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Your history lesson for the day:

Those born on this day are under the sign of Pisces. They include =46rench essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1533; Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky in 1890; American journalist and screenwriter Ben Hecht in 1893; chemist and physicist Linus Pauling, twice winner of the Nobel Prize, in 1901; movie director Vincente Minnelli in 1910; Svetlana Stalin, daughter of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, in 1926 (age 76); actors Charles Durning in 1923 (age 79) and Gavin MacLeod in 1931 (age 71); dancer Tommy Tune in 1939 (age 63); former race car driver Mario Andretti in 1940 (age 62); singer/actress Bernadette Peters in 1948 (age 54); and actors John Turturro in 1957 (age 45) and Robert Sean Leonard in 1969 (age 33). On this date in history:

In 1844, an explosion rocked the =ECwar steamer=EE USS Princeton after it test-fired one of its guns. The blast killed or wounded a number of top U.S. government officials who were aboard.

In 1849, the first shipload of gold seekers arrived in San Francisco after a five-month journey from New York City.

In 1942, Japanese forces landed in Java, the last Allied bastion in the Dutch East Indies.

In 1983, the concluding episode of the long-running series "M*A*S*H" drew what was then the largest television audience in U.S. history.

In 1986, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated on a street in Stockholm.

In 1989, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company withdrew its smokeless cigarette from the market, citing poor sales.

In 1990, the Soviet Parliament passed a law permitting the leasing of land to individuals for housing and farming. It was another radical change in the Stalinist scheme of a state-run economy.

In 1991, Iraq agreed to meet with the allies to arrange a permanent cease-fi= re.

In 1992, a judge in Rochester Hills, Mich., said euthanasia advocate Jack "Dr. Death" Kevorkian must stand murder trial for helping two chronically ill women commit suicide.

Also in 1992, a bomb blamed on the IRA ripped through a London railway station, injuring at least 30 people and shutting down the British capital's entire rail and subway system.

In 1993, federal agents attempting to serve warrants on the Branch Davidian religious cult's compound near Waco, Texas, were met with a hail of bullets that left at least five dead and 15 wounded and marked the start of a month-and-a-half-long standoff.

Also in 1993, actress Lillian Gish, whose career spanned more than 80 years, died at age 96. And singer-actress Ruby Keeler, the queen of dozens of movies during the 1920s, died at age 82.

In 1994, NATO was involved in actual combat for the first time in its 45-year history when four U.S. fighter planes operating under NATO auspices shot down four Serb planes that'd violated the U.N. no-fly zone in central Bosnia.

Also in 1994, the PLO broke off peace talks with Israel.

In 1995, Lamar Alexander, a former governor of Tennessee and secretary of education, announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 1996.

In 1996, Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana agreed to divorce after 15 years of marriage.

In 1997, the Democratic National Committee said it would return nearly $1.5 million in contributions that may have been illegal or improper. Also in 1997, former FBI agent Earl Pitts pleaded guilty to spying; he was only the second FBI agent ever to be convicted of espionage.

In 2000, bowing to international pressure, Jorg Haider resigned as leader of Austria=EDs anti-immigrant Freedom Party. Haider had come under scrutiny for his reported admiration of Hitler when his party was included in a government coalition.

In 2001, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the Pacific Northwest, injuring 250 people and causing more than $1 billion damages.

A thought for the day: it was Ben Hecht who wrote, "Do it first, do it yourself, and keep on doin' it."

Security Tips for Americans Traveling Abroad

(ARA) - With many Americans planning trips overseas, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. And with more adventure and eco-travelers, Americans are going to more remote areas of the world. At the same time, kidnappings, muggings, hotel break-ins and other crimes are also on the increase. Having a plan to handle medical and security problems before leaving is one way to reduce the odds that problems will occur.

International SOS, the world's largest medical and security assistance company, recently hosted a security roundtable for a number of its members. One result of the conference was a number of travel tips based on circumstances that most travelers, no matter how experienced, don't consider until it's too late. Among the tips:

- When possible, avoid taxis. Ask your hotel's concierge to recommend a driver or car service.

