Md. company to start 'privatized maintenance' on I-95 in Ga.

ATLANTA -- A Maryland company on Friday will begin privatized maintenance of Interstate 95 in Georgia as part of a three-year "demonstration program," transportation officials said.

Roy Jorgensen Associates Inc. won a $6.8 million contract that includes an option for a three-year renewal, pending Georgia Department of Transportation approval.

The state recently spent $1 billion to widen the major thoroughfare -- which sees up to 300,000 vehicles each day. The 113-mile stretch of the interstate in Georgia is not only used by travelers heading north and south along the coast, it is vital for the state's post facilities in Brunswick and Savannah.

"This is an important project," DOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith Jr. said in a news releases. "The General Assembly and the State Transportation Board have encouraged us to find an appropriate section of roadway to conduct this type of privatization test. I-95 is a perfect location and we think there is a great opportunity here to save money; free our own employees for other critical work; and still keep a high standard of highway maintenance."

DOT suspending construction lane closures

ATLANTA -- Good news motorists.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lanes closures related to construction this holiday weekend.

"For the past decade, Georgia averaged about 1,900 crashes each Fourth of July weekend with an average of 16 deaths and another 750 injuries," Transportation Commissioner Vance. C. Smith Jr. said in a news release. "Enjoy America's many birthday festivities, but please be very careful while driving and do not drive impaired or distracted."

There will not be any closures between 5 a.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Tuesday, the department said.

Delta finishes flat bed installation on 777, 767-400ER aircraft

ATLANTA -- All of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 777 and 767-400ER aircraft have been upgraded to include full flat beds in the their BusinessElite cabins, the airline announced Wednesday.

Currently, more than 25 percent of Delta's "widebody" aircraft used on international flights have received the upgrade. The entire "widebody" international fleet -- made up of more than 140 aircraft -- will have flat-bed seats in BusinessElite by the end of 2013, according to Delta.

"A full flat-bed seat with direct aisle access is a premium cabin feature that's important to our customers and we're delivering," Tim Mapes, senior vice president – marketing, said in a news release. "Installing full flat-bed seats on each of our widebody international aircraft is a major component of the $2 billion investment Delta is making in our product and customer experience over the next two years."

The first of Delta's Boeing 767-300ER aircraft is scheduled to received its full flat-bed in August, the airline said.

Five must-dos for a visit to Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- With so much to do and see, a visit to Savannah can seem a little daunting.

But, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are five must-dos for a visit to Georgia's oldest city:

Scope out the city's squares: The city has a about two dozen squares. It may be hard to visit all of them, but when in town, park the car and head to the closest square.

View the monuments: There are countless monuments dedicated to the people and events that shaped the city into what it is today. Like the city's squares, it may be hard to see them all, but one can see many (especially downtown) by walking the city's streets for a couple of hours.

Walk down River Street: From the shops to the river activity to the people watching, River Street is the heart of downtown Savannah.

Enjoy Southern cuisine: Paula Deen, anyone? Yes, please. Check out Lady & Sons restaurant.

Learn about the city's history: Take a ghost tour, consider a walking tour or stop by one of the city's museums, such as the Savannah History Museum or the Roundhouse Railroad Museum.

For more information, visit www.savannahvisit.com or www.savannahnow.com.

Historic Athens theater set to re-open Aug. 1

(Photo by Todd DeFeo)

ATHENS, Ga. – The historic Georgia Theater, gutted by fire two years ago, is set to re-open Aug. 1, according to published media reports.

The building has become an Athens institution since it opened as a music venue more than three decades ago.

“The real challenge of this project was being modern and safe while keeping it historic,” WXIA-TV/11 Alive quoted Wilmot Greene, co-owner of the theater, as saying. “So the exterior walls, we didn’t change anything. But the interior, we had to and did change everything.”

The theater was built in 1889 to serve as a YMCA. In the 1930s, the building was converted into a movie theater, and it began its run as a music venue in 1978. The Police, the Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, R.E.M. and the B-52s are among the acts that have performed at the Georgia Theater.

Shortly after the fire, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation teamed up with the Georgia Theatre to raise money to rebuild the historic structure.

The Glands, an indie rock band from Athens, is slated to be the first group to perform at the new Georgia Theater.

Must-do New York: The Staten Island Ferry

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York City has so many landmarks that serve as the "face" of the city: the Empire State Building, the Statues of Liberty (though it is technically in New Jersey) and the Staten Island Ferry.

