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Train Crash Kills Dozens In Spain

Spain Train Crash: Moment of Impact Caught on CCTV

A train carrying more than 200 hundred passengers crashed outside of the northern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela Wednesday evening.

Reuters reports that at least 77 people are dead and 131 have been injured.

The government said it was working on the assumption the derailment, which occurred on the eve of the city's main religious festival, was an accident.

Sabotage or attack was unlikely to be involved, an official source said, though the devastation will have stirred memories of a train bombing in Madrid in 2004, carried out by Islamist extremists, that killed 191 people.


Read the rest of the story at the Huffington Post.

'What Shoes Should I Wear To Cow Fighting?'

cow fighting
Brian G. Smith
Yes, cow fighting is a thing in Switzerland. Kelly DiNardo writes:

The ever-louder jangling of cowbells signalled the fighting would soon start and we hurried to get a good spot along the fence that formed the competition ring. The bigger matches take place in an arena with seats, but for this smaller local fight a make-shift ring had been created on a semi-flat area of the mountain.

The cows, marked with large white numbers scrawled on their sides, paraded, single-file into the ring with their owners. Heaving, snorting, slobbering, a few hundred cows stood along the inside edge of the fence, waiting to be unleashed.

Read Kelly's entire cow fighting story at AOL Travel.

Stevie Wonder's Florida Boycott Gaining Momentum

Kanye West, Madonna and Usher are among those reportedly following Stevie Wonder's lead in boycotting Florida in protest of the state's "Stand Your Ground" law. The Huffington Post is following the story.

How Much Is That Cheap Flight Really Costing You?

flight check in board
Dan Kitwood, Getty Images
Travelers looking to save costs have long sought out the best time to buy airfare, the best way to maximize points, how to find the best credit cards, use the best apps and even make the most of a hotel stay.

But while hidden fees can derail a trip's budget, so too can deceptively cheap rates. Travelers who book on a budget airline may be surprised to find the savings can be marginal -- even nonexistent.

-- Read the full article on DailyFinance.

Even the TSA Wants In On The Instagram Craze

TSA airport security instagram gun and bullets
TSA, via Instagram
Other than toothpaste in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, ever wonder what the TSA actually confiscates?

Wonder no more. A TSA Instagram account, dedicated to documenting prohibited items found at airport checkpoints, went live in late June. Its first post, a compilation of seized fireworks and brass knuckles, is accompanied by a hashtag-heavy public service announcement: "#Fireworks don't fly. (On planes) #july4 #travel #instatsa #firstpost #aviation."

Read the full article on Huffington Post Travel.

Sun soaked: Southern California's secret beach spots

You've probably walked Venice Beach, played volleyball on Manhattan Beach and spent a lazy day in Malibu, but have you scoped out SoCal's secret beach spots? Of the many things California is known for, its beaches are always at the top of lists. Here a few of the best kept secrets along California's coast:

Coronado, California: Savvy sun-soakers pay to park at the Hotel Del Coronado, then dine and sunbathe on premise in between ogling the Navy SEALS jogging the beach. This flat, mica diamond-studded beach has low tides so you won't be surfing the waves anytime soon, but you will enjoy the R&R while watching stingrays and napping in the sand. When you're done with the beach, stop in for a boutique beer at Coronado Brewing or catch some p.m. blues and brews at McP's.

South Mission Beach, California: This is the ultimate partyspot in San Diego, and parking is a premium. Come early, stay late and throw your bike or roller-blades and a party frock in the car for beach bar bumming when the sun goes down. You can kayak the bayside on this isthmus, or surf and body slam on the Pacific side - both within walking distance. At night, the Pennant and Beachcomber rock, especially during the summer and Over The Line in July. The old-fashioned roller coaster, video arcades and Wavehouse occupy the mini-pints and the sunset is best of show.

Del Mar, California: In addition to Torrey Pines State Park and Dog Beach, the artsy village of Del Mar serves up two beach hang-outs not to miss, Powerhouse and Seagrove Park near the Fifteenth Street surf break. Surfing can be gnarly here, and the view of the Pacific as you wind off I-5 and around the lagoon stops your heart--as do Del Mar's coastal cuisine--Roberto's tacos, Il Fornaio's wood-fired pizzas and enoteca, Pacifica Del Mar's seafood specialties and Del Mar Plaza's whimsical terrazza shops and breakfast nooks. South of the Del Mar Racetrack, the beach south of the Brigantine on PCH1 is hard to park at, but worth walking into. Better yet, bike on over.

