four properties, TONS of holiday cheer!

 

halekulani (oahu, hi – www.halekulani.com): 

• december 12 – 24: twelve days of christmas at halekulani

each day, guests of halekulani are treated to surprising, thoughtful, exclusive and complimentary holiday festivities. from poolside snow cones and limo transfers to the ‘rodeo’ of hawaii…this is a tradition beloved by return guests.

• december 24: halekulani’s santa claus arrives by outrigger canoe

as the sun sets over waikiki, young children of hawaii dance hula and sing in anticipation of halekulani’s beloved santa claus who surfs into waikiki beach every year. santa hosts an exclusive halekulani children’s party and an elegant adult’s reception together with the general manager.

• december 31: halekulani new year’s eve extravaganza

halekulani celebrates new year’s eve with a formal gala of fine dining at la mer and orchids featuring festive entertainment by the honolulu symphony and a fireworks extravaganza over waikiki beach.

 

waikiki parc (oahu, hi – www.waikikiparc.com):

• happy holidays and welcome to the parc. this year, the hotel is pleased to present its third annual “a cool christmas at the parc” which is inspired its guests. from december 16th – 25th waikiki parc invites guests to experience daily festive experiences. enjoy daily matinee holiday films poolside in the roof-top  home theater, merge and check out the chicest nine days of festive fun in paradise, including events at nobu waikiki, leading up to the big day!

 

the lanesborough (a st. regis hotel, london – www.lanesborough.com): 

• from december 13 – january 3 the lanesborough is offering special holiday rates which include champagne and petit fours, daily car parking, sony vaio laptops in all guest rooms, high-speed wireless internet access, unlimited movies on demand, fresh fruit and mineral water replenished daily, tea and coffee on arrival and with wake-up calls, as well as 24-hour butler service. nightly rates start at 355 gbp for a deluxe double to 575 gbp for an executive junior suite.

• from the 1st november 2009, ‘apsleys – a heinz beck restaurant’ at the lanesborough offers its collaboration with dom pérignon, a nine course tasting menu. served throughout november and december, the heinz beck and dom pérignon tasting menu represents the exclusive partnership of two globally respected names in the world of fine living. this exceptional menu comprises some of the finest ingredients and wines in the world, including herbal infusion with tuna tartar and tea sorbet and a selection of rare dom pérignon oenothèque vintages, such as vintage 1995 and vintage 1969 – of which there are only a few bottles remaining.

• london’s premiere hotel warmly welcomes guests over the festive season to experience and enjoy the delights that the city’s foremost address has to offer. soft candlelight, open fire and traditional decorations create the perfect ambiance for a luxurious christmas. in addition, michelin-starred chef heinz beck and his team have created a sumptuous array of temping menus to be enjoyed with friends and family, accompanied by the finest wines and champagnes.

nemacolin woodlands resort (southwestern pa – www.nemacolin.com)

• the resort is currently offering 3 – 5 night nemacolin holiday packages for stays between december 20, 2009 – january 4, 2010. enjoy accommodations and a $300 per day resort amenity credit to be used towards holiday special events, dining, spa services, retail and much more!  the possibilities are endless and the memories are long lasting!
  
• nemacolin elf tuck-ins - nemacolin elves tuck in children with classic bedtimes stories and stocking full of goodies (1/2 hour visit).
  
• in addition, the resort is hosting a number of events in conjunction with the holidays from a visit with santa at heritage court, gingerbread workshops, holiday cookie decorating & hot chocolate gatherings, and a christmas day holiday movie marathon to make this a truly memorable time.

perfect curls for the holiday season …

 

got curly hair? know someone who does? check out this great travel sized stocking stuffer kit, just in time for the holiday season!

ouidad classic curls kit

give the gift of great hair. ouidad is offering awesome holiday gift sets with her best sellers at a discount. the sets contain everything you need to stuff stockings with gorgeous looking curls, or treat yourself!

celebrate classic curls kit includes:

