Currently the hero of my life is taking care of the hero of my lifetime!  Conrad Hilton and his staff around the world have been taking mighty good care of my husband Richard.

Now, this man knew what he was doing when he started his hotel service program!

I don’t know how the Hilton Hotel employees and their service “system” manage to do it so well, but they have customer service nailed.  Over the past 10 years Richard has stayed almost exclusively in Hilton Hotels and usually comes back home with a good attitude partially because the hotel staff treated him well. 

“Thanks Conrad; you have made my life easier too!”

There are not many service organizations that please us these days.  I believe that there was a lot of emphasis on creating a good customer service experience back in the 1980s. 

For a short time it was noticed in a lot of consumer relationships.  I remember purchasing my first computer and the great service that went into that sale. 

Surprise!  I also remember buying a used car and getting terrific service during the sale. 

Most of that is long gone.  Companies who had the word “service” in their corporate motto really didn’t mean it . . . it just sounded and looked great (especially on the cover of the corporate annual report).

Hotels have a rough time because the employee turnover is darned high in that industry.  By the time management gets an employee trained correctly – the employee finds another job, and the cycle starts all over again.  Consequently, I believe travelers see a lot of bad or simply unintelligent service.  It can create  a bad travel experience. 

And I should know –  if it’s your spouse…they’ll come back to you with knuckles cracking, eyes twitching, and other manifestations of anger! 

Warm reception and a smile...all a traveler asks for sometimes!

So, this morning I tip my hat to Mr. Hilton.  He did something great in the hotel industry.  Consistency of good service is not an easy task. 

We like his beds, the housekeeping, restaurants, bars, room service, and the staff. 

Thanks for setting a good standard!

I’m personally looking for hints on how our business can do the same.  Ideas such as shaking a customer’s hand, looking them in the eye and asking them HONESTLY “how’s your day going?”…these are little things, but I believe civility begins with the little things and grows into a culture eventually.  Is it possible we have grown less civil in the past decade or so, and need to re-group just a little?!

I think so.

By Andrea McCallum

SANTA surprised a group of special needs school children yesterday when he arrived at their Christmas party on a fire engine.

Little Saint Nick greeted the 60 kids from schools across Edinburgh with the fire engine’s sirens blazing and lights flashing to deliver presents.

And he was even welcomed with the sound of ‘Jingle Bells’ which filled the air outside the Hilton Hotel near Edinburgh Airport.

The kids had been invited by the Edinburgh Airport Disabled Fund who holds a Christmas party every year and buys presents for all the kids.

Mike Penman, treasurer for the fund, said the charity had been holding the event for more than 25 years.

He said: “We invite the 10 special needs schools from across Edinburgh every year and the fundraising is done through collection boxes which can be found in the airport.

“We have raised about 5,000 pounds this year and ask the teachers what the kids would like for Christmas and make a big list of toys.

“Anything we can do to make these kid’s lives a little bit better is why we do this – it’s a great event to get all the kids together and have fun.”

Every year a group of children from each of the city’s special needs schools attends the party which goes ahead thanks to the BAA Edinburgh Airport Fire Service, Hilton Edinburgh Airport and the Edinburgh Airport Disabled Fund.

The kids were treated to clowns, music, a magician and a disco before sitting on Santa’s knee whilst he handed out dolls, toys, cars and games.

Jane Kaczynski, a teacher at Braidburn School, said: “They had a fantastic time and were really excited about coming along.

“It’s great for them to come together with other children from the Edinburgh schools.

“It’s just such a lovely event for the charity to put together and it’s one of the highlights of the calendar for the school.

“The children were so excited when they found out they were going to see Santa and they couldn’t wait for him to arrive.”

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is fourth largest urban area in United States of Pennsylvania. This city is one of most popular tourist destination which attracts so many visitors and enjoys their colorful days. This city has its own unique identity as an international travel because of its famous travel and attraction places. In this city visitors find all those place to which them they want to enjoy like adventure places and nature loving place. This city also offers an attractive view of skylines and attracts all visitors for their comfort. For comfort and luxurious you can stay with hilton philadelphia hotel and can search also cheap hotels with discount offer on reservation.

