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How to Instruct Staff in Cultural Competency
Doing business with sensitivity to cultural differences may require staff training and education. Employees who interact with publics from a variety of cultures should be competent in their cultural awareness, along with their other business skills.
Here are some key areas in which business people should be in touch for cultural competency:
Development of culture: How cultures develop and their impact on the workplace, including relationships with customers and other businesspeople.
How cultures think and act differently: If your employees come from a uniquely Anglo American background and experiences, they think and act differently from those outside their own culture. The same holds true, regardless of what culture your employees belong to.
The cultural lens: Americans tend to look at the world through their own lenses and, as a result, tend to believe that what others think and do differently from them is wrong. Everyone on staff needs to realize that differences are merely differences.
The cross-cultural opportunity: By becoming culturally competent, staff members can more effectively serve customers and boost sales and profits. By presenting facts and figures about the multicultural market potential in your area, you can get staff members to buy into your plan to expand into this market and contribute to the business's success.
The cross-cultural challenge: By developing an understanding of other cultures, staff members are less likely to insult or disrespect customers or visiting businesspeople by mistake.
Time differences: How different people view time and the importance of being on time for scheduled meetings and events can seriously affect business relationships:
Polychronics: Hispanics, Asians, and Middle Easterners are among those who are group oriented and future oriented. They tend to view deadlines as suggestions rather than as impenetrable barriers, so they may not show up for appointments on time. They often view monochronics as aggressive and pushy when it comes to time.
Monochronics: Americans, the Swiss, and Germans are individualistic and present focused. Deadlines are hard and fast. They tend to view polychronics as passive, disorganized, and perhaps even unreliable and disrespectful of their time.
Competitiveness versus cooperation: Some cultures, such as Americans and Brits, tend to be competitive, while Hispanics and Asians are cooperative. Cooperative cultures usually make business decisions as a group, whereas competitive cultures are more likely to make decisions as individuals.
Individualist versus collectivist: In individualistic cultures, such as those in the U.S., Australia, and England, you're expected to look after yourself and your family. These cultures value directness and freely speak their minds. In collectivist cultures, such as Asia and Latin America, people are integrated into strong, cohesive groups that protect everyone in the group in exchange for unquestioned loyalty.
High-context versus low-context cultures: High-context cultures, including the Japanese, Chinese, Arabs, and Greeks, rely more on context and subtle cues for communications. More is implied than overtly stated, and words are secondary to context. Low-context cultures, including Americans, Scandinavians, Germans, and the Swiss, tend to be more obvious in their communications. Words are explicit and are crucial to understanding.
Meeting and greeting: People don't all meet and greet in the same way. Your employees must know how to properly welcome customers or businesspeople. This important ritual sets the tone for a successful business relationship.
Proxemics: The science of personal space, which affects how close you stand to another person while conversing. Proxemics may be culturally determined. Let customers and businesspeople set their own comfort zones.
Physical contact: People around the world differ in the amount of physical contact they make during a business interaction. Staff must adjust to the level of physical contact that the customer or businessperson sets.
Negotiating versus non-negotiating cultures: One big challenge that staff must be trained to overcome is the constant negotiating of some cultures. They must understand that haggling is a way of life in many parts of the world, and they need to be prepared to handle it.


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The twang of country music is not the only sound you will hear wafting through your Nashville hotel window in "Music City USA." Nashville hosts many blues, jazz and rock venues in addition to being the home of country's Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and Museum and Country Music Hall of Fame.
Also known as the "Athens of the South" because of its dozens of universities and colleges, Nashville offers a unique mix of sophistication and down-home hospitality. Nashville is full of diverse attractions, starting with its eclectic dining scene. Mouth-watering barbecue at Capitol Grille is always a visitor and local favorite, but you can also find neo-Southern and Mediterranean dishes at F. Scott's Restaurant & Jazz Bar or true Southern comfort food at Swett's Restaurant.
Nashville hotels, restaurants and shopping venues are top-notch, but the Nashville music scene keeps visitors enthralled with the city. Landmark establishments like the Grand Ole Opry and Bluebird Café spawned many great country music stars, while Elliston Place Rock Block boasts several spots for heart-pumping dance music and live rock. If you plan a trip to Nashville seeking the blues, then Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar always delivers in the hip Printer Alley District.
For outdoor activities in Nashville, explore Centennial Park. This 132-acre park just outside downtown Nashville features the Parthenon along with hiking trails and picnic facilities. Also plan on checking out Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. This 55-acre garden features its own Japanese Garden, beautiful to visit anytime of the year.

subset: commoncrawl


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Strong, enthusiastic and totally devoted with an air of clarity, simplicity and artistry, the Ardent Toddy Cable is here to show the world your passion and desire to be the person you are. Say goodbye to personality-free charging and choose a cable design that reflects your own style.
Whether at work, home, or school, there's no shortage of electronics that need to be charged. So, no matter where you are (or what device you have), these colorful cables are bound to come in handy.
Apple Lightning
Made for Apple iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2 with Retina display, iPad Mini 3, iPad 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6 4.7, iPhone 6 Plus 5.5, iPhone 7, iPod Touch (5th Generation), and iPod Nano (7th Generation).
- Each cable is outfitted with an Apple-approved serial chip inside the Lightning connector, ensuring reliable power and data transfer.
- Apple Certification: MFi certified for compatibility with Apple Lightning devices
Ideal for charging and syncing Android phones and tablets or connecting peripherals such as hard drives, printers, and more.
Ideal for charging and syncing Android phones and tablets or connecting peripherals such as hard drives and printers, and syncing and charging Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads Includes Apple Certified adapter for compatibility with iPhone and iPad devices.
Technical Specifications for All Cables
- 1m/ 3.3ft
- Low-profile aluminum connectors
- Transfer Speed 480Mbps


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Dakwakada Warriors$20.00
Dakwäkãda Warriors is a whimsical, bilingual young adult graphic novel that offers an accessible allegory of colonialism.
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People$18.95
Spanning more than 400 years, this now-classic bottom-up history has been adapted for youth readers.
The Five Hundred Year Rebellion
Indigenous Movements and the Decolonization of History in Bolivia$18.00
How indigenous movements tapped into centuries-old veins of oral history and memory to produce manifestos, booklets, and radio programs on histories of resistance, wielding them as tools to expand...
Our History is the Future
Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance$26.95
Our History Is the Future is at once a work of history, a manifesto, and an intergenerational story of resistance.
Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg
This Is Our Territory$19.95
In this engaging oral history, Doug Williams, Anishinaabe elder, recounts the history of the Michi Saagiig Nisnaabeg, tracing through personal and historical events, and presenting what manifests...
The Zapatistas' Dignified Rage
Final Public Speeches of Subcommander Marcos$19.95
Zapatista spokesman Subcommander Marcos decreased his public appearances between 2007 and 2014, but simultaneously increased the depth of his analysis. Collected here in English translation for...
Unsettling the Commons
Social Movements Within, Against, and Beyond Settler Colonialism$14.95
Drawing on interviews with 51 anti-authoritarian organizers to investigates what it means to struggle for "the commons" within a settler colonial context, Unsettling the Commons interrogates a very...
As We Have Always Done
Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance$24.95
Across North America, Indigenous acts of resistance have in recent years opposed the removal of federal protections for forests and waterways in Indigenous lands, halted the expansion of tar...
Indianland is a rich and varied poetry collection. The poems are written from a female and Indigenous point of view and incorporate Anishinaabemowin throughout. Time is cyclical in this...
Surviving Canada
Indigenous Peoples Celebrate 150 Years of Betrayal$29.95
Surviving Canada: Indigenous Peoples Celebrate 150 Years of Betrayal is a collection of elegant, thoughtful, and powerful reflections about Indigenous Peoples' complicated,...


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There isn't another alarm company that can protect your Business like Security One Can
Lowest monthly Monitoring plans
No long term contract
A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
Locally Monitored and UL Certified
Serving Georgia since 1968!
Control Security, lights, locks, thermostat, cameras, using a smart phone or computer.
No business phone, No problem. We have LTE Cellular Alarm Monitoring plans available
Refer a friend or business and get 3 months free!
Need a new Business Security System and Monitoring?
Are you a Business owner without a system installed? Our new installation pricing is different from other alarm companies, and that's a great thing! While your initial cost may be a little higher, your monthly rate will be much lower, and it's all done without a contract. We can install our system at a low cost, and you actually own the equipment (not a leased system like most of our competitors). Our monitoring rate will quickly offset the cost of the install, ultimately saving you hundreds of dollars every year.
At Security One Services we use only the highest quality U.L. approved equipment made by DSC. Our equipment is easy to use and easy to upgrade. Even more important, DSC equipment is extremely reliable which is crucial when dealing with the long term security of your Business.
BusinessControl Flex
Control Security, lights, locks, thermostat, cameras, using a smart phone or computer with BusinessControl Flex. Works with all New and Pre-existing DSC Business Security Systems. BusinessControl Flex is a business automation solution that gives you the power to easily manage, interact with and control your business security system at an affordable price. No matter where you are, BusinessControl Flex makes it simple to monitor and stay connected with your employees and your property giving you peace of mind in the palm of your hands.
Commonly asked questions
Do I have to sign a long term contract? No, we retain our clients by providing quality service not through contracts. Our contract term is Month to Month for Business service. Some companies have a hidden 3-5 year contract clause hidden in the contract which allows them to raise the monitoring rate at any time and auto renew the contract for another 3-5 year term.
Can you use my existing system? Yes in most cases. Some exceptions might include very old systems, damaged systems or systems that have been password protected (locked-out) by the previous alarm company.
How long has Security One Services been in Business? We are one of the few companies serving Georgia since 1968!
Is the monitoring performed in a local Underwriters Laboratory Listed (UL) facility? Yes, and our monitoring station is located locally in the Atlanta Metro area and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved.
What is your rating with the Better Business Bureau? Security One Services maintains an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau unlike many alarm and cable companies.
Do I need to have a Business phone line for the services to work? No, there is a Cellular Monitoring option available. Please call us for details.
Can you use a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocols) phone line? Yes, in some cases. Name brand VoIP products do have the highest success rates but many of the Cable providers compress the signal making it un-reliable. Cellular Monitoring is the most reliable and cost efficient method and protects against criminals cutting your phone or cable wire outside.
Why can't you just use my cell phone? The security system needs a means to transmit signals from the premises (be able to make a phone call). To accomplish this it must be wired into a phone source. While we can call you on your cell phone, cell phones are not designed to be wired into a security panel.
Does Security One Services use installer technician contractors like some of the other alarm and utility companies? Security One Services used only State Licensed and bonded employees who have been thoroughly background checked, We do not use contractors.
Does the monthly monitoring rate go up if I add fire or smoke detection? No, the monitoring rate will stay the same.
There are some alarm companies that install alarm equipment that can only be monitored by them? (Proprietary Equipment) This is a common tactic used by some alarm companies to trap customers into long term contracts and allow them to charge enormous monthly fees. Don't worry, because Security One has a solution. We will replace the keypad and motherboard and leave the balance of the system intact for a very small parts cost. You retain ownership of the equipment and have a full warranty. Over time, you will save a great deal of money and have the flexibility you deserve. In the end, Security One will provide you with the best monitoring and equipment at the best price.
If I buy new equipment from Security One Services is there a warranty? Yes. all newly installed equipment comes with a one year warranty,