• clear & gentle essential daily shampoo (2.5oz)
• balancing rinse essential daily conditioner (2.5oz)
• climate control heat & humidity gel (2.5oz)
• botanical boost moisture infusing & refreshing spray (2.5oz)
• 12 minute deep treatment intensive repair (2.5oz)
• wide-tooth detangling comb
• ouidad’s how-to guide to effortless curls

suggested retail:  $35 ($46 value)

visit www.ouidad.com for a complete list of all 2009 holiday kits – there is something for every curl!

happy hour is something special in san francisco …

 

“happy hour” in san francisco isn’t just for office workers marking the end of another day’s work.  at the bars and lounges located in the city’s hotels, it’s a chance for visitors to celebrate their good fortune just to be in san francisco.

fortunately for both visitors and locals, several hotels are offering special drink prices and nibbles to make those hours even happier.

the san francisco convention & visitors bureau (sfcvb) has some suggestions:

345 club lounge / mo bar at the mandarin oriental
222 sansome st.
www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco/dining/mo_bar/
in the tradition of great hotels, mo bar is the social center of the mandarin oriental, in the heart of the financial district. the bustle of city streets gives way to an intimate setting perfect for enjoying cocktails with taste.345 club lounge offers a "vip happy hour" mon.-fri., 4:30-8:30 p.m. with specials that include $3 bottled beers, $5 sangria and $7 premium wine selections. guests may enjoy watching sports or joining others for one of the bar's fun event nights including poker night, ladies movie night and more.

bar 888 at the intercontinental
888 howard st. at 5th st.
www.grappabar888.com
bar 888 features in san francisco’s newest hotel features classic and contemporary cocktails – including specialty grappa-based drinks - and pour fine wines from both the old and new world. happy hour is mon.- fri. from 4-8 p.m. with $5 and $6 beer specials, $7 wines, cocktails for $8.88 and delicious bar bites created by chef dominique crenn of newly michelin-starred luce restaurant.

 
bar 1915 larkspur hotel
521 sutter st.
www.larkspurhotelunionsquare.com
bar 1915 in the heart of union square, offers half-off wines by the glass and draught beer along with specials on pizzetta, panini and hand crafted salumi.  chef robert helstrom of kuleto’s restaurant has designed an interesting menu to appeal to visitors and locals alike. happy hour is 4:30-6:30 p.m. daily.

caruso’s at the westin st. francis
335 powell st.
www.westinstfrancis.com/unwind
caruso’s was named after the caruso the distraught opera singer who moved from the palace hotel to the westin st. francis after the great earthquake and fire in 1906. he walked over in his bathrobe wit his entire entourage. caruso’s, located in the historic westin st. francis, is offering a new signature social experience, the unwind hour, featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of napa valley and beyond. sample premier wines paired with fine hors d' oeuvres. tues.-sat., 5-7 p.m.

cityhouse at parc 55 hotel
55 cyril magnin st., second floor of parc 55 hotel
www.parc55hotel.com
“cityhouse” restaurant and bar, located on parc 55’s renovated second floor, presents a modern take on american classics, specializing in steaks, chops and seafood flame-seared on the hotel’s signature wood-fired grill, while the lounge provides a hip and convivial setting for relaxing, connecting with friends, sharing small plates, and enjoying selections from the extensive wine and cocktail list. from 3 –7 p.m. tues.-sat., buy any drink or bar bite and get a second round for just 55 cents.

 
daffodil restaurant at the orchard hotel
665 bush st.
www.thedaffodilrestaurant.com
daffodil restaurant, located on the lobby level of the orchard hotel, serves hearty meals and delicious desserts that comfort the soul and the budget; its street-level bar is terrific for people watching while sipping on a glass of local wine. receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any signature cocktail  4-7p.m. daily.

infusion lounge at the hotel fusion
124 ellis st.
www.infusionlounge.com
infusion lounge is an asian-inspired sub-rosa lounge located in the heart of union square. happy hour special: tues.-fri., 6-8 p.m., $3 beers, $5 wine and $5 mixed drinks. a three-course prix fixe menu is available for $33.

