24-Jan-2006  (yacht cruise)

• 'New President Carter creations featured at Carter Center "Winter Weekend" auctions (The Weekly)
ATLANTA (Jan. 23) - For the first time in three years, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is offering a unique, handmade furniture piece, a cabinet, to be included at the annual auction benefiting the not-for-profit Carter Center on Feb. 4, 2006. Crafted from unusual and antique persimmon wood, the cabinet stands 6 feet tall, 41 inches wide, and 19 inches deep.
• 'Are megayachts going overboard? (Orlando Sentinel)
Coastal communities, marinas and resorts are racing to meet the growing needs of these boating behemoths and their owners. Whether it's providing a helicopter pad or installing jade-inlaid marble in the master bedroom, William S. Smith III has grown accustomed to satisfying every request from his custom-yacht customers -- except when it comes to finding places where they can park their outsized
• 'Surgery's result pits patient against doctor (The Palm Beach Post)
Rhoda and Gilbert Fruchter met more than 40 years ago at a dance. It was a decade dominated by miniskirts and Nehru jackets. Chubby Checker popularized the Twist, and the Fruchters discovered a mutual love of each other and of dancing.
• 'Yacht Race Becomes Survival of the Fittest (Los Angeles Times)
It's the Volvo Ocean Race, but the Swedish carmaker is only the sponsor. If the new Volvo 70 boats were cars, they'd all be subject to recall.
• 'EXCLUSIVE: KELLY TO SAIL UP THE ISLE (Sunday Mail)
ACTRESS Kelly Brook and fiance Billy Zane are planning their dream honeymoon... sailing on a luxury yacht around the Western Isles. The star couple are due to wed later this year and want to celebrate in Scotland.
• 'Savor the flavors of Puerto Rico at Carmen (Miami Herald)
As someone who owns and operates luxury cruise ships, Larry Pimentel frequently does business over lunch. His Coconut Grove-based SeaDream Yacht Club charters its ships to corporate clients for up to $500,000 -- all with the promise of delivering excellent service, food and accommodations.
• 'InterContinental Hotels Group Expands Midscale Extended-stay Portfolio In South Florida (Hospitality Net)
ATLANTA -- InterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announces plans for a new 71-room Candlewood Suites hotel near Ft. Lauderdale's air and cruise port terminals in South Florida. The new property is expected to open late 2006 and will be Ft. Lauderdale's first Candlewood Suites hotel.
• 'Local (San Jose Mercury News)
SOUTH BAY Blood Drives. Friday: Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 16970 DeWitt Ave. Jan. 31: Independence High School, 1776 Educational Park Drive, San Jose. For times and to schedule an appointment, call (800) GIVE LIFE or visit www.beadonor.com.
• 'KELLY TO SAIL UP THE ISLE (Sunday Mail)
ACTRESS Kelly Brook and fianc? Billy Zane are planning their dream honeymoon... sailing on a luxury yacht around the Western Isles. The star couple are due to wed later this year and want to celebrate in Scotland.