Monday, June 30, 2008

You Don't Have to Drive Far to Celebrate the Fourth of July! Enjoy Callaway Gardens

Anticipation is running high as Callaway Gardens® prepares for its traditional Fourth of July celebration of our country’s freedom with the Surf and Sand Spectacular.

There’s no better way to spend the day than enjoying family-oriented beach activities including swimming in Robin Lake, playing miniature golf or shuffleboard; picnicking; riding paddleboats; rock wall climbing (fee); and you don’t want to miss sliding down the world’s biggest inflatable water slide, the Xcelerator (fee)! Stay cool on Iceberg Island, a floating water playground, featuring aqua totters, trampolines and icebergs to splash around in Robin Lake (fee).

In addition, children of all ages are sure to be thrilled by the acrobatics of the Florida State University “Flying High” Circus as they give two special performances at 3:30 p.m. ET and 6:00 p.m. In the evening, you won’t want to miss dancing to the inviting sounds of the Swingin’ Medallions at 7:30 p.m. Around 9:30 p.m. a glorious patriotic fireworks show will offer the finishing touch for a perfect Fourth of July.

If you want a break from the beach, enjoy the many attractions inside Callaway Gardens such as the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, Birds of Prey show and Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden.

Admission into the festivities at Robin Lake Beach on July 4th is $15 plus tax for adults and $7.50 plus tax for children (ages 6-12). Annual members and children five and under are admitted free. Admission into the Gardens is included. The Gardens will open from 7:00 a.m. and its attractions will open at 9:00 a.m.

Rest and relax this Fourth of July by staying overnight on the Independence Day Special overnight package. Guests enjoy lodging in the Mountain Creek® Inn, secluded Villas, relaxing Cottages, or the Lodge and Spa at Callaway. Admission to beautiful Callaway Gardens; use of the fitness center; admission to Robin Lake Beach and the Surf & Sand Spectacular on July 4th. Call now for pricing.

Callaway Gardens®, a premier travel and meeting destination in the South, is owned by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation™ (ICCF). Within the 13,000 acres of Callaway Gardens is a resort, residential community, preserve, almost 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 931 guest rooms, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing, gun club, gardens, butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails, and additional attractions. For more than 50 years Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors. Callaway Gardens is committed to its mission of environmental education and land stewardship for the benefit of future generations.

Callaway Gardens® is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Respiratory Illness, Dog Bites Among Top Concerns For Travelers to China Study Provides Insight to Help Olympics Travelers Prepare for Trip

Beijing-bound Olympic travelers should worry less about exotic diseases, and instead focus on preventing more mundane health problems like respiratory illness and dog bites. A new study by experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the GeoSentinel Surveillance
Network found that, during the past 10 years, dog bites were actually one of the more common health problems travelers face when visiting China. Other common ailments were respiratory infections, skin problems, injuries, and diarrhea.

With an estimated 600,000 foreign visitors and athletes, and as many as 2 million Chinese attendees, expected at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing in August, the study provides key information that can help people plan their visits and protect their health.

The paper, published online June 26, 2008, in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, used 1998-2007 data gathered by the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network and analyzed by GeoSentinel and CDC experts to assess illnesses among the 2,500 travelers to China that were in the database. The GeoSentinel Network was founded by the CDC and the International Society of Travel Medicine and is made up of 41 travel medicine clinics worldwide that provide traveler care and track travel-related health data.

"Many international travelers worry about exotic diseases. They probably don't think about injuries or dog bites, but the study found that travelers to China sought treatment for these ailments more often," said Dr. Nina Marano, chief of the CDC's Travelers' Health and Animal Importation Branch. "Travelers need to be cautious about dog bites, as China has the second highest rate of human rabies cases in the world."

Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis, were the most common diagnoses for travelers seeking medical care while in China, and the primary cause of hospitalization for travelers in China. Acute diarrhea and dog bites were the most frequent ailments for travelers receiving post-travel medical care. Travelers also complained of injuries, like sprains and strains. Rates of tropical and parasitic disease were low: there were no reported cases of malaria or dengue fever among travelers in this study

"We hope travelers take this information and use it to prepare themselves for a healthy trip," said Dr. Marano. "Using common sense while in Beijing can also help keep you healthy. Wash your hands, watch your step, and don't pet stray dogs."

Travel health experts at CDC say that travelers can help reduce their risk of becoming ill or injured by taking the following precautions:

* Visit a travel medicine clinic four to six weeks prior to leaving to get travel advice.
* Ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date.
* Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to help prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal illness.
* Avoid all animals while in China. If bitten, wash all bite wounds promptly and seek reliable medical care immediately.
* Wear comfortable walking shoes and pay special attention when crossing the street and boarding public transportation to minimize injury risk.
* Eat only fully cooked food that is served hot or fruits and vegetables you can wash and peel yourself to decrease the risk of diarrhea.

For more CDC recommendations for Olympic travelers, athletes and health-care providers, please visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentOlympics2008.aspx. For general
recommendations for travel to China, see http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx.

Delta Air Lines and American Red Cross Change Lives Together Through Expanded National Partnership

President and Chief Financial Officer Edward H. Bastian, Delta Technical Operations President Tony Charaf and American Red Cross Chief Operating Officer Kevin Brown will sign a national memorandum of understanding (MOU) Monday, June 30, strengthening the bond between the two organizations and outlining new opportunities for Delta employees, retirees and family members to engage in expanded Red Cross preparedness training, volunteering and financial support... Click to read: Delta Air Lines and American Red Cross Change Lives Together Through Expanded National Partnership

Virgin America Sponsors First Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival

Virgin America, the entertainment junkie's airline of choice, is partnering with the Sunset Strip Music Festival and The Standard to celebrate the musical revolution that was launched on the fabled Sunset Strip and continues to influence musicians today. The three-day music festival (June 26-June 28, 2008) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the Sunset Strip's rich musical tradition.

"As a brand with its roots in the music industry, we are thrilled to partner in the first-ever Sunset Strip Music Festival and help promote the past and the future of the industry through the support of Lou Adler's The Painted Turtle music education charity," said Virgin America's Vice President of Marketing Porter Gale. "With over 3,000 MP3s, the ability to create your own play-list in-flight, a music video library and even a soundtrack in our lavatories, we are passionate about music and promoting emerging musicians."

As part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival, Virgin America will host an evening event at The Standard West Hollywood on June 27 from 6:00pm-9:00pm in support of Lou Adler's The Painted Turtle musical education camp. The red carpet for the event kicks off at 6:00pm with media check in starting at 5:30pm, with celeb guests like Bob Guiney from "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" fame, Kelly Monaco from "Dancing with The Stars", Laura Margolis from "Dirty Sexy Money", Sunset Strip Music Festival performers Louis XIV, LA Guns, Jani Lane of Warrant and The Deadly Syndrome amongst others, as well as music luminary Lou Adler.
"The Painted Turtle is thankful for and excited to have the support of Virgin America," said legendary music producer and founder of The Painted Turtle, Lou Adler.

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America is the only U.S. airline that offers guests the option of creating their own in-flight play-list from the most extensive and eclectic musical library in the skies. With over 3,000 MP3s available, every musical genre is offered from bluegrass to hip-hop and everything in between.

About the Sunset Strip Music Festival: The Sunset Strip's renowned establishments have helped sustain the most storied music neighborhood in existence, a notion chronicled over the years on releases like Bob Marley & The Wailer's 1976 recording Live at the Roxy; X's Live at the Whiskey (1988); Tupac Shakur's last recorded live performance from 1996, Tupac: Live at the House of Blues; Social Distortion's Live at the Roxy (1998); Pennywise's Live at the Key Club (2001); and Brothers of a Feather, the 2007 CD and DVD release from Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes at the Roxy.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Graceland Announces Plans for Elvis Week, August 9-17, 2008

BUSINESS WIRE--Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) a CKX, Inc. company (NASDAQ: CKXE), is planning for a special Elvis Week, the annual Elvis celebration at Graceland, the late superstars home in Memphis, August 9-17. Elvis Week is an annual nine-day gathering of friends and fans from around the world celebrating Elvis life and career.

