Olympic fever is sweeping Vancouver but so far, there haven't been too many celebrity sightings. A few celebs have managed to get their hands on that elusive torch including Matt Lauer, Arnold Schwarzenegger and native Canadian, Michael Buble, who was moved by the experience. “The last six or seven, eight years as I’ve gone around the world, the first thing I’ve always said is I was Canadian,” Buble said. “It’s emotional, I’m shaking. I mean, I’ve got goosebumps and I’m a guy who doesn’t get nervous for a lot of things. I don’t get overexcited by too much but it’s going to be hard to sleep tonight.”

In addition to torch bearers, Omega watches is set to host several of their celebrity "ambassadors" during the games at the Omega boutique at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Cindy Crawford will appear at an event on Feb. 14 at the Omega boutique, Superstar swimmer Michael Phelps will appear at the same location on Feb. 18, and Buzz Aldrin will be there on Feb. 21. ]]> cmb 2010-02-12T13:40:16-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/9/28/11142/5794
El Matador State Beach in Malibu, California

Rest easy, Pio Pico State Historic Park, as California's burly Governor Schwarzenegger won't pulverize you (metaphorically speaking) just yet. California's hotly debated budget woes have been well documented in the press, with the closure of several state parks proposed to cut state spending.

Yet in recent weeks, reports The San Jose Mercury News, the Governor has changed course, no doubt due to the "protests, letters from the public, critical newspaper editorials and requests from Republican lawmakers in rural districts that their parks not be closed because of the loss to tourism." Back in May, Schwarzenegger suggested shutting down up to 220 of 279 parks, nearly 80 percent of California's parks. ]]> Heidi Atwal 2009-09-28T14:53:50-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/2/12/112119/721

Are you one of the casualties of the hurtin' economy? We're here to help with Laid-Off Travel, a new series on where to go when you don't have somewhere to go from 9 to 5.

All is not valuable in the Golden State: Cash-strapped California may shed 20,000 jobs if the budget cannot balance, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced yesterday. Of course, we would never advocate taking a vacation with your supervisor watching, but if you've already requested the time off -- or you know your fate already -- prove your fiscal responsibility with a frugal getaway:

Tan: Get far away from the looming Capitol Building in Sacramento and the way it mocks you with its opulence. We're thinking San Juan, Puerto Rico -- a quick LastMinute.com search found a $551 per-person flight and hotel package from Sacramento. It leaves Feb. 28, so you have plenty of time to pack.

Tone: It's still nowhere near cheap, but Tucson uberspa Canyon Ranch will give you a credit for your flight (up to $350) if you stay 4 nights, eating their perfectly healthy food and hiking the hills.

Tense: While 82 percent of those affected by layoffs so far this cycle nationwide are men, state governments by and large are disproportionately female. But even male jobhunters can appreciate a decent massage at San Francisco's Nob Hill Spa (1075 California St. at the Huntington Hotel) which has a spate of details, from "Romance and Relaxation" packages (which include a couples' 50-minute massage on check-in) to a 25 percent discount on all treatments taken Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to noon. Hey, you can't do that at your desk!

Related Stories:
· Governor threatens 20,000 layoffs [ABC7, San Francisco]
· Arnold Schwarzenegger's Sun Valley Mishap [Jaunted]
· Laid-Off Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: thomwatson]]]> egw 2009-02-12T13:21:03-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/21/153045/51

This November 4 is about more than just deciding between McCain and Obama. Other issues that directly affect travelers are up for decision, and this week we're taking a closer look at some of them.

Prop 8 isn't the only controversial ballot measure up for a vote this year in California. A yes vote on Proposition 1A will authorize the sale of nearly $10 billion in 30-year bonds to finance the California High-Speed Rail Authority, which will create a network of fast trains across the south and central parts of the state.

So is it a good idea? Depends on who you ask.]]> pbb 2008-10-21T15:35:48-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/