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Thanksgiving might be the tastiest holiday of the year, but it can also be the most stressful. Between entertaining guests, rolling out your pie dough, and ensuring your bird doesn't burn, there can be little room to relax. This year, we're helping you avoid last-minute stress with ten Thanksgiving recipes that you can make ahead and freeze.
Whether it's broth, pie crust, or a simple side dish, small menu components prepared in advance will save you precious time on the big day. With less to prepare, you'll have more time to spend connecting with family, watching football, and -- of course -- eating.
For Gravy, Stock, and Soup: Prepare the recipe as directed, cool to room temperature, and then freeze in freezer-safe ziplock bags. Defrost the day before, and reheat before serving.
Cider-Sage Gravy from ChrisandAmy
Zesty Herbed Chicken Broth from lechef
Butternut Squash and Cider Soup from amanda
Cranberry Sauce: Any cranberry sauce recipe can be frozen in ziplock bags. Leave the bag out to thaw the night before Thanksgiving, and then refrigerate as needed.
Pear, Brandy and Walnut Cranberry Sauce from notlazy.rustic.
Casseroles, Pies, and Tarts: Once the dish has baked and cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap; you can add an extra layer of aluminum foil if you'd like. On Thanksgiving morning, allow the dish to thaw, and then reheat in the oven until heated through.
Leek, Lemon, and Feta Quiche from Feeding the Saints
Potato Mash with Leek Confit and Bacon from inpatskitchen
Pie Crust: Pie crust is a great make-ahead ingredient, as it can be used in both sweet and savory iterations. Mix the crust as directed in the recipe, tightly wrap the dough in saran wrap, and freeze. Defrost the dough the night before Thanksgiving, and then bake as directed.
Paule Caillat's Brown Butter Tart Crust from Genius Recipes
Quickbreads and Cookies: These baked goods freeze well, and -- bonus! -- the recipes are easy to double, so you'll have extra treats on hand once you finally get hungry again in December. Cooled cookies can be stored in air-tight ziplocks, and sliced quickbreads can be wrapped whole in a layer of plastic wrap and an outer layer of tin foil. Simply allow to thaw the morning of Thanksgiving and serve.
Double-Corn Cornbread from merrill
Triple Chocolate Espresso Cookies from flourchildblog
Ice Cream, Sorbet, and Sherbet: Here's your most hands-off option. Make it now, and take it out of the freezer once your turkey is eaten and your gravy is gone. Scoop and serve.
Maple Ice Cream with Tipsy Raisins and Maple Candied Cashews from cristinasciarra
Did someone say Thanksgiving? Our Automagic Menu Maker is here to help!
See what other Food52 readers are saying.


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Placement Exam Procedures for Spanish & French
Go to the following website:
URL: https://webcape.org/nwcregister.php?acct=fau
Password: owls1
- Fill in personal information
- Take the test (20-25 minutes)
- When you are finished please print out your results and bring them to your first class.
If you place in a different level, your instructor will direct you to the proper place.
Note: You will NOT be permitted to attend SPN/FRE 1120 without this printed results sheet!


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From Annual2009
Below is a list of the Chicago conference hotels. Also, view the hotel map. [[1]]
Sheraton (Co-Headquarter) New!! Lower rate until June 5
Hyatt Regency Chicago (Co-Headquarter) New!! Lower rate until June 5
Red Roof Inn New!! $109 rate. One half block off Michigan Avenue
InterContinental New!! Lower rate until June 5
Hotel Cass Holiday Inn Express
Hard Rock
Hotel Monaco
Renaissance Chicago
Hotel 71
Westin Chicago River North
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
Silversmith Hotel
Palmer House Hilton
Hotel Allegro
W City Center
Hyatt Regency McCormick


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Connect with the Soul Young Adult Community
Every Tuesday, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, our young adult community will meet in the Student Centre at 2050 Chevrier Blvd. to explore the foundations of the Christian faith through Bible study and conversation.
This young adult meeting is open to everyone ages 18-30ish. It is a perfect opportunity to meet new young adults within the Soul community, to invite out your friends and to strengthen your relationship with God.
Should you have any questions, please contact Jordan (firstname.lastname@example.com | 204.250.5884).


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TRANSCEND is a worldwide network of academic research centers, policy think-tanks, government agencies and non-governmental organizations dedicated to developing new approaches to global governance. It specifically aims to forge a shared understanding among the developed and developing countries of how to manage the current diffusion of world power in the face of growing transnational challenges.
Professor Acharya Comepletes his Term as ISA President
55th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association
Amitav Acharya receiving the ISA Presidential gavel from outgoing President Harvey Starr Read President Harvey Starr's Introduction of Dr. Acharya
Professor Acharya delivered the Presidential Address to the 55th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association in Toronto on 27 March 2014. Entitled: "Global IR and Regional Worlds: A New Agenda for International Studies", the Address urged IR scholars to accord greater recognition to the places, voices, and agency of the non-Western states and societies so as to transcend the West-Rest divide. The idea of Global IR revolves around six dimensions:
• It is founded upon a pluralistic universalism: not 'applying to all', but recognizing and respecting the diversity in us
• It is grounded in world history, not just Greco-Roman, European or US history
• It subsumes, rather than supplants existing IR theories and methods
• It integrates study of regions, regionalisms and area studies
• It eschews exceptionalism
• It recognizes multiple forms of agency beyond material power: including resistance, normative action, and local constructions of global order
The Global IR project holds that the best form universalism is pluralism. Being part of Global IR: means making IR not only safe for diversity but also enriched by it. Global IR is the theme of the ISA Convention in New Orleans in February 2015.
The full text of the Address will appear in International Studies Quarterly.
Professor Acharya meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Jakarta, 16 January 2014. Prof. Acharya presenting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia a copy of his book, The Making of Southeast Asia, which has a picture of him with President Obama. That brought out a smile in him.
Keynote Speech to the 7th Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA) Annual Congress, Ankara, 25-26 Oct 2013
Professor Acharya delivered a keynote speech on "The Mediterranean/Europe and the Indian Ocean/Asia: Two Paradigms of International Order?", to the the 7th Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA) Annual Congress, held in Ankara, 25-26 Oct 2013. APISA was established in 2001 at a conference in Kuala Lumpur, where Prof Acharya had also delivered the keynote speech. and Professor Acharya also served as the founding co-President of APISA.
Congress Program and Photos, and text of Keynote Speech to the Founding meeting of APISA in 200
TRANSCEND organizes International Conference on Global Governance, October 3-5, 2013
Nelson Mandela Professor of International Relations
Prof Acharya with students, faculty and staff at Rhodes University, March 3-15, 2013 as part of his periodic visit there as the Nelson Mandela Professor of International Relations
(Transnational Challenges and Emerging Nations Dialogue (TRANSCEND) At American University , founded in 2011,
is different from TRANSCEND, A Peace, Development and Environment Network (www.transcend.org)
founded in 1993 by Prof. Johan Galtung. The two organizations cooperate.)


