Travel Calendar

 

WrightsvilleBeach, specifically Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier, was chosen for the cover shot of the official 2012 travel guide for North Carolina. Lynn Minges, assistant secretary of tourism, marketing and global branding for the N.C. Department of Commerce, made the announcement at the pier to a crowd of government and hospitality-industry officials.

“This, like thousands of other places across our state, is a place where memories are made,” Minges said. She explained that since 1939, families had been coming to the public pier to fish and to watch the sunrise and sunset.

“This is a very special place… This is why we think this beautiful sunrise, set here at Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, is the perfect cover, to illustrate, to welcome millions of visitors to our state,” Minges said.

The 174-page guide lists 800 attractions and 4,000 accommodations around the state, as well as featuring articles about the state’s heritage, restaurants that support sustainable agriculture, fish stories, crafts, family ties, and more. The 600,000 copies cost $1.5 million to publish, but Minges said that cost was completely underwritten by travel-industry partners.

Minges said the state’s 38 million visitors spent $17 billion last year, supporting 200,000 jobs that couldn’t be outsourced. She thanked Rep. Susi Hamilton for being a strong supporter of the tourism industry.

In NewHanoverCounty, tourism grew 7 percent last year, with visitors spending $400 million and employing 5,000 people. Minges added that the local growth was not by accident, with the county having one of the best Tourism Development Authorities in the state.

Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, said it was an exciting day for the entire destination. She recognized various attendees and thanked pier owner Matt Johnson, who had graciously agreed to host the press conference without knowing why.

Minges presented framed copies of the cover to Hufham, Hamilton and Johnson.

New Hanover County Commissioners Vice Chair Jonathan Barfield said after the press conference that it was great that the travel guide focused on WrightsvilleBeach, and he hoped that it would bring even more tourists and put more people to work across the county.

“This is about jobs,” he said.

Wrightsville Beach Mayor David Cignotti said the announcement was wonderful news and an honor that would help expose the beach to people who weren’t familiar with it, and would help the entire area.

“WrightsvilleBeach is the gem of the East Coast,” he said.

Minges explained that every year, it was a challenge to find the right cover image at the right time. Her office tried to rotate images from different regions of the state each year. The guides often show beaches, but this particular shot had an unusual perspective that beckoned the viewer to find out more.

It takes some searching through fine print to find where the cover shot site is identified in the travel guide, on page 9. However, the state’s travel and tourism website, www.visitnc.com, pairs an image of the guide with an announcement about a free sweepstakes to win a vacation package at Wrightsville Beach, including a three-night stay at a major hotel, surfing lessons, a cruise, and a $500 gift card. The contest lasts through Jan. 31, 2012, and Minges said she expected it to generate some 20,000 inquiries about the destination.

Copies of the guide will be distributed around the country and the world. They can be picked up at any state welcome center, and ordered through calling 1-800-VISITNC or by visiting the state website, where the enhanced digital version also included embedded videos and an interactive map. The guide is also downloadable to iPads, and a mobile application is in the works.

Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (0-13)
Sunday, December 18th, 2011 • Noon CST
Lucas Oil Stadium • Indianapolis, IN • TV: CBS

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Titans (7-6) begin a three-game stretch against teams from the AFC South this week, as they travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts (0-13). Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium (capacity 63,000) is scheduled for noon CST on Sunday, December 18th.

This will be the second of two yearly meetings between the Titans and Colts. In the first matchup at LP Field on October 30th, the Titans turned a pair of interceptions into two touchdowns by Nate Washington en route to a 27-10 victory. Tennessee’s other touchdown came after Patrick Bailey blocked a Colts punt and Jason McCourty recovered the ball in the end zone.

Despite their loss last week against the New Orleans Saints, the Titans remain in the playoff chase with three games remaining on the schedule. The Houston Texans clinched the AFC South Championship with their win last week at Cincinnati, but the Titans are still alive in the Wild Card hunt.

Aside from the Texans, the AFC’s current division leaders include the New England Patriots (10-3) in the East, the Baltimore Ravens (10-3) in the North and the Denver Broncos (8-5) in the West. Among the Wild Card hopefuls are the Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3), New York Jets (8-5), Bengals (7-6) and Oakland Raiders (7-6). Four division winners and two Wild Card teams advance from each conference.

This week’s game will be televised regionally on CBS, including Nashville affiliate WTVF NewsChannel 5. Ian Eagle will handle play-by-play duties, while Dan Fouts provides analysis. The Titans Radio Network, including Nashville flagship 104.5 The Zone, will broadcast the game across the Mid-South with the “Voice of the Titans” Mike Keith, analyst Frank Wycheck, sideline reporter Cody Allison and gameday host Larry Stone.

