whereisdolce's Tripcrazed

Daylight Savings Time: What is the point of this?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:43:00 GMT

Hopefully, most of us remembered to turn our clocks back one hour and our clocks reflect the correct time. We enjoy this change of the clock because we get an extra hour of sleep. (WOO HOO!)

But can someone honestly explain why we do this? And does everybody do this? You've got questions, we've got answers:

The history behind DST:

    * The Standard Time Acts of 1918 began our clock changing. It was repealed a year later, but re-established in World War II.

    * The Uniform Time Act of 1966 provided dates of the beginning and end of daylight time in the U.S. The act provided that daylight time begin on the last Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October, with the changeover to occur at 2 a.m. local time.

    * During the "energy crisis" years, Congress enacted earlier starting dates for daylight time. In 1974, daylight time began on January 6th and in 1975 it began on February 23rd.

    * In 1986, a law was passed that shifted the starting date of daylight time to the first Sunday in April, beginning in 1987. The ending date of daylight time was not subject to such changes, and remained the last Sunday in October.

    * The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed both the starting and ending dates. Beginning in 2007, daylight time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

What a mess right? And for what? I found these reasons online.

    * It shifts summer daylight to evening hours, when it can be enjoyed more. I think this is a good reason.

    * It saves energy, because people don’t use their lights as much in the evening. Back when lights were the main use of energy, I think this was a bigger justification.

    * It reduces accidents, because people are less likely to be driving in the dark. Hm.

And remember, Not all places in the U.S. observe daylight time. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not use it.

My head is spinning.

What do you think about DST? Do you think its useful or pointless?

How to use Podcasts To Learn A Language

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:43:00 GMT

Last month, we asked Trip Crazed fans How many languages they knew. A number of you guys knew many languages or wanted to learn new ones. Rosetta Stone packages can be pretty pricey and require lots of dedication.

Luckily, there are other options to learning a language. One new option is downloading a Podcast. They are free and available through iTunes and they are worth a shot.

How can you use a podcast to learn a language? Simple.

1. Podcasts are very simple to download. Search in the iTunes store for your language of choice.

2. If you're looking for recommendations for Podcasts, Open Culture has a great list of Podcasts.

3. Now you're ready to learn a language on the go! You can listen to episodes on your way to school, on a long plane ride or play it in your car on your way to work.

Food War Saturday: Where to find the best Sushi?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:12:00 GMT

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Once again Trip Crazers, dare I say it? This could quite possibly be a messy food war. Sushi is a delicious and healthy meal to enjoy. They've made a great presence in the West, but of course, you must travel to the Far East to get some great raw fish.

Did I mention this could get messy? Here in America, sushi lounges, restaurants even supermarket bars are popping up everywhere. The sushi craze is just about everywhere! If you're living under a rock, here is a quick definition of sushi:

Sushi: Simply known as dried fish placed between vinegared rice and wrapped in nori, or seaweed. It is a work of art and can include other things inside of it, such as vegetables, fruits or even cream cheese.

My favorites?

Spicy Tuna

Philadelphia Roll

Hawaiian Roll

But where can you find the best sushi? New York City? Japan? A local spot? A fancy sushi buffet? So many questions! As a foodie traveler, I'm always on the search for great sushi. I've heard these are great cities to get sushi:

1. Melbourne, Australia
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Osaka, Japan

If there is great sushi, I'll be sure to find it!
Where have you had the best sushi? What cities do you know have great sushi?

My top three haunted cities in the world

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:44:00 GMT

After going through countless lists of Haunted cities in the United States, I found myself disappointed. There were some obvious cities I could agree with, but other just seemed like a space needed to be filled in a top ten list.

Many of the lists did not even includes places outside of the United States, when everybody knows there is some freaky stuff going on outside of North America.

So, I decided to make my Top 3 list of haunted cities in the world:

1. The Amityville House: Amityville, NY

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Although there is a lot of controversy surrounding this story, this Long Island suburb is home to the scariest book turned film: The Amityville Horror. It is a story about the Lutz family and how their house was terrorized by paranormal activity. Thirteen months before the Lutzes moved in, Ronald DeFeo had shot and killed six members of his family at the house.