Hilton Hotel

Hilton Philadelphia is one of most famous and three star accommodations where mostly visitors love to stay because of its world class facilities and location which is closer to all major places. This hotel is located at half a mile from international airport at Island Avenue. This hotel greets all visitors with a great smile because it is only and only one of best hotels in philadelphia to which we can say that it is our home.

Hilton Hotel Guest Room

If you see amenities of this hotel then you can all of them at other hotels which are so expansive but there you will enjoy them at discount offers. For tourists this hotel has three hundred thirty one rooms with nine floors. The hotel also offers room service, free parking, business center, wireless Internet access, 24-hour front desk service, and airport shuttle service. All guest rooms feature multi-line phones, voicemail, free local calls, cable TV, in-room movies and video games, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, and individual climate control. If you want to really enjoy you luxury travel with budget then stay here and enjoy your moments of life.

Sorry I missed last week, the musical and Operation Red Nose had me running on empty.  Here is what’s happening in our fair city this week… and there is tons going on to get you in the holiday spirit:

• CHEER ON THE OLYMPIC FLAME (Tue 24, Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, 5-8pm -FREE)  www.uptownsj.com
• Introduction to Wine w/ Peter Smit (Tue 24, Happinez Wine Bar, 7-9:30pm – $35 + HST) Pre-registration required.
• Meet the Artist: Sue Hopper (Wed 25, Saint John Arts Centre, 12-1pm – Free)
• All you can eat wing night (Wed 25, Boilerworks, 6pm+)
• Operation Red Nose Volunteer Info & Training Session (Wed 25, Boilerworks, 7pm sharp – Free munchies & info)  Fill out your application form at this 1/2 hour session!  
• Holiday Fashion Party (Wed 25, Je Suis Prest Boutique, 7-9pm – Fundraiser for The Coverdale Women’s Centre)
• Open Mic w/Brent Mason (Wed 25, O’Leary’s Pub)
• William Forrestall – Artist Talk (Thu 26, NB Museum – Market Square, 7-9pm – Regular Admission)
• FUSION Party with a Purpose: TIES 2 Work (Fri 27, Hilton Hotel – Lower atrium, 5:30-7pm – Free)
• Dave Shoots, Bookseller: Christmas Open House (Fri 27 & Sat 28, 40 Coburg St., 8am-5pm)
• UPTOWN SPARKLES – Open House (Fri 27 & Sat 28, Uptown Saint John, 4-9pm & 10am-5pm)
• Warm Drinks & Cool Tunes – City Market Open Late! (Fri 27 & Sat 28, Saint John City Market, 5-8pm & 11am-2pm - shopping!)  
• Ron James – Mental as Anything (Fri 27, Imperial Theatre, 8pm – $48)
• Barnacle (Fri 27 & Sat 28, O’Leary’s Pub, 9pm – Regular Cover Charge)
• OPERATION RED NOSE (Fri 27 & Sat 28, Driving you home in your own car, 9pm-3am – FREE!)  CALL US!  693-6810
• Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri 27, Market Square Atrium, 6pm – Free)
• Sea Dogs vs. Drummondville (Fri 27, Harbour Station, 7:30pm – $10.50-$16)
• Bigg Medicine (Fri 27, The Blue Olive, 10pm – $5)
• Uptown Saint John’s Traditional Holiday Open House:  Full calendar (Sat 28, 8am-10:30pm – FREE)
• Wendy Neilson & Friends Red Carpet Gala (Sat 28, Imperial Theatre, 7pm – $50-$250 Fundraiser) *black tie optional
• Sidekick (Sat 28, The Blue Olive, 9:30pm – $5)
• Sea Dogs vs. Quebec (Sun 29, Harbour Station, 4pm – $10.50-$16)
• The Straight Ahead Show “Git-er-boil’n” (Sun 29, Imperial Theatre, 7:30pm – $23)

Nearly 17 percent of all jobs in Nebraska and 16 percent in Iowa are tied to franchise businesses, according to the International Franchise Association. That point was a key reason the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce on Thursday hosted its first Midwest Franchise Seminar.