The game can be heard locally on 1400 AM, WJZM.

Last Week

The Titans nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback last week, but the Saints held on for a 22-17 victory at LP Field. After starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck left the contest early in the second quarter with a calf injury, Jake Locker was forced into action and responded with one of the biggest days in franchise history by a rookie quarterback.

Locker totaled 282 passing yards—the second-highest rookie total in franchise annals behind Jacky Lee’s 331 yards in 1960 (November 25th at Boston). In the second half, he scored his first career rushing touchdown and added a 40-yard touchdown pass to Nate Washington. However, on the final play of the game, he was sacked inside the New Orleans 10-yard line as time expired.

Washington led the team with six receptions for a career-high 130 yards. He also reached a new personal benchmark with 798 receiving yards on the season.

On the other sideline, quarterback Drew Brees passed for 337 yards and a pair of second half touchdowns to wide receiver Marques Colston.

The Colts

Meanwhile, the Colts enter Week 15 still looking for their first win in 2011. They traveled last week to Baltimore, where they fell by a final score of 24-10.

Head coach Jim Caldwell’s squad was dealt a significant blow prior to the season when it was learned quarterback Peyton Manning would be out indefinitely with a neck injury. He has been inactive in all 13 of the Colts’ games this season.

In Manning’s absence, the Colts have used three different starting quarterbacks—Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and most recently Dan Orlovsky. Orlovsky, in his seventh NFL season out of Connecticut, has started each of the last two contests, totaling 489 passing yards and three touchdowns in those games.

Titans-Colts Series At A Glance

• Overall series (regular postseason): Colts lead 20-14
• Regular season series: Colts lead 20-13
• Postseason series: Titans lead 1-0
• Total points: Titans 659, Colts 843
• Current streak: One win by Titans
• Titans at home vs. Colts: 7-8
• Titans on road vs. Colts: 7-12 (including 1-0 in playoffs)
• Longest winning streak by Titans: 3 (twice, last 1999-02)
• Longest losing streak by Titans: 7 (2003-06)
• Titans vs. Colts at LP Field: 4-6
• Last time at LP Field: Colts 10 at TITANS 27 (10/30/11)
• Titans vs. Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium: 0-3
• Last time at Lucas Oil Stadium: Titans 20 at COLTS 23 (1/2/11)
• First time: COLTS 24 at Oilers 20 (10/11/70)
• Mike Munchak’s record vs. Colts: 1-0
• Jim Caldwell’s record vs. Titans: 4-1
• Mike Munchak’s record vs. Jim Caldwell: 1-0

What To Look For This Week

K Rob Bironas (92 points) needs eight points for his fifth consecutive 100-point season.

QB Matt Hasselbeck can record the 24th 300-yard passing game of his career.

QB Matt Hasselbeck needs 299 passing yards to give him his eighth career 3,000-yard passing season.

RB Chris Johnson can record the 29th 100-yard rushing game of his career and his fifth 100-yard game of 2011. He has reached the mark in three of the last five games.

RB Chris Johnson needs 125 rushing yards for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He would be the third player in franchise history to accomplish the feat, joining Eddie George (five seasons from 1996-00) and Earl Campbell (four from 1978-81).

RB Chris Johnson (45 receptions) needs five receptions to tie his career high for receptions in a season (50 in 2009).

T Michael Roos is scheduled to make his 110th consecutive start.

G Jake Scott is scheduled to make his 118th consecutive start.

WR Nate Washington can extend his streak of consecutive games with at least one reception to 60 (46 games with the Titans).

Titans-Colts Series History

This week’s game will mark the 35th all-time meeting betweent he Titans and Colts. The Colts lead the series 20-14.

Earlier this season, the Titans ended a long losing streak to the Indianapolis Colts.

From 2006 to 2008, the Titans went on a run of three wins in four contests against the Colts, but starting with the 2008 regular season finale, the Colts took five consecutive games.

Then, on October 30th, the Colts visited LP Field, where the Titans recorded two interceptions by the defense and two touchdowns by wide receiver Nate Washington en route to a 27-10 victory.

The last time the clubs met at Lucas Oil Stadium was January 2nd in the 2010 season finale. A fumbled center-quarterback exchange by the Titans inside the game’s final two minutes led to Adam Vinatieri’s decisive 43-yard field goal that gave the Colts a 23-20 victory.

