WooHoo My question got answered!

I read a blog on the USAToday web site every day about travel. Its written by Ben Mutzabaugh and every Wednesday he has a chat around 1pm est. I've submitted questions many times and never got them answered-- until today. Today I submitted this:

Dave-Delaware OH: Ben, I have a bit over 60k skymiles and am itching to take a trip. Any suggestions? Been to Maui. Been to London. Been to Zurich. Thinking central Europe or some place exotic. Help me out. The wife turns 40 and I need to take her someplace.

And got this for an answer:

Ben Mutzabaugh: Sounds like a fun problem! I don't know if you were hoping to both travel for 60,000 miles, or to redeem for one ticket and buy another. You may not have enough miles for both for some destinations, so be sure to check that out. But, regardless of that ...

Personally, I'm a big fan of Berlin. I highly recommend it, especially if you like a city that can combine history, culture and some pretty exciting nightlife. Plus, it's pretty cheap compared to most other big European capital cities. Otherwise, Krakow is one city to consider. I've never been personally, but I've had at least a half dozen people rave to me recently about what an undiscovered gem it is. Something exotic? How about the Slovenian coast? Or, a little less exotic, but Florence is great for couples. And, another personal favorites of mine is Buenos Aires. The sites are not as fantastic as Paris or London, but -- if you just want to soak up some sophisticated cafe culture and urban ambiance -- I couldn't recommend a better place (especially with the exchange rate).

If you're just looking to burn miles, you could always consider the Caribbean. It's not one of my preferred regions, but lots of people enjoy it. And, I will say that Curacao and its colorful capital of Willemstad have always intrigued me.

And, as always, I bet our readers have some good advice to offer here. So, readers: Share your thoughts here (via Today in the Sky).

Some days you just get lucky I guess. BTW I earned those miles myself and I'm spending them on ME. I hope my wife does not mind sitting in coach by herself.....

US NAVY Boeing 737 Based Poseidon P8-A Takes Flight

On Saturday April 25th the First Flight of the Boeing 737-800 Based US NAVY Poseidon P8-A Submarine Hunter took its first flight. These photos depict the moments and are from Flightblogger. Look closely and several things become noticeable. All the various antennae and the raked wing-tips from the 737-900ER. These are neat planes. I also have a photo of the 2nd plane which has been painted in its final US NAVY colors. Once in service these sub hunters will become a huge part of our defense system. The inside contains so much top secret stuff. In any case check t out. If you reside in a sub it will soon be checking YOU out.


Poseidon lifting off


Poseidon retuning with T-33 in tow

The final paint scheme on aircraft #2

The Last 747 Rolls Out

The Last 747-400
Just a few days ago the last Boeing 747 rolled out of the assembly line and made its way to the paint booth. This was number 1419 of the giant winged wonder. This one is destined to go to Kuwait as a freighter. The 747 is the most recognizable plane in the world. There is nothing else that even resembles it. I have been lucky enough to fly on them many times and every time I book a trip I always see if there are any segments where I might be able to hop just one more ride. I still remember the last time I flew on one and its been quite a while now. It was a TWA flight from St. Louis to LAX and then the return a week later in 1993. That was just a small hop for these guys. I took many trips on TWA from JFK to London aboard the 747. It was always a pleasure.

The 747-8 Intercontinental

The good part to this is that now that the 747-400 series is complete its time to begin building the 747-8 which is the totally redesigned version. The 747-8F will come first as the freight haulers have lined up to buy them. After awhile we will begin to see the passenger version. Right now only Lufthansa has ordered, but I expect others to hop on board. The current economic climate has limited the ability for airlines to find financing.

Delta Boeing 747-400 After Repaint

If you want to fly an American registered passenger 747 today then head to Delta where the former Northwest 747's are being repainted and deployed on long haul routes to the Far East and other faraway locales.

Hockey in April? In Columbus?

On Thursday evening the Columbus Blue Jackets will finally lose the moniker as the last team in the NHL to make the playoffs. I've resisted the urge to write about it and just bask in the playoffs themselves. No coaches or GM firings. No lists of players we need to get rid of. Just real honest playoff games. Thursday and Saturday in Detroit and then next week here. Playoff fever has gripped Columbus. How long it lasts is anybodys guess. The experts don't give us much of a chance, but for this year thats OK. Its just nice to be in the show. Mr. Mac this ones for you.

Columbus Blue Jackets. PLAYOFFS!!!!!!

See this. Man can fly!

wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

Quick Review- Fast and Furious

Ok so today I did something I rarely do anymore. See a movie in the theatre. With about 1000 channels on satellite tv I eventually see every movie I want--eventually.

Today though an old film drew me back. Fast and Furious. Complete with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker and joined by Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez. Those four you may recall were in the original known as The Fast and The Furious. This one is minus the word "the". Ok maybe it was the cars in the trailer a bit. Now lets make one thing clear. Like most films the trailer is cut in a way to make you think something happens and in this case it doesn't. Right on cue.

Dom and Brian are back. Its 5 years later and many of the cars in the original are gone. Except for the Charger. Brian dives a Skyline a he did in the forgettable sequel and there is even a tie to the HORRID 3rd installment--Tokyo Drift. In essense this takes place before Tokyo and after the 2nd. Yet this is the 4th. Got that? Good.

I will not give anything away except to say there are a few plot twists and the action is ok. The cars are the stars and they are not in it enough for the hardcore motorhead which this film is aimed at. The stunts are cool and despite the fact its getting panned by the msm this film is not bad. Go see it and let me know what you think.