The event, was an opportunity for businessmen and women to hear directly from franchisees and to learn more about the successes and horror stories of investing in franchises rather than starting their own small businesses in a down economy.  (read more Omaha World-Herald)

Le Meridien & Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Click for Hilton hotel and Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur.

Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Official Website
3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, 50470 Malaysia.
Map
Experience this vibrant city at its best when you stay at the Hilton Kula Lumpur Hotel, located just 28 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport by KLIA express. Gaze out over the city center as you swim laps of the pool, with tropical sun deck, or indulge in a holistic spa treatment. Visit nearby Kuala Lumpur attractions and take a stroll in Lake Gardens, visit bustling Central Market or marvel at the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers.

Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
Official Website
2 Jalan Stesen Sentral,Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, 50470 Malaysia.
Map
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur is set in the finest location of the Kuala Lumpur Sentral precinct—a perfect gateway to the contemporary marvels and historic charm of the destination. The capital and largest city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a hub for cultural activities and art appreciation, highlighted by the celebrated National Museum, Philharmonic Hall, and National Theatre.

The hotel is a short 28-minute train journey from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Just a short train ride from the hotel takes you to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur offers 11 meeting rooms, a fitness centre and free-form swimming pool.

The hotel is just minutes away from the famed sites of the Kuala Lumpur – including the MidValley Megamall + The Gardens Shopping Center, Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Central Market and Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur. The lush greenery of the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens and the winding pathways of the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park are just minutes away.

A great brand is a terrible thing to waste … or destroy. It can take decades to build a brand and months to kill it. The Holiday Inn was once a great brand. It was ruined because it became inconsistent. You had no idea what kind of hotel you might end up in when you selected a Holiday Inn.

McDonald’s went through a similar bout of inconsistency from which they appear to be recovering. In Ray Kroc’s day you could count on a McDonald’s to be a McDonald’s. That consistency began to slip away after his death and became very noticable in the 1990s. However, they do appear to have re-focused.

This brings me to today’s rant about the DoubleTree Hotel chain, which is part of the Hilton Family. I am writing this post from the DoubleTree in Farmer’s Branch Texas. This is not the first DoubleTree I have stayed at that can make you wish you could upgrade to a Motel 6. I’m not real picky about my hotels, but I do expect certain things from a business class hotel. A work desk (got one of those). Power outlets at the work desk. Well, not so much since the lamp and coffee maker are plugged into the only two there are. Not a big TV watcher, but I do like a modern selection of TV channels so I am not stuck only with left biased media (need some right bias as well to balance things out). Gonna get a big dose of one-sided bias for the next two days and will wonder what else is going on in the world when I get out of here.

And then there was the shower. I’ve not had a hot and cold shower like that in many a year. Random water temperature is great fun … just not what  I had in mind this morning. I was thinking about how long it had been since I had this much fun in a hotel room and I realized that the last time this happened it was at another DoubleTree. Is a pattern emerging? Could be, but I don’t plan to find out as I am taking DoubleTree off my acceptable hotel list.

BTW, one reason for this rant is that Hilton only gave me 500 characters to explain my issue to them. I told them to visit the blog since 500 characters wasn’t anywhere near enough. I’ll let you know if I hear from them. Remember, if you make it hard for your customers to complain to you, they will just complain about you.

Mitch

Five months ago, I had my trip at Singapore with my friends. First time we decided to stay at Orchard Parade Hotel because It was the cheapest hotel around Orchard Road. However, we changed our hotel to Hilton, Singapore because this hotel provided special rate “Stay 2 nights free 1 nights” especially included buffet breakfast for 2. I think, this price was not expensive and if you have register the member of this hotel, you will also get bonus points from Hilton.

Well, this hotel made me impressive with lovely and nice staff. Our room as Deluxe room, King Bed was very softly and made us slept well every nights, also LCD 32″ in room with many favourites TV programs. On the top floor, the sport club is very clean and lot of hi-technology exercise equipments and I loved the swimming pool although it is so small but it is design very cute. I recommended everyone to get a breakfast at this hotel because this hotel provided many nationalities menu (also Thai Foods) and everything is very delicious and made me out of control my weight.

If I will have a chance to travel in Singapore, I will stay at Hilton Singapore again. (If I will get this promotion).

