February 17, 2015

São Paulo Pedestrian Signal Lights in São Paulo, Brazil

MASP, Museu de Arte de São Paulo


As one of the most populous cities on the planet, the sprawling megalopolis of São Paulo is not always easy to navigate, but a number of the crosswalk lights unique, lighting up with the vague silhouette of a notable landmark nearby, making the traffic lights an attraction to themselves.


Some of the pedestrian street signals in São Paulo look a lot different from the ordinary ones found all across the world. They're all unique clues leading to different sights in each area respectively. The symbol depicts whatever there is to see nearby whether it's theaters, architectural landmarks, museums, or just something characteristic of the area like the Japanese inspired street lightning in the district of Liberdade.


The first lights were installed during a 30-day trial back in 2013 around the Monumento às Bandeiras close to the Ibirapuera park. The idea was to encourage tourism in São Paulo and soon the lights became permanent and more lighted sights followed.


So if you are out and about in São Paulo and see one of these signal lights; stop and take a look around, there might be something worth seeing right around the corner or even right in front of you.




















from Atlas Obscura http://atlasobscura.com.feedsportal.com/c/35387/f/665719/s/43805fc4/sc/10/l/0L0Satlasobscura0N0Cplaces0Csao0Epaulo0Epedestrian0Esignal0Elights/story01.htm

The Massive Adelie Penguin Colony

Most insane animal? I am wondering if penguins are the most insane animal ever. I’ve never seen animals spend such a huge amount of time doing such strange things. The amount of time they put into stealing rocks rather than getting new rocks really is funny. Maybe it’s like a game or some other strange […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2015/02/18/the-massive-adelie-penguin-colony/

Should I take my complaint straight to the top?





from Elliott http://elliott.org/advice-you-can-take/take-complaint-straight-top/

Signs you're culturally from Delhi

Your Hinglish is so down.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/10-signs-youve-become-culturally-delhi-walla/

India’s iTraveller nabs first $1 million round

iTraveller, a platform using proprietary technology to connect travellers with suppliers, has secured $1 million in Series A funding. The Bangalore, India-based ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/India-itraveller.com-million-dollars/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=itraveller-funding

Chase Sapphire Preferred Cardmembers Can Earn Up to 50,000 Points Referring Their Friends

I receive compensation for many links on this blog. You don’t have to use these links, but I am grateful to you if you do. American Express, Citibank, Chase, and other banks are advertising partners of this site. I do not write about all credit cards that are available — instead focusing on miles, points, […]


The post Chase Sapphire Preferred Cardmembers Can Earn Up to 50,000 Points Referring Their Friends appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/chase-sapphire-preferred-cardmembers-can-earn-up-to-50000-points-referring-their-friends/

In Transit Blog: Honoring Churchill at Blenheim and Beyond

Fifty years after his death and 75 since being appointed prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill is being memorialized in England and France.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/437f85c0/sc/11/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C170Chonoring0Echurchill0Eat0Eblenheim0Eand0Ebeyond0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

No Need to Cancel and Rebook! The Awesome Hyatt 20% Award Rebate is Easier Than Expected

This morning I wrote about an awesome offer from Hyatt. Gold Passport members who have the Hyatt Visa (and you had to have the card at the end of January, unfortunately you can’t just sign up now) get a 20% rebate on points redemptions other than mileage transfers and rental car certificates through July 31. […]


The post No Need to Cancel and Rebook! The Awesome Hyatt 20% Award Rebate is Easier Than Expected appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/no-need-cancel-rebook-awesome-hyatt-20-award-rebate-easier-expected/

Taking The Blog For A Spa Day

Last summer we went through a massive renovation here on the blog, with changes to the theme, header, formatting, and nearly everything else.


Tonight the blog is going in for "just a little lift," as it were.