knuckles at the wharf at the hyatt at fisherman's wharf
555 northpoint
www.hyattatthewharf.blogspot.com
knuckle's happy hour (mon.-fri.) is 5-7 p.m., with half price draft beers and house wines.  also featuring thursday night $6 house martinis, as well as themed buffet nights and monthly winemaker events.

kyo-ya restaurant at the palace hotel
2 new montgomery st.
www.sfpalace.com
located in the heart of downtown san francisco in one san francisco’s historic hotels, kyo-ya is the perfect place to meet friends, relax and unwind - all in a beautiful modern setting. happy hour in kyo-ya is mon.-fri., 5-7 p.m., with complimentary bar bites, $3 sapporo beer and $6 specialty cocktails, and award winning sushi at affordable prices.

 
la scene café & bar at the warwick hotel
490 geary st. at taylor
http://www.warwicksf.com
la scene is a personable yet vibrant bar in the heart of the theater district, steps away from union square. happy hour specials tues.-sat., 5 -6:30 p.m., with $2.99 beers, $4.99 house wine and $5 well cocktails.

lobby lounge at the ritz-carlton, san francisco
600 stockton st.
www.ritzcarlton.com
located convenient to the hotel entrance and to the ritz-carlton bar and dining room, the popular lobby lounge offers striking floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city. the popular gathering spot for guests and locals is set in a landmark nob hill building which is currently home to the ritz-carlton and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.the hotel’s weekly raw bar menu features a generous selection of fresh oysters and shellfish, complemented by optional paired wines, wed., 5-7 p.m., and the lobby lounge features a new diverse farm-to-bar bloody mary menu available daily.

redwood room at the clift
495 geary st.
www.clifthotel.com
the redwood room, a haven for san francisco bon vivants since the 1930s, is now offering a different specialty cocktail each week for $8, available during 5 p.m.– 2 a.m. sun.-thurs.;
4 p.m.–2 a.m., fri.-sat.

roots restaurant at the orchard garden hotel
466 bush st. at grant ave.
www.therootsrestaurant.com
roots at the orchard garden hotel serves contemporary american cuisine with a mediterranean flair and is committed to featuring local produce, naturally raised meats and sustainable seafood whenever possible; its cozy bar is a great spot for enjoying organic cocktails. happy hour special: receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of a glass of wine or signature cocktail between 4 -7 p.m. daily.

urban tavern  at the hilton san francisco union square
333 o’farrell st.
www.urbantavernsf.com
urban tavern is a newly transformed modern gastropub serving approachable food in a casual but sleek setting. happy hour specials include: half-priced cocktails, wine by the glass and $4 beer 3-5:30 p.m. a food menu of burgers and small bites are also available.

 
xyz lounge + w café at the w san francisco
181 third st.
www.whotels.com/sanfrancisco or
www.xyz-sf.com
keen to be green? w san francisco's eco-licious cocktail menu uses local, organic, sustainable and seasonal ingredients whenever, wherever possible. five at five for five-- five days a week. happy hour includes a selection of handcrafted organic cocktails, micro brew beers and biodynamic wines paired with organic bar bites by executive chef paul piscopo, all for $5 each. mon.-fri., 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the w café or  xyz lounge.

for general information on hotel packages and reservations; events; activities and transportation in san francisco, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com.  for lodging reservations, call 800-637-5196 within north america or 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (tty/ttd) elsewhere.

the san francisco visitors planning guide is available at the visitor information center, 900 market st., at the corner of powell and market streets, lower level, hallidie plaza.  a virtual edition of the guide is also available online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/weaver/sfovg208/  a visitor's kit may also be ordered online at www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com, by phone at 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (tty/ttd), by written request to the san francisco convention & visitors bureau, 900 market st., san francisco, ca 94102, or via email to vic1@sanfrancisco.travel.  domestic and international shipping charges apply.

