Travel Leisure

Travel Leisure remains resilient in the current economic climate. Consumers are expected to take an average of two trips this summer, stay approximately seven nights away from home and spend more than $900 on their longest summer trip. "Travelers' resilience is good news for the travel industry and the entire American economy," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "According to our forecast, Americans will do their part this summer to stimulate the economy, save and create jobs and strengthen communities from coast-to-coast."

Travel and Leisure has an informative slideshow of key Roman sites that pop up in “Angels & Demons,” along with anecdotes about their histories. As Reid Bramblett writes, “the true miraculous and demonic events that took place at them are often even stranger than those Dan Brown’s imagination could whip up.” Over at WhyGo Italy, Jessica Spiegel outlines a self-guided Dan Brown tour of Rome, for those who don’t want to book with a guided, group option.

Reuters has an action-packed 48-hour “Angels & Demons” itinerary on offer. My favorite thing about this one? It balances the Robert Langdon fandom with plenty of eating and drinking. Finally, if it’s a package deal you’re looking for, Gadling has the details on the Westin’s “Angels & Demons Experience.” Oh, and as for the movie itself? Slate’s Dana Stevens is underwhelmed: “Hanks and [co-star Ayelet] Zurer race around Rome having impenetrable conversations in front of world-historical art treasures.

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day celebrations for the first time since the central Massachusetts army based was decommissioned more than a decade ago. The public event Saturday was the idea of current base commander Lt. Col. Steven Nott, who wanted to re-establish ties with the civilian community. The day features children’s games, as well as military displays, including tanks and Humvees. Fort Devens was decommissioned in 1996 after 79 years as an active army base. But it’s still home to Reserve units and training facilities.

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too.

Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense. The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was “Teamed for Defense.” It was chosen as a means of expressing the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government.

Deborah Gibson

Deborah Gibson (yes, that Deborah Gibson) is the only one who can save the world? Be afraid. Be very afraid. “Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus” may never come to a theater near you, but the trailer is everywhere since its debut on MTV.com this week. The schlocky sci-fi thriller destined for the discount bin (it’s direct to DVD) has already been viewed over 250,000 times on YouTube.

While the creature feature will not be promoted at Cannes, film buffs everywhere can appreciate the combination of questionable production values, mega monsters of the deep in mortal combat, imminent danger to humankind (or at least California), and an ’80s pop sensation as a star.