I use to do some animated Pokemon scripts for their online content and came across a release about their annual Video Game Showdown. Sweet!
"Fans across the planet" can win a seat at this first annual contest in Orlando. But you have to show-up on July 12th in Los Angeles, CA or July 19th in New York, NY to qualify. This regional qualifying event, free to the public, will feature the best players in America battling it out on Nintendo’s Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl video games for the opportunity to compete against the best players from Japan. Two first place finishers at the Video Game Showdown will be awarded a 6 day / 5 night vacation package for four to your choice of NY, Honolulu, or Tokyo, Japan as well as a custom Nintendo DS Game System. Prizes are also awarded to the top finishers in each of the two age divisions at the qualifier tournaments including a Nintendo Wii package worth over $500! Pokémon is a Kid-tested / Parent-approved brand that unlike many of the current video games on the market, has always promoted non–-violence and encourages interaction and socialization with other users. We’re happy to send over artwork for the Video Game Showdown as well. We’d love it if you could tell all our local kids about this exciting event that allows them to showcase their talents and win the experience of a lifetime!
Pika!
Who Else Thinks this Brooklyn Bridge Waterfall Fiasco is Dumb?
So tonight I'm going to peruse the Brooklyn Bridge via watertaxi for work to get a close-up view of this hideous waterfall. Do they really think it's going to rake in the dough from tourism? Right now it looks like a metal erecta-set circa 1982 and any minute Jimmy Hoffa's body is going to get sucked up into it and go over the edge. My hubster's comment this morning on the subway ride while we gawked at it over the Manhattan bridge with all the other commuters? "At least it'll help circulate the East River a little bit."
Frank Sinatra didn't sing about this in his Brooklyn Bridge song... "All the folks in Manhattan are sad... 'cause they all wish they had, a waterfall monstrosity under the Brooklyn Bridge!"
Apparently it's the handiwork of "brainchild of Danish artist Olafur Eliasson." He's the same brainchild of The Weather Project at the Tate Modern, London from 2003.
I do think it's interesting, but horrifically out of place and oddly offensive against such a beauty as The Brooklyn Bridge. It seems tainted somehow. I'll have a better close-up view tonight. Don't call me a hack, it's a free event, can you really pass up the opportunity?
Asuncion or Bust
I was hanging out over at Escape Brooklyn's blog and her post on Seattle hipsters flocking to Portland for better home prices made me wonder where the hell the cheapest place to live really is. Findlay, IL? Santa Claus, GA? No idea.
Turns out, Asuncion, Paraguay recently won the non-coveted title, five different times. That made me wonder what it cost to travel there. According to everyone from Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel to Frommers, South America is one of the few places that hasn't ripped us a new one in regards to cost of travel. And with all this talk of the gas, housing, and travel crisis, is South America our answer to overseas travel?
According to Lonely Planet, Ausuncion is dirt cheap, and a little bit dirty to boot. Author Rob Crossan quietly brags about shelling out the smallest note he had for some wine and getting the royal treatment accustomed to a celebrity.
But Paraguay doesn't necessarily conjure images of a relaxing or even traditionally adventurous vacation. Instead it has a reputation for squalor, corruption, and overt poverty. The only thing I know about the country is from Rosie, a cantankerous personal assistant in New York who fled Paraguay for a better life and recently had to denounce her citizenship there to get her Green Card over here. She currently spends her time insulting the staff, using cream in lattes for those on a diet, and asking female staff members if they're pregnant with a dismal look a their bellies, swollen from a hangover.
But to visit? Lonely Planet pegs it as a fantastic driving country with "winding asphalt that snakes through the empty savannahs and lonely ranches..."
On your adventure to do list: Itaipu Dam, religious artifacts, an a dry seabed called Chaco ideal for rare bird watching. As far as wallet logistics - a full Burger King meal (love that even Asuncion has been touched by the graces of the fast food industry) runs you upwards of $2, and beer under $1. While I'm stunned a room at a nice hotel runs a partly $5.60, Escape Brooklyn will faint when she reads a large downtown apartment rents for $190. Wonder what a mansion would set you back?
I'm thinking there aren't any press trips to Asuncion... that they're tourist office isn't necessarily handing out free rooms to writers and showing the sites. But my policy is I'll go anywhere once, so why not Asuncion?
Speaking of press trips, I'll be in Ohio next week, then off to the Caribbean. My hubster gets to tag along on both. He's got a hard life.
See more on Asuncion, Paraguay...
It's All Green, All the Time...
Found an interesting new travel bit... I'm all for environmental sustainability, but I'm amazed that in the last year, if you're not environmentally friendly, then you're basically going to hell in a handbasket. The message for 2008? If it's not green, it sucks.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre a New Icon for Sustainability
The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, a three-story complex of natural stone, wood and glass buildings, is designed to respect the landscape and act as a doorway to the forest. The cultural centre is a “green” development, reflecting the philosophy of responsible land stewardship, a value held by both the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation and by the Community of Whistler. Through environmental planning and design practices, this project significantly contributes to Whistler’s reputation as an innovative community, emphasizing its efforts to prevent and reduce negative environmental impacts.