In 2002, the first year the Titans and Colts met as opponents in the newly-formed AFC South, the Titans won both games on their way to claiming the first AFC South title. The Colts then won seven consecutive meetings, taking both games in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons and the first meeting in 2006. Indianapolis claimed the division crown every year from 2003-06, until the Titans re-acquired it in 2008.

The Titans and Colts have met only once in the postseason, a 19-16 Titans victory in a Divisional Playoff game in the RCA Dome on January 16th, 1999. Eddie George rushed for 162 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown run to help lead Tennessee during its run to Super Bowl XXXIV.

The teams first clashed in 1970 following the AFL-NFL merger. The then-Baltimore Colts defeated the then-Houston Oilers 24-20 during the Colts’ run to a Super Bowl V Championship.

Titans-Colts: The Last Meeting

Indianapolis Colts 10 at Tennessee Titans 27
Sunday, October 30th, 2011
LP Field, Nashville, TN

In Week 8, the Titans scored 20 unanswered points in the first half and held on for a 27-10 victory over the Colts at LP Field. The result improved the Titans’ record to 4-3 and kept the Colts winless in eight games.

Although the Colts outgained the Titans (399 total yards to 311) and had five more first downs than the Titans (22 to 17), the Titans took advantage of Colts penalties, miscues and turnovers. The Titans were penalized only three times—and not at all in the first half—while the Colts were penalized 10 times for 66 yards. Additionally, the Titans intercepted two passes by Colts quarterback Curtis Painter and turned both turnovers into touchdowns by wide receiver Nate Washington. Special teams also played a role, as the Titans scored one of their three touchdowns off of a blocked punt.

The Titans began the scoring on their first series of the game. They went 52 yards before Rob Bironas gave them a 3-0 lead with a 51-yard field goal.

The score remained 3-0 until 9:52 remained in the second quarter. With the Colts backed up, facing a fourth-and-19 from their own seven-yard line, Patrick Bailey dashed through the interior of the Colts line and blocked a Pat McAfee punt. Jason McCourty recovered in the end zone, giving the Titans a 10-0 lead.

Later in the second quarter, capping a 54-yard drive that featured a 26-yard catch by Damian Williams and a 15-yard personal foul penalty on the Colts, Bironas made a 50-yard field goal to put the Titans ahead 13-0.

On the subsequent Colts series, McCourty tipped a pass, and safety Michael Griffin caught the ball for an interception with 1:50 to play before halftime.

The Titans took over at their own 35. On third-and-six, Matt Hasselbeck found tight end Jared Cook for a 32-yard completion. Then, on first-and-goal, Washington caught a quick pass that was ruled a lateral and scored on a three-yard run.

The Colts finally got on the scoreboard early in the second half. On their first drive of the third quarter, they went 58 yards on 13 plays, and Adam Vinatieri made the score 20-3 with a 22-yard field goal.

The Colts further cut into the Titans’ lead early in the fourth quarter with their longest drive of the game. They went 80 yards on 11 plays and scored on a four-yard touchdown run by Donald Brown.

On the Colts’ next possession, however, the Titans swung the momentum back in their favor with another takeaway. Painter’s pass was batted at the line of scrimmage by defensive end Jason Jones, and middle linebacker Barrett Ruud collected the interception at the Indianapolis 38. Seven plays later, Hasselbeck and Washington connected on a 14-yard touchdown pass.

The Colts moved deep into Titans territory on their final two possessions of the game, but the Titans defense made fourth-down stops to end both drives.

Hasselbeck finished the contest with 23 completions, 224 yards and a touchdown on 33 attempts (98.5 passer rating). Running back Javon Ringer had 102 total yards. He led the team with 60 yards on 14 rushing attempts and also recorded a team-high five receptions for 42 yards.

Last Week vs. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints 22 at Tennessee Titans 17
Sunday, December 11th, 2011
LP Field, Nashville, TN

Drew Brees completed two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to wide receiver Marques Colston, and the Saints withstood a late threat by the Titans and rookie quarterback Jake Locker to win 22-17 at LP Field.

Locker, who was called upon after starter Matt Hasselbeck left the game with a calf injury, passed for 282 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score. He nearly completed an improbable late comeback, driving the Titans to the New Orleans five-yard line with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

However, on a third-down play that began with five seconds on the clock, Locker scanned the field and rolled right, only to be sacked by Saints linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

The sack ended a game that began as a defensive struggle before the teams combined for four total touchdowns in the game’s final 18 minutes. Throughout, Brees and the Saints controlled most of the action, going 11-of-19 (58 percent) on third down and holding the ball for over 37 minutes. Comparatively, the Titans converted one third down in 10 attempts and possessed the ball for less than 23 minutes.

