Jetsettersblog

Thunderbird School teaches through golf

GLENDALE, Ariz. — LG Electronics executives in a custom MBA program at Thunderbird School of Global Management stepped out of the classroom June 10 to practice their leadership skills on the golf course.

Managers and engineers played an 18-hole scramble in foursomes at Legend at Arrowhead golf course in Glendale, Ariz. Afterward, the teams discussed their leadership and communication strategies during a debriefing session on campus led by Thunderbird professors Caren Siehl and Taylor Carr.

“Leadership, like golf, is a mental game,” Siehl told the students. “You need to be focused, you need to believe in yourself and you need to prepare yourself. You need to be ready to lead.”

The 26 students arrived May 29 in Arizona to complete their MBA in Global Management coursework before graduation on June 28. They are the third cohort of LG executives to participate in a multiyear, multimillion-dollar partnership with Thunderbird that started in 2006.

Under the agreement, Thunderbird customized its global curriculum for 150 of LG’s top managers and engineers, who complete most of their training at the LG Learning Center in South Korea in 10 five-day modules every four weeks. Thunderbird faculty and program managers travel to the center to deliver the courses.

The LG students identified several leadership lessons from the golf course.

“You have to work with the talent that comes with your team,” said Young Sik Khang, and LG group leader.

Young Huan Choi, an LG general manager, said leaders sometimes hurt morale when they coach with harshness. But he said the coaching that occurred on the golf course was well-received.

“The chief factor was trust,” he said. “We trusted each other.”

LG senior manager Tae Kweon Baek said the lesson he learned was tolerance.

“It’s not easy to change your swing,” he said. “We should accept each other’s differences.”

LG chief research engineer S.D. Chang participated on one of two winning teams that shot an even par. He said none of the golfers on his team could have shot par by themselves.

“The power of the team is better than your best player,” he said. “That’s the leadership lesson I learned.”

INNOVATIVE CAFE COMES TO TEXAS

tumble & tea cafe combines a posh wifi equipped cafe and gourmet food with a kid-paradise indoor play-space to create a location both adults and kids can finally agree is the place to be! With hundreds of nationwide requests pouring in tumble & tea cafe expands nationally in September.

tumble & tea cafe is offering franchises in Texas! tumble & tea cafe is posh, wifi caf with an amazing playspace for kids. The rare combination of delicious, fresh, made to order food and kid-friendly environment has had a great degree of success in California and has recently announced the launch of a franchising expansion program in Texas.

tumble & tea cafe serves made to order paninnis, salads, soups, espresso drinks, pastries and a great selection of kid favorites. The incredible food isn’t the only reason to stop in for a visit. tumble and tea cafe has an amazing playspace for kids to enjoy as their parents recharge.

“tumble & tea cafe is not for the kids - it’s for the people who take care of them,” insists owner Gina DeCarlo. “We have designed the space to be easy for caregivers to have a great meal, finish a conversation with another adult, read one of our magazines or jump on our free wifi. Even more amazing, they can do all of that even when they bring the kids!”

The tumble & tea cafe concept came about when Gina realized there was a lack of places that could satisfy both her daughter’s interest and her needs as well. “I love the park and the zoo but I don’t always want to eat hot dogs and stale popcorn. Just because I’m a mother doesn’t mean I don’t want to eat good food, enjoy great coffee and have a comfortable place I can hang out.”

Since its doors opened, tumble & tea cafe has become the home-away-from-home for many parents and their children. The unique ability of the cafe to charm not only adults but their children has helped it thrive with tremendous success and inspired hundreds of nationwide requests. We have had such an incredible amount of interest from people in Texas that Texas locations open this September.

tumble & tea locations will begin opening up nationwide this September.

For more information on tumble & tea cafe or for franchising details please visit http://www.tumbleandteacafe.com or contact Diane Zuniga (909)510-0433 / diane@tumbleandteacafe.com

The National Comedy Theatre Is Working Overtime

One of San Antonio’s longest-running professional improv troupes has found a new home at the Overtime Theater.

San Antonio, TX - WHAT: The National Comedy Theatre of San Antonio - the Alamo City’s longest running competitive improv show - invites audiences to join them at their new home, The Overtime Theater, for a night of “good, clean fun” (Austin American-Statesman).

WHEN: Every Friday, 9:30 PM

WHERE: The Overtime Theater
1216 West Avenue (between Olmos and Hildebrand)

The National Comedy Theatre of San Antonio began performing at the Overtime Theater in March 2008; for the company’s founder, Les McGehee, the theater is an ideal location for improv in San Antonio: “With all the improv companies in this city, both professional and student, it’s great to have a place like the Overtime that supports them. I would like to see this theater become the center for improv in San Antonio.”

