County Commissioners Back Gun, Cigarette, Gambling Taxes To ...

Cook County government seal (CBS)

Cook County government seal (CBS)

CHICAGO (CBS) ? The Cook County Board Finance Committee on Friday approved $41.7 million in new tax levies, including a controversial $25 tax on the sale of a gun anywhere in the county, and a $1-a-pack increase in the cigarette tax.

The vote by the finance committee, a committee of the whole, sets the stage for final passage of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle?s $3 billion budget plan next week.

WBBM Newsradio?s Bob Roberts reports the gun tax was easily the most controversial. It garnered the minimum nine ?yes? votes, even after a proposed five-cent-per-bullet tax on the ammunition was eliminated.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio?s Bob Roberts reports

Commissioner John Fritchey (D-12th) agreed to go along, giving sponsor Larry Suffredin (D-13th) the ninth vote needed for the gun tax plan, after Suffredin agreed to add an exemption for guns being purchased by members of law enforcement agencies.

Suffredin said the tax ? which will help underwrite a $2 million dollar advisory committee to study violence prevention, intervention and reduction ? is still helpful, although he was disappointed that it was watered down.

?It?s somewhat confusing how individuals who can support a tax on gaming to support the social costs of gaming, a tax on cigarettes to deal with the health care costs of smokers would have issues with a tax aimed at dealing with the social costs of gun violence,? he said.

He said costs to the county are already ?staggering,? both in terms of lives and in long-term care costs for the county.

Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski (D-16th) was just as adamant that all the $25 will do is drive criminals to the streets to get guns.

?Criminals do not buy guns,? Tobolski said.

Meantime, Preckwinkle?s cigarette tax hike, coming on the heels of a $1-per-pack cigarette tax approved by the state earlier this year, would bring the taxes alone on a pack of cigarettes in Chicago to $6.67. Only New York City has a higher combination of federal, state, county and local taxes on cigarettes, at $6.86 per pack.

In suburban Cook County, the tax on a pack of cigarettes would only be slightly lower than Chicago, at $5.99 per pack, under Preckwinkle?s plan.

The cigarette tax hike is scheduled to go into effect on March 1, if given final approval.

The board also approved a 1.25 percent ?buy local? tax on big-ticket items costing more than $3,500 and purchased outside of Cook county, as well as a tax on slot and video poker machines.

Preckwinkle?s gambling tax would impose a new $1,000-per-machine tax on slot machines at the county?s only casino in Des Planes, and a $200-per-machine tax on video poker and other video gambling machines operated at restaurants, bars, and other locations.

The levies are part of a plan to erase a $268 million dollar shortfall in the county?s 2013 budget plan.

Source: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/11/03/county-commissioners-back-gun-cigarette-gambling-taxes-to-balance-budget/

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UK retailers demand business rate freeze | The latest news from the ...

UK retailers demand business rate freeze

The British Retail Consortium has called for a freeze in business rates after warning that a 2.6 per cent increase would prevent retailers from growing.

According to ERT, a rise could prevent jobs from being created, especially as businesses have already been hit by significant rises in business rates ? 4.6 per cent in 2011 and 5.6 per cent in 2012.

The BRC has written an open letter to the Financial Times and is calling on retailers to join its Fair Rates for Retail campaign.

?We urge the Government to recognise that retail has already given more than its fair share to the Exchequer and to freeze business rates in 2013,? reads the BRC?s missive to the Financial Times.

?It should also act on its commitment to review the mechanism by which rates are increased, to ensure a fairer and more sustainable formula for the future.?

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Tags: Retail, brc, business rates, freeze

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Source: http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/uk-retailers-demand-business-rate-freeze/029507

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Vacations on the Cheap

Estes Park, CO: $99.00 for Haunted Getaway: Inspired by "The Shining" ($244.00 value)

Historic Hotel That Inspired Stephen King's The Shining

Something sinister lurks in room 217?and that?s what makes it one of The Stanley Hotel?s most popular spots. The infamous room 217 plays a prominent role in Stephen King?s classic horror novel The Shining, which was inspired by King's first visit to the historic estate next to Rocky Mountain National Park. A winding mountain road leads to the secluded, sprawling property, which was built in 1909 and has housed luminaries such as John Philip Sousa and Theodore Roosevelt?and its share of ghosts. It's easy to understand why the old-fashioned, New England?inspired building is a beloved haunt: every inch has been meticulously cared for, decorated with gleaming wooden floors, soaring ceilings, and traditional furnishings.

Up in the classic rooms, stately linens cover pillow-top king- or queen-size beds that sit atop plush carpeting. Decorated to resemble a comfortable, upscale home, most of the hotel's rooms feature unique accents, from cushy chairs to framed artwork. And you can look out to either the nearby Rocky Mountains or the courtyard through the room's enormous windows.

Downstairs, Cascades Restaurant serves up regional cuisine paired with varietals from its wine list, which won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. To use your dining credit, grab breakfast and a cup of coffee at Steamers Caf?. Those looking to explore The Stanley?s haunted past can take the approximately 90-minute Ghost & History tour through the hotel's most haunted spots, including rooms and passages where ghosts have been sighted flipping over Do Not Disturb signs. Tours lead into The Stanley's underground tunnel and past the notorious room 217.

Estes Park, Colorado: Cultured Mountain Town with Outdoor Recreation

Located 7,500 feet above sea level, The Stanley Hotel is surrounded by the crisp, clean air and gorgeous scenery of Estes Park. The town is a picturesque playground for outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers. Gentle horses can navigate the trails of the Rocky Mountain National Park, and skilled guides lead whitewater-rafting trips down the roaring Colorado River. For a scenic drive through the area, take Trail Ridge Road, which has hairpin curves that whip around the mountainside to reveal gorgeous views of the mountains (check the road?s status before heading out).

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Keystone, CO: $99.00 for Colorado Lodge Steps from Ski Slopes ($169.00 value)

Upscale Ski Lodge in the Colorado Rockies

The Mountain House area of Keystone, Colorado, sits at the base of Dercum Mountain in the Colorado Rockies, where ski runs cut through thick pine forests. It's the original mountain base at Keystone, the popular skiing destination spread across two villages. Located within walking distance of the Mountain House's chairlifts and famous runs, The Inn at Keystone is an upscale lodge offering a fireplace in the lobby and panoramic views of the slopes. Conveniently, The Inn is a stop on the free Keystone Village shuttle route, which brings you to all the best restaurants, shops, and lifts dotting the area.

From The Inn's open-air rooftop hot tub, you can simmer comfortably while looking out over dramatic Dercum Mountain. Head over to the onsite Black Bear Grill for flatbread pizzas and a bottle of wine before calling it a night in your king or double-queen room, which feature stunning views of the Keystone Valley below.

Keystone, Colorado: Thousands of Skiable Acres near Historical Towns

With North America's Continental Divide snaking through the area, northwest Colorado boasts some of the world's most popular ski resorts and several mountains reaching elevations of more than 13,000 feet. One of the popular resort areas, Keystone, encompasses three mountains, more than 3,000 skiable acres, two gondolas, and 20 lifts full of skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. There's also Adventure Point, a tubing spot at the top of Dercum Mountain.

In addition to their picturesque scenery, many of the towns near Keystone feature historical attractions. The Victorian architecture in Breckenridge provides a glimpse into the town's 19th-century mining days?which you can learn more about on guided walking tours. A visit to downtown Steamboat Springs, meanwhile, feels like stepping into an Old West town. There you'll find quaint shops and restaurants housed in century-old stone buildings.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Santa Fe, NM: $70.00 for Quiet Desert Hotel near Downtown Santa Fe ($136.00 value)

Secluded Desert Hotel with a Free Shuttle to Santa Fe

The Inn At Santa Fe is situated on a quiet swathe of desert about 20 minutes southwest of the center of New Mexico?s capital. While it feels secluded, the hotel is still convenient for those heading into Santa Fe for its shopping, nightlife, and trademark adobe architecture?there?s even a free shuttle that runs to and from the city seven days a week. And if you?d rather stick around the hotel, the Fashion Outlets of Santa Fe?where you can shop at more than 20 outlet and factory stores, including Guess, Coach, and Levi?s?are just a few steps away.

Newly renovated deluxe vista rooms look out onto distant views of the Jemez Mountains, a volcanic range northwest of Santa Fe. You can also enjoy the area?s rugged beauty from the hotel?s outdoor courtyard, which contains a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and stone fire pit surrounded by wooden chairs. Each morning, the staff set out a complimentary American breakfast in the lobby with bagels and fresh fruit. And for dinner, El Caf? at the Inn at Santa Fe is open every day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: Old West Architecture and Fiery Southwestern Cuisine

Santa Fe's vibrant mosaic of cultural influences includes pieces of Native American, Latino, and western traditions. You can get an idea of the city's varied background by visiting Santa Fe Plaza, which has served as the city center for more than 400 years. On a walk through, you'll see old buildings made of adobe, the red brick-like material that defines much of Santa Fe's architecture. Centuries of colorful southwestern artwork are also on display in the New Mexico Museum of Art, which is located in the Plaza.

Fiery chili is the signature flavor at many restaurants in Santa Fe, which earned a place on TripAdvisor's Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in the United States in 2011. It's worth it to sign up for a walking food tour of the area, which has sprung up with popular eateries, each offering its own spin on zesty southwestern cuisine.

