World Walker

Update: Boeing’s Dreamliner first flight video added at the end of the post

After nearly 2 years of delays, the first flight of Boeing’s much anticipated “Dreamliner” may occur as early as 10am tomorrow, Tuesday December 14. Boeing’s newest creation, the Dreamliner represents a new class of airplane, made primarily out of composite materials, thus weighing less and producing less emissions than current generation aircraft. However, the new composite material has been the cause of many delays. This potential first flight only occurred after 5 delays.

Delays have also been occurred because of Boeing’s new manufacturing process. Before, Boeing manufactured airplanes at a few locations in the US. However, they are now having worldwide subcontractors build large pieces of the plane and fitting them together later on. Of course, this has led to plenty of fitment problems as well as quality control issues. It seems that things have finally sorted themselves out, and just in time.

The Dreamliner quickly became one of the fastest selling airplanes of all time, and is in fact Boeing’s best seller. With this completely volatile petroluem market, it’s no wonder why – the Dreamliner promises up to 20% increased fuel efficiency versus current market aircraft. It is designed to be sold in multiple configurations depending on purpose; for instance, Air Nippon, the Dreamliner’s first customer, ordered the plane in two configurations. For short haul flights, it’s a 1 class aircraft. However for long haul flights, there’s a first class and a coach class.

The company hopes that the Dreamliner will help Boeing regain market share lost to Airbus. Since Airbus is facing it’s own delays with their next generation aircraft, now is the perfect opportunity for Boeing to regain all that it has lost.

EDIT: Here is the video of Boeing’s Dreamliner first flight

Cirque Du Soleil is a must see circus performance. There are thousands of showings around the world each year, at different locations. One of the top locations to see this magnificent circus perform is in Las Vegas. The troop is divided up for different shows around the city. The newest one is called “Viva Elvis” but there are a few other magnificent shows you can see during your visit.

Viva Elvis is the newest Cirque Du Soleil performance. It features music and inspiration drawn from the famous and beloved Elvis. This performance is brand new – with its first showing on December 18th 2009. This acrobatic show is powerful and invigorating. The show will feature a lively cast that is enthusiastic and fun for the whole family. Currently tickets are $144 for premium seating and $123 for other seating areas. Expect the month of December to be sold out since this show will be at the brand new Aria resort.

“O” is a haunting and elegant show that features surreal artistic genius, as well as romanticism and passion. The O performance is breath taking and easily a favorite amongst visitors at the Bellagio and in Vegas. People from around the world come here just to see this show – it is that amazing. Throughout the Christmas season prices are a bit inflated, but after January 2nd they will return to normal pricing. O is not a show you will soon forget. Front row seating is highly recommended for this stunning performance.

The Beatles Love performance is a tribute to the greatest band the world has ever known. This special performance is similar to the Viva Elvis performance. It features music by the Beatles and artistic and expressive acrobatics by the team of performers. It is performed at the Mirage in Las Vegas and will surely bring tears to the eyes of Beatles fan around the world.

Treasure Island in Vegas presents a powerful and athletic performance by the Cirque Du Soleil team in the show “Mystere.” Their performances are reminiscent of their true heart and soul – upbeat and highly energetic performing arts. This showing is as dramatic as it is touching and beautiful.

Zumanity goes where no other Cirque showing has gone before. This special show is for adults only; children are not permitted to see this showing. It is a sensual and erotic Cirque Showing that will make anyone tremble in joy. While Zumanity is risqué, it isn’t distasteful or inappropriate. Some people may be slightly offended, but any artist will appreciate the beauty of this show.

KA is yet another magnificent show to see in Vegas. It features a very scenic and diverse group of performers, and tons of music and lively performances. KA is unique because each and every seat has speakers built in, so you will always be able to hear the sounds. This is great because you don’t have to worry about missing a beat. A lot of art and hard work went into KA, and the quality of the performance reflects that.

Seattle, Washington is a popular vacation destination for many reasons. It’s chilly but pleasant climate is attractive to outdoors enthusiast, and it’s thriving downtown is a favorite of shoppers and tourists. There are many things to do an see in this beautiful city, but below you will find some of the most popular attractions.

1. Pike Place Market

For those who don’t know, Pike Place Market is a huge marketplace, similar to a farmers market. You can find fresh food, collectibles, and just about anything else there. Plus, the market itself as well as the surrounding area is very beautiful, so it’s a good place to go just to sight see.

2. The Space Needle

The Space Needle is known by most Americans, and even many foreigners, as the symbol of Seattle. Though you can see the needle from almost anywhere in the city, a trip to Seattle would not be complete without a vist to the legendary Space Needle. You can simply go to look and marvel at the amazing structure, or, for a price, you can go up in the elevators. If you happen to be hungry, there is a very good restaurant at the top of the needle. Just be sure to make a reservation as space is usually limited.

3. Experience Music Project

Experience Music Project, or EMP, is a music museum known nationwide. Though admission is fairly expensive, the experience is well worth the pricetag. The things you will see at EMP are hard to explain, but suffice it to say that if you like music, you will like EMP.

4. Safeco Field

Safeco Field, which is home of the Seattle Mariners, is a popular destination for baseball fanatics. Whether you like baseball or not, going to a Mariners game is a fun, bonding experience, especially if you bring your family along. Just be sure to bring enough cash, as food and drinks in the stadium are far from cheap.

