The Ferrari edition of the RAZR2 V9 packs standard V9 features such as a 240 x 320 QVGA 262K color display, internal antenna, 2 mega pixels camera with 8x digital zoom, and touch-sensitive music keys on the external display. At the same time incorporating new features such as 45MB end-user memory, 2GB memory with an optional microSD card, support for audio and video streaming, video capture and playback, and version 2.0 wireless Bluetooth technology with support for A2DP and AVRCP profiles. Apart from Bluetooth, other connectivity options of the Ferrari edition include Micro USB, USB 2.0 full speed, 3G HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps wireless Broadband, and EDGE/GPRS. And also part of the added new features are messaging functions via MMS, email, SMS, and MotoSync.

Motorola plans to launch the V9 Ferrari edition only in Asia and Latin America. No information on the price and launch date has been made available yet.

Your editorial conveniently neglects to mention the fact that much of that $7 billion in investment and increased production came from new automobili Canadian auto manufacturers like Honda and Toyota, which, instead of laying off workers, are expanding their workforce and providing new jobs without the benefit of direct government handouts.

Your defence of the Ontario government’s decision to provide corporate welfare with no strings attached to the Big Three automakers is somewhat misguided and short-sighted. McGuinty’s plan has only enabled uncompetitive vehicle manufacturers and overpaid CAW workers to continue building gas-guzzling, smog-producing behemoths that nobody wants for a couple of more years, and has only served to postpone the inevitable decline of these dinosaurs.

Paul MacDonald, Toronto

Premier defensive as GM

slashes jobs

Business, May 13

After just completing our income-tax returns and seeing exactly how much money goes to the federal and provincial governments, most of us will find it’s very difficult for folks to just “look beyond the headlines,” as Premier Dalton McGuinty advises.

When the city has to pay for downloaded provincial responsibilities, when public transit is underfunded, when many insist that health-care expenses are excessive and not sustainable, and when 1,400 more General Motors workers face layoffs, it is very hard to listen to the premier after Ontario taxpayers have handed $235 million to GM.

Instead, let’s give this money to university think-tanks and research institutes to find products and economically sustainable methods that would allow Ontario to excel in the global economy.

McGuinty should look past the headlines himself and realize that the future is not in handing out large amounts of public funds to overpaid CEOs at GM’s corporate offices, but to fund public institutions that have made Ontario such a valuable jurisdiction for the private sector to invest in, like education, health care and livable cities that are not congested with publicly subsidized SUVs.

Brad M. McLeod, Toronto

Instead of building vehicles in Ontario that no one wants to buy, perhaps this province should take the lead in producing more fuel-efficient or hybrid cars.

Premier Dalton McGuinty, with the help of the federal government, should encourage auto manufacturers to make vehicles auto d’epoca that are needed for the future, not for the past. Both Ottawa and Queen’s Park should be financially supporting new transportation technology that is good for the economy, the environment and the workers of Ontario.

Or are they more interested in collecting their share of the profits in the form of gasoline taxes?

Silom, or windmill in Thai, used to be an area covered by orchards and yes, windmills to draw water from the canals to water the vast orchards. The area is in a very old part of Bangkok, the Bangrak district, named after a huge Rak tree trunk found in one of the canals.

There’re other versions of the origins of this name. Owing to the many hospitals in the area, it’s believed the name came from “raksa”, as in healthcare. Whatever the reason, the roads in Silom have a long tradition of royal connections.

Silom Road was built by excavating a canal in the middle to allow for canal and land movement. Several of the roads in Silom similarly constructed and named after noblemen who were awarded royal titles for their contributions to road construction.

The Saladaeng area in Silom was originally royal land. Its name, red-roofed pavilion, was derived from the red roof of the train station built in the area by the Danish railway company. The site of a nobleman’s mansion in Saladaeng is now the Dusit Thani Hotel, one of the prominent hotels in Silom.

Further on, the Swiss Lodge is nestled in Convent Road, named after the walled convent established by the Carmelite Order of Nuns.

Chao Phraya Surawongse Wattanasak gave his name to Surawongse Road, a road parallel to Silom Road, where the Montien Surawongse and Tawana Ramada are located.

Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility, similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longer in use. The other titles in descending order, with their British equivalents in brackets, are Phraya,(Marquis) Phra,(Earl) Luang, (Viscount)and Khun(Baron).

Patpong, the night entertainment area between Silom and Surawongse Roads, was originally the family estate of Luang Patpong Panich, a title awarded to a rich Chinese immigrant. The raunchy activities in the area have somewhat eclipsed its regal origins.