Designed by architect Alfred Waugh to evoke a traditional Squamish longhouse and a Lil'wat Istken (pit house), with pictograph-adorned boulders gracing the walkways along the approach to the carved cedar entry doors. Anchored by massive Douglas Fir beams and columns, shingled glass ushers in the dramatic mountain scenery to become a backdrop for art and artifacts on display. The entrance and the axis of the building align with the celestial points of the compass, with the entrance door facing east, as is traditional in First Nations cultures.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified in its design and construction. At the outset, measures were taken to ensure the Centre had the smallest possible carbon footprint by building it in close proximity to Whistler’s core, adjacent to public transportation. The architect worked with the topography of the land, facing the building north to minimize the impact of UV light on precious art and artifacts. Rock blasting was minimized, instead resting the building on the bedrock plinth, and all the stone and wood used in the building was sourced from the surrounding territory. The concrete floors act as a heat sink, absorbing heat in the day and releasing it at night to efficiently cool the building. Natural ventilation through operable windows and thermal stack ventilators reduce cooling loads during spring and fall. Other sustainable strategies include minimal irrigation controlled by sensors and a planted roof over the Iskten Hall to mitigate storm water run off.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, “where rivers, mountains and people meet,” is the result of an unprecedented partnership between two distinctly different First Nations, the Coast Salish Squamish people and the Interior Salish Lil’wat people, to preserve, celebrate, and share their history and arts – thus ensuring cultural sustainability.
The cultural program options and authentic arts add a new dimension to the already remarkable Whistler experience. In addition to a Class A museum, an 80 seat theatre, and a gift gallery with authentic Squamish and Lil’wat art, the Centre features guided and self-guided tours, performances, and artisan demonstrations.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is opening June 2008 in Whistler, a major event site for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information on the Cultural Centre, go to www.slcc.ca or for event booking, contact the sales department by email at sales@slcc.ca or by phone at (604) 898-1822.
We Need to Find More Ways to Spend Our Money
Tired of rising gas prices? I'd like to see a story where someone is gushing over paying nearly $4 at the pump. I want to see Mom's on CNN talking about how they can't find enough ways to spend their money. I want to see Careerists talking about how they need to cut back their schedule so they can go out and spend their hoard of money on expensive clothes and food. I want to see them buy a lobster and steak dinner with a lobster martini and then throw it away when it's not buttered enough.
Sorry. I just love how every story across the news wires now starts with "Tired of rising gas prices? Are you suffering at the pump? The gas and mortgage and food inflation crisis got you down in the mouth?"
So if you're feeling it at the pump, this travel alert won't help too much. Unless you already live around Europe and Britain. Reading this does make me wonder if train travel in the US has a shot at coming back. Not that it was ever thriving. But we use to take the train from NYC to Philly all the time before the prices rose to nearly $40 each way, per person. Then we tried the Chinatown to Chinatown bus. Then we decided we weren't sadists, so we just stuck to driving the old-fashioned, expensive, jaw-droppingly expensive way. Recessions are fun!
We're all escaping the pump... (cue scary horror movie music)LONDON, ENGLAND-- Planning to spend time traveling around Europe and Britain? The Eurail Pass is the time-honored way for young people to traipse the length and breadth of Europe, but it is not valid in Great Britain. ACP Rail and BritRail are offering Youths (aged 16-25) who purchase any Eurail Pass, a 50% discount off the adult price of a standard class BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail FlexiPass, BritRail England Consecutive Pass or BritRail England FlexiPass.
The discount offer is valid throughout 2008. Once you have purchased your Eurail pass from an authorized agent, log onto www.BritRail.com and choose the "Eurail Pass" tab under "select BritRail Passes." The Eurail and BritRail Passes must both be in your possession at the time you travel in Britain and they must both be valid for travel, but you need not use a day of travel on your Eurail Pass to complete your journey in Britain.
BritRail Passes are available for as few as 4 days of travel through to a month, so the time you spend touring Britain is entirely up to you. 19,000 daily train departures to more than 2500 destinations make the BritRail Pass your passport to Britain's heritage cities, historic towns and quaint villages.
In addition to being comfortable and efficient, train travel is 'green': Trains emit 50% less Green House gases per passenger kilometer than cars; 25% of the gases compared to a plane traveling the same distance. The energy replaced by Regenerative Braking is enough to provide power to 11,825 homes for a year or to brew 2.6 billion cups of tea.
So traveling by train is definitely the best way to see Europe and Britain. It's quick, comfortable and environmentally friendly. With the Eurail Pass holder 50% discount for Youths, the 'all-access' standard class 4 Day BritRail Consecutive Pass costs EUR 92 / $145AU / Y15000 / $130US; the FlexiPass version is EUR 116 / $184AU / Y19000 / $165US. The discounted cost for a 4 Day BritRail England Consecutive Pass is just EUR 74 / $116AU / Y12000 / $105US; the FlexiPass version is EUR 93 / $147AU / Y15200 / $133US. This offer is not valid for residents of Britain or Europe. For more information or to purchase, please visit www.BritRail.com.
Lake Tahoe
I'm dying to get back to Tahoe this summer after learning to ski (sort-of) and snowboard (kind-of) back in January. Now I'd like to see what it has to offer for the summer months - Shakespeare festival, boating, swimming, kayaking through downtown Reno?