san francisco international airport (sfo) offers non-stop links with more than 30 international points on 25 international carriers. the bay area's largest airport connects non-stop with more than 65 cities in the u.s. on 20 domestic airlines.  for up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com.

rent your travel reads …

 

if you’re anything like us, you buy tons of books for those travel situations when you know you’re going to be stuck for long periods of time in one spot – in an airport, on a plane or train, etc., etc. the problem is that these books can take over your apartment pretty quickly. why buy them, though, when you can rent your travel reads?

bookswim, the netflix for books is offering a $10 gift certificate for everyone on your holiday gift list! start the year off with a reading head start by suggesting your favorite book for your friend!

you can send all of your friends, family, coworkers, and service people in your community a holiday e-greeting from bookswim and include a $10 gift card free to them (and to you!).

you can select delivery dates and choose to send e-greetings and a $10 gift via email, or text message, or even print out your e-greeting and gift card to hand it directly. you can print out as many $10 bookswim gift cards as you need to include them inside each holiday card you send.

it takes only five minutes to send to everyone through easy connection to your address book (outlook, gmail, yahoo, etc.) or via facebook and twitter.  or just select a few email addresses to receive a bookswim holiday e-greeting.  there’s no limit to the number of people you can send free $10 e-greeting gift cards to.

personalize your e-greeting message:  you can even suggest a book your gift recipients should rent with their $10.

give more get more!:

select the special readers on your shopping list, add money to their gift card to give a few months or a full year of bookswim. 

remember the first $10 of every gift card is on bookswim.

*add $50, get a bonus gift of $50 restaurant.com certificate for you or the gift recipient.

*or double it with $100 to restaurant.com with each $100 bookswim gift card.

*or just keep everyone's gift card at $10 to help them get started reading with bookswim.

elliott lucca valeras saddle bag … a hot pick for winter!

 

check out the new elliott lucca valeras saddle bag with its sensual leather and sultry fall colors.  shop now at www.elliottlucca.com and receive free shipping on orders over $200!

 

traveling with gifts? forgetaboutit!

 

you’ve got your tickets. you’ve planned all your side trips. you’ve even packed your bags. but have you packed all those gifts you need to take with you to your destination this holiday season? yikes! don’t worry, though … you can ship virtually everything!

you've heard of black friday and cyber monday. now there is free shipping day, a one day online shopping event on dec. 17, when participating merchants offer free shipping to their customers with guaranteed delivery by christmas.

though the economy is still sluggish, more people plan to buy their holiday gifts online, according to the results of the most recent e-customer service index (ecsi), which indicates that 93 percent of people intend to surf the net for presents this holiday season. more than 71 percent are prepared to complete at least half of their christmas shopping online. free shipping day founder luke knowles says the level of interest in the second annual free shipping day shows that retailers have high hopes for the online holiday shopping.

more than 300 merchants have already signed up for this year's event and founder luke knowles expects more than 500 merchants will participate. merchants like toys r us, jcpenney, apple store, nike, sears, babies r us, eddie bauer, pacsun, petsmart, and adidas have confirmed they will be involved.

“merchants who participated in last year’s first free shipping day received such a tremendous response they almost immediately committed to being involved in this year’s event,” said knowles, whose site, freeshipping.org, is a one-stop destination for consumers to find online retailers that offer free shipping deals. “a growing number of retailers have contacted us to participate in free shipping day, thanks to all the media attention it has received."

black friday and cyber monday have become household names in the holiday shopping vocabulary. free shipping day is emerging as a widely known event among cost-conscious consumers during the holiday shopping season. in fact, free shipping day is the third part of the holiday shopping event trifecta.

