Written by www.golfvacationinsider.com
It's that time of year. Time for making lists...and I don't mean the holiday shopping kind. It seems everyone who writes about golf has been busy making a list of the "best golf courses" or the "best golf resorts." While they're fun to read, we think the one in Golf Odyssey's December 2007 issue is much more useful from a golf vacation planning standpoint. Here's why. After crisscrossing the globe to come up with their list of 72 "Platinum Places," the editors of Golf Odyssey divided it into 18 sub-categories, making it more relevant and useful to families, women, escapists, golf-aholics, food-lovers, value-seekers, and others who have specific golf vacation preferences and interests. For example, as a golf nut and a powder hound, one category that's particularly exciting to me is, The Best Places for Same-Day Golf and Skiing. The winners are: Evian Royal Resort in France Sunriver Resort in Oregon Vancouver Island in British Columbia Whistler Resort in British Columbia Other categories that might interest you include: The Best U.S. Bangs for the Buck (other than Myrtle Beach) The Best Courses You May Have All to Yourself The Best (Non-Resort) Private Courses that You Can Play The Best Golf Resorts for Families The Best U.S. Resorts for Women The Best Golf Resorts for Non-Golf Activities The Best Hidden Gems of the British Isles The Most Anticipated Golf Course Openings While it's normally only available to Golf Odyssey's paid subscribers, you can get a free copy of this coveted year-end issue mailed to you just by signing up for a free trial to Golf Odyssey. It's a two-issue trial so you'll get the January issue, too. If you don't like them, you can easily cancel via email. Golf Odyssey's December 2007 issue also includes the publication's trademark Best and Worst Awards. Always provocative (and sometimes scathing), categories from this year's travels include: The Most Overrated Course in Mexico; The Worst Resort Dining; The Worst Course Management; The Best Trend in Myrtle Beach; Accommodations of the Year; and The Best Golf at the Ends of the Earth. The same-old, same-old list this is not. Did you know?Golf Vacation Insider and Golf Odyssey are the world's only golf publications that travel anonymously and do not accept advertising, discounts, or "freebies" from the golf courses, resorts or restaurants they review. Not already a subscriber to Golf Vacation Insider? Click here to receive our free newsletter filled with insider travel tips on the world's finest golf courses and resorts. As a bonus, we will send you a free copy of Planning the Ultimate Golf Vacation, a 40-page book filled with insider tips from the editors of Golf Odyssey. This story is from www.golfvacationinsider.com for more on this story please visit them.  This photo is from www.golfvacationinsider.com
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Written by www.transworldnews.com
Rentalo.com Introduces Discounts of 38% on Pocono Vacation Rentals The Poconos are a scenic mountain region in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania – easily drivable from New York City and Philadelphia. During all four seasons, the Poconos offer tourists a tremendous variety of outdoor adventures, all in tranquil, natural settings. At this time of year the big attraction is the many ski resorts with varied terrain and well-groomed white trails. The Poconos offer a wide array of accommodation options that vary depending on the traveler’s needs. Those looking for cost-effective solutions for a winter vacation can still find last-minute special offers on vacation rentals with just a bit of online research. Websites like Rentalo.com, the leading online lodging directory, offer discounts up to 38% on Pocono Vacation Rentals. A lovely three-bedroom and two-bath vacation home comfortably accommodates a party of nine for only $80 USD per night. This recently-renovated, charming house has a fireplace, wood stove, and various games such as pool, table tennis and air hockey. Nearby attractions include rock climbing, snowmobiling, sledding and even hunting for more adventurous travelers. This special offer runs through April 18th, 2008 and a minimum stay is seven nights. Those who would like to see additional information on this Poconos property, can log on to: http://rentalo.com/193131/poconosvacationrental6.html . A cozy, secluded mountain chalet is another great option to save on accommodations, especially when traveling in a large group. During the high season it sleeps ten people for as little as $100 USD per night. Located five minutes away from numerous ski areas, this beautiful mountain home offers a large deck with a grill, DVD players in every bedroom, fully equipped kitchen and much more. To see more details, visit: http://rentalo.com/94370/mountainchalet.html Those looking for more special offers on Pocono accommodations can visit Rentalo.com for more information. A full list of Pocono vacation rentals is also available on Rentalo.com. This story is from www.transworldnews.com for more on this story please visit them.  This image is from www.800poconos.com