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry.

Ferries have been shuttling people back and forth across the New York Harbor since the 18th century. Today, the Ferry between St. George on Staten Island and Lower Manhattan has a way of life for the 19 million people who commute between the two destinations each year.

Eight boats make up the Staten Island Ferry fleet, making a combined 33,000 25-minute one-way trips between the two boroughs.

More than a commuting necessity, the Staten Island Ferry is a must-do attraction for any visitor to the Big Apple. And, the ferry arguably offers the best view of the Statue of Liberty.

Perhaps best of all, the ferry has been free since 1997.

Jefferson, Ga., relocating its Confederate monument

JEFFERSON, Ga. -- Officials are relocating the city's Confederate monument as part of a streetscape project.

The monument was slightly damaged during the move, according to published reports.

Who knew Stonehenge was in Athens, Ga.?

Taken June 26, 2011.

AthFest: A great way to explore Athens' music scene

ATHENS – Perhaps the only thing more synonymous with Athens than college football is music.

The home of R.E.M., the B-52s and many more, live music is still very much a part of present-day Athens.

But, AthFest might just be the best way to experience the Classic City’s music scene. The three-day festival, held annually in downtown Athens, launched in 1997.

The festival’s mission is to educate people about the city’s music and arts community.

“Locals and travelers alike came together for a weekend of music and merriment,” one attendee at this year’s festival said. “Attending AthFest is a great way to experiencing what Athens has to offer.”

This year, AthFest is auctioning a Gretsch Hollow Bodied Electric Guitar that has been signed by the B-52s. The proceeds of the auction, which ends June 30, will benefit the festival educational mission.

This year’s event kicked off Thursday and continues through tomorrow. For more information, visit http://athfest.com/.

Board votes in increase MARTA fare

ATLANTA – The cost of riding MARTA will increase from $2 to $2.50, the transit system’s board decided Wednesday.

The board made the change as part of a vote to approve a $413.76 million capital budget.

“This has been a very difficult decision for the Board because, as a service based industry, we do not want to make changes that have a negative impact on our customers,” MARTA Board Chairman Jim Durrett said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the economic downturn has taken its toll on MARTA’s finances, and with the cost of doing business continuing to go up, a fare increase is required in order to maintain current bus and rail service levels for our customers.”

The board took its vote after hearing comments from more than 260 residents, officials said. In addition to the fare increase, officials say they have cut more than $100 from the budget over the past three years.

“We commit to our customers that our available resources will be focused on providing top quality transit service that is safe and customer-focused,” Durrett said. “As we move forward, we ask our customers to work with us to secure a new dedicated and reliable source of funding so that we can improve and expand transit service in this region.”

Ga. authorities targeting boaters under the influence

ATLANTA -- Georgia authorities this weekend will be taking part in Operation Dry Water, an enforcement initiative aimed at cracking down on people who boat while intoxicated.

Officers will be conducting checkpoints and "concentrated patrols" at undisclosed locations on waterways statewide looking for boaters with a Blood Alcohol Content above the state limit of .10 percent.

"We will be doing concentrated safety patrols and checks while trying to educate as many boaters as possible about the hazards of Boating Under the Influence (BUI)," Department of Natural Resources Capt. Mike England said in a news release.

"There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence," England added. "We want recreational boaters to enjoy themselves, but there will be zero tolerance for BUI."

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) launched Operation Dry Water in 2009. The U.S. Coast Guard is also participating in the initiative.

Still golden after all these years

Photo by Todd DeFeo

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

LAS VEGAS -- Some Las Vegas hotels have roller coasters as their signature attraction. Others lure tourists with dining and shows.

The Golden Nugget on Fremont Street has a ... golden nugget. A large one at that.

Kevin Hillier found the "Hand of Faith" -- a nugget weighing 61 pounds, 11 ounces -- near Wedderburn, Australia, in 1980. A year later, the gold piece made its way to the casino where it is on display for the world to see.

The casino, which opened in August 1946, is one of Las Vegas' oldest casinos.

The nugget -- said to be the second largest ever discovered and the largest in existence -- is valued at more than $3 million. The "Hand of Faith" is on display near the North Tower lobby.

Five must-see destinations in Italy

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

Photo by Todd DeFeo

ROME, Italy – Boiling Italy down to five must-see attractions is a nearly impossible task.

