Need tickets? Top Theater, Concerts, Sports Events
EcoReport is your award-winning guide to green travel, green cars, and saving the green in your wallet on both.
EcoReport is written and edited by Evelyn Kanter, a professional journalist with a lifetime of experience a magazine and newspaper writer and photographer, radio and television news producer and reporter, and guidebook author and editor -- all focusing on travel, automotive, lifestyle, the environment, and your rights as a consumer.
|
There’s an interesting group of travel contests and sweepstakes to help save you the green in your wallet –
 Sweepstakes to win trip to Utah ski resort featured in The Bachelor Canyons Resort is making the most of its appearance on the current 16th season of ABC show The Bachelor. Canyons is offering fans of the show the opportunity to win four grand prizes, including a mountain getaway to Park City and Canyons Resort, which is Utah’s largest, with more than 4,000 acres of skiing and riding for all skill levels. My personal favorite run at Canyons is called Boa, a cruiser which snakes its way — pardon the pun — down more than two miles, for a fabulous warm-up or end-of-day run.
One of “The Bachelor Ultimate Getaway Sweepstakes” grand prize winners and a guest will enjoy a romantic retreat to Canyons Resort, which features 4,000 acres of what Utah markets as “the greatest snow on Earth.” Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City Airport, Canyons features the first chairlift in North America that will keep your butt warm on the way up the mountain — the Orange Bubble Express has heated seats, much like the heated seats in your car. The grand prize winner and guest get three days of skiing or riding, including equipment, a private ski lesson, three nights at the Waldorf Astoria Park City, a couples spa treatment at Golden Door Spa, a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Wasatch Mountains, and round-trip airfare. You can also zip down the mountain on the new zipline ZipTour Adventure, and the town of Park City has some interesting art galleries and restaurants. Be sure to stop in for a cold one at the Wasatch Brewpub on Main Street, which offers up some tasty microbrews, including one called Polygamy Porter.You have until March 19th to enter this free sweepstakes. Click here for sweepstakes details.
 Sweepstakes to win trip to Fiji Islands. Fiji is a Polynesian paradise on everybody’s ‘bucket list’. I was lucky to visit last year, for scuba diving in Fiji’s pristine coral reefs, dolphin watching cruises, and visits to local villages which welcome you with a traditional welcome of songs, prayers and a ceremonial drink of kava, a fermented beverage made of the root of a local plant. Enter Dole’s “Warm Up & Win” sweepstakes by March 31 for a chance to win a trip for four to Fiji, including air, six nights’ hotel, and $500-per-day spending money. Unlike many other sweepstakes and contests, you can enter this one more than once — Dole invites you to enter daily — but the registration won’t go through unless you agree to receive Dole’s quarterly newsletter with recipes, coupons and other company news. Runner-up prizes include warm down comforters, slippers, winter coats, and coffee makers. Approximate value of the grand prize is $18,000.
 Contest to win trip to Napa, Paris or New YorkCity Napa, Paris or New York? Those are the choices if you win one of the three grand prize trips in American Airlines’ “Check It Out. Check It Off” sweepstakes. Enter by March 19 for a chance to win a trip for two worth up to $17,000, including airfare and three nights’ hotel. The Napa Valley prize also includes a winery tour, some meals, a home wine center and a $2,500 gift card. The New York City prize also includes tickets to a baseball game — either the legendary New York Yankees or New York Mets — a city tour, some meals, and $2,500 gift card. The Paris prize also includes a city tour, some meals, $1,500 gift card. Click here to register, and pick the trip you want to win — Napa, Paris, or New York City. Unlike a true sweepstakes — which does not require a purchase — this is a contest that requires you to book a flight on American Airlines on your MasterCard to be eligible for entry to this giveaway.
Photo contest — Capital One Financial Corporation, which issues the Visa travel card Venture, is offering a $15,000 dream vacation and other prizes to somebody who uploads the best photo of themselves somewhere iconic, plus a caption of why you deserve to win a dream vacation. If you haven’t been to someplace iconic — like this photo of me at the the Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, Egypt — the Venture Adventure sweepstakes allows you to insert any old photo of yourself into a template provided when you enter. Be creative both in your photo and caption, since others will be voting for their favorite submissions, so sharing with friends and family is both encouraged and rewarded. The contest runs through March 9, 2012. Click here for contest details and entry form. At the close of the travel contest on March 9, a panel of judges will review the top-50 highest scored submissions and narrow the field to ten finalists. Travel expert Randy Petersen, of Flyer Talk, will then select the grand prize winner. Other prizes will include a $1,000 travel voucher for the most viral entry of the contest, and 25 noise canceling headphones are being given away to the top new five viral entries submitted every week.