The tourism board has been flooding me with press releases and I like this one, good info on the last of lift tickets, children discounts, Earth Day festival, Spring events, and more...
North Lake Tahoe Recreation Update - April 2008
Big, bold, blue skies dominate North Lake Tahoe this week, perfect for spring skiing and snowboarding. Plan to dress in layers as you’ll be shedding outerwear and soaking up the sunshine Thursday and Friday when highs reach up to 55 degrees.
Northstar-at-Tahoe – Celebrate 35 years of Northstar Resort with $35 lift tickets now through closing day. Children (ages 5-12) and Super Seniors (70+) pay only $15. A special $15 tax relief ticket is offered for tax day Tuesday, April 15, which must be pre-purchased online (first-come, first-served basis). On Earth Day (April 20), guests driving hybrids get to park in the preferred parking for FREE. Projected closing date is April 27.
Squaw Valley USA – Squaw Valley hosts its Ski Sail Regatta, where participants boat race on Lake Tahoe (Saturday, April 19), party at the Tahoe Yacht Club that night, and then ski race at Squaw (Sunday, April 20). Projected closing date is May 11 (a week later than last year).
Boreal Mountain Resort – Boreal closed for the season April 13.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort – Throughout the month of April, Sugarbowl offers free lessons and rentals seven days a week with the purchase of an all-day lift ticket (ages 13 to 69 years). Projected closing date is April 27.
Diamond Peak – Diamond Peak closed for the season April 13.
Homewood Mountain Resort – Homewood closed for the season April 6.
Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe – Take advantage of Mt. Rose’s daily specials, including 2 For Tuesday (two full-day lift tickets for the price of one), Student $29 Wednesdays, Ladies Day Thursdays (full-day tickets are $19 for ladies) and Runs ‘n Roses ($124 family package that includes full-day lift tickets for two adults and two children). Projected closing date is April 20.
Alpine Meadows – Alpine Meadows’ Spring Concert Series celebrates live musical talent and style, along with great skiing and riding. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 19 with Monophonics (soul and funk) and Saturday, April 26 with Absynth, a San Francisco band known for their hypnotic beats. Projected closing date is May 4.
Neighborhood Secrets: Got kids? Then get art! Children visiting North Lake Tahoe can take part in the Tahoe City-based North Tahoe Arts’ YourthArt program. This two-week enrichment camp offers a hands-on art experience to elementary and middle school age youth and is taught by professional artists who excel at teaching kids the joy of
ceramics, printmaking, painting, fiber art, earth art, book/journal making, jewelry, pastels, wire sculpture and batik. Registration begins May 1 and sessions begin in July. Click to:
www.northtahoearts.com/youth_art.php.
In celebration of spring, the Village at Northstar hosts Spring It On Saturday, April 19 with mountain activities, such as pond skimming, and village festivities to include live music, BBQ on Overlook Deck, drink specials and roller skating.
North Lake Tahoe visitors can hit the slopes while taking part in the region’s largest environmental event of the year, the North Lake Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival, scheduled for April 25 and 26 at the Village at Squaw Valley. Also scheduled is a live musical lineup, Haute Trash Fashion Show with styles made from society’s trash, Patagonia Wild & Scenic Film Festival and the Push, Pull or Pedal Eco Parade, where non-motorized crafts made from recycled materials are judged.
The North Lake Tahoe Express daily airport shuttle service is available to and from North Lake Tahoe and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The shuttle runs from 3:30 a.m. until 12 midnight. Fees are $35 per person, one-way, and $60 round trip. Discounts available for groups of two or more. Reservations are
required and can be made four hours in advance. Click to www.northlaketahoeexpress.com.
For a snapshot of upcoming special events, as well as recreational activities of recent scenes, go to www.GoTahoeNorth.com and click on the web video for the North Tahoe Minute.
North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from the Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from the San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3286 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline
Village.
The North Lake Tahoe Recreation Update is part of a partnership between the North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. The combined efforts of both entities are aimed to further promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.
LitLiberation
So I've been busy dealing with eye issues this week. No one can figure out why, but somehow my cornea is damaged so I need a series of drops and then figure out if I can wear a more "breathable" contact. I wonder how this will effect my travel. Glasses are fine, but wearing on the beach or skiing isn't really my idea of comfort.
But in other news, I recently learned about LitLiberation. I've really never heard of anything like it. Their site says that they are the "largest online literacy experiment in history, redesigning fundraising as a competition with world-class prizes." So they're bribing you to be charitable. I'm intrigued.
LitLiberation poses the question: "Can we raise $1,000,000 from normal people in just four weeks? Many of the world’s top CEOs and bloggers think so." From there you can decide to support education in US schools, developing countries, or both. You then donate to specific projects, some with a requirement of less than $50. Or, givers can decide to create a personal donation challenge page to show others and get them to donate. It says they have sample pages you can copy and paste code from. And then apparently you spread the word and have the chance to win prizes like roundtrip airfare to anywhere in the world, lunch with the co-founder of Yahoo, a thank you in the next printing of a #1 NY Times bestseller, artwork, VIP passes to parties, etc.
