Jetsettersblog

Applications being accepted

Regulations and forms now available at www.azgfd.gov/draw

The regulations for Arizona’s 2010 elk and pronghorn antelope seasons are available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw, and hunters interested in obtaining a hunt permit-tag via the draw process can start applying now.

Applications must be submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department by U.S. mail to P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052 or hand-delivered to any department office by Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 by 7 p.m. (MST) – postmarks do not count.

Hunters are reminded that a 2010 hunting license is required to apply. Department officials encourage hunters to get their license before applying for an elk or antelope hunt permit-tag if they wish to do any other hunting in early 2010. Licenses purchased through the draw process will not be mailed out until after the draw is completed.

Those who submit an application that is received by Jan. 21, 2010 (the end of the “correction period”) will receive up to three calls from the department in a 24-hour period if an error is found on the application. If the applicant is reached by phone, the department will try to help fix the error to prevent it from being rejected.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials said printed copies of the regulations and application forms should be available at license dealers across the state in early January 2010.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission set the 2010 elk and pronghorn antelope hunt orders during their regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 5, authorizing a grand total of 952 pronghorn and 26,702 elk permits.

There were a couple of changes made to the proposed recommendations during the meeting for both elk and antelope.

Unit 19B antelope hunters can be thankful for an agreement arranged by Commissioner Robert “Robbie” Woodhouse with the Chino Grande Ranch that will continue to allow hunters access on the ranch during the 2010 season. Closure of the property to the public would have resulted in a reduction of 45 antelope permits in the unit.

“We are very glad that Chino Grande Ranch decided to keep their property open to sportsmen,” said Commissioner Woodhouse.

“This is a great example of how teamwork and cooperation can resolve an issue. Open communication and cooperation between the commission, department, sportsmen, and landowners are critical to preserving our hunting heritage in Arizona.”

Sportsmen are reminded that access to private land is a privilege, and their conduct and behavior can have an effect on their ability to hunt in these areas in the future.

Unit 1 elk hunters will see an increase in the number of available antlerless permits compared to the proposed recommendations in an effort to stabilize that growing herd. One hundred and forty more permits will be available in this unit through a number of hunts.

An agreement with the Hopi Tribe will allow 2010 antelope and elk hunters from the general populace access to sovereign Hopi Trust Lands within Units 4A, 5A, and 5B.

Through the agreement, a proportion of the available permits will be exclusively for Hopi tribal members.

To learn more about the big game draw lottery process, bonus points, and available leftover spring javelina hunting permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw

Feb 11 – 21

Berlin is a cosmopolitan, exciting capital, a city of culture with international appeal.

In the middle of it all: the Berlinale Filmfestival.

More than 19,000 film professionals from 136 countries, including about 4,000 journalists, are accredited for the Berlin International Film Festival every year. With more than 270,000 tickets sold, the Berlinale is not only a film industry meeting.

It also enjoys by far the largest audience of any film festival in the world.

For two weeks, art, glamour, parties and business meet at the Berlinale. www.berlinale.de

One of Tahiti’s best-equipped family hotels, the Radisson Plaza Resort, has opened a Kids Club to provide culturally interesting entertainment for the kids while Mum and Dad are free to shop, tour or enjoy Tahiti’s legendary beaches.

The club operates from 9am to 5pm daily and activities include arts and crafts, outdoor games, fun sports, trampolines and video games (Play Station, Wii).

The five-star Radisson Plaza Resort stretches along beautiful Lafayette Beach on the north coast of the main island of Tahiti, a short drive from the bustling capital of Papeete.

Apart from a prime beachfront location, the hotel offers a large infinity edge pool, onsite spa and fitness centre, great restaurants and spacious suites, many with stunning views across to Moorea island.

“Although seen primarily as a romantic destination, Tahiti is becoming increasingly popular for families wanting to take advantage of some of the world’s most desirable beaches and immerse themselves in French Polynesian culture,” said Tahiti Tourisme regional director Robert Thompson.

To introduce the Kids Club, the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti is offering five nights in a Family Ocean View Luxury Suite that includes daily American breakfasts for two adults and two children under 15,

Kids Club access with lunch and snacks (minimal fees apply), a massage for mum and dad, gym and sauna access, Aquagym and yoga lessons, daily cultural activities and two free shuttle rides to Papeete town for just AUD1050 exclusive of 14% taxes.

An adjoining room is available for half the normal price and the offer is available to June 30, 2010.

Call (689) 488 805 or email banquets@radisson-tahiti.pf  and quote code FAMONO.