Somebody has to wi these sweepstakes. It might as well be you. And if you do, be sure to let EcoReport know. You can find more great travel deals on the NYC on the Cheap Daily Deals page, where 100+ budget travel discount deals are featured daily.
 Cuba: colorful vintage cars and vintage buildings Cuba has been forbidden fruit for most Americans since the 1960s. But it’s easier to visit Cuba — legally — with a US Passport than you think, and part of the reason the New York Times names Cuba, especially Havana, one of the 45 places to visit in 2012.
I was there last year, flying legally on a chartered American Airlines plane from the Miami Airport. The plane was half filled with Cuban-Americans visiting their relatives, and the other half was Americans like me, with no relatives in Cuba, traveling with a humanitarian, religious or cultural group. That’s how I travelled – with my luggage stuffed with school supplies, vitamins, bandaids and toothpaste, to donate to the schools and clinics my group would be visiting along the way.
If you are a vintage car enthusiast — as I am — visit soon, before Cuba opens up and the wonderful 1940s and 1950s cars disappear. Some are junkers, held together with enthusiasm and ingenuity, others have been beautifully restored. Just like the buildings in Old Havana and Cuba’s other colonial cities, Cienfuegos and Trinidad de Cuba.
I rode in a restored ’57 Chevy convertible along the Malecon, Havana’s beach road, and snapped photos of Studebakers, Plymouths, De Sotos, and wood-paneled Ford station wagons that became known as ‘woodies’. I visited Ernest Hemiway’s finca, or country house, where he wrote much of For Whom the Bell Tolls, and paid homage to the beat up manual typrewriter he wrote it on. Even though I don’t smoke cigars, touring the historic Partegas factory, where they make the fabled Cohiba cigars, was fascinating. No photos are allowed inside, but it’s not to protect cigar-making secrets — it’s because the workers lost so much time posing for photos that cameras are no longer allowed. Visitors yes, cameras no.
Whatever your politics, visiting the memorial and museum dedicated to Che Guevara, in Santa Clara, is a must. Ditto the Museum of the Revolution in Havana, which traces Cuban history from the Conquistadors to Castro. It’s in the former Presidential Palace, where the office of former president Juan Battista is intact, just as he left it before escaping the revolutionary forces.
You can read more about my trip to Cuba on SmarterTravel.com. Here’s the link to the slideshow and story on ten reasons to visit Cuba now.
The North American International Auto Show — better known as the Detroit Auto Show — is underway now, with more new model introductions, including concept vehicles, than the public has seen in years. The auto industry is bouncing back, but even so, not everything is a hit. There are some misses. Here’s what the industry trade newspaper Automotive News gives a thumbs up, and a thumbs down, starting with the Acura NSX, which Automotive News calls the star of the show –
 Photo Acura NSX hybrid concept courtesy Toronto Star Acura NSX–The star of the show. This two-seat hybrid sports car blew folks away. There were whoops and hollers when the wraps came off. And it will be made in America, at the Honda factory in Ohio. Lottery ticket sales soared immediately.
Acura ILX–Acura has used the Honda Civic platform before, but the Integra and RSX never looked cheap. This looks like a warmed-over Hyundai Elantra, which certainly isn’t luxury.
Ford Fusion–The fascia lightly borrows from Aston Martin. The narrow greenhouse is sleek, and faux-aluminum interior details highlight the cleaned-up center console. The sweeping roofline makes for a narrow trunk opening, though.
Honda Accord Coupe–Take a current Accord, mash it with the Mitsubishi Galant, add over-blown fog-light cutouts. Honda should know better.
Lexus LF-LC--Gorgeously sculpted air intakes are everywhere, yet the coupe concept doesn’t look cartoonish. The LED headlight accents hint at the Nike swoosh. Just Do It.
Mercedes-Benz SL–Mercedes calls it “athletic.” It has to be, to store the massive folding hardtop in its huge trunk. But the muscular proportions work. Sexy with the top up or down.
 2013 Dodge Dart. AP Photo Cadillac ATS–This is the first compact Cadillac in more than two decades. The sharp creases of the larger Caddys do not scale down to the compact segment. The proportions of the car’s width, hood, wheel arches, greenhouse and trunk simply do not agree.
Lincoln MKZ–The ghastly baleen whale grille has been transformed into an eagle spreading its wings. The trellised center console is the finishing touch on an elegant new interior design.
Dodge Dart–How do you mess up the lovely Alfa Romeo Giulietta? Let Dodge designers make a Neon out of it. The C-pillar sweep into the trunk is wrong. The steering wheel is oddly chunky. The wheel arches are too small.
Toyota NS4–To be positioned above the Prius, this hybrid flattens the Prius’ triangular silhouette. The intuitive, “learning” telematics system and myriad glass technologies make this a technology showcase.
Audi Q3 Vail–There’s not enough wheelbase and length for its height and thick sheet metal panels. An SUV that looks like a beach ball.
