Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Promotes Culinary Festival

A Culinary Extravaganza" festival in San Juan from April 4-6. The event will be hosted by the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA) and will celebrate the destination's culinary traditions. The marketing strategy fits well with Puerto Rico's "Explore Beyond the Shore" campaign, which urges clients to venture off beyond the resort and experience Puerto Rico's many excellent restaurants and attractions. Tourism officials expect the event to grow with time, but anticipate about 2,500 people per day at the event in San Juan. With food programs centered around children as well, we recommend pitching this to both couples and families, especially first-time Puerto Rico visitors. Visit http://www.saboreapuertorico.com/

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

HAMPTON BAY DAYS PRESENTS AN AFTERNOON WITH BRUCE HORNSBY AND RICKY SKAGGS

Hampton, VA…The 26th Annual Hampton Bay Days presents an afternoon with Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs on Sunday, September 7, 2008 in Downtown Hampton. Hosted on the City Hall stage, the two-part, star-filled show begins at 2:00 p.m. with a performance by Bruce Hornsby and the Noise Makers, followed at 4:00 p.m.with a performance by Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder. Performances are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.baydays.com/. or contact Ryan LaFata Hampton CVB Media Relations Manager1919 Commerce Drive, Suite 290 Hampton, VA 23666 757 728 5328 tel 757 896 4600 fax online at http://www.hamptoncvb.com/

Free airfare and 40 percent off Oceania's last-minute Europe cruises

Oceania has discounted the remaining cabins on select spring Europe cruises by 40 percent. Fares for inside cabins start at $2,999. Plus, you'll receive free economy airfare from select U.S. and Canadian gateway cities. This offer will expire on March 31, but book soon because cabins may sell out before that date. For more information you can go to Oceania's web site..

Sunday, February 24, 2008

T-Mobile vetures out into landlines

Cell-phone carier T-Mobile USA is going to ty its hand at being a landline phone company. On Thursday, it will start offering wired phone service or $10 a month, plus taxes and fees, to its wireless subscribers in the Seattle and Dallas-Ft. Worth areas. The service, called Talk Forever Home Phone, will provide unlimited local and domestic long distance calls. Customers will need to buy T-Mobile's Internet router for $50 when siging up. The router has two phone jacks where standard corded or cordeless home phones can be plugged in. An existing home number can be transferred to the new service. Subscribers will also need to be signed up for a wireless plan costing at least $39.99 per month.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Obituary, Common Sense

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by. Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance. For Common Sense has served us all so well for so many generations. Obituary Common Sense Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense , who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, why life isn't always fair, and how, on occasion, maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

$39 O/W sale fares from AirTran*

Through Thursday, AirTran is offering domestic sale fares from $39 one-way. Cities include Miami, Orlando, San Diego, and San Juan.
The deal Travel is valid from February 19 through June 4. Book tickets at least 10 days in advance. Non-Florida fares are valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Through April 1, departures to Florida are valid Sundays through Wednesdays, and returns are valid Tuesdays through Fridays. After April 1, the cheapest fares are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. San Juan service begins on March 5. Book by February 21, 11:59 PM ET. Best sample round-trip fares, not including additional taxes and fees, are: $78 between Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN on AirTran $148 between Dallas, TX and Savannah, GA on AirTran $158 between Boston, MA and Orlando, FL on AirTran $178 between Washington, D.C. and Miami, FL on AirTran $210 between New York City, NY and San Juan, Puerto Rico on AirTran $238 between Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA on AirTranAll prices, dates, and booking details listed here were valid at the time of publication. Some information may have changed since that time. Find airfares You can use the price-comparison tool to check for the lowest airfares from multiple travel providers, or go directly to AirTran's website. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or dates. Be flexible with your travel dates to find the lowest fares. Blackout dates and additional restrictions may apply.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Hampton CVB Announces Sports Hampton

Hampton, Virginia- The Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau is pleased to announce the formation of Sports Hampton, a new sales and marketing initiative created specifically as an avenue for promoting Hampton as a “sports destination”. Spearheaded by Kris Smith, group sales manager, and Corey Peterson, group services manager, the team will use their vast athletic knowledge to market to planners across the country.
Williams Sportsplex, scheduled for March. The $13.5-million multi-purpose athletic facility boasts 135,000 square-feet of total space, including two pavilions housing eight hard-wood 84’x 50’ basketball courts. The building, strategically designed for amateur athletic competition play, also houses a state-of-the-art IAAF certified indoor track (six lanes) for 200-meter competition, as well as floor surface for eight competition volleyball courts and four competition indoor field hockey courts. Marcellus “Boo” Williams is best known as the current AAU National Boys Basketball Chairman and for his Nike® Spring Invitational Tournaments, which has showcased the likes of Alonzo Mourning (Miami Heat); J.R. Reid (Retired); Joe Williams (Chicago Bulls); J.J. Redick (Orlando Magic); and Allen Iverson (Denver Nuggets).
For more information on Sports Hampton, or to request a copy of the brand new sports facility guide, check out http://www.sportshampton.com/. Kris Smith, group sales manager, can be reached by dialing 1-800-487-8778 ext. 5315.
Ryan LaFata Hampton CVB Media Relations Manager1919 Commerce Drive, Suite 290 Hampton, VA 23666 757 728 5328 tel 757 896 4600 fax Visit them online at http://www.hamptoncvb.com/

