Morning Links: Wynn’s Encore, a ‘Sadistic’ Geography Quiz and More

• Continental Flight 1404 crashed in Denver Saturday night. Thirty-eight passengers were injured. There were no casualties. Investigators are on the scene.
• The first news about the crash apparently came via Twitter—from a guy on board the plane. Here’s his colorful tweet.
• “60 Minutes” examines the state of TSA screening. It’s “security theater,” says one expert.
• Steve Wynn’s Encore opens today in Las Vegas. When asked if he’s worried about opening a new resort In this economic climate, Wynn said, “Are you nuts?” He added: “If I didn’t say yes, you would walk out of here thinking I was crazy.”
• Southwest may begin service to New York City in 2009.
• Matt Gross hit seven airports in four days in search of good eats. He talked a little about it on All Things Considered.
• Thomas Friedman “had no idea that many of those oil paintings that hang in hotel rooms and starter homes across America are actually produced by just one Chinese village.”
• Concierge’s It List 2009 is out.
• The Passports With Purpose fundraiser enters its final week. The raffle was organized by four travel bloggers, including World Hum contributor Pam Mandel.
• The latest in the Washington Post’s excellent Time Zones series: The boom in used car auctions in Johannesburg.
• John Flinn unleashes his “most sadistic geography quiz ever.” No matter how you score, just remember: When it comes to geography, you’re no Sarah Palin.

©2009 World Hum, All Rights Reserved