Photo by Lola Akinmade

All satellite handhelds offered by Satworx weigh less than a pound and need only a direct connection with the big, blue sky to be at their A-game.

Deep in the rainforest of Brazil? No sweat.

Navigating through the heart of darkness? Not a thing.

Satworx phones and service ensure that you can be anywhere, doing anything, in any climate and still get a connection. Of course, such incredible convenience comes at a heftier price than your standard international cell phone plan.

“The most popular handset is the 9505a at a retail cost of $1495, though on particular service plans it can be had for $1295,” says Satworx President Ken Grunski. “Airtime calls are generally $1.29/minute from anywhere on the planet to anywhere on the planet.”

With 24/7 technical support as well as an additional layer of local, customized support, Satworx is the ultimate convergence of personal service and online convenience.

“Satworx subscribers can manage their account profile, pay invoices, view call records online, and manage phone inventory,” adds Ken. “The last feature is most useful to larger organizations that wish to track or assign phone responsibility. Nobody wants to leave a $1500 handset lying around.”

And the company offers an amazing range of services, such as tracking airplanes in real-time or outfitting a humvee or small navy ship with a wifi mobile office, in addition to the mobile phone. Did we just blow your mind?

For those interested in the mobile office service, Satworx offers customers this service at a competitive rate.

“For personal broadband devices, the Explorer 110 and Sabre Wideye are best,” says Ken. “While these units are very light at 1kg, they must be stationary to use. They provide voice or internet access just south of Alaska and north of Patagonia. They cost about $1600. Voice calls are $1/min and data is is approx $7/MB though you can purchase bundled data at a discount.”

So flashpacker, come check out these digi-digs and join the apex of technological advancement for travelers.

For more information, visit Satworx’s website.

Photo by kevindooley

Annually, sons and daughters of varying ages and melanin deficiencies empty their wallets in feeble, yet fragrant attempts to show gratitude for the women who bore them.

After the interminable years of giving overpriced flowers and mass-produced cards, it might be nice to offer the matriarchs of our hearts something a bit different this time around.

Well, dear filial offspring, you’re in luck because Matador has rounded up some creative gift ideas for Mom this May 10th!

Grab your plastic and let’s get this show on the road:

KIVA.org

Photo by Uncornered Market

What better way to support the woman who carried you for nine swollen months than by giving her the gift of empowering other women around the world?

United in maternity, many women have extended a financial hand to their transatlantic sisters, helping them gradually achieve economic independence through micro-lending.

Start a loan for mommy dearest and connect her to good karma and entrepreneurs in developing countries.

For more information and how to get involved, head on over to the Kiva website.

Sorapot

Photo courtesy of Sorapot

Beautiful, functional, and so completely Zen, the Sorapot is the most modern teapot a trend-setting son or daughter could purchase for Mother’s Day.

Made of stainless steel and pyrex, the sorapot allows brewers to watch tea leaves slowly unfurl in its clear, central glass tube while making just enough tea for your mother and her best friend.

Sorapots can be acquired directly through their website.

Adopt A Highway

What do moms like more than knowing that their children love them? Showing off to the neighbors just how much their children love them.

And what’s more showy than a conspicuous sign off the side of the road that Mommy drives down most?

Let the bragging rights begin. If you think this is too cheesy, I refer you back to the swirly script on the Mother’s Day card you delivered last year written and designed by Hallmark.

I thought so.

Click here for more information. Sign pricing and size depends on each market.

Inglesina Fast Chair

For the young moms out there who still want to be out and about, the Inglesina Fast Chair is a portable high chair that latches on to the edge of any table and supports up to 33 adorable baby pounds.

Super compact, the chair can be easily carried around and hooked on to tables in restaurants and host family dining rooms alike.

It’s the perfect travel gear for a jet-setting momma! Inglesina Fast Chairs can be purchased through stores such as Currant Baby & Mommy.

Currant Baby & Mommy
289 E. Green Street A110
Pasadena, CA 91101
(T) 626-577-7005, (F) 626-577-7006

Family Tree

Let Mom discover her family’s history through genealogy services such as Ancestry.com. You will be not only giving a truly awesome gift, but also showing Mom just how important family is to you. Across the board, moms love that stuff.

Break out the tissues and let the self-discovery begin!

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com

Photo courtesy of Travel Channel

From pastoral dirt roads in Nicaragua to the busy streets of India, without fail, these are the items Samantha Brown needs to bring with her while she shoots take after take of her ever popular travel show.

Two “Pinky” balls

These are sold in just about every toy store. Are you ready to feel the best you’ve have felt on the road?

Place two balls next to each other on the floor. Lie down on the balls so that they are at the base of your neck and aligned with your spine.

Bend your knees and push so that the balls roll down your back, over your buttocks, and down your legs.

For deep knots, just hang out putting all your weight on the balls – pure bliss.

Now where’s that Enya CD?

A Jar of Peanut Butter

I’ve been traveling with peanut butter for years.