Brees recorded 36 completions—tied for the third-highest number allowed by the Titans in franchise history—and 337 yards on 47 pass attempts, but the New Orleans running game was efficient as well. Their opening drive of the game yielded 51 of their 114 total rushing yards and led to a 25-yard field goal by John Kasay.

With 11 minutes to play in the second quarter and the Titans still trailing 3-0, Hasselbeck was forced out of action, and Locker entered. On his second series, he completed a 31-yard pass to tight end Craig Stevens to set up a 43-yard field goal by Rob Bironas to tie the score.

Kasay made a 29-yard field goal to break the tie with 15 seconds remaining in the first half, and he added a 22-yarder in the third quarter to cap a 15-play, 86-yard drive that took eight minutes.

The Titans later faced a third-and-10 at their own 34-yard line, when wide receiver Damian Williams caught a short pass from Locker, eluded a Saints defender and gained a total of 54 yards. A facemask penalty on Saints safety Roman Harper was added to the play, and on the next snap, Locker rolled right and dove across the goal line for a six-yard touchdown run and a 10-9 lead.

But the Titans’ lead did not last long, as the Saints would reach the end zone for the first time two minutes into the fourth quarter. On third-and-six from the Tennessee 35-yard line, Brees found Colston down the middle of the field for a touchdown.

On their next possession. Brees and Colston connected again, this time for a 28-yard touchdown pass. Ahead 22-10 with 7:01 on the clock, the Saints elected to try for a two-point conversion, but running back Pierre Thomas was stopped short of the goal line.

Locker then led the Titans quickly down the field. He scrambled for a 17-yard gain and then completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Washington to pull the Titans to within five points.

Although they had two chances to take the lead, the Titans could not finish the comeback. First, on a fourth-and-one at the New Orleans 24, Locker was stopped short on a quarterback sneak. Finally, a 25-yard pass from Locker to Lavelle Hawkins and a 40-yard completion to Washington set up the final set of downs from the five-yard line, but Dunbar’s sack sealed the victory for the Saints.

While the economy continues in a state of laborious recovery, Californians are maintaining their holiday traditions by traveling for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, according to the latest travel survey from AAA Northern California.

AAA predicts an estimated 11.4 million Californians are expected to travel, during this end of the year holiday season, representing an overall increase of 4.1 percent compared to 2010.

“Californians are scaling back on travel expenditures as they express pessimism over the current sluggish economy,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “But many are creating opportunities to visit family and friends during these holidays to catch up on much needed rest and rejuvenation after a very challenging year.”

AAA estimates more than 10 million Californians traveling during Christmas and New Year’s will choose to drive to reach their holiday destinations, representing a 2.5 percent increase compared to last year. The air travel industry will experience a decrease this year as slightly more than 925,000 Californians expected to fly, representing a significant drop of -9.9 percent compared to 2010. Approximately 370,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents a 2.5 percent increase compared to last year.

Nationally, AAA projects 91.1 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday festivities. That’s a 1.4 percent increase compared to last year.

Family travel constitutes 28 percent of total travelers during the year-end holidays. An average West Coast family of four will save money by staying with friends and family, with overall expenditures of $711. An average West Coast road trip will consist of approximately 680 miles.

AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase by 1 percent, costing on average $126 per night, while AAA Two Diamond lodgings are expected to pay an average of $92, an increase of 4 percent from last year. Weekend car rental rates will decrease by 21 percent paying an
average of $40 per rental. The lowest seen in the past five years.

Californians who take to the skies during this holiday season will pay an average price of $210 per round trip ticket for the top U.S. air routes. This represents a stiff increase of 21 percent from last year. Airfares are expected to be 21 percent higher than last year as jet fuel and constrained capacity issues continue to impact the airline industry.

As part of AAA’s ongoing commitment to provide safety and protection to motorists, AAA’s Tipsy Tow Program offers a free tow for drinking drivers in Northern California from 6:00 pm on December 24th, until 6:00 am on December 26th, and from 6:00 pm on December 31st until 6:00 am on January 1st. Members and non-members alike can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to ten miles.

“Just tell the AAA operator, ‘I need a Tipsy Tow,’ and a truck will be on its way,” said Harris. “Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”
AAA Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips:
· Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

· Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.