Sunday, February 17, 2008

WEDDING TIPS

BREAKFAST WITH TIFFANY DREAM DESIGN WEDDINGS Video clip from Platinum Weddings promo on the WE Channel. You want a wedding done right! This is the girl to contact for all your wedding needs

US HELICOPTER ON THE MOVE

US HELICOPTER US Helicopter delivers in New York City.......Most passengers who fly into JFK Airport have to contend with the extra time wasted in road traffic to reach the ‘Big Apple’. Perhaps it’s not so bad for those who travel to New York only a few times a year. But this annoyance is a regular occurrence, especially to business people either visiting, or based in, Wall Street or mid-town Manhattan. Now there is an aerial alternative to $50 taxi rides or even more expensive limo trips into New York City, offered by US Helicopter. One of the best rides I have experienced in some time..... Ck out new service by going to the link above.....

Saturday, February 16, 2008

New Residence Inn by Marriott Treasure Island Florida

The new Residence Inn Treasure Island, the only Residence Inn with a beachfront location in the United States, is now open and welcoming guests. “It is truly exciting to witness the evolution and transformation of this property from what it was two years ago to the one-of-a-kind vacation experience it is today, ” said Nasser Wehbe, regional director of operations, Ocean Properties, Ltd. Hotels & Resorts. “The opening of the Residence Inn Treasure Island is a significant milestone, reinforcing our desire to provide guests with the fullest, most memorable experience possible.” The new Residence Inn Treasure Island is a105, all-suite hotel designed in high style and comfort, featuring studio, one, two and three-bedroom suites with upscale appointments, plasma televisions, living area, fully equipped kitchens, floor to ceiling windows, and private balconies with a scenic view of the Gulf of Mexico. The Residence Inn features a new central check-in area, meeting space, a fitness center, and beachside pool with a soon-to-open Jacuzzi and Tiki Bar. Stay tuned for a live interview with Nasser Wehbe Regional Director of Ocean Properties coming soon.....

Lido Beach Resort

WELCOME TO THE LIDO BEACH RESORT With a prime beachfront location on Sarasota's exclusive Lido Key, the Lido Beach Resort Sarasota, Florida offers the kind of warm hospitality, tropical resort atmosphere and top-notch services sure to please leisure and business travelers alike. A myriad of cultural attractions and 35 miles of white sand beaches on Florida's beautiful gulf coast are easily accessible from the Lido Beach Resort, Sarasota Florida's newest jewel on the beach!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

LIDO BEACH-SARASOTA FLORIDA

Here is a short video of one of Sarasota county's fine beaches-Lido beach. Enjoy!

Monday, February 4, 2008

United Airlines to charge 25 bucks for 2nd bag

United Airlines' new checked-baggage policies will generate $100 million in revenue, the carrier said Monday. For domestic travel beginning on or after May 5, United just began charging customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets and do not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance to check a second bag. The fee is $25; there is no charge for the first bag checked. United's most frequent flyers-customers who have Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus, or Silver status or higher with Star Alliance-will continue to receive the benefit of checking two bags for free. For all customers, the cost to check up to four additional pieces of luggage will be $100 per item. Previous charges ranged from $85 to $125 per bag. The cost to check items that require special handling because they are large, overweight or fragile will now be either $100 or $200, depending on the item. "This change enables us to continue offering customers competitive fares, and it fits with our overall strategy to tailor our products and services around what our customers value most and are willing to pay for, as we have with our popular Economy Plus seating," said John Tague, executive vice president and chief revenue officer. The new checked-luggage policies apply to flights within the U.S. and from the U.S. to Canada, San Juan and St. Thomas. Passengers may pay the service fees at airport check-in kiosks with a credit card or at check-in counters with a credit card, check or cash. Visit www.united.com/baggage.

British Airways News item

British Airways plans to begin business-class-only service from New York to London City next year, and is ordering its first Airbus A318 jets to operate the flights. "This niche service will fly passengers between the heart of the two largest financial centers in the world," said Robin Hayes, BA's executive vice president, Americas. "As well as the business market, we are confident that there also will be a demand from premium leisure customers for this service." The flights will carry a maximum of 32 passengers, and British Airways is promising 15-minute check-in and a flat bed onboard. Separately, Silverjet, an airline that already operates all-business-class flights between New York and London, announced a Super Bowl-related promotion. If the New York Giants win the big game, customers will get a complimentary roundtrip ticket with the purchase of one roundtrip. The offer is good on flights from New York to London or Dubai if purchase is made by midnight on Sunday, February 3, the day of the Super Bowl