To paraphrase Groucho Marx, "we don't want to belong to any club that would accept us as members" Yesterday, we shared some of the things that Yahoo!s have never done -- and don't care who knows it. While the first round of confessions dealt with television shows we've never seen, today's round concentrates on travel and food. Pretty much everyone has a place they've always wanted to visit, or a location they return to over and over. But there are places that we've never been to -- and couldn't care less if we did. In my case, it's Walt Disney World. I know there are millions who share a fervor to visit the Magic Kingdom and who go annually -- or even more than once a year, but I can think of fewer places that hold less interest than the greater Orlando area. Other than heat, humidity, and crowds, I can't see what they offer. But where do Yahoo!s long to not travel to? Sarah: I have never been to Las Vegas, even though I grew up just off the 15 freeway in Southern California. Despite how glamorous it looks in the movies, I have no interest in gambling, buffets, or rooftop amusement parks. Richard: I’ve never been to Canada Eugenia: I’ve never gone camping! Mitzi: I’ve never done any traditional camping (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Never been to Walt Disney World/Epcot (although I’ve been to Disneyland many times).(Editor’s note: Ditto and good for you!) Now, there are plenty of us who don't own a television or who never travel, but one thing we all have in common is eating. Some of us may have more limited menus than other, but we all need sustenance -- excepting, of course, those things we've never eaten or restaurants we don't want to visit. Myself, I've never eaten lobster and have no desire to. Those giant waterbugs just look disgusting and the whole process of cracking open the shells is repulsive. Anyone else? Mitzi: Never eaten at the Olive Garden (and don’t plan to). Ali: I really don't consider this to be noteworthy, but since you're being so inclusive ... I have never had a cup of tea or coffee. I'd never really thought about that in the "never" sense, so thank you for the opportunity to feel incomplete. Lydia: I’ve never eaten a bagel. At first, it was because bagels pale in comparison to the sweeter pastries that my palate demands for breakfast. Now, it’s more so I can say “I’ve never eaten a bagel” on random occasions -- like in a blog about random things people have never done. What say you, gentle reader? Anyplace you have no desire to visit? Is there some delectable dish that turns you off? Tell us about it, and we'll be back tomorrow with more stuff we can't wait not to do. Suggested Sites... I Hate Disney World - ...and so do her kids. I Hate Las Vegas - and he's the editor of a travel magazine! Why I Hate Camping - all of these only prove we're right not to have done this stuff. I Hate Coffee - you wonder why we don't want to try it? The Spark: Don't Forget the Jellied Eels! - a whole bunch of foods we don't want any part of, from pork brains in milk gravy to cheeseburger in a can.

Directory categories: Walt Disney World, Camping, Las Vegas, Bagels, Camping Equipment

Archived under: Amusement Parks, Camping, Canada, Coffee, Disney, Disneyland, Eating, Food and Drink, In Character, Italian Food, Las Vegas, Outdoors, Recreation and Travel, Restaurants, Tea, The Spark, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Yahoo!

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The "S'more Splendide" (Photo by Foodista) In honor of National S'mores Day (August 10th -- so you had the whole weekend to perfect the craft), I went looking for tips, tricks, and instructions to share about making the most delicious of simple summer desserts. But in the process of digging around online for the perfect recipe, I found there’s not much to learn about the humble s'more; rather, I discovered something about myself: I'm a purist. Forget those sites that list multiple recipes and variations on s’mores. You don’t need them and you can’t improve on perfection. Caramel apple s'mores? Sounds like a mess. Chocolate peanut butter s'mores? Save the PB for your J. There’s only one way to make a s'more: with waxy Hershey's chocolate on Honey Maid graham crackers, squished around a jet-puffed marshmallow that was toasted slowly to golden-brown perfection over the lingering coals of an open campfire. Just the description makes you want some more, yes? I'll admit that I once went through a "gourmet s'more" phase. (I wasn't a kid anymore, after all ...) I’d buy those Lu shortbread cookies, place squares of dark chocolate on top, set them just at the edge of the fire so the chocolate would soften while I toasted my marshmallow, and then sandwich the whole thing together in defiance of almost a century of s'more-making wisdom. Was it a gooey delicious treat? Yes. Did it feel right? Not really ... Over the years, many have tried to tame the wild s'more. Wikipedia mentions s'mores kits people can use on the kitchen tabletop. Indeed, the "Cosi" restaurant chain offers diners the chance to order a fondue-style s'mores dessert to toast right at the table. Hershey's, undisputed king of the s'mores chocolate market, went so far as to market a S'mores candy bar. Some heretics have even advocated microwaving s'mores or making them with (I shudder to even write this) marshmallow cream. There's no way around saying this -- the traditional s'more has been under attack. But far from the threat of these urban offenses, the mighty s'more thrives in its natural habitat. The marshmallow bronzes and puffs over the fire with pride at the end of a careful skewer, melting toward its destiny as the heart of the forest's favorite sandwich. Suggested Sites... Smores - who knew three simple ingredients had such a cultural impact? How to Make Smores - really, do you need a recipe? Food Network: Smores - variations on a theme. Solar S'mores - the dessert goes green. How to Make S'meeps - the protean Peep meets graham crackers and chocolate.