By Julie Brown for MSNsportsNET.com
December 16, 2011 04:16 PM

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – When the West Virginia women’s basketball team travels to Pittsburgh on Saturday to face Duquesne in a 2 p.m. tip, they will be playing against a very familiar opponent.

The Mountaineers (7-2) have played against the Dukes (8-1) 42 times, and currently hold a 35-7 all-time series lead and a 10-0 mark under Coach Carey.

Sophomore Taylor Palmer continues to lead the Mountaineers in scoring, averaging 17.1 points per game.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks Photo

In fact, the last time Duquesne earned a victory over West Virginia was in 1996, earning an 89-69 win in Pittsburgh.

But that doesn’t mean the Dukes are a team to overlook.

“They’re scoring almost 80 points a game,” said Carey. “They have a lot of people that can score inside and out, and they have good guards and good size. They’re playing very well and I think it’s going to be a tough game. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is a big game for them and it’s also a big game for us.”

Duquesne returns four starters from last year’s squad that held a 24-9 overall record, and finished third in the Atlantic-10 after going 9-5 in league play.

Senior guard Alex Gensler leads the Dukes in scoring, averaging 17.0 points per game, including 48.2 percent (27-of-56) from 3-point range, currently the eighth-highest percentage in the nation. Excellent from beyond the arc, Gensler averages 3.4 threes per game, good enough to rank sixth nationally.

Other offensive threats include sophomore forward Wumi Agunbiade, who averages 16.1 points per game, and sophomore guard/forward Orsi Szecsi who averages 10.6 points per game.

“We have to defend them and not let them have their average and we have to get up and down the floor,” Carey said. “Hopefully we can get some second and third shots and create some turnovers and get some easy ones down the other end.”

Defensively, Agunbiade averages 6.6 rebounds per game, as well as 1.6 blocked shots per game. She’s followed by Szecsi who averages 6.2 rebounds per game, and junior forward Carly Vendemia who averages 4.4 rebounds per game.

The Mountaineers also need to keep an eye on senior guard Vanessa Abel, who holds the fifth-highest assist/turnover ratio nationally at 3.31, and on junior guard Jocelyn Floyd, who ranks second nationally in steals with 4.5 steals per game.

Last year, the Mountaineers defeated the Dukes at the Coliseum by a score of 69-58. In that game, senior Madina Ali earned her third career double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead West Virginia to the victory. She had help from senior teammate Liz Repella who contributed 18 points and five rebounds, and from senior Korinne Campbell and sophomore Asya Bussie who scored 10 and nine points, respectively.

With three of those four players gone to graduation last year, the young Mountaineer squad will rely on its top three scorers this year in sophomore Taylor Palmer, and juniors Bussie and Ayana Dunning.

Palmer averages 17.1 points per game, while ranking seventh nationally with 3.3 3-point field goals per game. She’s followed by Bussie, who averages 12.2 points per game and Dunning, who averages 7.4 points per game.

The Mountaineers continue to make a defensive mark nationally, ranking third-best in scoring defense (47.3) and holding the sixth-lowest field-goal percentage defense (30.4). Additionally, West Virginia ranks 10th best nationally with an 11.9 rebounding margin, and holds the 10th lowest three-point field goal defense of 22.2 points allowed.

“We cannot let them score their average of 80 points,” Carey concluded. “If we do that, we’re not going to come away with a victory.”

Live stats and audio of Saturday’s contest will be provided by MSNsportsNET.com.

(CNN) — A Peruvian court has given American activist Lori Berenson permission to travel to the United States for the holidays, her mother and attorney said Friday.

It would be Berenson’s first departure from Peru in 16 years. Under the travel terms set by the Lima court, Berenson, 42, would have to return to Peru in early January.

Rhoda Berenson, contacted in New York, did not know her daughter’s travel dates, but said she was excited about the prospect of seeing her daughter and her 2-1/2-year-old grandson, who will be traveling with her.

“We knew that she had applied, but we didn’t want to get excited,” the activist’s mother said. “This is Lori in Peru, which means nothing ever goes the way it’s supposed to, so we were very glad that the decision was a ‘yes.’ We were very happy and, of course, hoping all along. But, if things can go wrong for Lori, they often do.”

Lori Berenson was sentenced to life in prison in 1995 for collaborating with the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement to attack the nation’s congress and overthrow the government. Her sentence was reduced to 20 years on appeal. As a parolee, she must remain in Peru until at least 2015.