The 2008 event will feature several new activities and entertainment including Elvis, From Broadway to Memphis. This first-ever production will include a state-of-the-art, video-projected Elvis performing with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Broadway stars Leah Hocking, Austin Miller, 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Shawn Klush and the rockabilly group The Dempseys. Two shows will be held on August 16th at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.

Following its overwhelming popularity in 2007, two nights of Music and Movies at Graceland, featuring live entertainment and a movie on the front lawn of Graceland, will be held on August 11th and 12th. Featured artists will include The Imperials, Andy Childs and his band and Terry Mike Jeffrey and Band. Films shown will be Jailhouse Rock and Elvis: Thats The Way It Is.

For the second year, EPE is presenting the wildly successful Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. More than 20 competitions are being held around the world, selecting the top Elvis tribute artists that best represent the legacy of Elvis Presley, to compete for a spot in the Memphis semifinals on August 13th and finals on August 14th.

Elvis Week kicks off on August 9th at 8 a.m. with the Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run to Benefit United Cerebral Palsy, starting with thousands of Elvis fans and runners in front of Graceland. It is one of several charity fundraisers scheduled.

Additional events are planned throughout the city, including the DVD theatrical premiere of Elvis Presley His Home, His Story. Three screenings on each day will be held at Malcos Studio on the Square on August 9th and 13th. The new DVD features photos from the Graceland archives, home movies and more. The day will culminate with a special event at Autozone Park as the Memphis Redbirds baseball team welcomes Elvis fans to town with a special event showcasing Elvis-themed entertainment, fireworks and more.

Sunday, August 10th, begins with a special Elvis Gospel brunch in the Elvis Presley Car Museum and ends with a special Club Elvis dance and party for fans in Graceland Plaza.

Also on August 12th at 11:00 a.m., The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet n Greet will be held at the Hard Rock Café, followed by the 2007 winner Shawn Klush performing at the Cannon Center. His opening act will be comedian Sammy Shore, who opened for Elvis in Las Vegas from 1969-1972.

Elvis Expo 2008 will be held on August 13th and 14th at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. It is the worlds largest Elvis trade show, with more than 75 booths and 35,000 square feet that includes all the latest Elvis music, movies, merchandise, celebrity autograph sessions, authors, artists and photographers. Guests appearing in the showroom include: actress Darlene Tompkins (Blue Hawaii and Fun in Acapulco), dancer Tanya Lemani George (68 Special), singer Joanne Cash, The Imperials, DJ Fontana, Celeste Yarnall (co-star in Live A Little, Love a Little), Francine York (co-star in Tickle Me) and more.

As an Elvis Week exclusive, for the first time ever Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKX Inc., parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises, will be a special guest at The Official Elvis Insiders Conference. The event on August 13 and 14 features two full days of special guests and programming produced by Elvis Presley Enterprises, including on-stage interviews with people who were part of Elvis life and career. Special guests include Dixie Locke Emmons, who dated Elvis early in his career; Mike Stoller, songwriter for numerous Elvis hits including Jailhouse Rock, King Creole, Hound Dog, Treat Me Nice, and Love Me; Sammy Shore; Celeste Yarnall; Jerry Schilling; Francine York; Edward Faulkner; Susan Henning, who appeared in Live A Little, Love A Little and the 68 Special; Joe Guercio, Elvis musical director and conductor for concerts from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977; Steve Binder, producer of Elvis 68 Special; and progressive Italian DJ, Spankox who remixed Elvis classic Baby Lets Play House. Additional guests to be announced.

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinals will be held at 7:00 p.m. on August 13th at the Cannon Center. Finalists chosen from this round will return on August 14th to compete for the title of Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year.

The largest Elvis Week event is the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15th starting at 8:30 p.m. Thousands of fans walk up the driveway to Elvis gravesite and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis passing.

Throughout the week, live ongoing presentations of Elvis music will be performed by various singers and bands in the area across the street from Graceland. Other activities will include the Elvis Week Art Contest & Exhibit, Kids Karaoke, Childrens Elvis Week Art Activities and more.

Special ticket packages as well as tickets for individual events are now available. Visit ElvisWeek.com for detailed ticket and event information.

Italy: Hit The Highlights

(NAPSI)-If you're going to Italy for the first time, or if you'll just be there for a few days, how do you decide where to go?

Answer: Hit the highlights. That's the advice from travel experts at Pleasant Holidays. If you begin with Rome, you can say buon giorno to the Colosseum, then toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain before dining in a quaint café. One way to be sure you see everything is to immerse yourself in the Italian culture with the "Best of Rome" tour.

When you travel to Florence, Tuscany's capital, take in the gorgeous countryside and historic wineries with a Chianti Wine & Hill Towns tour, a sheer delight for every traveler.

The next "must see" is the watery city of Venice, home to the Grand Canal, gondoliers, St. Mark's Basilica and many of the world's finest art museums.

Whether it's a few days or a few weeks before you finally say arrivederci, vacation travel experts can assist you in creating an itinerary that will make the most of your vacation down to every detail. For more tips, visit PleasantHolidays.com.

Be sure to hit the highlights on your first trip to Italy.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Reptiles Rule during Reptile Day at Fernbank Museum of Natural History July 26, 2008

Meet dozens of fascinating, scaly animals in Fernbank’s Great Hall during the Museum’s annual Reptile Day. Members of the Georgia Herpetological Society and Fernbank educators will be available to answer questions and provide opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn more about reptiles during this popular Family Fun Day.

Special Activities:
Live Reptile Displays
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Hall
Visitors will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of reptiles courtesy of the Georgia Herpetological Society

Remarkable Reptiles
11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., Auditorium
Live animal presentations with Fernbank scientists. Seating is limited.

Kids’ Meals
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fernbank Café
Kids’ Meals will be available in The Fernbank Café, which include lizard- and snake-shaped chicken nuggets, a side item, and a drink for $6.

Saturday, July 26, 2008
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
www.fernbankmuseum.org
404.929.6300 info, 404.929.6400 tickets

Included with Museum admission—$15 for adults, $14 for students/seniors, $12 children ages 12 and under, free for members and children ages 2 and under.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Georgia's Own "Little Grand Canyon"


Take a short trip down south of Columbus and see Georgia's own canyon. Fondly known as the "Little Grand Canyon," the Providence Canyon State Park is a beautiful spot to see some of nature's best shows of color. Visitors can stand on the rim and view the canyon or hike down to the canyon floor.

The canyon was formed by poor farming practices in the 1800's. The deepest canyon is around 150 feet.

If you go, be careful what you say. Voices carry from the bottom of the canyon all the way to the top.

Upcoming events include Geology Day and Junior Rangers.

Click here for more information on the Canyon and for camping opportunities.

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Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Caribbean Island Of Flowers

(NAPSI)-Known as the Caribbean Island with French Flair and also called the Isle of Flowers, this island remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world, as unforgettable as a summer romance or a first kiss.

The waters of the Atlantic Ocean lap its shores on the east and the Caribbean Sea is to the west. To get there, American Airlines and Air France could be good places to start researching travel information.

Got it yet? Here’s another clue: This lovely island is an overseas region of France, and in keeping with its traditions, this vibrant island stirs the passions with awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, distinctive culinary delights, warm smiles and so much more.

One More Clue

Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here.

If you guessed Martinique, you’re right. And it’s not called the Isle of Flowers for nothing. In the morning, there’s the fragrance of flowers and herbs glistening with dew. As the day wears on, a delicate mix of aromas wafts through the air, hinting at the fresh ingredients of Creole dishes being prepared.

Superb Gardens

The Carib Indians named the island Madinina, or “Island of Flowers.” A visit to the superb gardens of Martinique will show visitors how appropriate this name really is. Two-thirds of the island has the French classification “Regional Nature Park,” which means that most of the territory is natural and protected. The northern part of Martinique gives us the most accurate idea of how Madi-nina was back when the Caribs lived on the island. This region is a gold mine of old trees, untouched rivers and waterfalls, unique tropical flowers, and sugarcane, pineapple and banana plantations.