I like that you can win free travel through raising money for a charitable cause. But it also seems like a lot of hype and press for the celebrities involve. I noticed Gina Trapani from Lifehacker is on the list of givers, as well as Tim Ferriss from the 4-Hour work week. So you're essentially competing against millionaires who have the resources to invest. Regardless, I'm happy someone is using their celebrity for a good cause and actually stimulating the world to read at the same time.
Anyone tried this?
Here is Tim Ferriss' video entry about LitLiberation. His speech is pretty compelling, it's hard not to want to go look at their site.
Travel Alert - Gone to the Birds
Fundación ProAves, American Bird Conservancy, and Conservation International have inaugurated the El Dorado Bird Reserve in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range of northern Colombia. The area boasts the highest concentration of continental range-restricted bird species in the world, with 21 endemics such as the Santa Marta Parakeet and Santa Marta Antpitta found nowhere else, as well as migratory songbirds from the United States.
"The region is internationally recognized by the Alliance for Zero Extinction
The reserve features ecotourism facilities designed to help make it self-sustaining, including the spacious Jeniam Ecolodge and the Blue Moon Restaurant. El Dorado is located between 2,900 and 8,500 feet above sea level amidst a stunning landscape of dense forests, with views to the 19,000-foot high peaks and glaciers of the Sierra Nevada, and the Caribbean beaches and mangroves of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.
"The birdwatching at the El Dorado Reserve is amazing because there are so many species that can only be seen there, and the views of the high peaks above and the beaches down below are absolutely spectacular," said Fenwick, who recently travelled to the Reserve for its opening ceremony. "This easily accessible paradise on the Caribbean coast is the best place to go in all of Colombia."
One hundred years of exploration in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta has revealed an extraordinary catalogue of rare species restricted to the forests in and around the reserve. In 2007, a new species, the Santa Marta Screech Owl, was discovered and several of the more than 50 endemic subspecies of birds have been shown to warrant separate species status. Amphibians, butterflies, plants, and other groups also show exceptional levels of endemism.
"Because these forests were at high risk of deforestation, development for vacation homes, and an invasion of non-native pines into native broadleaf forests, Fundación ProAves launched a campaign to protect the area," said Fenwick. "With support from American Bird Conservancy, Conservation International, and others, ProAves has acquired nearly 1,700 acres of this living jewel, which is named after the legendary city of gold, El Dorado, for its phenomenal biological value."
With the support of CorpoMag, ProAves is now replacing the aggressive pines with native trees, which will also help ensure the forest can continue to provide clean drinking water for cities on the coast.
#30#
American Bird Conservancy
Fundacion ProAves
Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas and key marine ecosystems. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents. For more information about CI, visit www.conservation.org
Airport Wait Times
I read the TSA is just as peeved by long wait times as the rest of us and is testing 'Diamond Lanes' at some airports. Now whether you arrive at the gate with your shoes off, laptops out, and ready to be frisked; or come wondering if your shampoo is 8 ounces or 4, there's a line for everyone: Expert traveler, casual traveler, or families and special assistance.
Diamond (Lanes) are a girl's best friend...Sounds interesting, but the whole thing is based on the honor system. Reminds me of when Ned Flanders took over Springfield Elementary and put all the students on the honor system and banished detention, etc. It all makes me wonder why the TSA is even going to bother with their fancy Diamond Lanes if no one is going to actually enforce it. Travelers need rules. Left to our own devices at the airport, it turns into a scene from 28 Days Later. I just somehow doubt anyone, including parents with 16 toddlers, would wait patiently in a line deemed for slow travelers. The second there's long airport delays, everyone's going to make a mad rush for the shortest lines. No one's going to be yelling "Wait, I'm an expert traveler, and you are clearly just a casual traveler! Even though there are only 2 people in this line, you really need to go to that line with 260 people in it over there, for casuals."
The TSA is just setting the stage for classism and travel discrimination! I always knew they were jerks.
"I guess everyone else is stuck in security in the slowdiamond lane. I have the whole place to myself!"
- Pack light and organized. It's easier for screening purposes
- Don't check bags
- Bring an extra quart sized bag
- Take off shoes before you get to the security check-point
- Laptop out
- Take belongings outside of security before you put everything back together, letting everyone else have room while still dealing with security
But to know before you go, check the wait time at every security check point in every domestic airport at waittime.tsa.dhs.gov.
Travel Alert - Discount Travel to Bermuda
For those going to Bermuda this spring, check out The Reefs Resort for a chance to win an identical stay in 2009. Dates run from April 1st to May 22nd and drawings will be held in April and again in May. So whether or not your visit is five nights or ten, you can win a matching vacation during the same period for 2009. Guests receive one entry for each night of their stay. So the longer you stay, the better the chances are of winning.
I just went to Bermuda for the first time last summer and loved it. It's only an hour and a half flight from New York and the customs line was seamless. Coming back, you go through US customs at the Bermuda Airport, which means no annoying lines back in the States.
Keep in mind that Bermuda is actually not in the Caribbean, regardless of centuries of misconception (and apparent refusal to look at a map). It's even listed on numerous travel sites as the Caribbean, despite the fact that it's just East of South Carolina . Take note that nothing pisses the locals off more, so don't tell everyone how completely and totally awesome it is to finally be in the Caribbean after a long winter.
