We’ve wrote a little bit on the wall about Location Based Services (LBS) and how they could tie into mobile tourism products or the current trend in online travel video production/distribution. Here is a pretty cool section cut from a HotelMarketing.com article. It waxes a little love on the 5 Hottest Hospitality Trends According to Microsoft. There is a big push on the horizon for mobile advertising & marketing services - no doubt about it. Over at Bounce we’re interested in how this will push into the travel industry and help people experience perfect travel with ease (sound famaliar?). If you’re really interested, try Googling “mobile tourism services” to kick up some head scratching research on the topic.

Find yourself (and pay for lunch). People in the hospitality industry have found a variety of uses for new radio frequency identification (RFID) technology?from helping guests find each other at a ski resort to allowing them to pay for a meal. That?s because, increasingly, this technology is gaining traction with hotels and resorts in the form of cashless payment systems that can be used on-property and, more and more often, off-property as well.

For example, at Wild Rivers, a water theme park in Irvine, Calif., RFID locator bracelets can be preloaded and used to pay for food and beverages (which is especially useful when everyone?s wearing a bathing suit). The RFID systems, developed by Guest Technologies, have yielded an almost immediate return on investment. After the system was introduced at Wild Rivers, guest spending quadrupled, with the average family of four spending twice their normal amount on meals.

Another key capability of this offering is location-based services, where groups of individuals can be instantly found at the property, simultaneously allowing for more freedom and security in these safety-conscious times. ?Imagine taking a group of seven 12 year-olds to a water park for a birthday party,? says Frizzell. ?You can go to any information kiosk in the park and instantly find where all of the kids you are responsible for are, and what activities and payments they have made, using their RFID bracelet. All of this is enabled through the implementation RFID and location-based services, using Microsoft technologies and Microsoft MapPoint Location Server.?

For more information on RFID technologies in the hospitality industry, please see this Guest Technologies article.

The Guest Technologies product is developed in the Microsoft Visual Studio development system with the Microsoft .NET Framework. It also relies on Microsoft BizTalk Server to help integrate applications and technologies from disparate systems, and Microsoft?s MapPoint Location Server for location-based services.

How, when, and where it all plays out will be subject to which parties decide they want a shot at a piece of the pie. Hotels are naturally in an advantageous position to deliver mobile based tourism services built on such technologies as RFID and/or GPSish applications due to their point of consumer engagement in the travel product lifecycle. Another party whom we think could carry a large interest in this type of play are destination specific tourism boards interested in delivering support for the very products and services that support their corresponding ecomony.

Some aspects of these plans are: a) An initial down payment towards enrollment in the program b) Monthly installments to the dental-discount company c) Discounts on cosmetic procedures that are not normally covered by insurance plans. These plans are quite different from dental insurance plans, in that they do not have a monthly deduction from the paycheck. This plan also does not place a constraint on the holder by limiting the patient to a dentist, as do insurance schemes. Under a discount plan the patient can visit a member dentist anywhere and still avail the discount benefits. Therefore, these plans do not come under the purview of the state insurance department. Due to their ease of operation and availability, they are by far the most preferred dental benefit options. Consequently, a lot of companies have this as their main scheme. Like most of the other dental plans they can be purchased online; however, it is always wise to approach the exchange of confidential details with caution. Dental insurance plans that are designed to cover patient’s dental treatment costs come in two forms-individual dental insurance and group dental insurance. Because of the large number of participating members, group dental insurance plans have the benefit of providing a wide range of coverage at controlled rates. Apart from individual coverage, some group plans also extend coverage to the employees’ families. Individual dental plans, as the name itself suggests, are purchased by individuals. They have the option of buying coverage for themselves or for the entire family. Buying insurance for the entire family makes good economic sense because dental insurance by its very nature is preventive. This is because most dental diseases can be prevented by regular check-ups, dental cleanings, and fillings. This is, of course, true for people who follow the regular regime of brushing their teeth both in the mornings and evenings. It is a well-accepted fact that sooner or later, some member or the other is going to require dental treatment. Let us suppose that a root canal treatment is required. Without dental insurance the cost of this treatment could burn a deep hole in the patient’s pocket. In this situation, dental coverage provides the perfect umbrella for the rainy day. Also, in case of group plans, consider a situation where both someone and their spouse are working in companies that provide family dental coverage. In this case, they will get the double benefit of being covered by under their own company’s plan and also that of their spouse.