Gauguin’s Favorite Village

Located in Carbet-Paul Gauguin’s favorite village on the Caribbean coast-Habitation de l’Anse Latouche, formerly a sugar factory, was built in 1643 and is one of the oldest plantation estates of Martinique.

Today, Jean-Philippe Thoze, legendary founder of the Balata Botanical Garden, has transformed the grounds of Habitation Latouche into a spectacular yet peaceful garden where history and nature are joined in a love story.

Martinique’s Hotels

Martinique’s hotels range in size from large (300 rooms) to very small (fewer than 10 rooms), and their ambience and atmosphere vary from seaside Caribbean resorts offering every tourist amenity from expensive to quite modest. All the larger hotels have sports facilities, a choice of restaurants and evening entertainment; all beachfront hotels have full water-sport programs. Some hotels have kitchenette studios. The island boasts approximately 4,656 rooms in more than 100 resorts, bed-and-breakfast inns and distinctive hotels de charme.

Get Going

One of the best ways to experience all the natural wonders that Martinique has to offer is by escorted 4x4’s, or what Americans call suburbans. These are air-conditioned, and local guides accompany all excursions, ensuring an insider’s introduction to all the best that Martinique has to offer.

For a bouncier trip around the island, rent a “quad,” which is a cross between a motorcycle and a go-cart and tough and nimble enough to traverse Martinique’s thick rain forests, picturesque meadows, historic ruins, back trails and even secluded beaches inaccessible by conventional roads.

Planning A Trip

To learn more, contact the Martinique Promotion Bureau/ CMT USA located at 825 Third Avenue, 29th floor, New York, NY 10022. You can also call 212-838-7800, ext. 981 or visit www.martinique.org.

An island of awe-inspiring beauty, this lovely island is an overseas region of France.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Delta Air Lines Grows in Latin America With New Service Between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires

PRIME NEWSWIRE-- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) announced today new nonstop daily service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Buenos Aires, Argentina, starting Dec. 18, 2008.*

The new Delta flight to Buenos Aires complements the airline's existing daily service to Argentina from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Delta's schedule between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires starting Dec.18, 2008:

Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
DL 193 New York-JFK at Buenos Aires at Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun
10 p.m. 12:20 p.m.
DL 192** Buenos Aires at New York-JFK at Mon/Tue/Fri/Sat/Sun
10:15 p.m. 6:25 a.m.
** Flight begins Dec. 19, 2008.

In celebration of the new JFK-Buenos Aires service, Delta offers a special one-way introductory fare of $459*** for travel between Jan. 5 and Feb. 27, 2009. Round-trip ticket purchase required. Tickets must be purchased by July 1, 2008. Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply. Details are included below.

"Delta continues to move forward with its international expansion despite current challenges of escalating fuel costs, and today we are a strong, competitive leader in the industry," said Christophe Didier, vice president of Sales and Government Affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean for Delta. "This new flight between New York and Buenos Aires is a tremendously important step as we add more routes and destinations throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean."

Delta recently announced its new flight between New York-JFK and Bogota, Colombia, scheduled to begin Aug. 19. From New York, the airline also offers year-round and seasonal nonstop service to 18 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Guatemala City, Panama City, Sao Paulo, and San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica, among others.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

The Delta Air Lines, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1825

* Subject to foreign government approval.

*** Terms and Conditions: Fare shown is available at delta.com. Tickets cost $25 more if purchased from Delta over the phone, or at a Delta ticket counter, and this amount is nonrefundable. Tickets are non-transferable. Seats are limited. Tickets: Tickets must be purchased within 3 days after reservations are made, but no later than July 1, 2008. Travel Period: Travel may begin on or after January, 5 2009 and must be completed by February 27, 2009. Blackout Dates: None. Fare Validity: Fare is valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin on Delta flights only. Minimum Stay: Saturday night stay required. Maximum Stay: All travel must be completed by February 27, 2009. Cancellations/Refunds/Changes: Tickets are nonrefundable except in accordance with Delta's cancellation policy. Fees may apply for downgrades/reissues and itinerary changes. Contact a Delta agent or visit delta.com for details. Taxes/Fees: A $3.50 Federal Excise Tax, Passenger Facility Charge(s) of up to $4.50 for each flight segment, and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $2.50 for each flight segment are not included. International fares do not include U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $30.80 and U.S. and foreign user, inspection, security or other similarly based charges, fees or taxes of up to $299, depending on itinerary. Taxes and fees must be paid when the ticket is purchased. Baggage Charges: For travel within the United States/PR/U.S. Virgin Islands, no fee for 1 checked bag and $25 fee for second checked bag. For all other travel, no fee for 2 checked bags and $150 fee for third checked bag. Allowances subject to size/weight limits. Contact a delta agent or visit delta.com for details. Miscellaneous: Fares, taxes, fees, rules, and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Virgin America Announces Summer Splash Fare Sale

PRIME NEWSWIRE -- Virgin America, the California-based airline that is making flying good again, today announced a Summer Splash Fare Sale* for travel to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Washington D.C., San Diego, and Seattle.

Virgin America invites guests to take a trip on the carrier that is making a big splash in the domestic skies with an upscale, innovative service for less. With a 9-inch video-screen at every seat with 25 movie choices, 3,000 MP3s, live TV, videogames, power outlets, seat-to-seat chat and the first on-demand in-flight food ordering system, Virgin America is an airline you will love to dip into and the perfect way to kick off your summer or fall travel plans.

-- Fares from $59 short-haul and $169 long-haul for travel all days of week between July 1 - July 8, 2008 in Main Cabin. *
-- Fares from $59 short-haul and $169 long-haul for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between June 18 - June 30, 2008 and between July 9 - November 19, 2008 in Main Cabin. +

Sample one way fares for non-stop travel in our Main Cabin between the following cities, from:

$59*+ San Francisco (SFO) - Los Angeles (LAX)
San Francisco (SFO) - Las Vegas (LAS)
San Francisco (SFO) - San Diego (SAN)

$69*+ San Francisco (SFO) - Seattle (SEA)

$79*+ Los Angeles (LAX) - Seattle (SEA)

$149*+ Washington, DC (IAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
Washington, DC (IAD) - Los Angeles (LAX)

$149*+ New York (JFK) - San Francisco (SFO)
New York (JFK) - Los Angeles (LAX)

$159+ New York (JFK) - Las Vegas (LAS)
Note: Service begins September 4
Sample one way fares for connecting travel in our Main Cabin between the following cities, from:

$99*+ Seattle (SEA) - San Diego (SAN)
Seattle (SEA) - Las Vegas (LAS)

$169*+ New York (JFK) - San Diego (SAN)
New York (JFK) - Seattle (SEA)

$169*+ Washington, D.C. (IAD) - San Diego (SAN)
Washington, D.C. (IAD) - Seattle (SEA)
Washington, D.C. (IAD) - Las Vegas (LAS)

Tickets are on sale today on Virgin America's website (www.virginamerica.com) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474). Tickets must be purchased by June 25, 2008.

Virgin America currently flies to seven cities with daily flights from: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, SFO to SEA, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD and LAX to SEA.

About Virgin America:

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America is a California-based airline that offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features aimed at reinventing air travel. Virgin America's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport's ultra-modern and convenient International Terminal. The airline's new Airbus A320-family aircraft offer guests interactive in-flight entertainment systems, power outlets for laptops and other electronic devices and a host of other innovative features aimed at making flying good again. In Zagat's 2007 Global Airlines Survey of frequent fliers, the airline was ranked #1 among U.S. carriers for quality in First/Business Class and #2 for quality in Main Cabin. To learn more: www.virginamerica.com

The Virgin America logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2371

Terms and Conditions:

* All Main Cabin fares are one way. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tickets must be purchased by 06/25/08. Travel must commence on or after 07/01/08 and must be completed by 07/08/08. Changes or cancellations can be made for a $75 fee, plus any increase in fare if applicable. Tickets purchased from Virgin America through our reservation call centers will cost an additional $10 per guest per itinerary. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.50 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket. Fares are not applicable to check-through connecting flights for city pairs where direct flights are offered. Virgin America will accept one piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds free of charge for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for a second checked bag up to 50 pounds is $25, and for each additional checked bag of up to 50 pounds is $50. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply. Flight may not operate daily during off-peak periods.