But, if one could only visit a handful of the country’s legendary landmarks, here are five that ought to be considered:

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa

Construction on La Torre di Pisa began in August 1173, but it wasn’t until workers completed three floors of the tower that its now-famous lean was noticeable. The tower was completed in 1360, and over the years, there have been many attempts to stop the tilting. At one point, officials placed lead weights at the base of the tower, but that did not fix the lean.

The Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. This incredible building has lasted generations and is the best and most widely known symbol of Rome’s past. The Colosseum could hold 50,000 people, had a retractable roof and could be emptied in a matter of minutes. The stadium is perhaps best remembered for the gladiator fights that once took place there. The Colosseum was used for 145 years until it was damaged in a fire in 217.

Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

The crown jewel of the city is the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore – a glorious cathedral that dwarfs most other buildings in this city. Construction of Il Duomo dates back to 1296, but the grand structure wasn’t completed until 1436 – 140 years after construction began. Furthermore, the building’s façade, generally described as a “neo-gothic façade of white, red and green marble,” wasn’t completed until 1887.

St. Mark’s Square, Venice

The city center of Venice is certainly a sight to behold. Known as “The Piazza,” the origins of St. Mark’s Square date to about the ninth century. The Campanile (bell tower) was originally built in the 16th century, but collapsed in 1902 and was subsequently rebuilt.

It’s often said that Napoleon once called the square “the drawing room of Europe.”

Vatican Square, Rome (technically, an independent city-state)

Anyone who calls him or herself a student of history cannot help but be in awe of Vatican City’s direct link to modern day religion. It is here that Saint Peter – one of Jesus’ 12 disciples – was buried after he was crucified circa 67 AD. A number of popes are buried in the Vatican’s catacombs, including John Paul II.

Be sure not to miss the original Vegas

Photo by Todd DeFeo

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

LAS VEGAS -- Say Las Vegas today, and most people think of The Strip.

But, the original "gambling district" of Las Vegas lies a few miles away.

Famed casinos such as the Golden Nugget, Binion's and Golden Gate all reside along Fremont Street.

In 1925, the street became the first paved street in Las Vegas. But in 2004, the street closed to make way for a new attraction.

Since August 2007, the Fremont Street Experience has drawn visitors downtown.

Over the years, the area has also been featured in a number of movies, including James Bond's Diamonds Are Forever and also the music video for U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."

Arguably one of Las Vegas' most recognized and endearing symbols, Vegas Vic, has called the street home since 1951. Located above what was once the Pioneer Club (and today a souvenir shop), the 40-foot-tall neon cowboy has graced countless postcards.

When in Vegas, enjoy a museum

Photo by Todd DeFeo

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

LAS VEGAS -- Sin City is usually associated with gambling, but the city does have a number of museums worth checking out.

Here are three for starters (this list is by no means exhaustive):

Atomic Testing Museum

The world changed forever on Aug. 6, 1945, when the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

In the years that followed, Las Vegas was a popular destination for those wanting to see the large mushroom clouds at the nearby Nevada Test Site. The museum's exhibits not only focused on testing on the site, but also life at the site and its impact on the surrounding communities.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Since 2006, the Pinball Hall of Fame has featured a vast array of pinball machines -- ranging from modern machines to rarer classics.

The attraction is free to visit, but it costs to play pinball. Still for most, it's cheaper than the craps table and just as fun -- if not more so.

Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum

Most visitors to Las Vegas spend only passing moments in the airport, and for many, that time is in front of a slot machine.

The Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, located inside the airport, offers a quick overview of Sin City's aviation history. And, it's free, so even tourists who lost everything to the Blackjack table can enjoy this attraction.

Enjoy a free day at a national park

National parks nationwide will be waiving fees on Tuesday in honor of the start of summer.

"The longest day of the year is the perfect time to take a short trip. Celebrate an extended Father's Day with Dad, the start of summer break with the kids, or a job well done with your favorite graduate," National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said in a news release. "With 394 national parks across the country, you could opt to visit an old favorite or explore a new place. Find a reason to get outside and enjoy the extra sunshine at a national park near you."

Park entrance fees -- at the parks that charge fees -- generally range from $3 to $25.

National Parks in Georgia that normally have fees include the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area in Augusta, the Cumberland Island National Seashore in St. Marys, Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island and Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah.