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Hotels near Curzons
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Visit our group bookings page or call 020 7437 4370 for assistance
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London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £365 37% off
Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD | 2 minutes walk from Curzons
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £136 39% off
The Strand, WC2N 5HX | 2 minutes walk from Curzons
Located within walking distance from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, the Amba Hotel Charing Cross is ideal for guests looking to be near to all the More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £137 26% off
2 Whitehall Court, SW1A 2EJ | 3 minutes walk from Curzons
Emulating the style of a French chateau, this grand Victorian residence, built in 1884, occupies a prime location within Westminster. It's worth staying at the Grade More
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Corinthia Hotel London
Customer rating: 100%
2 minutes walk away
Double room from £495
Every Hotel Piccadilly
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Thistle Trafalgar Square, The Royal Trafalgar
Customer rating: 96%
6 minutes walk away
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Amba Hotel Charing Cross
Customer rating: 95%
2 minutes walk away
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Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street
Customer rating: 94%
10 minutes walk away
Double room from £126
Nearest hotels to Curzons
There are 20 recommended places to stay within a 15 minutes walk from Curzons:
Corinthia Hotel London ( 2 minutes)
Amba Hotel Charing Cross ( 2 minutes)
The Royal Horseguards - A Guoman Hotel ( 3 minutes)
The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton ( 3 minutes)
Club Quarters Trafalgar Square ( 3 minutes)
The Grand at Trafalgar Square ( 3 minutes)
St Martins Lane, A Morgans Original ( 5 minutes)
Strand Palace Hotel London ( 5 minutes)
Thistle Trafalgar Square, The Royal Trafalgar ( 6 minutes)
Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel ( 6 minutes)
ME London ( 7 minutes)
The Waldorf Hilton Hotel London ( 8 minutes)
Every Hotel Piccadilly ( 8 minutes)
Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street ( 10 minutes)
Park Plaza County Hall Hotel London ( 10 minutes)
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel London ( 11 minutes)
Cafe Royal Hotel ( 11 minutes)
Le Meridien Piccadilly ( 12 minutes)
Club Quarters Lincoln's Inn Fields ( 12 minutes)
Cavendish London Hotel ( 12 minutes)
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The Daily Dose
Full Moon wo Sagashite mangaka Tanemura Arina will be launching a new manga in January called Sakura-Hime Kaden in the shoujo manga magazine Ribon. Saboten no Himitsu's Haruta Nana and Aishiteruze Baby's Maki Youko will also be starting new manga series in Ribon in the new year.
Happy Happy Clover's Tatsuyama Sayuri will be starting a new manga in Decemeber called Kumappuri.
Mangaka Sawai Yoshio's (who previously worked on Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo) Chagecha series has ended.
The manga Boys on the Run will be getting a movie next fall. The manga has been halted for some time, but will be restarted next spring.
The Beat has posted a chapter of Black Jack for free viewing to celebrate Halloween.
ToHeart2 artwork at left courtesy of バーニア600 on pixiv (account needed to access).


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As the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos get ready for their big playoff game Saturday, there are plenty of opinions about how the teams and cities compare. But in one competition -- based on books -- Baltimore wins hands down.
The East Coast city had the advantage of time and history, of course, and in literary matters, that can be a big edge. Denver didn't get its start until the mid-1800s, when word of a gold strike brought settlers to the banks of the South Platte River. By that time, Edgar Allan Poe had already won a literary prize in Baltimore and died, years later, on the east side of the city.
Among the other great authors who lived in Baltimore while Denver was still outgrowing its cow town image were Gertrude Stein, Upton Sinclair, H.L. Mencken, Zora Neale Hurston, James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, F. Scott Fitzgerald and John Dos Passos. The more recent names aren't too shabby either. There are Ogden Nash, Walter Lord and Russell Baker. Pulitzer Prize winners Anne Tyler and Taylor Branch. And contemporaries such as David Simon and Laura Lippman.
As for Denver's history? Novelist Jenny Shank's literary guide to the city for Poets & Writers magazine listed Annie Proulx and a few other notables last year. Though she noted the city's current robust literary culture, she lamented that "Denver has no book festival. We hang our heads in shame before you Omaha; Missoula, Montana; Tucson, Arizona; and Salt Lake—all home to rocking public literary festivals." (Not to mention the Baltimore Book Festival.)
To its credit, Denver has come a long way.
It boasts the Tattered Cover, one of the nation's great independent booskstores. And though I'm partial to the Enoch Pratt Free Library's graceful style, the downtown Denver library, designed by Michael Graves, is a pleasure to look at and visit.
Still, Baltimore wins big. And I hope the Ravens do the same Saturday.


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Holiday cards are the best way to celebrate Christmas, the end of the old year, and the start of the New Year. This Christmas card has a red background and a collection of shining Christmas decorations, including boughs of holly, pine cones, snowflakes, golden bells, red and gold ribbons, and blue, yellow, gold, and striped ornaments, at the top. "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - Hoping your holidays -and all your days- are filled with joy!" is written at the bottom.
Wreaths, garland, and Christmas trees all create a magical holiday scene. The cozy and warm Christmas home in this card is decorated lit candles, poinsettias, garland, stockings, Christmas lights, round ornaments, wreaths, stars, and a beautifully lit and decorated Christmas tree. The soft, warm glow welcomes in the holidays, so say "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" with this Christmas card today!
Shine, twinkle, dazzle and delight! Wish upon a star for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and send this Christmas greeting now. Be bold this Christmas with a knock-out black and gold card. White Christmas lights illuminate the night in this sophisticated and flawless Christmas card. It's the perfect holiday greeting card for everyone on your list. Spread some joy and send it now.
Celebrate the holidays with this shining golden Christmas card! Say "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" with a Christmas card that says it all. Shining red ornaments and golden ribbons celebrate the joy of Christmas, while the champagne colored background and sparkling stars ring in the start of a grand New Year! Send your holiday greeting and wishes for a happy New Year with one delightful Christmas card!
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, enjoy each other's company, and make new memories. That's why this Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card would be perfect to send out to your friends and family this year. It features a fabulous Christmas drink, complete with a candy cane. A Christmas ornament can be seen, as well as winter pine cones! Send this cheerful holiday card out today to wish someone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This fabulous Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card will brighten the day of anyone that it's sent to! It showcases lovely colors of red and gold, along with fantastic holiday decorations. Stars, snowflakes, reindeers, and more are displayed in a creative manner and give this holiday card an exceptional look! Along with this, a message of hope, peace, and love are being sent their way! Wish someone a sensational Christmas day and an exciting new year with this splendid holiday card today!
If you know someone who prefers only the best then this elegant Merry Christmas and Happy New Year holiday card would be perfect for them! It features lovely colors of gold, white, and green that create a stunning look. The Christmas tree showcases gold swirls and sparkling lights. It also displays a traditional Christmas bell and beautiful ornaments. It's an outstanding holiday card to send to anyone to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New year in style!
Wish someone a joyous holiday with this great Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card! It was designed with a beautiful red Christmas ornament tied to a bow. It's surrounded by winter snowflakes and displays the words Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. This holiday card's message wishes someone a year filled with good friends and amazing opportunities! So send this stunning card on its way to wish someone a fabulous day! They will certainly appreciate it.
You can't go wrong with a creative and unique Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card such as this! It has sensational colors of green and red, along with terrific holiday icons, and a thoughtful message! A cute snowman, a dazzling Christmas tree, and of course, Santa and his reindeers are spotted in this holiday card and they look awesome! Remind someone to let the magic of the holiday fill their heart with this impressive Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card!
This classic Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card has an elegant look that will surely capture the attention of the recipient. Magnificent holiday ornaments of red and silver are set against a wintery scene that is so familiar during this time of the year. The message will let them know you are thinking of them during this holiday season. Send this exceptional Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card out today so it can be enjoyed without delay!
Two snowmen toasting to the holiday season makes for an adorable Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card! Here you will see two snowmen wearing Santa hats with a lovely Christmas tree set in the background. Snow is falling all around and it creates a traditional winter scene. Send this charming Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card out to the people that you are thinking about today, they will certainly love it!
A stunning gift box with a lovely bow set the stage for this amazing Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card. Beautiful Christmas ornaments are also seen and add a special holiday flair. The words Merry Christmas and Happy New Year are displayed in a fantastic fashion that creates a stylish look. Make sure to send this holiday card out today to wish someone an outstanding year and a wonderful day!
The holiday season is here and it's time to send a little joy to those you care about most! This gorgeous Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card will add excitement to the day of all who receive it. It contains a sensational holiday gift box surrounded by decorative Christmas tree branches and candy canes. The sparkling background has a snowy look and the creative Merry Christmas and Happy New Year lettering look outstanding! Send this amazing holiday card out soon!
If you are looking for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card that will grab someone's attention, then this is the one to send! A unique brightly lit Christmas tree is featured and it looks fantastic. It's set against a bright red background and displays the words Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. The thoughtful message will let someone know that you are wishing them a special holiday season, along with a bright and cheery Christmas day.
There are few things that get on our nerves more than siblings. And yet, we'll do anything for them. So this Christmas, share your love with your brother and let him know how important he is to you. Despite the pokes and prods, the noogies and digs, you love each other. Tell your brother that this Christmas with this wonderful card.
If your parents are the winter blanket around your shoulders, your brother is the mug of hot tea nestled between your hands. Small, comforting, and warming you inside and out, there is no one like your brother. Let him know how important he is to you by sending him this wintery Christmas card. He's a special part of your life.
Friends are the family we choose, the few we've cultivated into our inner circle. And while holidays are traditionally for families, we know the stress of it is relieved by those we don't around the dinner table Christmas day. Send your friends a Christmas card full of how much you appreciate your friendship.
Even in the harshness of winter, there's still color everywhere you look from bunches of red holly berries to fresh-scented pine boughs. Bolster spirits and hearts for someone who's had a tough year with a Christmas wish full of support and hardiness. This is the time to come together and strive to make wishes a reality.
Send your fantastic brother this spectacular glittery card that will add brightness and joy to his day during this holiday season. This card will wish him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in style! It features a gold sparkling star with gleaming lights flicking in the background. Your brother will be touched that you took the time to send him the very best card. So send this card on its way to wish him a very happy holiday!
Bright fireworks bursting between golden ornaments could only mean that it's Christmas time and the new year is just around the corner! It's a great reason to send this Merry Christmas & Happy New Year card out to someone you care about. This bright and exciting card will make their day, so don't delay, send a little brightness to someone today!
If you are one of those people who dream of a white Christmas, then you will love this card and want to share it with others to wish them a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. It will certainly remind them of the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. This card features magnificent Christmas ornaments made of delicate snowflakes that hang perfectly in the midnight sky. Such a beautiful scene!
When sightings of gold, red, and green begin to appear, you will know the holiday season is here! This Merry Christmas & Happy New Year card states just that! It features traditional holiday colors and gorgeous ornaments with a touch of gold and red atop wonderful Christmas tree branches, all coming together to form a special holiday card. So for that person you hold so dear, send this card their way for some holiday cheer!
Let Santa light the way for your brother to have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Santa is holding his lamp eagerly waiting to make someone's holiday season a great one. This Christmas card features stylish backgrounds of blue and gray, along with a classic Santa. Your brother will be thrilled to receive this endearing card, and will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Gather 'round the fire kids! Remember when Dad would tell stories while you drank hot cocoa by the fire? Send your Dad this cozy Christmas card and remind him of the sweet times you've shared. Wish your Dad love and warmth with a thoughtful Christmas greeting card. He's sure to love it. The stockings were hung on the chimney with care, and this Christmas card was made especially for Dad.
The holidays are meant to be a time for love and spending time with family. To make the most of the Christmas season this year, use this gorgeous Christmas card to connect with your dad! Send your holiday wishes to show your dad that he is on your mind and how much you love him. Use this Christmas card to make this the best holiday season ever!
No matter your age, the holidays are the perfect time for a party! If you have a friend who loves to play loud music, dance, and celebrate with abandon, this Christmas card is the perfect gift to send to them! The rock-and-roll DJ Santa, glittering designs, and fun Christmas wishes will make this the best holiday season ever!
The holiday season is all about spending time with the people you love. Cozy chats by the fire, exchanging specially chosen gifts, and days spent building snowmen in the winter air. To help your friend have the best Christmas and New Year's celebration, send this Christmas card to share your Merry Christmas wishes. Then you can spread Christmas cheer to everyone that you hold dear!
The holiday season is always a time for fun and celebration with the people who are closest to us. As Christmas and New Year's approach, use this Christmas card to send your warmest holiday wishes to your friends! The bright fireworks and silly snowman will show how excited you are to celebrate the holidays and have an amazing time with them together!
Sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, hot wine, and candy canes-Christmas is the most scrumptious holiday of all! Send this festive Christmas card and spread the yum! A yummy Christmas card is the perfect way to spread goodwill and giggles this holiday to all your friends both far and wide.
Are you excited for the holidays? If so, spread your excitement and cheer by sending this Christmas and New Year card! The background is a mix of light blue and pink, with a gentle snowfall. At the bottom are three red ornaments, decorated with white snowflakes and covered in fog. At the top, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - Reflect on the special moments. Ring in the year with the people who make them so special." is written in brown.
At Christmas, we light a candle for all the world to see. A candle that symbolizes peace, hope, faith, and joy for me, for you, for all. May your heart be the light and may you love in word and deed. Send this thoughtful holiday greeting that captures the quiet beauty of Christmas. This Christmas card says it all and says it best. The shining Christmas lantern gives a magical and antique touch to this stunning Christmas card.
Christmas lights are one of the best parts of the holidays. This Christmas card shows a heavy winter snow as it reflects the bright lights around it. Gold light fills the bottom of the card and blue light glimmers at the top, with winter branches in the background. A message of "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" fills the card in red writing. Send this Christmas card to your friends and family this holiday season!
Are you having a holly jolly Christmas this year? Help your friends and family have a merry holiday season by sending this Christmas card! The background is silver and the top and bottom are filled with fir branches, ribbons, snowflakes, bows, and ornaments, all in red and gold. In the middle of the card, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" is written in gold cursive.
When you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? This Christmas card shows all the best parts of the holiday in the colors of Christmas - red, green, silver, and gold. Red-ribboned presents, evergreen branches, holly, candy canes, snowflakes, and poinsettias form a frame around the "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" message in the center. Send your holiday greetings with this Christmas card today!
We can't get enough sparkles during Christmas! Gold lights, gold boxes wrapped in glittering bows, golden Christmas balls, we love it all! Send this shining Christmas card for a festive way to spread Christmas cheer and wishes for a happy new year! This holiday card will dazzle and delight everyone on your Christmas list. Send it now and spread the joy.
Christmas comes but once a year! So don't forget to send a beautiful holiday greeting card to your loved ones, far and near. The dreamy gold lights on this Christmas card perfectly capture the warm and magical feelings that abound during the holiday season. With a New Year, comes new wishes. Celebrate the hope of new beginnings and send a thoughtful Christmas card with good wishes for a new year.
When the twinkle lights come out, you know Christmas is right around the corner! Wish a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year this holiday season with this warm and bright greeting card. The colorful Christmas bulbs light up the card and the rustic wood background. It's a cozy Christmas and New Year card that you can send now for a perfect way to spread Christmas cheer.
Christmas lights are one of main holiday decorations. When these bright lights glow from a rooftop or shine around a Christmas tree, you know the holidays have arrived. Bright stars fill the top of this Christmas card, looking much like Christmas light decorations. The background is green and filled with circles of dark and light green. The card says, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" in the center. Send it today!
Do you like to decorate with nature for Christmas? This Christmas Plants and Gift Box card shows some of the prettiest natural and store-bought holiday decorations. Evergreen branches, red winter berries, ribbons, and ornaments with glittery swirls surround a brown and cream colored gift box. Use this Christmas card to send your wishes for a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to your loved ones this season!
Christmas comes with its own magic. That's not surprising when you consider what we're celebrating, though. Then it's followed by New Year's, when we get a chance to start things new. We make resolutions to be better. We feel renewed hope. Share that sense of wonder and hope with someone you care about by sending this Christmas card. Let them know you're rooting for them in the New Year.


