Signposts: Directory gives lowdown on what's what at interstate

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 2, 2009 | by From,

Directory gives interstate exit lowdown

Anyone who has traveled the interminably long Interstate 5 probably has asked the same question at least once -- "Where is...?" the next gas station, favorite fast food restaurant or rest stop.

Affinity Media's new "2009 EXIT NOW: Interstate Exit Directory" ($24.99) answers that question before you even have to ask it. The spiral-bound directory lists every retail outlet, gas station, hotel/ motel and restaurant, as well as hospitals, pharmacies, veterinaries and even Highway Patrol, at every exit of every U.S. interstate.

The 600-page directory is color coded and caters to those in cars or recreational vehicles. For the latter and those towing trailers or boats, the guide offers invaluable information about steep grades, low clearance areas and more.

Details: www.TrailerLifeDi rectory.com or 888-557-3743.

-- Ann Tatko-Peterson

Gadget to Go: Franklin Global Translator

(Occasionally, we will review some new gadgets you can take on your next trip.)

-- WHAT: Franklin 12-Language Speaking Global Translator (www.franklin.com) is a rechargeable translator that provides written and spoken words and phrases in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

-- HOW IT WORKS: It provides access to 450,000 words and 12,000 phrases, everything from "red-light district" under the Entertainment category to "My table is a little unsteady" under Dining. The speaking function helps master pronunciation.

-- HIGH POINTS: You won't even have to speak the language, as it essentially can talk for you, thanks to the speaking function. A slide-out keyboard makes it easy to type, even for those of us who are text-message-challenged. It also has an MP3 player, clock, calculator, recording function and games, such as Hangman.

-- LOW POINTS: The LCD screen can be difficult to read at times. The speaking function "voice" sometimes can sound muddy, making it difficult to parrot what you hear.

-- OUR TAKE: It's pricey at $229.95, but for anyone who struggles with the language barrier, this can be a lifesaver. The fact that it can speak for you makes it far more valuable than a traditional -- and cheaper -- phrase book.

-- Ross Werland, Chicago Tribune

Staycation Specials

-- Monterey Bay Aquarium will debut its newest exhibit Monday. Secret Lives of Seahorses will showcase 15 species of seahorses, as well as sea dragons, ribboned pipehorses, dragon pipefish and shrimpfish. The exhibit will encompass four multimedia galleries. Aquarium admission costs $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for ages 3- 12. Details: www.montereybayaquarium.org or 831-648-4800.

Looking for free places to visit?

At U.C. Davis, the Richard L. Nelson Gallery will showcase "Trimpini: Sheng High" through May 17. Details: nelsongallery.ucdavis.edu; 530-752-8500. And the Design Museum will hold the Design by Design student contest April 6-18. Details: designmuseum.ucdavis.edu; 530-752-6150.

In the Central Valley, the Hilmar Cheese Company features free self-guided tours, tastings, shopping and dining at its visitor center at 10 and 11 a.m. weekends. Details: www.hilmarcheese.com; 209-667-6076.

-- Ann Tatko-Peterson

North Rim reopens May 15

The main roadway leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is set to reopen for the summer season May 15. All facilities, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, also will reopen May 15.

Grand Canyon National Park officials closed Arizona State Route 67 on Dec. 1 for the winter season. Details: www.nps.gov/grca.

-- Associated Press

How to find Seder anywhere in world

More than 1,500 Passover seders are being organized in 600 cities around the world by the Chabad Lubavitch organization. If you're on the road, on vacation or away at college, you can find a Seder near you at www.Chabad.org/Seders.

Chabad's most famous Seder is probably the event it holds each year in Katmandu in Nepal, which attracts hundreds of participants, many of them Israeli backpackers.

Passover begins this year at sundown April 8. Chabad events are open to anyone.

-- Associated Press

Louvre ranks as most popular again

The Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London were the world's most visited museums last year, drawing 8.5 million and 5.93 million people respectively, the Art Newspaper said in an annual ranking. The Louvre was also in first place in 2007.

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. came third (4.96 million), followed by London's Tate Modern (4.95 million) and New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art (4.82 million). Rankings are based on figures provided by each museum.

-- Bloomberg News

Local Talks and Events

"Family Hiking" -- 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. April 5, REI, Willows Shopping Center, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Suite B100, Concord. Join an instructor on a kid-friendly hike to learn how to plan fun family outdoor adventures. $20-$40. Register: 925-825-9400.

-- "Climbing Mount Shasta: Tips for the Novice and the Expert" -- 7 p.m. April 7, REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. A slide presentation with Chris Carr, owner of Shasta Mountain Guides- outfitter for REI Adventures. 510-527-4140.