For more than 300 days a year, Santa Fe soaks in sunshine. Such consistently great weather, paired with New Mexico?s varied terrain, makes the region ideal for hiking and biking. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have peaks that stand over 13,000 feet high, and they're traced with trails that wind past picturesque meadows filled with Indian paintbrush, purple lupine, and undomesticated landscape painters. From late fall to early spring, up to 300 inches of snow falls on the slopes of the mountains, which offer miles of downhill-skiing and snowboarding trails.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Englewood, CO: $99.00 for 4-Star Resort near Denver and Ski Slopes ($167.00 value)

Four-Star Resort Close to Denver and Ski Slopes

Fifteen miles from downtown Denver, the AAA Four Diamond?rated Inverness Hotel and Conference Center spreads out against a mountain backdrop, the jagged horizon line demarcating the Colorado Rockies. Some of America's best skiing opportunities are less than an hour away from the Inverness. A relatively short drive will bring you to Boulder and historic Georgetown, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Echo Mountain, Eldora, and Loveland ski resorts.

During the warmer months, guests at the Inverness can take advantage of the expertly manicured 18-hole championship golf course. But the hotel's award-winning onsite spa stays open year-round. You can use your included $25 resort credit toward a hot-stone massage or a deep-cleansing seaweed body wrap before stepping into the hotel's indoor hot tub or steamy sauna; your resort credit cannot be used towards room rate and will only be applied to charges on guestroom folio. At night, you'll retire to a deluxe room with sweeping views of either the Rocky Mountains or the golf course.

There are five restaurants at the resort, with options ranging from pub fare and billiards at the Spotted Dog to Colorado fusion cuisine at Baca. The resort's complimentary shuttle will take guests to attractions within a 5-mile radius. You can hit the shops at the upscale Park Meadows retail resort or catch a movie at one of several theaters in the area.

Denver: Mile High City in the Rocky Mountains

Modern urban life meets the Old West in the Mile High City. Founded as a mining town in the 1850s, Colorado's capital has never quite lost its rugged frontier spirit. The proximity of the Rocky Mountains probably has a lot to do with it. The great outdoors are bound to stay near the forefront of your mind with such a spectacular reminder crowding the horizon.

If you can tear your eyes away from the scenery, though, there's a lot to see in the city. In the trendy Lower Downtown Historic District?LoDo to natives?you can take a stroll through the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver or mingle with the fashion-forward crowd filling the restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs of Larimer Square. Downtown, the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall cuts a swath through the heart of the city, past sidewalk caf?s, skyscrapers, and plazas filled with street performers.

For an outdoor adventure inside city limits, make your way to City Park, which houses the Denver Zoo as well as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum?s long-standing wildlife hall features more than 90 dioramas and taxidermied animals from around the world, including the Arctic walruses and the cheetahs that once guarded Nicolas Cage's mind.

Crested Butte, CO: $122.00 for Boutique Lodge near Skiing in Colorado ($245.00 value)

Boutique Lodge near Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain

Crested Butte is affectionately called "Colorado's last great ski town.? The feel of the Old West is still intact here: Elk Avenue, the main drag in the downtown National Historic District, is lined with Victorian storefronts and fine-dining restaurants housed in log cabins. The Inn at Crested Butte is situated in the heart of downtown, about 2 miles south of skiing at Crested Butte Mountain.

All members of the inn's front-desk staff are longtime residents of the area, and they know the ins and outs of the mountain trails here. They can also help you arrange for lift tickets and equipment at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; the mountain opens for skiing on November 21. Guests at The Inn at Crested Butte are entitled to 20% off equipment rentals at Peak Sports, which is located at the base of the lifts.

Once you return to the inn after a day out, you can join a complimentary wine tasting that features seasonal selections handpicked by a local sommelier. Feel free to curl up by the lobby fireplace with a glass of red, or buy a bottle of white to take back to your room. "This is a great place for people who like to go out and do things, and then come back, relax, and watch the sunset," says Ken Stone, a consultant for the Inn at Crested Butte.

It?s also easy to get a nice view of the mountains at the Inn. A hot tub located on the second-story porch looks directly at the peaks. The sun-filled dining room has a front porch with great views; guests head here every morning to enjoy a hearty continental breakfast, which has a spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries.

Crested Butte, Colorado: Small Ski-Resort Town in the Rockies with Authentic Old West Charm

Crested Butte is situated at 9,000 feet in southwest Colorado's Rocky Mountains, and it?s surrounded by some lovely scenery. After a resort area was built on Crested Butte Mountain in 1961, the former coal-mining town emerged as a major ski center, particularly for extreme skiers. The mountain today has the Gold Link Terrain Park. The park is great for skiers of all levels, though?74% of its 121 trails are designated at the intermediate/beginner level.

Crested Butte's downtown area nods to its Old West roots. Victorian storefronts and art galleries line downtown Elk Avenue, and there?s a famous rum distillery that welcomes visitors year-round. For a glimpse into the town's history, head to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, which has an elaborate diorama that elucidates life here in the mining days of the 1920s.

Though most famous for skiing, Crested Butte is also hailed as one of the most dynamic cities in the country for mountain biking. Some even claim the sport actually began here. Located 8 miles from the hotel, Pearl Pass?the birthplace of the "fat-tire" craze?stretches for nearly 40 miles through rugged alpine terrain.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Scottsdale, AZ: $99.00 for Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale ($164.00 value)

Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale

Some neighborhoods in Scottsdale take the city?s slogan ?The West?s Most Western Town? more seriously than others. Old Town is one of them: it?s filled with western-themed boutiques, wooden boardwalks, and retro restaurants, and cowboys on horseback roam the streets, serenading passersby with live music. There?s also a thriving nightlife scene here, with bars modeled after Old West saloons and classic speakeasies. You?ll find Hotel Indigo Scottsdale within walking distance of these Old Town attractions, and only a short drive from championship golf courses and the Phoenix airport.

Despite its downtown location, the boutique hotel has a serene atmosphere. The color scheme is dominated by soft blues and greens, and there?s a giant mural of an aloe vera plant painted on the hotel?s side. There are plenty of places to relax, too, such as a patio lounge overlooking the pool and an interior bar where you can grab a cocktail.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Located just northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of ?The West's Most Western Town.? Today, it?s an affluent city, landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. In Old Town Scottsdale, you can glimpse the city?s Western roots alongside a handful of cultural sites, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Civic Center Mall, a public park shaded by mesquite trees and filled with fountains and sculptures.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you're in the desert?cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early-morning or twilight hours.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Scottsdale, AZ: $109.00 for Spacious Suites in Quiet Scottsdale Hotel ($218.00 value)

Spacious Suites on Historic WWII Air Base in the Heart of Scottsdale

Between 1942 and 1945, young WWII pilots took off and landed more than 600,000 times on the runways of the Thunderbird No. 2 air base, situated in the desert outside of Phoenix. Today, jet setters of a different kind frequent the historic base, which has been repurposed as the Scottsdale Municipal Airport. The base also contains the Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites, a four-story tawny stucco hotel with soaring ceilings, thick oriental rugs, and nods to the property's aviation history throughout.

Considering its proximity to the runway, each of the hotel's standard suites is rather quiet. That's because each room has been soundproofed with thick concrete walls to reduce the sound of engines and the cries of babies who want their pilot's licenses. All of the spacious suites include a living room and separate bedroom, as well as a wet bar, fridge, and microwave.

Before heading off to bed, stop by the lounge next to Silver Wings Restaurant to grab a nightcap and browse the hotel?s WWII aviation memorabilia. Among the relics are photographs of pilots and a table crafted from an aircraft rotary-cylinder-engine top. In the morning, you can fill up on fresh eggs, bacon, pastries, and coffee at the complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Located just northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of ?the West's most Western town.? Today, it is an affluent city landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. For a glimpse of the city's Old West roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, where wooden boardwalks and hitching posts sit in front of a retro ice-cream parlor and rustic specialty shops.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you're in the desert?cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early morning or twilight hours.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

South Fork, Colorado: $129.00 for Rustic Lodge at Foot of San Juan Mountains ($350.00 value)

Historical Lodge Set Against San Juan Mountains

In 1927, a boarding house was built at the base of the San Juan Mountains to shelter the area?s sawmill workers and act as a meeting place for logging barons. The building?now named The Spruce Lodge and listed on the National Register of Historic Places?looks much the same today as it did back then. Surrounded by miles of piney mountain forest, the lodge's rustic exterior belies a cozy atmosphere inside, with exposed wooden-beam ceilings, a crackling lobby fire, and newly renovated rooms.

Gleaming wood floors flank an electric fireplace in each jacuzzi suite, named after famed hot-tub architect Giuseppe Jacuzzi and furnished with one of his namesake inventions. Chalet rooms find inspiration in their alpine surroundings, with downhill skis and poles posted on knotted-pine walls. The roomy, red-roofed cabins come with fully stocked kitchens, living rooms, and private covered porches. Downstairs in the main lodge, an oxygen bar helps guests adjust to the thin mountain air with 20-minute oxygen-therapy sessions. Treatments can be customized with aromatherapy scents such as grapefruit, almond, and eucalyptus; warm cups of tea by the fire help stave off the winter chills.