Let’s see my photographs of Hilton Singapore !

The Entrance. BTW I like LCD 32" WoW!

King Bed, it's white, softly and very clean.

Well-designed Neon-Light and Sofa.

Multi-Equipments on the top of King Bed.

Elegant desktop !

Variety of Drinks (very expensive)

Free Minibar (except snack) ToT

Freshy Salad especially Salmon !

Delicious American BF, Big sauces are Yummy !

My friends ! Would you remember ? Paper Bag which we could took BF from Cafeteria and safe our lives.^_^

Classic Face Wash

Excellent Shower Kits

Let's sleep in the bathtub

Or take a shower !

Lovely Hilton !

.marilyn monroe photographed by tom kelley on the twenty-seventh in the lusty month of may 1949.

.arline hunter as miss august 1954 in playboy magazine.

.anna nicole smith photographed by dirk kikstra at the las vegas hilton hotel for mao mag in 2004.

Readers of this blog range from those “Too Young to Remember” to those “Old Enough to Remember”. But both age groups have high school reunions every 5 or 10 years. There are reunions for college too, but this post will deal only with high school.

Some graduates dread the day they are emailed reunion information or find an invitation in the mail box. Others have been waiting patiently for the time to come to find out where and when the next reunion is being held. They can’t wait.

Which are you? Do you dread it or are you one who can’t wait? I have been both in the past. For years 10 and 20, I had a spouse and it was easier to go. Other years, I was single and always found it harder to go alone. So I have missed my last 25 years of reunions and shame on me for all I missed.

I bring this up because I just went to my 45th reunion for Norte Vista High School. For Novi grads, a summary of our reunion will follow. I hope those who did get a chance to attend will find it interesting. For those who weren’t there, I hope you get a feel for the fun we all had. We missed you!!

But before I go on, let me say to those of any school who dread the reunions and do not attend, you are missing out on a lot of fun. I know there are many reasons (you might call them fears) some people don’t want to attend. For example, my job is not much and I will feel like what I do is not important. I have gained weight and everyone else will be the same as they were. I have lost all my hair (I know all about that one) and every other guy will have full heads of hair. I won’t know what to talk about. I didn’t go to college. No one will remember me. You can see the reasons or fears could go on and on. But those, and any other reasons, are bogus.

I had some of those same fears this time around. Bald, too much weight, hadn’t kept up with lots of old friends and of course, what the heck will I wear. Well, guess what? There were lots of guys with chrome domes; many had put on a few extra pounds and others who had not connected with old grads for years. None of that mattered. We had the wonderful time over a 3 day period and now I can’t wait for the email that announces our 50th reunion.

Now, for the classes of 1964-67 at Norte Vista High School, here is a summary of our 3 day event. Anyone else is welcome to read on and see the type of things you might plan for your next reunion.

THURSDAY

About 20 of us met at the school and the Athletic Director gave us a tour of the campus before the football game. There were so many new things on campus since we were there as the first graduating class. There is a performing arts center, a swimming pool, a new fabulous gym, and a football stadium. We had none of those things. Remember, we had to go to Ramona to play our home football games.

During our tour, the AD took us out to the field as the players warmed up. The head coach came over and answered our questions and then the players, on their own and without coaxing, began to shake our hands. What an impressive display it was.

The AD told us about all the athletes from the school that had been professional in their sport. He told us about other former students that had gone on to great heights in other endeavors. It made us feel very proud of our Braves. The AD handed out cushions, mugs and towels during our tour. He could not have been more accommodating, and those who were there enjoyed it very much. Then the kids went out and won 54-25 and went to 6 – 0 on the season. During the game, the PA announcer read our names. And to top it all off, Cathy Caulfield Moberly, one of our group, won the $95 fifty/fifty drawing.

After the game, most of us went to a local sports grill and had pizza and beer. The conversation was easy and there were lots of “do you remember when” stories. We ordered way too much pizza and some of it made its way to my car, so I had cold pizza for breakfast the next morning.

FRIDAY

On Friday evening, we arranged to meet at the hotel where the actual reunion dinner would be held on Saturday. It was an informal gathering so we could unwind from the week, meet up with old friends and tell some more great stories about things we did back in the day.