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The President Has No Trumping Authority
Prof. Jed Rubenfeld of the Yale Law School, a former assistant United States attorney, today published an important opinion piece in the New York Times, taking issue with Attorney General nominee Michael B. Mukasey's Senate testimony that U.S. Presidents can disregard U.S. law.
Rubenfeld wrote:
Under the American Constitution, federal statutes, not executive decisions in the name of national security, are "the supreme law of the land." It's that simple. So long as a statute is constitutional, it is binding on everyone, including the president.Rubenfeld's first quotation comes from the Constitution's Article V, his third from Article I, Section 8.
The president has no supreme, exclusive or trumping authority to "defend the nation." In fact, the Constitution uses the words "provide for the common defense" in its list of the powers of Congress, not those of the president.
The second quotation, "defend the nation," does not appear in the Constitution; it's a paraphrase of Mukasey's "defend the country." Indeed, the word "defend" appears in the Constitution only once: in the President's oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."


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Reviewing the questions posed at Thursday night's vice presidential
debate, ABC correspondent Martha Raddatz clearly favored Team Obama, but not entirely. Out
of 48 discrete questions and follow-ups, a plurality (19, or 40%)
incorporated a pro-Obama/Biden or anti-Romney/Ryan agenda, vs. 25% (12
questions) that skewed in the other direction and 35% (17 questions)
that were neutral or purely information-seeking.
Raddatz showed almost no bias in her foreign policy questions, which split down the middle: eight pro-Romney vs. seven pro-Obama (not counting the neutrals). But on domestic issues, especially on the budget and taxes, she practically joined Joe Biden in pounding on Paul Ryan, with a dozen questions that incorporated liberal campaign themes, compared to just four based on a conservative premises, a stark three-to-one liberal tilt.
But either oblivious to Raddatz's bias or thrilled by it, ABC pulled out
all of the stops in patting their colleague on the back. Immediately
after the debate, anchor Diane Sawyer hailed "the great Martha Raddatz." Closing out the primetime coverage, Sawyer gushed: "If we seem very proud, we've always known what a great journalist she is. We're happy everybody else does, too."
The love-fest continued on this morning's Good Morning America: "We're hearing a whole lot of praise for our friend and colleague, Martha Raddatz," George Stephanopoulos cheered. Fill-in co-host Amy Robach enthused: "Martha Raddatz for President!"
Wrapping up his debate re-cap, correspondent Jonathan Karl agreed: "Now, there will be a lot of discussion over who was stronger last night, Biden or Ryan. But I've got to tell you around here, there was one clear consensus winner and that was the moderator, Martha Raddatz, who taught the world what we all know around here, George. You don't mess with Martha."
On foreign policy, Raddatz did put Team Obama on the defensive regarding their blundered response to last month's terrorist attack that killed the U.S. Ambassador in Benghazi, Libya. Raddatz confronted Biden: "The State Department has now made clear, there were no protesters there. It was a pre-planned assault by heavily armed men. Wasn't this a massive intelligence failure, Vice President Biden?"
She followed up by zeroing in on the Obama administration's false claims that the attack was a "spontaneous" protest: "Why were people talking about protests? When people in the consulate first saw armed men attacking with guns, there were no protesters."
But she also hit Ryan with a manufactured liberal complaint, faulting the timing of Romney's initial statements about the Obama administration's apologies over an inconsequential anti-Muslim film: "Was that really appropriate right in the middle of the crisis?"
But the near-balance she showed on foreign policy was absent when it came to domestic policy. Raddatz used Democratic talking points to hit Ryan on his plan to reform Medicare: "What is your specific plan for seniors who really can't afford to make up the difference in the value of what you call a premium support plan and others call a voucher?"
Echoing Biden, Raddatz repeatedly pounded Ryan for details of the Republican tax simplification plan: "You have refused to offer specifics on how you pay for that 20 percent across-the-board tax cut. Do you actually have the specifics?" After listening to Ryan's answer, Raddatz inserted herself again: "No specifics, again." Then again: "And you guarantee this math will add up?"
Raddatz also sounded like an Obama surrogate when it came to the need to restore the defense budget, repeatedly hammering Ryan: "You're going to increase the defense budget.... I want to know how you do the math and have this increase in defense spending?...What national security issues justify an increase?"
Raddatz's only pointed question to Biden on the budget asked him what policies "beyond raising taxes on the wealthy" he would suggest to "substantially reduce the long-term deficit?" When Biden immediately began talking about raisiing taxes on the wealthy by letting the Bush tax rates expire in January, Raddatz did not pull him back to her premise as she did repeatedly with Ryan.
Raddatz ended the debate with a neutral question asking the two about the Catholic faith and the abortion question, but followed up with a liberal question to Ryan: "If the Romney-Ryan ticket is elected, should those who believe that abortion should remain legal be worried?"
Debate moderators are supposed to ask the questions that voters -- of both parties, and of all ideological stripes -- want answered. To her credit, Raddatz found balance when it came to her area of expertise, foreign policy, but sounded like a conventional liberal journalist on everything else.
[Thanks to MRC's Geoff Dickens and Scott Whitlock for their help in compiling these statistics and rounding up the transcripts.]