+ All Main Cabin fares are one way. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tickets must be purchased by 06/25/08. Travel must either commence on or after 06/18/08 and be completed by 06/30/08 or commence on or after 07/09/08 and be completed by 11/19/08. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday travel only. Blackout dates, August 29 and September 1, 2008. Changes or cancellations can be made for a $75 fee, plus any increase in fare if applicable. Tickets purchased from Virgin America through our reservation call centers will cost an additional $10 per guest per itinerary. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.50 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket. Fares are not applicable to check-through connecting flights for city pairs where direct flights are offered. Virgin America will accept one piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds free of charge for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for a second checked bag up to 50 pounds is $25, and for each additional checked bag of up to 50 pounds is $50. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply. Flight may not operate daily during off-peak periods.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A Blast from the Past: 25 years and Counting

PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for the excitement! Jekyll Island Beach Music Fest '08 takes place August 15-16. Don't miss out on the big news this year; Celebrating 25 years of fun in the sun, Jekyll Island is bringing back an old tradition with a FREE concert on the beach Saturday afternoon. If you love beach music, frat rock, R & B, and shag music this concert is just for you. The concert kicks off with the Rickey Godfrey Band at 12PM, followed by Second Chance at 2:30PM, and concludes with headliners the Swinging Medallions at 4:30PM. Everyone is invited to this free party on the beach while listening to live performances complete with Corona beer and delicious food from various vendors.

However, if sitting in the shade is more of your idea of fun, contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center and sign up to be a Beach Concert VIP. VIP guests receive a free lunch catered by Straton Hall Caterers, snacks, desserts, soft drinks, and beer while relaxing under the VIP tent during the Saturday afternoon Beach Concert. Tickets are $50 and sell quickly, so purchase yours soon.

To complete this rockin' weekend, guests can enjoy Friday and Saturday evening concerts featuring the Swinging Medallions at the Jekyll Island Convention Center's Atlantic Hall. In addition, golfers can start their weekend early with the annual Beach Music Festival Golf Tournament Friday morning. Tickets for the evening concerts and registration forms for the Golf Tournament can be found online at www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival .

As a special bonus for shag club members, Red Bug Motors is also hosting a Thursday night Early Bird Party at the Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion Resort. Shag club members, contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to reserve your tickets and for $5 per person come enjoy a pool-side cook-out and shagging to the great sounds of DJ Paul Spaulding.

So join your friends on Jekyll Island, August 15-16 and shag to great Beach Music all weekend. For more details visit www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival or contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at (912) 635-3636 or 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Premier Exhibitions to Produce Star Trek the Exhibition

PRIME NEWSWIRE-- Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRXI) announced today that it has entered into an exclusive Agreement to present STAR TREK(r) THE EXHIBITION. This multi-city touring exhibition contains the world's most comprehensive collection of authentic Star Trek ships, sets, costumes and props from 5 TV series and 10 films over the last 40+ years.

STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION will fully immerse the visitor in the legendary journey that has become synonymous with scientific innovation and ingenuity. Highlights of the experience include: The opportunity to ride through a Star Trek adventure in full motion Star Trek based flight simulators; the ability for visitors to sit on a full size U.S.S Enterprise bridge from the original television series and detailed re-creations of original sets.

The exhibition will open June 21st at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park.

"We are thrilled to add STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION to our ever-growing roster of exhibitions," states Bruce Eskowitz, CEO of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. "The universal appeal of these beloved television series and blockbuster films allows us the opportunity to bring an exclusive experience that will not only capture the imagination of visitors but allow each to turn fantasy into reality. We're taking families on a voyage through the history of the future."

"STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION is the ultimate voyage through a legendary piece of iconic history giving visitors a first-hand look at the scientific endeavors of the Enterprise crew," states Jim Kidrick, President and CEO of the San Diego Air and Space Museum. "We hope that this will inspire the next generation to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and motivate everyone to boldly go where no one has gone before."

STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION is produced by Premier Exhibitions, Inc. Premier Exhibitions Inc. is a major provider of museum quality touring exhibitions throughout the world.

STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements contained in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Premier Exhibitions have based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events, based on the information currently available to it. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release may also include statements relating to Premier Exhibitions' anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new developments, strategies and similar matters. Certain of the factors described in Premier Exhibitions' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007 entitled "Risk Factors," may affect Premier Exhibitions' future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Premier Exhibitions disclaims any obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Enjoy a Summer Picnic at Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX®

Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX® presented by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. brings picnicking indoors for a hassle-free, ant-free tribute to a favorite summer pastime.

Fried chicken, potato salad, seasonal fruit, wine and two IMAX® tickets make Martinis & IMAX® Picnic Packages the perfect way to spend a summer evening. While savoring this traditional and delicious picnic dinner, guests can listen to live music by The Nick Longo Band and sip summer-inspired martinis. Picnics can also be taken outside for enjoyment on the Terrace, which adds lush scenery from the Fernbank Forest Overlook.

The Picnic Package includes a choice one of three IMAX® films: Antarctica, Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk or Alaska: Spirit of the Wild.

Picnic Packages are available during Martinis & IMAX® at Fernbank Museum of Natural History on June 20, 2008 only.

Picnic Packages must be purchased in advance and are $63 for Museum members and $70 for non-members. Tickets to specific IMAX® show times are based on availability and early reservations are recommended. Regular prices apply for other menu items offered in The Fernbank Café for those not purchasing a package.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 404.929.6400. Visitor information is available at fernbankmuseum.org or by calling 404.929.6300.

20th Anniversary Celebrations Bring Special Discounts To The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

T2F Note: Escape to the mountains this summer. Sounds like a fun trip to take.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is pleased to announce special promotions to celebrate our 20th Anniversary.

The first discount offers one free child’s ticket when you book two adult tickets online at GSMR.COM. That’s a $29.00 value, for standard coach seating, good June through September on the Nantahala Gorge & Tuckasegee River excursions. Tickets must be purchased online, seven days in advance.

The second discount is the introduction of our 20th Anniversary Annual Pass. With the purchase of a regular priced ticket, $10.00 additional will get you an annual pass good for unlimited trips on the Nantahala Gorge & Tuckasegee River excursions. Some restrictions apply. With your Annual Pass you will also receive a 10% discount on Food & Beverages, as well as Retail purchases at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad gift shops, café, and on board the train. The 20th Anniversary Annual Pass is valid June 1, 2008 – April 30, 2009.

For more information please go to GSMR.COM or call 1-800-872-4681.

Smoky Mountain Trains Museum admission is included with all train excursion tickets. (Except Thomas the Tank™, PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express and all Dinner Trains.) Without train excursion admission is $9.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Children.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

The Kratt Brothers, Cast of Amazing Animals Headline Dollywood’s 2008 KidsFest

BUSINESS WIRE--Get ready as Dollywood goes wild this summer during KidsFest (June 13-Aug. 3) as The Kratt Brothers star in the never-before-seen live stage show Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers, created especially for the theme park.

The Smoky Mountains are full of all Gods creatures, but The Kratt Brothers are going to entertain families with some of their special critter friends that I cant wait to see at Dollywood, like a penguin! Dolly Parton said. They tell me therell be a snake on stage thats as long as I am tall, even with my high heels on!

Stars of the popular PBS Zoboomafoo childrens television series, Chris and Martin Kratt are the original creature adventurers. Their adventures bring a menagerie of amazing animals to the stage at DPs Celebrity Theatre for this exciting new 40-minute show. Animal lovers of all ages will get to see a zebra, red kangaroo, coati, porcupine, beaver, rainbow boa, spurred tortoise and more. Learn more about these fascinating creatures as The Kratt Brothers share interesting animal tales from their worldwide escapades that have found them face to face with animals of all walks of life. Creature Adventures is included with park admission; multiple performances are scheduled daily throughout the seven-week festival.