Another common misconception? The weather. Although Bermuda is full of pink, sandy beaches, you'll experience similar weather as you would in the Carolinas. So if you're looking for warmth and still want to take advantage of The Reefs Hotel offer, consider staying at the end of May. Otherwise you'll join flocks of tank-top toting tourists who not only believe they they've just landed in the Caribbean, but are outraged it's not 90 degrees and sunny on February 1st.
Also, keep in mind tourists are not permitted to rent cars on Bermuda. It's probably for their own good since the roads are narrow, driving is precarious, and roads are lined with volcanic rock making for a bumper car situation. The island is small and with the ever growing volume of tourism in Bermuda, extra cars would result in a gridlock nightmare. Tourists can rent mopeds (which is scary to witness), but I strongly recommend just using the public bus and ferry system. Everyone uses it, it's relatively cheap, the drivers are friendly, and it covers the entire island. You can pick up a day or weekly pass at the Hamilton Station to use on both the bus and ferries. Most of the area hotels and attractions like the Aquarium will sell single tokens as well. Taxis are also available.
Some of the island perks include interchangable currency. You can use both Bermudan dollars and US dollars, even mixing the two for a single purchase. You'll also get a variety of change back. Their colorful bills and oversized coins makes the US dollar quiver in comparison. (Not that it takes much to make it quiver).
Among some of Bermuda's finer points, check out Horseshoe Bay for some semi-secluded relaxation. The main beach is rather crowded, but there's plenty of caverns and coves to keep you tucked away. Just walk across the street to Tio Pepe's Restaurant when you're finished swimming and jumping off volcanic rock. A single pizza and small salad can easily serve two for about $20. Cold beers are also plentiful.
But there's even more incentives to visit Bermuda and stay at The Reef including a 6th night free between April 1st and May 22nd. Or try the Spring Fling package and stay four nights, with a daily breakfast, afternoon tea, gourmet dinner, round-trip airport transfer, service charges and taxes, beginning at $2138 for two adults from April 1-30.
When in doubt, just throw some alcohol on top of the whole thing and call it a day. As an opening day special after four months of renovations, guests arriving April 1 will enjoy complimentary cocktails at 4:00pm in the newly expanded and renovated bar and lounge. Fancy.
For information and reservations, call 800-742-2008 or visit www.TheReefs.com
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Travel Lost and Found
Found an interesting item about lost and found services for travelers....
McLean, VA----Calling it, "A giant leap forward that now makes all our patented, leading-edge lost and found products affordably available to millions of businesses and consumers across North America," Secure Connections President Barry Stiefel today announced the launch of new, fully transactional website for the company's FINDER division, www.finderproducts.com.
Mr. Stiefel added that, "While many companies tout their products as 'unique,' ours truly are. The patented process at the foundation of all FINDER products combines common telecommunications features and functions, such as speed dialling and direct connection, into a unique system enabling people who find a lost possession, pet or child to immediately and directly contact someone responsible without hassles and time lost to complex technology or to communicating through third party intermediaries, such as call centers or operators."
He added that, "All of our lost and found products work 24/7 anywhere in North America and are safe, secure and reliable. None requires the owner to leave any personal information, and callers never know personal contact information for the people and numbers they call. "What makes our products so unique for owners and so different from traditional lost and found solutions," he said," is the absolute flexibility and security system owners have to make unlimited changes and updates to their information. For example, if the owner of pet FINDER is travelling, he or she can enter any hotel's or pet sitter's number before departing. Upon returning home, he or she can just change those numbers back. It's that easy."
Secure Connections' products include:
o iFound, specially designed to protect valuable, personal possessions, such as cell phones, digital cameras, laptops, luggage and other such items that, while perhaps replaceable themselves, may contain irreplaceable contents.
o Pet FINDER, created to help return to their owners a greater percentage of the more than 6,000,000 pets annually lost in the U.S.
o KidCallAlert, the company's first lost and found product, used by school systems, camps and individual families to quickly and safely reconnect with children accidentally separated from them during school or camp field trips, family outings etc.
The FINDER™ system requires only a few minutes to program or update. An owner dials the toll-free FINDER™ set-up number and enters a secure ID number and PIN located in instructions provided with the tags. Simple voice prompts guide the owner to first record an informational message (for example, in the case of pet FINDER, the pet's name, health issues, vet's name and number, updated travel information, a reward offer, etc.). Then, the owner is prompted to enter up to three contact numbers, where he or a designee can usually be reached (cell, home, office, friend, relative, veterinarian, etc.).
According to Mr. Stiefel, when someone calls into the system and after entering the unique ID number shown on every FINDER tag or label, he or she immediately hears the owner's pre-recorded message and then follows system voice prompts to directly connect to one of the contact numbers programmed into the system. The system is designed to never drop a call, and enables the caller to keep trying the programmed numbers until someone answers or he decides to leave a message."
Mr. Stiefel concluded by noting that Secure Connections is moving to an online activation model for all its Finder Products later this year.
For more information on FINDER™ Products and Secure Connections, contact Barry Stiefel at bsteifel@finderproducts.com, at 866-455-6500 or at 703-752-1510.
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Polar Bear Vacations
Time’s Running Out for Canada’s Polar Bears… And For You to See Them
VANCOUVER, January 24, 2008 – Next fall could be your last chance to see polar bears, the Kings of the North, in their natural habitat. Canada’s polar bears are facing never before seen threats, with global warming reducing their natural habitat. A few years ago travelers could easily spot these great creatures, but their numbers are dwindling and sightseeing opportunities are becoming fewer.