For more information about the hotel visit www.radisson.com/tahiti .

For more deals contact Tahiti Tourisme on 1300 655 563 or visit www.tahitinow.com.au .

Please note rate may change at time of booking due to foreign currency fluctuations.

If you are a fan of the Twilight book series, you can come to Forks and tour the sites that are featured in the books written by Stephenie Meyer.

Just stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce visitor center (1411 South Forks Ave.) to receive your free Twilight packet.

It includes trivia tests from all four books along with a Forks Twilight map showing where the sites are located. Hours are 10am to 5pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sundays. Other Twilight activities are available.

HOUGHTON, Mich.– The weather surrounding Lake Superior and at the remote Isle Royale National Park can change in an instant.

That’s why the National Parks Service commissioned the Ranger III, one of the most unique ships to sail the Great Lakes.

Unlike other Isle Royale ferry services, the Ranger III was designed by the National Park Service specifically to bridge the gap between the mainland and the Island.

It was built to withstand the Lake’s fierce storms and its ice breaking capabilities assist in opening the park in the spring. The Ranger III is also available for passenger transport to the island.

Departing from Houghton, MI, guest can travel in style to the Rock Harbor Lodge to enjoy a four- or five-night all-inclusive wilderness vacation.

This package includes transportation from Houghton, Michigan to Rock Harbor Lodge on the Ranger III Ferry; 4 or 5 Night’s lodging at Rock Harbor Lodge, Isle Royale’s ONLY full-service lodging and dining facilities; 3 MEALS including breakfast, lunch and dinner per person each day,

Half-Day sightseeing Trip of Isle Royale National Park and free half-day rental of a canoe (availability & weather permitting.)

Prices: 2 Adults, 4 nights: $1,793 (July 7-September 1), $1,728 (June 2- July 4); 2 Adults, 5 nights: $2,173 (July 7-September 1) $2,095 (June 2- July 4).

www.isleroyaleresort.com

The Last Frontier is the ultimate multi-activity adventure destination.

Everything here is grand – from the 5000 glaciers to the seventeen of the twenty highest peaks in North America.

The good news is that finding wilderness is easy and Canyon Calling has chosen the best adventures to enjoy the solitude and the magic of the Alaskan wild.

Travelers will hike a glacier, whitewater raft, horse ride, hike to see salmon spawning, ride the Alaskan Railroad, photograph wildlife, sea kayak a secluded bay and canoe through icebergs at the foot of a glacier.

They’ll also explore remote towns with rich histories like Talkeetna, Seward and Homer.

There are plenty of grizzlies, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, otters and more bald eagles to see along the way.

There is no trip where it is more important to have a local in charge and Canyon Calling’s Alaskan guides do a superb job of keeping travlers safe and well informed.

This trip encompasses the jewels of Alaska – Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula.

Nine days. July 16-24, 2010. $3,595.

www.canyoncalling.com

Fremont Street Experience for New Year’s 2010 Weekend

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience is ready for a rockin’ New Year’s 2010 Weekend celebration with its 2nd Annual TributePalooza.

The spectacular New Year’s Eve includes live concerts by eight of the world’s best tribute bands, a 2009 year-in-review show on the Viva Vision screen, followed by a countdown to midnight with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and then Fireworks by Grucci under the canopy choreographed to virtual fireworks on Viva Vision.

TributePalooza bands will deliver performances emulating classic favorites Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, Guns N’ Roses, INXS, Led Zeppelin, No Doubt, U2 and Van Halen. Plus, there will be a live stage show, “Jimi Hendrix and the Psychedelic Ride.”

New Year’s Eve is the only day of the year with ticketed admission to Fremont Street Experience. Wristbands are $10 for locals with valid Nevada ID and $20 for out-of-state visitors. Fremont Street Experience is restricted to persons 21 and over on New Year’s Eve. Wristbands can be purchased in advance by calling 702-678-5600.

The street will be packed with action while the giant Viva Vision screen dazzles with a light-and-sound extravaganza 90 feet above the street. The five blocks of the fabulous Fremont Street Experience, home to 10 legendary casinos, will be transformed into the biggest private party in Las Vegas, with upwards of 30,000 people in attendance.

Revelers are invited to celebrate the dawn of a new decade in true Las Vegas fashion at the city’s one-stop outdoor entertainment venue.