She was released from Lima’s Chorrillos Penitentiary in November 2010 after a Peruvian court granted her parole.

In 2009, while in prison, Berenson gave birth to a son who was fathered by her estranged husband, Anibal Apari, a Peruvian lawyer who represents her. The boy had been living with her in prison until her release.

Apari told CNN that the court approved Berenson’s petition to travel, but he did not specify a travel date, saying that they wanted to keep their travel plans private for their own protection.

Rhoda Berenson said her daughter, in her petition to travel, had noted that her father’s 70th birthday is December 29.

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IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2011 —

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — What’s blonde, blue-eyed, six-feet tall and looks like a leading actress? She’s Aloha Wanderwell – the first woman to travel around the globe in a car; she was 16. And, AlohaWanderwell.com is dedicated to preserving her nitrate films, books and more. 

It all started when Aloha read an ad in the Riviera edition of the Paris Herald: “Brains, Beauty and Breeches – World tour offer for lucky young woman wanted to join an expedition – Asia, Africa…”

She quickly set out to convince the expedition’s leader, Captain Walter Wanderwell, that she was the one for the job.

“This true story of an incredible journey – the Wanderwell Expedition – took place in the 1920s. Over the years, it’s been buried and now needs to be preserved and retold,” says Richard Diamond, Aloha’s grandson.  

During this world tour, Aloha took thousands of feet of 35-millimeter nitrate film while driving through 43 countries on four continents in nearly eight years.

“These nitrate films have to be transferred to HD,” says Diamond. “We need help now. This is a gold mine of material for any documentary or film producer. It would be a crime to let these historical films deteriorate. It’s a rich part of history.”    

In addition, Diamond also possesses a 567-page manuscript written by Aloha that details the trip’s many adventures; an array of collectibles; photos; and the original auto badges.

During the expedition, Aloha and Walter married. They continued to travel, to film and lecture together. In 1932, their story tragically ended with Walter’s murder; it remains an unsolved cold case.

Aloha remarried and tended to her priceless collection of films, photos, journals and artifacts. Much of her work has been preserved in museums and educational institutions throughout the U.S. She passed away in Newport Beach, California on June 4, 1996.

“In addition to preserving these items, I believe that Ford has an amazing opportunity here,” says Diamond. “Just imagine a modern-day Aloha retracing these steps in a Ford Explorer? It would be a wonderful way to pay homage to the very first ‘Ford Challenge’ – the intrepid 1918 Model T that Aloha referred to as her, ‘Little Lizzie.’”

So, while the Model T that brought this couple together was not preserved, the story certainly can be.

AlohaWanderwell.com has partnered with CMG Worldwide: http://cmgworldwide.com/news/?tag=aloha-wanderwell to provide information about and licensing opportunities regarding the Wanderwell Expedition.

To learn more, watch the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-PAVV8Kym0; visit: www.AlohaWanderwell.com which is filled with hundreds of photos, more videos, a comprehensive trip timeline, biographical facts and much more; or check out Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlohaWanderwell .

VNR for story: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1215-003.shtml

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE AlohaWanderwell.com

By
Chris Daniels,Meteorologist

Travel Weather

December 16, 2011

Updated Dec 16, 2011 at 8:46 AM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) — We are heading into a big travel period. Many will spend this weekend doing some last minute shopping and some will hit the roads for longer travels. While it will be colder than recent days, the temperatures will be close to what we might expect for this time of the year. Travel conditions will be good with only a few snow showers expected Saturday. There could be some lake enhanced snow near South Bend restricted to the Indiana snow belt. By Sunday the temperatures will once again reach into the 40′s. The long range forecast has the mild weather lasting through next week with highs 5-10 degrees above normal.

Do you plan to travel for the holidays? Join Chris Daniels on Facebook atChris Daniels INC Weather for the latest chat on this situation!

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LONDON, Dec 16, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
China is considered as one the most attractive travel and tourism
destinations worldwide. The country’s recent hosting of major
international events like the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the Asian Games
and the Shanghai Expo naturally led to a rise in inbound tourist
volumes. China’s strong economic growth, which reflected in generally
higher disposable income levels and increased expenditure on leisure and
business tourism, also contributed to better the country’s tourism
market development. China’s government also plans to invest a total of
CNY 7.3 trillion in transport infrastructure projects, which is expected
to further drive the industry growth.

With increased foreign investment in the Chinese tourism industry, the
total volume of Chinese tourists is expected to record 9.25% CAGR during
the review period, to eventually reach 3,461.4 million by 2015.