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While staff is the heart of an immigration program, several other resources are required to keep a program functioning. These include: physical space, computers, software, law library materials, and malpractice insurance. In this second of a seven-part webinar series on immigration program management, the presenter will discuss the different resources needed to support an immigration legal services program.
This webinar is intended for experienced program directors and also for up-start programs seeking to grow. Leya Speasmaker, Field Support Coordinator for CLINIC's Center on Citizenship and Immigrant Communities, is the presenter for this webinar.
Held February 2, 2010


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Slacker for BlackBerry App Hits 1 Million Downloads
Slacker's BlackBerry app has exceeded one million downloads since its January debut, Slacker announced Wednesday.
Slacker for BlackBerry lets you stream Slacker.com radio stations wirelessly or cache them on a memory card so you can listen to music when you don't have a signal. It is available for phones with BlackBerry OS 4.3 or later, like the Curve and Bold. Basic service is available free, and premium is $3.99 a month.
To coincide with the launch of BlackBerry App World, Slacker updated its BlackBerry app earlier this month by adding the ability to view song lyrics, create custom stations based on specific songs. It also added Bluetooth support.
"Slacker listeners tell us the great audio quality combined with the largest music library available for any personal radio app on BlackBerry smartphones are key reasons why Slacker is the best music choice," Jonathan Sasse, senior vice president of Marketing at Slacker, said in a statement. "In addition, with station caching, Slacker is the only personal radio service that let's you play your music without a network connection, allowing listeners to enjoy their favorite stations regardless of whether they are in the office or on a cross-country flight."


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SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea warned Wednesday of a "thousand-fold" military retaliation against the U.S. and its allies if provoked, the latest threat in its drumbeat of rhetoric in defense of its rogue nuclear program.
The warning, carried by the North's state media, came hours after President Barack Obama declared North Korea a "grave threat" to the world and pledged that new U.N. sanctions on the communist regime will be aggressively enforced.
Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak met in Washington on Tuesday for a landmark summit in which they agreed to build a regional and global "strategic alliance" to persuade North Korea to dismantle all its nuclear weapons.
Pyongyang claims its nuclear bombs are a deterrence against the United States and accuses Washington of plotting with Seoul to topple its secretive regime, led by unpredictable dictator Kim Jong Il, who is reportedly preparing to hand over power to his 26-year-old youngest son.
"If the U.S. and its followers infringe upon our republic's sovereignty even a bit, our military and people will launch a one hundred- or one thousand-fold retaliation with merciless military strike," the government-run Minju Joson newspaper said in a commentary.
The commentary, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, also called Obama "a hypocrite" for advocating a nuclear-free world while making "frantic efforts" to develop new nuclear weapons at home.
"The nuclear program is not the monopoly of only the U.S.," it said.
Rodong Sinmun, another state-owned newspaper, accused the U.S. of deploying new weapons in South Korea and other neighboring countries to invade the North.
"The acute situation on the Korean peninsula is calling on our military and people to further bolster our war deterrence with the high-profile national awakening," said the Rodong Sinmun commentary, also carried by KCNA.
The two papers didn't mention the Obama-Lee summit.
Attention has been focused on North Korea since it conducted a nuclear test — its second — on May 25 in defiance of the United Nations. The U.N. Security Council responded by toughening an arms embargo against North Korea and authorizing ship searches in an attempt to thwart its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The U.N., however, did not authorize military force to enforce the measures.
North Korea, which conducted its first test in 2006, is believed to have enough weaponized plutonium for at least half a dozen atomic bombs. It revealed last week that it is also producing enriched uranium. The two materials are key ingredients for making atomic bombs.
The nuclear test — amid suspicion that is preparing for a third one — has effectively brought to a halt the so-called six-party talks aimed at giving North Korea fuel and other benefits in exchange for dismantling its nuclear program. The talks involved the two Koreas, the U.S., Japan, China and Russia.
Obama said the world must break a pattern in which North Korea puts the world on edge with its threats, only to secure more concessions by promising to reduce tensions.
He said the U.S. is more than willing to negotiate with North Korea to bring peace on the Korean peninsula.
"But belligerent, provocative behavior that threatens neighbors will be met with significant and serious enforcement of sanctions that are in place," he said.
Lee said his country's alliance with the U.S. will "prevent anything from happening."
Pentagon officials warned Tuesday that North Korea's missiles could strike the U.S. within three years if its weapons growth goes unchecked.
Some analysts believe that the North's rhetoric is aimed at showing its people that their government can defy the powerful U.S., and giving credit to Kim's reported heir apparent, Kim Jong Un. The analysts say this would make Jong Un's ascent to the top acceptable to North Koreans.


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Assume a money market has interest rate process $R(t)$. In Shreve's Stochastic Calculus for Finance II, formula (5.2.17) on page 215 defines the discounted process as $$ D(t) = e^{-\int_0^t R(s) ds}. $$
Why is $D(t)$ called "discounted" process?
Does it mean that any value at time t times $D(t)$ will give its present value at time $0$?


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Platinum Edition® Visa® Card
We are currently not accepting applications at this time. Thank you for visiting our website.
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2 You will earn a $25 statement credit after the first purchase is posted to the Account within the first 3 billing cycles after the Account is opened. Please allow 6-8 weeks after you qualify for the statement credit to be applied to your credit card account.
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Cards are issued by First Bankcard®, a division of First National Bank of Omaha, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. VISA and VISA SIGNATURE are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and used under license.
FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries. Please note, new cardmembers will generally see their FICO® Bankcard Score 9 (the version of FICO® Score we use to manage your account) within 45 days of account opening.


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Will Americans ever love Obamacare?
All through the Obama years, backers of the Affordable Care Act have lifted their spirits with a consistent refrain: Just you wait.
Someday, the law's backers insisted, Obamacare will make the transition from a divisive idea to a widely popular one, from a program that many people still find confusing and scary to a familiar and comforting part of American life.
Story Continued Below
This weekend, which marks the third anniversary of the law's passage, one thing remains clear: Someday has not yet arrived, and may not for a long time.
Even as the pitched ideological and legal battles have faded, a huge raft of complicated and potentially crippling practical challenges remain, raising questions about whether Obamacare ultimately will work and whether it will become the Rushmore-size achievement that President Barack Obama hopes for.
( Also on POLITICO: Kathleen Sebelius: ACA more bang for a buck)
Even the law's most enthusiastic backers concede the path forward is difficult.
"Sure, things aren't going to be perfectly efficient the first day," said Jay Angoff, a health care consultant who formerly ran the federal exchange office and who still remains optimistic that kinks will be worked out.
Here are five challenges that still confront the Affordable Care Act, even three years after it became the law of the land:
The money chase
The federal role in building the health insurance exchanges is bigger than expected — and money wasn't set aside.
The Obama administration didn't expect 33 states to refuse to build their own health insurance exchanges. When it asked Congress for another $1 billion for implementation, including money for the feds to build exchanges, the Republicans did not cut a check — and Democrats didn't push much. The IRS didn't have better luck asking for another $360 million for work on Obamacare tax provisions.
( Also on POLITICO: President Obama may enroll under health law)
That's a problem because although the law provides ample funding for state exchanges, it slotted just $1 billion for the feds to make it work. HHS hasn't responded to questions from POLITICO about how much, if any, of that $1 billion is left or precisely how it's cobbling together the rest of the money it needs to finish the job.
HHS keeps saying everything's on track, but some Democrats are openly worried about how to pay for things like vastly complicated computer systems.
"Without IT infrastructure to process enrollments and payments, verify eligibility and establish call centers, health insurance for millions of Americans could be further delayed," Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said in a recent floor speech criticizing the House for not ponying up more money.
Critics say the money problems could spell trouble.
"The massive uncertainty around their ability to pull this off is causing real problems," said James Capretta, a vocal Obamacare critic and former budget official under President George W. Bush.
The law's advocates maintain HHS will get the job done.