A lot of people feel this true story was just a myth. Dr. Stephen Kaplan, a ghost hunter wrote a book called The Amityville Horror Conspiracy. The book was published in 1995 and Stephen Kaplan died of a heart attack in the same year.

I am staying away from this town.

2. Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh, Scotland

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You wouldn't think Scotland would be a haunted place? Think again. It is reputed as being one of the most haunted spots in Europe. Ghosts of headless drummers, French prisoners and dogs haunt this castle.

But, this is just another haunted place right? How can it be proven? Simple, in 2001, a scientific investigation was conducted to determine the reasons to the paranormal activities. The reports included sudden drops in temperature, sights of shadowy figures, burning sensations and other strange phenomenons. Very, very strange.

3. Pudu Prison, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Built as a prison in the late 19th century, the Pudu Prison housed criminals such as drug offenders. It was also a place to administer corporal punishment by canning. Ouch.

There are rumors that the prison is jaunted. Reports of a strange Indian man walking the halls and screams have been heard where hangings had taken place. Locals refuse to be around the area or even purchase the land, which is why it is turning back into a prison after it was closed years ago. Any place where people have been killed or tortured is definitely haunted in my book.

Would you travel to any of these places?

Do it before you Die Thursday: Eat Escargot in Paris

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:41:00 GMT

Enjoying local foods is one of the rules when it comes to traveling. One should always try their best to sample local foods, rather than looking for the nearest McDonalds.

Today's Do it before you Die Thursday features one of the most well known dining delicacies known to man: Eating Escargot. They are cooked land snails, usually covered in garlic and oil. They are very high in protein and low in fat, so if you're watching your calories, no worries about snails!

It is a very popular local food in Paris, France.

They did it, now would you eat escargot? If you have, did you like it?

The Top 3 places I would move to

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:04:25 GMT

When you have lived in New York City all of your life, the bar is set pretty high for other cities to compare. One thing that pisses me off about other cities is the lack of a 24/7 subway system. I guess I am spoiled when it comes to that.

I wouldn't trade being raised in NYC for anything. Growing up with so many cultures and areas around me influenced me and made me the travel go-getter I am today. You can find a great Thai restaurant, watch a good ole fashion baseball game and go to a hookah bar at night all in the same day! It is like going around the world in one city.

But I won't let my love for New York blind me and leave me close minded to other cities. I know there are cities out there with plenty to offer. If you had to take me out of New York, I could probably see myself in any of these three places. (In no particular order)

1. Montreal, Canada

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Montreal holds a special place in my heart after visiting for the first time last year. It is a little piece of France in America. The cool and vibrant city is known for its artistic flair, fine dining and beautiful scenery.

In only spending a week in Montreal, it left me wanting more. (Even though I think I saw every tourist attraction I could possibly see) There were so many interesting restaurants, shopping areas and districts that caught my eye.

You can look forward to practicing your French as well. The people of Montreal speak both languages and you will leave Montreal knowing a few phrases. You'll also make plenty of friends with the kind natives. They will direct you to the best places to get awesome beer and will most likely join you as well.

The only thing that makes me bite my tongue about living in Montreal is the cold and harsh winters. Snowstorms in New York already drive me crazy and I can't imagine what Canadian weather would do to me!

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Buenos Aires, Argentina is a vibrant city making itself known. After the 2001 economic collapse, Argentina has become an affordable place to live. It is known as the Paris of South America, (I see a theme in my choices...) with heavily French inspired architecture.

The mixture of South American and European flair make for a Cosmopolitan city. You can find great wine, hearty steak and delicious empanadas. And even though there are so many food choices, the beautiful people of Buenos Aires seem to keep in shape.

Don't forget the passionate dance of desire: The Tango. You can't possibly live in Argentina without learning this beautiful and romantic dance. Make sure to brush up on your Spanish in case a sexy Spanish lover is trying to seduce you. (Spanish is my second native language!)

Argentina borders many nearby South American countries that could be great excursions! You could even trek down South and see Penguins! (It is my life goal to play with penguins.)

Luckily, I will be spending some time in Buenos Aires in 2010. Who knows if I might like it enough to move down there!

3. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to visit this lovely little city. I even had the opportunity to settle down and move here. It was too quick of a decision to make, but perhaps one day, I can call Hawaii my home.

