Experts: Leisure travel on the rise this summer (Summer 2010 Outlook Part I)

SMYRNA, Ga. – The summer travel season is officially here, and it looks as though a majority of Americans will be taking a leisure trip of some sort.

“We continue to see an uptick in leisure travel as consumer confidence in the economy and job security strengthens,” Adam Weissenberg, vice chairman and leader of the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector for Deloitte LLP, said in a news release.

Surveys from Deloitte and American Express indicate more than half of Americans have a summer trip in their plans. The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, for example, indicated 51 percent of Americans are planning a summer trip while the Deloitte survey found that 59 percent have a summer trip in mind.

“The summer vacation, and particularly, the family vacation is alive and well this year,” Audrey Hendley, vice president of American Express Travel, said in a news release. “People are passionate about travel, and frequently we find that they would rather find creative ways to reduce the cost of their trip rather than do without it altogether. Other investments this summer tend to be around parents finding experiences and activities for their children at home – ensuring a fun-packed summer.”

Another survey – from TripAdvisor – is even more optimistic, finding that 91 percent of people are planning a leisure trip this summer – a slight increase from the 89 percent of Americans who planned to travel last year.

“Volcanoes and a volatile stock market can’t keep travelers from hitting the road this summer to enjoy some time away from home,” Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor, said in a news release. “Both city and seashore breaks look to be equally popular with Americans in the coming months, and with some three in four travelers planning to spend the same amount or more than last year, it seems that few will sacrifice their summer adventures.”

According to the TripAdvisor New York City, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando and San Francisco ranked as the top-searched domestic destinations for hotels.

UPDATE: Space shuttles prepare for new lives as tourist attractions

ATLANTA – As the Space Shuttle program winds to an end, a new tourist attraction looms.

At least 20 museums nationwide are clamoring for one of the space shuttles that are set to be retired. A decision on their final destination could be announced this summer.

“Showcasing an authentic space shuttle will not only bring visitors by the millions, it will inspire countless people to learn, explore and dream of adventure,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement.
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, are among the museums lobbying for a shuttle.

“Ohio’s proud flight heritage, our proximity to a majority of the U.S. population and the aviation tradition of the National Museum of the United States Air Force provide all the essential elements for a dignified display educating the nation and the world on the tremendous accomplishments of the United States space program,” Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said, according to Cleveland.com.

“Locating a shuttle at the Intrepid has been called a ‘no-brainer’ – and we couldn’t agree more,” Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum President Bill White said in a news release. “With millions of American and foreign tourists visiting New York City every year, putting a shuttle at the Intrepid would create an ideal platform to share our national pride in our space program with the entire world, pay tribute to the men and women who have played a role in our greatest technological achievement, and provide an opportunity to educate future generations on the exploration of space.”

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is home to the space shuttle Enterprise, a non space worthy shuttle. But, it appears that the space shuttle Discovery will be headed to the National Air and Space Museum, and the Enterprise will likely be relocated.

IF YOU GO: In the meantime, space is closer than you think – or at least the space-related attractions are. From Atlanta, head to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington – an easy trip by plane. Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., is a roughly eight hour drive and a perfect daytrip from Orlando and Walt Disney World. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, located in Huntsville, Ala., is just more than three-and-a-half hours from Atlanta.

Memorial Day weekend offers opportunities to explore

The Travel Trolley

ATLANTA – Memorial Day may be fast approaching, but nobody told the travelers – at least in the Southeast.

Nationally, AAA estimates 5.4 percent more Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day. In the Georgia, the number of people traveling is expected to decrease by 0.2 percent, while travel in the Southeast is expected to increase by 0.2 percent.

So, in the spirit of providing travelers with an excuse to hit the road, here are five Memorial Day travel ideas:

• Take a drive to Western North Carolina. Cashiers and Highlands are only two hours away.
• Check out some of Georgia’s roadside oddities.
• Visit a state or national park. There are plenty around, and parks such as Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield offer a nice window into history.
• Check out a local museum or better yet, explore Georgia’s Civil War heritage.
• Find a local Memorial Day celebration and give thanks.

The best part of traveling is taking a moment to pay tribute to those who helped make our country what it is. Let's remember that this Memorial Day.

WDW making changes to two DHS attractions

Walt Disney World is making changes to a pair of attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Tours and Toy Story Mania!