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Written by www.blackhillsportal.com
Searching for the perfect Western mountain get-away? Come stay in one of our beautiful mountain homes, nestled in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills. During your stay you can explore the beautiful Black Hills National Forest, visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments, stroll through legendary Deadwood, or solve the mysteries of the nearby Badlands. Lake Pactola is located only 3 miles from our resort homes for easy access to fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, ice fishing, or having a family picnic by the lake. Return to your mountain retreat to relax, enjoying the breath taking views, soaking in the Jacuzzi, or building a fire in the fireplace to chase the chill from your bones after a day of skiing and snowmobiling! The hectic pace of city life is far away now... The only decisions you have to make are whether to go swimming, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, or just lay back and enjoy the fireplace within the luxurious surroundings of your vacation home. Edelweiss Mountain is located just off U.S. 385 on your way to Mount Rushmore and only 30 minutes from Rapid City. This story is from www.blackhillsportal.com for more on this story check them out! Call For Winter time special rates. 1-605-574-2430 www.edelweissmountain.com  This photo is from www.blackhillsportal.com
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Written by seattlepi.nwsource.com
Mayor proposes giving all city workers free passes by 2009
Mayor Greg Nickels has proposed giving all city employees free bus passes by 2009 to encourage use of transit as a means for reducing the air pollution that causes global warming.
"This is a great incentive to get people out of their cars and using public transit," City Councilman Nick Licata said.
"This is a great step forward."
If the council approves Nickels' legislation, the city will double its employees' transit pass subsidy next year to $30 per month, more than half the $54 cost of a one-month PugetPass good for $1.50 trips at peak times within one zone.
In 2009 and 2010, the city would cover that pass' cost entirely, even if the rates increase. The program is expected to cost $1.1 million over the next three years; the city has been contributing $15 per month to the cost of its employees' bus passes since 1993.
City Councilman Richard Conlin, chairman of the council's Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee, called the proposal a great investment at a relatively modest cost.
"It's really putting our money where our mouth is in terms of our commitment to transit and the environment, and to easing traffic congestion," Conlin said, indicating that the council would likely not vote on the matter until early next year.
Currently, 2,600 of the city's roughly 10,000 employees are issued transit pass subsidies; the program now costs about $150,000 per year, mayoral spokesman Marty McOmber said.
Using mass transit can slash the carbon dioxide produced by a commute by more than 75 percent, according to the Sightline Institute, a Seattle-based non-profit that promotes sustainable growth in the Pacific Northwest through policy research.
Sightline found that the average car produces about 1 pound of carbon dioxide per trip mile.
"Taking the bus is one of the most climate-friendly ways to get to work," said Sightline spokeswoman Elisa Murray, who hailed the proposal as a "really positive thing" for city employees and the larger community.
"It's healthier, and it's safer. Taking the bus is more than 10 times safer than driving a car" -- which results in a fitter working environment, fewer accidents, fewer lost workdays and increased employee productivity, Murray said.
Sightline encourages development in neighborhoods along transit lines and believes public transportation should be made so convenient and affordable that people would naturally choose to use it rather than driving a personal car.
"I began taking the bus to work because the city made it so easy," said McOmber, who commutes to City Hall from Ballard.
Sightline recommends that employers decrease their workers' parking subsidies and use those funds to offer bus and other public transit passes.
The city's proposed bus pass subsidy came about during October negotiations with the union, which like Nickels favored the move, McOmber said.
The city is seeking to extend the practice to its non-unionized employees with this legislation, as it has with other past policies.
The subsidy will not be extended to city police officers, who can already ride transit for free, and firefighters, whose irregular hours and workplace locations make taking the bus more difficult, McOmber said.
The city also provides free bicycle parking, lockers and showers to encourage employees to commute by bike and will pay for up to 40 miles of cab fare per year for workers who, when pulling overtime, stay too late to bike or bus home.
