Folks in Louisiana holding their breath

Just returned from Louisiana where I spent time talking to folks around St. Tammany Parish. Life isn't easy here especially now. Faced with arduous hardships and many a hurricane that have left a path of destruction, these people for the most part, have a strong resilience toward disasters and seem to dust themselves off each time they face one.

Read my story in the Philadelphia Inquirer on how they are now holding their breath over the BP oil spill.

What's the future of Louisiana's shrimping and tourism industries?

Darren Frickey, a fifth-generation shrimper, has been out all night fishing and is now preparing for his umpteenth shrimping mission before things get real bad. Thing is he says, scooping up a handful of medium brown shrimps known as “golden boys,” this year’s yield has never been better.

“There’s so much shrimp out in those waters. I was real busy before the oil spill hit the Gulf. Now we’re trying to catch as much shrimp as we can before the oil comes,” he explains aboard his boat, the Halania Juna, docked at the Rigolets Marina about the shrimp surge in Lake Borgne.

The big question is how long will the shrimping last?

Folks along Louisiana’s Northshore in St. Tammany Parish are nervous. A 45-minute drive north from New Orleans along the Causeway Bridge, this largely bedroom community of the Big Easy ain’t so easy these days with the imminent threat of oil spilling into Lake Pontchartrain, the US’s second largest saltwater lake.

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French Dirt

Bestselling author Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence, about a man's quest to grow a garden in a small French village, spawned a movement of urbanites who fled to the countryside in search of a simpler rural lifestyle. Now the French Tourism Office makes it easy for visitors to connect with their inner Mayle.

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Why tourism matters in LA more than ever

These days there’s no getting around talking about the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Mention Louisiana and you’re most likely to envision oil and gooey black tar balls making their way up the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge.

Well I can tell you it ain’t so. I just returned a few days ago from Shreveport, LA and St. Tammany Parish and the folks down there want your clients to visit.

Tourism is a big industry here, and right now this state is desperate to keep its local economies afloat.

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Healthy and Happy at FITCuba

FITCuba 2010, Cuba’s international travel fair, had some 2,000 reps from 30 countries descend on the biggest Caribbean island last week. Just in time to be a part of the country’s new entry policy requiring all foreign travellers to purchase travel medical insurance.

So what happened?

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mycompass.ca

Think Florida is hot in summer?

We love Florida. Even the Toronto Blue Jays think so. Dunedin Stadium is their home for spring training and it’s stocked with Labbatt’s Blue – that, and hearing the Canadian anthem sung before a game, makes it feel like a bit of Canada along Florida’s coast.

While you might not have Florida on your radar over the summer months the incredible summer discounts and the dollar at par could change that.

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One on One with CTC Prez

So what makes the president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission tick? Find out in my new column.

Canada on Centre Stage

While most viewers who sat transfixed in front of the TV last February watched the winter Olympic games, it turns out the Canadian Tourism Commission was watching them.

“Our strategy was not to focus on spectators but the 3 billion viewers who watched The Games,” said Michele McKenzie, president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission.

McKenzie shared insights on the Olympics at a new exciting speaker series for ad execs and media planners hosted by the Institute of Communication Agencies and Ad Women of Toronto, a new group worth checking out for those in sales and marketing.

So how do you get those clients?

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Park City Stars

I know some get a kick when they can identify a place with some celebrity connection.

So, just a week after the Sundance Film Festival I was half expecting to see some star power lingering on for some l’apres ski around Park City, Utah maybe even a Robert Redford sighting. Fingers were crossed.


Now, if you say Team USA members in bobsled, luge, and skeleton have star power (and that they do) then yes, I managed to hang with the best.

But the day didn’t start that way. The streets were visibly bare; it was mid-morning. I swore I saw some tumbleweed roll past the Egyptian Theater which only a few days earlier was rife with cine-fans marching in their stilettos.

Instead all attention was focusing on the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. Team USA had descended on the snow peaked Wasatch Mountains ready for some last minute training.

We drove to the bobsled/luge/skeleton track (theirs cost an estimated US$25- million while ours, the Whistler Sliding Centre cost $105 million).

“Come on over here. I want you to meet our champions,” motioned a flaming red headed Carl Roepke, himself a seven-time US national champion who will be the official Olympics announcer for all the slider competitions (luge, skeleton and bobsled).

