Business Watercooler Stories

MOBILE MANSIONS: Featherlite Inc. has the ultimate product for the nomadic consumer who embraces luxury. <br><br>The Sanford, Fla.-based company recently rolled out a new, top-of-the-line motorcoach that

Tuesday, January 16th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MOBILE MANSIONS: Featherlite Inc. has the ultimate product for the nomadic consumer who embraces luxury.

The Sanford, Fla.-based company recently rolled out a new, top-of-the-line motorcoach that comes equipped with just about anything buyers want, said spokesman Kirk Turnmire.

The Featherlite Vogue 6000LX can be outfitted with Jacuzzis, etched glass, marble or granite flooring, leather furnishings and fancy fabrics. Standard equipment includes an in-motion satellite system, a 42-inch plasma television, base-surround sound and DVD.

No surprise, the diesel behemoths are about as fuel-efficient as a leaky gasoline tank, averaging less than 10 miles per gallon. And over a lifetime, that consumption can add up tankerloads â€” properly maintained, they have a lifespan of 1 million miles.

If you want to treat yourself to a 6000LX, all you need is a regular driver's license. And $780,000.

FUN IN THE BUFF: More Americans are donning their birthday suits to recreate, according to a new survey.

A telephone poll by the American Association for Nude Recreation reveals that 19 percent of Americans have skinnydipped in mixed company, and 18 percent would consider visiting a clothing-optional resort or nude beach.

Carolyn Hawkins, spokesman for the Kissimmee, Fla.-based organization, says canoeing, tennis, volleyball and hiking sans apparel are becoming more popular.

``It's a really free feeling when you're nude,'' Hawkins said. ``When you shed your clothes, you shed your stress. If you're nude, there's nothing to judge you on.''

The nonprofit association attributes the wider acceptance of nude recreation to pop culture. Nearly half of Americans said they noticed increased references to skinny-dipping and social nudity in magazines, movies, television shows and advertisements.

PR FOR PR: The Council of Public Relations Firms is trying to drum up some publicity for what the organization believes is a deserving cause: itself.

The nonprofit New York-based trade association recently sent out a press release to news organizations touting the virtues of a career in public relations and seeking new recruits.

``The roles, responsibilities and rewards for exceptional people are exceptional and the job market for PR professionals has never been more attractive,'' council president Jack Bergen said in the release. ``And to borrow from the Marines' recruiting slogan, the industry is looking for many more than a few good men and women.''

In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics said, through 2006, public relations jobs are expected to increase faster than the average of all other occupations.

The council linked the higher demand for good public relations professionals to an increased need by companies to better communicate their messages due to the growth and complexity of technology and the media.