June Calendar Available for Download

This month’s desktop calendar preview at left.

As usual, the image and download instructions can be found under the “For Your Desktop” tab.

Enjoy!

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May’s Calendar Available for Download

This month’s image comes from Granada, Spain.  Preview here:

If you’d like to download, grab the image and follow the instructions in the “For Your Desktop” tab.

Enjoy!

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Free Ben and Jerry’s Today

Once a year, Ben and Jerry’s gives away ice cream at its scoop shops free.

TODAY’S THE DAY!

In the U.S. and Canada, find your nearest scoop shop here.

Overseas, give one of these two links a try:  1, 2.  (You’ve got a chance if you’re in Aruba, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, or the UK.)

Enjoy!

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Coming Soon: Relaunch of Less Than a Shoestring

What’s going on at the blog? Inquiring minds want to know!

There are lots of good changes coming soon — check out the beta version of the new site here.  How do you like the new look?  Something broken in your browser?  Leave a message in the comments.

For the next couple of weeks, continue to check this page while everything gets sorted out at the new domain.  When it’s time to change your bookmarks and your rss feeds, I’ll let you know.

Since I was hoping to launch at the beginning of March, I’ve been sitting on this month’s desktop calendar.  No longer!  Download a piece of spring for your computer by clicking on the “For Your Desktop” tab above.

Finally, I will be at the ITB here in Berlin for the next five days, making contacts with fellow travel bloggers and travel professionals.  If you’ll be there, do send me a message via the contact tab.  Let’s network!

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Download February’s Desktop Calendar

It’s the first of the month (rabbit, rabbit), and you know what that means:  February’s calendar desktop is now ready for download.  Preview of the image at left.

If you’re not sure how to change your desktop wallpaper, follow the easy instructions in the For Your Desktop tab.

Enjoy!

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Thursday Photo Friday #19

I love capitols — can’t get enough of their marble halls, gilded domes, dark wood paneling and hundreds of tiny desks (at least they always *look* tiny from the viewing gallery) with multicolored voting buttons.  They capture a regal era removed from our own with a permanence found rarely in modern architecture.

While in DC at the beginning of January, my destination of choice was the new visitors’ center at the U.S. Capitol.  On the way, I passed the inauguration grounds with stage building in progress, pictured on Tuesday.  (Where did you spend your inauguration day? Share your stories in the comments.)

In sheer contrast to the classical American dome is that of the German Reichstag, whose glass dome by Sir Norman Foster was added to the building after reunification.  The overarching theme of Germany’s new governmental architecture is transparency, with buildings and offices as visible as possible.  From the visitors’ area of the dome, it is possible to look down into the plenary room below, as pictured here.

A visit to the Reichstag is fun and free — check all the details for making yours a smooth one in this previous post.

Follow other Photo Friday participants here.

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Happy Inauguration Day!

Wherever you are in the world today celebrating (EuroCheapo’s got the partial scoop on events in Europe) — Happy Obama Day to you!

Are you headed to the Mall, attending a Ball, or watching the events on your TV in the hall? Share the stories of your Inauguration Day experience in the comments.

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Friday Freebie: Winter Trails 2009

On Saturday, January 10, retailers, resorts and recreation programs across the United States will be sponsoring free introductions to the outdoor sports of cross-country skiing and snoeshoeing.

If it’s not too darn cold, Winter Trails 2009 is an excellent reason to get off your kiester and get moving!  Are you one of the millions of Americans who’ve resolved to shed weight this year?  Take your first steps toward that goal, on a pair of free rental skis or snowshoes!

If there’s snow on the ground in your state, there is probably an event being held somewhere.  Check out the full list of locations here.  Before heading out, fill a thermos with your warm beverage of choice, consult the list of appropriate outdoor wear and fill out, print and sign the event release form.

Stay warm and have fun!

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Thursday Photo Friday #18

I’m sadly making my way back across the Atlantic today, but before I go, I wanted to share a picture from my brief visit to New York City.  This fair maiden guards the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park, which I walked from top to bottom on New Year’s Day.

Have you already completed your first travels of 2009?  Have something planned for January or February?  Please share your destination in the comments.

• Follow other Photo Friday participants here.
• Download this month’s free desktop calendar here.

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Download January’s Calendar Desktop

Happy New Year!  Back by popular demand, January’s calendar desktop is ready for download.  Reader Paul requested this snowy scene from my last Photo Friday post, and I’ll never let it be said that I don’t aim to please . . .  Preview of the image at left.

If you’re not sure how to change your desktop wallpaper, follow the easy instructions in the For Your Desktop tab.

Making three different versions of the calendar each month was tedious, so I’m giving it a go with just one.  If you find that the calendar is cut off or the image is otherwise wonky, please send me a message and let me know.  Include your screen dimensions and I’ll try to create and post a version that works for you. 

Have you been missing the calendar too?  Leave a comment below.

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