My favorite thing about Hawaii is the tropical weather. Living in 80 degree weather all year long is my kind of paradise. I am from a tropical country myself and I absolutely love hot weather and everything tropical. I could probably eat Coconuts, Papayas and Mangoes all day long.

The small community located on the big island brings everyone together. The locals are extremely kind and will always go out of their way to help you. I made so many friends in Kailua-Kona that I still talk to today.

It is very close to the other islands, so you can easily island hop away! But, it is very far from the mainland United States and Asia on the other side of the continent. I would get very homesick and visiting my family could be very costly.

Also, the lack of a good nightlife and transportation system fails me as well. (I do not know how to drive.) I enjoy the NYC nightlife, which no other city can compare. Kailua-Kona could use a few clubs or upscale lounges. For good nightlife, you would have to fly to the other islands. Not knowing how to drive could be a serious problem I'd have to take care of fast as well!

But once you catch a glimpse of the sunset off the crystal clear waters and the glow of the volcano on the horizon, you will want to pack your bags and move to Hawaii as well.

Would you move to any of these places? Where would you live if you had the choice and Why?

QOTD Wednesday: Have you ever traveled with your BF/GF?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:41:00 GMT

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You've gotten over the first date, the first kiss and meeting the parents. Traveling with a significant other can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a living hell.

It can either strengthen a relationship and be a wonderful experience, or it can cause troubles when you cant really escape the other person.

Have you ever traveled with your boyfriend or girlfriend? How did it go?

World Series: The Battle of the Tri-State Area

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:40:00 GMT

Tonight, baseball fans of New York and Philadelphia cheer proudly for their cities! The World Series will test the strength of two cities that are only two hours away.

It makes you wonder about good ole New Jersey in the middle. South Jersey fans might root for Philadelphia, its close neighbors, while Northern New Jersey-ites will root for the Yankees.

If you're from either city, it should be an exciting match up! I am a native New Yorker and I will be rooting for the Yankees to win all the way! Are the Yankees getting good luck from their new stadium? I think they have worked hard for their spot at the top!

Philadelphia fans are definitely proud as well, after winning last year's series against Tampa Bay. It should be an exciting match up for the Tri-State area and all of America to enjoy!

Here is the schedule for the games from MLB.com:

2009 World Series

Gm. 1	PHI@NYY	Wed., Oct. 28	7:57 ET
Gm. 2	PHI@NYY	Thu., Oct. 29	7:57 ET
Gm. 3	NYY@PHI	Sat., Oct. 31	7:57 ET
Gm. 4	NYY@PHI	Sun., Nov. 1	8:20 ET
Gm. 5*	NYY@PHI	Mon., Nov. 2	7:57 ET
Gm. 6*	PHI@NYY	Wed., Nov. 4	7:57 ET
Gm. 7*	PHI@NYY	Thu., Nov. 5	7:57 ET

Are you from either city and will you be rooting for your team? If not, who will you root for?

Travel Deal Tuesday: NYC to LAX for $199 RT

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:32:00 GMT

Attention all Trip Crazed travelers! East Coasters and West Coasters can now visit each other for $200 bucks! If you've always wondered what the other side of the country looks like, or if you are in New York and you're sick of the cold weather, you should take advantage of this great deal!

From Travel Zoo

LOS ANGELES--OCTOBER 23, 2009-- Stiff competition on flights between Los Angeles and New York City have pushed ticket prices down to $199 roundtrip, including taxes.

This nonstop fare is even lower than recent sale prices and nearly $200 OFF typical prices.

Fly select dates in November and December. This fare is unadvertised and likely to disappear quickly!

Los Angeles-New York City ... $199

Have you been to NYC or LA? Would you take advantage of this deal?

How Much Money Do You Bring On Vacation?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:35:00 GMT

It is great to go on vacation and spend lots of money on activities and souvenirs. Anyone can get caught up in expenses from Museum fee's to an "I Love New York" t-shirt. Next thing you know, you are back home and wondering where all of your money went.

Depending on where you go and how long you're staying will obviously determine how much money you bring.

A few hundreds is usually enough for me. Activities can be costly and necessities like food and transportation easily add up. Always try to throw in a little extra for cushion in case something unexpected happens.

But what is your ball park amount? How much do you bring on vacation?