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Seattle is pretty proud of Apolo Anton Ohno, who began his speed-skating career here when he was just 14 and went on to win numerous world and national championships and five Olympic medals.  (Oh yeah, he was also on the Dancing with the Stars TV show.)

Now he’s getting ready for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics games.

To cheer him on, Alaska Airlines has painted one of its Boeing 737-800 with a giant image of Ohno and, during the unveiling yesterday at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, handed out Ohno trading card, copies of Ohno’s signature bandana, and press-on faux facial hair (in honor of Ohno’s infamous “soul patch.”) .

Sadly, I missed that gala event, but like everyone else I can now “Follow Apolo” on a special web site that will track his progress.

Categories: Air Travel, Celebrities, Fun Stuff, Sports
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In October 2006, an earthquake knocked out all the electricity on the island of Oahu and closed down the Honolulu Airport, which had inadequate back-up generators.

Now the state of Hawaii is testing a series of wind turbines that should generate enough power to keep the airport operating should there be another emergency situation.

You can read the details of the project in the Honolulu Advertiser.  But even if you’re not at all interested in kilowatts, turbines and voltage, take a look at the photo gallery that accompanies the article.   As you can see from these photos, those wind turbines are really quite pretty.

Categories: Air Travel, Energy
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All this week, Denver International Airport (DEN) is rewarding passengers who get “caught” recycling with gift certificates for airport shops and restaurants. The promotion is in honor of America Recycle Days, which officially took place on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.

The promotion runs from today (Mon. 11/16/09) through Friday (11/20/09) and the way to win is to get caught in the act of recycling something by one of the airport’s Environmental Services team members who will be combing the main Jeppesen Terminal and the three concourses looking for passengers who are recycling.

Gannon Torrella got “caught” early on by Janell Barrilleaux and Jerry William and won a book of TCBY coupons.

What else can you win if you get caught recycling at Denver International Airport? 16 restaurants, including Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream; Boulder Beer Tap House; Burger King; Caribou Coffee;Lefty’s Mile High Grille, Colorado Trails Grille; the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and others are participating.

Good luck!

Categories: Air Travel, Airport shops, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Recycling
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Each Sunday at Stuck at the Airport we take a look at some of the fun things for sale at airports that are under $10, “of” the city or region and, ideally a bit offbeat.

Usually I rule out shot glasses because they’re everywhere and just too easy to find. But we must make an exception this week for this shot glass, sent in by Stuck at the Airport fan Ken Rogers.

Ken found this corny souvenir at the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and was kind enough to send a photo along.

THANKS!

I was also willing to make an exception for this corny shot glass because it gave me the opportunity to bring back another fun Sunday Souvenir from Iowa:

Corny Cob:  a 6-inch tall stuffed ear of corn that’s a best seller at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.

Have you found a great souvenir at the airport?  If it’s under $10, “of” the city or region and a wee bit offbeat, please take a photo and send it along.

It may be featured on a future edition of Souvenir Sunday!

Categories: Airport shops, Shopping, Souvenir Sunday, Souvenirs
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Great news for travelers heading to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) this holiday season:  The Airport Station of Sound Transit’s Link light rail system  between downtown and the airport will open at 10 a.m. on December 19, 2009.

That means that instead of getting shuttled by bus between the airport and a light rail stop a mile or so away, passengers can now hop on and off the light rail right at the airport.

Well…not right at the airport: the airport station is in the airport garage and passengers must walk about a quarter mile to the terminal.  But at $2.75 from downtown vs. a $25 or $30 cab ride, it’s a great deal.  So travelers will probably be skipping along that walkway and not even notice the distance.

Also, just in time for holiday travel, there are two new food offerings in the Lindbergh Terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). There’s now an Arby’s in the main food court and, more impressive, on Concourse F there’s a spinoff of Ike’s Food & Cocktails, a downtown Minneapolis favorite that’s already a hit in airport with a white-tablecloth branch in the airport mall.

Even better: MSP’s Jingle, Jingle Savings Days Coupon Book has discounts for these new spots and dozens of other shops and restaurants throughout the airport. Get a copy here.

Categories: Air Travel, Airport shops, Food, Holidays, Openings, Restaurants, Shopping, Transportation
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