The night will be filled with music as the eight ultimate tribute bands will provide continuous live concerts on both 1st Street and 3rd Street stages from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. The performance schedule is as follows:

6 – 7:15 p.m.
INXS-IVE (INXS) – 1st Street Stage
The Joshua Tree (U2) – 3rd Street Stage

7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
Blasphemous Rumours (Depeche Mode) – 1st Street Stage
Fan Halen (Van Halen) – 3rd Street Stage

9:15 – 10:30 p.m.
No Duh (No Doubt) – 1st Street Stage
Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin) – 3rd Street Stage

10:00, 11:15 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.
“Jimi Hendrix and the Psychedelic Ride” – Main Street Stage

11 – 11:45 p.m. and 12:15 – 1 a.m.
Aeromyth (Aerosmith) – 1st Street Stage
Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses) – 3rd Street Stage

The New Year’s Eve celebration at the Fremont Street Experience brings crowds of partygoers to Downtown Las Vegas every year and has become a tradition for visitors and locals alike. Fremont Street Experience continues the 2010 launch party throughout the holiday weekend with “Rock `N’ Recovery” free concerts on Friday, January 1 and Saturday, January 2. The entertainment schedule is as follows:

Friday, Jan. 1 & Saturday, Jan. 2
8 – 9:45 p.m. – Fan Halen, 1st Street Stage
8 – 9:45 p.m. – Blasphemous Rumours, 3rd Street Stage
8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. – “Jimi Hendrix and the Psychedelic Ride,” Main Street Stage
10 p.m. – Midnight – Led Zepagain, 1st Street Stage
10 p.m. – Midnight – Aeromyth, 3rd Street Stage

INXS-IVE (www.inxstributeband.com ) is fronted by Australian native Brett Creswell, who gives the audience an authentic, live interpretation of one of the best loved front men of the 80’s, Michael Hutchence. Other band members are high skilled, professional musicians that painstakingly recreate the sound that made INXS such an enormous success.

The Joshua Tree (www.U2JT.com ) is the nation’s premier tribute to U2. Playing each song with the same intensity and emotion, the band covers all phases of U2’s career from their first album Boy to the most recent, No Line on the Horizon. Without compromising artistic integrity, the band has gone to great lengths to reproduce the distinct sound of one of the world’s most popular rock bands.

Blasphemous Rumours (www.depechetribute.com ) meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on accuracy in sound, imagery and performance sets them apart from other Depeche Mode tribute acts. The band brings their powerful note for note renditions of all of Depeche Mode’s hits, along with fan favorites, from every era to the masses throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Fan Halen (www.fanhalen.net  ) brings back the party-time, hard-rocking music of classic Van Halen with a true-to-life tribute to not only the band, but the spirit of the era. Fan Halen sets the stage for a night with Dave, Eddie, Alex and Michael in a transformation that has been described as amazingly authentic.

No Duh (www.noduh.net ) mixes the experience and energy of a live No Doubt and Gwen Stefani concert with nostalgic visuals, styling’s and props of the original band, complete with costume changes for a complete high-energy, audio-visual experience.

Led Zepagain (www.zepagain.com ) takes their audience to a place that not only replicates a Led Zeppelin concert, but captures the heart and soul of the world’s greatest band. A Led Zepagain show features all of the Zeppelin highlights, from the high-energy electric classics, to the beautiful acoustic works. From the moment Led Zepagain hits the stage, audiences will believe they’re the true tribute to the outstanding band.

Aeromyth, the ultimate tribute to Aerosmith (www.aerosmithtribute.com ), not only has amazing Steven Tyler and Joe Perry look-alikes, but all band members look and sound like the band members they portray. The group performs all of Aerosmith’s greatest hits from classic songs such as “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion” and “Toys,” to more current hits like “Dude Looks Like a Lady,” “Jaded,” and “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.”

Appetite for Destruction (www.notquitegnr.com ), the ultimate tribute to Guns N’ Roses, formed in 2006, travels the country delivering the most authentic tributes to Guns N’ Roses, circa 1987-1993 that audiences will ever see. The tribute act plays favorites include “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City,” “Patience” and many more.

“As part of America’s Party, Fremont Street Experience’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the party of the year. Nothing can compare to standing beneath 12.5 million lights counting down the last seconds of the year with the classic Las Vegas neon flashing, nonstop entertainment and everyone having the time of their lives,” said Jeff Victor, president of Fremont Street Experience. “We’re very excited to be bringing the world’s best tribute bands and an outstanding fireworks display to Downtown Las Vegas.”

Viva Vision®, the LED display canopy rising 90 feet in height and stretching 1,500 feet along the Fremont Street Experience promenade from Main Street to Fourth Street, forms a spectacular foyer for the existing resorts.