- If you must take a taxi or limo, don't volunteer information about your trip, its duration or its purpose to your driver. It's nobody's business but your own.

- Put your luggage into the trunk of a taxi or car by yourself after the driver gets out and opens the trunk for you.

- Request a room on a lower, but not the ground, floor in your hotel. Ground floor rooms are less secure while rooms above floor six are too high for most conventional fire equipment to reach.

- Most hotel locks are not secure. Purchase small, inexpensive door and window locks and use them when traveling.

- If you have arranged for transportation at the airport, have a mutually agreed-upon object or password that is known only to you and the driver/company picking you up instead of having your name on a placard.

- Bring a small flashlight with you on your trip. Having a flashlight will make you feel more secure if the power goes off.

- Always have the "do not disturb" sign on your door, and don't let anyone who is unidentified into your room (confirm through view-hole if possible).

- If you are a woman traveling alone, bring a package of men's boxer shorts with you. Before answering the door to your hotel room put the package on your bed, turn on the shower and close the bathroom door -- your visitor will think you're not alone.

- When leaving your hotel room, leave the "do not disturb" sign on your door and turn your TV onto the local language station. Any unwelcome guests will assume you are in, and are a local.

- Buy plastic connectors that you can place on your luggage when leaving your room. It won't prevent someone from opening your bags, but it will tell you if someone has opened them and taken something or placed contraband items such as drugs in them.

- Never stay in a hotel with hard keys. Hotels with security cards are safer. Keys have a way of being passed around.

- Dress comfortably and try to fit in. Wearing clothes that are the height of fashion tells potential muggers or scam artists that you're foreign and well off.

- Don't advertise your nationality. Wearing a "hip" tee shirt that announces your nationality often attracts the wrong kind of attention. Try to look like everyone else.

- Don't use business cards as luggage tags, or any of the prestigious credit card or designer tags that provide more information than is absolutely necessary -- thieves look for tags they recognize.

- Don't allow yourself to be distracted when sightseeing. Scams on unsuspecting travelers often begin with someone trying to distract their attention. Be aware that scam artists often work in pairs or groups and use distractions to give them time to rip off tourists.

- Consider purchasing a traveling insurance policy or join a travel assistance program such as International SOS. For as little as $55 for two weeks, you are never more than a toll-free call away from medical, security or travel-related assistance.

. Romance, Beauty of Lighthouses Highlighted in New Book
PBS companion series also available on video

(ARA) - "What is it about lighthouses that attracts so many people and evokes such powerful feelings?" Two men who set out across the United States to tour lighthouses kept returning to this question as they gathered stories about these fascinating structures.

"Seen as heroic symbols of dutiful self-sacrifice, lovely perseverance and survival in the face of the earth's most destructive forces, lighthouses appeal to nearly everyone," say John Grant and Ray Jones, authors of a new book, "Legendary Lighthouses II," and producers of the companion PBS series.

"For young and old alike, lighthouses seem to have some mystic attraction," says Dick Moehl, president of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. "People have a reverence for them."

"Legendary Lighthouses II" provides colorful photos and the equally colorful histories of many of these structures, focusing on lighthouses in Hawaii, Alaska, the eastern Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The role of lighthouses in protecting shipping and promoting commerce is explored, as well as their role in times of war.

The book also highlights the efforts of many people -- mostly volunteers -- who dedicate time, energy and money to restoring and maintaining lighthouses, many of which are architectural beauties at risk of falling into ruin. Maps, historic photos and interviews with former keepers and current enthusiasts provide a detailed glimpse of life in and around these landmarks.

"Legendary Lighthouses II," ($24.95 from The Globe Pequot Press) is available in bookstores nationwide. Check your local listing for dates and times for viewing the new PBS series, Legendary Lighthouses II, which will be aired on PBS stations in upcoming months. The companion videotape series also is available to order from PBS by calling (800) PLAYPBS (800-752-9272) or by going to its Web site, www.shopPBS.com.

Globe Pequot also has its Lighthouse Series of books available, including the first volume of "Legendary Lighthouses," "Lost Lighthouses," and "Lighthouses of the World." To learn more about these books or to order them, check with your local bookseller or visit www.globe-pequot.com.