South Fork, Colorado: Outdoor Activities Amid Gorgeous Scenery

The town of South Fork sits on the Rio Grande River, with lofty peaks forming a jagged backdrop. More than 250 miles of well-tended trails beckon hikers, cross-country skiers, and lapsed Eagle Scouts in pursuit of one last badge. In the winter, consistent snowfall throughout the San Juan Mountains and the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area makes for stellar skiing. In the spring and summer, when all that snow begins to melt, guided whitewater-rafting tours take advantage of the rapids that form on the Rio Grande River.

Palm Springs, CA: $99.00 for Sumptuous 4-Star Palm Springs Spa Resort ($249.00 value)

Revamped 4-Star Resort Maintains Midcentury Glamour

In the 1960s, members of the Rat Pack could often be found sipping cocktails by the pool at Riviera Palm Springs, and Elvis Presley was known to rent out the resort for rehearsals and R & R between tours. The Riviera of today still embodies the cool, midcentury glamour of Sinatra?s heyday, but it does so through more contemporary style thanks to a recent $70 million face-lift and the hum of near-constant activity, from live jazz music to late-night DJ sessions.

A collection of three-story, Old California?style bungalows are spread out over the Riviera's 24-acre campus. Each guest room overlooks either the San Jacinto Mountains or landscaped gardens. Designed like a wheel with spokes, the resort centers on a hub containing a restaurant, a large swimming pool, and the Bikini Bar?a pool deck set beneath a hand-woven thatched hut. Day beds and cabanas outfitted with TVs and misting fans surround the pool, while sarong-clad servers deliver poolside drinks for daytime and evening cocktail parties.

The onsite SpaTerre?named one of the Best of the Best by Palm Springs Life in 2010?offers a full menu of services in a Thai-inspired oasis. Waterfalls, sparkling pools, and dramatic readings of lotion-bottle labels set the scene inside the spa?s Buddha Lounge. Here, you can enjoy several relaxing treatments, ranging from facials and massages to medical-grade body wraps and microdermabrasion.

Palm Springs, California: Desert Retreat with Architectural Treasures

Palm Springs lies on the edge of the Coachella Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges that help to create a year-round sunny climate. The perfect weather and relative proximity to Los Angeles sparked an influx of Hollywood?s elite during the 1950s and '60s. Some of the era?s most influential architects?including Albert Frey and Richard Neutra?were brought in to design homes for these celebrity getaways, thus giving the town a clean, modernist look. Much of the architecture reflects the landscape by incorporating natural resources and blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Many of Palm Springs?s iconic buildings have been preserved and operate today as hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops as well as private residences. Be on the lookout for treasures from Hollywood?s golden era, including Dean Martin's old digs, a cement block inscribed with George Hamilton's signature, and Snuffleupagus?s winter condo.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Paris and French Countryside: $1,599.00 for French Getaway in Paris and the Countryside ($2,299.00 value)

Six-Night Trip to Paris and the French Countryside

Located 45 miles (73 km) outside of Paris, the Ch?teau d?Esclimont looks every bit the Renaissance-era palace, complete with pointed turrets, moats, and ponds spread out across 150 acres (60 hectares) of wooded grounds. Yet it was actually built a few centuries later, in the 1800s, by the aristocratic Rochefoucaulds. Inside, traditional guest rooms are fit for a king. They feature luxurious floral wallpaper, chandelier lighting, and cathedral ceilings.

Whether you embark on the six- or eight-night vacation in France from Great Value Vacations, you?ll spend a portion of your trip at the Ch?teau d?Esclimont. Its central location in the countryside near Paris makes it an ideal base for day trips. Guests are free to explore the surrounding area at your leisure via a manual-shift rental car.

Paris lures visitors with storied landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. But the city?s lesser-known gems are equally enticing. On the Left Bank of the Seine, you?ll find the Mus?e d?Orsay, home to one of the world?s largest collections of impressionist paintings, including a number of works by Monet, Manet, and van Gogh. You can stroll through the picturesque Parc de la Villette or pop into Sainte-Chapelle for a glimpse of its famous stained-glass windows.

Farther outside the city, the 17th-century palace of Versailles is an over-the-top stunner. On guided tours, you can peek inside Marie Antoinette?s bedroom, walk down the Hall of Mirrors, and inspect the king?s Grand Apartments. Be sure to allot enough time to stroll around the palace?s famed gardens and extravagant fountains. Farther out on the grounds, the Petit Trianon?built specifically for Marie Antoinette as a retreat from stuffy palace living?is a fanciful storybook cottage filled with dainty rooms and surrounded by walking paths.

Eight-Night Trip to Paris and the French Countryside

The eight-night vacation follows a similar itinerary as the six-night version. However, travelers spend only spend three nights at the Ch?teau d?Esclimont before moving on to spend two nights at the Ch?teau Fort de Sedan, which overlooks Sedan?s historic fortress. The final three nights are spent within the City of Lights at the H?tel Jules in Paris.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Orlando, FL: $69.00 for Resort near Disney World and Universal Studios ($167.00 value)

Spacious Resort Close to Orlando Attractions

Ten miles from the entrance gates of Walt Disney World Resort and within walking distance of Wet ?n Wild Orlando sits the famous International Drive. The street leads to many of Orlando's major attractions, including SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort, and Gatorland. It?s also home to International Palms Resort & Conference Center Orlando, where, just outside, the I-Ride Trolley makes regular stops, picking up guests and heading over to the theme parks.

Behind the resort, there's a giant lagoon-style swimming pool where waterfalls trickle down rock formations. Grab a tropical drink from the Pool Hut Bar before heading over to lounge in one of the palm-tree-shaded deck chairs. When hunger strikes, check out one of the two onsite restaurants? there?s the casual Front Street Caf?, which features views of the pool, and the Coral Key Bar and Grill, which hosts karaoke amid a lively atmosphere.

Orlando, Florida: World-Famous Theme Parks and Cultural Surprises

Located in the center of Florida, Orlando may be forever associated with Walt Disney World, which opened on October 1, 1971, and is now the world?s most-visited entertainment resort. Disney World spans roughly 30,000 acres, encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Downtown Disney Marketplace. One can ride Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom in the morning, and then sample Moroccan cuisine over at Epcot?s World Showcase in the afternoon before watching the nightly IllumiNations fireworks, laser, and water show. As one of the most popular family destinations in the world, sunny Orlando is home to other theme parks, including Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gatorland.

Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head into downtown Orlando's vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which hosts family-friendly improv shows five nights a week.

About a 10-minute drive north, you?ll find eight cultural institutions at Loch Haven Park, including the Orlando Museum of Art, which houses pieces by Georgia O?Keeffe, Robert Rauschenberg, Ansel Adams, and Andy Warhol. The park is also home to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orlando Science Center. Visit the science center to take a rover across a simulation of Mars?s red surface, or race on a 70-foot pinewood-derby track.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Rome: $999.00 for Six-Night Rome City Vacation with Airfare ($1,399.00 value)

Ancient Ruins and Fabulous Food in the Eternal City

The famous Colosseum that stands in the heart of Rome was the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, once capable of seating 50,000 spectators. They came for the gladiatorial games, elaborate public spectacles wherein costumed warriors reenacted famous battles, animal hunts, and mythological dramas. On this six-night trip to Rome with included round-trip airfare from New York, you can tour the Colosseum, located just a few Metro stops away from the plush Hotel Santa Costanza. Click here for more information on the trip.

Located in the northeast quadrant of the city, the hotel is close to the city center?s attractions, such as the 18-century Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, built in 118 AD as a temple for the gods. It?s far enough away, though, to provide a quiet evening retreat. Head outside of the city and you?ll quickly wind up on the GRA, a ring-shaped highway that surrounds Rome. From there, you can easily drive to other major Italian cities, such as Florence or Naples.

The hotel?s reception desk is open 24 hours a day to help you navigate the city, plan day trips, and purchase tickets. Each morning, there?s a complimentary buffet breakfast of traditional Italian coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, and croissants, and fresh fruit. Upstairs, in classic Italian-style guest rooms, you?ll find flat-screen satellite TVs, free WiFi, and bathrooms with marble accents. There?s also an onsite bar and lounge, as well as a private inner garden that basks in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Bloomington, MN: $79.00 for Water-Park Hotel by Mall of America ($159.00 value)

Family-Size Rooms Adjoining Gigantic Indoor Water Park

The Mall of America is practically its own ecosystem, with more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, an aquarium, and a 7-acre theme park with roller coasters. The mall is just a shuttle ride away from Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America. You don't need to leave the hotel premises to keep the family occupied, though: the Radisson connects directly to the Water Park of America, and those choosing Option 2 receive four passes to the park, where they can careen down the 10th-floor body slide or wade in the wave pool.

Designed with families in mind, the Radisson's guest rooms fill a spacious floor plan with enough beds to sleep six guests. Twin bunk beds occupy a recessed alcove on one side of the deluxe king rooms, and a full-size mattress unfolds from a sofa on the other. The premier queen rooms are similarly laid out, with two queen beds in place of the deluxe king bed. Feel free to use the activity table in the center of both rooms for card games, drawings, or plans of attack on unsuspecting siblings. Or, head down to the on-site Split Rock Grille for wood-fired pizzas, housemade turkey pot pie, and a full kids' menu.