“The only choreographed part is winning the medal stuff. Everything else is me,” he says hitting his heart and adding before he goes live to millions of viewers he’ll visit the track.

“I breathe it all in and will walk up the track to really feel it,” he said describing the moment he’ll arrive at Whistler’s now all too infamous sliding center in which Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died in a tragic training accident.

Then there was Bill Schuffenhauer, prepping his bobsled called Sea Biscuit. The 2002 Olympic silver-medal winner in the four-man bobsleigh helped the US. end the 46-year medal drought was now gently polishing the razor sharp race runners. “It’s going to be a good time,” he revealed about the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Ask me if I was becoming a spy? I couldn’t believe how accessible the national teams were. There they were sans handlers with no red tape. No police brigade. There I was standing next to the world champion skeleton daredevil darling Noelle Pikus-Pace with her blond locks streaked in blue and red. “I grew up in a family of eight and have five brothers,” said Noelle, the youngest in the brood. What do you say to someone who careens 90 mph down the icy track, face first?

World champion bobsled winner and US gold Olympic hopeful Steven Holcomb was feeling no anxiety when I mentioned the fastest sliding track on earth. “I’m ready to win,” said the Park City native confidently.

Still wishing to add more star sighting experiences, I figured you might as well go straight to the source and find out from some of the venues who hosted some of the stars during Sundance.

Why was Park City so popular among the glitterati? Was there some star dust in these sugar-coated mountains? Was it something about the 7,000 foot elevation? True, it’s the stomping ground of the Sundance Kid himself. I heard Mr. Redford, as the locals like to address him, drives himself to the events in his Prius. There’s no pretense.

Jesus my Mexican-American chauffer (I know I said there’s no pretense but really there isn’t…just a lot of money) says Bill Murray flew charter and stayed at a friend’s lodge with a private ski run located next to the opulent The Canyons Resort which interestingly was recently purchased by Talisker, a Toronto real estate company.

Toronto expat and Park City resident Robin Rankin who now heads the Kimball Art Center laughs when the film festival’s mentioned. “Oh yeah, I managed to attend a screening and when I turned around I couldn’t believe Bill Gates was sitting behind me just there with the rest of us.”

Considered the town’s cultural hub, the Kimball Art Center transformed into the Sundance House and was the scene for “The Celebration of Music in Film” a seminar with guest speakers Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt. But somehow the two were having such a good time, the evening morphed into a free acoustic set. “Lyle was awesome,” beamed Robin.

Back at my own lodgings, the Sky Lodge, which sits adjacent to Redford’s restaurant Zoom, ace sales guy, Bill Ekblad, toured us through the star smitten penthouse and raved about the week’s VIP parties and celebrity interviews staged there. Singer Bono from U2 is known to have also stayed on another occasion. When he arrived, it’s reported 17 pallets arrived with him for his short three-day stay. “He loves skiing,” said one insider.

Now that gives “packing light” new meaning.

The thing I found about Park City is it doesn’t matter when you visit. The hospitality is genuine. Myles Rademan, a member of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Organizing Committee who helped mastermind the success of that Olympics said it best.

“We put the party back in the Olympics. We didn’t wait for others to plan it for us. We did it ourselves. We organized a whole lot of things as a municipality to promote ourselves as the fun place to gather. We had a story. We had a theme. And people were drawn to that.”

Turns out the evening I had dinner with Myles, he says our own Olympic organizers were still calling him a week before for advice.

Call it star power.

photo credit: Stephen Smith/mycompass.ca

Pop The Cork: Here's what's happening in 2010

You heard it here. 2010 is the year of big anniversaries, gonzo (re)openings, parties, special events, and massive developments. Here’s a sneak peek at some of what’s planned for the world stage.