San Onofre, California: Real surfers know that this hangs better than Malibu and it's the quintessential California campground where for a small fee at the gate, you can pretend you are in Hawaii. Play volleyball, loll in a grass hut with your cooler of cocktails and snacks, compare long-boards and tales of catching a South swell at the three main breaks: the Point, Old Man's and Dogpatch. It gets crowded on weekends, so arrive early with the blenders and pick up a few of Pedro's fish tacos in North San Clemente for the ultimate alfresco breakfast.

Catalina Island, California: Here, the sand is your boat. Moor in Avalon or sail around to beautiful Emerald Bay, offering 99 moorings and anchorage for 5-10 boats, a perfect day trip. Catalina Express runs daily boats over to Avalon from San Pedro or Long Beach, and a Key West bacchanal is the catch of the day every weekend during summer. In addition to swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, Catalina offers kayaking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and even a Zipline. Explore the Avalon beaches by golf cart, or just sun from your boat.

The above was contributed by Nanette Wiser, a Seed.com writer.

Road trip: Healthy snacks that satisfy your kids' cravings

Taking a family road trip is one of the great experiences each summer, but when hunger sits in the car quickly turns from family fun to ravished scavengers looking for a feed. Thankfully, with a little pre-planning and preparation, you can avoid the fast-food rest stops and offer everyone in your car a fun and healthy snack to keep them satisfied on the road.

We gathered our Seed.com writers and asked them to submit their favorite road-trip snacks. Next time you head out on the road, consider one of these yummy treats that travel well, taste good and are a healthy alternative to greasy french fries and milkshakes (just don't tell the kids).

Peppy Popcorn

12 cups air popped popcorn
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
cooking spray

Mix salt and chili powder in small bowl. Spread popcorn out on large baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt mixture. Stir popcorn to coat evenly. Scoop into sealable plastic bags. Makes 12 – 1 cup servings.

Not Quite Kettle Corn

12 cups air popped popcorn
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
cooking spray

Mix salt and powdered sugar in small bowl. Spread popcorn out on large baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Stir popcorn to coat evenly. Scoop into sealable plastic bags. Makes 12 – 1 cup servings.

Contributed by Mary Berg
Apricot Bars

1 tsp baking powder
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup uncooked quick oats
2 tablespoon sunflower seeds
15 dried apricot halves (diced)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon butter

Preheat oven to 350 Coat an 8 inch baking pan with cooking spary
Mix dry ingredients (wheat flour, brown sugar, quick oats, sunflower seeds)
Whisk in butter and eggs
Mix in diced apricot halves to batter
Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top
Bake 20 minutes or until bars are firm
Cool and cut into bar size of your choice

Contributed by Melissa Johnson

Summer lovin: Top seafood shacks in the U.S.

Lobster rolls, fried clams, fish sandwiches... the tastes of summer comes from the sea at these top seafood shacks in America. Just add lemon or a little drawn butter, and you're good to go.

Crabby Bill's, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida: The original real deal in Florida seafood offers four unique dining settings--a sushi bar, a family-style barn, an outdoor tiki area and indoor casual eatery open across from the Gulf of Mexico. Best bets are the Cleveland oysters brimming with garlic and cheese, smoked fish spread, shucked raw oysters, early bird fish dinners (ahi and Southern green beans) and the best fried fish buckets in town (scallops, shrimp and fish and chips) washed down with cheap cocktails and draft beer.

Wahoos, Redington Shores, Florida: Chef/owner Jimmy's Pennsylvania Dutch roots and Caribbean/Pan Pacific passion flavor the blackboard specials, all cooked up in cast iron on a four-burner stove, no kidding. Seafood comes right off the boats behind the outdoor patio overlooking the bay. Best of show is the seared ahi, blackened grouper, tile fish fingers, finger-licking good spicy white chowder coupled with fried Tater Tots or heavenly onion rings. On tap, Stella and Blueberry Point ale refresh as well as a choice of 50 bottled imports and domestics.