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VACATIONERS HIT THE ROAD FOR STEALS AND DEALS

(ARA) - Higher gas prices, an uncertain economy, tightening budgets -- no doubt there's plenty for families to consider when making vacation plans this year.

However, the good news is that vacationers looking to stretch their travel dollar may have more opportunity to do so. According to El Monte RV, one of the nation's largest motorhome and RV rental companies, this is an ideal time for travelers to take advantage of deals and special promotions now on the market.

"It's a vacation buyers' market," said Ken Schork, president of El Monte RV. "Lots of people are still traveling, but costs, specials and deals are major motivators -- even more so than in years past. Vacationers should be able to make the most of their travel budget this year."

Companies such as El Monte RV are pulling out all the stops to overcome any reservations people may have about traveling. With a fleet of more than 1,800 motorhomes and RVs for rent, El Monte RV is fighting higher gas prices by offering a gasoline rebate to renters of 7 cents per mile or approximately 56 cents per gallon, for a limited time. And thanks to a higher exchange rate, domestic travelers have more options when it comes to the availability of RV rentals.

Cost-conscious vacationers traveling via a fully-contained RV also can realize tremendous savings by cooking their own meals and staying at relatively inexpensive campgrounds and sites. Additionally, families with children, pets or those who have special dietary needs and requirements find that RV travel offers convenience that other modes of transportation can't beat.

"By the time travelers factor in the cost of meals in restaurants, finding hotel rooms and renting a car, it's easy to see why RV travel is a popular way to go," said Schork. "The fact you can go where you want and not have to worry about finding special accommodations that suit your needs also appeals to a lot of people."

And while travelers have always been attracted to the idea of hitting the open road and the spirit of freedom that RV travel offers, the work, maintenance and expense of owning a motorhome can be a major roadblock. That's why many would-be road trip enthusiasts who may not picture themselves owning a motorhome choose to rent instead, says Joe Laing, corporate director of marketing for El Monte RV.

"People like the idea that they can rent a newer model motorhome and never have to worry about the maintenance or where to store it after vacation season is over," said Laing. "For people who have always thought about the possibility of owning a motorhome, but aren't ready to make the commitment yet, renting can be a great option."

Travelers interested in hitting the road and finding more ways to save this year can log onto www.elmonterv.com to find more information. El Monte RV has nearly 30 locations throughout the nation and is the only company that offers the largest Class "A" (bus style) types of motorhomes for rent nationwide. The company can be reached toll-free at (800) 337-2141 or online at:
Web Site: Click Here

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Camping in Europe - an economical alternative
Internet site and video show you how to do it
New tape and web site tell you how to see Europe this fun and economical way!

Imagine waking up in a cozy and warm sleeping bag, stepping out of your tent only to be confronted with the image of the French countryside opening up before you, complete with a 12th century castle. Unknown to most Americans, camping in Europe offers not only a less expensive alternative to touring Europe but will expose you to a trip that takes you inside the real Europe. Now, with the help of an experienced traveler, you can plan your own trip and take the vacation you?e always dreamed of.

"I had been camping in the states for most of my life and had never thought of camping in Europe until a friend sold me on it," says Jim Perry, who produced the tape during two recent travels to the continent. "We spent less during our last four-week trip to Europe than we did for a week in Disneyworld and enjoyed it much more." Perry adds that often sleeping in your own tent and sleeping bag is more comfortable than budget hotels. "Even some of the nicer hotels I?e seen had stains that made me wonder," he says. "I don? even want to think about hostels."

The video explains the ins and outs of European camping, from planning and guide books to the intracacies of sanitary facilities, while showing you first hand what to expect. "Some of the best advice is attitudinal," adds Jim Colloran, a teacher who used the information for his own trip last year. "I was able to relax and just enjoy where we were. My only regret is that I didn? spend a little more on French wine. The two dollar bottles were good but maybe I should have splurged on the ones that cost four."