For those who wish to have hotels in Silom within a staggering distance from their watering holes, the Silom Serene and Wall Street Inn would be ideal.

Decho Road, further down Silom Road, got its name from another nobleman, Phraya Siharaj Decho. The Bangkok hotels around this area are Narai Hotel, Silom City Inn, Sofitel Silom, Tower and Triple Two Silom.

The other hotels in Silom closer to the Chao Phraya River are

Centre Point Silom, Holiday Inn Silom and Manohra The  Lebua at State  Tower Hotel (former Meritus Suites State Tower) stands above them all, towering over the Chao Phraya.

What’s Silom like today?

Across the road from the Dusit Thani Hotel, a large tract of Saladaeng became Lumphini Park, a gift from King Rama VI to the people in 1925. Up-market high-rise apartments are sprouting up in Soi Saladaeng, the area behind the hotel.

The subway runs under Rama IV Road, which used to be a canal as well, stopping at the Silom Station below the busy Saladaeng junction, under the benign eye of the King Rama VI Monument.

The subway continues on passing under the Pan Pacific Bangkok and Mandarin Hotel Bangkok.

The red-roofed railway station that gave its name to Saladaeng is no longer there, its place taken by the Saladaeng skytrain station, less the red roof.

In the early 1960s, the canal along Silom Road was filled up for road expansion. So were the canals in the neighboring roads like Surawongse Road.

In Patpong, it’s business as usual. The windmills, of course, are gone.

But the hotels in Silom, the commercial areas and the pavements in Silom Road are still bustling with life.

Most hostels are set up as dormitory style rooms, with a number of bunk beds arranged throughout the room. The number of bunk beds in a single room varies, with the average from four to ten bunks per room. Each traveler is assigned a specific bunk upon check-in.

Almost all hostels in the United States divide their accommodations according to gender, with the female guests in one block of rooms and the male guests in another. In multi-floor hostels, each gender is often assigned a specific floor or group of floors.

In Europe and other locations throughout the world, you may find hostels with mixed gender rooms. If you don’t feel comfortable bunking with members of the opposite sex, then make sure you inquire as to the arrangements before you settle in.

The bathroom accommodations at hostels vary as well, with some rooms containing a shared bathroom and shower, while other hostels will have shower and bathroom facilities located in the hallway. If this is an important consideration, you should make sure to ask about bathroom facilities when making the reservation.

Although hostelling is a very informal way to travel, you do need to make reservations especially during the summer. It used to be you could just drop in and be accommodated, but this method of travel is becoming more popular and some hostels can be booked for months during popular tourist seasons. Better to call ahead than to be left out in the cold!

The main appeal of staying at hostels, of course, is the price. The nightly rate for a hostel rarely rises above $25 or $30 per night, with most hostel accommodations costing far less. With the average hotel room hovering around $100 to $150 in many locations, it is easy to see why hostels are becoming so popular.

In addition, the staff at most hostels are extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area. Unlike many staff members of some luxury hotels, who travel in from the suburbs and rarely see the city in which the live, hostel staff tend to live in their city, and they have an intimate knowledge of the local attractions, including which attractions are can’t miss and which ones are a waste of money.

In addition, hostels often have access to discounts and coupons for local area attractions and restaurants, and they can provide valuable information on the best, lowest priced restaurants in the area.

Hostel accommodation’s won’t please everyone and certainly aren’t for every vacation but they can be great lodging for the budget minded tourist. If your main goal is to go out and seek new adventures and places to see and you care less about luxurious accommodation’s then hostels will allow you to save money on lodging so that you can spend more on your travel destinations and experiences.

David Brights writes for http://www.showcheaphotels.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

The chain began as an informal link between properties, with each hotel recommending other lodging establishments to travelers. For about two decades Best Western Hotels were the only hospitality reservation service covering the entire United States and Canada.

In 1967 members of Interchange Hotels of Great Britain joined Best Western Hotels. In 1976 international network was expanded and included properties in Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. By 1979 Best Western Hotels were accommodating 15 million guests and generating $1 billion in room sales. A year later agreements were signed bringing properties in Denmark, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland into the chain.

In 1987 worldwide expansion continued with the addition of Israel, Norway and Portugal. And in 1993 Best Western Hotels appeared in Russia, Lithuania and Japan. In 1996 there were new member hotels in China and Vietnam.

