilities. These really sound intriguing enough to make me consider upgrading.

My travel blogging tools

After taking a careful look at the superzoom cameras below I've decided to keep my Fujifilm – for now. I will be waiting until after my daughter's wedding expenses are covered. After that, who knows? Here are the three of the superzoom cameras that kept my attention and some of the features involved.

First, there are a couple of things that buyers should understand about a superzoom camera before purchasing.

The ones in this comparison offer an optical zoom lens of 24x and higher. A superzoom camera is considered by some to be a good bridge camera. They offer some of the similar features as a more expensive DSLR but have the ease of a point-and-shoot.

The price point helps make the superzoom attractive to buyers. These are well below the cost of a DSLR. They eliminate the need for large bulky camera bags or extra lenses. The relatively compact superzooms make it possible to get that wide angle or distant shot without changing the lens.

Owners give up surprisingly little to get this kind of portable power. A tripod is necessary for shooting clear shots almost anytime the superzoom is extended. The pros that shoot with high-end DSLR cameras use tripods for the same reason. While on board image stabilization goes a long way toward delivering a crisp clear image it generally won't replace the use of a tripod.

Another common complaint against most superzooms is the inability to function consistently in low light conditions.

On the automatic setting, the superzooms can be sluggish or slow to operate in low light. When compared to the crispness of a DSLR, the low light comparison shots on a superzoom can show an increased amount of noise.

The graininess or noise becomes more pronounced when superzoom photos are printed at an 8x10 or larger. However, these same superzoom photos often look fine when viewed on a computer or digital frame. The features, combined with the comparatively low cost, help make the following cameras attractive to buyers.

Fujifilm FinePix S4000 14 MP Digital Camera

Fujinon 30x Super Wide Angle Optical Zoom Lens with 3-Inch LCD

Don't let the cost of this superzoom camera fool you. It holds its own among the three listed here. The camera is both durable and stable.

Easy-to-use Motion Panorama creates streamlined panoramic shots no matter what the skill level is of the photographer.
4 AA batteries (included)
HD Movies
Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Auto focus or manual settings
Priced at less than $300 USD

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera

24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD screen
Packed with a ton of features to deliver quality superzoom shots
25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens
POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
Intelligent resolution technology
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
DMW-BMB9 Lithium-Ion Battery
Expect to pay $400

Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera

35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7 Inch Wide LCD

Canon is quickly gaining in popularity. Here's why:
Superzoom is now available while shooting video
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Shoots 720p HD video with stereo sound
New Zoom Framing Assist button
Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card, HC MMC Plus Card (not included)
Lithium ion batteries required
Just under $500 USD

All prices are based on internet pricing and are accurate as of the date of this writing. The actual price may vary between competing markets or because of other factors.

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Whistler, Vancouver; Olympic class skiing at its best

2012-01-24T18:29:00.002-05:00

When you stand on the slopes of Whistler in Vancouver your heart beats a little quicker. Focus your mind to prepare yourself, take a deep breath and go! You are skiing at the site of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Whistler is tucked away in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada where the powder is plentiful and always fresh. Whistler Ski Resort is not 'just' the Gold Standard in skiing, it is an Olympic standard ski resort.

The Canadians that we met on our route to and from Alaska were always welcoming. Friendly atmosphere is a big part of what makes Whistler ski holidays memorable. World class shopping and world class skiing go hand-in-hand. When you come off the slopes you want to relax and unwind. Whistler has the shops, restaurants and friendly service to help you do just that.

Mountains in British Columbia.

Whistler receives an average snowfall of 33.5 feet. Moderate temperatures make for perfect skiing conditions. Most of the winter months have an average temperature of 22°F.

As you can imagine, the peak season fills quickly. Room reservations are always recommended. When booking your Whistler ski accommodation, don't forget to ask about discount whistler lift tickets.

Purchasing lift tickets in advance makes the holiday more affordable. Having the tickets in advance eliminates the need to stand in line to purchase them. It may even get you to the slopes a few minutes faster.

The mountains are stunningly beautiful and Whistler is right in the middle of the splendor. When my family visited the Coast Mountains we left a part of ourselves behind. Don't be surprised if this happens to you.

Yellowstone National Park Mammoth Campground

2012-01-24T14:22:00.003-05:00

Yellowstone National Park Mammoth Campground is a popular spot close to the Hot Springs Terraces geothermal area. The campground is in a good location. It is only a few miles from the Yellowstone entrance and close to the visitor center.

The proximity to the entrance, visitor center and store help to make this a very popular camping spot.