Bloomington, Minnesota: Gargantuan Mall of America and Family Fun

Although the Radisson is not directly affiliated with the Mall of America, the hotel has a free shuttle service that makes dozens of trips daily to the massive shopping center. The shuttle also can take guests to Minneapolis?St. Paul International Airport.

Aside from its famous mall, guests visit this area for the historic Fort Snelling, a 19th-century fort that still has several of its original buildings and antique cannons intact. It's located inside an expansive state park about 5 miles east of the hotel, and it hosts craft demonstrations, military drills, and cooking exhibitions performed by costumed characters.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Lincoln City, OR: $89.00 for Oceanfront Rooms in Coastal Oregon ($201.00 value)

Ocean-View Rooms with Fireplaces and Nautical Decor

In the days when Japanese fishermen used blown-glass balls to float their nets, beachcombers on the Oregon coast would occasionally find the green and blue orbs washed up on shore. Today, artists in Lincoln City honor the tradition by peppering the beaches with more than 2,000 handcrafted floats between mid-October and Memorial Day. Each year, visitors and locals comb the rocky coast in search of these colorful ornaments and keep any they find. You can take part in the hunt while staying at Surftides Lincoln City; the nautical-themed hotel has direct, handicap-friendly access to the scenic beachfront.

As their names suggest, premium king and double-queen oceanfront rooms are outfitted with balconies that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Maritime-themed local artwork and artifacts are sprinkled throughout the property, including a collection of essential sailing knots, a ship in a bottle, and Blackbeard's first razor.

On Surftides? grounds, you?ll find an outdoor courtyard with crackling gas fire pits, a nice spot to warm up on a cold winter?s night. At Mist, the onsite restaurant and bar, bartenders serve signature cocktails by an open fireplace and chefs craft dishes such as lobster mac 'n' cheese, wild-mushroom pasta, and grilled halibut using fresh, local ingredients from the sea and organic farms.

Lincoln City, Oregon: Artists' Community on Rugged Pacific Coast

Situated along Oregon?s northwestern coast, Lincoln City spans 7.5 miles of picturesque public beaches where you?ll find ample surfing and whale-watching opportunities. Two inland bays, Devils Lake and Siletz Bay, provide nice spots for fishing or boating in the warmer months. About 10 miles north of Lincoln City stands Cascade Head, a towering, 270-acre headland that juts into the ocean. Year-round and seasonal trails crisscross the rugged cliffs; while hiking the paths, keep an ear out for sea lions that bark rousing sea shanties.

The center of Lincoln City's flourishing art scene lies just a short distance inland. Seaside streets are peppered with dozens of galleries and antique shops, where visitors can glimpse genuine Japanese glass floats. Grab a bite to eat at one of the town?s many seafood restaurants, which are known for their fresh catches.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: $299.00 for All-Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic ($870.00 value)

All-Inclusive Oceanfront Resort with 12 Pools

If you grow tired of a certain pool at the all-inclusive The Tropical at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort, no matter. There are 11 others to swim in, each with slightly different features ranging from palm-tree-speckled islands to gradual entry designed to mimic a beach. The resort is situated along a 1.5-mile stretch of Cofresi Beach on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. You can spend your days lounging in the breezy beachfront cabanas or riding atop or beneath the waves with free snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, and kayaks.

Mediterranean influences can be found throughout the sprawling property. Cobblestone walkways wind between three-story buildings with spanish-tiled roofs and grand, curved staircases. With the all-inclusive package, you?ll have your pick of two buffet restaurants and nine specialty restaurants with cuisine that varies from Italian to Asian fusion to authentic Dominican. Several of the 14 onsite bars specialize in crafting cocktails with a certain spirit, such as rum or whiskey.

The hotel?s Los Mangos executive golf course has nine holes spread out over lush greens jutting out over the sea. Basketball, tennis, and beach-volleyball courts are also sprinkled across the grounds. Come nightfall, you can party at the onsite Vibe and Ice nightclubs (drinks not included), or opt for entertainment at one the hotel?s two theaters?Colosseum and Lights, Camera, Action.

This Groupon includes all meals and drinks at select onsite locations and covers beer, spirits, house wine with meals, juices, and soft drinks.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Centuries-Old Historical Sites

Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is best known for its sun-kissed beaches. But the province has several breathtaking geographical features inland as well. Damajagua is a natural water park of sorts?it features 27 waterfalls flowing from limestone rock formations. Tour guides lead groups up and back through the falls, and you can swim and occasionally slide down the natural water slides.

You can also get an aerial view of Puerto Plata and the Caribbean Sea on a telef?rico, or cable car. One of them in particular climbs 2,565 feet to the apex of Mount Isabel de Torres, which is crowned with blooming botanical gardens and a replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, a massive open-armed statue.

It's also worth it to take a scenic drive to Parque Hist?rico La Isabela, where you'll find the remains of a church as well as ruins of a colonial village where Columbus routinely woke his neighbors by blasting the Santa Maria's foghorn.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Mexico: $456.00 for All-Inclusive Beach Resort in Canc?n ($1,668.00 value)

Beachfront Resort in the Heart of Canc?n's Hotel Zone

Good meals are usually hard to come by at 3:30 a.m., but for those dancing late into the night at GR Solaris Cancun, a burger and fries are just a phone call away. At this miniature beachfront village of a hotel, situated on a narrow isthmus on the Caribbean Sea, all-inclusive snacks, meals, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available at all hours of the day. Between the live music, themed dance nights, and watersports in a crystal-blue marina, there's rarely an idle moment at GR Solaris.

The hotel?s air-conditioned deluxe rooms each connect to their own private balcony overlooking the sea, Nichupte Lagoon, or the resort?s tropical gardens. When you're hungry, head down to one of four restaurants that range from casual buffets to fine dining?eat breakfast at laid-back Cafe Solaris and dine alfresco at the tented Rosmarinus. Downstairs in the oceanfront courtyard, a large, open-air jacuzzi bubbles alongside several swimming pools. Swim-up and poolside bars serve beers and frozen cocktails for sunbathers sprawled out on comfy loungers. Grownups can kick back in an adults-only area, secure in the knowledge that little ones are happily occupied at the Mini Club, replete with jungle gyms, a kids' pool, and arts and crafts.

As the sun dips below the lagoon, the resort cranks up the volume with theme nights ranging from Mexican dancing to magic acts. For those in search of Canc?n's famous clubs, a shuttle departs nightly to some of the city's most vibrant hot spots.

Canc?n: Cool White Sands and Mayan Relics

Located on a barrier island shaped like the number 7, Canc?n's hotel zone juts into the Caribbean Sea at the northeast tip of Mexico's Yucat?n Peninsula. With the sea on one side and freshwater lagoons on the other, it's a popular spot for sailing and snorkeling. Although the beaches and barrier reefs are a major draw, the geography is equally enticing further inland, where you can dive into an underground river or take a speedboat through a mangrove jungle.

Canc?n pulls in millions of visitors each year, so escaping the crowds and the party atmosphere isn't always easy, but a visit to Playa Delfines offers a chance for sunbathing in relative seclusion. Resorts have yet to encroach upon the stretch of sand, and it's especially popular with surfers.

The stone columns of the El Rey ruins, an ancient Mayan site dating back to the second and third centuries BCE, lie within the city?s hotel zone. Believed to be a royal burial ground, the archaeological site is also home to wild iguanas that lounge in the sun and read Tom Clancy novels. For a Mayan-themed day trip, take a 1.5-hour drive from Canc?n down the coast to Tulum, a pre-Columbian walled city located on a bluff overlooking the sea?one of the Yucat?n Peninsula's most visited Mayan ruins. The Mayan city of Chich?n Itz?, chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, is only a 2.5-hour drive from Canc?n.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Dallas: $68.00 for Spacious Rooms near Dallas Attractions ($129.00 value)

Luxurious Hotel near Airport and Several Family-Friendly Dallas Attractions

Less than 10 miles from Baymont Inn & Suites Dallas/Love Field, the Dallas World Aquarium occupies a three-story structure that served as a warehouse in the 1920s. It's come a long way since then. Today, the building houses a rainforest habitat and a Mayan exhibit complete with a 400,000-gallon cenote, where you can walk through a clear-paneled tunnel and see sharks swimming overhead. The hotel is also close to the Love Field Airport and the famous Galleria shopping complex, home to more than 200 stores and an indoor ice-skating rink.

In addition to its convenient location, Baymont Inn & Suites offers a host of comfortable amenities. Spacious guest rooms are outfitted with one king, one queen, or two queen beds and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Visit the hotel's indoor pool and hot tub to relax or stage a small-scale adaptation of 20,0000 Leagues Under the Sea. In the morning, you'll be treated to a complimentary hot breakfast with eggs and coffee. There are also several dining options near the hotel, ranging from popular chain restaurants to Zagat-rated steak houses.

Dallas: Historical Parks and Rejuvenated Urban Districts in North Texas

Though many people know Dallas for the massive Cowboys Stadium (which is actually in Arlington), the city is also an enclave of arts and nature, overflowing with botanical gardens, art galleries, and live theater. Historical Main Street connects many of the city?s recently rejuvenated urban districts as well as the popular Main Street Garden, a block-long public park surrounded by architecturally significant buildings. Locals come here to picnic on the expansive lawn or watch a movie under the moonlight in the summer and fall.