The post Taking The Blog For A Spa Day appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/taking-blog-spa-day/

PriceMatch, a hotel yield manager with a hip vibe, raises $9M

European startups have been working on fresh ways to help hotels to maximize occupancy and revenue. Many of their technological solutions replace ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/raising-9m-pricematch-plans-expand-yield-management-saas-solution/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=raising-9m-pricematch-plans-expand-yield-management-saas-solution

How to insult like the British

The British are the best at insulting each other. Here are a few (not TOO obscene) ways to insult people like the Brits would.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/insult-people-like-british/

To Be Happier, Go to the Library

If you liked the Japanese tradition, here’s another one from this side of the Pacific: “Older people often draw as much happiness from ordinary experiences — like a day in the library — as they do from extraordinary ones. For people who have not saved enough or have broken into their savings because of lost…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/to-be-happier-go-to-the-library/

Award Booking Tales: Airlines Hang Up and Call Again, Too

About two weeks ago, one of my favorite clients, who I will call Mike, emailed me to let me know about a schedule change on an award itinerary that we had booked for him. He asked me if there was something that could be done to remedy an airline-imposed layover. Mike’s Itinerary Mike’s business class […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/award-booking-tales-airlines-hang-up-and-call-again-too.html

In Transit Blog: Walkabout: All Eyes Are on Change at JetBlue

A weekly capsule of travel news curated by our writers and editors.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/437f1e71/sc/38/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C170Cwalkabout0Eall0Eeyes0Eare0Eon0Echange0Eat0Ejetblue0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

National parks saw record numbers of visitors in 2014

America's national parks welcomed a record-breaking 292.8 million visits in 2014, shattering the previous record of 287.1 million visits set in 1999.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/17/travel/feat-most-visited-national-parks-sites-2014/index.html

This is the world's coldest town

So you live in Maine or Michigan or Canada and you think you have it rough in the winter? That’s cute.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/think-handle-winter-worlds-coldest-town/

Hyatt Offers 20% Point-Redemption Refund to Hyatt Credit Cardmembers

Hyatt announced a neat promotion today for Hyatt Credit Cardmembers. Through the promotion, you can earn back 20 percent of points redeemed. In addition to receiving a refund for points used for award nights and points + cash stays, you will also get 20 percent of points redeemed for room upgrades, dining and spa awards […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/hyatt-offers-20-point-redemption-refund-to-hyatt-credit-cardmembers.html

A Tourist Authority Gives Up, an Airline CEO Lights Money on Fire, Plus Double Miles and 50% Off Awards

News and notes from around the interweb: Ithaca’s tourism authority gives up — says you should visit Florida this winter. Double American miles between the US and Germany on American, US Airways, and airberlin (HT: Frequent Flyer Bonuses) Blogger interviews the CEO of La Compagnie, the ‘all business class’ airline flying between New York and […]


The post A Tourist Authority Gives Up, an Airline CEO Lights Money on Fire, Plus Double Miles and 50% Off Awards appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/tourist-authority-gives-airline-ceo-lights-money-fire-plus-double-miles-50-off-awards/

Stop ivory-funded terrorism [vid]

When you buy something made of ivory, where does the money go?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/tv/either-stop-ivory-funded-terrorism-witness-last-days-elephants-wild/

How Good Is Japan Airlines’ New First Class Product?

In late 2012, Japan Airlines began introducing a new first & business class product throughout their longhaul fleet. While it looked great, it wasn't actually until this past weekend that I flew it.


Up until this trip I wasn't too hot about Japan Airlines. Yes, I knew they were a decent airline, but based on my flights with them prior to that, I was never blown away by them. I always kind of thought of them as the second rate Japanese airline, after ANA, with which I've had nothing but amazing experiences.