In order to ensure your chance at spotting these great creatures in the wild, it’s necessary to book now for next fall’s polar bear vacations, with most packages already more than half full and the future uncertain.
“There are few accessible travel experiences where you truly feel “in the wild”… Coming face to face with polar bears in Churchill is one of them,” says John Parker, CEO Fresh Tracks Travel. “It would be a shame to postpone one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences until it’s too late.”
In late October and early November each year, hundreds of thousand-plus pound bears will make their way to Churchill, Manitoba. Congregating in large numbers on the frozen tundra, the polar bears will meet, spar, and wait for the freeze-up of Hudson Bay – their feeding grounds for the coming months.
For wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventurous families, these few weeks are the perfect opportunity to spot the huge animals in the wild. With Fresh Tracks’ polar bear packages, travelers can go one step further and actually live amongst the bears on specially-designed tundra buggies.
This has been an annual phenomenon for years, but with the advent of global warming, Hudson Bay is freezing later, and the ice is becoming thinner. There is only so long that the bears can wait to feed, and ultimately many will test the ice, slip into the water, and, unable to return to land, drown. Naturalists are recognizing this as a real threat and the mammals' future in the wild is becoming uncertain.
Whether travelers have just a few days to spare, or want to include days among the polar bears with longer rail trips through the snowy north, don’t delay the opportunity to travel north to appreciate these great creatures in the wild.
Fresh Tracks has been selling these unique vacations for over 10 years, and offers a full range of polar bears vacations online at Canada Polar Bears to suit all time restraints and budgets.
These trips are more than half-full for the 2008 fall season -- this is not a trip to put off.
Travel Alert - Art Vacations
From edVenture, New Brunswick
Atlantic Canada's Riverfront Capital is set to become one of Canada's leading centres for vacation learning in craft and culture with the launch today of edVentures Fredericton, an innovative new program developed by Fredericton Tourism and it's cultural sector partners.
The edVentures Fredericton program, which will run from July 7 to August 22 in 2008, will be Atlantic Canada's largest vacation learning program.
More than 60 New Brunswick artists, like Trudy Gallagher, William Forrestall, Brigitte Clavette, Peter Thomas, Deanna Musgrave and Doris Norman, will teach five-day weekday, along with one-day and two-day workshops
The new program, developed in large part by Fredericton special projects consultant Nancy Lockerbie, features some of New Brunswick's best-known artists, offering more than 140 workshops in craft and culture. Courses range from pottery and jewellery making to rug hooking and digital photography. For a full list of workshops, visit the website.
"edVentures demonstrates in living colour what a vibrant, cultural City we have. We've got so many talented, creative people in our community and we're already known as a learning centre. By combining the strengths of our cultural sector and our tourism industry, we've created something truly exceptional," said Mayor Brad Woodside.
"This is among the most significant cultural programs launched in New Brunswick in the last decade or two. It 's going to be good for the arts community, good for the City and good for the economy," says Woodside.
The Province of New Brunswick is contributing $10,000 towards the edVentures program. Entreprise Fredericton is contributing $5000.
Partners in the new program include Fredericton Tourism, the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the University of New Brunswick Kings Landing Historical Settlement, the Charlotte Street Arts Centre and the Historic Garrison District.
The College of Craft and Design will offer more than 50 edVentures workshops this summer.
"The College is already a leader in craft education with its winter academic programs. We're excited to partner with Fredericton Tourism on edVentures. It allows us to offer a summer program with the same talent base of exceptional instructors," says NBCCD Principal Michael Maynard.
edVentures workshops will take place at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, Kings Landing, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Charlotte Street Arts Centre.
Fredericton Tourism has negotiated exclusive accommodations rates for out of town participants.
"The idea behind edVentures Fredericton is to combine an exceptional learning experience with the rich program of cultural and entertainment offerings the City has each summer and facilitate real connections to our community. We think we've developed something truly exceptional," says David Seabrook, manager of Fredericton Tourism.
When EdVentures participants aren't in workshops, they can take in summer concerts, festivals, outdoor films, heritage walking tours, haunted hikes wine-tastings, gallery tours and cultural lectures. Exercise enthusiasts can join local residents for free Tai Chi, yoga, group runs and walks, along with biking tours along the City's 82-kilometre riverside trail network.
To register for an edVentures program, call Fredericton Tourism at 460-2233 or go online at www.edventures.ca.
Travel Alert
I stumbled upon Freetravel.com today which boasts a free newsletter and information on wholesale travel. Right now they're offering a 3 night stay at a variety of hotels for $29.00, subject to availability.