Dollywood is crawling with animal encounters all summer long. Kamp KidsFest featuring Kreatures, Kritters and Krafts, located in the Valley Exhibition Hall, is open daily and lets guests of all ages get up-close with a variety of small animals, remarkable reptiles and captivating bugs. A professional animal caregiver from the Knoxville Zoo is on hand to share fascinating facts about each creature while showcasing the animal to park guests.

For a rare, up-close view of birds of prey, guests also can visit the new raptor facility located next to the parks Wings of America Theatre, featuring 10 viewing stalls filled with different birds, including those that perform in the show. Representatives from the Dollywood-headquartered not-for-profit American Eagle Foundation are on hand to answer questions and provide information about the fascinating birds which include the bald eagle, black vulture, African pied crow, great horned owl, Peregrine falcon and more.

Summers most remarkable sand sculptures arent just at the beach this summer. Sandscapes, 12-time winner of the World Sand Sculpture Championship, will create large-scale, three-dimensional sand sculptures throughout KidsFest. Located in the Village area near the Train Depot, Sandscapes original KidsFest designs will feature trains and animals. The sand artists will use 75 tons of sand to create their designssome of which stand as tall as eight feetin a 24-foot by 24-foot sandbox. Guests can watch the Sandscapes artists ongoing work as they build new pieces.

Some familiar faces make a heralded return to KidsFest this summer. VeggieTales LIVE! finds Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber matching wits with The Pirates Who Dont Do Anything. At Dollys Imagination Playhouse, the Penguin Players are back with three sing-along stage shows featuring music written by Dolly.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

“Little House” Receives Big Makeover Courtesy of Hampton Hotels

Renowned author Laura Ingalls Wilder, best known for her “Little House” series of novels, penned five of her narratives about her childhood home in De Smet, S.D. Wilder’s home, which has been under the care and preservation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society (http://discoverlaura.org/ ) since her death in 1957, will receive a much-needed makeover with the help of Hampton® Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® program.

The restoration effort is the second Save-A-Landmark project of 2008 and the 37th in the program’s nine-year history. Dozens of volunteers from local Hampton Hotels will carefully clean, prime, paint and repair historical buildings from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, including the following:

· Ingalls’ home, built by Laura’s Pa in 1887 was the final home that the Ingalls family lived in on the property
· Surveyors’ house, was the original home that the Ingalls family lived in upon arriving in De Smet in 1879. Laura writes about this landmark in her book, “By the Shores of Silver Lake” The home was a landmark to all those who traveled West in 1880
· First School of De Smet, which is the original building where Laura and her sister Carrie attended school from 1880 to 1885. In April 2007, the school became the newest addition to the Society’s headquarters, after serving as a private residence for many years
· Laura Ingalls Wilder Gift Shop, which serves as an important piece of the Society’s headquarters.

In addition, volunteers will revamp the landscape with grasses and flowers native to the South Dakota prairie, as well as repave the sidewalk and steps leading up to the Surveyors’ house, the First School of De Smet and the Gift Shop, making all buildings handicap accessible. Hampton Hotels will contribute more than 85 volunteer hours towards ensuring the ongoing care of the national landmarks.

The Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark 2008 campaign – aptly named “Landmark Legends,” is devoted to restoring sites that pay homage to prominent Americans. This year’s program kicked-off in Memphis, honoring the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s untimely passing, with the refurbishment of the National Civil Rights Museum. Several other iconic locations such as Amelia Earhart’s Birthplace and Museum, the Barnum Museum, and the Poe Museum will be refurbished in 2008 through Save-A-Landmark as well. The list of legendary figures was generated from a nationwide survey, conducted by Hampton Hotels, to celebrate the accomplishments of those Americans who have inspired change, overcome adversity and made a difference.

“Laura Ingalls Wilder was an innovator in American literature. We’re proud to be able to help repair the grounds in which she lived, wrote and taught,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels.

Those looking to discover other locations devoted to historic individuals – or to possibly nominate their own “Landmark Legend” – can visit the Save-A-Landmark site at www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on “submit a landmark” to enter a nomination for a legendary landmark. Below is just a sample of “heroic” landmarks already included in the program’s online database.

· Jesse Owens Memorial Park, Danville, Ala.: This park honors Olympic great Jesse Owens, an Oakville native who won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, the first American and the second athlete in history to win four gold medals.
· Jackie Robinson Birthplace, Cairo, Ga.: Born here on January 31, 1919 to sharecroppers and enslaved grandparents on what was once a plantation, Jackie Robinson – the first African-American major league baseball player – was just two years old when his mother packed up Jackie and his four siblings, hopped on a train and headed to California.
· Hellen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia, Ala.: This small birthplace cottage was the site of the remarkable story of Helen Keller, the woman who was struck blind and deaf after becoming ill around the age of two. The home, called Ivy Green, eventually became the living quarters for Helen and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, whose huge teaching strides with Helen began by simply spelling out the word "water" in Helen’s hand as she pumped water over it.
· Celia Cruz and Freedom Tower, Miami, Fla.: The Cuban songstress Celia Cruz, “the Queen of Salsa,” performed at Freedom Tower during a 2001 fundraiser to turn the site into a museum, and was later brought to the tower after her death so tens of thousands of mourners could pay their last respects to the legendary singer. Known as the Ellis Island of the Cuban community, Freedom Tower is where immigration officials processed more than 500,000 Cubans who fled the country in the 1960s.

Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program is continuing its ninth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks, from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of more than $2.5 million. Uniting its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the financial support to refurbish selected sites.

Landmark nominations have been a key element of the Save-A-Landmark program’s success since its inception in 2000, with thousands of nominations provided by the public. Submissions can be made online at www.hamptonlandmarks.com or by mailing recommendations c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Vive Le Polo

Sunday, June 22, 12 to 6 p.m.; Gates open at 12 p.m., Match begins at 2 p.m.
Chukkar Farm and Scuppernong Polo Club; 1005 Little River Way, Alpharetta, GA.

Join a glorious summer day with "Best Picnic" and "Best Hat" contests, High fashion, gourmet food and drink, live and silent auction, the stomping of the divots, and an exciting match of polo. Bring your best picnic spread of gourmet food and drink.

This event is hosted by the High’s Art Partners Membership group, all proceeds benefit the High. Bronze Sponsors for Vive le Polo! are Aston Martin of Atlanta and Mason Murer Fine Art. Media Sponsors are The Atlantan and Flavors Magazine.

$25 in advance; $30 at the gate. For tickets, visit www.High.org or call 404-733-4521.

Delta Air Lines Begins Nonstop Service from New York-JFK to Antigua and Barbuda

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today launches nonstop service today from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Antigua and Barbuda as part of its continued expansion in the Caribbean.

This flight complements Delta’s existing nonstop service to Antigua and Barbuda from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

A prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving among spectacular coral reef, Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda are two islands that comprise one country located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Barbuda also offers bird watching enthusiasts a significant bird sanctuary in the region.

“Delta continues to open new Caribbean routes out of JFK to bring New Yorkers closer to beautiful beaches, sun, and relaxation,” said Christophe Didier, Delta’s vice president of Sales and Government Affairs in Latin America and the Caribbean for Delta Air Lines. “We have started more than 10 new routes in the Caribbean basin in the last couple of years, many of them departing from JFK as part of our continued international expansion.”

Delta’s new flight will operate Thursdays and Sundays, beginning June 12.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Delta Requests DOT Authority to Offer Service Between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to start new nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pending DOT approval, Delta currently plans to offer five flights weekly from December to April and four flights per week during the rest of the year, with the possibility of increasing frequencies depending on demand. If approved, the new flight will begin in December of this year and will complement Delta’s current daily nonstop service between Buenos Aires and Atlanta.

“Developing JFK as a major Delta hub is paramount for the success of our international expansion strategy, and reaching the Americas from New York is an important part of this equation,” said Christophe Didier, Delta’s vice president of Sales and Government Affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean. “JFK is key to our continuous growth in Latin America, especially in a market such as Buenos Aires, a destination that currently lacks sufficient nonstop service to New York City at a time when demand for travel on this route is high.”