A short walk from downtown Dallas, you?ll find horse-drawn carriages clopping along brick streets in the city's historic West End district, which dates back to the 19th century. This part of the city also contains Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963. At The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, you can visit the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have shot at Kennedy?s presidential motorcade.

Joggers and bikers can zip through the fashionable Turtle Creek neighborhood, located about 4 miles west of downtown, via the Katy Trail,which follows an old interstate railroad. Back near downtown Dallas, the 277-acre Fair Park houses North America's largest ferris wheel, seven museums, and four performing-arts centers, many located in art-deco buildings built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

San Antonio: $77.00 for Historic Hotel near San Antonio River Walk ($149.00 value)

Historic Hotel near the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk

Many of the guest rooms at Crockett Hotel look out onto the Alamo?the historic landmark sits just across the street in a tree-lined plaza in downtown San Antonio. The hotel itself is located on the site of a legendary battle led by Davy Crockett in 1836?he and a small band of Texas settlers defended the Alamo against Santa Anna?s forces for 13 days during the Texas Revolution. Today, you can tour the Alamo and other historic buildings in Alamo Plaza free of charge.

The San Antonio River Walk is also within easy walking distance of the hotel. This 2.5-mile stretch of the San Antonio River is lined with shops, restaurants, and museums, all accessible from stone pathways that are restricted to pedestrians and bears riding unicycles.

Originally built in 1909, Crockett Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Subsequent renovations have helped to preserve its original charm while adding modern touches such as free WiFi in all guest rooms and an outdoor pool shaded by palm trees. Before heading out to explore the city, stop by the hotel?s atrium lobby for a free continental breakfast with pastries, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.

San Antonio, Texas: Historic Missions near Picturesque River Walk

In the late 1920s, architect Robert H. H. Hugman designed an urban park around the San Antonio River?a space he envisioned as an American version of Venice where people could shop and dine along the waterfront. Completed in 1941, the 2.5-mile river walk still serves as a vital artery in the heart of San Antonio as it wends its way past caf?s, hotels, bars, and shops.

Located one story below street level, the waterway is flanked on either side by stone pathways, quiet waterfalls, and towering cypress trees. The winding river-walk path reveals little surprises along the way, such as picturesque restaurants, public art installations, and cardboard cutouts of Davy Crockett. A new extension connects the river walk to the four-story San Antonio Museum of Art, where you'll find more than 25,000 sculptures and paintings that range from Roman antiquities to contemporary art.

Also neighboring the river walk is the Alamo. Thanks to the 1836 battle that made it a symbol of Texas independence, the Alamo has become the most visited tourist site in the state. It's actually one of five historic Spanish missions clustered around the San Antonio River. The largest, Mission San Jos?, lies just 5 miles south of downtown. Its famed rose window is once again on display following an extensive renovation.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Long Beach, CA: $89.00 for Posh Hilton in Long Beach ($249.00 value)

Luxurious Hilton near Downtown Long Beach

Just five minutes from the posh Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center, you?ll find the enormous Aquarium of the Pacific, where more than 10,000 exotic and endangered animals live in a facility that?s one of the largest of its kind in the United States. There are habitats mimicking the Pacific Northwest, the sultry Baja peninsula, and a lorikeet forest. Situated in downtown Long Beach, the aquarium stands near several other entertainment options, including art galleries and a World War II ocean liner that offers haunted tours?not to mention that Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Los Angeles are all less than an hour away.

Back in the Hilton's guest rooms, the tone is one of understated sophistication. Beds feature plush, button-back headboards and signature Serta Sweet Dreams mattresses. Each room is outfitted with a flat-screen TV and MP3 docking station to keep you entertained. The hotel?s elegant Ascari Ristorante welcomes diners with soft lighting and warm tones. The restaurant serves both buffet and ? la carte items. Quick appetizers include flatbread and hummus ($10), fried calamari ($10), and pan-seared crab cakes ($14).

If you're looking to unwind, there's a heated outdoor pool at the hotel, and the beach is just half a mile away. For all its luxurious amenities, the hotel is also ideal for business travelers. It's located near Long Beach's World Trade Center and offers fax and photocopy services as well as audio-visual equipment rentals onsite.

Long Beach, California: Outdoors, Arts, and Architectural Oddities

Less than an hour from tourist-clogged Hollywood and Disneyland, Long Beach offers a quieter experience distinguished by family-friendly attractions, art museums, and eclectic architecture. In the East Village Arts District downtown, independent playhouses and art galleries line the streets. This is the setting of an art walk held one Saturday a month, when galleries, boutiques, and caf?s stay open late and local artists display original works.

Long Beach's architecture has its own distinctive appeal. Geometry buffs may marvel at the distinctive Walter Pyramid sports arena, as well as the aptly named Skinny House at 708 Gladys Avenue, an extremely narrow structure?only 10 feet wide?reportedly built on a bet.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Napa Valley: $395.00 for Country Inn Nestled in Napa Valley ($980.00 value)

Boutique Hotel Surrounded by Napa Valley Wineries

Located on a meandering country lane near the town of St. Helena, the Wine Country Inn & Gardens is a charming retreat in the heart of California?s most renowned wine region. There are no less than 50 wineries and 15 restaurants located within a 5-mile radius of the hotel, making it an ideal base for Napa Valley excursions. Included with this getaway are brownies, a bottle of cabernet, and 12 tasting passes valid at nearby wineries.

A stroll through the property?s olive orchards and past the gardens leads to a secluded jacuzzi and heated outdoor pool. Back at the hotel, you?ll return to find your queen-size guest bed turned down with a sprinkling of rose petals covering the bedspread. The innkeepers host a daily afternoon social with complimentary wine and appetizers from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the common room. Thursday through Sunday nights, a complimentary hotel shuttle transports guests to nearby restaurants for dinner.

Most queen rooms feature fireplaces and vineyard views. Each morning, a complimentary breakfast buffet awaits. The innkeeper maintains a flock of more than 100 chickens as well as a quarter acre of fruit and vegetable gardens, so each meal's ingredients are truly fresh. The spread usually includes fresh fruit, homemade breads, an egg dish, homemade granola, and entrees from the bagel bar and waffle station.

Napa, California: Sprawling Vineyards and Farm-to-Table Dining

Located about a one-hour drive north of San Francisco, Napa Valley?a region that runs from Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north?is California's capital of all things grape. The valley's rolling hills are dotted with more than 400 family-owned vineyards, where oak barrels age vintage nectars and visitors are invited to stop, taste, and sniff private-label wines. Vineyards range from St. Helena?s popular Quintessa estate, a 280-acre property specializing in cabernet sauvignon, to lesser-known wineries such as Heibel Ranch Vineyards, which you can tour on the back of a 1963 Jeep. Although some wineries welcome drop-by tastings, your best bet is to make appointments ahead of time.

The valley's culinary scene has also risen to prominence, with chefs such as Thomas Keller spearheading a haute cuisine movement. The charming main streets of Yountville and St. Helena are studded with gourmet restaurants praised for their sustainable practices and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. If you?re tired of sipping wine all day, grab a wheat beer or a pale ale at one of the dozens of local breweries.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Salt Lake City: $59.00 for Convenient Hotel near Downtown Salt Lake City ($114.00 value)

Top Reasons to Stay at Comfort Inn Salt Lake City Airport

  • The hotel is conveniently situated less than 10 miles from downtown Salt Lake City and the famous Salt Lake Temple. Take a day trip to one of the city's ski resorts to take advantage of the area's abundant snowfalls.
  • At Cedar Creek Grill & Bar, you can pair wine and steaks before a crackling fireplace.
  • In the morning, a complimentary full breakfast includes belgian waffles, eggs, and biscuits and gravy.
  • Monday through Thursday, the hotel hosts a meet-and-greet reception with complimentary appetizers.
  • Guest rooms are equipped with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and high-speed Internet.

Salt Lake City: Mormon Heritage, Skiing, and the Great Salt Lake

Circled by mountains on every side, Utah's capital city occupies a fertile valley that draws visitors each year looking to play in the great outdoors. Skiing is of course one of the most popular pastimes. Thanks to the nearly 500 inches of snow the area receives annually, several year-round resorts offer access to slopes suitable for skiers of all skill levels. Northwest of the city lies the Great Salt Lake?the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

Those interested in the origins of the city or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can check out the Church History Museum, home to a large collection of Mormon art and artifacts. If you?re looking to research your own genealogy, visit the Family History Library and search through a large database with the help of professional staffers and trained volunteers. The library is open to the general public for no charge. Before leaving town, don?t forget to take a tranquil stroll through the Temple Square gardens surrounding the iconic Salt Lake Temple.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Tulsa, OK: $69.00 for Wyndham with Indoor Water-Park near Downtown Tulsa ($135.00 value)

Luxury Hotel with Indoor Water Playland

The Wyndham Tulsa, an elegant hotel conveniently located in southwest Tulsa, holds the distinction of having the only indoor water playland in the city. The playland is called Leapin' Louie's Lagoon, and it's filled with slides, a rope bridge, and mounted water cannons. Along with this indoor aquatic playground, there's an outdoor pool and whirlpool for cooling off in the dry Tulsa heat.