“free shipping day is unique because it extends the holiday shopping season for merchants and allows shoppers who procrastinate to still find a good deal online,” knowles said.

knowles hatched the idea for free shipping day just two weeks before the event last december. in a sudden brainstorm, he thought that merchants would relish the opportunity to extend online holiday shopping, which typically peaks around dec. 10 because consumers are concerned about their gift orders arriving in time for christmas.

knowles expected a favorable response from retailers and consumers last year, but didn’t anticipate the overwhelming interest the event actually received. freeshippingday.com had 250,000 unique visitors in a 10-day period, including more than 100,000 on the  day itself. regional and national media outlets (including woman’s day, smart money, oprah.com and numerous newspapers and tv stations) covered the event.

free shipping day is a one day online shopping event on dec. 17, when participating merchants offer free shipping to their customers with guaranteed delivery by christmas. participating merchants include toys r us, jcpenney, apple store, nike, sears, babies r us, eddie bauer, pacsun, petsmart, and adidas. for more information, visit www.freeshippingday.com.

great gift ideas for the holiday season!

 

we know, we know … black friday is not even here yet, but we have some great gift ideas for you to get a jump on your shopping from avalon communications. take a look!

practicality and affordability are two buzzwords swarming around holiday gift-giving this year. avalon communications takes pride in representing clients whose products cater to both of these recession-induced demands.

according to a recent survey by black & decker and zogby, a staggering 70 percent of consumers plan to ask for necessities over luxuries this season. what’s more, the associated press reported in november that “this is the year of $25 and under gifts.” of course, that’s not to say that consumers no longer want to be pampered.

regardless of which camp shoppers fall into, avalon communications’ clients have everyone on your list covered. featured clients and their ideal gift-giving products include:

• games for dames, manufacturer of the laugh-inducing– what’s a dame to do?! board game.   retails for $29.00 USD(http://www.gamesfordames.com)
• spibelt, the original small personal item belt that affords on-the-go athletes hands-free freedom.  retails for $19.95 USD (http://www.spibelt.com)
• cool-it caddy, the revolutionary grab-and-go clutch bag that keeps health and beauty products cool in the hottest conditions.  retails for $39.95 USD (http://www.cool-itcaddy.com)
• explorer’s bounty, manufacturer of certified organic food products including coffees, teas, chocolates and puffed fruit snacks. retails for $2.49 to 12.59 USD  (http://www.explorersbounty.com)
• thermacell, maker of effective and affordable mosquito repellent lanterns and appliances. retails for $31.99 USD or less (http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/ )
• lovelyskin – provider of lumiere, skin medica, lumixyl and colorescience holiday gift sets. kits retail for $35.00 USD and higher (http://www.lovelyskin.com)
• brondell – developer of the perfect flush water-saving system and breeza and swash lines of luxurious and practical toilet seats. newly reduced prices begin at $79.00 (http://www.brondell.com)
• raw creations, creator of raw, gluten-free desserts that make ideal hostess/housewarming gifts; pricing begins at $9.00 USD (http://www.raw-creations.com)

“we’re fortunate to count among our clients companies whose products appeal to every consumer’s holiday wishes,” says kristyn moll, avalon communications managing director. “whether they’re seeking affordable, practical, luxurious or all three, shoppers will find something to check off their gift lists with our clients.”

we know you’ll find something for everyone when shopping one or more of these outstanding companies. who needs to fight the crowds on black friday when you’ve got such great gifts just a few keyboard strokes away?

diva editor’s tip: if you won’t be able to make it to some of your gifts’ destinations this holiday season, make sure you have the online companies you shop ship to your gift recipients to cut down on double shipping!

 

wazzamba – virtual travel made real …

 

check out this cool new virtual travel world, wazzamba, and sign up for the beta for the chance to win your dream trip!

hats off to philip pelusi’s tips for winter …

hats are the must have accessory for the fall and winter months, and nothing can mask a multitude of hair sins when you travel than a smart and fashionable topper.

but it is not always so easy to look good in a hat--here is the secret it is all about the hair.

celebrity hairstylist, philip pelusi reveals how to make your hair look great under the most common hat styles of the season.