Hug the Earth

The event: 40th anniversary of Earth Day
The date: April 22, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: When you pick up your new desk calendar flip to April. Lots have happened since the first Earth Day back in 1970 when former US Senator Gaylord Nelson started the movement. There’s been an oil crisis, genetically modified food and global warming as examples. Now hug a tree and get ready to celebrate Earth Day.
http://www.earthday.net/earthday2010


NORTH AMERICA

Cheers to the XXI Olympic Winter Games

The event: The 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics
The dates: February 12-28, 2010 and March 12-21, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: It’s the second time the winter games will be hosted in Canada. The sporting events will be split between Vancouver as the main host city with Richmond and Whistler. Athletes from over 80 countries are expected to descend on our favourite snow destinations. Tickets are available from $50-$350. Order by phone call toll-free 1-800-TICKETS (1-800-842-5387) or visit vancouver2010.com
http://www.vancouver2010.com/
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/olympics/index.htm


Cupid slings an arrow

The event: The 400th anniversary of Cupids, the birthplace of English Canada
The dates: August 17, 2010 - August 22, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: This tiny British settlement founded by John Guy helped spawn further British settlements inland. A fascinating site worth visiting.
www.cupids400.com/


Sizzling Santa Fe

The event: Santa Fe’s 400th anniversary
The dates: Year round
Why it’s a big deal: Here’s a city that boasts many accolades from the the highest capital city in the United States (try 7,000 feet above sea level) to reams of accolades from magazines like Conde Nast Traveler and Forbes Traveler. Now the city of 70,000 residents is planning a year-round birthday party. Hotels are putting together discounts and specials.
http://santafe400th.com/


Fab Florida

The event: Tampa to get a slew of openings perfect for the family market
The dates: Vary
Why it’s a big deal: Sure Tampa’s got lots of kiddy fun but now get ready for the new state-of-the-art 53,000 sq.ft Glazer Children’s Museum set to open in 2010 and watch for the already wildly popular Busch Gardens set to welcome the gang from Sesame Street with its Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

The event: Fort Lauderdale is the new home of the world’s largest (for now) cruise ship, RCI’s Oasis of the Seas.
Why it’s a big deal: The 5,400 pax cruise line dwarfs the skyline at Cruise Terminal 18, the new home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
www.oasisoftheseas.com/

Viva Mexico

The Event: Mexico’s Bicentennial Independence Celebrations + Centennial of Mexican Revolution
The dates: year round
Why the big deal? It’s 200 years of independence and 100 years after the big Mexican Revolution. One of Canada’s favourite sun destinations will be launching six history routes of which three will showcase military campaigns from the Independence Movement and three will retrace trails from the Mexican Revolution.
http://www.bicentenario.gob.mx/english/


SOUTH AMERICA

Lovin’ Lima

The event: the 475th anniversary of Lima
The date: January 17-18, 2010
Why it’s a big deal? This Spanish colonial city dubbed the “City of Kings” is planning big fireworks, music concerts and dance troupes strutting in colourful costumes.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Singapore facelift

The event: Three big hotel projects
The dates TBA 2010
Why it’s a big deal: Looks like Singapore is going head to head with the “other” gaming capital of Macau as three massive hotels are set to open. Watch for Marina Bay Sands, touted as Singapore’s first casino and resort. The multi-billion dollar development considered one of the most expensive to build in the world includes a “sky park” with gardens, lots of high-end restaurants, a museum, a mall and an uber chic swimming pool.

Over at the Fullerton Heritage Complex, which already has waterfront dining and entertainment to its newly refurbished hotel, there will be the new Fullerton Bay Hotel, a ritzy boutique property. Watch for the opening of Resorts World at Sentosa. This holiday island will be home to a Hard Rock Hotel and a Universal Studios theme park including the world's largest oceanarium and more.
http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/index.html

EUROPE

A Toast to France

The event: 100th anniversary of Lutetia Hotel in Paris
The date: year round
Why it’s a big deal: Considered an Art Deco masterpiece, the Lutetia when it first opened on the Left Bank in Paris was where the glitterati of the day sojourned. Think artist Pablo Picasso and performer Josephine Baker. It’s amazing what a department store can do and how it thought of everything. Built by Bon Marche, the department store sits across the street and makes a perfect resting pad from a busy shopping day. Special centennial packages are available.
http://www.lutetia-paris.com/en/?

Irish eyes are smiling

The event: The 1,500th anniversary of Enniscorthy
Dates: March 6, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: This wee town carries mass appeal. The former stomping ground of St. Senan who founded the town back in 510 A.D. will get an “Enlightenment Parade” packed with groups, bands and fireworks.

