Chris Guillebeau's Blog, page 60
February 27, 2015
Giveaway: Qatar Airways First Class Amenity Kit
Every Friday is giveaway day. Comment to win!
This week we’re giving away a luxurious amenity kit from my one of my favorite airlines.
What you need to know:
This kit comes with Armani moisturizer, lip balm, sleep mask (good for napping on the road AND at home), fancy floss, and cozy black socks
Okay, technically this is a men’s kit—but ladies, you can win too! It’s a super snazzy kit for anyone
The Giorgio Armani travel case is pretty nice too
This giveaway is available to readers worldwide. Anyo...
February 26, 2015
“Normal Guy” Pizza Manager Stays Overnight in 48 States
This is a quest case study. ( Read others or nominate yourself . )
Currently a manager at Sbarro, Chris Strub is a self-described “normal guy” who wanted to spend at least one night in the lower 48 states. Here’s how he made it happen:
Introduce yourself and your quest.
I’m a 29-year-old native New Yorker currently living in Greenville, South Carolina. As I grew up, I was constantly told I could “be whatever I wanted to be.” I sat at my college graduation listening to successful people offering vagu...
February 25, 2015
The New World of Passport Tattoo Art: Possibly Illegal, Definitely Awesome
I’m proud of my stamps and visas, and I often get a double-take from immigration officers around the world when presenting my passport—but this guy has gone much further.
French illustrator Léonard Combier sent pictures of his work to Doodlers Anonymous, where he offered anyone to send him their passport to “tattoo.”
Is this legal? Well, apparently it’s an open question, since technically the work involves “defacing” a government document, and some countries have more of a sense of humor than...
Sometimes Life Sucks, So You Might As Well Do Something About It
I’ve always liked Trent Hamm‘s tagline: “All I care about is making your life not suck.” This is what good bloggers, and good people of all kinds, do well. If you’re trying to figure out the next step for your blog… or your life… think about how you can make other people’s lives not suck.
Taking action on it will probably make you happier, too.
A couple people have suggested that the phrasing of Trent’s motto is poor. Can’t you make it more positive? they ask.
Well, feel free to change it for...
February 24, 2015
The Single Best Credit Card for Travelers: Earn 40,000 Points Now and More Everywhere You Go
Link: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Last year we had a celebration for Tyler, our Adventure Czar, when he came home from running a marathon on Antarctica. At the end of the night, I went to pay my tab, and the bartender said, “What is this card that all of you guys have?!”
It turned out that of the dozen or so folks that had an open tab at the bar that night, at least half of us were using the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
There’s a good reason for that! Our readers are smart. 
Virgin Atlantic Lounge, He...
One Family, Four Bikes, All of the Americas: Nancy Vogel’s Quest
This is a quest case study. ( Read others or nominate yourself . )
For many,driving 17,000 miles with your family would be challenge enough. Nancy Vogel went a step further, and along with her husband and twin sons, decided to bike from Alaska to Argentina over the course of three years.
Nancy’s perspective on completing a quest was a favorite story for many readers from The Happiness of Pursuit. Here’s more from her.
Tell us about yourself.
I am an ordinary mom who went on an extraordinary journey....
February 23, 2015
How to Learn About Entrepreneurship Without Spending a Cent
As part of the promotion for this year’s B-School program with my friend Marie, I wanted to point out two very clear things:
1. I think this course is fantastic, and well worth the cost. If you like the idea of establishing a freedom business, like I’ve done and so many AONC readers have done, this is a great way to get going in a structured program.
2. If you don’t have the money or aren’t sure you’re ready, you don’t need to pay for this or anything else. You’re not “missing out.” There are a...
A Film About Shame and Ego Wins Best Picture at the Oscars
Two days ago I went to see Birdman. I’d missed it when it came out, then forgot all about it, then realized it was still showing. Last night it won best picture and many other awards at the Oscars—coincidence, I’m sure.
I really liked many aspects of the film, from the amazing drum-only soundtrack to the fact that it was filmed in a single continuous shot. (I don’t entirely know what that means, but it sounds cool.)
I also thought it was interesting that much of the coverage of the film at th...
February 22, 2015
6 Discoveries from Near and Far: Volume XXXIV
I. Around the World
Things I found on long walks in foreign cities, or perhaps when someone posted them on Twitter.
The Journal of Brief Ideas — A new outlet for short, scholarly ideas of 200 words or less
The Most Advantageous Places to Visit with American Dollars — An updated report highlighting Mexico, Argentina, and some of Europe
Nude Portraits Where the Photographer Himself Is Unclothed — A change of perspective on the usual photography project
The FBI’s Top Hostage Negotiator Tells You How...
Immerse Yourself in What You Want to Become
In reading the transcript of Bob Dylan’s speech at MusiCares, I also liked this part on the origins of his songwriting:
“There’s nothing secret about it. You just do it subliminally and unconsciously, because that’s all enough, and that’s all I sang. That was all that was dear to me. They were the only kinds of songs that made sense.
I learned lyrics and how to write them from listening to folk songs. And I played them, and I met other people that played them back when nobody was doing it. Sang...
