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ImageTravel tip: Know your Twitter handle
Let’s face it, in the past air travel may have been glamorous but whatever mystique it once had is gone, despite Richard Branson’s best efforts. The indignities that accompany air travel are only exacerbated by delays that can result from mechanical, weather or to too much air traffic.
If you happen to find yourself stuck in an airport needing to rebook or talk to someone for help, chances are the customer service desk and phone lines will be overtaxed and frustratingly slow. It never ceases to amaze me how veteran travelers shout into their phones or wait in endless lines but never once consider Tweeting the airlines for assistance.
Last week I arrived at LaGuardia airport only to find out my 4PM shuttle had been cancelled. The befuddled agent smiled as she gave me a new ticket for the 9PM shuttle. I didn’t bother to say anything as I could hear to my left and right agents sharing the same unwelcome news. Instead I hopped on Twitter and contacted the airline. Within 10 minutes (from the comfort of my seat at the bar) I was placed on standby for the 5PM and guaranteed a seat on the 6PM shuttle. Not ideal, but I leaped a line of angry fliers begging for special treatment that was never going to happen.
My travel tip to everyone is to know your airline Twitter handle. Some airlines are better at this than others; two that I’ve used that are very responsive are JetBlue (@JetBlue) and Delta Airlines (@Delta Assist).
Have you used Twitter to help you avert any travel nightmares? Do share.
Sky Mall late spring catalog
For those who read my blog, you will be familiar with my periodic poking fun at the Sky Mall catalog. This print catalog is filled with ridiculous and often bizarre merchandise. Considering I sat through six hours of flight delays on my trip to NYC last week, I had plenty of time to peruse the catalog’s latest offerings. 
The item that caught my attention and had me scratching my head thinking “Who is buying this?” was the NetChef v2 that retails for $279.99. I suppose it is great that it comes with 500+ pre-loaded recipes, but why not buy a tablet and prop it in the kitchen? I’ve done this many times and can assure you bookmarking your favorite “how to videos” or recipes is quite easy.
The other item in the catalog that had me scratching my head was the Rednek Party Cup that retails for $12.95. My initial reaction was, wouldn’t a redneck make these rather than buy them? And who would buy these for a gag gift? I’m not familiar with redneck / hillbilly themed parties but maybe they are popular in other parts of the country. I’ll admit I’m out of my depth here so I may be out of line.
Do you find these types of items ridiculous too? You can see what other items have caught my eye in my last Sky Mall post from the 2012 Sky Mall holiday catalog.
BosGuy P.S.A.
I constantly hear friends talk about how they “feel stressed”. While I can relate, it is not a permanent state of mind the way it seems for many so I thought I’d add this post. For the record, I’m a big fan of No.s 3, 6 and 8.
2013 French Open
Over this past weekend the 2013 French Open started with early round play. I always associate this tennis tournament with the start of summer and love the clay court matches that have players running back and forth giving everything they have. If the appeal of this sport isn’t apparent, perhaps you should take a closer look at some of the men invited to play in the tournament. There are so many handsome, articulate players that even the most shallow among you will find reasons to watch and cheer for this years players. 
For example, this handsome German, Daniel Brand, played a near flawless two sets before Rafa Nadal was able to rally to win a second set tie break and then cruise on to a first round win that was anything but typical.
The French Open is being broadcast on ESPN2 and NBC in the U.S.
Wicked Gawjus Weathah
After an unseasonably cold and rainy Memorial Day weekend, Bostonians are breathing a sigh of relief that warmer weather is just days away.
It is especially good news for The AIDS Action Committee who will host the AIDS Walk & 5K Run Boston on Sunday, June 2nd. Enjoy the great weather and talk to friends about coming down to the Hatch Shell on Sunday morning to support this year’s AIDS Walk & 5K Run Boston a success.
Life before spellcheck
Adorable with a dash of hysterical is how I would characterize this photo I’ve seen making the rounds online.
Kelly Rowland in Boston on Wednesday
Kelly Rowland performs at the Wilbur Theatre later this week on Wednesday, May 29th. No doubt she’ll be singing her new single, Dirty Laundry, which can be download from iTunes starting tomorrow. Tickets can be purchased here.
Boston Common Memorial Day
Beautiful image of Boston Common on Memorial Day. 33,000 Flags were placed on the Common today in memory and honor of the number of fallen soldiers from the Bay State. It offers a somber but beautiful image I wanted to share. Much thanks to John Pompeii from who I swiped this photo.
Memorial Day
Let’s hope there will be no more tombstone heads added to this infographic in the years that follow. War is rarely the answer.
Memorial Day
Most Americans have today off in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Fashionistas feel free to break out your white. Cape Cod and the islands are open for the 2013 summer season so enjoy it, because it will pass quickly.
Monday blues
Time to wake up (unless you have the day off in which case – as you were)
Hotel review: Langham Place in New York City
Last summer I wrote a hotel review for The Setai Fifth Avenue. This posh independent hotel just steps from the Empire State Building was recently purchased by Langham Hotels. On my recent visit to New York City I happened to stay in the newly branded property that officially changed names approximately two weeks ago.
For those familiar with The Setai, you will be pleased to note on your return visit to the property now called Langham Place, Fifth Avenue, service remains impeccable. The rooms are laid out to maximize the space and the quality of the materials used add a touch of luxury.
Sleek, elegant design is how I would characterize the rooms.
The TV, work space and closet are comfortable and practical in their design.
And the over sized shower and bath tub make you feel like you are at a spa.
While travelers will like the convenient location of the hotel, the perks like the free shoe shine service and even the comfortable slippers that are laid out for you as part of the hotel’s nightly turn down service, I especially appreciated the deliciously brewed coffee in the morning from my room’s Nespresso machine.
BosGuy 