text:
Out of My Depth, ITV1 | reviews, news & interviews
Out of My Depth, ITV1
Out of My Depth, ITV1
Can Amanda Holden learn how to be a midwife in a mere five weeks?
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text:
HAVANA (Reuters) - Cubans went to the polls on Sunday to elect a Communist Party-selected slate of 612 deputies to the National Assembly at a time of change in how they live and work, but not in how they vote.
Veteran leader Fidel Castro, 86, made a rare appearance on Sunday to cast his ballot. He voted from home in local elections last year and in 2008 when the current assembly was elected, according to the National Information Agency.
President Raul Castro and other leaders were shown on state-run television casting their ballots and commenting on the importance of the election as a show of support for reforms and independence from the United States.
Raul Castro is decentralizing the state-dominated economy, allowing more space for private initiative in agriculture and retail services and has lifted many restrictions on personal freedoms, such as travel and buying and selling homes and cars.
Castro, since taking over from older brother Fidel in 2008, has also introduced term limits (two five-year stints) for top government posts, but has drawn the line at legalizing other political parties and contested elections.
"Renouncing the principle of a single party would be equal to legalizing one or more imperialist parties," Castro said at a Party conference last year.
He insisted critics, and even some friends, did not take into account the "abnormal state of siege" the country is experiencing.
"The one-party elections in Cuba, alongside steady but slow progress on opening the economy, represent how the current regime intends to manage change on the island - giving the people more space to participate in the economy while controlling their role in politics and civic life," said Ted Piccone, deputy director of foreign policy at the Washington-based Brookings Institution.
Some 95 percent of Cuba's 8.7 million residents over 16 years of age were expected to cast ballots with polling stations on just about every block and where abstention is frowned on.
Reuters talked with more than half a dozen voters on Sunday before they entered the polls in Havana. None of them knew the candidates on the national slate from their districts.
"What's certain is they are all revolutionaries and that's what matters," said retiree Eduardo Sanchez.
"I vote because I feel I have to, and it doesn't really matter because the deputies have no power anyway," said one young women, who declined to give her name.
The curious read biographies of candidates posted at the polls, then cast paper ballots in cardboard voting boxes guarded by school students.
Others simply entered the polls and checked a box for the entire slate.
The candidates were equal to the number of positions up for a vote, the only choice being to not vote for a certain candidate or leave blank or spoil one's ballot.
"Cuban voters will check 'yea' or 'nay' from this new list of candidates, so it's not a direct competition," said Julia Sweig, director of Latin America studies and the Global Brazil Initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank.
Nevertheless, she added, the slate of candidates represented a big demographic and political step forward from the current assembly.
"Some 67 percent of the candidates are completely new picks, and of these, more than 70 percent, were born after the revolution. Women comprise 49 percent of the candidates and Afro descendants 37 percent," Sweig said.
The deputies are elected for five-year terms.
The new assembly will meet this month to approve a party-proposed slate for the Council of State, which Raul Castro is expected to head for his second term. Council of State members must be deputies.
The general election cycle began last year with the election of more than 15,000 ward delegates in the only vote in which residents choose between two or more candidates.
Party-controlled commissions then selected candidates for provincial assemblies and the single-chamber national assembly, at least 50 percent of whom must be ward delegates and the remainder officials and personalities from the arts, sports and other sectors.
The National Assembly usually meets just twice a year for a week of committee and plenary meetings, though deputies remain engaged between sessions while working their normal jobs and can be relieved from work for assembly tasks.
Reporting by Marc Frank; Editing by Will Dunham and Christopher Wilson


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My page is setup to retrieve gliding contents from an external file on my server. I need to place a customized Google map in a DIV within <div class="glidecontent"> but when I do, all the content within the DIV disappears. How can I resolve this?
I do not encounter this problem when everything, including the gliding contents, are contained on the same page. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


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The Battle for Third Place
TORONTO — With a win tonight, the Blue Jays would move into a tie with the Yankees for third place in the American League East. That'd be a big step for this Toronto club, which has labored all season long through offensive lulls and multiple injuries.
Still, as much as the Jays have kept their postseason aspirations dimly lit, it'll take a near miracle — a Rockies-like performance down the stretch — for Toronto to make the playoffs. Let's say the Jays need 90 wins to get in, that means they'd have to go 25-12 the rest of the way.
With the Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, Twins and White Sox all on the schedule still, that's going to be a tough feat for Toronto to accomplish. Stranger things have happened, sure, but the Jays have to keep going like they have this past week. They can't afford any lapses, no matter how slight.
Today's lineups:
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre
Johnny Damon, CF
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jason Giambi, 1B
Xavier Nady, LF
Hideki Matsui, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Jose Molina, C
PITCHING: LHP Andy Pettitte (12-9, 4.30)
David Eckstein, 2B
Marco Scutaro, 3B
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Adam Lind, LF
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Kevin Mench, DH
John McDonald, SS
PITCHING: LHP David Purcey (2-3, 5.93)
5 Comments
It also could be called the battle for 4th place right?
This is the only game the Yankees have the starting pitching edge. The Steinbrenner's, Hank & Hal will be on a spending spree this winter. It must be nice if your a free agent with the Yankees more than willing to give there $$$$ to anyone that can walk and chew gum at the same time. LOL!!! They'll be given alot of blank checks to agent's and asking them to write any amount!!
Like I said Purcey is no good.
Well, the real problem is you don't beat the NY Yanks by only scoring 1 run. The Yanks average 5-6 runs a game.
Maybe it was the steroids LOL.
Anybody watching the Olympics Canada can break It's Medal record,GOOOOOO CANADA.


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ShareILL is an international interlibrary loan and document delivery information center. It is designed, maintained, and sustained by members of the resource sharing community.
Recently, ShareILL migrated to a new interface. In the summer of 2015, a small group of volunteers transferred information from the old site, page by page. In keeping with the spirit of ShareILL's past as a wiki, the information here is constantly updated and new pages will be added as recommendations are made. If you see information that is out of date, or if you'd like to suggest adding a page that is not currently featured on ShareILL, please contact us at email@example.com.


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Google itself hasn't yet been named as a defendant in any of Microsoft's patent litigation over Android, but the search giant obviously has a vested interest in the case as the company behind the mobile operating system. Now Google is speaking out against Microsoft's actions.
"Sweeping software patent claims like Microsoft's threaten innovation," the company said in a statement this morning. "While we are not a party to this lawsuit, we stand behind the Android platform and the partners who have helped us to develop it."
Microsoft yesterday escalated the patent fight with a lawsuit against Barnes & Noble and the manufacturers of its Nook e-reader device over the use of Android in the device.
"The Android platform infringes a number of Microsoft's patents, and companies manufacturing and shipping Android devices must respect our intellectual property rights," said Horacio Gutierrez, Microsoft corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, in a statement announcing the suit. "Other vendors, including HTC, a market leader in Android smartphones, have taken a license under this program, and we have tried for over a year to reach licensing agreements with Barnes & Noble, Foxconn and Inventec."
[Related: The patents Microsoft is using to sue Barnes & Noble]


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Visit Us for an Oral Cancer Screening in San Mateo
We can perform an oral cancer screening in San Mateo and this screening might just save a life. As a local dentist office, we find that most people do not talk about oral cancer. There are no fancy marketing campaigns or shirts that people wear. Ignoring the topic of oral cancer can be a major problem because oral cancer is prevalent enough to kill one person per day in the United States. With any cancer, it is important to detect it early so that one can begin treatment. Although we do not actually treat cancer at Park Place Dental of San Mateo, we can be the first line of defense in detecting it and recommend the patient visits an oncologist.
Some people have a higher risk of contracting oral cancer than others. Anyone who falls into this category needs to have an oral cancer screening at least once per year, if not more frequently. Remember that while men over the age of 50 are the most likely to get oral cancer, anyone can be impacted by this disease.
Some of the risk factors include:
- Chewing tobacco
- Smoking
- Drinking excessive alcohol
- Overexposure to the sun
- Being diagnosed with the HPV virus
Upon visiting our dental office for an oral cancer screening, we will examine the patient's mouth and look for signs of oral cancer. Using high-tech equipment, we can often identify signs that there might be abnormal cells in the mouth, even before obvious physical manifestations occur.
This screening can give patients the best opportunity to seek treatment from an oncologist before cancer starts to grow and spread throughout the mouth and to other areas of the body. If we can help patients notice cancer while it is in a small area, then the patient has more treatment options. This procedure may even help to reduce the overall treatment.
There are also some signs that you can watch for at home. If you notice any of these, it is important to call our office for a screening right away.
When eating something that is abrasive or acidic, one can develop rough patches in the mouth, which tend to go away within a day or two after forming. However, one may notice a rough patch that does not seem to be related to anything specific, it may be a sign of oral cancer. Wait to see if it goes away after a couple days and if not, give us a call.
When brushing one's teeth, running the tongue along the inside of the mouth can help to detect any hard lumps. If there are any present lumps that do not go away in a few days, then these signs may warrant a cancer screening.
Small bumps that are either red, white, or both, can be a sign of oral cancer and warrant a screening. If the symptoms last for more than a few days and seem to get worse, then definitely give us a call.
If you are concerned that anything is abnormal inside of your mouth, give us a call at (650) 627-8191. When it comes to oral cancer, it is worth taking the time for a screening.