Here is how one attendee described the night: Friday night was a hoot. We sat around for the longest time trying to figure out ‘who was who’ till we got the great idea to ask ‘who is here for the reunion’ and it started the ball rolling. Some were recognizable and others took a few minutes to figure out (no name tags yet). We ordered some pizza (not again) and appetizers and about 20 of us stayed until 10 pm.

SATURDAY

The reunion dinner arrived on Saturday. Those who had not been at either the Thursday or Friday events began to arrive and lots of hugs followed. Shirley Dinkel Kerr spent hours putting our individual photos on mugs and had each person take a mug and find that person and present it to them. I got lucky. I had just finished talking to twins, Jerry and Terry Moffitt, when Shirley handed me a mug to deliver. It was Jerry Moffitt….lol. Flashes on cameras were working overtime and everyone was getting reacquainted.

Inside the banquet room the tables were all set and at 8 am it was time for dinner. Frank Cawthon led us in prayer before we enjoyed grilled chicken, rice and vegetables followed by a yummy cheesecake.

Unfortunately, during dinner, the DJ didn’t play any of the songs that had been requested by graduates via email. The DJ had already played them while the room was empty and we were out in the foyer hugging and taking photos.

After dinner, there were some very meaningful things that took place. Ribbons were presented to the graduate who came from the furthest (Liz Sanchez flew in from Hawaii) and who had the most children (Kris Williams and her husband John with 6). Then there was a tribute to former teacher, Mary Lou Morales, who attended the reunion as she always does. A number of former students told personal stories of how Mrs. Morales had framed and influenced their lives. Keith Crist took some good natured kidding from Mrs. Morales as one of her worst students ever.

Many members of the choir came on stage to lead us in the singing of the alma mater. It was a beautiful thing to hear. I was told it was in the key of C, but I wouldn’t know a C from a E, but it sounded great.

Chuck Durrwatcher provided a recording he had done of the song Memories. Chuck has done a number of CD’s and has a voice that reminds me of Robert Goulet. During one point, I was singing along with an Elvis Presley’s song when I looked up to the stage and saw it was actually Ed Hickham singing live. Another Novi graduate who can sing very well. Mrs. Shaw would be proud.

Mingling after dinner was great trying to find the people you most wanted to connect with. The music was good and yes, there was dancing. John Di Perry has not lost his touch at all on a dance floor. When he and Darlene Harris Ravin danced it was just like a sock hop at the Novi gym.

SUNDAY

At about 12:30 am, a small group of us decided we were hungry. So off to the local Denny’s we went. We had so much fun going over all the fun things that had happened during the night. We managed to get out of there by 2 am. Some went back to the hotel and others drove home. And then we were back at the hotel at 10 am for Brunch. More photos, more hugs and many farewells. It began to wind down and come to an end. But what a wonderful 3 days!

None of those fears I mentioned earlier came into play. For me, it was like no time had passed and I was talking to classmates as if it were 1964. We didn’t look the same but it didn’t matter. I met some people I didn’t know well, or at all, back then. I heard some stories I had never heard and they made me laugh hilariously. Some of those who were at their first ever reunion said they can’t wait for the next one. That is the ultimate compliment as to how the entire reunion went.

There are photos being compiled. Some are already on face book. If you do not have a face book account and want me to send the photos via email, please send me an email and I will get them right out to you.

Go Braves!!

Abi Mowbray

Syon Park’s animal conservation centre is to be demolished to make way for a new Hilton hotel.

Tony Purdy founded The Tropical Forest on the Duke of Northumberland’s estate nearly two decades ago. Since then he has educated everyone from toddlers to Grannies on exotic wildlife.

The centre gives people the chance to get up close and personal with parrots, lizards and lemurs to name just a few.

“Look guys this is Elvis the Crocodile. We rescued him from a zoo that closed down. If we weren’t here he wouldn’t have anywhere to go.” Keeper, Richard Sharp takes kids round the park at feeding time.

But Elvis’ future hangs in the balance once again. As The Tropical Forest’s lease expires next September, and Purdy’s request for an extension has been blocked.