 

hat style: fedora
hair style: contrast the angles of the hat with loose feminine waves.
why this works: loose feminine waves are a great way to wear your hair under a fedora.  this type of hat has very sharp “menswear” angles.  this is off-set by the softer hairstyle.
how to achieve this look:  this type of hair style works best on medium to longer length hair.  if hair has a natural wave, simply apply a curl enhancing products like p2® by philip pelusi® recurl to boost waves and beachcomber to add texture and let hair dry or dry with a diffuser attachment on your blow dyer.  if hair is straight, use a big barrel curling iron to add curls, some facing towards and some facing away from the face.

hat style: newsboy cap
hair style: create ballerina-esque bun at the nape of the neck.
why this works: wearing a ballerina-esque bun at the nape is perfect combination with this tomboyish type newsboy cap look.  also the newsboy cap is supposed to be worn low on the forehead and this tends to cover most of the entire forehead.  wearing a ballerina bun pulls the hair back off the face opening to face up.  
how to achieve this look:   part hair in the center and smooth hair back into a low ponytail at the middle of the nape.  use a hair smoothing bore bristle brush and a hair smoothing product like tela® beauty organics composure.  apply product to the ponytail also and brush smooth.  twist ponytail in one direction and wind around ponytail and secure with a few hair pins.  put on newsboy and you are ready to go.

hat style: beret
hair style: tuck the hair back into a side pony so that soft strands peek out.
why this works: a side swept ponytail is a perfect way to wear your hair under a beret.  a beret has a french romantic look and this feminine ponytail really compliments that.  tuck the hair back into a side pony so that soft strands peek out.
how to achieve this look: this look works best with straight or smooth hair.  create a side part and use a bore bristle paddle brush and a hair smoothing product like tela® beauty organics encore and brush into a low side ponytail at the nape on the opposite side of the part.  secure ponytail and put on beret.  the back of the beret should slouch to the opposite side of the ponytail.

 

hat style: shearling hat
hair style: pull the hair half-way back, then unclip when the hat comes off to get the hair's bounce back.
why this works: shearling hats are beautiful and warm but they often crush the hair.  a hair half-way up look is a great idea to make the hair look great while the hat is on and preserve the hair for when the hat comes off.  
how to achieve this look: style hair as usual and then apply a product that can act as a dry hair setting lotion like p2® by philip pelusi® increase. then divide hair in half from ear to ear and twist up the crown of the head and secure with a clip.  this will work as a dry set.  once you take the hat off and remove clip, toss to separate hair and revive hair with a hair refreshing product like as p2® by philip pelusi® refreshair®.

a timely discount from black dog publishing … 40%!

 

just in time for holiday shopping, diva in a carry on is delighted to offer our readers a 40% discount on featured titles at black dog publishing!

this offer is open until 31st december 2009.

from explorations of the personalities, events and movements that make up the fascinating history of fashion to design theory to the impact of the environment, sustainability and ethics within the industry, these books featured cover all aspects of fashion practice. we are also proud to include titles delving into the more specialist fields of fashion and design, from textiles to jewellery, and from paper to ceramic design – black dog continues to profile the work of most innovative artists and designers from exciting, emerging talents to established figures. black dog has also released eclectic craft books for the new millennium of craftsters, playing testament to a trend that is only going to get bigger.

interested readers simply need to email black dog publishing directly at jess@blackdogonline.com, with the subject line “diva in a carry on 40% discount” to receive the discounted rate. check out these great titles available for your diva discount!

 

covergirl’s got a look for you!

 

we love covergirl for it’s affordability (important in this economy!) but also for it’s amazing range of products – we’ve never been disappointed in their colors, textures and wearability. true to form, they update their lines frequently, and here’s a look at what’s coming in january 2010!

 

start shopping early, and update your look!

CONTINUED MISSING PERSON SEARCH – KAILA MORRIS – COLUMBUS, MS …

 

MISSING PERSON NOTICE FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN THE COLUMBUS, MS AREA!!!!!