The city encourages employees to car pool, van pool and occasionally telecommute, and provides discounts to Flexcar users. This story is from seattlepi.nwsource.com 
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Written by www.dnronline.com
Wednesday's snowfall set the stage for area ski resorts, which are getting ready for the season. Massanutten, Wintergreen and Bryce plan to open this weekend and one resort in neighboring West Virginia is already open for skiing. Snow-making machinery at Massanutten Resort has been in operation for several weeks, although it's been "a little spotty" due to some warm weather, said ski operations manager Steve Showalter. "We've been making snow around the clock since Saturday," Showalter said. "And this Saturday, at 9 a.m., we'll be ready to go." A Critical Time Resorts are gearing up for a critical time of the ski season. During the 2005-06 season, ski areas in the Southeast reported 24 percent of their visitations occurred between opening day and Jan. 1, according to the National Ski Areas Association. But low snow and warm temperatures negatively affected last winter's visits to the slopes, the report said. For the 2006-07 season, resorts reported only 15 percent of their visitation during the opening period. Heading into that critical period, Massanutten plans to open five ski trails, including one of the more advanced slopes, and six lanes in the snow-tubing park on Saturday, Showalter added. Bryce Resort, in western Shenandoah County, also plans a Saturday opening, said director of skiing Horst Locher. Four ski slopes and two tubing lanes are being prepared, he added. Wintergreen Resort, on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge in Nelson County, plans to open two slopes on Saturday and possibly by Friday, said spokeswoman Irene Huber. The tubing park at Wintergreen should open in mid-December, she added. This story is from www.dnronline.com  Photo from www.dnronline.com
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Written by money.cnn.com
The Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand will fly its first flag in Panama with the conversion of the five-star, 301-room Veneto Hotel & Casino in Panama City to The Veneto, A Wyndham® Grand Hotel. Peter Strebel, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president, said the introduction of the Wyndham brand in Panama is part of the brand's strategy to pursue flagship Wyndham hotel properties in key international and gateway cities. "The addition of The Veneto, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, to our collection of first-class Wyndham properties further establishes our position as a global hospitality company and demonstrates the strength of the Wyndham brand," he said. "Our intent is to fully augment this hotel's premier status through our training, reservations and marketing platforms." Silver Entertainment, the gaming and hospitality investment arm of The Andalex Group, a New York City-based real estate organization, will operate the hotel. The Andalex Group is a family-owned, full-service real estate organization founded in 1989 by Allen Silverman that specializes in property acquisition, development, construction management and leasing. "After an extensive search, we selected the Wyndham brand for our flagship hotel," said Alex Silverman, Silver Entertainment co-president. "We are proud to introduce this prestigious upscale brand name in Panama and believe it will attract a whole new group of foreign tourists to our shores." The Veneto, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, is located on Via Veneto in Panama City's financial and business district between Via Eusebio A. Morales and Via Espana, 20 minutes from Panama's Tocumen International Airport. The hotel offers four restaurants, a full-service spa and fitness center, rooftop pool, business center, 15,000 square feet of meeting space and a Las Vegas-style casino with more than 40,000 square feet of gaming area, making it one of the largest casinos in Latin America. The hotel, now undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, is remodeling its guest rooms and suites, restaurants and casino. This story is from money.cnn.com  Image from http://www.wyndham.com
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Written by media.www.wcuquad.com
Sometimes it feels like there is nothing new and exciting to do in West Chester. There are only so many places you can go in the town before it becomes mundane, especially if you are an upperclassman and have been living in this town for a few years. Although the University provides opportunities and events for the students, there has never been an opportunity quite like the one that West Chester University students stumbled upon. A few years ago, two WCU students contemplated ways to change this feeling of redundancy. Their solution was creating bus trips to various venues including Cosimo Restaurant and Wine Bar, Beat Street Station in Manyunk and McFadden's in Philadelphia. Many of these trips have themes such as their "Philly Gear Party," "Dress to Impress," "Black and White Party" and their most recent "Halloween Costume Party." For the low price of $20, students who are 21 and older are entitled to the round trip bus ride, promotional gifts and admission ticket. Fourth-year student Dave Murray and alumnus Nick Vecchio are the creative minds responsible for these trips. As a result of their creativity they were able to turn an idea into a successful business known as