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Insurance, Car-Insurance, Auto-Insurance, Life-Insurance, Homeowners-Insurance

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With a population of over 80 million, modern Egypt is a far cry from the stereotyped, uninhabited desert of which many people still think when they hear the name. A rich history, a scorching climate, and 2,450 km of coastline mean that for any holiday maker, Egypt is the ideal destination. Situated in Northern Africa, Egypt has coastline on both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and neighbours Libya and Israel. The country's landscape varies throughout, from the dry Sahara in the west, the beaches of the north and east, all the way down to the agricultural banks of the River Nile. Visit Egypt for a holiday filled with sun and culture- the perfect way to escape the wet British summer! So whether you will be paddling in the Red Sea at Sharm el Sheikh, or sunbathing next to the Mediterranean in Marsa Alam, walk like an Egyptian with On The Beach today!

Unique Experience

So if you’re still considering whether Egypt is right for your holiday, then think no more. Egypt really does have everything. Marvel at the sheer magnitude of the pyramids, investigate into the history of the ancient civilization and even adventure into the desert. How many other destinations can boast such superb individual opportunities, as well as glorious sunshine to top up your tan! Long gone are the days when the word Egypt conjured up images of camels and sand- all the modern necessities for a tourist destination are in place- high quality nightlife and the finest cuisine. For an all round holiday experience, Egypt is number one! To make sure that our customers have access to the best Egyptian holiday deals available, we have developed an online booking engine that lets our users select from the cheapest flights and a wide range of hand picked hotels. Book with On The Beach today!

An architectural landmark in the heart of historic Old San Juan, El Convento, offers an ideal combination of traditional elegance and modern technology. Luxurious accommodations, combined with impeccable service, El Convento’s ambience creates an overall guest experience unmatched in Puerto Rico. Long recognized as the Grande Dame of Old World boutique hotels. A true classic, El Convento stands proudly as one of the most beautifully restored landmarks in Puerto Rico and is recognized for its welcome atmosphere of sophistication without pretension, providing its guests with style and traditional hospitality, making for an unforgettable stay. Visit Website

So a late-night iChat between the two Canadians will just have to do.

It’s been a while since Super Deluxe debuted a new Can’t Sleep with Dave Foley episode. Many of you dear blog readers probably didn’t even realize there was such show on this infernal site. Well, there is. And the new one with Mike Myers is up and definitely worth watching.

Which reminds us, has anybody seen the trailer for Mike Myers’ new movie, The Love Guru? It’s…um…strange. Three things: 1) Jessica Alba AND Justin Timberlake are in it, 2) Mike looks like Devendra Banhart and 3) his lack of a stereotypical “Would You Like A Slurpee?” Indian accent is glaring. Not saying he should have one, but he hasn’t exactly ever shown restraint in the Stereotypical Accent Department before, so why start now?

Just saying.

Fans of fictionalized polygamy will be happy to know that Ginnifer Goodwin has been hard at work and is currently in the midst of production on HBO's "Big Love." But last night the actress took a break to host a dinner (at the Beverly Hills home of impresario Sam Nazarian) honoring MaxMara's Nicola Maramotti and the fashion brand's long involvement with Women in Film, the nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and recognizing, you guessed it, women in the film industry. In the interest of mutual support, tonight Goodwin will receive MaxMara's Face of the Future Award at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards Gala. (Also being honored are Diane English, Salma Hayek, and Sherry Lansing.) But then it's back to work, to satisfy those who can't wait to see what dramas are set to unfold in Sandy, Utah.

Check out dental insurence website and Dental insurence Plansblog for all the latest articles on dental plans and dental insurence Most companies provide dental insurence coverage to their employees. Group dental insurence can prove to be an advantage in the sense that since a large number of employees are involved, greater benefits can be provided at lower costs. But what happens to people who are self-employed or to those whose companies are small and don’t provide dental coverage? The answer to this lies in purchasing individual dental plans and this is where the dental insurence companies come into the picture. Realizing profitable business opportunities in this business scenario, there are many companies who are now providing affordable individual dental plans. The working arrangement is simple, these dental insurence companies tie up with dental service providers who then provide patients treatment at reduced rates if they buy their dental plan from them. These days, there are many companies offering dental insurence plans. Before buying a package, it is absolutely essential to do some homework. People have to start somewhere and so the best thing to do is run an online search and narrow down on a few companies and do a comparative study of the plans they offer. People must note down points such as what is actually covered by the plans, additional benefits, deductibles, and monthly premiums. Another item of importance is what the plans offer in terms of preventive treatment and of course also emergency treatment. The cost should be another major factor, for it will include your monthly or annual fee as also the co-pays for which the patient will be responsible for all visits.

