Here are some recommendations from experts across the travel industry, from cruise specialists and Web site editors, to Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler and Delta flight attendant David Lang. (Prices quoted are in the United States. Retail prices may vary.)

For the trip

Recommended by Amy Ziff, Editor-At-Large for Travelocity: Bose noise cancelling headphones ($300-$350), a pure pashmina shawl ($75-$100), a 55-hour IPod Battery Extender ($80), Peace of Mind On-the-spot relief (lotion) from Origins ($10). .

Most NATO members want U.S., Britain, Canada to do heavy lifting

The ongoing Afghan war against al-Qaida and the Taliban now provides a second, more demanding test case that demonstrates how much the alliance's capabilities and solidarity have withered. In Afghanistan, NATO is failing. Nominally, all 26 alliance members contribute to the war effort, with some 43,000 total troops deployed. But stripping away the forces provided by the United States, Britain and Canada, the alliance has fielded barely 20,000 soldiers this to pacify a country 50 percent larger than Iraq. Many national contingents, Germany's being the most prominent, operate under restrictions that make them unusable except in areas where relative security exists. EUROPE LACKS TROOPS, POLITICAL WILL U.S. officials call for the allies to do more more troops with fewer strings attached. But Europe lacks trained soldiers, adequate stores of equipment and, above all, political will.

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But you monday morning quaterback probably dont even remeber gas prices or this car. Just the propaganda film.with oil prices 75% of what they are now. (in the 20-30 dollar a barrel range). a 2 seat car (similar to that ever popular honda insight. (that same great 2 seater that honda no longer makes ethier).heck honda killed the accord hybrid, and might kill the civic hybrid.And the prius hybrid didn't sell well until it looked goofy.the ev1 was a car that could only work in warm weather states. (because range decreased if the temprature was below like 60 degrees). And costs apporaching 1 billion dollars. Yes the project was killed.But to blame the company for what they did when they did it, knowing what you know today. .