Mammoth Campground is open all year but reservations are not accepted. Camping spots are strictly available on a first come, first served basis.

Most of the camping spaces are pull-through and the fee is only $14 per night (as of the date of this article) and some sites are accessible. There aren't any electrical hook-ups but generators are allowed from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.

The Mammoth Campground is set against the stunning background of Yellowstone National Park. A prettier place to camp is hard to imagine.

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Loving throw backs

2012-01-24T13:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Olga Quinn

I was looking through the direct tv channel guide and was really excited when I saw a “Beverly Hills:90210” marathon on the SOAP Network. I started watching the show when I was in middle school in the 1990’s and loved it. I watched it into my college years. When I catch reruns it always brings up great feelings of nostalgia. I remember how my friends and I tried to dress like Kelly, Brenda, and Donna. I think that was probably the teen drama that “Gossip Girl” is now. I have to admit, I do watch “Gossip Girl”, but “Beverly Hills: 90210” will still always reign as my all-time favorite show. It is a lot less sexual and scandalous than teen shows are today, but at the time, I remember my parents thinking that it was an inappropriate show for a kid in middle school. Some of the themes were very high school, but I watched everyone and loved them anyway. There is just something about “throwbacks” that always strikes a heartstring and leaves me wanting more and more.

Megabus Orlando, Florida stop has relocated

2012-01-24T07:28:00.004-05:00

The Megabus stop in Orlando, Florida has relocated. The new stop is the EconoLodge Inn and Suites on International Drive. The announcement got my attention because this is a pretty big change from the previous bus stop. I enjoy riding Megabus and Walt Disney World. This stop sounds like an unbeatable combination.

Getting to some of the Orlando attractions from this Megabus stop is now much easier than it was before. The hotel has scheduled shuttle service to Universal Studios.

Plus, scheduled shuttle service is available to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and the Wet n' Wild water park. The cost for this shuttle is only $2.25 per night, per room.

Since Megabus changed the stop, I called the hotel to ask about getting to Walt Disney World. The desk clerk said that a scheduled shuttle runs for $15 per person, round trip. A family of three would pay $45 per day to hit the park. The shuttle to Walt Disney World from the bus stop might not save families much. However, Megabus travelers can leave the car at home without needing it and that helps.

Couples going to Walt Disney World may get find the most benefit on the Megabus to Orlando route. The inexpensive bus tickets, and hotel shuttle can help put a Disney vacation within reach. College students may even enjoy it.

There's more good news about the Megabus stop. The EconoLodge is part of Choice Hotels so the stays may be eligible for Choice Privileges points. Plus, depending on when you travel, packages may be available that can help you save even more money. My article on Where to Find Walt Disney World Packages may give you other ideas.

It looks like this Megabus stop in Orlando is going to work out well for anyone going to the Convention Center. The website for the EconoLodge Inn and Suites says that it is .2 miles from the convention center. This may put the center within walking distance.

As for places to eat, there is a poolside cafe and bar and several restaurants are adjacent to the property. Some Walt Disney World restaurants, like Boma, do not require park admission but do require reservations to be made well in advance.

Megabus to Orlando seems intriguing. I look forward to visiting Walt Disney World after we get my daughter married off in June. This bus route may be my mode of transportation. We'll see.

Here are a couple of Walt Disney World articles that you may enjoy:

Animal Kingdom safari encounters

Facts about Magic Kingdom

My Eye-Fi experience

2012-01-24T01:47:00.002-05:00

I don't like writing this review on the Eye-Fi. It's such a cool sounding gadget. I planned on enjoying it and looked forward to using the product with my Fuji 18X superzoom. The idea behind the Eye-Fi is that you would insert the souped up SD card into the computer and load the software. Then, it would fit into the camera card slot. Pictures would be magically transported to your camera through your WI-Fi network.

The first problem is that the Eye-Fi sort-of worked initially and then went on a permanent vacation. Files to forever to transfer, were hard to delete and difficult to find on my netbook when the photos did transfer.

The second problem is that the card was expensive.

I paid nearly $50 for the gadget. I have spent hours researching the problem online, trying to download updates and re-installing software.

This product has caused me hours of headache and hair pulling frustration. I've had it awhile and am unimpressed. Newer versions of the Eye-Fi are out.

Hopefully the new versions work better. It's good if they do but I won't be trying them.

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2011-04-23T00:00:00-07:00

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2011-04-18T00:00:00-07:00

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2011-04-17T00:00:00-07:00

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2011-04-16T00:00:00-07:00

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2011-04-08T00:00:00-07:00

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