#ManicPunday Goes to The Improv!

Greetings to all potential puntestants for the very first Beltway Pundits. It takes place at the DC Improv on March 4. If you are interested in competing in the Pun Battle, which requires the performance of a prepared two-minute pun riff, sign up here.

Here's a clip of me promoting the event on Great Day Washington.

For the more spuntaneous Punger Games, you can sign up on the spot.

The Punger Games is a quick-draw tournament, in which puntestants face off in punder and lightening rounds, They have to come up with puns on a dime, making 'cents' of a given theme. The last punster standing in each round moves on to the next bracket.

To show you how it works, here's a recent transcript from #ManicPunday on Twitter. The topic was baked goods and desserts. To protect the innocent, I am only including my retortes. Roll down to the bottom if you want to read in chronological order.

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · 

Jan 12 OK, I eclair #ManicPunday over. We didn't cause much of a simit this time. Not enough rye fruitcakes in the world, I guess.

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

Well, @hyatttysons @Ledge7475 @gdh_99 @busydrawing We are going to have to turnover a new leaf. Injera any suggestions for next #ManicPunday

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

Indeed. Looks like it's just us, kids )-: What a pita. @GDH_99 @Busydrawing

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

I'm waffling. I'm not churro if #ManicPunday is a good idea. Anyone have thoughts about how we can cobbler a bigger pie next time?

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

I am crust-fallen. #ManicPunday doesn't have a lot of flans today. @GDH_99 #dianenorton @busydrawing

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

I doughnut believe that @GDH_99 #ManicPunday

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

At yeast you tried. @Busydrawing #ManicPunday

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

Did you hear about the guy robbing the Greek bakery in London. He was wearing a baklava. #ManicPunday

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

Challah. Looking for lovers of #puns right here right now for #ManicPunday. Topic: Baked Goods (Breads/Desserts). Don't dessert me, please.

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

I eclair #ManicPunday open for competition. Let me be bundt...no worries if things are spelt correctly.

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

Greetings from #ManicPunday. Let the puns begin. The topic is Baked Goods (Desserts/Bread). It would be a pita if we don't get on a roll.

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Laura Powell @dailysuitcase · Jan 12

Just 15 minutes til #ManicPunday Today's Topic: Baked Goods (Desserts & Breads) Looking forward to rye & witty re-tortes. From 12:30-1PMEST

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Winter Travel Tips

We are approaching the dog days of winter. As another snowmageddon looms, it's a fine time to weave in some winter travel tips. Below are some you may already know, along with a few you may never have pondered. 

1. Try to travel on non-stop flights leaving early in the morning. If you do have to connect, try not to do so through hubs that regularly experience nasty winter weather, like Chicago's O'Hare and Denver International. That said, even southern airports like Dallas or Atlanta can be tricky during the winter, given the increasing number of ice storms that seem to be besetting Dixie. 

2. Traveling to high altitudes for skiing or snowboarding? Prepare for the highs. 

• Don't overdo exercise on the first day.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, particularly during the first few days of your trip.
• Your digestive innards work slowly at higher altitudes, so late meals may     interfere with sleep. 
• Consider taking aspirin with a huge glass of water right before bedtime to preempt  altitude-induced headaches. 

3. Loyal Daily Suitcase readers know of my great concern for proper hydration.  This is because I have ended up in emergency rooms in both Beijing and Phnom Penh with heat-related dehydration. But it is important to note that dehydration can also happen in frigid temperatures. In fact, for some, severe dehydration may be more likely to occur in winter than summer. 

If you are flying somewhere for a ski trip, the flight has already likely dried you out. Add to that extreme exercise, the lower oxygen levels and lower humidity of high altitudes, and the intense sun, and you have the perfect storm of ingredients for dehydration. In order to avoid this fate, start drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day about a week before your trip starts. Then, keep drinking H20 as you go. Again, avoiding dehydrators like caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods may be wise.

4. Invest in the proper clothing. If you are going to be outside for a good part of a winter's day, layer away and thermalize. Pay special attention to your extremities, including head, hands and feet. I can recommend Heat Holders thermal socks (the company also sells hats, neck warmers, tights, and gloves).  At The Warming Store, you can find a wide selection of battery-heated socks, insoles and gloves that will keep you extra toasty. 

5. Buy travel insurance. If your winter trip gets cancelled or delayed due to unexpected weather events, insurance will cover prepaid costs and extra expenses (additional hotel nights, meals). Plus, some travel insurance companies offer concierge services. If a flight is cancelled or bags are lost, the concierge can provide a much-needed assist. 

Captions: All images photographed in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Time for #TravelToppers on Twitter: Winter Travel Tips

Here are your questions::

Q1: What are your favorite cold weather vacation destinations?

Q2: What are your top tips for traveling during the winter?

Q3: Share how travel insurance has helped you during your travels.

Q4: What are your favorite cold weather vacation activities?

Q5: What are your top tips for staying warm during outdoor activities?

Q6: What are the items you always pack for winter trips?

More on Winter Travel Tips here.