Other travel deals of the week:
Orbitz.com
Las Vegas to San Francisco - $128
San Diego to San Francisco - $109
Travelocity.com
Holiday Inn Sunspree Montego Bay - $613 per person for 4 nights +flight
7-Night Mexican Riviera on Royal Caribbean - $459
Hotels.com
Hotel Belleclaire, New York City - $109
WooGo Central Park - Tempo Apartments - $109
Bookit.com
Oasis Palm Beach Resort & Spa Cancun - All Inclusive - $85/N
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana - All Inclusive - $85/N
The Ridge Tahoe: South Lake Tahoe - $135/n plus 4th night free
EuropePros.com
9-day classic Greece vacation with Turkey - $1119
9-nt Rome & Amalfi coast combo w/Capri & Naples - $1399
Innovative Jazz on the Vine Festival
I usually don't post press releases, but thought this vacation was especially innovative. Thought you guys might be interested in checking it out... ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN – Cool jazz, fine wines and farmhouse cheeses are a perfect combo. So are such pairings as pampering treatments at a state-of-the-art destination health spa and cocooning in luxurious guestrooms with cozy fireplaces. The common denominator for these pleasures—and more—is The Osthoff Resort, a Triple-A Four-Diamond property nestled alongside a pure spring-fed lake in southeast Wisconsin. They come together for The Osthoff’s sixth annual “Jazz on the Vine” festival (Friday, May 9-Sunday, May 11). It’s a spectacular weekend of wine and music, featuring an array of more than 100 wines from three continents, including domestic wines from California, Washington and Oregon. Guests at the luxury resort enjoy sipping rare wines, sampling fine cuisine and listening to the musical styling of talented jazz musicians. A line-up of internationally known performers include R&B vocalist Ryan Shaw, currently nominated for a Grammy award, and Jesse J, named by Jazz Trax Fest as the “Best New Artist” of 2007. This year’s program of talented jazz musicians features: Joyce Cooling, May 9, 5:30-6:45 pm.This guitarist is a multiple award winner, including a 1999 Gibson Guitar Award as “Best Jazz Guitarist of the Year.” In 2002, her CD “Third Wish” earned her a California Music Award nomination as “Best Jazz Artist” and nominations at the Smooth Jazz Awards as “Best Female Artist” and “Best Guitarist.” Her CD, “This Girl’s Got to Play,” climbed to the Top 10 of the Billboard charts. Cooling has performed with such jazz giants as Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. Kim Waters, May 9, 7:30-8:45 pm. “Simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists.” So declared Jazz Times Magazine of the performer who ranks among the top five best-selling instrumentalists in jazz. For close to two decades this saxophonist, composer and producer has been one of the premier architects of “Urban Smooth Jazz” and a consummate hit maker. Jesse Cook, May 9, 9:30-11.30 pm. Paris-born, Toronto-based, this virtuoso guitarist explores the outer limits of popular music. His sixth studio album, “Frontiers,” ranges from moody and introspective, to joyous and fiery. Jessy J, May 10, 2-3:30 pm. At age 26, Jessica Spinella (AKA Jessy J) already has worked professionally with such popular artists as Jessica Simpson, Michael Buble, Burt Bacharach and The Temptations. She has toured with jazz orchestras and with Michael Bolton—playing sax and singing backup vocals. She also was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall for an event featuring “tomorrow’s star musicians.” 3rd Force, May 10, 4:15-5:45 pm. This smooth-jazz ensemble, founded in 1994, exploded on the scene with a self-titled release that presented an extraordinary collection of seductive grooves and single melodies. The long-anticipated release of “Driving Force,” the band’s seventh recording, debuts a bigger sound that honors vintage Motor City funk and the original 70s urban cool. Ryan Shaw, May 10, 6:45-8:15 pm. This singer/songwriter is reviving for a new generation the passion and soul of the Golden Age of Rhythm & Blues (1960-1972). His background includes performing in gospel musicals and in New York clubs (rendering Detroit soul favorites by the Four Tops and Marvin Gay—plus fifties and sixties tunes that audiences could dance to, including favorites by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Dion and the Belmonts). Paul Brown’s Guitar Night featuring Kenny Rankin and Marc Antoine, May 10, 9-10:30 pm. Two-time Grammy Award winner Paul Brown jams with guests Kenny Rankin and Marc Antoine. Kenny Rankin is songwriter, guitarist and world-class singer (a guest on the “Tonight Show” more than 20 times). In 1995, Marc Antoine was R&R’s “Best New Artist of the Year.” His trademark style blends Mediterranean romance, vibrant melodies and infectious beats. Carmen & Kostia, May 11, 10:00 am-4:30 pm. This duo will entertain during a sumptuous Sunday brunch. After making a name for herself on the Los Angeles music scene, singer/songwriter Carmen Nickerson has worked with many Wisconsin-area bands including The Eddie Butts Band, Hot Sauce, and The Bystanders. Kostia Efimov, trained as a concert pianist in Russia, came to America to record with Narada Records. He blends a wide range of styles into his playing, including classical, jazz and pop. Except for Sunday’s brunch event, all performances are held (rain or shine) tented on the grounds of The Osthoff Resort. Early reservations are recommended. Wine samplings are included with the purchase of concert tickets. Tickets are priced at $65 per person, plus tax, for Friday evening (May 9) and $65 per person, plus tax, for Saturday afternoon and evening (May 10). A two-day ticket is $110 per person, plus tax; limited preferred seating available at $150 per person, plus tax. The “Jazz Brunch,” offered on Sunday, May 11, is priced at $24.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. This bountiful buffet includes smoked Atlantic salmon with traditional condiments, shrimp cocktail and Osthoff signature pâtè and terrines, plus a wide choice of salads and egg dishes. Also offered is peppercorn-crusted prime rib, slow roasted bone-in ham, herb-marinated grilled chicken breast, seared Atlantic salmon and orecchiette pasta with pecorino. The resort offers 245 spacious suites and guest rooms. One-, two- and three-bedroom suites range in size up to 2,300 square feet and feature a kitchen or kitchenette, dining and living room, TV, fireplace and private balcony. Guest rooms feature a king-size bed, private balcony, two-person whirlpool bath, wet bar and TV. The Osthoff also offers perfect getaways for couples. You can reserve a private suite at Aspira, Osthoff’s destination health and beauty spa, and invite its pampering staff to brings treatment and meals to you in the privacy of your own quarters. Or book a table alongside the picture windows of Lola’s on the Lake, Osthoff’s upscale dining room with dramatic views of Elkhart Lake and the wooded hills that surround it. A talented kitchen produces regional cuisine that incorporates local organic ingredients. Lola’s has a companionable bar with comfortable sofa seating. The Osthoff Resort is just an hour north of Milwaukee, less than two hours from Madison and about three hours from Chicago. For more information contact The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020-0151, 800-876-3399—or check the Web site at www.osthoff.com.