Officials are updating Toy Story Mania! to feature new characters from “Toy Story 3.” In addition to the changes at the attraction, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, the boss at Sunnyside Daycare in the movie, will appear at Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“Our number-one goal in creating Toy Story Mania! was to come up with game-play challenges appropriate for all guests, from little kids to serious gamers,” Sue Bryan, senior show producer, director, Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a news release. “I love that we are keeping things fresh and new by adding these great new friends and fun to join some of the most popular characters of all time.”

Meanwhile, the Studios will host the Last Tour to Endor on Aug. 14. The event is touted as “an out of-this-world, first-of-its-kind decommissioning party before Star Tours launches its final flights.” Star Tours is shutting down temporarily as part of an upgrade to the attraction.

Space shuttles prepare for new lives as tourist attractions

ATLANTA – As the Space Shuttle program winds to an end, a new tourist attraction looms.

Museums nationwide are clamoring for one of the space shuttles that will soon be decommissioned. According to published reports, 20 museums nationwide – including the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio – are lobbying for a shuttle.

“Ohio’s proud flight heritage, our proximity to a majority of the U.S. population and the aviation tradition of the National Museum of the United States Air Force provide all the essential elements for a dignified display educating the nation and the world on the tremendous accomplishments of the United States space program,” Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said, according to Cleveland.com.

The Air and Space Museum is home to the space shuttle Enterprise, a non space worthy shuttle. But, it appears that the space shuttle Discovery will be headed to the National Air and Space Museum, and the Enterprise will likely be relocated.

“Locating a shuttle at the Intrepid has been called a ‘no-brainer’ – and we couldn’t agree more,” Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum President Bill White said in a news release. “With millions of American and foreign tourists visiting New York City every year, putting a shuttle at the Intrepid would create an ideal platform to share our national pride in our space program with the entire world, pay tribute to the men and women who have played a role in our greatest technological achievement, and provide an opportunity to educate future generations on the exploration of space.”

A decision could be announced this summer.

“Showcasing an authentic space shuttle will not only bring visitors by the millions, it will inspire countless people to learn, explore and dream of adventure,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement.

IF YOU GO: In the meantime, space is closer than you think – or at least the attractions are. From Atlanta, head to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington – an easy trip by plane. Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., is a roughly eight hour drive and a perfect day trip from Orlando and Walt Disney World. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, located in Huntsville, Ala., is just more than three-and-a-half hours from Atlanta.

Hiroshima recollections (Part II)

HIROSHIMA, Japan – It seems only appropriate that a light rain fell on the Industrial Promotion Hall – a somber atmosphere for a somber reminder of the past. Dozens of tourists snapped pictures and took video, unfazed by the falling rain. Groups of school kids took in the building, no doubt on a field trip to learn about their nation’s past.

During World War II, Hiroshima was an important military town, but it more or less escaped major bombing for much of the war. In fact, once the U.S. selected the city as one of four possible sites to drop an atomic bomb, air raids on the city were prohibited.

Once known more for its role in ending World War II, Hiroshima has now become a major tourist attraction, and each year thousands of visitors from Japan and around the world travel to this western Japanese city.

It was here at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 6, 1945, during the closing weeks of World War II, that the first atomic bomb was dropped on a city. The blast produced a mushroom cloud and killed 140,000 people and left thousands more homeless. Three days later, the U.S. dropped a second bomb on Nagasaki, which killed an estimated 80,000 people, closing the chapter on the Second World War.

Walking through the city’s streets, it’s a bit eerie to think about what happened here and how the city has rebuilt. But, there’s no need to worry, as everyone in the city is exceptionally friendly.

While atomic weapons no doubt remain a controversial subject, it is possible to take in Hiroshima and understand the historical significance of the city without spending too much time discussing the pros and cons of nuclear warfare, though I will say that understanding this decision requires one to put it into the context of World War II.

Hiroshima recollections (Part I)

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Stepping off the train, the Hiroshima Shinkansen station looked like others around Japan. Quite frankly, there was no way of knowing precisely where we were, except for the large pictures that hung high above our heads.

The station was bustling with people speeding in every direction. Boutiques sold their wares, everything from worthless novelty items to newspapers and food for the hungry traveler.

I stepped off the train after a five-hour journey from Tokyo, not knowing what to expect. After all, whether you agree with what happened here, it’s hard to deny that Hiroshima holds a very important places in the annals of history — the site of the first atomic bomb ever used in war.