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Coronado Springs Resort Fact Sheet Moderate Resort
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What is the Coronado Springs (CS) Resort?
Coronado Springs is another of Disney's moderately priced resorts that opened on August 1, 1997. The complex has 1,917 rooms and suites situated in three villages around a 15-acre lake called Lago Dorado.
This is Disney's first moderately priced convention hotel. There is a 95,000-square-foot convention center that includes a 60,214 square-foot. ballroom, as well as a full-service business center. The ballroom can accommodate 5,000 for a sit-down dinner or 6,500 meeting-style seats. There is also a 20,000 square- foot Junior Ballroom.
The foyer has a lovely fountain in its center, but it is the domed ceiling that is the true jewel of the entranceway. A soft pink glowing light opens into the dome itself… an incredible mural that depicts a gazebo with doves (lots of doves!) sitting/flying amidst a spring flower garden.
What is the theming for this resort?
The CS has an American Southwest/northern Mexico theme. Plazas, courtyards and a rocky shoreline make up the terrain.
Themed to the region's urban areas, the Casitas (little houses) offer accommodations amidst plazas, fountains and palm-shaded courtyards. They are three and four stories and are the focus of convention accommodations. Architecturally, the Casitas represent urban centers like Santa Fe or Monterrey.
All sorts of surprises decorate the grounds of the Casitas… lovely fountains, and a serene pool. Disney, of course, wouldn't be Disney if it didn't have topiaries! In the Casitas, surrounded by a near-circle of gardenia bushes, sit the main characters from The Three Caballeros. One section of lawn highlights a really beautiful piece of art made out of columns and wooden slats.
The Ranchos are 2- and 3-story pueblo-style villas that reflect more arid rural regions in a rustic ranch setting, complete with small streams tumbling over a rocky steam bed.
On the northern shore of Lago Dorado are the two story Cabanas which reflect the beauty and serenity of Mexico's coastal regions. More than half the rooms have lake views. The Cabanas are 2-story buildings with a sandy shoreline.
What does the resort look like?
The resort is built around a 15-acre shimmering lake, Lago Dorado. Named for European explorer Francisco de Coronado, CS is a showcase of native architecture and landscaping. There is a stepped Mayan pyramid towering over an elaborate 120'x90' pool area with a water slide and a playground that doubles as an archeological dig site for kids. There is a jaguar perched over the water slide spitting water at guests as they slide down… and be sure to look for the Hidden Mickeys.
Coronado Springs is definitely a huge resort, but its expansiveness is also part of its beauty. From almost anywhere at the resort you can look across water and see the other areas.
How are the Guest Rooms?
The average guest room is approximately 314 square feet. There are 224 rooms with king-size beds; and 99 disabled-accessible rooms.
Standard rooms accommodate up to four guests. The Coronado rooms have only one sink and not the double sink setup that the other three Moderate Resorts have. All rooms have sliding wood doors across the sink area.
Guest room amenities include 4-cup coffee makers (with decaf and regular coffee packets) plus limited room service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each room has a flat screen TV and all new dark wood furniture. Each room also has an armoire, small table with two chairs, night stand, ceiling fan, and small wall safe. Hair dryers, iron, and ironing board, and small refrigerator are also standard. Available on request are cribs, bed rails, refrigerators, and wheelchairs. There is no charge for wheelchair use at the resort. Newspaper delivery is $1.50 per day. There are several newspaper vending machines throughout the resort, located near the elevators.
Walt Disney World Resort made complimentary Wi-Fi service available in all of its hotels as of March 2012. See our Internet Access page for details.
NOTE: Beginning in 2009, club level rooms will be available in Casitas 9B. All Business Club Level rooms will have two queen-size beds or one king-size bed, desk and chair, vanity area with sink, a ceiling fan and a bathroom. These rooms offer views of the lake, courtyard or parking lot. Business Club Level services include personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine (additional fee) and cheese. Amenities include DVD player, in-room wall safe, voice mail, data port, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, mini-fridge, robes and coffee maker. A crib is available upon request. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available.
What buildings/sections are closest to what parts of the resort?
Coronado Springs resort is very large and spread out. There is no one section that is convenient to everything. You will find Bell Services Staff, driving around the resort in their carts, very willing to give you a ride to most places you'd like to visit on the grounds. While the walks are most pleasant, it is a distance to get to and from some areas of the resort.
As you read the Building numbers and locations below, picture a large, almost circular lake. Beginning at 6 o'clock is Casitas Building 1, followed by Building 2 and so on as you walk clockwise around the lake. Completing the circle is Cabanas Building 9B at 5 o'clock.
Casitas 1 is directly over the convention center and closest to Pepper Market, Maya Grill, the Main Bus Stop and the Front Desk. The Health Club and Beauty Salon are located between Casitas 2/3 and Casitas 4. Casitas 3 and 4 are closest to the Casitas Quiet Pool (and Guest Laundry). Casitas 4 is nearest the Casitas Bus Stop (Bus Stop 2). Casitas 5 is the furthest of the Casitas from the Main Building but closest to the Dig Site.
Ranchos 7A and 7B are the closest to the Dig Site. The Ranchos share a bus stop with the Cabanas (7A being the closest Ranchos building to Bus Stop 3). Ranchos 6A and B are the furthest buildings out and probably the quietest.
The Cabanas Building 8A is close to both the Cabanas Bus Stop (Bus Stop 4) and the Dig Site. Cabanas 9B is closest to Main Building (El Centro, which houses Pepper Market, etc.), the Marina, and is just a short walk from Bus Stop 1. Cabanas 9A is closest to the Quiet Pool (and Guest Laundry).
A stroll around Lago Dorado, clocking distances with a basic pedometer measured the perimeter to be about 1.1 miles. Other distances measured:
From El Centro moving clockwise around the lake to:
Casitas 3 = .16 miles
Casitas 4 = .24 miles
Casitas 5 = .27 miles
Ranchos = .46 miles
From El Centro to the Dig Site, via the bridge near the Cabanas = .35 miles
From El Centro moving counterclockwise around the lake to:
Cabanas 9B = .16 miles
Cabanas 9A/8B = .22 miles
Cabanas 8A = .31 miles
It's an awful big resort — is there any other way to get around besides walking?
Coronado Springs offers a new internal shuttle system. Transportation is provided in marked golf carts that bring guests to and from all villages of the resort. There are also designated stops in each of the villages as well as El Centro.
I hear that there are no more room key cards at Disney resort hotels. How do I get into my room?
Walt Disney World has converted their room keys and admission tickets from plastic cards to MagicBands, flexible plastic wristbands, resembling a watch or bracelet, that use Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Your MagicBand is linked to your My Disney Experience (MDE) account and acts as your Disney resort room key. Simply touch the Mickey symbol on your MagicBand to the RFID reader near your room door to gain entry. Read about using MagicBands for park admission, FastPass+ and more here.
What do I need to know about Check-in?
As with most of the other resort hotels, check-out is at 11am, check-in is at 3pm. Upon arrival head to the front desk for check-in. Rooms are generally not available until 3pm. Early check-in allows you to leave luggage with bell services, get your Magic Bands (if you don't already have them) and head off to the parks or relax around the resort. You will probably be given a phone number to call periodically to see if your room is ready.. When you call in, answer a few questions. You will then be given your room number and your Magic Band will open your door! Text alerts are also available, just provide a cell phone number to the front desk cast member.
Is Bell Services available to move my luggage?
Yes, upon arriving at the front entrance, Bell Services staff will take your luggage if you wish and give you receipts. Once you have checked in, if your room is ready, they will lead you to your room and unload your luggage. Bell Services will also pick up your luggage and deliver it to the front area when you are ready to check out. As with the other Disney resorts, Bell Services will also store your luggage upon arrival until your room is ready and after you check out, before leaving for the day. Luggage Storage is located to the left of Panchito's Gifts and Sundries.
What is the price range for rooms?
The Coronado Springs Resort is considered a "Moderate" resort hotel, and its prices are in the mid-price range of the hotels at Disney. These are regular rate prices and do not include the Florida Sales Tax nor the county resort tax. Standard rooms have a maximum four-person occupancy per room. No charge for children under 17 years old when in the same room as the adults. If you have more than two adults in the room, there will be a $15 per night charge for each extra adult. Maximum of four per regular room, six per suite, plus a child under 3 in a crib.
Walt Disney World Resort rates vary by season (there are nine seasons now), and also by day of the week. The holiday season is the most expensive time of the year. It runs from mid-December to early January as well as during Easter Week.
The rates for a:
— Standard View Room range from $179 – $256 (Holidays up to $280)
— Water View Room range from $215 – $276 (Holidays up to $309)
— King Bed Room range from $245 – $321 (Holidays up to $322)
— Preferred Room range from $245 – $321 (Holidays up to $322)
— Preferred Room King Bed range from $250 – $326 (Holidays up to $327)
— Water View King Bed range from $257 – $330 (Holidays up to $357)
— Suites range at: $429 – 1,323 (Holidays up to $1,420)
Is there a fee to park at Coronado Springs?
For reservations booked after March 21, 2018, there is a fee for overnight self-parking at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Click HERE for current pricing and other parking-related information.
What other facilities will I find?
The facilities include La Vida Health Club and Casa de Belleza hairstyling salon in the main building and Iguana Arcade at the Dig Site pool complex. The Casa de Belleza Salon offers the following services: hair styling, permanents, colorings, foiling, make-up, nail services, and facials.
Niki Bryan Spa provides services at the Health Club. For pricing and other information visit: http://www.relaxedyet.com/
What is the Transportation to the parks like at CS?
Transportation from Coronado Springs to the theme parks is by bus only.
The bus stops are:
Bus Stop 1: El Centro
Bus Stop 2: Casitas
Bus Stop 3: Ranchos
Bus Stop 4: Ranchos and Cabanas
Transportation times are:
to Disney's Hollywood Studios: less than 10 minutes
to Epcot: about 10 minutes
to Animal Kingdom: about 20 Minutes
to Magic Kingdom: about 20 minutes
to Blizzard Beach: about 5 minutes
NOTE: A side trip to Blizzard Beach is often added to the Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios routes – this will add at least 5 minutes to the trip.
What is Pepper Market?
Pepper Market is the Food Court and seats over 400 in an open-air market atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it features both standard fare (baked goods, pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken) and Mexican cuisine (tacos – tostadas). There is also a grill with omelets made to order. Visit different stations to get your food, and you'll receive a stamp on your menu card for each item (each guest gets his/her own card). At the end of the meal, your cashier will total all the items on your card. Pepper Market is open 6:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. There is also a cappuccino and espresso window with gourmet coffees and pastries that opens at 6 a.m. A margarita and beer kiosk also offers beverages.
What other dining options do I have?
Cafe Rix is located just off of the Lobby area. This is a convenient spot to purchase and refill mugs. They are open from 6:30 a.m. until midnight for Quick-Service. Sample menu items include Egg & Cheese Sandwiches, Quiche, Paninis and Wraps. They also serve Gelato and fresh baked goods such as Cookies, Muffins, and Danishes. Specialty Coffees are available at the coffee bar, and they offer a wide selection of bottled beers, water, and soft-drinks. Newspapers can be purchased here, and Disney Dining Plan credits are accepted.
Maya Grill, operated by one of the premier restaurateur families of Mexico is the full-service restaurant featuring a huge, wood-fired grill. Seating surrounds a Mayan temple replica. The Grill also features wines from Mexico, Argentina and Chile. The Maya Grill is open for Dinner from 5-11 p.m.
Rix Lounge is the 300-seat lounge offering specialty drinks and appetizers. The drink list includes the Strawberry-Banana Split and the Chocolate Martini. Appetizers range from chorizon flatbreads to a seasonal fruit and cheese platter. Rix Lounge is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Siesta's Cantina in the Dig Site pool area, offers counter service food and drinks from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Laguna Bar also offers some light bite options.
Room Service – There is room service available to resort guests, which offers continental breakfast (7-11 a.m.) and light (sandwiches, pizza, snacks) dining throughout the day (11 a.m.-11 p.m.).
What are Rapid Fill Mugs?
The Rapid Fill beverage program allows Disney Resort guests to buy (or receive as part of the Disney Dining Plan) a resort mug that can be refilled for a certain period of time as designated at time of purchase. These mugs are enhanced by an RFID bar code that enables the mug to deactivate when the designated time is complete.
Is there a gift shop?
Panchito's Gifts and Sundries is a 6,000 square-foot shop filled with Indian and Mestizo handicrafts and Disney's own character merchandise. The shop is named after Panchito, the Mexican parrot in Three Caballeros. Scenes from the Three Caballeros are painted on the walls of the shop, and there is a figure of the flying burro from the film that is central to the shop.
What about the resort's pools?
The resort has a wonderful themed pool at the The Dig Site, as well as a quiet pools in each of the three regions. The Dig Site includes a 272,000+ gallon pool, a bar called Siesta's, a sand volleyball court, the largest outdoor hot tub on WDW property, which accommodates approximately 22 people, the Explorer's Playground, and the Iguana Arcade.
The Dig Site features a 46 foot tall Mayan pyramid themed as a modern archaeological dig of a lost kingdom. You can also find a Spitting Statue at the Dig Site. Night-time lighting resembles that which you would imagine at a dig site. Water flows from the top of the pyramid down into the pool. The Dig Site is open 8am to midnight.
- The Jaguar Water Slide is 123 feet long, shoots under a spitting jaguar and is partially covered. There is a "walkway type bridge" which allows you to view people in the water slide from above.
- A Children's Pool includes a central spouting fountain.
- There are three quiet pools, one located in each of the regions: Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas. Towels are available poolside at the Dig Site, but no towels are available at the Quiet Pools. You'll need to take the towels from your room.
All the pools at WDW are geared with children in mind, so there are *always* steps into pools. The Dig Site pool (the main pool with the Mayan pyramid) as well as the quiet pools have wheelchair access, and a place for folks in chairs to slide off onto a step and slide down into the pool… with an extra railing, too.
What other Recreation is available at CS?
- There is 1 Arcade – Iguana Arcade is near the Siesta pool bar.
- Explorer's Playground provides kids an area to dig for artifacts in the sand, play on swings or climb into the Pyramid. There is a large Mayan head statue in the midst of the playground; partially buried in the sand.
- Encircling the lagoon and linking the quiet pools is a 0.9 mile Esplanade for leisurely strolls. A nature walk winds its way through the wooded sections of the resort featuring wooden walkways and bridges.
- The Marina (operates seasonally) located on the southern end of Lago Dorado near El Centro offers kayak, pedal boats and electric boat rentals from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are also bicycles, both regular and surrey bikes, available for rental from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They also have helmets for those that request one. In addition, they'll rent you a fishing pole, if you'd like to do some catch-and-release fishing on the lake.
- La Vida Health Club (open 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m) is the first fitness center at a WDW moderately priced resort. It is 3,000 sq feet and has Cybex weight-lifting machines, free weights, step machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes. It also features a Precorps Transport cross training. The health club also has a 200 sqft sauna, manicures, pedicures, facials, massage services, tanning facilities and personal training assistance. One day, Length of Stay and Family Memberships are available for your stay.
- Rix Lounge, a 300-seat nightspot, opened in late 2007 at Coronado Springs Resort. Rix offers house music, specialty drinks and tapas-style appetizers. It is the first venue of its kind on Disney property outside the Disney Springs entertainment and dining area. Rix is open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. A DJ will play Top 40 music, and bands will perform some nights. There is a dress code (specifically, we hear from a friend, no sneakers).
I use a wheelchair, how accessible are the grounds?
ECVs (electric wheelchairs) will move about fine inside and most of outside CS… the only possible glitch being the narrow sidewalk and the suspension bridge as you approach the Dig Site from the Casita/Cabana side. There *is* handicapped access into the pool, wheelchair sign and everything.
Does CS offer any room discounts?
Yes, CS does offer a limited number of Annual Passholder discounted rooms.
Mouse-cellaneous Info on Coronado Springs:
For Hidden Mickeys check carefully at the Hieroglyphs on the temple at the feature pool.
The Coronado Springs Quiet Pools are the first on Disney property to use Bromine instead of Chlorine!
The Pressed Penny Machines are off the Main Registration area near the phones.
There is no on-site childcare. You will need to call Kids' Night Out for that service.
Vending machines are located throughout the resort buildings (sodas are $2.00), near the elevators.
Stamps, a Mailbox, an ATM machine, and a calling card vending machine are located to the right of the Front Desk area near the Telephones.
Jogging maps are available at the Marina or Guest Services.
All guest rooms were renovated with new furnishings in 2009.
The Coronado Springs Hotel is located at: 1000 West Buena Vista Drive; Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000; Telephone: (407) 939-1000; Fax: (407) 939-1001
To get to Coronado Springs from the Orlando airports, visit our Driving Directions page.