In an NCT show, two teams of comics compete for laughs in a series of games built on suggestions from the audience, with a “referee” handing out points and fouls based on their performance and the audience’s response. “We try to make our comedy family-friendly,” says McGehee. “An NCT show should be the kind of place where you can bring your first date or your mom … just not together!”

The Overtime Theater also hosts the Next Stage Improv troupe.

Admission is only $8.00; however, the Overtime also offers a “Double Feature” rate of $14 for admission to both the main stage show and the NCT show.

***In celebration of the upcoming July 4th holiday, NCT is offering a “4 By 4″ discount on the weekend of June 27; ticket buyers wearing red, white, and blue will receive a $4 discount on the regular ticket price.***

Please call 210.380.0326 or visit http://www.ncttx.com or http://www.theovertimetheater.net

About Les McGehee: Les McGehee is a working comedian and improv pioneer who has entertained millions of people throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean. He owns The National Comedy Theatre of Austin & San Antonio, and the largest improvisation training program in the South. His theatre in Austin is in its 16th year of professional comedy. Les has been featured on ABC, Fox Family and PBS, and toured with NCT’s “Tour for the Troops” in 2004-2005. His writing credits include many successful scripts, shows and published articles, and his book, “Les McGehee Plays Well With Others: A ‘Grown-Up’ Handbook of Improvisation and Play”, was published in 2007. A San Antonio native, Les currently lives in Austin, Texas.

For more information, please visit http://www.lesmcgehee.com

Enchanted Springs Ranch A Taste of the Old West

Enchanted Springs Ranch, one of Texas’s top tourist attractions, invites families to an evening of food and fun at its Summer Chuck Wagon Dinner.

SAN ANTONIO, TX, summer, one of South Texas’s top tourist attractions will bring the Old West back to life, as Boerne’s Enchanted Springs Ranch invites families to its Summer Chuck Wagon Dinner.

“This is a chance for families to enjoy a unique kind of vacation - an old-fashioned Western meal, in an old-fashioned Western atmosphere,” says Steve Schmidt, co-owner of Enchanted Springs Ranch. “Once they set foot on the ranch, and see all this beautiful Hill Country scenery, they will feel like they have gone back in time. We want to make this a true Texas experience they will remember long after they have gone home.”

The evening will begin as guests arrive at the ranch, to be greeted by “cowboys” and “cowgirls” in period clothing. Families will be able to walk through an authentic Old West town and active Western movie set, with over 40 buildings. Also included are tractor-wagon rides through the ranch’s Wild Animal Park, where they will find Texas Longhorn cattle, zebras, deer and antelope, and even emu and llamas. Guests will have a chance to take a picture with Woodrow, the ranch’s longhorn steer, and there will be horse rides for children. Finally, as a traditional barbecue dinner (with brisket, sausage, coleslaw, beans, and a brownie for dessert) is served, guests will enjoy entertainment from live bands and cowboy storytellers, and a special appearance by Pistol Packin’ Paula (http://www.pistolpackinpaula.com), an award-winning Wild West entertainer with nearly 20 years of experience in gun twirling, trick roping, and Western dancing.

For Schmidt, the dinner is part of how the ranch works to preserve the region’s past. “A trip to Enchanted Springs Ranch is like a trip into history,” he says. “This region is a central part of the story of the Old West; Spanish explorers, Mexican vaqueros, and cowboys of all races passed through this region and left their mark upon it. Now, it is our privilege to keep the story of Enchanted Springs alive for this and future generations.”

Besides its own story, the ranch is fast becoming a location of choice for other stories of the West. Since it opened in 2004, Enchanted Springs Ranch has drawn the attention of film and television producers, and has been used for such projects as the PBS documentary “A Tejano Son of Texas” and the family Western “Palo Pinto Gold”, which recently premiered in San Antonio. “After visiting the ranch, producers have come to us and told us how impressed they were with everything we had to offer,” says Schmidt, “not only the authentic buildings on the ranch itself, but the beauty of the surrounding area. We have an ideal filming location, and I hope it can help bring more production to Texas.”

The Summer Chuck Wagon Dinner will run from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, from June 11 through August 22, 2008. Admission is only $25 plus tax for adults, and only $18 plus tax for children ages 3-12; kids under 3 are free. Reservations are required; to reserve tickets, please call 830.249.8222, ext. 203, or 800.640.5917, ext. 203.

In addition to the Summer Chuck Wagon Dinner, the ranch is open for guests to enjoy all summer long (except on the 4th of July). Summer (June-August) hours of operation are Wednesdays-Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information on all events at Enchanted Springs Ranch, please send an e-mail anytime, day or night, to events@enchantedspringsranch.com.