When you're finished splashing, you can head to the onsite restaurants for a bite to eat?either Beechwood's Restaurant, which serves a laid-back American breakfast and lunch buffet, or Mulligan's Sports and Spirits, which stays open until 1 a.m. At bedtime, retire to a newly renovated standard room and snuggle into one of the Wyndham's famed Sleep Number beds, which let you select your preferred level of mattress firmness and monster-under-the-bed protection.

Tulsa, Oklahoma: Former Oil Hub Revitalized by Arts and Parks

Set in the geographical heart of the country, Tulsa was once an oil-industry powerhouse. The boom days have waned, but the city?s oil wealth helped to establish world-class cultural institutions such as the Gilcrease Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of art and objects from the American west, and the Philbrook, a glorious 1920s villa filled with artwork from around the globe.

Tulsa also boasts a respectable nightlife. The Blue Dome District, once a gas station attracting Route 66 travelers, is home to casual watering holes where live music pours out into the street. Near downtown you?ll find the River Parks network of paved trails, sculpture parks, and playgrounds along the Arkansas River. Tulsa has 144 river trails and parks, including the 18-hole frisbee-golf course between 31st and 48th Streets, where you can ?frolf? with friends or snap photos of birkenstocks in the wild.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Java Center, NY: $1,617.00 for One-Week Weight-Loss Program in Niagara Region ($2,695.00 value)

Award-Winning Weight-Loss Program in New York?s Niagara Region

Since 2004, tens of millions of viewers have tuned into the hit reality show The Biggest Loser to watch contestants shed pounds and revamp their eating habits during an intense weight-loss competition. Season winners invariably emerge 100-150 pound lighter, with a complete reshaped physique. The show?s focus on committing to strict exercise and nutritional regimens is also at the core of The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara, which as of May 2012 became the newest member of the brand's award-winning weight-loss resorts.

The Niagara campus follows the same results-driven weight-loss model as the other Biggest Loser Resorts, incorporating exercise, healthy meals, and lifestyle seminars into an action-packed daily schedule. The year-round facility features a state-of-the-art fitness village as well as a new indoor aquatic center. Certified personal trainers jump-start mornings with hikes through the resort's 300-acre property, which features a private woodland lake. This unique location allows guests to add seasonal activities?including catch-and-release f

Source: http://kansascityonthecheap.com/2012/11/vacations-on-the-cheap-10/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vacations-on-the-cheap-10

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Judge orders Irish tycoon jailed for contempt

FILE This Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 file photo shows Sean Quinn leaving Dublin high court, Dublin, Ireland. A judge in Ireland on Friday Nov. 2, 2012 ordered bankrupt tycoon Sean Quinn jailed for nine weeks for failing to observe orders to stop placing foreign property assets beyond the reach of creditors. Quinn ? Ireland's richest man until 2008 ? faces financial ruin because of his reckless gamble that year on Anglo Irish Bank. The Dublin lender was the biggest financier of Ireland's runaway property market, a boom that imploded in 2009.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File )

FILE This Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 file photo shows Sean Quinn leaving Dublin high court, Dublin, Ireland. A judge in Ireland on Friday Nov. 2, 2012 ordered bankrupt tycoon Sean Quinn jailed for nine weeks for failing to observe orders to stop placing foreign property assets beyond the reach of creditors. Quinn ? Ireland's richest man until 2008 ? faces financial ruin because of his reckless gamble that year on Anglo Irish Bank. The Dublin lender was the biggest financier of Ireland's runaway property market, a boom that imploded in 2009.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File )

FILE This , Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 file photo shows Sean Quinn, center, arriving at the High court with his daughter-in-law Karen Woods, right, in Dublin, Ireland. A judge in Ireland on Friday Nov. 2, 2012 ordered bankrupt tycoon Sean Quinn jailed for nine weeks for failing to observe orders to stop placing foreign property assets beyond the reach of creditors. Quinn ? Ireland's richest man until 2008 ? faces financial ruin because of his reckless gamble that year on Anglo Irish Bank. The Dublin lender was the biggest financier of Ireland's runaway property market, a boom that imploded in 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

(AP) ? Bankrupt tycoon Sean Quinn, once Ireland's richest man and a celebrated self-made billionaire, was sent to jail for nine weeks Friday after a judge found him guilty of stripping foreign assets from his crumbling business empire in violation of court orders.

Quinn, who has already lost control of his Irish-based businesses in a titanic legal fight with the former Anglo Irish Bank, was ruled in contempt of court for shifting ownership of his properties throughout Europe to friends and business fronts.

Irish courts in mid-2011 had ordered him to stop such asset-stripping immediately because the state-owned bank was entitled to those assets. But Anglo's investigators pursuing Quinn for ?2.8 billion ($3.65 billion) in unpaid loans demonstrated that Quinn had continued those efforts and forged falsely dated documents to try to conceal the subterfuge involving properties in Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and several other countries worth an estimated $430 million.

Quinn, 65, could have appealed High Court Justice Elizabeth Dunne's sentence to the Irish Supreme Court. But after a lunch break spent in discussion with lawyers and his eldest son, Quinn decided to go to jail immediately at Dublin's overcrowded Mountjoy Prison. He is scheduled for release Jan. 4.

Quinn's spectacular rise and fall provides the defining personal story of Ireland's 1990s rise as a property-obsessed Celtic Tiger ? and its stunning collapse in 2008 when that Anglo-driven construction boom turned to bust.

Quinn, son of a Northern Ireland border farmer, started his first construction-materials business as a teenager with a 50-pound ($80) loan. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s canny acquisitions allowed his empire to grow from cement to hotels, insurance to bottlemaking, his name adorning trucks and office blocks across Ireland. He built a fiercely loyal following in his native borderland, a traditionally jobs-poor region, where he based most of his enterprises.

But fatefully and inexplicably, he bet his family's riches on the continued runaway success of Anglo, the most daring of Ireland's property financiers, whose shares rose tenfold during the boom years. Worse, as Anglo's share price fell in the run-up to the global credit crisis in 2008, he kept doubling down ? and borrowed billions from Anglo itself to become the bank's top shareholder with up to 28 percent.

Ireland nationalized Anglo in early 2010, rendering Quinn's shares worthless and leaving taxpayers with a bill expected to exceed ?25 billion ($33 billion), including Quinn's loan defaults.

Quinn and his family contend in a separate, continuing lawsuit that Anglo's loans to them were largely illegal because the bank didn't disclose the true scale of its troubles, so they shouldn't have to repay them.

Lawyers for the former Anglo, now reorganized as a toxic debt-management agency called the Irish Bank Resolution Corp., insisted all Quinn assets, whether at home or abroad, must be seized to repay a bill owed ultimately to Irish taxpayers. Irish courts agreed.

During court proceedings over the past year, Quinn and his children were caught concealing the shifting of ownership for properties to foreign-based fronts and allies, including by making a secret $500,000 payment to a Ukrainian businesswoman to receive legal control of assets that included a shopping mall.

The judge, Dunne, ruled earlier this year that Quinn's defense was incredible and evasive. She postponed his jailing to Friday in hopes his family would reverse the asset-stripping moves in compliance with more than 30 court orders. She ruled Friday this had failed to happen and Quinn "has only himself to blame."

In June she ordered Quinn's son, Sean Jr., and his nephew Peter jailed for three months in punishment for their role in the Ukrainian and other asset-stripping. The son served his sentence but the nephew fled to neighboring Northern Ireland, where border communities staged several public rallies in support of the Quinns.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-11-02-Ireland-Tycoon/id-ed0284ecc9bb42769ea2628b2fadc31b

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Obama to visit storm victims as campaign rolls on

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) ? President Barack Obama put campaign battleground travel on hold to tour the ravaged New Jersey coast Wednesday, while down-to-the-wire campaigning resumed in swing state Florida that is critical to Republican Mitt Romney's victory plan.

Obama is emphasizing his incumbent's role for a third straight day, skipping voter contact to meet with officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Washington headquarters and visit victims of Hurricane Sandy around Atlantic City. The president planned to resume campaign travel Thursday with gusto, with stops in Nevada, Colorado and Wisconsin, before both candidates descend on Ohio Friday.

Obama left Wednesday's sharp-elbowed politicking to Vice President Joe Biden, who accused Romney of perpetrating "an outrageous lie" in an ad airing in Ohio that suggests Obama's policies are shipping Jeep manufacturing to China. Biden told Florida voters the ads are "scurrilous" and "one of the most flagrantly dishonest ads I can ever remember in my career," which stretches more than 40 years.

Romney's campaign has stood by the ad, which also was criticized by auto executives. "Their comments don't refute anything in our ad," said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul.

Superstorm Sandy has created an air of uncertainty in Romney's Boston headquarters. Aides report that their internal polling offers a better outlook than recent public polling that gives Obama an edge in some swing states, but they concede that the national distraction has frozen any momentum Romney had coming out of this month's debates.

Romney's final travel schedule is not yet set, but aides suggest he will focus his time in traditional swing states instead of traveling to less competitive areas where the campaign is trying to expand the map. This week, for example, he is scheduled to focus on Florida, Virginia and Ohio with a brief stop in Wisconsin. But the campaign is leaving open the possibility that Romney makes a surprise visit to a state like Pennsylvania, given their recent investment in television advertising there.

Florida is among the most closely fought and the biggest prize among the swing states, with 29 electoral votes. Without victory in Florida, Romney will have an uphill and limited path to electoral victory.