Vivrant Productions. They specialize in private-themed parties and organized group banquets. Vivrant Productions has now had 15 bus trips for WCU students alone, all in which have sold out. Their trips's immense popularity has helped them pick up sponsors such as "Luxury Limousine," "Culinary Deliveries" and "Bud Light." "The bus trips started because everyone was complaining about doing the same thing all the time," Vecchio said. "As a result, we have created a successful company, and now we can compare ourselves to big promoters in Philly." Their goal from the beginning was simple: to be able to provide students with a night of memories escaping the monotony of West Chester. Fourth-year sociology major Lindsay Emmons has attended multiple bus trips and plans to attend more in the future. "Going uptown to West Chester, bars can get old, so it's nice to have the option of going somewhere new and not have to worry about transportation," Emmons said. Alumna Jenn Farruggio looks back at the bus trips with fond memories. "One of my favorite trips was the 'Black and White' themed party because we were able to dress up, and it was an opportunity for everyone to hang out together," Farruggio said. This story was posted on http://media.www.wcuquad.com
 Alumni Tower Photo from catamountsports.cstv.com
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Written by www.fayobserver.com
Mark Blanton and Todd Jackson have created a “nightclub on wheels.” With the holiday season heating up, they’re staying busy ushering partygoers to and from events — with a bit of partying along the way. Their business, Absolute Limousine Service, features a “Limobus” complete with music, videos and neon lights. It’s a far cry from a taxi, and a bit more flashy than a typical limousine. “Why drink and drive when you can dance and ride?” is the company’s motto. It’s the type of bus that is popular in Charlotte, Raleigh and larger cities with lively nightlife. Blanton is Jackson’s uncle, and the two men are neighbors in Fayetteville. They started Absolute Limobus in May 2006 and say it is popular with the young crowd who don’t want to risk driving after drinking. Jackson was introduced to the idea in Charlotte a couple years ago when he rode the “Ragin’ Uptown” party bus. That sparked the idea of a similar business when he returned home. Several months later, Jackson teamed up with Blanton, who is 51. “He loves limos and I loved the party bus,” said Jackson, who is 35. In addition to the Limobus, the company owns a Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine. “A lot of people want the more glamorous look with the stretch limo,” Blanton said. The company caters to adults going to parties, restaurants, clubs, weddings and other events. Other customers include parents hauling their children to birthday parties, and senior citizens and church groups heading to lunch outings or on trips. “Kids have the best time of anybody,” Blanton said. The fee for the 13-seat bus or limo is $100 per hour, with a four-hour minimum. Blanton is the sales manager for Powers-Swain Chevrolet Co. He owned a dark blue Cadillac limo for his personal use in 1989-90. He’s also president of a local Corvette Club. “Mark is the type of person who would rent a limo once a month if he could,” Jackson said. Jackson works for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. He’s the one who found what would become their Limobus: an old purple and gray bus on Legion Road. Jackson and Blanton bought the 1996 Ford diesel van in April 2006. They refurbished it with a new grille, a coat of gleaming white paint, a new interior with a DVD player, and gadgets including a video camera, programmable stereo, neon rope lights and a cooler. In all, they spent about $15,000 fixing up the bus. This story is from www.fayobserver.com 
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Written by seattlepi.nwsource.com
They are not festive. They are not seasonal. They are not one bit jolly. They are two of classic theater's most notorious female protagonists: Hedda Gabler and Medea. Well, Hedda wasn't so bad. In Henrik Ibsen's 1890 drama she just makes life miserable for everyone around her and then shoots herself. As for Medea, well, in a fit of jealousy she uses her supernatural powers to kill her husband, her husband's girlfriend and her own children. Medea's, uh, forceful personality has attracted playwrights ever since 431 B.C., when she was featured in a tragedy by Athenian dramatist Euripides. In "Medea Knows Best," Nebunele, a local fringe ensemble, has transported the ancient myth to America in the 1950s. Seven actors explore fraught male/female relations with the help of a doo-wop chorus. "blahblahblahBANG (a pistol fit in one act)" is the Washington Ensemble Theatre's take on "Hedda Gabler," or, as the company puts it, "written by Ibsen ... destroyed by WET." The work was commissioned by On the Boards. As characters, both Medea and Hedda might be congenial company for those whose reactions to sweetness-and-light holiday shows is "Bah, humbug!" "Medea Knows Best" runs Friday through Dec. 22 at the Ground Floor Studio Theatre, Odd Fellows Hall, 1529 10th Ave.Tickets are $12; nebunele.com. "blahblahblahBANG" runs Thursday through Dec. 17 at On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St. Tickets $18, under 25 $12; 206-217-9888 or ontheboards.org. This story is from seattlepi.nwsource.com
 Image from www.cityofheroes.com
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Tuesday, 11 December 2007