London bomb plot not affecting Colorado travelers

Terrorist plots have not deterred Coloradans from traveling, according the AAA Colorado.

"So far, we've received no requests to change anyone's travel plans," said Sandra Barnes, director of travel services for AAA Colorado. "While the terrorist threat remains real, the fact that so many individuals were arrested before this plot could be carried out has probably boosted some travelers' confidence."

AAA Colorado encourages travelers not to make quick decisions about changing travel plans until they have considered changes in travel restrictions and the latest travel warnings from the U.S. government.

Learn about University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix in Colorado Springs educates adults who want to advance in their career or want a new career.

A free registration meeting for the public will explore undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: University of Phoenix Southern Colorado Campus
5725 Mark Dabling Blvd., Suite 150, Colorado Springs

MORE INFO: Call 719.599.5282

United offering special deals

Today through Aug. 18, United Airlines is having a sale on tickets for travel through Nov. 16 to U.S. destinations. Special fares are also available for international destinations; valid travel dates vary. Customers may book travel at united.com or call United Reservations at 800-864-8331.

Orange Oasis more a mirage

David Chang's attempt to resurrect the Orange Oasis restaurant, 5934 Stetson Hills Blvd., is done after just a couple months. He had hoped that the change from a steaks and seafood menu to Szechuan cuisine (with a takeout option) would breath life into the location at Ridgeview Marketplace, but the effort just never took life. Leigh Steinert and Steve Martin of Grubb & EllisQuantum Commercial Group are in the process of seeking out a new tenant.

Colorado Springs Airport gets an A- on its finances

Standard & Poor’s Rating Services recently affirmed its “A-" rating and a stable outlook for Colorado Springs Airport Revenue Bonds, according to Gisela Shanahan, assistant director of aviation-finance & administration at the airport.

According to the report, the airport's strengths include: strong liquidity, with about $26 million in unrestricted cash and investments; diversity in air carrier service, with eight major airlines; and a solid, diverse and growing economic base supporting a large origin and destination passenger market with a moderate cost structure for a small hub airport, with a $7.12 cost per enplaned passenger and a $54 debt per enplaned passenger in fiscal 2005.

Management has countered flat revenue growth brought on by the financial distress of major network carriers such as Delta Airlines and increased enplanements by 3 percent for the first six months of 2006 despite the introduction of low-fare service by Southwest Airlines starting at Denver International Airport.

According to the report, the lower than average debt ratio and strong balance sheet with cash reserves of 709 days is noteworthy because of the recent completion of major expansion projects.

The rating acknowledges management's efforts to diversify the revenue base during a time of rising fuel prices and other cost pressures. More than 60 percent of the airports operating revenues in fiscal 2005 is derived from nonairline sources.

Texas Hold 'Em on hold

The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Aces and Amateur Texas Hold 'Em Tournament has been rescheduled for Friday, Oct. 13.

The idea is "outside the box" from the typical chamber guest speaker luncheon, but that is exactly what the chamber wants, said Jenifer Furda, the Chamber's vice president of events.

"We wanted to attract the unusual suspects, younger business people and people that we typically wouldn't get to go to a business lunch," Furda said. "It is still a networking opportunity, because that is number one what the chamber is about, but it is in a fun way that is just a little different."

Facilitated by Deuces Wild, the event allows players to participate in tournaments based on skill levels. Lessons will be available for those who are new to the game or just need to brush up. Players will not win anything at the end of the event, just have a good time and a networking opportunity, the Chamber said.

Non Tournament Players: $15 (includes networking, 500 chips, beverages, food and door prizes); Amateur Tournament: $25 (includes networking, 1,000 chips, beverages, food and door prizes and 1 entry into the tournament); Ace's Tournament: $25 (includes networking, 2,000 chips, beverages, food and door prizes and 1 entry into the tournament). If you are not a Texas Hold'em player that is OK you can learn to play craps, blackjack, poker and roulette.

For information, call or e-mail Jen Furda, 575-4313.