Each Best Western hotel is independently-owned and managed, while being committed to common standards of quality, service and value. Membership of Best Western Hotels gives independent hoteliers the strength to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace by maximizing international marketing, sales, reservations and buying power.

No two Best Western hotels are the same; each of individual hotels retains its unique personality and charm. However, they also gain from the tremendous advantages of high brand awareness, quality reputation and global infrastructure. Most frequent guests are rewarded at Best Western Hotels.

A global program, called Gold Crown Club International allows its members to take advantage of exclusive special offers. Points can be earned on every stay booked on eligible Gold Crown Club International rates throughout the world, including over 300 Best Western hotels in Great Britain. Gold Crown Club International members can then spend their points to enjoy rewards such as complimentary nights, wine and much, much more.

Best Western Hotels are constantly improving the service and accommodation facilities and a new standard of excellence have been established under the brand Best Western Premier. Best Western Premier not only offers the same consistency and high standards you expect from all Best Western Hotels, but also offers extra facilities in stylish and charming surroundings. So whether your stay is for business or pleasure, every stay at a Best Western Premier hotel will be a truly memorable experience. There are over 50 Best Western Premier accredited hotels across Europe and Asia.

To achieve Premier status, the hotel needed to meet rigorous standards in terms of its facilities, quality of service and food. For Premier status alone the hotel was required to provide 27 additional amenities and services over and above those required for core Best Western Hotels, including concierge service, complimentary newspapers, 24-hour fax / photocopy facilities and in-room safes.

Best Western Hotels are the world’s largest chain of independently-owned hotels. The standards of quality and service are extremely high, proving that Best Western Hotels are worth their brand name.

When my wife and I were in Banos recently, we let an older woman drag us off from the bus station. She showed us two hotels she owned, and we preferred the second. We were told the room would be $12. It was clean, with cable T.V. and lots of hot water. We offered $6 per night, paying for four nights in advance. She agreed.

The lesson is clear if you want the cheapest hotel room: Negotiate! The owner knew we were ready to walk away, and that there were others waiting for our business. Unfortunately, most owners here in the U.S. would rather let you drive away than knock five bucks off the room rate. Even here, however, we have negotiated decent discounts by paying for several nights in advance. Of course we let them know that we’ll be looking elsewhere if they say no.

The Cheapest Hotel Rooms – More Tips

You can use the travel web sites to find cheap hotel rooms, but remember that they only give you rates for the hotels and motels that are in their system. I just did a search for Tucson, Arizona, for example, on several sites. One or two of the sites found decent prices on certain hotels, but I know of several nice motels in Tucson that are $15 cheaper than the cheapest rate they found. Use the internet as a place to start, or when you can’t get any other information.

Get coupon books at gas stations along the highways. We’ve often found good deals using these, and it’s rare that a manager won’t honor them. Usually only if they’re absolutely full will they refuse. Read the fine print, however, because they often charge more for certain dates, or for two people.

There are promotions done where if you “mention this ad” or just use the right words, you get up to 70% discount. Talk, talk, talk. Tell them if you’re a member of the AARP, AAA or whatever. Tell the person on the phone that you saw an ad in the “Times,” or whatever big paper they might have advertised in.

Get the receptionist to help you. Try asking what the magic words are. Some receptionists will tell you. You might also ask “What do I have to say to get the cheapest rate?” They will sometimes tell you, or suggest other options. Ask about the hotel too, of course. You don’t want ANY room. You want the cheapest hotel that has nice rooms.

Several years ago traveling with a dog used to mean you were destined to stay at a cheap roadside pet-friendly motel or smuggle the dog into your room, but times have definitely changed now. Upscale chains are adopting new pet-friendly policies; dogs are not simply tolerated, but often indulged and treated individually. With amenities such as turn-down service in custom beds, plush doggie robes, and even in-room doggie massages, dogs are welcomed as an important member of the family.

The most recent chain to adopt a canine-friendly policy is Starwood Hotels & Resorts. It has elaborated a program called “Starwood LTD (Love that Dog)”. Under the new program, dogs can have their own designer beds in which to luxuriate. All the Starwood hotels will offer food and water bowls and temporary ID tags with the hotel’s contact information.

Hotel Monaco also started the pet-friendly trend, and continues to offer exceptional service to dogs. Dogs are offered doggie cookies, temporary ID tags, and a one-hour walking service. Dog sitters are on hand if you need to leave your dog for a while and don’t want it to be lonely. Dogs are also provided with food and water bowls and a dog walking map.