This is a post regarding my friend Bonnie Morris Triplett and her missing daughter, Kaila Morris. If you live in the Columbus, MS area and/or know the family, PLEASE read and help with the search.

From Bonnie Morris Triplett - PLEASE HELP ME AND MY FAMILY.!!!

My daughter Kaila Morris is missing.

SHE HASBEEN ADDED TO THE NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DATA BASE.

Kaila Morris disappeared Thursday, September 17, 2009. She was last seen leaving her home in Columbus, MS around 8:00 P.M. She was seen getting into a dark colored van/SUV.

Kaila is a 21-year old female with dirty-blonde hair and green/grey eyes. She is 5'6" tall and weighs 230 lbs. She has the following tatoos: rose on left toe, keltic star and moon on tailbone, and 2 wolves on left hip.

Anyone with information in regard to Kaila Morris should contact CrimeStoppers at 662-494-0109. There is a reward for any information leading to finding Kaila Morris.

UPDATE: An Amber Alert has been issued for Kaila Morris. Also, she has been placed on the National Missing Person's list. Please, if anyone has any information please contact CrimeStoppers.

If you have any information about Kaila, please contact her mother at 662.327.3155

new years eve in nyc …

 

nyc & company announces details of new year’s eve celebration in new york city 

times square to be focal point for hundreds of thousands
of revelers and television viewers on december 31, 2009

nyc & company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for new york city, today announced activities surrounding the 2009 new year’s eve festivities. the year-end celebration brings hundreds of thousands of people to times square, one of the most famous gathering spots in the world. as visitors and residents watch the world-famous new year’s eve ball descend from the flagpole atop one times square at midnight on the last day of the year, the eyes of the world are squarely on new york city.

“there is no more exciting place to be on new year’s eve than times square in new york city—and revelers will find even more space to spread out, with this year’s closure of times square to traffic,” said george fertitta, ceo of nyc & company.

the times square new year’s eve ball is a 12-foot geodesic sphere weighing 11,875 pounds. covered in 2,668 waterford crystals and powered by 32,256 philips luxeon rebel led lights, the ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns, producing a spectacular kaleidoscopic effect atop one times square. the ball has been on display since jan. 1, 2009, and is a year-round attraction for visitors from around the world.

more than 100 million television viewers in the united states and more than 1 billion worldwide are expected to watch the ball drop, bringing even more visibility to the crossroads of the world.

the schedule for the new year’s eve festivities is as follows:

4pm

the revelers

revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on new year's eve. by approximately 4pm, the “bow tie” of times square (42nd–47th streets, between broadway and seventh avenue) becomes a focal point for the festivities. the nypd will direct revelers to gather in separate viewing sections. as one section fills up, police will direct new arrivals to the next section. as the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the times square neighborhood along broadway and seventh avenue, and as far north as central park.

6–6:03 pm

lighting and raising the times square new year’s eve ball

the celebration begins with the lighting and raising of the new year’s eve ball atop one times square.

11:59pm

the 60-second countdown

new york city mayor michael r. bloomberg and the times square 2010 special guest (to be announced) will push the waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the new year’s eve ball, and lead the 60-second countdown to the new year atop the countdown stage at duffy square (the center island from broadway to seventh avenue between 46th and 47th streets).

midnight

2010 sign

at the stroke of midnight, the lights on the new year’s eve ball are turned off as the numerals “2010” are illuminated high above times square.

several events will take place leading up to the ball drop, including:

confetti wishing wall–the confetti wishing wall will be at the times square information center, located at broadway between 46th and 47th streets). new year’s eve is a time when people of every background come together to express a collective hope for renewal; a yearning for a better personal or global future can sometimes take the form of resolutions or wishes. with that in mind, visitors to the information center are invited to write their wishes and resolutions for 2010 on pieces of paper, which will be displayed on the wall. for those who cannot make it to times square to add their wishes, a virtual wall has been created at timessquarenyc.org. at midnight on december 31, the wish papers will become part of the confetti that rains down on the city. (note: specific dates of confetti wishing wall to be posted at timessquarenyc.org).