Free Travel Seminar
For those living near or traveling around Edmonds, WA on Saturday, January 19th -- sign up for Rick Steves Travel Festival. Rick Steves writes a variety of travel guides, sells travel gear, and has his own podcasts and has hosted various travel shows. His Rick Steves' Rome guidebook was indispensable on our trip in 2006 and was one of the few guides that had extensive information on staying in a convent. (which we did, see the post about it here).
Rick will be hosting three seminars at the Edmonds Center for the Arts and his staff of travel guides will be doing seven others. Best of all, it's free! Advance registration is required, so sign up now.
He'll be hosting his first ever, "Travel as a Political Act." In addition, he'll be speaking on European Travel Skills and Italy. Other classes, include the popular Packing Light & Right, European Art and History and classes on France, Ireland, Spain-Portugal, Eastern Europe, Great Britain and Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Travel Festival classes will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Edmonds Center for the Arts and the Edmonds Theater in downtown Edmonds. For more information, sign-up form, and directions, click here.
Discover How To Travel The World And Stay In The Finest Hotels Free
...And Get Paid To Go.
New Podcast Documentary Contest
Looking for a free trip to Cambodia? Want to gain internatonal acclaim for your own personal travel narrative? Me too. Unfortunately, I'm not a sparkling student with keen intrepid journalistic skills. But maybe you are. And if you are, I'd love to live vicariously through you. Let me know if you apply and we'll feature your progress here, too. Read on to get all the information:Podcast Documentary Scholarship, 2008
Do you dream about being an intrepid journalist seeking out stories from remote parts of the world? Then here is the opportunity for you!
WorldNomads.com will send one exceptional student on assignment to visit a Fred Hollows eye camp in remote, Cambodia. You will receive training from ABC Radio Journalist and Executive Producer, Tim Latham. Staying at the eye camp for three days witnessing sight restoring cataract surgery to local villagers and gaining special access to interview The Fred Hollows team and local villagers, you will seek out your own unique story to be recorded on your new mobile digital recorder.
Post assignmnet you will enjoy a 6 day Intrepid Tour of Cambodia' to delve deeper into their rich history and culture. The Scholarship covers airfares from your nearest international airport to Phnom Penh, mobile digital recorder, travel vaccinations, visa costs and per diems.
Once you have returned home, you'll create a 10 - 15 minute Podcast Documentary which World Nomads will submit to a number of international radio programs, podcast channels and partner sites such as Intrepid Travel, The Fred Hollows Foundation and Lonely Planet, giving you the chance to have your story heard by thousands of travellers.
What you'll be doing
- We'll fly you in from your country of residence and you'll have to be available to be in Cambodia between February 16th and February 28th 2008.
- Prior to leaving you will be mentored by journalist Tim Latham to guide you in how to approach finding your story.
- In Cambodia, you will be given unique access to interview members of The Fred Hollows team and be assisted by a translator to interview patients and local community members.
- Post assignment you will enjoy a 6 day Intrepid Independant tour.
- You will keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this plus pictures you've taken to your World Nomads travel journal.
- On your return you will receive further mentoring from Tim Latham to assist in editing together your story. You will then upload the 10 - 15 minute documentary podcast to the World Nomads web site within 2 months of your return.
- Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be journalist in a remote location in one the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world.
Where you'll be going
- You will fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and travel by 4WD to the Kampong Thom Province. This is the real deal! Travelling to a remote area involves a full day's journey on dirt roads, not for the faint hearted!
- You will stay in a basic hotel in Kampong Thom Province and travel daily to and from the remote eye camp in the Baray District. (approximately 2 hours each way, so you must be prepared for some rustic travel!).
- Your Intrepid tour travels from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap taking in all the sights including the magnificent temples of the Angkor Complex.
Who can apply
- To be eligible you have to be a journalism, media, radio, arts/communications student at a recognised educational institution and speak fluent english.
- Minimum age 18.
- You should be a mad-keen auteur with a lust for adventure and a desire to enhance your journalism skills.
- You must be prepared for lots of overland travel in rustic conditions!
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