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ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING
Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is turning the tables in January 2024 with an unmatched lineup of dining experiences designed for every type of family and vacationer.
Travelers with an appetite for adventure can have their pick of more than 20 new and signature ways to dine and make memories, a combination of elevated experiences, spots for quick bites and venues made for families with kids.
From restaurants to walkup windows, casual to upscale, live music to chefs who put on a show, the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation will feature options for every occasion and mood. On the menu are new venues like the upscale Empire Supper Club, a swanky and lavish eight-course experience; AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean’s first food hall – and Izumi in the Park, an all-day window with fresh sushi and more. The variety of new flavors complement the favorites on board that range from Italian to Japanese and Mexican, including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Izumi and El Loco Fresh.
“The experiences had over great food are at the heart of so many shared memories that we could all use more of in our day-to-day. We’ve designed Icon of the Seas to offer every guest, no matter their tastes, age and mood or the occasion, a variety of ways they can easily make those moments their way every day while on vacation,” said Linken D’Souza, vice president, food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International. “If vacationers want to stick to their favorites, like kids and their chicken tenders, or mix it up every night and try new flavors, more than 20 experiences across Icon’s eight neighborhoods make that possible – without compromise – more than ever.”
Whether it’s refueling on the go between the six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 in Thrill Island or the whole family sitting down for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Surfside neighborhood designed for young families, there are spots to grab a bite and a drink in and around each of Icon’s eight neighborhoods.
Elevated Dining Experiences
- Empire Supper Club – Near the lush Central Park neighborhood, the new experience is an extravagant night out with a taste of old New York. Bringing it to life is an eight-course menu of premium American cuisine, from caviar to wagyu; a drink paired with every dish; a swanky three-piece band playing unexpected renditions of modern favorites; and more.
- Celebration Table – Special occasions and milestones get the VIP treatment at the new 12-seat private experience. Paired with AquaDome’s sweeping ocean views, guests can have their choice of exclusive American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus, along with the option to add a personal touch with ambient plus-ups and menu upgrades.
- Returning favorites – The good times continue at signature venues like Central Park’s American steakhouse, Chops Grille, and Trellis Bar, with its debut menu of bites; the Dining Room, where three levels are matched with three courses; Hooked Seafood in AquaDome; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, new to Royal Promenade; the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood; and the exclusive Chef’s Table
Spots for Quick Bites
- AquaDome Market – The lineup at Royal Caribbean’s first food hall brings five different stalls and a selection of wines and beer to the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Flavors range from sweet and savory crepes at Creme de la Crepe to macaroni and cheese with a twist of tasty toppings at Mac’s, to fresh pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean, to Asian-inspired treats like Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR, and sandwiches and salads at Toast and Garden.
- Izumi in the Park – The all-day window debuts next to the first Izumi restaurant in Central Park, serving up fresh sushi and street food to go like taiyaki ice cream with Insta-worthy toppings.
- The Pearl Cafe – A new stop for bites day or night, like freshly toasted sandwiches and ready-made salads, the cafe sits between The Pearl and floor-to-ceiling ocean views in Royal Promenade.
- Basecamp – The new spot to refuel between memory-making in Thrill Island, Chill Island and The Hideaway serves drinks and treats like pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. For a sweet ending, nearby is Desserted, the new milkshake bar with over-the-top shakes, including adults-only boozy options.
- The Grove – The new al fresco and casual Mediterranean dining option conveniently located on the suite sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood – only steps away from the private pool, whirlpool and cozy spots to hang out.
- Returning favorites – Part of making convenience a staple of the dining lineup on Icon are the fan favorites, including Central Park’s Park Cafe – now open in the evening for tapas – El Loco Fresh, the grab-and-go spot for Mexican delights in Chill Island; Sorrento’s signature pies and a different specialty pizza for every day of the week in Royal Promenade; and the most expansive Windjammer buffet that offers an equally expansive menu of flavors from around the world, along with a section and selection designed for kids.
Family and Kids-Approved Eats
- Surfside Eatery – The new buffet dedicated to families at the heart of Surfside, the stay-all-day neighborhood for young families, has options for all ages to enjoy at breakfast, lunch and dinner, including twists on kids classics for the grownups.
- Pier 7 – It’s about the all-day brunch at this new venue in Surfside, serving up casual California-inspired dishes like surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict and sharable platters.
- Surfside Bites – Surfside’s pit stop makes maximizing every minute of adventure easy, thanks to the walkup window and its menu of quick snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon-sugar donut holes and more.
- Returning favorites – From bow to stern, the whole family can have their pick from signature options like sushi and hibachi cooked by an expert chef who puts on a show at the Asian-inspired Izumi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for some friendly competition and bar bites, and Sprinkles for ice cream all day and night.