Puerto Penasco is a beautiful city located by the shore of the Gulf of California. The name translates to “Rocky Point” in English. This beautiful city is a gorgeous vacation spot for families and couples that prefer a quiet vacation. Cancun and other well known Mexico resort areas are great, but if you want something a little closer to what Mexico is really like, Puerto Penasco is the place to go.

The actual area of the city is large, but there aren’t very many people or buildings crowding the area. There are tons of wonderful restaurants, beaches, hotels, and shopping areas to nab great locally made things. Puerto Penasco is the closest beach for people in New Mexico and Arizona, making it a very popular spring break destination for college students. It doesn’t get as crazy as other Mexico spring break destinations, but if you prefer fewer crowds then don’t visit here in April.

For lodging there are tons of upscale hotels and condos to meet your budget and needs. If you prefer something more affordable there are plenty of those available. Currently new hotels and condos are in development, so you can expect beautiful new seaside lodging options soon! All of the hotels are modern and up to date with everything you need, and the condos provide a perfect environment for longer vacations and private beach access. Some of the hotels offer great nightlife adventures as well.

There are two strips of beach in Puerto Penasco, one is free and one is dedicated to timeshare owners and condos and resort hotels. Depending on where you want to go and your plans, you can choose either. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from on either beach so you will never be without food. Other shopping venues include street side sellers that are selling hand crafted goods and more delicious treats.

If you want to enjoy a nice day of boating, boat rentals are available, as are parasailing trips and many other tours to choose from. There are even ATV rentals available so that you can take them on the nearby sand dunes. If you have never used a Jet Ski, Rocky Point offers Jet Ski rentals too. Other fun rentals include banana boats, kayaking, and even snorkeling! Imagine looking into the beautiful clear blue waters and getting up close and personal with all of tropical fish! To snorkel you simply have to go visit another island called “Bird Island”, where you can see sea lions and dolphins.

It’s hard to get bored in Puerto Penasco, even though it’s a small city there are tons of wonderful activities to keep you and the family entertained. It is truly a marvelous family resort area, or just a nice place for a short and quiet vacation. Whatever the reason, this is one of the places you will never hear of unless you go see it for yourself!

For 70 years Pink’s has been a family operated hot dog stand in Los Angeles, California. This special hot dog stand began in 1939, when many Americans were struggling and good food was expensive. Pink’s prided themselves on providing fantastic hot dogs that anyone could afford. They have a variety of options to, and special chili that is well known all around the country to day.

In the 1940s Paul Pink bought a small building for his hot dog business, and it stands there today as the place thousands of Americans visit daily. The hot dogs come with any toppings you choose, such as chili, onions, and mustard, and cost only $2.95. Even their massive 10 inch hot dogs cost less than $4! Mostly everything is under $6. Technically from an economic stand point, these amazing chili dogs are a better “value” than they were in the late 30s. Not a lot of mom and pop restaurants can say that they survived 70 years in a growing city, but Pink’s has thanks to the great service.

Everyone eats at Pink’s, especially if they are local residents. Travelers are always in line here to get a whiff or taste of the delectable hot dogs that Pink’s serves up fresh. When eating here you might get lucky and see a famous celebrity eating here too – even the wealthy adore this place! Some celebrities knew of Pink’s way before either was famous, yet they keep coming back to visit and meet fans while eating! So not only do you get a $2.95 hot dog, but you get an opportunity to meet your favorite stars if they are eating there!

Of course, Pink’s isn’t just a restaurant. Any foodie will know that visiting Pink’s is like visiting a small food museum, a relic of the past and how good food service can do so much for the owners and the community. Since lines are often extremely long, people find themselves conversing with those in line with them over the delicious food. Some people actually bring food to eat while waiting in line! It’s an adventure more than anything, and definitely something to see while in Los Angeles on vacation.

Taking a short yet cheap vacation to visit Pink’s is definitely worth the time and money. To say that you have dined at Pink’s is like saying you ate at the Holy Grail of hot dog stands. It’s THAT famous! If you can’t be in Los Angeles there are a few other locations that are now Pink’s stands. They are still family owned, but just spread out a bit more! These can be found at Hollywood Park Studio, Bell Gardens Bicycle Club Casino, The Greek Theater, and the famous Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. If you want legendary food, at a rock bottom price, Pink’s is the place to visit while in California!

Portland, Oregon is not a large city, but it’s still a popular vacation destination due to it’s beautiful landscape and many fun activities. Like any good city, Portland offers activities that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their tastes or interests. There are literally thousands of things to do in this great city, but below you will find some of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon.

1. Sight-see

While sight-seeing is a common activity in every vacation destination, it’s especially prominent in Portland. There are so many beautiful sights to see in the downtown area, and thankfully, most of them are not crowded or overrun by tourists. There are many gardens and gardens scattered around the city, and visiting one can be a great, peaceful way to pass the time. Also, Portland as a whole is very bike-friendly, with many trails and places for bikers to ride. So if you’re a bike enthusiast, taking a spin around the city is highly recommended.

2. Visit Powell’s

Powell’s City of Books is a book store that is, quite frankly, huge. Stretching for several city blocks, this multi-story bookstore is like heaven for avid readers. You can find every type of book at Powell’s, and since many of the books are used, prices are very affordable. If you’re a book lover, a nice warm cup of coffee and a trip to Powell’s is all the entertainment you could possibly need.

3. See a play

Portland is known for its cutting-edge theatre, choirs, and other stage performance groups. There are theatres all throughout the town, and there is almost always a major play or performance going on in Portland. So whatever the season, whatever the day, look to the performing arts for entertainment in Portland.