No lease extension

The extension is needed in order to allow time for a new location to be found for the centre.

Purdy said “We were hoping we could stay here until we found somewhere new but the Hilton said we’ve had plenty of time…I’ve been told by the Duke’s Estate that it was the hotel themselves who objected.

Purdy admits that though most of the animals will be re-housed, “there is a problem trying to find proper homes for the big fish.”

With the animals’ future looking bleak, the centre’s last hope lies in a six thousand strong petition that has been sent to London Mayor Boris Johnson.

“They have that petition (which includes names of celebrities and local councillors) it’s now about what they can do with it.” Said Purdy.

Council agreed demolition last decade

Michael Baxter, Agent for the Syon Park Estate said that the demolition of the Tropical Forest was agreed in the late 90s, as it is “architecturally inappropriate” and does not fit with the Estate’s long-term renovation programme.

Baxter also cited a legal obligation to the council as the reason for the demolition.

John Hardy at Hounslow Council, confirmed “When the planning permission was given for the hotel one of the obligations was that the Tropical Forest be moved.

“We have explored whether that could be lifted but it’s not something the hotel would want because the Tropical Forest would ruin their view. The Duke and the hotel don’t want them there.”

The Councillor is working to find a new site for the Forest but with Purdy unable to foot the huge bill of building a new centre, and the Council “unable to help them with the cost,” Hardy’s efforts look set to be nothing more than a gesture.

Abi Mowbray

Syon Park’s animal conservation centre is to be demolished within the year to make way for a new Hilton hotel.

Tony Purdy founded The Tropical Forest on the Duke of Northumberland’s estate nearly two decades ago. Since then he has educated everyone from toddlers to Grannies on exotic wildlife.

The centre gives people the chance to get up close and personal with parrots, lizards and lemurs to name just a few.

“Look guys this is Elvis the Crocodile. We rescued him from a zoo that closed down. If we weren’t here he wouldn’t have anywhere to go.” Keeper, Richard Sharp takes kids round the park at feeding time.

But Elvis’ future hangs in the balance once again. As The Tropical Forest’s lease expires next September, and Purdy’s request for an extension has been blocked.

No lease extension

The extension is needed in order to allow time for a new location to be found for the centre.

Purdy said “We were hoping we could stay here until we found somewhere new but the Hilton said we’ve had plenty of time…I’ve been told by the Duke’s Estate that it was the hotel themselves who objected.

Purdy admits that though most of the animals will be re-housed, “there is a problem trying to find proper homes for the big fish.”

With the animals’ future looking bleak, the centre’s last hope lies in a six thousand strong petition that has been sent to London Mayor Boris Johnson.

“They have that petition (which includes names of celebrities and local councillors) it’s now about what they can do with it.” Said Purdy.

Council agreed demolition last decade

Michael Baxter, Agent for the Syon Park Estate said that the demolition of the Tropical Forest was agreed in the late 90s, as it is “architecturally inappropriate” and does not fit with the Estate’s long-term renovation programme.

Baxter also cited a legal obligation to the council as the reason for the demolition.

John Hardy at Hounslow Council, confirmed “When the planning permission was given for the hotel one of the obligations was that the Tropical Forest be moved.

“We have explored whether that could be lifted but it’s not something the hotel would want because the Tropical Forest would ruin their view. The Duke and the hotel don’t want them there.”

The Councillor is working to find a new site for the Forest but with Purdy unable to foot the huge bill of building a new centre, and the Council “unable to help them with the cost,” Hardy’s efforts look set to be nothing more than a gesture.

]]> http://oldenoughtoremember.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/something-really-neat-happened-last-night/ Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:01:33 +0000 sdsu78 http://oldenoughtoremember.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/something-really-neat-happened-last-night/

We are having our high school reunion this weekend and last night a small gathering of us were at a Hilton Hotel having pizza and beer. We were seeing fellow grads we might not have seen in many years, as long as 45 actually. It was a wonderful time and the experience had to make you feel really good.

I was sitting and chatting with a fellow grad and her husband, Cathy and Don. I had not seen Cathy since school days. I had just met her husband last night. I told them that later that night I would be updating this blog and asked Cathy for a suggestion for Oldie of the Week. She said something by the Beach Boys so if you look at the Oldie of the Week, it is a Beach Boy song.