Etowah Indian Mounds provide insight into past civilization

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Centuries before Europeans came to Northwest Georgia, a number of Native American tribes inhabited the area, including one that left its mark on the area by building ceremonial mounds that served as the centerpiece of their city.

The Etowah Indian Mounds have survived for centuries and offer a one-of-a-kind look at this bygone civilization. Designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1960s, this 54-acre state park includes a museum with artifacts discovered at the site, six mounds the natives built, and a number of other related sites.

Located on the north shore of the Etowah River and south of modern-day Cartersville, the mounds were inhabited from 1000 to 1550 by Muskogean Native Americans of the Mississippian culture, so named because the culture originated along the banks of the Mississippi River.

The now 1,000-year-old Native American town is generally believed to be a city Hernando de Soto visited in 1540 when he was exploring the area.

The largest mound, today known as Mound A, stands about 65 feet tall, making roughly as tall as a six-story building, and offering travelers willing to climb the stairs to the top a nice view of the surrounding landscape.

The chief priest and his family lived on top of this mound, and from here, he presided over the ceremonies that took place in the city's plazas below. After the chief died, his successor would burn the house on top and heighten the existing mound before building a new home on top.

One of the smaller mounds, known as Mound C, was completely excavated and rebuilt. What archeologists discovered inside of Mound C has provided historians with a wealth of information they use to study and understand this society.

The entire city was fortified and a number of "wattle and daub" single-family houses stood in the area surrounding the mounds. The people who lived here grew crops and caught fish and mussels from the Etowah River.

Park officials say they have excavated about 9 percent of the site, but those excavations have revealed an abundance of information about the society and its rituals. Many of the artifacts unearthed at the site -- including tools, artwork and jewelry -- are on display at the park's museum.

FAA levies $425,000 fine against ASA

ATLANTA – The Federal Aviation Administration levied a $425,000 fine against Atlanta-based Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), alleging the company operated a pair of jets that were “not in compliance with FAA regulations.”

Federal officials contend ASA “failed to complete required inspections of the two aircraft after they were struck by lightning. One strike took place on July 21, 2008 and the other on July 23, 2008.”
Between July 22 and July 24, 2008, the airline flew the Bombardier CRJ regional jets on 13 passenger flights.

“FAA regulations require the carrier to conduct and document the detailed check for lightning strike damage mandated in the airline’s aircraft maintenance manual,” the FAA said in a statement. “An FAA air safety inspector discovered both alleged violations.”

“All operators must comply with maintenance regulations and requirements in a timely fashion,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a news release.

ASA has 30 days to appeal the fine. A subsidiary of SkyWest Inc., ASA flies as Delta Connection.

When in Curacao, make time for a museum

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- One advantage Curacao has over other Caribbean destinations is its wealth of cultural attractions.

So in between snorkeling and margaritas, be sure to make time for one of the island's museums. Here are a few attractions worth considering:

Postal Museum

Don't think for a moment, only a philatelist would be interested in a visit to the Postal Museum. The museum features a lot of interesting about the island of Curacao.

The museum is housed in a building dating to 1693 -- the oldest building on the island.

Maritime Museum

In a picturesque mansion located on the Waaigat inlet and dating to 1729, the Maritime Museum features an incredible collection of artifacts and stories about the island's inextricable connection to the sea. Curacao was "discovered" in 1499 and has been an important shipping center throughout its history.

Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue & Jewish Museum

One might not expect to find a large Jewish population in the middle of a Caribbean paradise. But Curacao is home to the "oldest synagogue building in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere," and the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue & Jewish Museum chronicles the congregation's history.

Numismatic Museum

From the days of bartering for goods and services to the issuing of its own Antillean currency, the Numismatic Museum takes a look at money on the island.

Fort Church Museum

Dating to 1769, Fort Church is the oldest church on the island. The church's associated museum features a number of historic artifacts chronicling the Dutch Protestant congregation that dates to 1635.

Kura Hulanda Museum

Sadly, slavery is a major part of Curacao's history, and the Kura Hulanda Museum takes an in depth look at how the institution shaped the island's history.

Sinking like a sunset

Taken May 7, 2011, in Curacao.

The real 'Blue Curacao'

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- Any bartender or drink connoisseur is familiar with "Blue Curacao." It's a staple of countless mixed drinks.

But, what many folks might not know is that there's only one true Curacao -- the sweet liqueur made from distilled orange peels.