Perry says that even with a lot of preperation their first trip left room for improvement. "Our biggest mistake was taking too much stuff. I was worried that things like flashlight batteries would be too expensive and brought a bunch in my luggage. I felt really stupid when I walked into the first store in France only to see they were less than I paid back home. And I? not even sure we ever ate any of the peanut butter we brought." There are a few things that will surprise people used to camping in the United States. "Don? count on finding ice," he adds. The idea of the big cooler filled with enough food for a week is not a common one as Europeans tend to shop on a daily basis to make sure their food is always fresh. Most campgrounds offer not only their own stores but many even have nice restaurants where you can dine on a fine meal and keep the stove packed away.

"The biggest advice I can give is to slow down. Too many people view their first trip to Europe as a once in a lifetime adventure and try to see it all at once. Plan on traveling less and seeing more, you can always come back another time," he says. Studies back him up as a majority of people who travel to Europe usually return for a second vacation.

The Internet site offers information to accompany the tape as well as links to many of the materials travelers will need. "We spent a lot of time tracking down campground guides to European campgrounds and finally found them through AA, the British equivilant of AAA" says Perry who had been using a guide in German given to him by a friend.

The tape, which is 34 minutes, covers a wide range of topics including how to arrange a short-term lease for a car to what kind of stove to bring. The website address is www.jimperry.net where you can access information on ordering the tape as well as information on camping.

Topics covered in the tape

planning - The most important element to a successful trip. Being a knowledgeable traveler will go a long ways to making your trip a memorable one.

books - Find out where to order guidebooks and campground guides for Europe, including some of my reccommended titles.

maps - Probably the most important and time-saving purchase. With a good map those little country roads don't seem so scary because you'll know where they go.

Internet sources - We do almost all of our research and planning using the Internet. The video gives you an idea of what you'll find.

Arranging a car - Different people have different needs. Find out more about your choices including traditional rentals, Eurolease programs and European delivery programs for new cars.

Driving - Maybe one of the things that makes most people nervous. Driving in Europe is different but not very difficult. In many ways it is easier than traveling in the USA.

Shopping - A look inside some stores and an idea of what you will find. The easiest way to enjoy lots of local foods and save money. Pay special attention to buying produce!

Campgrounds - Have an idea of what to expect. The tape not only goes over some of the things you'll find but even the nitty gritty on such things as finding good campgrounds, check-in, and most importantly - bathroom facilities!

Laundry - The dreaded curse of laundry can be tamed with some simple advice.

Rain and Bungalows - Tents and campers are great but in the rain there is no substitue for a real roof. Find out about alternatives to take care of those days when the weather turns foul.

For more information, please contact:

Jim Perry
Jim Perry Productions
http://www.jimperry.net
541 772 1241
jimperry@jimperry.net
press kit: www.jimperry.net/camping/press.htm

cure for balding remedy

"Mardi Gras" Weekend at Sheraton Plymouth breaks through Winter Doldrums.
Cold weather got you down? Come to the Sheraton Plymouth? Mardi Gras weekend, February 9 and 10, 2002 and kick up your heels to the hot and spicy sounds from the bayou!

PLYMOUTH, MA - "Cold weather got you down? Come to the Sheraton Plymouth? Mardi Gras weekend, February 9 and 10, 2002 and kick up your heels to the hot and spicy sounds from the bayou! For reservations to the Sheraton? Mardi Gras, call toll free (877) 500-0050.

"Cajun Bob Wilson" will provide the tantalizing musical background during Mardi Gras cocktail hour, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Cajun Bob is one of New Orleans·best examples of the rich heritage of musical diversity prevalent in Louisiana.

Next in the festive line-up, the "Voodoo Doctors" will provide a rocking transition with Louisiana Stomp and Cajun Swamp music from cocktail hour to the full dance portion of the evening. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

Sizzling Krewe de Roux Band

Be prepared to dance to the fiery blend of Cajun, Zydeco and R&B music of "Krewe de Roux", the premier Boston area band as they play until midnight.

"We?e thrilled to host three of the best examples of Cajun music here at the Sheraton Plymouth. People can come hear authentic sounds of the bayou, dance all night and stay over," said Sheraton General Manager James Hoppensteadt.