good riddance day—the co-organizers of new year’s eve in times square (times square alliance and countdown entertainment) are inviting the public to say good-bye, once and for all, to those bad memories at the third annual good riddance day. shredders will be available for use in duffy square so everyone can discard their distasteful, embarrassing and downright depressing memories from 2009. (note: specific date of good riddance day to be posted at timessquarenyc.org)

 

other new year’s eve events in nyc:

for those seeking other new year’s eve entertainment options beyond times square, circle line sightseeing cruises is offering a new year’s eve party cruise, which includes a full open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a nonstop dj, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. tickets for the three-hour cruise are $120 (must be 18 for the cruise, and 21 to drink alcohol). for more information, click on the ”special events” section of circleline42.com.

if a new year’s eve run around central park appeals to you, check out the emerald nuts midnight run, hosted by new york road runners. there will be a dj and dancing at 10pm, a costume parade and contest at 11pm, and fireworks and a four-mile race at midnight. more information can be found at nyrr.org.

brooklyn residents and visitors can take part in the borough’s largest new year’s eve party at grand army plaza, which will include fireworks and live music. the best viewing locations for the fireworks are within grand army plaza, along west drive in prospect park, and along prospect park west between grand army plaza and ninth street. for more information, go to prospectpark.org.

for more information about visiting new york city, check out the city’s official tourism website at nycgo.com.

 

about nyc & company:

nyc & company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the city of new york, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of new york city worldwide. for more information on visiting nyc, visit nycgo.com.

super specials from the carlton, nyc …

 

radio city christmas spectacular

the radio city christmas spectacular is a glittering present full of fun and surprises for the whole family! enjoy the flawless precision of the radio city rockettes' in numbers like legendary "parade of the wooden soldiers" and thrill as santa takes you on a magical ride to his workshop at the north pole, where playful ragdolls come to life. everyone marvels at the stunning reenactment of the first christmas in the "living nativity.”

rooms start at $229, discounted rockette tickets through the hotel are $35, $45 and $65.

 

city shopping tour

where can you find the world's best shopping' new york city, of course! let the carlton hotel guide you to the best shopping opportunities manhattan has to offer on this exciting two night package. this package includes a private appointment with a shopping concierge, special coupons to local stores, and tickets to a shopping tour of nyc's trendiest boutiques in soho & nolita with shop gotham.

room rates start at $269.99 per person for a standard room.

both packages are available through the end of the year and can be booked by calling 1-800-601-8500 or at www.carltonhotelnyc.om

CONTINUED MISSING PERSON SEARCH – KAILA MORRIS – COLUMBUS, MS …

 

MISSING PERSON NOTICE FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN THE COLUMBUS, MS AREA!!!!!

This is a post regarding my friend Bonnie Morris Triplett and her missing daughter, Kaila Morris. If you live in the Columbus, MS area and/or know the family, PLEASE read and help with the search.

From Bonnie Morris Triplett - PLEASE HELP ME AND MY FAMILY.!!!

My daughter Kaila Morris is missing.

SHE HASBEEN ADDED TO THE NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DATA BASE.

Kaila Morris disappeared Thursday, September 17, 2009. She was last seen leaving her home in Columbus, MS around 8:00 P.M. She was seen getting into a dark colored van/SUV.

Kaila is a 21-year old female with dirty-blonde hair and green/grey eyes. She is 5'6" tall and weighs 230 lbs. She has the following tatoos: rose on left toe, keltic star and moon on tailbone, and 2 wolves on left hip.

Anyone with information in regard to Kaila Morris should contact CrimeStoppers at 662-494-0109. There is a reward for any information leading to finding Kaila Morris.

UPDATE: An Amber Alert has been issued for Kaila Morris. Also, she has been placed on the National Missing Person's list. Please, if anyone has any information please contact CrimeStoppers.

If you have any information about Kaila, please contact her mother at 662.327.3155