Delta offers year-round and seasonal service to Latin America and the Caribbean from eight U.S. airports, mostly from Atlanta and Los Angeles. From JFK, the airline flies to 18 destinations, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mexico City, Mexico*; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Panama City, Panama; San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Georgetown, Guyana; in addition to Jamaica, the Bahamas, and several islands in the Antilles. Later this year, Delta also will start nonstop service between JFK and Bogotá, Colombia.

Monday, June 09, 2008

Walk of Flags and Stones Tour at The Little White House

T2F Note: It's only a short drive from Atlanta and well worth the trip down to learn more of our history.

Saturday, Jun 14, 2008 10 AM - 3 PM

Take a guided tour of this walkway lined with 51 flags and stones. Many diverse colors and formations make up these stones, making this an educational tour for those interested in geology as well as history. $4-$7. 706-655-5870.

Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site
401 Little White House Rd
Warm Springs, GA 31830

Directions:
Located 1/4 mile south of Warm Springs on Ga. Hwy. 85 Alt.-U.S. Hwy. 27 Alt.

Friday, June 06, 2008

Dollywood Hosts Thrills in the Hills Event June 6-8

BUSINESS WIRE--Roller coaster fans from across the country will converge on Dollywood this weekend for the theme parks first-time Thrills in the Hills event set for June 6-8.

Thrills in the Hills is a much-anticipated opportunity to see some very unique rides from a really up-close perspective that isnt ordinarily available, said Matthew Lambert, American Coaster Enthusiast member, but everyone is really looking forward to enjoying the warm Southern hospitality that Dollywood is known for.

Approximately 70 attendees will enjoy exclusive ride time and behind-the-scenes tours of the parks coasters, including Thunderhead, twice named the best wooden coaster in the world by the Golden Tickets Awards, and Mystery Mine, Theme Park Insiders 2007 best new themed attraction, as well as the Tennessee Tornado and Blazing Fury. Participants also will see two of Dollywoods award-winning stage showsthe 2006 international Heartbeat Award winner Dreamland Drive-In and the 2007 winner, The Great American Country Show. The weekends itinerary also offers opportunities to visit Dollywoods Splash Country and Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede dinner attraction.

Its an honor for Dollywood to host Thrills in the Hills and showcase all that our properties have to offer, said Pete Owens, Dollywood Public Relations Manager. We hope Thrills in the Hills is the first of many events of this type.

Callaway Gardens® Announces 2008 Summer Workshops And Hikes

Get creative at one of Callaway Gardens® workshops or hikes. Callaway Gardens’ summer educational programming includes activities such as digital photography, gardening, painting and more:

2008 Art and Garden Summer Workshops

Trough Gardening
Saturday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you have always thought troughs were only for watering horses in the field, think again. Louise and Warren Aldrich have been building troughs and gardening in them for several years with great success. Herbs, cacti, ferns and bonsai all work well in troughs both indoors and outdoors. Join the Aldrichs in this hands-on art and gardening adventure to make your own trough garden to take home.
Instructors: Louise and Warren Aldrich
Fee: $40

Kids Workshop: Make an Italian Herb Garden Trough!
Saturday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Learn how to make your own trough garden filled with herbs you need to make a tasty pizza! We’ll discover the herbs that we use in our everyday meals and send you home with all the ingredients to make your own pizza herb trough, minus the dough, of course!
Ages 7 to 18 years. Parents or adults are welcome, but activity is only for kids.
Instructors: Callaway Gardens’ Education Department
Fee: $20

Savage Plants – How to Grow Carnivorous Plants
Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ever pick up a Venus flytrap at the checkout counter of a hardware store and wonder how to grow it? We’ll explore the wonders of carnivorous plants – sundews, Venus flytraps and pitcher plants - and learn the techniques for growing them in containers.
Meet at the Backyard Wildlife Habitat behind the Discovery Center.
Free with Gardens admission

Azalea Trails Watercolor Landscapes
Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days
Join artist Ralph Taylor as he shares the secrets of using more pigment and color in your paintings. In this two-day workshop, you will focus on completing one masterpiece using the “wet on wet” and “dry brush” method. Bring watercolors, brushes, tape, and Arches 300 lb. watercolor paper. We will be working in the classroom replicating images from photographs of Callaway Gardens’ renowned azalea trails. Recommended for advanced students.
Minimum: 6, Maximum: 16
Instructor: Ralph Taylor, Phenix City, AL http://www.ralphtaylorstudio.com
Fee: $150

Oriental Watercolor Workshop
June 28, Session 1: Lilies 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Session 2: Peony 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oriental Watercolor, also known as Chinese brush painting, with its emphasis on the beauty of simplicity, flowing brush strokes and graceful designs, reflects time-honored principles of Chinese philosophy and culture. Practicing Chinese brush painting helps one quiet the mind and expand creative self-expression and discipline. Work with bamboo brushes, using water color on rice paper, and develop confidence in your painting through demonstrations, individual instruction and practice. These classes are ideal for all ages with or without previous art training.
Instructor: Tehwan Tso, long-time student, now artist, has been teaching Chinese brush painting for the past 20 years.
Fee: $60 plus materials
Minimum: 7; Maximum: 16

Mastering the Butterfly: A Limited Enrollment Workshop in Digital Macrophotography
Friday, July 11, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 12, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
OR
Friday, July 25, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This workshop is designed for the experienced digital photographer with an interest in macro photography and with a camera capable of taking close-up/macro photographs. The workshop focuses on learning the fundamentals of macro photography using the butterfly as our primary subject in the setting of Callaway Gardens’ Day Butterfly Center. The course begins on Friday night in the classroom, followed by an exclusive, closed-to-the-public, early morning photo shoot at the Day Butterfly Center. The instructor will provide individual coaching. Tripods are permitted. Following the photo shoot, enjoy a working lunch for uploading images into the computer, then a favorite-images session for instructor/group critique. The course ends with classroom instruction in advanced post-processing techniques of our butterfly images using PhotoShop PSCS2.
Limit: 20 pre-registered participants (no refunds unless participant’s slot can be filled).
Instructor: Jim Henderson, award-winning “serious amateur” digital photographer of LaGrange, GA http://www.pbase.com/sandman3
Fee: $110; includes lunch and course syllabus.
Bring your digital camera, flash, owner’s manual, plenty of charged batteries, and storage media. Those with laptop computers are asked to bring them on Saturday. Dress casually in layers for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Victorian Santa in Summer! Gourd Art Workshop
Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Create an Old World, traditional painted Victorian Santa on a gourd. Learn about growing, drying and preparing nature’s pottery and creating your unique design.
All materials included.
Instructor: Billie Strickland
Fee: $50 includes all materials

Creative Botanical Journal
Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In this fun, fast-paced botanical journal workshop, participants will create and take home an original, bound journal of their own design; hand-carved rubber stamps; supplies for image transfer and instructions. Techniques include botanical drawings, paper photo transfers, carving rubber stamps, collage techniques in combination with watercolor and ink, innovative design ideas for recording information about plants. Open to all skill levels.
Instructor: Val Webb, an award-winning illustrator and author of The Illustrated Garden of Mobile, AL.
Fee: $175 includes all materials
Minimum: 10 Maximum: 25

A Fun and Easy Introduction to Digital Photography: How to Take Great Pictures
Saturday, August 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A true basic digital photography workshop – a fun and easy introduction to digital photography! Learn to get the most from your camera’s automatic mode, how to use flash effectively, and master the macro feature – all in a fun and non-technical manner. The workshop includes classroom instruction, outdoor photo shoot, working lunch, and then a discussion about equipment readiness, including useful information about camera batteries, digital media cards, and care for your digital camera. Plenty of time for questions and answers, concluding with an introduction to artistic composition – how to take great photos of any subject.
Instructor: Jim Henderson, award winning “serious amateur” photographer of LaGrange, GA.
Fee: $70; includes lunch and course syllabus.
Bring your digital camera, owner’s manual, plenty of charged batteries, and storage media. Dress casually in layers for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Oriental Watercolor (Chinese Brush Painting) Workshop
Saturday, September 27, Session 1: Sunflowers; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Session 2: Irises 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oriental Watercolor, also known as Chinese brush painting, with its emphasis on the beauty of simplicity, flowing brush strokes and graceful designs, reflects time-honored principles of Chinese philosophy and culture. Practicing Chinese brush painting helps one quiet the mind and expand creative self-expression and discipline. Work with bamboo brushes, using watercolor on rice paper, and develop confidence in your painting through demonstrations, individual instruction and practice. These classes are ideal for all ages with or without previous art training.
Instructor: Tehwan Tso, long-time student, now artist, has been teaching Chinese brush painting for the past 20 years.
Fee: $60 plus materials
Minimum: 7; Maximum: 16

Take a Hike!
Join us for a hike in The Preserve at Callaway Gardens, an area accessible to visitors only on guided programs. Trails have a natural, uneven surface and require sturdy walking shoes. In case of inclement weather, hikes and walks may be canceled.

