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Offbeat Traveler: Valentine's Day

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Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers boutique on a grand scale

By Valli Herman

The trendy new hotel sandwiched between the Bellagio and CityCenter is aimed at young, tech-savvy couples and is more style-driven than most Vegas resorts.

Cosmopolitan info

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Death Valley: A different kind of winter wonderland

By Dan Blackburn

Its natural beauty is painted by the sun, and its famed landmarks — Scotty's Castle and Furnace Creek Inn — beckon.

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Ojai, pat-down.

February 13, 2011

Madeline King Porter's comprehensive piece on Ojai ["A Prize Inside!" Feb. 6] neglected to mention the Made in Ojai store at 323 E. Matilija St. in the heart of downtown. This store carries only items made in Ojai and is staffed by the artists. The store carries art, jewelry, books, calendars, cards, music CDs and many other items. The selection is large, and the prices are excellent. Next door is Java & Joe, the well-known-to-locals coffee stop.

Ernest Salomon

Santa Barbara

Regarding "Can I Kindle?" by Catharine Hamm [On the Spot, Feb. 6]: Not everyone wants to buy a book to read once; many would like to borrow it from the library and use it on their e-readers. After the time is up, the book returns to the system without the reader having to do anything.

It is a disservice to the public to cut the public library out of the discussion about downloading digital content. You help to perpetuate the idea that all digital downloads cost people money.

Libraries continue to be the best source of free, quality information in our society. As people who work in print and digital media, you might consider giving it the same publicity you give to things people have to pay for.

Laurie Allen

Librarian

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo

I'm glad a travel writer has finally begun to deal with the noxious issue of the latest security precautions ["Dreading a Pat-Down," On the Spot, Jan. 30]. However, I was dismayed that Hamm's approach reflects the offensively intrusive TSA, its so-called policies and its undisciplined agents. When was the last time you can recall anyone individually protesting effectively to the supervisor of any governmental agent — and having the outcome support your justified position?

A more thoughtful answer would be to urge that we organize with other passengers and interested citizens to collectively protest — and possibly sue — for a more constitutional approach to the safety and ease of air travel. Only through collective action can we begin to see our government promote the enhancement of a sense of individual respect rather than suffer this program of instilling fear. How shameful is it that Egyptians are willing to place their lives and livelihoods on the line for their liberty while we Americans are cowed into giving up our rights to our constitutional presumption of innocence and personal privacy.

Alan Myerson

Culver City

Calendar

A Santa Ynez Valley winery tour, the Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco and more.

February 13, 2011

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CALIF.

Wine Around

When, where: Monday and Tuesday, Bridlewood Estate Winery, Fess Parker Winery, Foley Winery

Highlights: A last-minute Valentine's celebration features a winery tour and tasting.

Cost: $125, including wine tastings (with hors d'oeuvres) and transportation

Info: (800) 742-2843, http://www.santaynezvalleyvisit.com/winearound

SAN FRANCISCO

Noise Pop Festival

When, where: Feb. 22-27, multiple venues

Highlights: The weeklong celebration of indie music and culture also includes a film festival, art shows and an educational day.

Cost: Some shows are free, others require tickets and prices vary, though a comprehensive ticket costs $160.

Info: (415) 375-3370, 2011.noisepop.com

SANTA FE, N.M.

Monster Truck Winter Nationals

When, where: Feb. 25, Santa Ana Star Center

Highlights: Bigfoot, Rock Star and California Kid will be among the automotive heroes doing the revving and smashing.

Cost: $15.50-$25.50; $10.50-$17.50 for children

Info: (505) 891-7300, http://www.santaanastarcenter.com

OJAI

WordFest

When, where: March 19-27, various venues

Highlights: Readers and writers will gather for nine days of workshops, readings, screenings and a book fair. During "Ojai-5," five writers write five plays in five hours.

Cost: Many events are free; some have a nominal cost.

Info: (805) 669-7373, ojaiwordfest.wordpress.com

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Such a lot of posers at Carnival in Venice

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On a windy, showery February evening midway through our 16-night cruise from Laem Chabang, Thailand, to Shanghai, my wife,...

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