When the Spanish came to Curacao at the end of the 15th century, they planned to grow Valencia oranges. Their plan didn't exactly work; while the oranges did grow, the island's soil and climate rendered the fruit bitter.

At some point, someone figured out that the dried peels of this fruit -- today known as the Laraha -- offered up a nice aroma. Of course, mixed with the right spices, the dried peels also led to a liqueur.

Since the 19th century, the Senior family has been making Senior's Curacao de Curacao. Sure, there are plenty of imitators to be found on package store shelves everywhere, but there is only one true "Blue Curacao."

Located in a Chobolobo Mansion, the factory is today a tourist attraction, and anyone can sample one of the four unique flavors of Curacao -- rum raisin, chocolate, coffee or the original, one-of-a-kind liqueur that comes in five colors: red, green, orange, clear and, of course, blue.

South Africa continues to see tourism interest

South Africa continues to see millions of travelers one year after the World Cup, officials said.

"World Cup may be over but we're still reveling in the profound positive effects this one event has brought to our country," Sthu Zungu, president, South African Tourism, North America, said in a news release. "As a chance to show the rest of world the rich and diverse beauty of South Africa like never before, World Cup was only the beginning. South Africa is resonating with millions of travel enthusiasts worldwide with record tourists in 2010, and leading as a global holiday destination – we've only just scratched the surface."

By 2020, the country is hoping to increase to 15 million the number of foreign leisure travelers to the country.

Scenic Vista Thursday

Taken May 28, 2011, in Sweetwater Creek State Park in Douglasville, Ga.

Portion of California's Highway 1 to reopen tomorrow

A portion of California's scenic Highway 1 located about 40 miles south of Big Sur near the Monterey County, Calif., line, will reopen tomorrow.

The section of road was closed for almost two months because of a landslide. With the reopening, motorists can now travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco via Highway 1.

"For Big Sur and beyond, this is tremendous news and the reopening comes at a critical time for summer travel," John Reyes, President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a news release. "Tourism is our destination's second largest economy and Highway 1 is an important artery for the millions of visitors we welcome year-round."

Greetings From Street Food Thursday

ATLANTA -- You had me at "delicious food."

According to the Atlanta Street Food Coalition's website, one of the group's missions is "facilitating a thriving urban street food scene that brings casual, affordable, delicious food options to Atlanta's streets, fosters connectivity between residents and promotes the city itself as a food culture destination."

Adairsville First United Methodist Church

Taken June 4, 2011, in Adairsville, Ga.

Like Curacao? Try to win a trip

People who 'Like' the island of Curaçao on Facebook have a chance to win an all-inclusive family vacation to the island.

"This new campaign will serve to increase the awareness of Curaçao with travelers in the U.S. and Canadian markets, continuing to propel the island onto a list of must-see destinations for consumers," Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager for North America Andre Rojer said in news release. "The trip giveaway is our way of thanking our current fans and future fans for supporting our island."

A family of four will experience an all-inclusive, four-night stay at Breezes Curaçao Resort, Spa and Casino located on a 1,500-foot white sand beach overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The package includes all meals and multiple dining options; land and water sports, entertainment; airport transfers; as well as complimentary airfare for four from the continental U.S. or Canada, provided by the Curaçao Tourist Board.

The family vacation prize to Curaçao includes an experience of a lifetime going beneath the sea at 1,000 feet in the Curasub, the world's first mini submarine for tourists, at Substation Curaçao. The winning family can then swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Academy Curaçao.

Take a trip to enjoy hockey

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

ATLANTA -- Now that the Atlanta Thrashers are headed for Winnipeg, does that mean fans won't be able to enjoy a little hockey action close to home?

No, not at all.

There are still three hockey teams playing in the state of Georgia.

The closest team, the Gwinnett Gladiators, have been staples of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) since 2003. They were previously affiliated with the Atlanta Thrashers, but are, as of now, looking for a new major league affiliation, according to The Associated Press.

"We're here, and we're not going anywhere," The Associated Press quoted Gladiators President Steve Chapman as saying.

For anyone looking to take a little road trip, there are two additional hockey teams that call the Peach State home.

The Augusta Riverhawks began playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) in 2010. The Columbus Cottonmouths (aka the "Snakes") have been playing in the league since 1996.

Of course, for anyone in Atlanta still looking for some NHL action, the Carolina Hurricanes are the closest option.