Chevrolet Code/Tru concepts–The Code 130R is blocky, almost like it’s going the wrong direction, but it works. The Tru 140S would make a perfect entry-level sporty coupe.
 VW e-Bugster Concept unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show Nissan Pathfinder–The scalloping of the body panels is a rip-off of Hyundai’s previous-generation SUVs. Those subtle lines contradict the hulking front fascia. Just confusing.
Chrysler 700C–This train wreck got worse as it rotated on the stand. From the snoutlike hood, to the bizarre window cuts, to the goofy proportions, this minivan had no good angle.
VW E-Bugster–If this is what it takes to make electric vehicles cool, so be it. The EV’s limited range makes it perfect for high school girls with overprotective parents. I can just hear it: “It is soooo cute, Daddy, pleeeeease?”
Buick Encore–Take Audi Q3, add in plasticky knobs and switches, and overly busy hood and fascia styling. Decent cargo room, though.
While all the news about the shiny new toys being introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, let’s look at the flip side, at the ten cars that barely made a blip on the sales screen in 2011. All are great cars, many with top safety ratings. They just suffer from less desirable than another model from the same manufacturer, or a competing brand, plus the overall switch from larger gas guzzlers and SUVs to more fuel efficient models and versatile cross-overs. Here’s the list, compiled by Autoblog, which published the list just with price and sales numbers, but no reason for the poor sales. So those comments and opinions are mine.
 2011 Mazda Tribute, one of the ten worst selling vehicles of 2011 10. Subaru Tribeca, MSRP: $30,595, Units Sold: 2,791
- Wouldn’t you rather have a Forester or an Outback? Most Subaru buyers did
9. Mazda Tribute, MSRP: $20,555, Units Sold: 2,696
- Separated at birth from the Ford Explorer. Wouldn’t you rather have a Ford??
8. Mercedes-Benz R-Class, MSRP: $52,690, Units Sold: 2,385
- A super-sized station wagon. Longer wheelbase and more expensive than the popular M-Class SUV and redesigned GLK
7. Suzuki Equator, MSRP: $17,899. Units Sold: 2,127
- It sold that many? Must be the price.
6. Cadillac Escalade EXT, MSRP: $63,060, Units Sold: 2,036
- Other than rap stars and limousine fleets, is anybody still buying this super-sized SUV?
5. Toyota Land Cruiser, MSRP: $68,920,Units Sold: 1,662
 Acura TL: outselling the ZDX and RL
- Legendary off-roader, but losing out to Land Rover in North America
4. Acura ZDX, MSRP: $46,020, Units Sold: 1,564
- Wouldn’t you rather have a BMW 5-Series?
3. Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, MSRP: $18,395, Units Sold: 1,548
- Shows it’s tough to mix apples and oranges, or performance sport sedan with hatchback
2. Hyundai Azera, MSRP: $25,495, Units Sold: 1,524
- The ignored middle child, in between the bargain-priced, feature-packed Sonata, and the hot, sporty Genesis
1. Acura RL, MSRP: $47,700, Units Sold: 1,096
- Wouldn’t you rather save $10,000 and get the hot, sexy, Acura TL sport sedan instead?
I haven’t heard that any of these models are being dropped for 2012, but unless the track record improves for 2012, you can expect either major facelifts, or quiet retirement.
2012 Acura TL: January Car of the Mnth The 2012 Acura TL is the January Car of the Month, named by NADA for its updated styling, improved performance, fuel economy and upgraded technology. If you are in the market for an affordable performance sport sedan, the 2012 Acura TL holds up well against more expensive competitors like the BMW 3 Series.
I love the TL. I got to test drive it recently, and found it to be fast, fun and responsive, with great acceleration and stable in tight cornering, especially when you switch over to the new six-speed Sequential SportShift. Besides kicking up performance, the sport mode improves fuel economy. The TL also is good looking and filled with safety and comfort features.
Safety — The 2012 Acura TL has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is an important achievement, since IIHS instituted more stringent testing guidelines last year. The 2012 Acura TL features including Acura’s trademarked Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which distribute energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle in the event of a crash. There’s also an optional blind-spot systemthat warns the driver when another car is behind in an adjacent lane.
Engine and transmission – The 2012 Acura TL is available with a 280 hp, front-wheel-drive version, as well as a powerful 305 hp version paired with Acura’s all-wheel-drive system. The sportshift also offers drivers a double-kick-down feature, say from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system also creates a “blip” of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting, something Honda/Acura racecars do on the track.
Fuel economy — City/highway fuel economy for the TL is now rated at 20/29 mpg, which is an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 model. The AWD model equipped with the new 6-speed automatic transmission is EPA rated at 18/26 mpg.