Packages for Mardi Gras Weekend, February 9, 2002, range from $85 per couple for dinner and entertainment to $179 per couple for dinner, entertainment and overnight accommodations. For more information or to make reservations contact (508) 747-4900.

The Sheraton Plymouth

The Sheraton Plymouth hosts many reunions, weddings and corporate events, in addition to special weekend events. With 15 function rooms, the facility can accommodate groups as small as 20 and as large as 500.

The hotel features 175 guest rooms, indoor pool, and Jacuzzi, sauna and health club. The Harbor Grille Restaurant and an English-style Pub are also on site. Guests may enjoy dozens of waterfront restaurants and shops, as well as visit nearby Plymouth Plantation, Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II and other historic attractions.

The Sheraton Plymouth is "Just a Wave Away" -- 45 miles from Boston, 70 miles from Providence and 5 miles from Cape Cod. The Sheraton Plymouth is located at 180 Water Street, Plymouth. For more information, please call toll free (877) 500-0050 or local (508) 747-4900 or visit www.sheratonplymouth.com.

For more information, please contact:

Steven Dubin
Pr Works
http://www.sheratonplymouth.com
781-878-9533
sdubin@prworkzone.com

More Than an Olympic Venue City cure for balding remedy

This release is about the city of Ogden, Utah, host of two Olympic events. It contains information about the area and the many things to do.

OGDEN, Utah - In February, Olympians and visitors from across the world will be gathering for Olympic splendor to witness history in the making at one of Utah? lesser-known cities - Ogden. What they might not expect to discover is an area that was recently described as "the best little ski town that no one has ever heard of," by Ski Magazine. The Ogden/Weber area offers even more than the excitement of the Olympic curling and alpine speed events, it offers a lifestyle and experience that includes everything from high-adventure recreation to a thriving economic hub filled with state-of-the-art technology and up to 4 million square feet of available warehouse space.

In the Ski Magazine article titled, "Gearing Up For Gold," the publication highlighted Ogden? lifestyle, recreation elements, mountain setting and the upcoming Olympics as reasons why the time has come to put Ogden on the list of preferred destinations. This lifestyle was recently branded, "Ogden? In-30 Zone, within 30 minutes or 30 miles, you can do it all." The In-30 Zone encompasses an area that includes all the components of a large metropolitan city combined with the recreation havens of an outdoor paradise, making Ogden an ideal place to live, work and vacation. The In-30 Zone is filled with recreational activities, such as water sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, fishing and hunting as well as the arts, entertainment, historic sites, shopping and fine dining, all within 30 minutes or 30 miles. In February 2002, Olympians will race down the double-black diamond courses in search of a medal at Snowbasin during the premiere alpine speed events of the Olympics, the downhill, super G and combined. Near the center of Ogden, the state of the art ice facility, The Ice Sheet, will be the second-ever Olympic venue to host the century-old sport of curling, a sport that involves launching a 42-pound granite stone towards a target down a narrow corridor of ice. In celebration of these events, the Ogden/Weber area will share their unique lifestyle with the world during various ceremonies, parades, festivals and community celebrations beginning when the Olympic Torch arrives to the Ogden/Weber area on Feb. 6, 2002, and continuing through Feb. 23, 2002.

During February 2002, Ogden will host the annual World Chariot Challenge, where actual chariot racing, originating back to the times of ancient Greece, takes place during another Greek-originated event, the Olympics. Known for its uniqueness, the Ogden/Weber area has also produced everything from celebrities, including Donnie and Marie Osmond, to the Browning firearm, world-renowned for its precision and craftsmanship. With folklore tales about the underground tunnels in Ogden that helped gangsters escape arrest, to the haunting hotel ghosts and Jai Alai betting history, Ogden? had a very colorful past. All of this and more is visible today on Historic 25th Street, a place filled with memorabilia, restaurants, unique shops, galleries, antiques and charm.