Then Don mentioned he is reading Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer. And here is the really cool part. He is reading it because he read my post of 8/31/09 which was: Stranded on an island; you get one book, which one? I selected Kane and Abel and now Don is reading it because of that suggestion. It made me feel really good that my little blog had been helpful to someone else.

So my thanks to Cathy and Don for visiting OETR from time to time. Let a friend know about it so others can enjoy the fun. Now I must get ready for our actual reunion dinner (rubber chicken of course) and go visit over 100 of my oldest friends.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has a habit of acquiring and nationalizing various businesses from gold mines to factories. This week he ordered the “acquisition by force” of a the Hilton Hotel on Venezuela’s Margarita island.

The resort hotel includes a 590-foot freeform swimming pool, casino, gym and a white sand beach.The hotel also includes the La Scala Restaurant and a bar. It has 280 rooms and 154 time-share suites. The hotel was recently the site of the Africa-South America Summit which was attended by Muammar Gadhafi (who set up his often controversial luxury tent on the beach), Robert Mugabe and others.

A few years ago, the government seized and rebranded a Hilton in Caracas. Now known as Hotel Alba it has been used to entertain Chavez supporters from around the world.

Last year, a law in Venezuela was passed which referred to the tourism industry as “public interest,” setting the stage for nationalization efforts when it comes to hotels and resorts.

We are moving so fast in this direction in the United States as to make your head spin.  We have an administration who is attacking free speech on every side and who has as a world view and desire that this country be transformed into a socialist society.  Our president has shown more love to Hugo Chavez than he has citizens of his own country who happen to disagree with the direction he is taking us.

H/T:  Luxist

Posted:  10.14.09

The strangest thing happened to me. The boys are off from school in a couple weeks for a teacher conference. Thinking that it would be nice to surprise the boys, who have been asking to take a trip to Burlington, we decided to book a hotel and stay overnight. Give the boys a chance to enjoy “the big city” and bring the grandparents along for a little mini vacation. Since Tom’s parents have not been to Burlington before, we wanted to stay right in town, within walking distance of the Lake and Church Street. I went onto to the Hilton’s website to book our stay. Tom stays at Hiltons when he travels and it just seemed natural to book our stay with them, rather than someplace else. I put in my search request for 2 rooms, 4 adults and 3 children. I came up with no available rooms. Odd, I thought since the first time through when we were playing with the idea in our minds, we had a plethora of room choices in differing price ranges. I tried several more times, playing with different configurations and came up with this conclusion – Hilton must dislike children. I could book the same rooms that I was trying to book with my three boys without them with absolutely no difficulty. The second I included children in the mix, suddenly I got the message “Sorry  no rooms meet your criteria” (Criteria – I am looking for 2 rooms with double queen beds) I don’t think that my criteria is too high – all I want is a room to sleep in. Evidently, this is not a problem as long as I don’t bring my children along for the ride. If I want them to stay with me, suddenly that room and all the other rooms in the hotel are suddenly “not available”. So, what conclusion can you draw – other than Hilton does not like or want my children in their hotel. I am disturbed by this, since Hilton doesn’t apparently like my children, especially since they have never met my children. I am the mother of three teenage boys, 12, 13 and 14 who are well-behaved, polite boy scouts who hold doors open for adults and have manners. They have stayed with us in hotels on many occasions and we have never, ever had any type of problem with them, so I honestly cannot understand why Hilton hates them and won’t let us reserve a room with them. Here are screen shots of my Hilton website experience:

Trying to make reservations with the kids:

Same reservation request – minus the children:

Eliminate the kids and suddenly – a plethora of room choices -

The only logical conclusion that I can come to is that Hilton’s website for reservations must be out of whack, I certainly cannot believe that this major hotel chain dislikes children and won’t let me book a room online with my kids, whom it has never met and therefore cannot dislike. Is it just my kids or does Hilton dislike children in general.  That would be discriminatory and just plain wrong. Hilton, we are trying to give you our money and you just don’t seem to want it! Please, oh please Hilton, say it isn’t so.