The event: The 800th anniversary of Athlone Castle
Dates: Early April-Early October 2010
Why it’s a big deal: Built by King John of England in 1210, this Norman castle dominates the town centre and commands the traditional gateway to the West of Ireland. Open from Easter weekend to early October, the castle features exhibitions and audio visual presentations, including the Siege of Athlone.
www.discoverireland.com

Guten Tag Germany

The event: Oberammergau 2010 Passion Play
The dates: May 13 – October 3, 2010Why it’s a big deal: The religious tourism market is heating up. Ever since this Bavarian town survived the Black Plague which swept through the town in 1633, residents staged the Passion Play as a thank you and vowed that every 10 years the play shall go on. Today, thousands descend in Oberammergau to watch a play that has been performed only by locals for centuries.
www.oberammergau-passion.com


The event: The Romantic Road turns 60
Dates: May-October 2010; opening ceremony May 7 and 8
Why it’s a big deal: Picture 400 km of nostalgia. The oldest holiday route in Germany --it’s purported to have spawned a series of Romantic Roads worldwide like Japan in ’82 and Brazil in ’98 -- will have revelers dressed in lederhausen and other fashion statements of the 50s for walks, bike rides and historical train rides journeying the road connecting 28 towns between Würzburg in Franconia and Füssen in the Allgäu. https://www.romantischestrasse.de/?lang=uk

The event: 200th celebration of Oktoberfest in Munich
Dates: September 18-October 3, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: The world's most famous beer festival will open its beer tents for the 200th time in history.
http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/

The event: Robert Schumann’s 200th birthday party
June 8, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: The town of Zwickau, in Saxony, celebrates a famous citizen’s 200th birthday with its annual Schumann Festival scheduled in June. Retrace composer Robert Schumann’s footsteps, stroll through the markets and beer gardens and see the composer’s birthplace.
http://www.schumannzwickau.de/en/default.asp

The event: 300 years of Meissen Porcelain
January 23, 2010 is the anniversary inauguration with special exhibitions and events planned year round.
Why it’s a big deal: For fine china buffs and lovers of the blue onion design, Saxony’s other famous patron concerns the famous Meissen porcelain factory. The crossed swords the company’s signature trademark is coveted by the finest art collections around the world.
http://friedrich.meissen.com/?lang=1

Turkish Delight

The event: Istanbul, Turkey becomes 2010 European Capital of Culture
dates: year round
Why it’s a big deal: The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year. Okay, Istanbul will share this title with Essen, Germany and Pecs Hungary. Istanbul is a big deal because the folks at ECOC say the city is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and as a result there are tons of cultural heritage sites spanning thousands of years. To boot, the city (population of approx. 13 million) is considered one of the most energetic cities in the world.
http://www.en.istanbul2010.org/index.htm


AFRICA

Cape Town Kick-off

The event: 19th FIFA World Cup 2010
dates: June 11-29, 2010 with the finals on July 11, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: It’s the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil. Insiders report this World Cup will inspire hope and aspiration throughout Africa. What a better way than having celebrities like South African born Academy Award winner Charlize Theron, soccer icon David Beckham and Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, lead the charge in presenting the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup a couple of weeks ago. Tickets are now available. Prices vary.
www.fifa.com/worldcup/

Holiday Travel Survival Tips

This is the busiest time of year on the travel calendar. So how do you survive the stresses?

1. Advance Online Check-in 24 hours prior to Departure
To avoid the long line-ups try checking-in online at home. But before you actually book your seat, go to seatguru.com in advance and find out what airline you will be travelling on and make a list of seats that look appealing to you. This way you’ve done your homework and can better determine where you wish to sit. Often times, the airline will have pre-assigned you a seat which depending on the flight capacity, you might be able to switch.

The point about online check-in is you can only do this 24 hours in advance.

2. Check Flight Times Before You Leave Home
Visit gtaa.com, the Toronto Pearson International Airport schedule

3. Smart Packing
This is a big issue especially with gifts and things. Remember gift wrapping a present does not in any way mean your gift will be exempt from Custom searches. It’s quite the opposite. Everything needs to be transparent, making the Custom officials do their job faster.

Make sure your carry-on luggage is within restricted liquid limits. Remember the Liquids and 3-1-1 Rule. That's any number of 3oz (or 100ml) or less of any 1 type of liquid, all of which must fit inside 1 plastic zip-lock bag. You can pick up empty refill bottles or travel-sized toiletries from drug stores or hold on to the tiny toiletries from hotel rooms.