With my empty stomach, I can go from a grown, mature woman to a grumpy six year old in 10 minutes.

Armed with peanut butter, I can easily buy pretzels, crackers, or carrots (and in emergency cases, just dip my finger in the jar).

Peanut Butter is not only healthy, but also keeps you satiated.

I’ve just stumbled on a company called P.B. Loco where you can order online flavors like European Café Mocha, Sumatra Cinnamon and Raisin, and CoCo Banana!

A Sweater or Sweatshirt

Even if you are going to Hawai’i, I recommend bringing one.

We over air-condition everything.

When I’m in a 55 degree restaurant, I’m always wondering, ”Isn’t this the cool weather I was trying to escape?”

Earplugs

You don’t need $250 noise canceling headphones worn by the band members of Fortune 500.

Just the run-of-the-mill, bright orange, foamy kind will do.

They won’t shut out all the noise, but just enough to take the edge off of listening to your three-year-old’s favorite children’s CD for the 700th time.

It also allows you to psychologically be in your own private space, even if that is only in a two foot wide seat of a mini-van or airplane.

Melotonin Supplements (For Adults)

This is a completely natural sleep aid.

Melatonin is produced in your body, but we lose it as we get older.

There are no side effects like with prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills.

I take them because many nights I find myself in a different hotel bed, plane seat, or time zone.

How does it make you feel? Your muscles totally relax like you just took a long hot bath.

Swiss Army Knife with Corkscrew Opener

Anything that’s issued as standard equipment to NASA astronauts has to be good for your family’s summer “Liftoff”.

I recommend the model with the corkscrew.

You have spent an entire day traveling with the kids.

You’ll really need that glass of wine.

Soap

I don’t like anti-bacteria gel.

The high number of times I need and use it, my hands are so completely dried out by all the alcohol.

Good ol’ soap is still better than anything.

Remember to wash your hands for 15 seconds to kill all the germs.

Pick a fun song so you know when those fifteen seconds are up. Mine is “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine”.

Disposable Wipes

These days, doesn’t it seem like every brand makes their product in a “wipable” form?

Nowadays, wet wipes are travel essentials and not just for cleaning up baby bums and children’s faces!

A good anti-bacterial wipe is perfect for hotel rooms, airplanes, and restaurant bathrooms.

Wipe down that hotel phone before you order an extra cot!

Resealable bags

Need I say more. I honestly “ziplock” everything.

My clothes go in extra large bags that – with the help of my body weight – I can squeeze out all the air from so that my wardrobe for a week resembles freeze-dried cream chipped beef.

I put creams, gels, and hairsprays in them. If there is a leak, it is contained.

Many times, my luggage has sat out on the tarmac in the pouring rain and has been soaked through so at the very least, put your most special outfit in an resealable bag.

For more information on Samantha Brown, including her taping schedule, you can visit her page on the Travel Channel website.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Brown

For Valentine’s Day, Brown has generously opened up her suitcase to share her recommendations for traveling lovebirds.

1. Ugg Boots: Put these on and instantly relax. A long lazy morning could easily stretch into the afternoon.

2. A scented candle to create the mood.

3. Games: Uno, Boggle, Bananagrams, etc. There are also romantic board games. One of my favorites is a game called “Getting to Know you…better.”

4. Edible clothing: Hey it’s one way to lighten your luggage for your return trip.

5. Room wine: Bring glassware and a wine opener.

6. A small picnic basket or backpack: Order take-out and bring it back to your room. After dinner activities are at your discretion.

7. Favorite movies that you and your honey love snuggling up to.

8. Antacid: There’s an ugly side to romance and that includes heartburn, indigestion, or unexpected lactose intolerance brought upon by rich foods, dessert, and wine. You definitely need to have a back-up plan.

And Brown mentions one must-not: “Your addiction to technology.”

“Turn off your Blackberry and make a commitment to one another that you’ll both check your email or messages only at an agreed upon time. The rest of the trip should be focused on each other.”

Samantha’s All-Time Favorite Must-Have: Earl Grey Creme Flavored Black Tea

“[On my travels] I always bring this tea and my own porcelain tea cup,” Brown told Matador. “No matter where I go, I have to start my day with a hot cup of tea.”

Community Connection

Looking for where to take your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? Check out Samantha’s Top 5 Valentine’s Day Getaways in the US.

For more information on Samantha Brown, including her taping schedule, you can visit her page on the Travel Channel website.

Hailed as great television, The Wire premiered in 2002 and has been steadily winning converts ever since.

This mind-blowing television drama lets you get more than just an in-depth look at the less respectful aspects of Baltimore, Maryland.

It snatches your very purpose for living so that you can do nothing but live, breathe, and eat episodes until a season is over.

Whether you want to or not, you’ll enter synaptic Shangri-La with each season of The Wire.

Below are five detailed reasons why you just can’t say no to the show that’s won the Peabody Award, American Film Institute Television Program of the Year Award, Television Critics Association Program of the Year Award, and many more.