I don’t really know how Nasreen planned her fabulous day of wedding festivities with Philip – she works, she goes to school, they just bought a house – and yet they had a series of gorgeous events at the downtown Minneapolis Hilton. After a short Muslim ceremony, Nasreen’s brother oversaw a more traditional wedding and then on the the reception, which featured a few Afghan traditions, a lot of dancing, and a afghan pop singer!

It is kind of still a whirlwind for me of red shoes, gorgeous golden rooms and awesome details. Congratulations, Nasreen and Philip, and thanks for letting me be a part of your wedding!

Hey Guys,

Well today I landed in Miami at 7.30am – The flight was shit and I didnt sleep a wink… I truely thought we was going to crash!! Anyway my driver collected me and took me straight to set as I had a long day ahead of me. The guys at Brazzers always lokok after me and there was fresh coffee waiting yey!
I went into make up, AMAZING Amy actually airbrushed my foundation on!! So Impressed… I was Beautiful in no time!
We then hit the Beach to shoot the Dialogue and abit of fun! We had such a giggle – Im not going to give away the theme of this shoot but as u can imagine with me, Asa Akira, Enzo and Carlo it was pure sexy hotness! After 4 hours of Beach fun we headed to the Hotel to shoot the real filth… OMGGGGGG there cocks were huge (it was for Pornstars like it big) lets just say I cum several times…
So here I now am in my hotel room – Lush… The Hilton Fort Laurderdale on the Beach mmmmm…

Tomorrow I am shooting in the Life of a Pornstar – U know its going to be WILD

Don’t forget to use the coupon code “Discount” for the One Day University Events!  You only pay $99 per ticket with the code!

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Award-winning professors from Harvard, Yale, Brown, Princeton, Dartmouth, Columbia, Penn, Cornell and other top-tier schools come together to offer an exciting classroom learning experience. These unique events are a fresh opportunity for professionals, retirees, or even recent grads who feel nostalgic for a time when life was more about learning than job performance.

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Our program allows students-for-a-day to rediscover the joy of education by journeying back into beloved subjects and exploring new ones. Remember those classes you were fascinated by, but never signed up for? Or remember that class you wanted to take with a renowned professor-but it always filled up too quickly? Now you can take those courses at One Day University.

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One Day  University is truly the most stimulating day of college available anywhere. Our class lineup lets you partake in the latest thinking on world affairs, science, politics, history, art, literature, and more – and you don’t need to spend $45,000 an academic year to enjoy it!. We have are no entrance exams, no SATs to ace, and absolutely no stress.  Just engaging classes taught by the most sought-after professors from America’s most prestigious schools.

Yesterday the Largest Mixer attended the Ontario Chamber Mixer (co-sponsored by the Inland Empire Business Journal) at the Hilton Ontario Airport Hotel. As the Hilton was recently renovated, the venue of the mixer was superb. As if the Hilton wasn’t already one of the most beautiful hotels in the industry, it now exudes even more of a stylish and sophisticated air than ever before. Almost any business event including conferences, holiday parties, and meetings, would be a perfect occasion to book the Hilton. The hotel staff pulled out all the stops for the mixer and provided some  fabulous food including sushi, a carving station, and an array of desserts.

Just a few of the people we ran into at the mixer were Michael T. Bailey, Senior Financial Advisor of Ameriprise Financial, Jose Becerra of Aflac, and Mary Hollenbaugh, Retail Sales Manager of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (proud media sponsor of Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer).

We’d like to thank Neil Poisson and Bette Gill for organizing such a  fantastic event. We look forward to the next one! We’d also like to thank William Anthony of the Inland Empire Business Journal for all of his help in making the mixer a successful event.

For those of you reading this who are current exhibitors for Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer III, get excited because the big VIP Kick-Off Event is also going to be held at the Hilton Ontario Airport Hotel in just a few weeks! For those of you reading this who aren’t signed up to be exhibitors yet, we still have some booths available, so hurry to make sure you’re included in this special event! Look forward to seeing you all there!

(For information on how to get the Hilton Ontario Airport included in your next event, call 909-980-0400 and ask for Bette Gill).