Ogden is rapidly becoming recognized as a city filled with continual redevelopment, profitable businesses and economic growth. Recently nominated as one of the nation? "Ten Best" entrepreneurial locations by Entrepreneur Magazine, downtown Ogden has high-tech infrastructure and the community is home to industrial clusters for metal and machine trades, aerospace, food supplements and has one of the most extensive manufacturing sectors in the Utah economy.

Extensive plans are in order to implement a two-year, 140-acre redevelopment plan that Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey describes as, "one of the greatest revitalization efforts of all time." Additional plans include designating an entire district to technology with the development of a variety of high-tech oriented facilities, including a high school, University-based research center, a technical academy and lease able space for technology companies. Plans also include implementing districts dedicated to the arts and business while still preserving a mountain-town atmosphere. Comparable to the illustrious Silicon Valley in the areas of technology and growth, Ogden/Weber offers a center of high-adventure recreation through the In-30 Zone, giving visitors and residents a myriad of outdoor opportunities, from 210 miles of hiking, biking and snowmobile trails in the area to a kayak park in downtown Ogden.

As an Olympic venue area brimming with prosperity and recreational paradise, Ogden/Weber will give visitors an unforgettable visit of a lifetime. Not only is the area prepared to welcome the Olympics, it is also ready to share the lifestyle that makes Ogden/Weber different from any other area in the world.

For more information, please contact:

Coby Rich
Ppch/proclix
crich@ppch.com
Active New Zealand Escape

Outdoor Travel Adventures is offering an exclusive 12-day multi-sport adventure itinerary in New Zealand. We have two group departures scheduled in 2002, one each in February and March.

Join Outdoor Travel Adventures in February or March 2002 to experience 12 days of adventure, scenic beauty, Maori culture and Kiwi hospitality. This unique itinerary was designed with the adventure enthusiast in mind, exploring the best of New Zealand? North and South Islands.

Your small group takes on activities that may include sailing, blackwater and whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sea kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming with dolphins, jetboating and glacier hiking. Start off sailing in Auckland? Waitemata Harbor, and then continue through the North Island to the small farming town of Te Kuiti for a farm stay. Experience "cave-tubing" in the Waitomo Caves and venture to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand? native Maori culture.

Nelson, the gateway to three national parks and the geographic center of New Zealand, is your introduction to the South Island. Hike and kayak in sub-tropical Abel Tasman National Park, then continue to Paparoa National Park, and the "pancake rock" shore of Punakaiki overlooking the Tasman Sea. Finally, venture to Westland National Park for a stunning heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier before ending in Queenstown, "the adrenaline capital of the South Island."

Cost for the 12-day trip is $2,199 per person based on double occupancy, and includes accommodations, most meals, local guides, activities, and internal transfers. 2002 dates are February 12-23 and March 5-16. Maximum group size is 20 people. Travel agent and direct client bookings welcome.

For more information on this or other adventure itineraries, visit our website www.OTAdventures.com; stop by 2927-A Canon Street, San Diego, CA 92106; or call (619) 523-2137 / toll-free (877) 682-5433.

For additional information, please contact:

Wendy Pacofsky
Outdoor Travel Adventures
http://www.OTAdventures.com
619-523-2137
wendy@otadventures.com



Custom TraveLinks Gives New Meaning to Travel

Custom TraveLinks announces a new personalized travel information service designed to help people plan more life-enriching vacations. Directed at those who want more from vacation than a sunburn or cheap souvenir.

Rochester, Michigan - A new personalized travel information service is helping people enrich their lives through travel. Custom TraveLinks has designed a service for the growing number of travelers who want to get more from their vacation than a sunburn or cheap souvenir. As people have become increasingly bored with the standard week-at-the-beach vacations, they?e started searching for ways to benefit from the insight and perspective that can be gained from travel. Some people simply want to experience new cultures and meet new people, while others choose a project-oriented approach by volunteering to help disadvantaged people or animals.

As an example of how the service works, imagine that you're going to Paris and you have an interest in 19th century French culture and history. Or, you want to use your upcoming trip to Alaska to become educated on endangered wildlife issues. You complete an online form indicating your very specific interests and receive your personalized Custom TraveLinks by email in a couple days. Your Custom TraveLinks will include descriptive links to pre-screened web sites providing information to help you pursue these interests on your next trip. You?l also get information about recommended books which are held at your local library. Samples of the service can be seen at www.customtravelinks.com. The web site also provides a broad range of general travel-related links.