Directory categories: Chocolate, Chocolate Recipes, Desserts and Sweets, Campfire Activities, Camping

Archived under: Camping, Candy, Celebrations, Cookies, Cooking, Desserts, Eating, Fire, Food and Drink, Hershey, Homemade, In Character, Outdoors, Recipes, Snacks

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"Where are we going?!" (Photo by Curtis Perry) Recreational vehicles have come a long way since Americans started using them to tour the country in the 1920s. "Tin Can Tourists" were (and are still) blessed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, but didn't necessarily want to give up the amenities of home -- and thus was born the RV. After World War II, such companies as Airstream and Winnebago sprang up, dedicated to giving motor tourists comfort in a surprisingly compact form. Even Hollywood got into the act, as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz attempted to drive across the U.S. in their movie, "The Long, Long Trailer" (a feat emulated 32 years later by Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty in "Lost in America"). And just what do these road warriors want to see? Well, they might start in Collinsville, IL, just to get a peek at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, then it's east to Flanders, NY, where the "Big Duck" holds court. After that, it's northwest to Ironwood, MI, home of Hiawatha, "The World's Tallest and Largest Indian." Finally, it's all the way west to Livermore, CA, and the World's Oldest Working Lightbulb (burning continuously since 1901!) -- or any number of other unique destinations. The price of gas may be high, but so is their enthusiasm. Suggested Sites... RV Advice - recreational vehicle events, tips and tricks, FAQs, and more. Roadside America - you're out on the road; here's what to see. Roadside Architecture - keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind buildings, restaurants, and giant... things. Gas Buddy - get your motor runnin' and head out on the highway -- but first know where to find the cheapest gas. Vintage Vacations - restoring and selling period trailers and campers.

Directory categories: Road Trips, Recreational Vehicles, Roadside Attractions, RV Parks

Archived under: 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, Adventure, Autos, Camping, Cultures, Driving, Fanatics, Parks, RVs, Roadside Attractions, Society and Culture, Tourist Attractions, Transportation, Travel, Vacations

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Britt, Iowa's hobo logo (From Britt's official site) I was minding my own business, cooking some bullets on the banjo, when some old bindlestiff drifted by to remind me of the big party going down this weekend in Britt, Iowa. With no time to get there by doggin' it or padding the hoof, I grabbed my bindle stick, put on my glad rags, and caught a cannonball to the National Hobo Convention. I arrived in ease and high style, hankering for some mulligan stew, and set up camp in the hobo jungle. Every year, hobos from all over America flock to Britt to celebrate the wandering life. This year's convention will be packed full of activities, including a bake sale, parade, and flea market. Of course, the biggest events of the weekend will be the crowning of the Hobo King and Queen, and the annual memorial for those fellow hobos who've caught the Westbound. Suggested Sites... Hobo.com - don't you dare call them bums. Hobo Heaven - Gerry Anderson talks to hobos at the National Hobo Convention. Hobo Photo Gallery - riding the rails. Hobo Signs & Symbols - markers for your next journey. Hoboes from Hell - sometimes riding on the rails isn't all that much fun.

Directory categories: Hobo Symbols, Train Hopping, Camping Recipes

Archived under: Camping, Events, Hobos, In Character, Regional, Trains, Travel

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Robert Baden-Powell founder of scouting When Robert Baden-Powell founded the scouting movement 100 years ago, he probably didn't envision scouts earning merit badges in nuclear science, space exploration, or cinematography. Maybe he'd be surprised how much his idea -- teaching young people practical skills to improve character and citizenship -- has really taken off. This weekend, tens of thousands of scouts from around the world will converge in England for the 21st World Scout Jamboree. They'll do the things scouts do best -- camping, first aid, being "clean in thought, word and deed" -- but more importantly, they'll bond over the principles of Baden-Powell's Scout method. The founder, a Boer War hero, originally wrote guides for military scouts and later adapted them for civilian youth. He tested his methods July 29 to August 9, 1907, on Brownsea Island, creating the first scout camp with a small group of boys from different social backgrounds. The camp was such a success that the scouting movement boomed: Today there are over 28 million scouts. In honor of the centenary of the Brownsea camp, Jamboree scouts will revisit the original campsite this weekend. That lucky group will be bringing Baden-Powell's ideals of discipline, chivalry, patriotism, observation, woodcraft, life-saving, health, and endurance into a new century of scouting. Suggested Sites... Scouts - the home of international scouting. 21st World Scout Jamboree - the centenary event runs from July 27 until August 8, 2007 -- almost exactly 100 years after the Brownsea camp. Pine Tree Web - a huge collection of images and documents on scouting history and Robert Baden-Powell. Scouting Milestones - a detailed history of the scouting movement. U.S. Scouting Service Project - an online community for Boy Scouts of America scouts and leaders.

Directory categories: Scouting, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts

Archived under: Anniversaries, Camping, Events, Kids, Outdoors, Recreation and Travel

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