Plumleaf Azalea Hike
Saturday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Age limit: 10 years and older
Length 2.5 miles; moderately strenuous
Fee: $5 for members; $6 for nonmembers
Registration required; directions sent with confirmation letter.

Special Gardening Events
Smaller Gardens: Real Solutions: A Horticulture Magazine Symposium with Nan Sinton
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Learn how to design and plant in limited space with a host of experts presenting “Successful Planting in Shade & Sun,” brought to you by Horticulture magazine and Callaway Gardens. Speakers include Helen Dillon “Down to Earth Gardening Working with the Reality of Your Site;” John Elsley “Hostas, Hellebores & Hydrangeas;” C.Colston Burrell “Natural Design for the Shaded Garden;” and Stephanie Cohen “Light Fantastic – Transitioning from Sun to the Edge of Shade.” For details and to register, visit hortprograms.com or request a brochure by calling toll-free at 877-GDN-PROG (877-436-7764).

Enrollment is limited and preregistration is required for all programs. Programs fill quickly, so register soon. Workshop fees include admission to Callaway Gardens. To register call the Education Department at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) ext. 5153, 706-663-5153 or email education@callawaygardens.org or check out education event listings at www.callawaygardens.org and click on “Education.”

For overnight accommodations for any of these workshops or hikes, ask for the special workshop rate starting at $109 in the Mountain Creek® Inn at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

Callaway Gardens®, a premier travel and meeting destination in the South, is owned by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation™ (ICCF). Within the 13,000 acres of Callaway Gardens is a resort, preserve, residential community, almost 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 931 guest rooms, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing, shooting club, gardens, butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails, and additional attractions. For more than 50 years Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors. Callaway Gardens is committed to its mission of environmental education and land stewardship for the benefit of future generations.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. To experience Mother Nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Antarctica Ices Over Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre

Experience the icy mysteries and exquisite beauties of the highest, driest and coldest continent on Earth in the giant screen film Antarctica opening June 7, 2008 at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Audiences will witness penguins, seals and other exotic life forms that call this southernmost expanse home while learning about its history and scientific research stations. The only place on Earth with no permanent human inhabitants, Antarctica is home to an incredible diversity of life that thrives in one of the harshest environments, giving an air of wonderment to this delicate ecosystem. This five-story film experience illustrates the magnificence of the crisp, blue skies and bright, white ice along with the deep crevasses and towering mountains of the Antarctic.

Observe scientific endeavors in this remote region aiming to spread the message of protecting the fragile balance of the Earth’s ecology. The Antarctic ice sheets hold 70 percent of the world’s water, demonstrating the importance of slowing global warming, preserving the ozone layer and, ultimately, helping our planet.

“Antarctica is a film that uses the IMAX® format so well, taking audiences to one of the Earth’s natural wonders in a way that most people will never experience on their own,” said Heather Heimmer, Fernbank’s Director of Environmental Education. “It’s a great companion to our special exhibition, Ends of the Earth—giving people a hands-on exploration of our polar regions in the exhibition, and a dramatically beautiful view beneath the icy waters and across the frozen expanses of Antarctica in the film.”

Fernbank has combined the splendor of Antarctica with the special exhibition, Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins, to maximize an exciting adventure to the freezing, yet lively, environments of the world. Penguins of the Antarctic: A Photographic Expedition will also be featured at Fernbank from June 8-August 31, allowing Museum visitors to get an up-close look at the Adelie, Gentoo, Macaroni, King and Emperor Penguins that are found in Antarctica.

Antarctica shows daily at Fernbank Museum of Natural History from June 7, 2008 through January 2, 2009. Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins is on view from June 7, 2008 through January 2, 2009.

IMAX® tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $11 for children ages 3 to 12, $8 for Museum members, and free for children ages 2 and under. Martinis & IMAX® tickets, available on Friday nights, are $15. Value Pass tickets, which combine Antarctica, Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins and Penguins of the Antarctic: A Photographic Expedition with full museum access, are $23 for adults, $21 for students and seniors, $19 for children ages 3 to 12, $8 for Museum members, and free for children 2 and under.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. More information is available to visitors at fernbankmuseum.org. Tickets can be purchased in advance at 404.929.6400.

Delta Air Lines Achieves Record May Load Factors

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today reported record load factors for May 2008. Load factors for system (82.9 percent), domestic (84.2 percent), Latin (77.6 percent) and regional system (80.8 percent) were higher than any previous May on record for Delta.

System traffic in May 2008 increased 4.2 percent over May 2007 with a capacity increase of 1.5 percent. As a result of Delta’s combination of unique markets and improved product offerings international traffic remained strong in May, increasing 20.9 percent year over year on a 17.4 percent increase in capacity. Delta’s international load factor was 80.8 percent, an increase of 2.3 points compared to May 2007. Domestic traffic in May 2008 decreased 3.8 percent year over year on a capacity decrease of 6.5 percent.

In addition, a record number of passengers flew internationally on Delta during May. The number of international, Atlantic and Latin passengers increased 14.9 percent, 17.4 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively, versus the same period last year.

“May’s strong unit revenue performance was driven by Delta’s expanding international presence and the company’s commitment to domestic capacity rationalization,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president -- Network Planning and Revenue Management. “With continued yield growth, summer demand strength and growth in our cargo and ancillary revenues, we expect a solid summer. Our pre-emptive move in March to cut capacity for this fall leaves us well positioned to continue to deliver on our revenue targets.”

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections or strategies for the future, may be “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections and strategies reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the cost of aircraft fuel; the impact that our indebtedness will have on our financial and operating activities and our ability to incur additional debt; the restrictions that financial covenants in our financing agreements will have on our financial and business operations; labor issues; interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our hub airports; our increasing dependence on technology in our operations; our ability to retain management and key employees; the ability of our credit card processors to take significant holdbacks in certain circumstances; the effects of terrorist attacks; and competitive conditions in the airline industry. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause differences between actual results and forward-looking statements is contained in Delta’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on Delta’s forward-looking statements, which represent Delta’s views only as of June 4, 2008, and which Delta has no current intention to update.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Stone Mountain Park Opens New Outdoor Adventure Course

Stone Mountain Park announced today (June 2, 2008) it will open Sky Hike, a newly constructed, million dollar adventure ropes course in the treetops, on May 31, as part of its summer festival, Summer at the Rock 2008 and 50th anniversary celebration. When it opens, Sky Hike will be the nation’s largest family adventure course, offering hikers an off-the-ground experience with more than a quarter mile of trails to choose from. No two hikes are the same.

Located in the Crossroads® Village at the base of Stone Mountain, the structure made of steel, wood, plastic, concrete and rope, features observation platforms and trails at 12-, 24- and nearly 40-feet high. Kids and adults can climb vertical net bridges, trek across swinging wooden bridges and scale a 40-foot climbing tower, all while attached to a patented overhead safety system.

“A few years ago, we created the Camp Highland Outpost adventure course for young kids and although guests with younger kids embraced the ropes course attraction, we realized there was also a need for an outdoor offering for older kids and parents to share,” said Sonny Horton, vice president of marketing for Stone Mountain Park. “Sky Hike is the solution: it’s a fun and challenging experience for the entire family.”

Sky Hike is open to companies and organizations for team building programs. To experience Sky Hike, children must be at least 44 inches tall. Access to Sky Hike is included in the one-day Adventure Pass which is $25 for adults and $20 for ages 3-11 (not including tax), plus the cost of parking.