My friends and I made our way to the trolley station to board the train that would take us to our destination — the epicenter of the beginning of the end of World War II. We stepped on board, and it felt like an eternity. The trolley wasn’t moving. I was anxious. Not so much nervous, but I wanted to move quickly, to see what I wanted to see.

Photo Album: Ellis Island

Survey: Some reward programs difficult to cash in

ATLANTA – Airline reward programs sound great in theory. But, the reality is, booking flights with points isn’t as convenient as airlines make it sound.

That’s the upshot of a new study from Wisconsin-based IdeaWorks, which publishes the “ezRez Guide to Loyalty Marketing by IdeaWorks.” The publication is touted as the first dedicated to frequent flier programs.

In fact, during February and March 2010, the company conducted 6,160 booking queries on 22 frequent flier program websites for travel dates from June to October. Tempe, Ariz.-based U.S. Airways ranked last, with a 10.7 percent success rate, followed by Atlanta-based Delta Airlines, which returned a 12.9 percent rate.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which does not serve the Atlanta market, topped with list with a 99.3 percent success rate.

“More airlines are choosing to solve reward availability issues by allowing members to redeem miles, kilometers, credits, and points for hotel accommodations, car rentals, personal services, and merchandise,” said John Swanciger, senior vice president, sales & marketing for ezRez Software. “These methods provide more opportunities for members to spend frequent flier currency.”

Georgia Aquarium introduces rare albino alligators

ATLANTA – A pair of rare albino American alligators have joined the Georgia Aquarium’s Southern Company River Scout gallery.

There are less than 50 albino American alligators living in the United States, according to aquarium officials, and they typically only survive only 24 hours in the wild. The aquarium’s two alligators – one male and one female – are four and six feet long.

“By continuing to exhibit American alligators, the Aquarium has the opportunity to educate guests about conservation and this once endangered species,” Tim Mullican, vice president of zoological operations for the Georgia Aquarium, said in a news release.

“While American alligators are found throughout the Southeast, adult albino alligators can only been seen in zoos and aquariums,” Mullican added. “This allows us the opportunity to educate the millions of guests that visit the Georgia Aquarium each year about an animal they would probably never get to see.”

According to the aquarium, a rare genetic mutation affecting the production of melanin causes the alligators’ white skin color. In addition, their eyes appear to be pink or red as underlying blood vessels in the eye’s iris can be seen due to the lack of pigment.

At the aquarium, the two alligators will be kept out of the sun, and officials will add vitamin D3 to their diets to supplement their lack of ultraviolet radiation.

IF YOU GO: The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center.

AAA: Memorial Day travel in Southeast could see slight increase

ATLANTA – Memorial Day may be fast approaching, but nobody told the travelers – at least in the Southeast.

Nationally, AAA estimates 5.4 percent more Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day. In Georgia, the number of travelers is expected to decrease by 0.2 percent, while throughout the Southeast, the number of people traveling is expected to increase by 0.2 percent.

"The last two years have left consumers with a pent-up demand to travel, so we aren't surprised to see overall travel numbers increase this coming Memorial Day weekend," Jessica Brady, manager, AAA Public Relations, said in a news release. "Although travel in the Southeast is expected to decline, there will still be millions of motorists on the roadways and passengers at the airports, so safety and patience are of the essence."

AAA estimates that 884,000 Georgians will hit the road for the three-day weekend – the majority (754,262) of them traveling by car. Nationally, the organizations estimates 32.1 million people will be traveling this holiday – and increase over the 30.5 million Americans who traveled last year.

For some easy travel ideas in and around Metro Atlanta, click here.

Chambliss: 'Intelligence community needs strong and focused leadership'

The Director of National Intelligence resigned this week, and one Georgia senator says the intelligence community “needs strong and focused leadership” and that intelligence failures under Dennis Blair “cannot be tolerated.”

“Adm. Blair brought a wealth of intelligence background to the difficult position of the DNI. However, we have seen recent failures of the intelligence community leading up to the Christmas Day incident and the terrorist attempt in New York City,” Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., said in a statement. “This type of failure cannot be tolerated.

“The intelligence community needs strong and focused leadership and I hope the White House moves quickly to put that leadership in place,” Chambliss added.