BACKGROUND: Owned and operated by Steve and Vicki Schmidt and Grant and Pam Jacobs, the 86-acre Enchanted Springs Ranch has been called one of the top reasons to visit the San Antonio area by the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Originally designed as a shooting location for Western movies, it has been used for numerous projects, including the recent film Palo Pinto Gold, ad campaigns for Chevy Trucks, and programs airing on PBS, MSNBC, The History Channel, and the Outdoor Life Network. The ranch is open to visitors throughout the year, and is also available for school tours and private events. For more information, please visit the ranch’s official website at http://www.enchantedspringsranch.com

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Urban and Hip Gear Half off

Arizona 2008 bighorn workshops

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering the public an opportunity to view the majestic bighorn sheep in their natural habitat during its annual Bighorn Sheep Workshops.

The workshop offers wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about these sure-footed animals and view them in their native habitat during two separate two-day workshops on July 25-26 and Aug. 1-2.

The first day of each workshop involves mandatory classroom education from 6-8 p.m. at the Kingman Game and Fish office, followed the next day by a field trip on the Colorado River from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The sheep-viewing boat trip will depart from Willow Beach.

These popular workshops are open to any member of the public age 14 and older. Nobody under 14 will be registered for the event. Space, however, is limited to 40 people per session. Although preference will be given to those who have not attended the workshop in the last two years, those who have participated within that time are still encouraged to apply.

The 2008 workshops will feature a draw process. Applications received prior to June 27 will be drawn at random. Officials hope this will help level the playing field for all of those interested in attending. All requests to participate are responded to by mail.

“It’s an attempt to give people in outlying areas of Arizona a chance to make it on one of the two workshops,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer in Kingman. “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, and that’s difficult with only 80 open spaces over two weeks.”

The workshop includes an optional tour of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery prior to the Colorado River field trip. The 45-minute tour will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature both sport fish and endangered native fish.

“Although the tour is not mandatory,” Mocarski said, “we’ve had many positive comments from those who made the trip. It offers people a chance to see the inner-workings of a hatchery.”

To reserve a spot, a $20 per person refundable deposit is required in the form of a check made out to the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to help reduce the problem of no-shows. The money is refunded when a person either attends the workshop or calls to cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Wildlife for Tomorrow is a non-profit group that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Registration is by mail only. Send a check to: Sheep Workshop, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409. Include the names of participants, address, phone, and specify which weekend is preferred. Also, please include a note if you are interested in the tour of the fish hatchery.

Cash donations, which are not mandatory to participate, will be accepted at the workshop to help offset increasing costs for boat rentals and fuel. Please do not send cash donations prior to the event.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

“It will be hot on the river,” Mocarski advised, “but that’s when bighorn come down for a drink. There is limited shade on the boats, but the temperatures will be in the triple digits.”

Exclusive Concierge Service in Las Vegas

Affluent Lifestyle Concierge (ALC) is expanding their services to include Las Vegas visitors. Previously a service dedicated to a select, privileged few, ALC has recently begun offering the same access and luxury services to those visiting the Las Vegas area.

Las Vegas based Affluent Lifestyle Concierge (ALC) is pleased to announce the expansion of their services to include Las Vegas visitors. Previously a service dedicated to a select, privileged few, ALC has recently begun offering the same access and luxury services to those visiting the Las Vegas area.

“The creation of our visitor’s package stems from the requests of our members. Quite often our members will notify us that they have friends, extended family, or colleagues in town that they would like to ensure have a great visit. Although they aren’t members of ALC, they deserve the same exceptional service, discretion, and respect that our full-fledged members receive”, says proprietors Ch-a Mosley and Nana Rush.

Visitors can take advantage of all that ALC has to offer, including: charter jet coordination, limo transportation, deluxe hotel accommodations, private gaming tables, exclusive, no-wait nightclub and private lounge access, special event arrangements, as well as a host of additional services. Packages are customized to meet the needs and wants of their clients. A personalized itinerary is created for each visiting client and all arrangements are in place before the client arrives in Las Vegas.

“We keep track of the latest trends, the hottest nightclubs, the most private lounges, the best golf courses, and the swankiest cognac and cigar bars in order to provide our clients and members with the very best and the most fun that Las Vegas has to offer. Getting our guests across the velvet rope is only the beginning. We give our clients the Las Vegas experience that they have wanted but could never have until now. We strive to elevate their status, if only for the weekend. We want to help them create their own Las Vegas story.”

ALC caters to the most upscale, time-starved individuals. Founders Ch-a Mosley, daughter of acclaimed actor Roger E. Mosley, and Nana Rush, daughter of veteran NBA Referee Eddie F. Rush, were both raised in a life of privilege, frequently surrounded by top athletes and entertainers. Additionally, the two are hospitality experts - Mosley has a Masters in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, while Rush is a Casino Host for the world’s largest gaming company.

