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PERSONAL NOTATIONS
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I write today not out of indifference -� but out of the need to return to some semblance of normalcy � thus defying the cowardly deeds of the perpetrators of Tuesday�s countless tragedies and untold suffering. It has always been my resolve to keep this newsletter �personal� from the very first issue authored back in November 1998. You may not agree and your personal views are well understood. Some will �unsubscribe� today because of this issue � again we honor your requests and views without exception. For those that don't believe these events strike "close to home" a police officer in neighboring Fort Myers, FL lost his wife (an airline attendant). The sadness is shared with and by all...

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A SPECIAL REQUEST
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Since those days of the early newsletter issues I have never asked for one dime from any subscriber or visitor to our web site other than the clients and companies that post employment, press-news releases or any of the specific advertising vehicles we offer. That changes for today only. I�d like for us to collectively donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and have set up a special web page to help anyone desiring to help financially (obviously blood donations can be made at your local blood donor center). Again referring to the personal nature of this newsletter -- some of you may think this is a �marketing ploy� as has been commented to me by one person who read the release. That�s your perogative to think what you will. My plea is to those of you who �know� me and have come to respect what hospitality is about. If you�d see hospitality-1st.com/PressNews/Help-US.html. I�d truly appreciate your help so that we can collectively make a statement of giving for/to a real cause and genuine need. The request does involve mailing financial donations � there will be some delay with U.S. mail delivery since the majority of snail mail sent beyond 500-600 miles from origin does travel by commercial air carrier. Within the bounds snail mail is generally carried by freight truck. No matter your decision whether to participate with Hospitality 1st, or directly to/with the American Red Cross � please donate somewhere � somehow! I�ve �seeded� the fund with an initial $50.00 but understand and welcome even one dollar donations to our hospitality industry cause. Again, like the �unsigned� e-mail I received early today � you are most welcome to your opinions about the efforts.

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CHANGING THE TONE
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Many of you truly enjoy the comments occasionally presented concerning web sites we�ve come across, whether good or bad reviews. Today we are pleased to mention the State of California Tourism web site as being a wonderful example of how to present information quickly to anyone that stumbles across gocalif.ca.gov/index -- a truly quick-loading page and wonderful layout - for nearly anything tourist related in and around the State of California. To other web masters � this is what it is all about. Quick-loading, direct and unobtrusive viewing. My "hat is tipped" in appreciation and approval. A standing ovation!

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WHERE TO SPEND $$$
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Tell me what organizations Hospitality 1ST should consider joining in year 2002. We�ve budgeted $1000-$1200 for memberships (we�d usually be considered as an allied, i.e. supplier to the industry, member). Make your considerations known and possibly help those organization(s) that you may already belong to. That�s an open invitation for solicitation. It�s entirely up to you...

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YOU MAY NEED TO FIX YOUR WEB SITES
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Internet Explorer, Netscape v4x, AOL/Internet Explorer, Netscape v6??? Confusing? You bet - but you�ve got to be prepared to serve up any web site to the many flavors of web browsing. As we�ve mentioned numerous times � IE generally has 75% of the internet market browser share, the new Netscape 6.1 is seen as finally being able to win back some of its former grandeur. home.netscape.com/computing/download/ is where you can download the latest version. Additionally, you may need to reconfigure your current web page(s) {{{especially home page}}}, using a free service provided by/at Doctor HTML(tm). Nothing to sign-up for or any login required, you�ll learn plenty and what�s there to lose since it is free? hospitality-1st.com/Dr-HTML.html brings you to the testing page immediately.

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LASTLY
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A reminder for those prayers and well wishes we mentioned Tuesday. The kind words so many of you sent to me yesterday are appreciated. That�s why our hospitality world is personal. Please remember those less fortunate.

Building "The Bridge of Hospitality" sm...

Hakuna Matata,
Lou Taverna - Editor
Hospitality 1ST = "Where Hospitality Is Always First" sm
Web Site =  hospitality-1st.com
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