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A troupe of lion dancers jerk and sway down a busy Jakarta street to usher in the Lunar New Year, moving to the beat of traditional instruments and handing out red envelopes inscribed with good wishes in Chinese characters.
Such a scene would be unthinkable just over a decade ago, when former Indonesian leader Suharto ruled the country with an iron hand and disallowed any expression of the Chinese minority's own heritage.
"If you opened a shop with Chinese characters on it, it'd be closed down," Adrian Yap, 25, said.
In 1967, two years after a failed coup by the Indonesian Communist Party, Suharto cracked down on Chinese art, music, literature, language and other cultural expressions.
However, since the dictator was ousted in 1998, these have flowered again in the world's most populous Muslim nation, where the mostly non-Islamic Chinese minority makes up only a small fraction of its 240 million inhabitants.
In 2003, the Lunar New Year was declared a national holiday and this year — as the nation marks the 10th year of unrestricted celebrations — nearly all of Jakarta's glitzy malls are festooned for the occasion.
Red-and-gold banners with Chinese characters decorate many shopping centers and Lunar New Year parades are scheduled around the city.
Workers at Jakarta's upscale Plaza Indonesia mall greet shoppers in traditional Chinese clothes as Chinese music wafts from the speakers.
Across the city, passersby are greeted by colorful banners wishing them a happy Imlek, as the locals call the holiday.
"When I was growing up the celebrations were all hush-hush, said Jevelin Wendiady, a 24-year-old university teacher.
"Everybody knew that during Imlek you would visit relatives at home. But you wouldn't go out to malls like you do now. You'd have no idea it was Imlek, it was like any other day," she said.
"Today when you walk around there is atmosphere, decorations, music. Outside, there are even fireworks at night," she added.
The festive season is not only embraced by Chinese-Indonesians, but also by retailers, who look forward to more business.
In the run-up to the Lunar New Year newspapers have been filled with hotel and restaurant adverts, offering special new year's packages and deals.
"Every store usually comes up with different schemes, just like during Christmas and Eid al-Fitr holidays," said Fetty Kwartati, spokesperson for Mitra Adi Perkasa, the company that operates such stores as Debenhams, Seibu and SOGO.
"Every festive season, including the Chinese [Lunar] New Year, we boost retail sales," Kwartati said.
"But the volumes are not as high as during Eid-al-Fitr," she added.
For Mandarin teacher Fifi Effendi the newfound acceptance of Chinese culture has made it easier for young Chinese-Indonesians to rediscover their roots.
"I had to go to China to learn Mandarin in 1997 when I was in my 30s. I had seen how [badly] Chinese were treated here and I was searching for my identity," the 47-year-old said.
Now, young Chinese-Indonesians have much easier access to their own culture. Mandarin classes and even lessons for traditional Chinese musical instruments are offered as electives at some schools.
"When I started teaching Mandarin in 2000, no one taught it and no one knew how to teach it," she said. "Now, everyone is able to open Mandarin-language centers and the language is in hot demand."