Meanwhile, The Associated Press is reporting that James Clapper, a top intelligence official in the Pentagon, is the White House's choice to replace Blair.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian national, faces federal charges of attempting to destroy Northwest Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam as it prepared to land on Christmas Day at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Authorities say Abdulmutallab tried to ignite an explosive device that contained pentaerythritol, also known as PETN.

Minor league baseball offers major league excuse for a road trip

ATLANTA – It’s springtime again, so break out the hot dogs and Cracker Jacks and head to the ball game.

But don’t settle for just the big leagues. Take the opportunity to see a minor league baseball game and another part of the state.

Minor league baseball teams in Georgia:

• Augusta GreenJackets, the A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Augusta is located about two hours east of Atlanta.
• Gwinnett Braves, the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Located on the outskirts of Metro Atlanta, the Gwinnett Braves are the newest minor league team in Georgia.
• Savannah Sand Gnats, the A affiliate of the New York Mets. Just in case one needs another excuse to visit “The Hostess City of the South.”
• Rome Braves, the A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is an hour-and-a-half from Atlanta.

Of course, there are a number of other minor league teams in nearby out-of-state cities, including Birmingham, Chattanooga, Jacksonville and Greenville.

Take me out to the ballgame

ATLANTA -- It's springtime again, so break out the hot dogs and Cracker Jacks and head to the ball game.

But don't settle for just the big leagues. Take the opportunity to see a baseball game and another part of the state.

Minor league baseball teams in Georgia:

• Augusta GreenJackets, the A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants
• Gwinnett Braves, the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves
• Savannah Sand Gnats, the A affiliate of the New York Mets
• Rome Braves, the A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves

Of course, there are a number of other minor league teams in nearby out-of-state cities, including Birmingham, Chattanooga, Jacksonville and Greenville.

Find out what happened to the tiny town of Cassville

CASSVILLE, Ga. – Driving around the North Georgia community of Cassville, it’s hard to imagine this was once a bustling community.

In the years leading up to the Civil War, the city had wooden sidewalks, a newspaper and two colleges – the Cherokee Baptist College and the Cassville Female College.

Established in 1832 or 1833 and named for Lewis Cass, a former Secretary of War, the city was also the seat of Cass County. Interestingly, the town’s name was changed to Manassas following the First Battle of Manassas; however, it appears the name didn’t stick.

The city’s history changed on Nov. 5, 1864, when Union soldiers burned the town to the ground. Only three churches and three houses survived the town’s destruction.

By the end of the war, the seat of newly-renamed Bartow County was relocated to Cartersville. Cassville never regained the prominence it once had leading up to the war.

But, the story of Cassville lives on, thanks to the Cassville Museum.

Located in the old Cassville Post Office, the museum is home to dozens of Civil War-era artifacts, pictures and postal memorabilia.

Until its operations moved elsewhere in the 1990s, the old Cassville Post Office was the country’s oldest operating Post Office. It remains one of the country’s oldest post office buildings.

In addition to its near-total destruction, the city is today remembered for the so-called Cassville Affair. During the Civil War, Confederate Gen. Joseph Johnston intended to launch and major counter-offensive here, but the attack never materialized, and he eventually retreated south.

IF YOU GO: The Cassville Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. From Atlanta, take Interstate 75 north to Exit 290. Take Ga. Highway 20 west to U.S. Highway 41 north. Turn right onto Cassville Road. The museum is located in downtown Cassville across from Cassville Grocery.

Photo Album: Tokyo, Japan

Monument tells of business owner's gratitude

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. – By 1857, Mark Anthony Cooper found himself in debt to the tune of $100,000, and his company, the Etowah Iron and Manufacturing Co., was about to be auctioned.

With the help of 38 friends, Cooper raised $200,000 in notes and purchased back his company. Cooper didn’t forget his friends who helped him raise the money, so in 1860, after he repaid the debt, Cooper built a monument to thank them.

The monument was originally erected on the town square of Etowah, a small town where his iron company was located. In 1864, the monument was the only structure to survive the wrath of Union soldiers led by Gen. William T. Sherman.

In 1927, as the federal government was poised to dam the Etowah River and create Lake Allatoona, the monument was relocated to nearby Cartersville. But, a little more than 30 years later, the monument again moved – this time to the banks of Lake Allatoona to make room for more parking spaces in downtown Cartersville.

In 1999, the monument moved for a final time – to its current location in downtown Cartersville and the aptly renamed Friendship Plaza.