With its home in Las Vegas, the adult playground of the world, ALC sits on the pulse of all that is new, exciting, and relevant to today’s affluent consumer. “We take pride in providing personalized attention. We work hand-in-hand with some of the most prestigious names in luxury and entertainment. These relationships allow us to confidently ensure that our clients always have access to the best.”

To learn more about ALC, please contact an ALC representative at 888-379-6329 or via the web at http://www.liveALC.com

For more information on Affluent Lifestyle Concierge, visit http://www.liveALC.com

INDIE FESTIVAL USA ANNOUNCES DATES

AUGUST 8TH - 15th

IFUEG launches Second Annual Festival ” 8 Days 8 Charities “

Indie Fest USA announces its dates for August 8th thru the 15th, 2008 at AMC Downtown Disney and readies itself for its second annual festival

Indie Fest USA announces its dates for August 8th thru the 15th, 2008 at AMC Downtown Disney and readies itself for its second annual festival!

The Indie Fest USA, producing its third event this August, has quickly joined the ranks of the world’s top Film Festivals and has been receiving international recognition. Held in the mists of the “Happiest Place on Earth” , AMC Theaters in downtown Disney, the festival is dedicated to further strengthening its reputation as a premiere outlet for today’s greatest new talents, a home for all those who celebrate excellence in filmmaking, and an enticing venue for tourists, guests, and the surrounding communities. The festival also hosts 8 charities one for each day of the festival, a portion of the proceeds going to: Charity Water, Save the Rain Forest, Fair Trade Federation, Breast Cancer, Substance Abuse Prevention and Education, Helping the Homeless, Spina Bifida, and Save the Music.

This year IFUEG added two new categories including “Miss Indie Fest USA” and “music videos”. Our previous Indie Festival events have hosted sold out red carpets and after party events. Based on past success, IFUEG anticipates that we will again receive thousands of highly competitive submissions that will allow our 2008 festival to showcase an even greater and more exciting diversity in feature films, documentaries, animated projects, screenplays, and short films.

Along with the filmmakers, Indie fashion designers and Indie musicians with get a chance to showcase their talent and win amazing awards and prizes.

For more info on Indie Fest USA 2008 and tickets visit www.indiefestusal.com

AHI Travel Offers Week in Provence

AHI Travel is offering a one-week Provence Escapade, designed to emulate the Peter Mayle book “A Year in Provence.”

The headquarters for the Provence vacation is Aix-en-Provence. Accommodations are at the Grand Hôtel Roi René. The package includes a guided tour of Aix-en-Provence, the “City of Kings and Counts” and an excursion to Avignon, where sights include the Palace of the Popes, a medieval citadel.

Optional excursions visit Marseille, oldest city and first trade port in France, and an outing to Arles and Pont du Gard. Also available is a tour of Chateau Virant, with tasting of wine and olive oil. Price for the “Provence Escapade” is from $2,679, including round-trip air from New York or Boston to Marseille and round-trip motorcoach transfers from the Marseille airport to your hotel. Included are accommodations for six nights at the Grand Hôtel Roi René, welcome and farewell receptions and full American breakfast buffet daily.

Extras include “cultural connection” lectures, services of an AHI travel director throughout your trip, a deluxe travel wallet and all air fuel surcharges, air taxes and air security fees-no additional charges-plus $250,000 flight insurance.

From Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit and Dallas/Fort Worth, the package price is $2,729; from Atlanta and Houston $2,779; and from Portland $2,949. Land only cost is $1,690. Departures are also available from other U.S. cities.

Dates in 2008 are Nov. 10 to 17 and Nov. 22 to 29.

For more information, call 800-323-7373, or see www.ahitravel.com .

Southwest Airlines Vacations Disney Discounts

Southwest Airlines Vacations is giving a discount of up to $570 off the hotel room portion $125 off air portions of complete vacation packages of five nights or longer that include roundtrip flight plus a Walt Disney World Resort stay, representing $695 in savings. Packages must be booked by July 27, five days before travel Aug. 3-Sept. 27. Sample prices listed below are for a five-night package that reflects these savings and include: r

oundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines into Orlando; five-night hotel accommodations & hotel taxes; Disney Theme Park Tickets are also available for purchase; Disney Resort Benefits; Disney’s Magical Express Roundtrip airport/hotel transportation; Extra Magic Hours; Rapid Rewards credit on flight portion; 24-hour traveler assistance.

Sample prices per person double are: Disney’s Pop Century Resort from Nashville, $374; Baltimore/Washington D.C. (BWI), $409; Chicago (Midway), $449. Disney’s Polynesian Resort from Nashville, $894; Baltimore/Washington D.C. (BWI) $929; Chicago (Midway), $969. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside from Nashville, $469; Baltimore/Washington D.C. (BWI), $504; Chicago (Midway), $544.