Salem-News.com Travel articles

Deadly Indonesian Earthquakes Leave 75 Dead and Thousands Trapped

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered his condolences to the victims of the quake and their families, and said he was closely following reports of the impact of the disaster.

(SUMATRA) - Devastating back-to-back earthquakes have rocked the Indonesian island of Sumatra today, killing at least 75 people and leaving thousands trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, the United Nations humanitarian wing has reported.

A powerful 7.9-magnitude tremor, originating from the same fault-line that produced the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, struck near the city of Padang at 5:16 pm local time, and was followed by a quake measuring 6.2 about 22 minutes later.

One Percent Motorcycle Culture Commemorated

"Trouble was caused by the one percent deviant that tarnishes the public image of both motorcycles and motorcyclists." – American Motorcycle Association, responding to the Hollister Motorcycle Rally in 1947.

(AUBURN, Wash.) - The most feared and respected riders roaming the blacktop, one percenters are a breed apart from all others. These individuals bow to no one, test the boundaries of all and give their devotion to few.

The 1%er insignia is worn with pride by those who choose not to settle, not to give in to polite society but instead ride with the wind in their face and their back to the status quo.

Four Reported Dead in Washington D.C. Train Crash (VIDEO)

Officials say the fatality is the second in Metrorail’s 33-year history.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Officials in the nation's capitol city say two six-car Red Line trains collided at 5:00 p.m. today, resulting in two fatalities. One of the people who died is the female train operator. There were also several injuries, many serious, according to preliminary reports.

Metro officials do not know the cause of the collision and are not likely to know the cause for several days as the investigation unfolds. Both trains were on the same track headed toward Shady Grove Metrorail station, according to preliminary reports. The female operator was on the trailing train.

Texting to Death? (VIDEO)

25 people were recently added to the list of those killed as a result of phone texting.

(SALEM, Ore.) - What are the electronic manufacturers and marketing guru's trying to do to our fair society? Weren't things bad enough before texting became the unexplainable phenomena that it is?

I was driving down the freeway last week in Portland and when I looked at the BMW in the lane to my immediate right, I saw that the driver was busy texting away without an eye on the road. I'm sure this driver has no ill will toward the world, but if he hit somebody and killed them, would it be any different from a DUII?

US Signs Deal With Tajikistan for Afghan Transit

Kyrgyzstan voted to oust U.S. operations after receiving more than two billion dollars in loan and aid guarantees from Moscow, which had been irked by the US military presence in Central Asia.

(DUSHANBE, Tajikistan ) - The United States and Tajikistan have signed an agreement for the transport of non-military cargoes to Afghanistan. This news comes from US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher.

“Yes, it’s done,” said Boucher, in response to a question about the long-expected transit deal with the ex-Soviet republic that neighbors Afghanistan.

President Reveals A Vision for High Speed Rail (VIDEO)

Obama says the high-speed rail system will reduce traffic on the road, lower our dependence on foreign oil, and lower the bill for gasoline.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - "I'm happy to be here. I’m more happy than you can imagine," said the Vice President, a noted rail enthusiast, before introducing the President for the release of his strategic plan for high speed rail in America.

Revolving around the $8 billion in the Recovery Act and the $1 billion per year for five years requested in the President’s budget to get these projects off the ground, the President painted the picture that will become a reality as a result of these investments

Wagging it at the Waterfront…Huntington Beach

Wouldn’t it be loverly to learn how to surf with your dog in Surf City USA?

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) - With an 8.5-mile stretch of pristine shoreline, popularly known as “Surf City USA” (celebrating its 100th year in 2009), Huntington Beach is home to a world famous municipal pier and is a west coast surf mecca for more than 8 million annual visitors.

Huntington Beach is a mere 30-minute drive from the Orange county cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, Santa Ana and Tustin.

Wagging it at the Waterfront...Newport Beach

Great ideas when visiting Newport Beach, California.

(NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.) - The pet friendliest place to stay in Newport Beach when you and your pooch need some luxurious pampering is the Island Hotel, located adjacent to the Fashion Island Mall.

Pet amenities include a freshly baked fragrant and chewy dog bone made by Executive Pastry Chef Michael Owens. Each bone is handcrafted from wheat and rice flour and chicken stock.

Top 14 Most Romantic Inns in California

A chance to check out some of the most romantic getwaways in the Golden State!

(PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.) - For Valentine's Day, a June wedding, or any special romantic occasion(anniversary), here are my picks for THE 14 most romantic inns in California.

Whether you enjoy a mountain retreat, an ocean getaway with the sights and sounds of undulating ocean waves, or a romantic haven in the desert, this list has something for everyone.

Air Canada to Launch San Diego-Calgary and Portland-Calgary Daily Non-Stop Flights

Calgary service expands with four new routes‏.

(SAN DIEGO, Calif. and PORTLAND, Ore.) - Air Canada to launch San Diego-Calgary and Portland-Calgary daily non-stop flights; Expands Calgary service with four new routes.

Air Canada today announced the introduction of four new non-stop routes serving Calgary, Alberta. Starting May 15, 2009, Air Canada will offer the only daily non-stop service between San Diego, California and Calgary, Alberta.