For rules on packing requirements visit either the Voyage.gc.ca from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada or CATSA, the Canadian Airport Transport Security and Authority.

The CATSA has a handy “Pack Smart” list you can check which has a complete item list or a search engine you can use if you are not sure of some of your items.

Packing oversized objects like skis, a snowboard. Check with your airline on this. You might find it’s better to leave your skis and snowboard at home. If you’re planning a short ski trip many of these resorts are fully equipped for rentals. And if they don’t rent there will be a local tour operator nearby who could.

4. Arrive to the Airport Early
If you have an early morning departure overnight in a hotel near the airport.

5.Getting to the Airport
Leave the car at home if you can. The TTC actually has a #192 Airport Rocket which is an express bus to the airport from Kipling Station. For the price of a TTC ticket you won’t need to worry about the parking.

6. Check-in Luggage
Check-in only one bag if possible. Even better if you can travel light and carry on all your belongings. Go to luggagelimits.com for all the handy info.

7. Airport Security
Make sure you have all your documents and forms on hand at all times. You want to dress without hassle as you’ll have to remove clothing and shoes. TripAtlas.com has come up with an easy Tip Sheet you can download online. It’s called Secrets to Getting Through Airport Security. The CATSE publishes a list online titled “Speed up screening” on how to manage your bins, understanding the physical search and more.

8. Keep Hydrated and Eat Properly
Pack healthy snacks, lunches for flights as most airlines with the exception of international flights no longer offer complimentary food.

9. Coping with Kids
Thankfully most of the holiday travel will be short haul flights under four hours. But if you find you’ve got connecting flights or will be on a long haul, be prepared. In both cases, parents should pack toys, treats and try to keep kids under control. Other passengers will love you for it. Things like being mindful of your child kicking the seat in front of them or pulling a passenger’s hair etc…

10. Medications
Some travellers need their prescriptions. Just make sure you pack this in your personal belongings and have the necessary documentation ready to show the Customs officials. The pills should also be in their original labeled bottle.

11. Stay Healthy
You want to be mindful of germs. You can pack small packets 100 ml (trial sizes) or less of hand sanitizer for the plane and remember to keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose. To help you survive holiday travel, Cheapflights.ca has a handy Top 10 list of “Things To Keep In Your Hand Luggage To Keep You Healthy.” you can read it on their web site.

The list includes: taking an inflatable neck pillow and using your coat as a blanket. Many airlines are no longer providing pillows or even blankets. Antibacterial wipes to wipe down your seat area like the tray and TV monitor. Also carry fizzy Vitamin C tablets. They dissolve in water and can be taken during your flight.

12. Talk to your Travel Agent
Travel agents have a wealth of knowledge about your destination and your flight booking.

A Building Boon Hits Upstate New York

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK. Al Gore tells us. Sheryl Crow supports environmental causes, and hundreds of other celebrities are leaving their green thumbprint on the growing eco trend.

So what does a former industrial town in upstate New York do?

Syracuse, N.Y. -- quickly earning the accolade as “Emerald City” for environmental breakthroughs -- recently staged a Healthy Buildings Conference for academic researchers and other professionals from architecture, building products and services, public health, urban planning and environmentalist types.

And the timing couldn’t be better, report city insiders.

RIU Opens: the most talked about resort in Costa Rica

I wonder if singer songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk’s upcoming vow renewal at the swanky Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Costa Rica will go off with as big of a bang as dare I say a recent visit I made to this sun-kissed beach property?

But then again, I was on hand to celebrate “the” most talked about resort opening this Central American country has witnessed in a while.

Heralded as the hottest brother sister hotelier team, Carmen and Luis Riu did not disappoint and scrimp they did not. In between the usual speeches and ribbon cutting ceremony, the five-star property’s Matapalo Beach was the backdrop to a colorful fireworks show that set the night ablaze in bouquets of diamond glitter.