Loews, another upscale hotel chain, has a peculiar “Loews loves pets” program. Guests are greeted with a personal note from the manager with important information like local dog-walking routes, local veterinarians, pet attractions, and nearby pet-friendly restaurants. Loews also has pet room service, which includes healthy selections, vegetarian entrees and traditional dry and canned pet foods.

If you think of all the high quality amenities for dogs as unnecessary luxuries, you may choose budget hotel chains that are also changing their attitude toward dogs, traveling with their owners. Now it is easy to find a dog friendly hotel just about anywhere you travel. Being not a budget hotel, all Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts accept pets under 15 pounds price. La Quinta Inns have over 350 hotels that are all pet-friendly. They will accept cats and dogs up to 50 pounds with no extra fees or deposits. Motel 6 has over 800 locations that accept pets under 25 pounds. Red Roof Inns accept dogs up to 80 pounds, and has over 250 locations. Travelodge has over 300 dog-friendly locations across the U.S., and Days Inn has 3 times more. Dogs who stay with their owners in dog friendly hotels don’t get depressed about being left behind, and may benefit from a change of scenery and more time spent with family. Moreover, owners avoid the guilt of leaving their pets behind.

But where can a traveler stay in Amsterdam? Why not choose a luxury historic hotel?

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Amsterdam

When staying in Amsterdam, you’ll want to pick a hotel based on what your needs are. Different hotels may cater to different things. Are you more interested in heading out to the wild life of the Red Light District? You’ll want a hotel that’s nearby that location. Perhaps you prefer some of the museums or other cultural events and would prefer a hotel near there.

You’ll want a hotel that is close to the places you want to visit. This is especially true if you have planned only a weekend for visiting Amsterdam.

Suggestions of Historic Hotels in Amsterdam

Not far from Central Station in downtown Amsterdam is the famous historic Victoria Hotel. Located between the business district and shopping and Dam Square, it is an ideal location for business travelers and tourists alike.

Among it’s many features include not only its historical value, it has all the modern features you enjoy from a hotel; sauna, indoor pool and a real Turkish steam bath. They have spacious rooms and some even have their own personal entrances. Created in 1890, it is one of the best featured four star hotels in the city.

Another lovely historical hotel is the Swissotel Amsterdam. This historic building has been modernized on the inside to give it a contemporary feel. It also has a location near Dam Square.

Amid lively streets, the Swissotel Amsterdam stands at six stories and is a convenient distance from the Royal Palace and the Central Railway Station. All of the rooms have modern amenities, so this historic hotel doesn’t feel quite so back in time for those who do enjoy a modern lifestyle. A fashionable lounge offers light meals and drinks upon your request.

Benefits of a Historic Hotel in Amsterdam

After a day at the Museum Amstelkring, dancing at Seymour Likely Lounge or dinner at the Long Pura, you’ll want to put up your feet. Do you really want the culture to cut out the moment you enter the lobby? The culture of Amsterdam doesn’t have to end there. With a stay in an historic hotel, you can learn much more.

While at your hotel, ask for a tour. Many hotels in the area have a history and staffs love to show off the beautiful place that they work in.

Anyone can find a more modern hotel, a Holiday Inn or Sheridan is always available in most major cities, but then again, such hotels offer the same benefits you can get in your local area. Enrich your experience by choosing to stay in one of the more beautiful historic hotels of Amsterdam.

An even larger system than the one that hit Friday night was forecast to move through northern Georgia starting at daybreak, bringing heavy rains and high winds to the area, said Vaughn Smith, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Peachtree City. Crews were expected to be in downtown Atlanta then to determine whether Friday’s damage was caused by a tornado, he said.

At an early morning news conference, Mayor Shirley Franklin called the storm “what we now know was a tornado.” But weather service officials continued to say only that a “possible tornado” hit around 9:40 p.m., accompanied by a storm packing 60 mph winds.

Police revealed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had taken the decision not to prosecute.

The CPS said there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

A police spokeswoman said: “The CPS has now taken the decision to take no further action against the man arrested following an incident at a city centre hotel on Tuesday December 18 2007.”

Belfast-born Mr Evans, who is currently on loan at Sunderland, was arrested after a woman made an allegation of rape during a private party at the boutique hotel.

Players were among guests at a party at the Great John Street Hotel

Police were called to the building in the Castlefield area of the city in the early hours of 18 December.

The hotel had been hosting a private party attended by members of the Manchester United squad and other guests.

Mr Evans was arrested after presenting himself to police later that evening and subsequently released on bail.

The decision not to proceed with a prosecution was revealed on Friday and Mr Evans will face no action.