Technorati Tags: insurance, Auto-Insurance, Health-Insurance, Life-Insurance, Home-Insurance, Homeowners-Insurance, Homeowner-Insurance, Dental-Insurance, Home Insurance

Insurance, Car-Insurance, Auto-Insurance, Life-Insurance, Homeowners-Insurance

Tags: Insurance Information

We are the only intimate but contemporary hotel on Nevis where the value offered is as outstanding as the setting. And because we are a mere mile above the sea, we enjoy a constant breeze, low humidity, and one of the best vistas you will see in the Caribbean. Our view is spectacular. Our accommodations are comfortable and gracious. And our restaurant is one of the best on Nevis. You can completely take advantage of your holiday or simply do nothing at all. You can park yourself on one of those great hammocks by the pool, soak in that killer view and have an occasional rum punch. We call that liming, which means hanging out and forgetting about your worries. Visit Website

"In this town, where we get obsessed with a lot of things frivolous like hair and makeup and fashion, we need to be at least as obsessed with politics," rallied Kerry Washington last night at Nanette Lepore and the Creative Coalition's Fashion Votes event, held at the designer's Melrose boutique. The bipartisan gathering attracted a colorful crowd, from Perrey Reeves and Alfre Woodard to Illeana Douglas and…Tom Arnold. "I am always, just so you know, when I am up on the hill, dressed in a Nanette Lepore suit," Washington continued, thanking the designer for her contributions to the coalition, whose aim is to increase political awareness and voter turnout. She then warned, "And if you're not registered, don't let me find out about it, because I will hunt you down."

Hilarious Quote on T-Shirt

Heaven is where the police are British, the chefs are Italian, the Mechanics German, the lovers French and it is all organized by the Swiss.

Hell is where the police are German, the chefs British, the mechanics French, the lovers Swiss and it is all organized by the Italians.

Unfortunately for the creator I forgot where I found this.

You HAVE to hear the following voice clip of a guy in Texas who witnesses a car accident and gives play-by-play details of four little old ladies retaliating.

My mother and I can’t stop laughing at this guy’s laugh. SO FUNNY!

For those who may have heard this already, it is begging for another listen.

Oh, and the man pictured above is from a random pic and is in no way affiliated with the tape. Since there’s no video footage, I thought the pic would make a nifty visual.

Here ya go: do click here.

What a riot!

Note From El Douche A: Right off the bat, I would just like to state that I do not find anything funny about the late Terri Schiavo or anything related to her tragic story. I found this blog entry in extremely poor taste and strongly considered not allowing Sane Dave to post it altogether. However, I realized that by not giving it the chance to live whatever life it was destined for, I would have been committing the same act of murder those plug-pullers down in Florida did against Terri.

So, I gave it a second chance. And as you can see, it went into another coma. Sane Dave was unable to make it any better. Or any worse, for that matter. Mercifully, it passed away all on its own.

iChauffeur have published a video of their eco-friendly Lexus Hybrid chauffeur car.

The video demonstrates the advantages of using hybrid technology with regard to emissions and pollution.

The video also shows just how luxurious the car is. There is also an iPod video download available too.

Is this how the  new M1 should look?

This photoshop popped up over on FreshTarmac and set a stir to automotive web portals describing it as a BMW M1 that had been spied in Spain.  We're not buying , as it just looks like a bunch of BMW features slapped onto the body of an AUDI R8.  Look at how the rear end of the car resembles the lines of the R8 as well. The lights ? Straight from the BMW 3 Series, the hood and aero kit - from the new M3.  We're guessing this chop was put together by H0SS Forero, and applaud his efforts. 

We you like the new BMW M1 to look like this?

[Via FreshTarmac.com]

Clear, Complimentary Bags Available at all Security Checkpoints at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – September 11, 2007 – The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has made the stringent air travel regulations a little more “transparent” for those flying from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Destination-branded, clear plastic bags – a Federal Aviation Administration must-have for travelers carrying on liquids such as shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream or makeup – are now available FREE at all security checkpoints throughout the airport.

The bags, bearing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tourism logo, are designed to hold several three-ounce containers – the maximum container size that can be carried on to planes.  Travelers who forgot or misplaced their clear plastic bags during their vacation will be able to keep their toiletries in tact, as well as take home a handy, last-minute souvenir from this beach chic destination.  

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is making available approximately one million of these branded bags, and encourages travelers to fly now while supplies last.

“The new branded airport bags are a practical, convenient and effective means of keeping Greater Fort Lauderdale top-of-mind to travelers even after they’ve left the destination,” said Nicki E. Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only will travelers always remember their trip to the destination, they won’t have to keep throwing away their favorite hand cream or perfume just because they forgot their clear plastic bag.”

The magnificent colonial quarter of Santo Domingo seems to have stopped the hands of time, taking you back to 1502. Listed as a “World Heritage Site” by Unesco, its remarkable buildings include the original home of the town’s founder, Governor Nicolas de Ovando. Located on the street still known as “Las Damas”, the first paved road of the New World, this palace has been expertly renovated and turned into a 5-star luxury hotel complete with swimming pool, fitness center and exquisite restaurant. Visit Website