Additionally, Summer at the Rock 2008 continues on June 7 with family-friendly entertainment including Backyard Circus®, an interactive experience where kids are the stars; a new musical review called Rock Solid Country; a new live, show named Col. Adair’s Southern Fried Shakespeare; appearances by Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales® fame; a train show and street artist performances at Crossroads.

Guests can also stay and watch the new, digitally remastered Lasershow Spectacular, the world’s longest running lasershow, each night through Aug. 10.

For more information on Stone Mountain Park’s new Sky Hike or other attractions, call 770-498-5690 or visit stonemountainpark.com. Guests can also take advantage of the Family Value Pass, an online promotion running through Aug. 10 that offers families four Adventure Passes and four meals (at select locations in the park) for $99.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Delta CEO Says Company ‘Holds Best Hand in the Industry’

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) CEO Richard Anderson today told shareowners that Delta “holds the best hand in the industry.” Anderson outlined several areas of success including the best employees in the industry, double-digit top line growth and the continuous expansion of the airline’s international network.

Anderson also acknowledged the challenges the airline faces as a result of the record-breaking cost of fuel. “The company is performing well but faces headwinds due to the cost of fuel. We are proactively managing the issue in this environment while sticking to the greater strategy of Delta Air Lines.”

Anderson identified several efforts the company has made during the past months to combat the cost of fuel including domestic capacity reductions, various revenue initiatives and an aggressive multi-year fuel hedging portfolio which is currently valued at more than $1 billion.

“It’s very important to note the contribution of the Delta employees over the last few years,” Anderson continued. “The airline is running extremely well, producing the best on-time performance among the network carriers in 2007.”

Two proposals were put before the stockholders for approval. A preliminary tabulation of votes cast showed that the stockholders elected all nominees to Delta's Board of Directors by a substantial majority of the votes cast. In addition, the stockholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Delta’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2008. Final results of the voting will be published on Delta’s Web site, as well as in its next quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Free, Fun Activities at Trail Mix Celebration at Little Mulberry Park

Head outside and explore the trails as Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation celebrates National Trails Day! A huge success last year, this year’s Trail Mix Celebration will be held this Sat., June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Little Mulberry Park (Hog Mountain Road entrance) in Dacula.

The day will begin with an equestrian trail ride for those with their own horses at 8 a.m., followed by the Gwinnett Parks Foundation’s two-mile Trail Mix Fun Run/Walk, which begins at 8:30 a.m. The entry fee for the fun run/walk is $10 per person, or $25 for a family of up to five people, and includes a commemorative t-shirt.

A 4.5-mile strenuous nature hike that will wind from one side of the 890-acre park to the other will begin at 9 a.m. Beginning at 10 a.m. free activities will be located throughout the park, including hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, make-and-take crafts, a rock climbing wall, Hikes for Tykes, as well as fun environmental, animal, outdoor, fishing, and educational programs. Food concessions will also be available for sale.

A shuttle to the park will be provided from Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church, located at 1450 Pine Road across the street from the park entrance.

To register for the Gwinnett Parks Foundation Trail Mix Fun Run/Walk, call 770-339-0203. Participants can also register at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.

Little Mulberry Park – Hog Mountain entrance is located at 3900 Hog Mountain Road in Dacula.

For more information call 770-822-8840 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

Gourmet Dream Team Delivers A Moving Experience

NAPSI-Long-distance train vacations can be a wonderfully unique experience, allowing travelers to experience the breathtaking scenery around them without having to keep their eyes on the road (or a map). But there’s so much more to train travel, including the chance to interact with other passengers, stops in intriguing locales and, in keeping with the luxurious accommodations, a fine dining experience.

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations was recently honored with the World Travel Award as the “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the third consecutive year. And one of the key ingredients in the train line’s success is its culinary expertise.

And while the culinary experience on the Rocky Mountaineer train has always been a highlight of the journey, the company is now taking it to the next level with four times the talent, experience and expertise.

A new catering service for the train, Rocky Mountain Catering was recently established by four world-renowned British Columbia chefs: Frederic Couton, Joseph Lassaga, Jean Pierre Guerin and Raoul Prigent. The vast experience of this dream team is breathing new life into the train line’s RedLeaf and GoldLeaf Service on-board cuisine and thrilling the discriminating palates of all Rocky Mountaineer guests.

These accomplished chefs have created spectacular cuisine in kitchens all around the world, including Paris, Geneva and Hong Kong. All four have received a number of culinary awards, both in B.C. and internationally. Using only the finest and freshest local ingredients, these culinary artists are working their magic to create unique bi-regional dishes that celebrate the distinctive character of Western Canada in the true tradition of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.

In addition, the company will gladly address any dietary needs or concerns that passengers may have. Simply provide your booking agent or the train line with 72 hours’ notice regarding specific issues.

To learn more about train vacations through the Canadian West, including information about the gourmet cuisine to be enjoyed on board, visit the Web site at www.rockymountaineer.com.

Gourmet dining on board is one of the delights of long-distance train travel.

Monday, June 02, 2008

Delta Launches First Trans-Atlantic Flight from Salt Lake City with Nonstop Service to Paris

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today begins nonstop service between Salt Lake City International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport. The flights, operating as part of Delta’s joint venture with SkyTeam partner Air France, will be the first trans-Atlantic service ever offered by any airline from Salt Lake City and will be the only nonstop service operated by a U.S. carrier between the Western United States and Paris.

"We are pleased to be able to meet the growing international demand with Delta's first trans-Atlantic flight from Salt Lake City,” said Glen Hauenstein, executive vice president – Network and Revenue Management. “With the launch of service to Paris, Salt Lake City and the Western United States are just one stop away from the rest of globe."

Delta will operate daily service with a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft seating up to 216 passengers.
Paris is one of the most famous destinations in the world with attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre museum; while Salt Lake City boasts “the Greatest Snow on Earth” with access to some of the United States’ best skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Customers traveling beyond the capitals will have numerous connecting opportunities as Salt Lake City and Paris combine to offer more than 200 destinations beyond their city limits.

The new route is expected to offer significant cargo lift in both directions. From Paris, top shipments will include cosmetics, fashion garments and wine, while Salt Lake City’s chief exports will include machine parts, computers and information technology equipment.

Delta’s new nonstop service between Salt Lake City and Paris beginning June 2 is scheduled as follows:

Flight Departs Arrives Effective Flight Time
170 Salt Lake City at 5 p.m. Paris at 11:15 a.m. (next day) June 2, 2008 10hr 15min
171 Paris at 10:20 a.m. Salt Lake City at 1:30 p.m. June 2, 2008 11hr 10min

Customers traveling to, from or through Salt Lake City will enjoy Delta’s recently upgraded facilities offering more spacious, convenient and efficient check-in thanks to state-of-the-art self-service technology throughout the terminal. The multimillion dollar overhaul supports Delta’s commitment to providing customer-focused technology along with helpful, personal service as it continues to expand its reach from one of its fastest growing hubs.

Additionally, customers flying in the business cabin on Delta’s new flights between Salt Lake City and Paris will enjoy enhanced service including new seats with improved cushioning and the same 60 inches of legroom and wide-angle recline that have made BusinessElite® a customer favorite. Customers will experience new innovative food offerings designed by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, original wine selections by Andrea Robinson, exclusively designed signature cocktails by nightlife proprietor Rande Gerber and industry-leading, on-demand, personal in-seat entertainment boasting more than 20 first-run and popular classic movies, a variety of TV programs, a broad range of music, and a suite of 12 video games. Delta recently added full-size pillows, duvets and modern and stylish dinnerware to its onboard offerings.

With the added service to Paris, Salt Lake City becomes Delta’s fourth trans-Atlantic gateway, supporting the largest network of routes offered between the United States and Europe by any global airline. With its summer 2008 schedule, Delta operates service to more trans-Atlantic destinations than any other carrier with service between the United States and more than 45 cities. From Salt Lake City, Delta currently offers 328 peak-day departures to 105 destinations.