WINTER BREAK IN LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

The second annual "Winter Break" event will take place on January 13 ­ 16, 2004 in Laughlin, NV. Festival events include wine tasting, health and education seminars, cooking demos by the resort's top chefs, local tours, video poker tournament, singles' receptions and a talent show that will be judged by several yet-to-be-announced celebrities in their golden years.

A four-day festival pass costs US$39. Free Spirit Vacations, an Arizona-based tour operator, is offering special packages which start at US$89, including three nights' accommodations and the festival pass. Motorcoach packages from Phoenix and Las Vegas are also available.

For more information, call Free Spirit Vacations at 480-926-5547, or visit www.winterbreak.us or www.az50plus.com

DEALS FOR CANADIANS VISITING WESTERN U.S. STATES

"Buckaroo Bucks" are available once again! Call the Texas Department of Economic Development at 1-800-8888-TEX, or visit their Web site at www.traveltex.com to get this coupon book designed especially for Canadian visitors.

The Tempe, Arizona Convention & Visitor's Bureau (CVB) has released the "Try Tempe Card," an innovative discount program. The "Try Tempe Card is a booklet which lists money-saving specials from participating businesses. The offers are valid through April 30, 2004. Booklets can be picked up at the Tempe CVB office, 51 W. Third St., Suite 105.

CURLING IN THE DESERT? WHO WOULD HAVE BELIEVED IT!

An avid group has formed the "Coyotes Curling Club" at the Alltel Ice Den in Scottsdale, Arizona, playing Saturday nights. Winter leagues start in January 2004, on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday nights. Sign-ups currently being accepted. For information, contact Karen Tait at 480-473-1237, or see the curling logo at www.coyotesice.com

THE COST OF AN EXTENDED STAY

A study conducted by The Agency for Health Research found that post-operative infections known as sepsis extended hospital stays by 11 days on average and added $58,000 in costs in the US. A reopened wound cost 9.4 extra days and and $40,000 in extra charges.