IF YOU GO: Cartersville is located about 45 north of Atlanta. Take Interstate 75 north to Exit 288 and follow the signs to downtown Cartersville.

Bridge piers offer a link to Civil War

EMERSON, Ga. – In order to complete the Western & Atlantic Railroad, engineers had to overcome a number of natural obstacles. That resulted in a 1,447-foot-long tunnel through Chetoogeta Mountain and a bridge over the Etowah River south of Cartersville.

The bridge over the Etowah River was completed in 1847, about three years before the Atlanta-to-Chattanooga rail line opened. The bridge’s stone pillars are all that remain of the once-formidable structure.

During the Civil War, James J. Andrews, who led a group of Union soldiers with the intent of destroying the Western & Atlantic Railroad, identified the bridge as a major target of The Andrews Raid. However, the group of Union spies left the bridge intact, allowing a group of pursuers to continue their chase, which eventually proved successful.

Just north of the bridge, the former Etowah Railroad joined the Western & Atlantic Railroad. At this point during The Andrews Raid, the pursuers commandeered the Yonah, an Etowah Railroad locomotive.

“We had better destroy that, and the big bridge,” one of the raiders told Andrews. He simply responded: “It won’t make any difference.”

During the Civil War, the bridge was burned a number of times by both Union and Confederate troops. A newer bridge opened in 1944 and railroad traffic was rerouted away from the historic structure.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Main Street Electrical Parade returns to WDW

A Walt Disney World Institution is returning to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for a limited engagement this summer.

The Main Street Electrical Parade, which ran from 1977-1991 and from 1999-2001, is returning to the Magic Kingdom this summer. The parade will run from June 6-Aug. 14.

From the opening notes of “Baroque Hoedown,” the parade’s theme song, to every float that follows, the Main Street Electrical Parade was a true classic. The parade is perhaps the most beloved parade ever to run along the Magic Kingdom’s parade route.

When the parade returns, it will be with a few updates. For example, Tinker Bell will lead the procession, and the Pleasure Island haunts of Pinocchio and the diamond mine of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs return to the parade’s lineup of 23 floats.

In addition, Disney is touting the parade’s new LED lights, which use less power than incandescent lights.

In 2001, the parade started at Disney’s California Adventure where it runs under the name of Disney’s Electrical Parade. The original incarnation of the parade debuted at Disneyland on June 17, 1972.

Jackson's 'Captain EO' returning to Walt Disney World

A blast from Walt Disney World’s past is returning to EPCOT Center in July.

“Captain EO,” a 17-minute 3-D film starring Anjelica Huston, the late Michael Jackson and a number of other characters is returning July 2 and will temporarily replace “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” in the theme park’s Imagination pavilion. A return date for “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” has not been set.

“During the journey, Captain EO and his merry crew discover a colorless planet where they are confronted by the Supreme Leader (Huston) and her forces of darkness,” Walt Disney World said in its press release announcing the show’s return. “Using the power of music, dance and light to fill the planet and the theater with all the shades of the rainbow, the EO crew turns the black and white land into a magical world of color and happiness.”

“Captain EO” ran in EPCOT Center from 1986-1994. The performance will show “several” times per day, Disney said in a news release. The show also returned to Disneyland in February and is also returning to Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

WDW announces plans for new resort

West Center Street.com

Walt Disney World announced plans to build a 2,000-room value resort that is expected to be open by 2012.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature 1,120 family suites – to be located in The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo wings of the resort – and 864 standard “themed” rooms – to be located in The Little Mermaid wing. The suites will have both a bedroom and a living room.

“These themes have both compelling storylines and vivid visuals which will come together to create a truly memorable, immersive resort experience,” Eric Jacobson, senior vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a news release. “With more multi-generational families vacationing together, guests are looking for places where they can play together and stay together. This resort was designed with the needs of families in mind, as we continue the Disney tradition of providing a great guest experience for every taste and budget.”

The resort – which is to be “crowned” by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton – will be the 26th on Walt Disney World property. The new resort no doubt fills a guest demand for more affordable family suites.

“We are always looking for opportunities to expand and enhance our Walt Disney World offerings, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a great example of those efforts,” Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said in a news release. “This new resort will feature some of our most beloved characters and stories in a unique and special way that we think our guests will really enjoy,” said “This project also underscores our optimism about the future, as we continue to invest in new experiences for our guests around the globe.”

