Click the image to learn more about the cause.

When you think of a vacation in the English countryside you probably think of cottages and tea and that rapscallion Mr. Darcy.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Then there are those with different ideas.  In just a few days a collection of people from all corners of the world, including a couple of UpTake’s very own (Phil and Ed, respectively, who will be sharing details from their trip upon their return) are doing something that may seem a bit off the beaten path.  Keyword: path.  They are partaking in a six day walking vacation along Hadrian’s Wall (built by the Romans!).  That’s 84 miles along the border with Scotland, which covers the entire width of England.

Now before you ask if they are crazy, please allow me to say that, yes, they are.  However, that has nothing to do with this trip.

The walk is something of a causecation.  Charitcation? Vacarity? It’s a charity vacation, they are traveling to England to help a cause. A damn good one.

The Joseph Salmon Trust is a charity offering financial support to parents who have lost a child. It was founded in memorial of Joseph Salmon who died in his sleep at the age of 3.

I can’t even imagine.

One of the driving forces behind the trust and the subsequent walk(s) — yes, they’ve walked before, is one Dan Hughes, blogger extraordinaire in the aforementioned England. The man’s heart more than makes up for his awkward attempts at humor (kind of like that one).  He’s a great guy and he has championed the cause on behalf of his friends the Salmons.

If you are able to donate anything at all to support the cause please visit their website. All donations go directly into the trust.

It is a far, far better thing that they do.

Starting January 1, 2010 you can give some magic to someone in need and get some magic in return.  Disney Magic, no less.

The Disney Theme Parks are starting a great new campaign, one that rewards community service with free admission to a Disney Park. Read More »

Photo: TucsonAZ.gov

When people think of Tucson, Arizona and its gun-slinging element they tend to conjure up images of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday hopping trains to nearby Tombstone.  Not many people think of the infamous criminal/folk hero John Dillinger and his gang that were all captured there.  Dillinger Days can change that.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the moment which put the notorious Dillinger Gang behind the bars of a Tucson jail (Dillinger was shot 6 months later in Chicago) – all without a shot being fired.

The event kicks off this evening at the legendary Hotel Congress and fills the downtown area tomorrow with era-related car shows, lectures, tours, period costumes and a re-enactment of the big moment.  Dillinger Days also serves as a charity supporting C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) that benefits families of officers killed while in the line of duty.

A schedule of events can be found here.

If you plan on visiting Tucson for the event or just the mild winter there are plenty of places to stay in the Downtown area, most notably Hotel Congress (also a great club and restaurant).

From downtown a quick walk will take you to 4th Avenue where a trolley can connect you to the University of Arizona (Go ‘Cats!) and the surrounding historic area and/or bars (that’s where the trolley really helps out).

When you say Tucson and holiday lights in the same breath it is understood that you are talking about Winterhaven (in Tucson, anyway).

For 58 years the Tucson neighborhood of Winterhaven has lit up.  Literally.   Thousands of visitors walk, drive, or ride haywagons pulled by horses through streets lined with festive lighting.

It’s quite amazing, really.

There is no admission, however, there are opportunities available to make donations to the Tucson Community Food Bank.

The festival runs through the 27th of December, but just like Frosty the Snowman, it will be back next year.  And every year after.

Photos by Whit Honea