"This is quite a time for the country. We're going through trauma in a major part of the country, the kind of trauma you've experienced here in Florida more than once," Romney said and encouraged donations to the Red Cross. He then launched into a critique of Obama's leadership in tough economic times and said he would do better.

"I don't just talk about change. I actually have a plan to execute change and make it happen," Romney told about 2,000 people gathered in a hangar at Tampa's airport.

Romney scheduled stops in some of the most populous parts of the state, with rallies also planned in Jacksonville and Coral Gables in the Miami area on Wednesday. The Obama campaign dispatched Biden to play defense in Florida on Wednesday, with stops in the smaller, more conservative markets of Sarasota and Ocala aimed at narrowing the margin where Republicans usually fare well.

GOP running mate Paul Ryan was campaigning across his home state of Wisconsin before planning to take his children trick or treating. Wisconsin is part of the Romney-Ryan campaign's eleventh-hour strategy of trying to put Democratic-leaning states in play and forcing Obama to shift resources to areas he has expected to win.

In tempered remarks, Ryan never explicitly criticized Obama and asked for prayers and donations for storm victims. The move reflected advice from his top aides to eschew partisanship for fear of appearing too shrill and strike a more civil tone in his critique of the president heading into the heart of the crisis. Plus, Romney and Ryan are still making attempts to win over moderate and undecided voters who have little patience for unbridled partisanship.

Ryan argued that Wisconsin was a battleground that will help decide the election and urged supporters to work hard for the next week so they have no regrets. "When we wake up a week from this morning, let's make sure we did everything we could," Ryan said.

With recent polls showing independents moving in Romney's direction, campaign advisers say they believe it's in part because of Romney's focus on his record as a pragmatic, get-things-done governor who isn't necessarily hemmed in by ideology. Romney advisers said their internal polling reflects disappointment in what some voters see as Obama's inability to change the culture of Washington and eschew partisanship. They said that Romney's comments during debates about his own record working with Democrats in Massachusetts were well-received.

Rather than use the campaign's final Wednesday to woo voters in tossup states, Obama donned hiking shoes for a disaster tour with New Jersey's Republican governor, Chris Christie. Christie is one of Romney's most prominent supporters, and a frequent Obama critic. But Christie praised Obama's handling of the storm, a political twist the president's visit is sure to underscore.

Obama senior adviser David Axelrod said the president and his campaign agreed that his job was to stay in Washington in face-to-face touch with those responsible for recovery.

But Axelrod added: "We passed a threshold here. And we do have an election on Tuesday. So we owe it to folks to make the final arguments and we're going to do that."

Overall, though, Axelrod said the superstorm "tended to freeze this race. Wherever you think the race is, it tended to freeze the race. Because people are focused on the storm. That's what's been in the news."

Romney's campaign is running ads in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, and pro-Romney forces are doing the same in Michigan and New Mexico. Obama was leading in all three, but his campaign is taking the threat seriously. It sent former President Bill Clinton to Minnesota on Tuesday and is buying airtime in all three states.

___

Pickler reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Steve Peoples in Tampa, Fla., Philip Elliott in Eau Claire, Wis., Ben Feller, Charles Babington and Ken Thomas in Washington, Matthew Daly in Sarasota, Fla., Brian Bakst in St. Paul, Minn., and Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee, Fla., contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-visit-storm-victims-campaign-rolls-093842409--election.html

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America's Internet Transformation Demands an All-IP Future

If the FCC stops moving forward on Internet transformation, the universal service and intercarrier compensation reform order will become a death warrant for telephone companies.

CLIP hosted an event earlier this month to discuss Internet transformation. What is Internet transformation? In a?recent op-ed, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai noted that it ?is really two different things?a technology revolution and a regulatory transition.?

The technology revolution began with the commercialization of the Internet, which enables the delivery of any communications service over any network capable of handling Internet Protocol (IP). According to the?National Broadband Plan, the ?Internet is transforming the landscape of America more rapidly and more pervasively than earlier infrastructure networks.? In little more than a decade, the Internet destroyed the monopoly structure of the old communications industry from within and replaced it with intermodal competition.

?Creative Destruction is the essential fact about capitalism.? Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of regulation. Years after the Internet debunked the 20th Century notion that telephone service is a natural monopoly, the Communications Act soldiers on as if the Internet did not exist. The?theory of natural monopoly?assumes the market will support only one facilities-based telephone network. The current regulatory scheme is premised on this theory even though the overwhelming majority of consumers today can obtain telephone service from at least six different facilities-based communications companies: the incumbent telephone company, the incumbent cable operator, and four nationwide mobile providers.

Though they provide similar services, telephone, cable, and mobile companies are subject to very different legal requirements. When Congress?overhauled the Communications Act in 1996, the commercial Internet was still in its infancy. Different communications services were generally provided by different network architectures: Cable systems provided one-way video programming, cellular networks provided mobile telephony, and the public switched telephone network provided plain old telephone service. Congress assumed this traditional?status quo?would continue indefinitely and fashioned the law accordingly.

Unfortunately, this assumption was outdated almost as soon as it was made. Millions of American consumers have been cutting the telephone cord in favor of mobile telephony for a decade. Consumers have been able to access high-speed Internet services over multiple, IP-based network architectures for a decade as well, including largely unregulated Wi-Fi hotspots that are routinely available for ?free? in most metro areas. Consumers have viewed the ?triple play? packages provided by cable and telephone companies over fiber networks as competitive substitutes for years. Their respective status as ?cable? and ?telephone? companies remains relevant only in outdated statutory definitions that now serve primarily as a source of rent seeking for opportunists who are generally unwilling to invest in their own networks.

Companies that benefit from these rent-seeking opportunities have long claimed that policies favoring certain companies at the expense of others promote ?competition.? The DC Circuit?rejected this reasoning in 2004, when it remanded FCC broadband rules applicable only to telephone companies because the FCC had failed to consider the importance of intermodal broadband competition from cable providers.

In its 2011 order reforming outdated intercarrier compensation policies and establishing the Connect America Fund (the ?CAFIC Order?), the FCC finally conceded that ?leveling the playing field? promotes competition by allowing consumers to more accurately compare service offerings from telephone companies, cable companies, and wireless providers. The FCC recognized that its legacy policies were ?designed for an era of separate long-distance companies? and ?established long before competition emerged among telephone companies, cable companies, and wireless providers.? It also recognized that the implicit subsidies provided by intercarrier compensation are ?a deterrent to deployment of all IP networks? and ?unfair for consumers.? The FCC decided to ?promote innovation by eliminating barriers to the transformation of today?s telephone networks into the all-IP broadband networks of the future.? It began this transition by phasing out intercarrier compensation.

The CAFIC Order took a significant step toward fulfilling the vision of Internet transformation, but it is only the first step. The FCC left the details of its implementation to future proceedings and has yet to address many critical regulatory transition issues at all. Revising a regulatory framework developed over nearly a century is no easy task, and the FCC should be commended for committing to move forward. Now that journey has begun, however, the FCC must keep moving.

Internet transformation will leave no company untouched. It is affecting laws and regulations governing every aspect of communications policy and broader issues as well, including privacy, copyright, and free speech, all of which should considered during the regulatory transition. Ironically, however, telephone companies are among the most vulnerable to delay. If the FCC stops moving forward on Internet transformation, the CAFIC Order will become a death warrant for telephone companies.

The CAFIC order encourages Internet transformation by eliminating the largest source of support for the switched telephone network ? intercarrier compensation. Although removing implied subsidies for switched telephone service is a necessary step in promoting the deployment of all-IP networks, it is not sufficient by itself: The FCC must also eliminate regulations requiring telephone companies to continue offering 1930s-1960s era technology in the form of switched telephone services. A telephone company that deploys an all-IP infrastructure cannot capture the increased efficiencies produced by its investment in modern infrastructure if it is required to continue supporting a duplicative (and inefficient) switched telephone network. Without additional reform, the CAFIC Order will result in a significant reduction in revenue for telephone companies without a corresponding reduction in their cost of providing service. That result is unsustainable in a communications market that is increasingly demanding broadband services.

If telephone companies must continue to maintain outdated and inefficient switched networks while their unregulated broadband competitors reap the benefits of modern network technologies, telephone companies will continue to lack incentives to invest in all-IP networks. In the long run, they would be unable to compete with cable operators and other providers of IP-based services who are not required to maintain inefficient, duplicative networks. Faced with that future, telephone companies would have every incentive to invest their capital elsewhere, which would reduce opportunities for additional consumer choice in the wired broadband segment.

If that happens, consumers will lose a potential broadband competitor and the public interest will suffer. Consumers are already feeling the frustration of a regulatory system that has not kept up with the pace of Internet transformation in the market for communications services. I told a true story at the CLIP event about a former employee of mine who ?cut the cord? so long ago he didn?t know he was required to dial a ?1? before making a long distance call on a wireline telephone. He did not know there was a difference between ?local? and ?long distance? calls in FCC regulation. From his perspective, the requirement to dial a ?1? was arbitrary and confusing.

The FCC knows the United States must seize the opportunity for Internet transformation through regulatory reform or ?we will fall behind those countries that do.? The communications industry knows it. Consumers know it too. They know Internet transformation will be disruptive, but they also know that disruption is the constant companion of innovation ? and innovation is the key to our global competitiveness.