Company founder Kim Smith says, " Most people have discovered that it isn? always easy to find useful, reliable information on the Web. And the average consumer doesn? know how to evaluate information found on a Web site. Is it fact or opinion? Is it current or outdated? Custom TraveLinks saves customers time while eliminating the frustration of Web searching. In other words, we find better information faster than they can."

Smith realized the need for this type of service while working on a Master of Library and Information Science degree at Wayne State University in Detroit. Prior to the advent of the Web, information professionals were widely acknowledged as experts at evaluating the quality of information sources. Now we are using those skills to help travelers evaluate the vast amount of information available online and to give them more time to broaden their horizons through meaningful travel.

For more information, contact Kim Smith at Custom TraveLinks, PO Box 82091, Rochester, MI 48308-2091, www.customtravelinks.com, Tel. 248/561-6965. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (EST).


SideStep Announces Partnership With Advantage Rent-A-Car
Online Travel Search Service To Strengthen Advantage's Online Distribution Strategy, Reduce Its Costs And Build Better Customer Relationships

SANTA CLARA, CA -- SideStep (www.sidestep.com), a leading online travel service, today announced a partnership with Advantage Rent-A-Car, the largest independently owned car rental agency in the West, that will enable Advantage to extend its distribution, reduce its costs, and establish tighter relationships with its customers.

SideStep has grown rapidly since its November 2000 launch to emerge as the most comprehensive, easy-to-use source for the Web? best travel deals. The partnership will help Advantage to promote its recent expansion into new markets, such as Seattle-Tacoma, and will enable the company to increase the visibility of its fares and attract more customers to book on its Web site. By working with SideStep to make its inventory and Web site available to a wider audience, Advantage can also develop closer, more valuable relationships with online customers.

SideStep offers a rich selection of flights, hotel rooms and rental cars -- including the largest selection of Web-only fares available online. The free service features 587 different domestic and international carriers, more than 20,000 hotels and 762 car rental locations in its comprehensive offering. SideStep brings travel buyers directly to supplier sites to book their travel, taking them to within a few clicks of purchase from brands they trust. SideStep also gives consumers the opportunity to receive special offers, such as bonus miles and other frequent traveler awards.

"Featuring Advantage? great values from more than 150 car rental locations further strengthens SideStep's comprehensive rental car search capabilities," noted Brian Barth, SideStep? CEO. "SideStep will enhance Advantage's growth efforts by increasing traffic to its Web site, leveraging its lowest cost sales channel and leveling the playing field with larger car rental agencies."

"Our partnership with SideStep is a natural match, as they, too, follow our motto - ?akin·it easy·-- providing Internet consumers with easy access to a diverse range of rental vehicles for the best possible prices," said Jimmy Walker, CEO of Advantage. "Advantage has grown from five cars to a fleet of 12,000 vehicles since we started the company. Internet distribution is a key element of our marketing and sales strategy, and we?e confident that SideStep can help us to accelerate our success by extending our reach to a sizeable set of new customers."

SideStep is available for free through the SideStep Web site at (www.sidestep.com).

About SideStep

Based in Santa Clara, CA, SideStep is an Internet infrastructure company that has developed technology that connects disparate, dynamic information sources in real time. The company's initial market is the Internet's largest commerce sector - online travel. SideStep enables travel suppliers to substantially reduce distribution costs and provides consumers with a rich selection of flights, hotel rooms and rental cars -- including the largest selection of Web-only fares available online. The company has partnerships with industry leaders such as Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: FRNT), Thrifty Car Rental (NYSE: DTG), and Prime Hospitality (NYSE: PDQ). SideStep is a privately held company. For more information, visit www.sidestep.com.

About Advantage Car Rental

Established more than 35 years ago in San Antonio, Advantage Rent-A-Car is an independently owned and operated car rental company. Advantage has more than 150 locations and reservation affiliates throughout the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Europe.