1) The Dialogue

David Simon, the series’ creator and one of the main writers for the show, is a former police reporter.

Ed Burns, producer and co-writer, is a former Baltimore homicide detective. Three of the staff writers for The Wire are acclaimed crime fiction writers.

All this experience and dedication to their craft results in incredibly realistic and current dialogue for the show.

From street hustle slang to prevalent homoerotic police humor, The Wire stays true the nature of its subject and doesn’t water anything down for television audiences.

2) The Plot

Seasons 1-5 of The Wire each delve into a different facet of Baltimore.

Starting with the city’s street drug trade in Season One, The Wire digs deep into the topic at hand, wrangling out dramatic story lines, unexpected plot twists, and nerve-wracking developments.

Viewers almost don’t know which characters to invest in, which sides to root for, which outcomes to be pleased about, as plots and characters are relentlessly complex and convoluted.

Each season is tangentially related and, while each certainly can claim brilliance with its own plot, the sum of all parts is really what pushes The Wire into legendary television status.

3) The Detail

Having both incredibly imaginative writers work alongside true life experience writers, The Wire concedes no room for blanket generalizations.

Every season’s subject is thoroughly documented; every little nuance contributes to the show.

Characters are motivated by conflicting desires, reveal underlying hypocrisies, and exhibit real human weaknesses.

Street corners are lain out by coordinates, marked by territory lines, and subject to the ebb and flow of drug-addled customers. Police wakes are unexpectedly rowdy, Irish in nature, and drowned in alcohol.

You’re guaranteed massive visual and mental stimulation with this series.

4) The Children

Season Four focuses on Baltimore’s school system and a group of junior high boys whose lives are tugged around by the city’s drug trade and lack of educational funding.

Nowhere near to being angels themselves, these boys nevertheless steal your heart with their naivete, silly humor, and all-around childhood goofiness.

Children being inherently good is a common belief and one that’s heavily played upon in this season. You’ll find yourself hoping for these kids to make it to higher education and a more promising future, crushed and frustrated for those who don’t, and relieved for those who do.

You’ll never be more emotionally invested than in this season.

5) Omar Little

Omar Little makes his debut in Season One with a few quality appearances introducing himself as an infamous, drug stash robbing homosexual that all gangs fear. No matter how heavily a stash is guarded, Omar makes it his business to rob gangs blind. He likes the challenge.

Armed with his shotgun, long facial scar, and strong sense of pride, Omar saunters the streets whistling his notorious tune and smoking cigarettes.

His intelligence is undeniable. His humor is unintentional. His method is inventive. Omar Little is a character that doesn’t fail to stamp an impression on audiences. With a new boytoy every few episodes, Omar forges his own unique path in Baltimore’s criminal and political web.

And you’ll be hopelessly charmed as he does.

Ask your grandmother for money. Have your significant other buy it for you. Use that gift card you’ve been saving. I don’t care what you do, just watch it.

Photo by Senioscopia

1. Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine by Paul S. Auerbach, Howard J. Donner, and Eric A. Weiss

A condensed version of Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine, Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine is a must-have for travelers not only because of its conveniently compact size, but also because it provides important information and solutions to unique medical situations.

Auerbach helps readers identify symptoms, execute immediate treatments, and make use of whatever materials they have on hand in very easy to understand language. You won’t find any esoteric medical wording here.

While filled with specialized information, this book is written with a non-medical audience in mind. Auerbach even includes drawings and color plates to help readers identify various skin rashes, plants, snakes, insects, and more.

Poisoned? This book will tell you what to do next. Injured at a high altitude? This book will tell you which steps to take.

2. Travel and Tropical Medicine Manual by Elaine C. Jong and Russell McMullen

For travelers who are currently in or plan on leaving for tropical destinations, the Travel and Tropical Medicine Manual is a practical guide to health problems commonly encountered in such environments.

From Malaria to Lyme disease, this book covers the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment topics for today’s travelers. Included are passages written specifically for pregnant travelers as well as HIV-infected travelers.

And most importantly, it is incredibly concise! No need to flip through pages of verbose descriptions or unessential information.

This book gets right down to what world travelers’ need to know when navigating tropical locations. It’s small enough to fit in any pack you’ve decided to bring.

3. Where There Is No Doctor by Jane Maxwell, Carol Thuman, and David Werner

Referred to as the “Bible” of health education, Where There Is No Doctor is often considered to be the most widely-used health care manual in the world.

This book offers practical, no-nonsense information on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various common diseases, including specific information for children and adults. It has been translated into more than 75 languages and is specifically tailored for readers without a medical background.

In straightforward language and easy to understand diagnostic charts, this book is essential for any traveler that ventures to areas far from medical centers where doctor care is unavailable. Interested in volunteering abroad?

This book should be the first thing you pack. Planning to join the Peace Corps? This book should sit alongside your toothbrush.