The next three years look to be big for Walt Disney World. In addition to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the resort is also undertaking a massive expansion of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.

When completed in 2013, the land will feature a number of attractions themed on Disney princesses, including a Little Mermaid-themed attraction, similar to what Disney is building in California.

IF YOU GO: Walt Disney World is an easy getaway from Atlanta. It’s a roughly 8-hour drive, and there are a number of roadside attractions worth seeing en route – including the Confederate Missile in Cordele and the “World’s Largest Peanut” in Ashburn. In addition, a number of airlines – including Delta and AirTran – offer direct flights between Atlanta and Orlando.

Feds change union rules

A federal agency on Monday changed rules regulating union elections, making it easier for airline and railroad employees to unionize.

Critics of the new rule argue the National Mediation Board does not have the authority to make such a change, and one airline organization has indicated it will sue over the change.

Under the new rules, a union could form if a majority of employees who cast ballots in a union election vote to unionize. Previously, a majority of all employees needed to vote for unionization; employees who did not vote were essentially counted as a “no” vote.

“The National Mediation Board simply does not have the legal authority to make such a radical change without Congressional authorization,” U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said in a news release. “With this rule change, a union could be permanently recognized without a majority of employees having ever supported representation. I will use all available tools at my disposal, including the Congressional Review Act option, to see that this assault on employee rights does not stand.”

Meanwhile, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) said it is planning to file a challenge to the rule change.

“We continue to believe the National Mediation Board does not have legal authority to implement this rule, one that undoubtedly will lead to more labor discord,” the ATA said in a statement. “It is quite clear to us that the NMB was determined to proceed despite the proposed rule’s substantive and procedural flaws, leaving us no choice but to seek judicial review.”

The AFL-CIO requested the change in September 2009, Isakson said.

Greetings from Cartersville, Ga.

Marietta Fire Museum showcases historic fire equipment

MARIETTA, Ga. – Marietta’s fire department traces its origins to 1854, following a fire that destroyed the town square.

Since the department’s inception more than 155 years ago, firefighting has changed immeasurably. The story of fighting fires over the past two centuries – from bucket brigades to pumper and ladder trucks – is on display at the Marietta Fire Museum.

One of the highlights of the museum is an 1879 horse-drawn Silsby steamer, which is nicknamed “Aurora.” The unit is said to be one of only five of its kind still in existence.

The horse-drawn steamer remained in service until 1921 when it was replaced by an American LaFrance Pumper, also on display in the museum. The pumper is famous for being one of the first motorized fire vehicles in North Georgia.

Also on display are a 1929 Seagrave pumper, a 1949 Pirsch ladder truck and a 1952 Chevrolet panel truck.

In addition to the fire vehicles, a number of antique helmets, firefighting accessories and a “Wall of Flame” featuring photos of some of the city’s larger fires from over the years are on display.

Photo Album: Willemstad, Curacao

Photo album is an occasional photo essay feature.

Bear visits aren’t uncommon during spring in Georgia

ATLANTA – Spring could be a good time for sighting bears – even if it’s not on the agenda.

Young male bears typically explore areas outside their regular domain in the spring, making sightings throughout Metro Atlanta possible, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. But, if left alone, the bears typically return to their home turf.

“If a black bear is sighted passing through an area, the best thing to do is to leave it alone,” Wildlife Biologist Adam Hammond said in a news release. “Residents should never approach a bear and never, under any circumstances, feed a bear. Even worse, attempting to ‘tree’ or corner a bear in a certain area often compromises both the safety and welfare of the public and the bear.”

Black bears are the only bears in Georgia, according to the state’s DNR. To avoid a visit from a bear, officials say store garbage in the garage if necessary and keep grills and bird feeders in areas bears can’t access, and certainly don’t consider feeding a bear, as it is illegal.

AFA-CWA: NTSB accepts recommendation for flotation devices on all aircraft

The Travel Trolley wire reports

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) supported a recommendation by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) for overwater safety equipment to be included on all commercial aircraft, regardless of route, the group said.

The recommendation was made at this week's NTSB hearing on the probable cause for US Airways Flight 1549's emergency ditching on the Hudson River in 2009.

"We are pleased that the NTSB took notice of our call for overwater safety equipment on all aircraft," AFA-CWA International President Patricia Friend said in a news release. "It is crucial that flight attendants and passengers be provided all the resources possible to ensure a successful emergency evacuation and improve the likelihood of water survival. We now look to the Federal Aviation Administration to implement these recommendations in a timely manner."

