Tripipedia: Comedian eats, sleeps and more on airplane

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 19, 2009 | by Ann Tatko-Peterson

Living on a jet plane

A jumbo jet has become the new home of comedian Mark Malkoff.

Facing his fear of flying, Malkoff is living on AirTran Airways planes all day and night for the month of June. The only time he disembarks is to change planes, and even then he ventures no farther than the tarmac.

The actual flying to cities such as Denver, Pittsburgh and St. Louis has taken a back seat to Malkoff's in-flight entertainment: playing Twister with other passengers in the aisle and experimenting to see if an airplane toilet can suck down an entire roll of toilet paper in one flush. He even bunked down in an overhead bin.

The real challenge, he told the Associated Press, is washing himself in the airplane's bathroom. It seems baby wipes are doing the trick.

Thanks to wireless Internet service on AirTran, you can follow Malkoff's adventure through his trip updates on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and his blog, www.Mark OnAirTran.com.

Lost? Not anymore

Here's the perfect book for any directionally challenged traveler, even those who get lost with GPS devices and Google Maps.

"I'll Never Get Lost Again: The Complete Guide to Improving Your Sense of Direction" by Linda Grekin (RDR Books, $14.95) isn't a witty guide for the driver who won't stop and ask for directions. It's a thorough look at common traits among those who get lost a lot and advice for how they can navigate their way to a better sense of direction.

In other words, if you get lost, you are not alone.

Summer, at last

In honor of the first day of summer, here are the Top 10 summer destinations, according to Shermans Travel:

1. Capri

2. The Hamptons (New York)

3. Greek Islands

4. London

5. Montreal

6. National Parks

7. New England

8. Russia

9. Scandinavia

10. Upper Peninsula (Michigan)

Be like Superman

There is one place in America where dual citizenship is embraced. This past week, the Southern Illinois town of Metropolis bestowed honorary citizenship on hundreds of fans at its annual Superman festival. After forking over $20 each, they were sworn in by a 15- foot-tall statue of the Man of Steel.

-- Ann Tatko-Peterson