The post How Good Is Japan Airlines’ New First Class Product? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/how-good-is-japan-airlines-new-first-class-product/

Chicago’s Indie Hotels

Chicago is as famous for Wrigley Field and deep dish pizza as it is for its neighborhoods. See the Windy City in style by making one of these boutique hotels your home base.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/17/chicagos-indie-hotels/

In Transit Blog: At Renaissance Hotels, an Artistic Welcome

Renaissance Hotels will feature travel-inspired art in the entryways of each of its locations.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/437e8df5/sc/10/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C170Cat0Erenaissance0Ehotels0Ean0Eartistic0Ewelcome0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

How to Maximize Marriott Hotel + Air Packages

A few months ago, the Ritz Carlton credit card began offering 140,000 points worth two free nights after you spent $3,000 on the card and paid the hefty $395 annual fee. I hate paying annual fees and don’t care about Ritz Carlton properties at all, but both my husband and I signed up for an […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/how-to-maximize-marriott-hotel-air-packages.html

10 simple steps to crisper photos

If you're a budding photographer, you have to check this out.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/too-many-photos-lack-sharpness-here-are-10-simple-steps-for-crisper-shots/

US Airlines Want to Ban the Big Middle East Carriers, Because 9/11

US airlines have been out swinging against the major Middle Eastern airlines Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad — arguing that they are state subsidized and competing unfairly against US carriers, and asking the US to terminate Open Skies agreements that permit unfettered access to US markets. It wouldn’t much hurt US airlines as much, since they […]


The post US Airlines Want to Ban the Big Middle East Carriers, Because 9/11 appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/us-airlines-want-ban-big-middle-east-carriers-911/

Signs you learned to drink in Wales

"You had your 10th birthday party, your first drink, first dance, first kiss, possibly first shag (out the back behind the bins?), your wedding, your baby's christening, and will have your funeral at your local social club."



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/nights/12-signs-learned-drink-wales/

How to Overcome a Fear of Flying

National Geographic Traveler editor at large Christopher Elliott is the magazine’s consumer advocate and ombudsman. Over the past 15 years he has helped countless readers fix their trips. Here’s his latest advice.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/17/how-to-overcome-a-fear-of-flying/

American Upgrade Priority Changing As Of March 11, 2015

Each of the major US airlines approaches upgrade priority a bit differently. American's system is probably the best for the leisure/discount traveler, as upgrades are prioritized as follows:


-- Status

-- Whether you're connecting or not

-- Whether you're a full fare passenger or not

-- Time of request


The post American Upgrade Priority Changing As Of March 11, 2015 appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/american-upgrade-priority-changing-march-11-2015/

How many basic words do you know?

Sure, you might be able to speak a language or two, but how many of these languages do you know the basics of?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/many-basic-foreign-language-words-know-quiz/

Hyatt 20% Points Refund on Award Stays Through July

Hyatt Visa cardholders are being offered a limited-time benefit of 20% points refunds on award stays now through July 31, 2015. Here are the details: Register here by March 31, 2015 with your Hyatt Gold Passport number. Book a stay with points and complete your stay before July 31, 2015. Get 20% of your points...



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2015/02/hyatt-20-points-refund-on-award-stays-through-july/

12 side effects of living in Chile

"#11. You start teasing your friends to their faces and complimenting them behind their backs."



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/12-side-effects-living-chile/

Starwood’s CEO Resigns — Why?

While this perhaps isn't of much interest to the average guest, it is big industry news. Starwood's CEO, Frits van Paasschen, has suddenly resigned. The resignation apparently came by "mutual agreement" between him and the board of directors.


While I've never interacted with him personally, he has always struck me as a passionate and energetic guy, so it's sad to see him go. For example, here's a CNBC Mad Money interview he did a while back, which gives you a good idea of his personality.


