Fly, then buy on dueling websites
Using your miles to book a free seat isn’t always easy, but airlines are finding more ways to assuage the frustration. United Airlines is launching an auction site at www.united.com/auctions where United Mileage Plus members can use their miles to bid on such things as a shark-diving expedition, a new Chrysler Crossfire and a flight simulator ride.
It’s similar to a site Frontier launched in June called The More Store at www.frontiermorestore.com for Ascent and Summit mileage members. The United site is open to Mileage Plus members.
“At the end of the day this comes down to just one more example of a low-cost carrier leading the way with innovation and a legacy carrier imitating that initial product,” said Frontier spokesman Joe Hodas. He said members have already used 8 million miles on the site, and he doesn’t expect the United site to cut into business at The More Store.
United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski shot back, “Ours is better because it has some awards in there and experiences that other airlines can’t offer, such as rides in a flight simulator and tours of our maintenance base.”
United Mileage Plus members also have more miles to bid because the program has been around longer, she said.
Ski volunteers can help themselves to gas
Denver’s Foresight Ski Guides is upping the ante as it tries to attract some new guides to its ranks.
The nonprofit organization that teaches blind and visually impaired people to ski is offering volunteers a free tank of gas for every day they spend on the mountain helping a “VIP” – visually impaired participant.
“In the past few years, we’ve had to turn away 30 percent to 40 percent of our blind skiers simply because we didn’t have enough guides. That’s horrible,” founder Mark Davis said. The former Denver bank vice president lost his vision in 1999.
“So we decided to make it as easy for our volunteers as possible.”
Foresight already gives its trained guides free lift tickets for every day they spend working at either Vail or Beaver Creek. Last season, a dozen guides worked with roughly 50 blind skiers.
“It’s not rocket science, but it’s a different way of being on the mountain,” Davis said.
To volunteer, visit www.foresightskiguides.org or call 866-860-0972.
Vintage Airstream ices Belmar rink
A 1972 Airstream will serve as a skate rental shop for The Rink at Belmar.
Developer Continuum Partners paid P&S Trailer of Helena, Ohio, $4,500 for the Airstream and spent another $6,500 refurbishing it to accommodate customer service windows, heaters and a cappuccino maker. It will hold up to 250 pairs of skates and 20 helmets.
Steve Ruth, a third-generation Airstream dealer, drove the vehicle 1,250 miles from Ohio to Belmar.
CU textbook case of free enterprise?
University of Colorado students could soon get a break when buying textbooks, but it isn’t happening without a fight.
Steve Engman is preparing to open a franchise textbook outlet called “Beat the Bookstore” in Boulder.
But when he asked the school for a photocopied version of its textbook list, the school wanted $3,000, or $1.25 per page.
Engman is now threatening legal action over what he calls excessive fees.
He says the school should provide an electronic copy of the textbook list at a more reasonable price.
CU says the electronic format is not available until after the semester starts. Engman disputes that claim but says he still plans to open the bookstore.
Heated bra a Tokyo answer to fuel costs
The cover story of today’s Sunday Business section gives you tips on making your home more energy efficient and saving money. If you’re ready for more creative approaches, well, read on.
Furry, heated bras may soon replace lacy lingerie in Japanese women’s wardrobes as the country gets ready for “Warm Biz,” a nationwide campaign urging workers to bundle up and save energy on heating this winter.
The Warm Biz Bra, unveiled last week by underwear maker Triumph International, is lined with material that emits infrared rays.
The bra is also fitted with pads that can be heated in a microwave or hot water – as well as long, furry straps that wrap around the neck like a scarf, and matching shorts.
“Warm Biz lets you add a little fun and chic to office wear, and prevents global warming,” according to the Tokyo-based lingerie company.
In an attempt to cut down on its energy use, the Japanese government has recommended setting temperatures at 66 degrees Fahrenheit for government buildings and 68 degrees for private companies this winter.
No word on whether there is a “Warm Biz” counterpart undergarment for Japanese men.