I expect it is the inevitability of disruption that prompted the so-called?Broadband Coalition?to claim that Internet transformation is a ?lie.? If you want to know the ?truth? about Internet transformation, you don?t have to take my word for it.

  • You can read the National Broadband Plan or the FCC?s Connect America Fund order, which describes the nation?s goal as building ?the all-IP broadband networks of the future.?
  • You can read?this announcement?by T-Mobile describing its all-IP backhaul strategy as the key to a competitive 4G experience. According to T-Mobile, ?A 4G network without appropriately dimensioned backhaul is like building a mile of six-lane highway (the radio network) that converges into a one lane dirt road (Time-division multiplexing (TDM) circuits).? T-Mobile says it has completed backhaul upgrades (95% of which are fiber) throughout its 4G network, which gives it a competitive advantage over those who ?continue to use [TDM-based] T1s at cell sites for backhaul, which provide a slower connection to the Internet.?
  • You can read?this announcement?from Sprint Nextel stating that its backhaul network upgrade from T1s to Ethernet will increase Sprint?s bandwidth by 20 times at each cell site and reduce its cost per bit by 95 percent.

Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile compete in the lightly regulated mobile wireless segment in which market-based competition drives network deployment and innovation. Their announcements indicate the market has already spoken: The future of mobile wireless broadband is all-IP infrastructure. Shouldn?t consumers of wired broadband services have an opportunity to enjoy that future too?

It is the future consumers want. It?s the future that innovation entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley want too. Broadband applications and devices rely on high-speed IP infrastructure to reach consumer markets. The longer we wait to upgrade our networks, the more uncertainty there will be for entrepreneurs eager to create new IP-based products and services and distribute them to a wider audience. Even Hollywood can agree with Silicon Valley on this issue. Content producers of all kinds benefit from the ability of all-IP networks to support the distribution of video and other high-bandwidth services online.

The Broadband Coalition, which says it represents America?s ?innovative? broadband providers, claims it ?doesn?t matter? whether packets are ?organized? using TDM (used by T1 lines) or IP technology. I suspect engineers at the FCC, T-Mobile, and Sprint would be surprised to hear that transitioning to IP ?doesn?t matter.? Does the Broadband Coalition intend to contact the?Federal Trade Commission?and alert them to the ?false? claims of T-Mobile and Sprint about the significantly faster speeds and lower costs of their IP backhaul networks? Not when the technical and economic advantages of all-IP networks tell the true story so plainly.

I did some online research to see whether other countries believe IP networks matter. China recently focused its ?Broadband China? initiative on the deployment of all-IP networks. This initiative aims to provide high-speed broadband connections to more than 250 million households in urban and rural locations in China by 2015, and is expected to connect 35 million new families to the Internet with fiber-to-the-home networks by the end of 2012. I did not see any announcements regarding new ?TDM-to-the-home? network deployments, and I don?t expect we?ll be hearing about new deployments of this 1960s era technology to consumer neighborhoods anytime soon. The global consensus appears to favor all-IP networks for the foreseeable future.

If someone is being disingenuous about Internet transformation, it?s the Broadband Coalition. It says continued FCC enforcement of the current regulatory framework will enable ?innovative? technology providers to offer lower prices and ?technology breakthroughs.? The FCC has been following that prescription for nearly two decades, yet it?concluded in its most recent broadband progress report?that ?broadband is not yet being deployed ?to all Americans? in a reasonable and timely fashion.? Americans cannot afford to wait another 18 years to see whether an outdated regulatory regime adopted in 1996 will eventually work. Delaying regulatory reform might shield some companies from competitive disruption in the short-term, but domestic regulatory policies cannot stop Internet transformation from occurring internationally.

It is past time the United States adopted a regulatory framework designed for today?s communications markets ? one that serves the needs of consumers and enhances our global competitiveness. At the CLIP event on Internet transformation, Commissioner Pai?recommended?that the FCC create an IP Transition Task Force to ?track down and remove all the tariffs, the arcane cost studies, and the hidden subsidies that distort competition for the benefit of companies, not consumers,? while ?preserv[ing] the vital consumer protections that are still likely to be needed in an all-IP world.? He believes a comprehensive approach to regulatory transition is required to meet ?the?great infrastructure challenge of the early 21st century? ? high-speed Internet access for all Americans.

The Broadband Coalition recommends that we adopt the Homer Simpson approach to this challenge: ?hide under some coats, and hope that somehow everything will work out.? That approach would be no better for the United States than it was for Homer Simpson. As the National Broadband Plan recognized, ?the choice is not whether the transformation will continue. It will.? The choice is whether we, as a nation, will rise to meet the challenge.

Source: http://techliberation.com/2012/10/31/americas-internet-transformation-demands-an-all-ip-future/

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Meek Mill Says Debut Album Will 'Sustain Itself,' Despite Sandy

'I ain't really trippin' on the first week, man,' Meek tells MTV News of storm's potential effect on Dreams & Nightmares sales.
By Maurice Bobb


Meek Mill
Photo: FilmMagic

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1696540/hurricane-sandy-meek-mill-dreams-and-nightmares-album-sales.jhtml

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Sandy knocks back 'Assassin's Creed 3' arrival in Northeast

2 hrs.

Today is the day the highly anticipated, history-hopping game "Assassin's Creed 3" launches. But if you live in the Northeast and were planning to snag your copy at the?local GameStop, then it looks like you're?out of luck.

GameStop canceled its midnight launch and game pick-up events throughout the Northeast late Monday and through Tuesday as?the region struggled?with power outages, flooding,?fires?and other damage dealt by Hurricane Sandy.

"Our top priority is the safety of our employees and customers," a GameStop spokesperson?told the?gaming blog Kotaku. "In compliance with directives issued by state and local authorities, stores in the path of the storm will remain closed until it is safe to re-open and midnight openings for 'Assassin's Creed 3'?have been canceled in the northeast."

The retailer?asked anyone hoping to grab a?game this week to check with individual stores?to see when they plan to re-open.

Meanwhile, speaking of Kotaku -- it was among several news sites?that?went down Monday night?and through Tuesday morning when?a?New York data center flooded.?

The "Assassin's Creed 3" delay was?just a part of the?disruption the mega-storm?dealt the?entertainment industry?-- especially that based in New York where the filming of several?movies was postponed, Broadway theaters closed up shop and?"The Daily Show," "The Colbert Report" and other shows?took Monday night off.

But for?New Yorkers David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon the show did go on? -- albeit without an audience.?

If you happen to have power but haven't been able to get your hands on your copy of "Assassin's Creed 3." you can always?bide your time watching the official launch trailer below.

Winda Benedetti?writes?about video?games for NBC?News. You can follow her tweets about games and other things?on Twitter?here?@WindaBenedetti?and you can?follow her?on?Google+.?Meanwhile, be sure to check?out the?IN-GAME?FACEBOOK PAGE?to discuss the day's?gaming news and reviews.

?

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/sandy-knocks-back-assassins-creed-3-arrival-northeast-1C6759778

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Source: http://www.healthuse.com/the-fundamental-of-singapore-web-hosting-providers.html

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Smart as a bird: Flying rescue robot will autonomously avoid obstacles

ScienceDaily (Oct. 30, 2012) ? Cornell researchers have created an autonomous flying robot that is as smart as a bird when it comes to maneuvering around obstacles.

Able to guide itself through forests, tunnels or damaged buildings, the machine could have tremendous value in search-and-rescue operations. Small flying machines are already common, and GPS technology provides guidance. Now, Ashutosh Saxena, assistant professor of computer science, and his team are tackling the hard part: how to keep the vehicle from slamming into walls and tree branches. Human controllers can't always react swiftly enough, and radio signals may not reach everywhere the robot goes.

The test vehicle is a quadrotor, a commercially available flying machine about the size of a card table with four helicopter rotors. Saxena and his team have already programmed quadrotors to navigate hallways and stairwells using 3-D cameras. But in the wild, these cameras aren't accurate enough at large distances to plan a route around obstacles. So, Saxena is building on methods he previously developed to turn a flat video camera image into a 3-D model of the environment using such cues as converging straight lines, the apparent size of familiar objects and what objects are in front of or behind each other -- the same cues humans unconsciously use to supplement their stereoscopic vision.

Graduate students Ian Lenz and Mevlana Gemici trained the robot with 3-D pictures of such obstacles as tree branches, poles, fences and buildings; the robot's computer learns the characteristics all the images have in common, such as color, shape, texture and context -- a branch, for example, is attached to a tree. The resulting set of rules for deciding what is an obstacle is burned into a chip before the robot flies. In flight the robot breaks the current 3-D image of its environment into small chunks based on obvious boundaries, decides which ones are obstacles and computes a path through them as close as possible to the route it has been told to follow, constantly making adjustments as the view changes. It was tested in 53 autonomous flights in obstacle-rich environments -- including Cornell's Arts Quad -- succeeding in 51 cases, failing twice because of winds. The results were presented at the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems in Portugal Oct. 7-12.

Saxena plans to improve the robot's ability to respond to environment variations such as winds, and enable it to detect and avoid moving objects, like real birds; for testing purposes, he suggests having people throw tennis balls at the flying vehicle.

The project is supported by a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Cornell University. The original article was written by Bill Steele.

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Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/SBxanr6uZfw/121030173047.htm

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