Scott Mayerowitz of the Associated Press has the scoop:


The post Starwood’s CEO Resigns — Why? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/starwoods-ceo-resigns/

Open Citibank Checking Account, Fund With a Credit Card, Earn Points

Years ago you could open a Citibank online checking account and fund it with a credit card. I charged as much as $80,000 in initial funding to these accounts. I earned miles, and wrote a check from my new account to pay off my credit card. Plenty of people did this, and after several accounts […]


The post Open Citibank Checking Account, Fund With a Credit Card, Earn Points appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/open-citibank-checking-account-fund-credit-card-earn-points/

The modern technology world will drive your brain totally nuts

In an era of email, text messages, Facebook and Twitter, we’re all required to do several things at once. But this constant multitasking is taking its toll.






from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/modern-technology-drive-brain-nuts/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=modern-technology-world-will-drive-brain-totally-nuts

Huge Savings On Vancouver Hotels This Spring

I've written in the past about the lucrative hotel promotions being offered by beVancouver, which offer gift cards for Vancouver hotel stays in the off season. They most recently offered promotions in the spring of 2014 and the fall of 2014.


Anyway, beVancouver is back with their latest promotion for hotel stays. The promotion is valid for bookings and check-ins made by April 30, 2015.


They're offering Amex prepaid gift cards of $50, $75, $100, or $125 per booking (not per night). While that was the only bonus in the past, this time around they're actually offering a $50 gift card for every additional night after the first night.


The post Huge Savings On Vancouver Hotels This Spring appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/huge-savings-vancouver-hotels-spring/

Why Nordic countries are better

If you're against transparency, gender equality and babies, then Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland probably aren't for you.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/18-reasons-nordic-countries-better/

AmEx Centurion Lounge: The Airport Oasis that Makes Domestic Flying Comfortable

Personal Link: The Platinum Card from American Express Business Link: The Business Platinum Card from American Express A couple of years ago, American Express made an unexpected move: they decided to create their own series of domestic airline lounges that are actually nice. See, most lounges in the U.S. (and Canada, and honestly much of…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/amex-centurion-lounge/

Is in-flight Wi-Fi just another way for airlines to profit from bad service?





from Elliott http://elliott.org/advice-you-can-take/flight-wi-fi-just-another-way-airlines-make-money-bad-service/

Loyalty in travel isn’t dead – it’s evolving and it’s personal

Loyalty used to be as simple as status. A guest stays with you, he or she gets points and you give them ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/loyalty-not-dead-evolving-personal-revinate/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=loyalty-isnt-dead-evolving-personal

American Changing How Elite Upgrade Priority Will Work

American will be eliminating ‘through passenger’ priority for upgrades. The date this change will take place is speculated to be March 11. American’s upgrade priority for domestic flights (which 18 months ago also became priority for international flights) has been: Elite status level Whether the passenger is connecting off another American flight Whether the passenger […]


The post American Changing How Elite Upgrade Priority Will Work appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/american-changing-elite-upgrade-priority-will-work/

Hyatt Promotion Offering 20% Refund On Points Redemptions

Hyatt has just announced a heck of a promotion, available exclusively for those with their co-branded Chase Hyatt Visa Card.


Through this promotion, Hyatt is offering Gold Passport members with their co-branded credit card a 20% refund on points bookings.


In order to take advantage of this promotion:


-- Register before March 31, 2015

-- Stay at a hotel using points before July 31, 2015

-- Receive a 20% refund on points redeemed within 4-6 weeks after the stay is completed


The post Hyatt Promotion Offering 20% Refund On Points Redemptions appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/hyatt-promotion-offering-20-refund-points-redemptions/

How travel made me a listener

"But her name? I didn't catch it. Her shitload of stories? I didn't ask."



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/travel-made-listener/

Wood Bison in Elk Island National Park, Alberta





from Everything Everywhere Travel Blog http://everything-everywhere.com/2015/02/16/wood-bison-in-elk-island-national-park-alberta/

Which airports offer the world's best customer service?

They might not all have fancy amenities like movie theaters and skating rinks, but these airports know how to treat their passengers right.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/17/travel/airports-best-customer-service/index.html

2,500 “Beautiful Moments” from People in 24 Countries

This is a reader story. (Read others or tell us yours.) In her darkest hour, Janne Williams discovered the power of being able to identify and remember positive moments throughout her day. Now, she travels the world asking others to do the same, and share their moments with her. Here’s Janne: While helplessly watching my…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/2500-beautiful-moments/

Delta CEO Links “Big 3″ Middle Eastern Airlines To Terrorists… Really?!