Stretching the length of five football fields, Viva Vision serves as the showcase for the world’s largest graphic display system. Within the canopy itself are 208 speakers capable of producing 550,000 watts of concert-quality sound.

America’s Party and TributePalooza at the Fremont Street Experience opens at 6:00 p.m. Guests can access the venue at any of the gates located at Fremont and Casino Center, Fremont and 4th and Fremont and Main. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age. Parking is available at the Fremont Street Experience parking garage on the corner of 4th and Carson and at all Fremont Street hotel-casinos.

The Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historical downtown Las Vegas. In 1995, Fremont Street was closed to vehicular traffic and a giant screen was suspended 90-feet over the street to display spectacular light and sound shows on its 1,500 foot surface. The 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen dazzle 365 nights a year and make the Fremont Street Experience a one-of-a-kind venue. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants, specialty retail and free nightly entertainment, the Fremont Street Experience attracts millions of annual visitors.

The Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com

BONUS DAYS OF REVELRY

Unlike other Carnival hot spots, the party in Martinique extends into Ash Wednesday… and beyond!

From Rio to Trinidad to New Orleans, the world’s most celebrated pre-Lenten Carnival fetes all pale in comparison to Martinique’s Carnival in one key area – length. Each year as revelers in other Carnival hot spots wind down with the close of Shrove Tuesday, the party in Martinique keeps going, reaching a decadent climax on one of the most solemn days on the Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday.

The fitting theme for Martinique’s “bonus” days of revelry

– “Rejoice Today, Repent Tomorrow.”

“In Martinique, when we say ‘Don’t stop the Carnival,’ we mean it,” says Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA. “Martinique is more than 90% Christian, and the people truly appreciate the importance of the season.

The bonus days are simply part of our unique cultural heritage, handed down through the generations in the spirit of good fun to keep our party going just a petit bit longer than everyone else.”

The official dates of the 2010 Martinique Carnival are February 13-17, though the celebration actually begins many weeks prior with Carnival parties taking place across the island each weekend in January.

Naturally, the action heats up on “Fat Sunday” (February 13). Known in Martinique as Dimanche Gras, the official first day of Carnival features daytime parades with a wide range of costumed characters performing throughout the streets of Martinique’s cities and towns. Among the more popular and notorious characters are the Nègres-Gros-Sirops; mischievous revelers covered in coal tar and sugarcane syrup from head-to-toe that break through the
crowds of spectators playfully frightening children.

Another outrageous character, Marianne La Po Fig appears as
the music and dancing extends deep into the night wearing, as her name implies, nothing but dry banana leaves (“fig” is the Creole word for banana).

Throughout the day, marchers parade around with spectacularly dressed puppets called Bwa Bwa creating a veritable feast for the eyes.

“Mardi Gras Monday” in Martinique brings “Mock Weddings,” burlesque parodies played out in the city streets with
men dressed as pregnant brides or floozies and women serving as reluctant bridegrooms.

Ceremonies are held well into the night, culminating in elaborate masquerade balls where drag is the preferred costume de nuit. Shrove Tuesday is “Red Devils Day,” with imagery, costumes, parties and parades themed around the Prince of Darkness.

This day is all about the kids, with glorious processions featuring hundreds of children dressed in brilliant red devil costumes, carrying homemade tridents and wearing fright masks made of animal skins and horns.

Red cloth jumpsuits are adorned with hundreds of glittering mirrors and small bells that jingle as the kids dance all
the way to sundown.

The elders carry on the party from there until the wee hours.
As Carnival revelers in other parts of the world nurse hangovers with the arrival of Ash Wednesday, the party in
Martinique kicks into high gear.

The bonus “Day of the She-Devils” (La Fête des Diablesses) marks the climax of the celebration with more than 30,000 “mourners” gathering to mark the end of Carnival and the symbolic death of King Carnival, known as Vaval.

The local media reports death notices in honor of Vaval, while festivities take place as his funeral pyre is built. Only two colors are worn – black and white. “She-Devils,” their faces smeared with pale ash or white flour, wear embroidered waist petticoats and blouses, a black skirt and headscarf made with a damask white table napkin.

Mismatched black and white socks, shoes and gloves complete the traditional ensemble.

As dusk falls, Vaval’s funeral flames light up the sky. The party, an arousing explosion of pulsating rhythms, exotic dance, mirth and rum, peaks as Vaval is consigned to the fire.

Only when the flames die down does a calm settle over the masses. With the burial of Vaval, the crowds chant, “Vaval, pas quitte nous,” which translates to “Carnival, don’t leave us.”

