I would never admit it in front of my children, but sometimes vandalism is funny. For instance, this street sign in Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia which shows that the stretch of street is a popular crossing area for the endangered Cassowary (bottom). The top sign was originally a speed bump warning.

These are the jokes, folks.

This post is a Wordless Wednesday entry with some words and a lot of laughing.

Photo: NeilsPhotography via Flickr

This duck could be anywhere — maybe he’s at a pond near you. Go look, I’ll wait.

Was he?

Here’s the thing about ducks, they like bread. It’s a fact.

If you’re planning on visiting some parks, ponds or lakes this summer you may want to consider taking a loaf or two with (bread, not your lazy friends) — lots of bakeries and supermarkets sell day old loaves at a discounted rate, which is good because ducks are cheap and probably won’t pay for it.

The more you know.

This was a Wordless Wednesday post but things got carried away. It happens.

Photo by jurvetson via Flickr (click to read the real story of this wet duck)

One day, too long ago to remember (I believe it was late March), I received an email from one Ken Levine. He had just published a book on his travels and asked if I, in my role as the UpTake Vacations Editor, would be interested in reviewing his book. I said yes, because I’m a sucker that can’t say no. True story.

Actually, I’m a sucker that doesn’t have a single moment of time to take on any additional responsibilities, so my promise to Ken Levine went unfulfilled. Until now.

Yes, Ken Levine, today is the day. I am going to review your book. Try to contain your enthusiasm.

And to you, the internet reader, here is why I’m featuring the review of Mr. Levine’s book on UpTake:

A) I said I would.
B) I live in Seattle (Mr. Levine calls some of the Mariners’ games).
C) I’m moving to L.A. this summer to pursue my passion of screenwriting. Mr. Levine is an Emmy winning writer/director/producer of such TV hits as M*A*S*H, Cheers, Frasier and Wings, to name a few. This is an opportunity for kissing ass that cannot be overlooked.
D) I get paid per post.
E) The book is about travel, and this is a travel site.

So you, the reader, may be asking yourself, “Self, what has two thumbs and doesn’t give a flying crap about Whit Honea’s take on travel books?”

If I were allowed to answer I would say “most primates,” but I’m not allowed to answer because I work here.

Rules are stupid.

The thing is, you should care about my review of a travel book because, as I mentioned before, I am the editor of a travel site. This means that I am smarter than everyone that reads this blog, present company excluded. Also, I have a soft spot for Ken Levine. Nobody should have to sit through that many innings of Mariner baseball.

Let’s talk about the book:  Read More »

Comedians of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Fest

There’s nothing funny about the brutal Chicago winter, unless you’re inside and watching the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival.  For two weeks, from January 7-17, 100 local comedy troupes will help defrost the weather or at least the stiff attitudes that go with it.  As the home to Second City, Chicago comedy is legendary for its  biting social commentary and this festival is a great way to witness the singular art form. Headquartered at the Theatre Building Chicago in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood, the Chicago Sketch Fest offers an exciting way to experience an authentic slice of Chicago. Read More »