There's a big battle brewing between the "big three" US carriers and the "big three" Middle Eastern carriers, whereby the US carriers are pressuring the government to intervene.


I explained this in a post several days backed, entitled “Should The Big Three Middle Eastern Airlines Be Stopped?”


What it basically boils down to is this:


The post Delta CEO Links “Big 3″ Middle Eastern Airlines To Terrorists… Really?! appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/delta-ceo-links-big-3-middle-eastern-airlines-terrorists-really/

Awesome Offer: 20% Rebate on Nearly All Hyatt Redemptions Through July 31 for Co-Brand Cardholders

Following Hyatt’s announcement of new benefits for Diamond members, they’re out with something for co-brand credit card holders as well. Cardmembers can register to receive a 20% rebate on award redemptions. Here’s how it works: Register by March 31 Redeem any time by — and complete your stay by — July 31, 2015 The rebate […]


The post Awesome Offer: 20% Rebate on Nearly All Hyatt Redemptions Through July 31 for Co-Brand Cardholders appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/awesome-offer-20-rebate-nearly-hyatt-redemptions-july-31-co-brand-cardholders/

Skyscanner aims high in Asia-Pacific as strategic buy and partnerships kick in

Skyscanner CFO Shane Corstorphine has revealed “there is no reason why APAC cannot be 50% of our business in the not-too-distant future”. ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/Skyscanner-aims-high-in-APAC/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=skyscanner

Sabre launches InstaSite, hotel web services to challenge Booking.com, TravelClick and Wix

Sabre Hospitality Solutions is launching SynXis InstaSite, a service that builds websites for hotels, Tnooz has learned. It is Sabre’s latest bid ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/sabre-launches-instasite/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sabre-launches

International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago, Illinois

International Museum of Surgical Science


Surgery has a sordid past. Through the 16th century, barbers also served the role of surgeon, wielding the amputation saw. Before antiseptics, many patients perished at the hands of their surgeon. In modern times surgery remains a scary, but illustrious, discipline of medicine, requiring years of additional study beyond medical school.


Operated by the International College of Surgeons, the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago reveals the intricate history of this curious field. In 1935, Dr. Max Thorek founded the International College of Surgeons in Geneva to promote exchange between surgeons. In 1954, he founded the museum in Chicago (his childhood home). The museum also was a useful tool for educating the public about advancements in the surgery.


The museum has rotating exhibits focusing on medical issues of the past and present. Exhibits cover everything from practical subjects like plastic surgery and diabetes to more creative pieces that happen to be related to the medical sciences, such as sculptures made from bones and machine parts.


Though the museum's mission is unchanged, they have embraced new methods. In 1990, the museum began curating exhibitions around historical themes and surgical disciplines. Then in 1998, they began displaying contemporary art that dealt with medical themes.


In addition to rotating exhibits, the museum houses four permanent collections: medical artifacts, fine art, the Museum Library, and the manuscript collection. Over 7,000 objects - from acupuncture needles to X-ray machines - are on display. The fine art section primarily offers portraits of influential medical figures. The library contains many early, rare medical books. The manuscript collection includes letters and journals from such notables as Florence Nightingale, Christian Bergmann, and Thomas Guy.


The museum is housed in a unique building on Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Built in 1917, the building was styled on a chateau in Versailles of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. With Italian marble and a gilded grand staircase, the home is an exhibition in itself. (The heart valves are cooler than the moulding, though.) In the gift shop, you can find everything from a model of the jaw to a giant microbe plush toy.


Obscura Day location: April 9, 2011.




















from Atlas Obscura http://atlasobscura.com.feedsportal.com/c/35387/f/665719/s/4379d4c2/sc/10/l/0L0Satlasobscura0N0Cplaces0Cinternational0Emuseum0Esurgical0Escience/story01.htm