Currently, federal guidelines state that only aircraft scheduled for extended overwater routes should be equipped with flotation devices such as personal life vests and rafts. All other aircraft are required to only supply a basic level of safety equipment such as flotation seat cushions.

Despite not being scheduled for overwater operations, US Airways flight 1549 was equipped with personal flotation devices and slide/rafts that helped to save the lives of 155 crew members and passengers.

Although the NTSB does not have regulatory authority, the board's safety recommendations are well respected in the aviation industry, the AFA-CWA said. During the hearing, the NTSB Safety Board also recommended an additional AFA-CWA call for detailed passenger briefings on the correct life vest retrieval and donning procedures on all flights, the group said.

Clarksville’s Poston Building reminds of city’s former cash crop

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Cumberland River has always played an important role in the history of Clarksville.

The river helped transport tobacco grown in the Clarksville area to a number of destinations, including Pittsburgh and New Orleans. In fact, the city was once among the largest markets for a type of dark-fired tobacco. Perhaps it’s no surprise that one of the city’s newspapers was even named The Tobacco Leaf.

While tobacco is no longer the basis for the city’s economy, a reminder of the city’s past is clearly visible on the side of a building on the city’s Public Square and overlooking the Cumberland River.

The Poston Building, built in 1842, is one of the city’s oldest buildings. In the 1870s, an advertisement was painted on the side of the building. Much like a billboard situated along the side of the interstate, the building served as a billboard to the passing river traffic.

While The Poston Building isn’t the most exhilarating attraction in town, it is an important reminder of the city’s past and the crop that helped bring the city to prominence.

United, Continental announce merger

The Travel Trolley wire reports

Continental and United said they were planning to merge, thereby creating the world's largest airline.

Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of UAL Corp., will serve as non-executive chairman of the combined company's Board of Directors through December 31, 2012 or the second anniversary of closing, whichever is later. Jeff Smisek, Continental's chairman, president and chief executive officer, will be chief executive officer and a member of the Board of Directors. He will also become executive chairman of the Board upon Tilton's ceasing to be non-executive chairman.

The holding company for the new entity will be named United Continental Holdings Inc. and the name of the airline will be United Airlines. The marketing brand will be a combination of the brands of both companies. Aircraft will have the Continental livery, logo and colors with the United name.

The new company's corporate and operational headquarters will be in Chicago and it will maintain a significant presence in Houston, which will be the combined company's largest hub.

Reports: United, Continental headed toward merger

The Travel Trolley

A merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines appears to be imminent, according to a number of media outlets.

Both The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal, among other outlets, reported the boards of both airlines approved the merger. An official announcement is expected Monday.

“These two companies coming together was kismet,” Business Week quoted Ray Neidl, an independent airline analyst, as saying. “It was destined to happen because this creates truly a worldwide system. They need the market size to effectively compete.”

The two airlines nearly merged previously, but that deal fell through just prior to completion. The new airline is expected to retain the United name and remain headquartered in Chicago

Photo Album: The Meiji Jingu Shrine

Photo album is an occasional photo essay feature.

Frontier airlines unveils badger aircraft

Poll: Travelers willing to sacrifice on gift giving to keep their vacations

Travelers will be hitting the road and taking to the skies in droves this summer, a new poll suggests.

Travelocity’s most recent poll with TakingTheKids.com revealed that not only are vacations more important than ever, but travelers are willing to cut back on other expenses and use a variety of techniques to save money to take that much-deserved vacation.

Poll Findings:

• 85 percent of respondents feel vacations are as, or more, important than before the recession.
• Travelers are willing to cut back on expenses like entertainment (67 percent) eating out (67 percent) and even gifts to others (29 percent) and charitable donations (17 percent) to take a vacation.
• The most popular money-saving techniques are traveling at off-peak times (60 percent) and avoiding holidays (57 percent).
• Other tactics include picking the destination based on price, driving instead of flying and vacationing closer to home. 10 percent are willing to take kids out of school as a money-saving technique.

Family travelers are committed to planning vacations that the kids will enjoy, with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying that their kids are involved in at least some part of the vacation planning.

Though the kids are least likely to have a say in the actual destination (11 percent), they’re far more likely to do research online (21 percent), determine the vacation type (24 percent) and/or select activities or events (56 percent).