New market research report “Travel
and Tourism in China, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2015″
drawn up by BRICdata provides an extensive research and in-depth
analysis of the travel and tourism market in China. In particular, the
study covers the following:

–
historical (2006–2010) values for China’s travel and tourism industry,
along with forecast figures (2011–2015);

–
top-level analysis of the overall travel and tourism market, as well
as individual category values for both the review and the forecast
periods;

–
a detailed analysis and projection of tourist spending in China;

–
details on the competitive landscape in China for travel and tourism
companies;

–
elaborate profiles of top travel and tourism companies in China.

Report Details:

Title: Travel and Tourism in China, Key Trends and Opportunities to
2015

Published: November, 2011

Pages: 270

Price: US$ 2,950

http://marketpublishers.com/report/services/travel_leasure/travel_n_tourism_in_china_key_trends_n_opportunities_to_2015.html

Report Contents:

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2 CHINESE TOURISM INDUSTRY MARKET OUTLOOK

2.1 Tourist Volume Trend Analysis

2.2 Tourist Volume Trend Analysis by Type of Visitor

2.2.1 Total business tourist volume trend

2.2.2 Total leisure tourist volume trend

2.2.3 Total other tourists volume trend

2.2.4 Total health and wellness tourists volume trend

2.2.5 Number of spa sites and outlets

2.3 Tourist Volume Trend Analysis by Length of Trip

…

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SOURCE: The Market Publishers

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Copyright Business Wire 2011

LONDON |
Fri Dec 16, 2011 8:42am EST

LONDON (Reuters) – Mulled wine, snowy landscapes and shopping for handcrafted gifts beneath the starry lights of a traditional European Christmas market are so popular at this festive time of the year that the members and editors of travel website VirtualTourist.com (www.virtualtourist.com)

compiled their own list of the “Top 10 Christmas Markets in Europe” Reuters has not endorsed this list: 1. Munich, Germany

While most people associate the Bavarian capital with its famous Oktoberfest, it also holds a fantastic Christmas market on the Marienplatz in the center of the city. While sipping on Gluehwein (mulled warmed wine) or beer, visitors can find many traditional Bavarian gifts, like wood carvings and gingerbread called Lebkuchen. Though the market offers many food options, Virtual Tourist members recommended also visiting the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s daily outdoor farmers market, which lies just around the corner from the Marienplatz. 2. Cologne, Germany

Cologne, like many towns in Germany, has multiple Christmas markets. The primary market is held at the Cathedral, but another market with slightly more-expensive goods, the Neumarkt, is also a great place to find presents. Cologne’s food offerings are slightly more traditional: bratwurst, yeast dumplings with jam and vanilla sauce, crepes, and chocolate. A special rarity: one of the city’s markets, the Floating Christmas Market, can be found aboard a boat docked at the Rhine River. 3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna takes the holiday season very seriously, with decorations that rival any city in Europe. The prized Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz also runs the longest of our Top Ten markets, starting in mid-November and running until Christmas Eve. Millions of visitors come each year to experience the picturesque atmosphere and browse the beeswax candles, wooden toys, and Christmas decorations offered. In keeping with the musical history of the city, there are also choir performances in City Hall and a daily wind ensemble performance by the Christmas tree. 4. Prague, Czech Republic

The two best Vanocni trhy (Christmas markets) are held in the Old Town Square and on the long slope of Wenceslas Square. While the markets do feature the expected wooden toys and holiday décor, they also sell Czech specialties, like Bohemian crystal, marionettes, and ceramics. The food is also slightly different from the German standard: though sausage, gingerbread, and grog are offered, there are also vendors with corn on the cob and Trdelnik (cooked dough with cinnamon and sugar). 5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s historic Tivoli Gardens serve as a meeting place year-round, but no visit could compare to seeing the park during the holiday season. The decorations and light display are truly unparalleled; they even have fireworks between Christmas and New Year’s! In addition to the traditional glgg (steaming hot mulled red wine), this year’s market will feature a new Russian theme. A new delicacy food area, featuring Russian borsht and stroganoff, will also sell Christmas sweets, Italian treats and French culinary delights. 6. Nuremberg, Germany

Almost every city in Germany has a Christmas Market, but one consistently recommended option is Nuremberg. It is noted for its variety of German delicacies, from gingerbread and sweet roasted nuts to Gluehwein, the mulled wine served hot. Enjoy the Gluehwein while perusing a variety of wooden crafts and intricate ornaments, including those specific to the city: figures made out of prunes and stiff metal angels. Once you are finished, you can return your mug for a small savings, or keep it as a souvenir! 7. Strasbourg, France

