Information Overload

Park SFO

Unlike De La Cruz Parking near SJC, Park SFO features a secure, indoor parking garage. Park SFO is the same price per day indoors as SFO's long-term parking garage, but they regularly offer coupons for one to two days of free parking for people who stay more than three or four days, respectively. Best of all, their parking shuttles run frequently to SFO's domestic and international terminals all day and all year long.

Briggs & Riley 15.4" Executive Clamshell Backpack

Tested the Briggs & Riley 15.4" Executive Clamshell Backpack for the first time on a trip to CES. The model KPC308 (from the @work Collection) features SpeedThru, Briggs & Riley's moniker for the backpack's ability to isolate the laptop compartment for security screening by the TSA. Sped through domestic TSA checkpoints at SFO and LAS with ease. The SpeedThru section also features a pouch that conveniently fits a one-quart toiletry bag. The only nit about the new backpack so far is that its water bottle holder doesn't hold the SIGG as securely as the old model it replaced.

Las Vegas City Center

Yours truly was more impressed by the new City Center in Las Vegas than CES. It doesn't feel like one is in Vegas while strolling through the area around and inside Aria, the center's flagship hotel and casino. It seemed like every spacious section of the casino featured its own theme music, the perfect complement to an atmosphere that bordered on the surreal with pros from the AEE mingling throughout the place. Apple should definitely open a store in a prominent location along the perimeter of the City Center.

New TSA Passenger Rules Since December 25th

The TSA has issued new guidelines for people traveling on international flights into the U.S. In brief, all passengers must undergo a pat-down, according to The Washington Post. They must remain seated for the final hour before landing, and can't hold personal items on their laps during that time. Flight crews can't announce details about the plane's flight path or position while over U.S. airspace. Avoid watching The Kingdom too.

G-GLASS Organic Glass Cleaner

G-GLASS Organic Glass Cleaner by Green Earth Technologies does a great job of cleaning the car's windows and mirrors. It cuts through road grime and bug guts without feeling or smelling chemically. It's definitely much better than using the grody windshield "cleaner" at a gas station.

Green Earth's marketing copy claims that G-GLASS creates "an invisible anti-static residue that reduces future dust and dirt buildup." It's the only advertised benefit that seems to fall short. Fortunately, G-GLASS delivers on more important features such as being an effective, streak-free cleaner.

De La Cruz Parking Security Sucks!

Parked in De La Cruz Parking near San Jose airport last Friday for the Vegas trip. Returned on Sunday to find that someone had broken into the car! Note to thieves: The Dash GPS system has been deactivated, and the iPod is worth less than the Surefire flashlight left sitting next to it.

De La Cruz's parking lot attendant added insult to injury with his utter lack of concern that their "24 hour security" was breached. There was no internal report to file. (One was filed with the Santa Clara police.) He coldly asked for payment and that was it. The poor customer service is more irritating than the theft. This blogger is never leaving a vehicle at De La Cruz Parking again.

Told NT about the incident and he recommended QuikPark SJC at the San Jose Doubletree hotel. It only costs $2 more a day than De La Cruz Parking, includes valet parking, uses the hotel's nicer airport shuttle, and appears to be a helluva lot more secure. Definitely going to have to remember to check it out the next time there's a need to park and fly out of SJC...

Luxor Las Vegas Late Checkout

Stayed at the Luxor for the weekend jaunt to Vegas because they're offering a 3PM late checkout through December 28th. (Donald Trump's place is currently running a 4PM checkout special, but his pricing shenanigans were a turn off.) Luxor rooms are starting to show their age, but they're decent for their location and price. Guests get a free pass to LAX, which is useful if the party needs an after hours nightclub destination.

Bay Bridge Still Closed

Here's another PSA: The Bay Bridge remains closed for this morning's commute. Here's hoping the closure doesn't somehow mess up traffic in the South Bay like it seemingly did last week. Caltrans is using Twitter to provide status updates that are more current than their website. Calling 511 is another way to stay informed—their website is more current too.

20% Off Virgin America Flights

Virgin America is celebrating their new routes between the Golden State and Florida's Gold Coast by giving all of their Elevate members ten discount codes to share good for 20% off most any VA flight booked by November 6th.

Gogo Inflight Internet

Gogo Inflight Internet! All Virgin America planes are equipped with Gogo Inflight Internet and AC power outlets. The Net is accessible via Wi-Fi. The cost from IAD to SFO was only $13. Connection speeds seemed faster than 3G, which is impressive since Gogo uses cell towers for their service.