Angry Pepper, Maderia Beach: Stuck behind a Publix on a spit of land overlooking a canal, the smoker is fired up behind the tiki restaurant, dripping in chili lights and surfboard memorabilia. Hot, spicy, Southern and Cajun cuisine are the catch of the day here. The fish spread is part salmon, smooth and delectable. Yes, there's pulled pork, chipotle chicken and brisket barbecue, but it's overshadowed by the yummy seafood like the creamy crab cakes, shrimp po'boy dressed with homemade cole slaw and tartar sauce, molten Buffalo shrimp lightly dusted (order the sweet and nasty), pan-seared sashimi and bonzai shrimp with green onions. Sides range from waffle fries, smokey baked beans with bacon, fried green tomatoes and cheesy grits, washed down with dozens of boutique beers on tap and micro-brew bottles.

Best destinations for gadget geeks



Chances are, the laptop you're reading this article on was not made here in the U.S. It's a well-known fact that most of the world's consumer gadgetry, from mobile phones to laptops to gaming consoles, is created abroad, in places ranging from Japan to Europe and beyond. A visit to one of these tech-centric destinations is a great chance to pick up a one-of-a-kind tech product or grab a great bargain. But gadget travel is also about more than just buying cool stuff - it's also chance to experience the future of technology. Wondering where you can get in touch with your inner geek on your next trip? Check out our ten picks below.

Batam, Indonesia
If you have the hankering for inexpensive Asian-made electronics, the island city of Batam in Indonesia is hard to beat. A twenty-minute ferry ride from Singapore, this city offers duty-free shopping for a variety of imported electronics. Be sure to check out Mega Mall Batam Centre located in the Batam Central Business District, as well as Nagoya Hill, the biggest shopping center in Batam. Beware of knock-offs and be willing to bargain to get the best prices here.

Stockholm, Sweden
Early adopters will drool with envy over Stockholm's city-wide WiMax network. With WiMax's increased connection range and high-speed bandwidth, Stockholm is surely the world's most wired city.

Yongsan Electric Market - Seoul, North South Korea
With over twenty buildings and a bustling outside flea market full of electronic bargains, Yongsan Electric Market located at Yongsan Station is a haggler's paradise. Shop the nearly 5,000 stores for steep discounts and a wide selection of Korean and imported gadgets.

Get into the groove: Summer's best music festivals

Nothing says summer like backyard barbecues, the beach and live music. Spend a steamy summer night under the stars listening to your favorite band, or commit a weekend to rocking out at some of the best music festivals around the country. Here are a few of our favorites:

Delfest is a blue grass festival masterminded held in Cumberland, Maryland. The McCoury family - who have been in the business of blue grass for 50 years - started the festival. This family friendly weekend festival is organized by High Sierra.

All Good: A bit more "crunchy" than some festivals, All Good is a nitty-gritty atmosphere with stellar musical acts. They really have a great vibe at Marvin's Mountaintop, West Virginia, and you'll really get back to your roots here!

Gathering of the Vibes: The Gathering is great, especially since they moved it to Bridgeport Connecticut. The location is great for biker riders, like me, because it has sidewalks throughout the festival ground, and the Vibes family has built quite a community of vendors and fun morsels for their concert goers.

Camp Bisco: Camp Bisco is at the Indian Lookout in Mariahville, New York, where the Gathering of the Vibes used to be held, which is a great location. This intense, electronica-jam festival is now in it's 9th year, and is certainly one to catch if you are in the area.

Philadelphia Folk Fest: The "mother" of all folk festivals, this festival is in it's 49th year! Just outside the city of brotherly love, this festival has great acts, a family friendly atmosphere, and lots and lots of craft vendors. So if you are looking to let loose to some down-home sounds, this festival is a great way to cap off the festival season here on the East Coast!

Mayan Holidaze: Previously called "Caribbean Holidaze" this is the cream of the crop of festivals for anyone who loves to travel. The previous years, it has been held in Jamaica, and this year they have moved it to beautiful Mexico, right in the middle of the Mayan temples! Put on by the Disco Biscuits and Umphrey's McGee, this is a decadent festival that will leave lasting memories. This has to be, hands down, one of the best festivals I have ever been too, and it's held in January, so you can save all year to make it there!

Bonnaroo: There is almost no way I could talk about festivals without mentioning one of the country's biggest. Bonnaroo is a playground for adults who love music of all genres. The musical mix boasts something for everyone, so even your pickiest friends would have a blast at this one. And with attendance being around 100,000 per year, you will feel the energy surging all weekend!

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