Surrounded by a sea of Costa Rican big wigs, the Riu’s even had the Costa Rican president on hand to bring in their celebrations. The President of the Republic of Costa Rica Oscar Arias Sanchez is no shrinking violet either. A Nobel Peace Prize recipient, he brokered peace in the 80s to this once civil war strife region of Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

But on this full-moon evening with 400 champagne-toting guests, Mr. Sanchez regaled on how wonderful this new venture will be for the economy and for the growing importance of the tourism industry there.

Wayne Noseworthy, product development director for Sunquest Vacations, was ecstatic about the night’s full pageantry but was even more elated that RIU has added this property to its collection of over 100 hotels and resorts in over 16 countries. “Sunquest is the exclusive partner with RIU and we are thrilled about this expansion.”

The Rius aware of the location’s isolated wilderness have thankfully bowed to sustainable practices and have made an innovative water filtration plant on-site which minimizes waste and maximizes reuse. Ever wonder where your shower water goes? At this 701-roomed all-inclusive resort, soapy waters from showers and washbasins are filtered, bleached and treated with ultraviolet light. After that, the water is reused for toilet tanks. Eco-loving clients will surely give high marks for that.

So why did RIU Hotels & Resorts open in Costa Rica? “Costa Rica is a destination that greatly complements our portfolio with its stunning scenery and beautiful beaches. The nature surrounds the whole travel experience and it really impressed me when I first visited years ago,” begins Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts who added the country is popular among Canadians with the main tour operators in America already working with the country.

Still in these economic times is it a good idea to open a new property? Luis admits the economic situation has affected the completion date on the RIU Palace Guanacaste which is currently slated for next spring.

“Of course the economic scenario was not the best one possible, but we believe in this destination and we want to respect the commitment we acquired with the local community and our partners,” he says and adds, “The opening of a new hotel is a long-term project and we can’t be stopped by temporary difficulties. RIU constructs and owns all of its hotels in America and Riu Guanacaste is no exception.”

Last month, the Costa Rican national newspaper ‘La República’ reported that the Guanacaste Tourism Board Director Mauricio Céspedes noted how the Riu Guanacaste is the only project in the region that actually opened on time this year.

Inspired by Spanish colonial influences, sky high ceilings mesh with walls decorated in the latest art collections by Spanish modern artist Martin Fernandez. Your clients have ample diversions to help them wile away the hours. By day, it’s a ginormous pool with a built-in jacuzzi, spa and fitness facilities and by night the casino and night shows are popular choices.

Located on the Pacific Coast local tour operators such as Swiss Travel and Guanacaste Tours can arrange for fun off-site activities. One day I managed to act like a monkey and hung out in a cloud forest, zip-lining across the tree-tops surrounded by howling monkeys.

If zip-lining in this jungle paradise is not your speed be a local cowboy, known as 'sabaneros,' and try horseback riding from a traditional hacienda into the wilds of Rio Negro Hot Springs. Your journey includes a refreshing dip in this mountain river. Another day we drove into the wild wet lands of El Viejo on the doorstep of the Palo Verde National Park for an out-of-this world river cruise along the Tempisque River. In between the egrets and kingfishers, we got a jolt as a pair of crocodiles decided to head toward the boat. Then white-faced monkeys scampered in the thick brush eyeing us as we eyed them. It was all good fun.

Now when Chantal arrives for her big day (it’s November 27th) undoubtedly she will have fond memories too. Right now her Facebook and Twitter accounts are describing her heavy duty work-outs in preparation for her bikini. She’ll need some mosquito repellant too. Happy 10th Chantal!

ET Canada will broadcast the wedding vow renewal between the Canadian songbird and Our Lady Peace front man Raine Maida on Monday, December 7 - 7 p.m. EST or 7:30 p.m. PST on Global.


To Know:
Riu Hotels and Resorts
For bookings contact Sunquest Vacations

El Viejo Wetlands

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

photo credit: Stephen Smith/mycompass.ca

African Horn Blower, SA

Need for Speed: Indy Chicks do "The Oval"

Instead of sporting femme fatale attire like in Thelma and Louise we’re decked out in sponsor-ladened fire-retardant coveralls, balaclava, gloves and shoes. With a blonde helming the steering wheel on a mid-western fall day sun overhead, Speedway Indiana never looked better.

Shoe-horned in a purpose-built two-seater racing car, sitting behind Indy 500 darling Sarah Fisher, I was ready to hit the world’s most famous racetrack, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Who said chicks can’t drive? read more...