Creature features — Positioned as a driver’s car, the 2012 Acura TL features a refined cabin that includes instrument cluster changes, new, more elegant finishes, and optional ventilated front seats.
The 2012 Acura TL has a starting MSRP of $35,605 for the for the two WD four-door sedan, up to $45,085 for the fully-loaded four-wheel-drive model. Acura offers a four year, 50,000 mile warranty, free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing..
 Large corporations, and their employees, do a lot all year to support local and national charities. Let’s give them some credit during this holiday season –
MGM Resorts — Employees of MGM Resorts International raised $4.6 million in 2011 to support more than 1,000 community-based nonprofit organizations that meet the needs of the communities in Nevada, Michigan and Mississippi, where there are MGM resorts and casinos, plus other regional and national nonprofit organizations. In the last decade, MGM Resorts employees have raised more than $44 million over the past decade to help charitable organizations better serve the community. MGM also covers all administrative expenses, so 100% of moneys raised go to the charities. Charities the company supports include –
- Children and Youth: Community-based programs which focus on the overall development and well being of children and youth considered as at-risk.
- Education: Public education programs which enhance student learning from kindergarten through higher education.
- Hunger Relief: Food bank distribution programs which provide children, families and other individuals, access to food they otherwise would not have.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Recovery and counseling programs that help families, children and individuals affected by addictive behaviors, mental health problems, or other special life circumstances.
Meritor — You probably haven’t heard of this company, based in Troy, Michigan, which supplies drivetrain, brake and other automotive components to commercial and industrial fleets. Meritor has pledged $20,000 to support the new Freedom Center at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Freedom Center is a world-class reception and hospitality area for military service members and their families to Detroit, whether passing they are just through, or in Detroit for an extended period. All off- and active duty members of the armed services, family members and veterans, are invited to enjoy this new airport amenity.
Mercedes-Benz — Nearly two hundred Mercedes-Benz USA employees took part in a day of community service this fall to support Clean Ocean Action, an organization dedicated to improving the degraded water quality of the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast, close to company headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey. The effort was part of MBUSA’s year-long celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the invention of the automobile by Gottlieb Daimler, during which the company and its employees have partnered in 125 acts of collective community service in 2011.
Greenbrier Resort — West Virginia billionaire Jim Justice, whose company owns the iconic Greenbrier Resort, has donated $25 million to the Boy Scouts of America. Justice is president and CEO of Justice Companies, Inc., which purchased the resort in 2009. His contribution will establish the James C. Justice National Scout Camp, a key component of camping activities for Scouts at the Summit. It will bring together outdoor adventures in the West Virginia countryside with educational and leadership opportunities for youth. Justice has a long history of supporting and serving youth, including as a youth basketball coach for 25 years.
Delta Air Lines — More than 2,000 Delta employees have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity International to build homes in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, plus in the U.S., in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City and New York City. The Haiti project, in November 2010, involved 400 volunteers from Habitat for Humanity International for the Habitat’s 2011 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
American Airlines — The airline’s Something mAAgic Foundation works with four wish-granting organizations to help children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families get an all-expense paid trip to Orlando, Fla. To date, more than 375 children have participated in mAAgic flight. Bon voyage festivities take place in 33 airports served by American, hosted by airline employee volunteers. The Something mAAgic Foundation collaborates with A Special Wish, Casey Cares, Dream Factory® and the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, with the goal of expanding each organization’s wish-granting efforts. More than $1.6 million has been raised, in cash and in-kind donations, for the program.
|
priceline.com
Where’s Evelyn? December 2011
Courcheval, France
November 2011
New Zealand
Los Angeles Auto Show
October 2011
Stuttgart, Black Forest
September 2011
Saratoga, NY
June 2011
Pittsburgh
Washington, DC
Niagara Falls
Hershey, Penna
PRSA Travel & Tourism Conf.
San Antonio, Speaker
April 2011
Fiji Islands, Los Angeles
ASJA Conference, NYC
Panelist on Writing Apps
March 2011
Anchorage, Alaska
Skiing at Alyeska
February 2011
Vancouver Island,
Vancouver, Whistler
Where Evelyn Was in 2010
New Car Launches
Detroit, Nashville,
San Francisco, Miami
Los Angeles Auto Show
Porsche Test Track, Leipzig
Travel Destinations
Germany -- Munich,
Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin
Norwegian Epic
Inaugural Cruise
Cuba--Havana,
Cienfuegos, Trinidad,
Santa Clara
Dubai
Thailand --
Bangkok, Chang Mai
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Speaking Engagements
Newport, R. I.
Speaker, SATW Meeting
Las Vegas, Speaker
Alternative Fuel Conference
Book Expo America, NYC
Author Book Signing
Peaceful Places NYC
My new travel guidebook
|
Follow EcoReport