AP releases frugal travel guide

NEW YORK » A series of travel stories by the Associated Press about free things to see and do is now available as an e-book.

Titled "Five Free Things," the e-book is an insider’s travel guide to free attractions and experiences in 45 destinations around the U.S.

For each stop readers will find an itinerary with five essential places or experiences that are all free of charge. These include historic sites, museums, monuments, architecture and art.

"Five Free Things" grew out of a popular weekly column of the same name published by AP Travel. The book is available for $4.99 on for Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and is expected to be available at the Apple iTunes bookstore in early 2014.

More stars drop SeaWorld shows

ORLANDO, Fla. » More entertainers have canceled their appearances at SeaWorld Orlando following the recent release of a documentary that raises questions about the effects of captivity on whales.

Representatives for Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride confirmed Monday that the country singers have joined the ranks of recording artists who have pulled out of performing at the park’s February concert series, "Bands, Brew and BBQ."

They joined Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson and Heart in canceling their appearances.

The documentary, "Blackfish," explores what might have caused a 12,000-pound orca named Tilikum to kill veteran SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010, pulling her into a pool. The orca was also involved in two other deaths.

Panda cub nears public debut

WASHINGTON » The National Zoo’s giant panda cub Bao Bao will make her public debut Jan. 18 after her fans have watched her grow for months on the popular panda cams online.

The zoo says members of Friends of the National Zoo will have an early preview of the panda cub from Jan. 11 to 17.

Bao Bao and her mother, Mei Xiang, will determine how much time they spend on public view. They will have access to the den where Bao Bao has spent most of the past few months and may choose to spend time there instead of in public viewing areas. The zoo says they will spend more time on exhibit as Bao Bao grows older.

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Hugo Martin