Bits and pieces of the former World Trade Center have found their place all over the country at local fire departments, government buildings, and police stations as part of memorials to remember the events of September 11, 2001. The latest piece of the towers—an I-beam—is on its way to Wichita, Kansas where it will be used as part of the country’s first airport sculpture using materials from the World Trade Center.

The unique art installation should be in place in time for the tenth anniversary of the attacks later this year, and it will greet travelers right inside the airport terminal. Airport officials worked to acquire the beam from ground zero for about two years, and have been working with artists to turn the beam into a sculpture and memorial suitable for display. ]]> kjb 2011-06-20T10:39:45-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/30/9101/40320

The private jet ads, they do nothing! Kansas-based manufacturer Cessna announced 2,300 layoffs yesterday as it struggles to adapt to an economy in which both airlines and people are content with last year's planes. Having all but closed their Oregon operations, they're now taking a chunk out of headquarters in Wichita. Fly free of these mortal concerns with our travel suggestions:

Spice -- Drown your sorrows in muchísimas margaritas at Albuquerque's great TexMex restaurants. When you've recovered from your hangover, check out the city's vibrant art scene or go for a warm-weather hike. We found a LastMinute.com package for next weekend for flight and hotel, $272/person.

Vice -- With Allegiant's $58 round-trip fare to Vegas will save you so much scratch, you can afford to re-enact that Katy Perry video when you get there. Suite at The Palms? Don't mind if we do!

Everything Nice -- Montreal's Hot & Dry Weekend, a five-day dance party at LGBT clubs all around the city, begins May 14. With a $420 round-trip fare from United, you'll be ready to party all night and sleep all day.

Related Stories:
· Cessna announces 2,300 layoffs as orders fall [AP via Google]
· Private Jet Companies Attempt To Justify Their Existence [Jaunted]
· Laid Off coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of Kansas in the rear-view mirror: irishfireside] ]]> egw 2009-05-01T11:23:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/3/30/234536/927

Despite Sacha Baron Cohen's best efforts, news of the filming of his new movie has leaked to the press, er, us. It was common knowledge the Golden Globe winner was going to follow up his sleeper hit "Borat: Cultural Benefits of American To Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" with a film based on his gay Austrian stylist character Bruno, but apparently Bruno has been spotted in Kansas... without pants.

Cohen had permits for a shoot in the Wichita, Kansas airport, but he probably didn't have license to strip and attempt to kiss random passengers there.

Thank goodness a passerby thought to film the mayhem. Who are these people who have never heard of Cohen or any of his characters? Apparently Ben Affleck was also fooled into being interviewed by Bruno. Oh, we love this country.

Related Stories:
· Wellington Hotel Talks Borat [HotelChatter]
· Borat Begets Kazakhstan Tourism Boom [Jaunted]
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]]]> egw 2008-03-31T09:03:57-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/5/11/153140/474

Earlier this week Google quietly launched a new Google Earth & Maps blog, Lat Long to showcase the latest and greatest in geowebbing.

What exactly is Google doing to push the geoweb forward? Well, for starters, after Tuesday's devastating F5 tornado in Greensburg, Kansas that destroyed most of the town, Google send their satellite birds up and gathered imagery of the region for search-and-rescue teams to use.

No only are we left with shocking before and after aerial shots of Greensburg (above), but by doing this Google has created a powerful real-time tool for rescuers, journalists, and travelers who may be going to the area not knowing what to expect.

Related Stories:
· Greensburg Kansas Tornado Imagery [Google Lat Long]
· Google Earth Stories [Jaunted]]]> markj 2007-05-11T15:34:11-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/