For centuries, the French/German border has swayed to either side of the Alsace region, so it makes sense that Strasbourg, France, would have the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France, the Marchés de Noël. The market has been held around the town’s cathedral since 1570, and in addition to the spiced wine usually offered at Christmas markets, those in Strasbourg have a tradition of spicy hot orange juice. Strasbourg also provides an ideal starting point to explore some of the well-known but smaller nearby Christmas markets, like Baden-Baden, Karlshruhe, Stuttgart in Germany. 8. Manchester, England

Some may debate that the Lincoln market is the best in the UK, VirtualTourist.com members prefer to host their annual Christmas markets meet up in Manchester, UK. While Lincoln’s market only runs for 4 days, Manchester’s market is open for five weeks. Members noted that in addition to the great “European Christmas Market” in Albert Square, there was a new “French Christmas Market” on King’s Street that sold French foods, lavender products and Provençal herbs. 9. Brussels, Belgium

At only 10 years old, Brussels’ Christmas market may be the youngest of the bunch, but the “Plaisirs d’Hiver” brings a more youthful, activities-focused approach to the Christmas market. In addition to the 240 chalets, there is an illuminated route throughout the city, leading visitors from the Marche aux Poissons to the light spectacle at the Grand-Place. Parents can grab one of Brussels’ famous waffles or mulled wine while children take a lap around the skating rink, ride the Ferris wheel, or head down the sledding track. 10. Zurich, Switzerland

Besides being a banking hub and the home of the WTO, Zurich also boasts Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas market in its ShopVille-RailCity railway station. In addition to over 160 wooden chalets, there is an enormous Christmas tree, sparkling with over 5,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments.

(Edited by Paul Casciato)

LOS ANGELES, CA, Dec 16, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
The number of Southern Californians traveling over the
Christmas/New Year holiday period is expected to stay on par with
last year, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The Auto Club projects that 7.13 million local residents will take
end-of-year holiday trips — a slight increase of 1.4 percent over
last year’s 7 million travelers.

Of the more than seven million local travelers who will take trips of
50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, 6.3 million, or nearly
90 percent, will travel by car. That’s a 2.5 percent increase over
last year.

More than 575,000 Southern Californians are projected to go by plane,
and another 231,000 will go by other means.

Statewide, 11.4 million total travelers are expected, with 10.2
million expected to go by car, 925,000 by plane, and 371,000 by other
modes of transportation. Nationally, 91.9 million Americans are
expected to take end-of-year getaways, also an increase of 1.4
percent over last year.

“The Christmas/New Year time period is the biggest holiday for
travel, both because it is the longest major holiday of the year and
because of the high priority for most people to reconnect with
distant family and friends at this time of year,” said Filomena
Andre, the Auto Club’s vice president for travel products and
services. “In a positive sign for the economy, the number of
travelers for this holiday period is expected to increase despite
higher costs for gas and airfare.”

The most popular destinations for Southern Californians over this
Christmas-New Year holiday, according to a poll of Auto Club AAA
Travel agents, are:

1) Las Vegas
2) San Diego
3) San Francisco
4) Grand Canyon
5)
Anaheim (Disneyland)

Gas prices have been dropping in recent weeks, although they are
still 30 cents higher than at this time last year. Most Southern
California areas have gas price averages ranging from $3.50 to $3.65
a gallon. To save money on gas during holiday getaways, the Auto Club
recommends these tips:

1) Budget for your trip’s gas expense using
FuelCostCalulator.AAA.com, which will allow you to estimate fuel
costs using real-time gas price data averages from your origin to
destination based on your car’s year, model and make.

2) To find the least expensive gas prices along your route,
AAA.com/TripTik or the TripTik Mobile app allow users to map an area
showing gas stations and their recent prices.

3) Try to pick an off-peak travel time to depart and return home.
Driving in traffic congestion wastes gas.

4) Avoid distracted driving. This will both maximize safety and allow
you to better anticipate traffic conditions to avoid sudden braking
or changes in speed. A smooth, even driving style is the best way to
maximize fuel efficiency.

5) Pack only what you need for the trip and avoid bringing any heavy
items that you don’t plan to use, which will also improve fuel
economy.

        CONTACT:
        Marie Montgomery
        Jeffrey Spring
        (714) 885-2333

SOURCE: Automobile Club of Southern California

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