Officially, Martinique’s Carnival ends at the close of Ash Wednesday. However, in the island’s inimitable celebratory spirit, Carnival is revived three weeks later with a second bonus day of revelry known as Mi-Carême, or mid-Lent.

Vaval remains buried, but cities and towns across Martinique spring to life again with colorful costumes, rum and parades combining again to engender non-stop revelry amid a Carnival-like atmosphere – a mini-Mardi Gras in the land where the party never stops.

For more information, including referrals to travel agents and tour operators selling value-priced packages to Martinique Mardi Gras, contact the Martinique Promotion Bureau /CMT USA, 825 Third Ave, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10022 – Tel: 212 838 6887 – Fax: 212 838 7855 – Email: info@martinique.org  –

Web: www.martinique.org

About Martinique (www.martinique.org )
 
The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers,

The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world; as unforgettable as a summer romance or a first kiss.

Martinique is an overseas region of France, and in keeping with its traditions, this vibrant island
stirs the passions with awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, distinctive culinary delights, warm smiles and so much more. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here.

The Pompeii of the Caribbean, St. Pierre, is found here. The finest French products, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are readily available here.

La Route des Rhums, a tour of the world’s finest rum distilleries based on France’s famed Route des Vins, is offered here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!

Saturday Night at the Suncoast Showroom January 30 and 31

Las Vegas—Popular Las Vegas entertainer Wes Winters will debut his new show, Las Vegas Saturday Night, at the Suncoast Showroom, January 30 and 31.

In Las Vegas Saturday Night, the show named after Winters’ most recent recording, a variety of musical styles will be performed, bringing the vibe of “vintage Vegas” to the Suncoast Showroom.

Winters will showcase his trademark boogie-woogie, fast-paced piano playing along with his vocals and talents for playing other musical instruments.

An award-winning musician, Winters may be best known in Las Vegas for A Musical Tribute to Liberace, an act he conceived, wrote, produced and starred in for five years at the Liberace Museum, as well as an engagement at Planet Hollywood.

His signature one-man nightclub act, Wes Winters Live, also ran for five years at Liberace’s Carluccio’s Tivoli Gardens Piano Lounge to sold-out audiences.

With an extensive background in musical theater, the self-taught pianist has performed in cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America for more than 20 years.

In addition to Las Vegas Saturday Night, Winters has six additional solo recordings, including Piano Favorites, Wes Winters Live, Send Down an Angel, Wes Winters Christmas, Light the Lights and Curtain Up.

Tickets are now available starting from $19.95, plus tax. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075

or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com

Colorado Offers the Finest Sunshine, Rapids and Beer

Plan your Rocky Mountain trip today for summer 2010! With more days of sunshine in a year and more microbreweries than any other state, Colorado is the perfect destination to get the blood pumping during the day and ‘chillax’ at night.

To the north, adventure seekers will find Colorado’s only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Cache La Poudre. The state’s premier kayaking river boasts dozens of short runs.

Boulders in the bed create wild holes. Big South is the finest expert run in Colorado.

For the first few miles the river marks the western boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park, the rest of the river all the way to the takeout is in the Cache La Poudre Wilderness Area.

Big south runs through twelve miles of pristine wilderness with more than a dozen classic Class V, V+, and VI- rapids. Adventurers can make this river what they want.

If they’re there for the scenery and the experience they can easily portage the hardest rapids and have a relatively relaxing Class IV+/V- day.

If it’s a thrill kayakers seek, there will be a couple of big technical hair-raising drops to run.

Granite canyon walls 500 feet high provide your backdrop.

On down days, take a relaxing bike tour to the five microbreweries around Fort Collins or jam out to one of the free street concerts held throughout the summer. About 65 miles north of Denver, the Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau is ready to help you plan your time in northern Colorado.

Just a short drive into the ‘high country’ lays one of the coolest mountain towns above 9,000 feet – Breckenridge.

While people at lower elevations work nine to five and suck up the bountiful amounts of oxygen, locals and visitors in ‘Breck’ enjoy spending days on the 1,800-foot kayak park – free of charge.

The longest park in Colorado incorporates 15 features that present challenges to boaters of any level. Take a ride down one of the three rivers in Breck.

The Blue River and Colorado River offer a relaxing day on the water for any ability.

For a technical run with continuous rapids, try the Numbers stretch of the Arkansas River. Cool down with an Agave Wheat beer at the Breckenridge Brewery or try a tasty selection from the local crêperie. Plan a getaway in the Rockies with the Breckenridge Resort Chamber.

www.visitftcollins.com. http://www.gobreck.com