Cruise lines and cruise goers long ago figured out two things about inside cabins. One, they suck. Two, installing web cams to stream outside views into the room TV makes them suck only very slightly less. But trust Disney to figure out a way to take the idea of outside web cams, create something unique, and then add a flair of animation magic for good measure.

Disney engineers started by creating rounded digital "virtual portals" on their new Disney Dream cruise ship, which bring high-def images of the horizon into people's cabins. Of course those will still looks kitschy and a little artificial, and there's really no way around that even with current technology.]]> Omri 2009-11-23T17:06:06-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/23/151326/97

MOCA's First Thirty Years is a retrospective that covers 30 years of the Los Angeles museum's artistic contributions to the public. Since opening its doors in 1979, MOCA has prided itself on making the best of contemporary art available to the masses, and this behemoth of a collection—featuring more than 500 pieces by over 200 artists from 1940 to today—is a reflection of this cultural richness.

Novice art connoisseurs, or even those who don't know Mondrian from Michelangelo, will inarguably be impressed by this compendium of some of the 20th Century's most impressive pieces. Diane Arbus? Check. Jackson Pollock? Check. Mark Rothko? You get the idea. The list goes on and on, and the exhibition will enjoy a long run at the downtown location—through May 3rd of next year, to be exact. ]]> Heidi Atwal 2009-11-23T15:59:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/23/134950/85

We poked fun at Qantas earlier this month for banning beer on their flights, so it's only fair we pass along this story about their in-flight drink leadership in the wine department. The Australian national airline leads the industry in serving fine vino to their first class and business class passengers, impressing even the palates of professional wine tasters. And taking the #1 slot isn't exactly easy, since the airline industry as a whole is stacked with corporations serving quality wines not just to elite customers but even in coach.

None of this will be news to Jaunted readers, who know that LAN Airlines sought out South America's solitary master wine sommelier to pick out their wine list. But the degree to which airlines are willing to go is still impressive, especially in an age of across-the-board cost cutting. Keep in mind that they're not getting directly reimbursed for any wine served in non-coach cabins, and now read this description of how far they're going to maintain customer loyalty:]]> Omri 2009-11-23T15:10:37-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/23/134348/61

That's right lady, go ahead and type in our checked baggage fees and holiday surcharges; we now know to avoid your airline in future travels. You see, three airlines have become the grinches of the holiday travel season. Not only are they throwing down the baggage fees, but they're already upping recently-announced peak travel surcharges, some of which continue through to 2010.

The offending airlines are: United, Delta and US Airways. Might as well just throw all your spare change and travel coffee money at them now, with all the little additional nicks they're taking at your wallet... ]]> JetSetCD 2009-11-23T13:59:00-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/23/125221/46

After some tense days in China, President Obama puddle-jumped up to South Korea, opening the flood gates to jokes about how Obama's got Seoul.

But, like in China and Tokyo, Obama wasn't about to hit the karaoke bars or down soju (rice wine); no, he had business to do and soldiers to visit. After meeting with the South Korean president at the historical "Blue House," Obama headed to Osan Air Base to addressed 1,500 US and Korean men in uniform. There would be no trips to the border with North Korea with Barack, since tensions run so high this year. Too bad though; we enjoyed looking at the little barbed wire souvenirs you can buy at the border base at Panmunjom.

Although Obama's first trip to Asia as president was focused on China, he had to give some attention to South Korea. It's a good thing he didn't bring the family though, since we doubt Malia and Sasha would have liked eating living, wriggling octopus tentacles.

Related Stories:
· Commander-in-Chief Obama shares stories with U.S. troops in Korea [LA Times]
· Obama's S. Korea visit free of major protests [Washington Times]
· Obama Around The World [Jaunted]

[Photo: AP/WashingtonTimes]]]> JetSetCD 2009-11-23T13:21:23-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/23/11044/203

Where to go after you've won big in Atlantic City? Spend it on Christmas presents for your favorite people in New York, of course! Amtrak's Atlantic City Express Service is ferrying shoppers from Jersey to NYC with its "Shopaholics" train on Friday, November 27, but offering ticket discounts all December long if you're heading to New York.

Passengers on the Shopaholics Train (#7162, $39 one-way, departing 10:02AM) get a free tote bag to collect their purchases in in the city. Once there they can save 10 percent on a room at the just-opened Ace Hotel, in case making a list and checking it twice takes longer than previously planned. ]]> egw 2009-11-23T12:29:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/23/105629/76

Who doesn't end up watching "A Christmas Story" on TV at least once during the holidays? This year, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre is bringing Ralphie, and his dream of getting a BB-gun for Christmas, to the stage too. "A Christmas Story: The Musical" will run through Dec. 27 at the Spencer Theatre in Kansas City, MO. The musical includes all of the movie's best moments, like a tongue frozen to a lamp post, a bar of soap in the mouth, a mannequin leg lamp, and a Chinese Christmas dinner, plus new music created to compliment each scene.

Tickets for "A Christmas Story: The Musical" can be purchased from the online box office. You can select any date to see what seats are available before purchasing. Most shows are sold out or close to it though so you'll have to act fast. Adult tickets are $60, Senior Tickets are $47 and Student Tickets are $20. ]]> cmb 2009-11-23T11:39:32-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/