The lineup of new and returning favorites join the recently announced bars and nightlife that will light up Icon, including spots for families like The Lemon Post in Surfside, with a menu for adults and another for kids; and Dueling Pianos in Royal Promenade, the cruise line’s first dueling pianos bar.
Starting January 2024, Icon will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami year-round and visit destinations like Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. More details about the first Icon Class ship will be revealed in the coming months. Vacationers can dive into all the Icon of Vacations has in store on www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.
NOW OPEN: MARGARITAVILLE® BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING
On June 1st, Margaritaville® Beach Resort Riviera Maya, Mexico, officially opened its doors, welcoming guests to the first adults-only resort within the all-inclusive Island Reserve collection. The resort invites guests to a world of debuts for the brand, like the first oceanfront LandShark Brewery, new room categories & suites that up the wow factor, nine world-class restaurants and bars, a 10,000 sq. ft. spa, and exclusive wedding and event venues providing the ultimate adults-only escape.
"We're delighted to welcome our first guests to Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya," said Grecia Lopez, General Manager. "The world-class all-inclusive resort offers the ultimate in adults-only escapes, inviting guests to indulge in five-star global dining, unparalleled service, luxurious amenities, spectacular entertainment, unparalleled views, and so much more."
Luxury Accommodations Meet Coastal Chic
Each of the 355 suites at Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features comfortable amenities, the option to connect with an adjoining room, and coastal-inspired decor. All accommodations open to a furnished private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean or the resort's pools or gardens. Whether guests spend their getaway soaking up breathtaking sea views in a King or Queen Paradise Room, taking dips in the Luxury Paradise Suite's private swim-up pool, or indulging in total luxury in a top-of-the-line Coral Reefer Signature Suite, they're in for a five-star stay with 13 luxury room types to choose from.
Dinner with a View
As part of the all-inclusive experience, Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya boasts five spectacular restaurants, with plenty of outdoor seating and an expansive terrace that opens directly onto the pool. For elevated date nights with authentic Old-World fare, guests can look to brand staples like Frank & Lola's or JWB Steakhouse for a classic steakhouse experience with a contemporary twist.
The resort will also debut two new concepts, including Far Side Of The World, a concept exclusive to Margaritaville's all-inclusive resorts, with Pacific Rim cuisine inspired by faraway places, unique culinary selections, bamboo shacks, and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. And the Salted Rim Margarita Bar & Lounge, which invites guests to revel in Caribbean elegance with authentic and extensive tequila and mezcal selections to create an array of adventurous creations.
First LandShark Brewery in Mexico
Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features the first LandShark Brewery in Mexico and the first oceanfront brewery location in the Island Reserve collection. The brewery is the perfect spot to enjoy smokehouse classics and signature LandShark lagers brewed on-site. LandShark Brewery features plenty of outdoor seating— including two terraces overlooking the calm Caribbean waters. Guests can drop by to meet the brewmaster, enjoy a beer sampler tray or beer-matching menu, and jam out to live music and performances.
A Balance of Always-on Entertainment & Relaxation
In addition to poolside performances by local bands, DJ-driven pool parties, mixology classes, dance lessons, Caribbean parades, and so much more, guests can enjoy trivia, pickleball, cornhole, and tequila tastings to make the most of every moment at the all-inclusive resort.
Guests can also relax and unwind at the 10,000 sq. ft. St. Somewhere Spa, complete with nine treatment rooms, and choose from an array of tropically inspired spa services designed to awaken the senses, strengthen circulation, soothe nerves, improve digestion, and promote a balanced metabolism with custom-designed treatments, such as an invigorating Gingerita Body Scrub or a Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Pedicure. The St. Somewhere Spa also includes a couple's suite and state-of-the-art 2,000 sq. ft. Fins Up! Fitness Center with a 700 sq. ft. outdoor terrace.
Elevated Wedding Experiences & Events
At Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya, guests can exchange vows with their toes in the sand. Couples will find an array of venues with stunning views, fit for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features the largest sky wedding terrace in the region and across the all-inclusive Island Reserve resort collection, Island Overwater Wedding Packages that elevate the couple's ceremony as they exchange their vows over the pool on a transparent platform, and ballrooms with over 5,000 sq. ft. of premium space for up to 400 people with three breakout rooms boasting unobstructed views of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea.
To celebrate the resort's debut, those who book between June 1st - June 5th, 2023 can save up to 60 percent on a five-night stay through the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Sale, with opening rates starting at $159 per person per night for travel from now through January 24, 2024. Or enter the Grand Opening Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4 day/3 night Island Reserve Inclusive® stay for two, plus $1,000 towards airline tickets and an exclusive invite to the resort's official grand opening party this fall.
For more information and to book your next stay, call your travel advisor or visit the website.
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF MONEYGRAM HAAS F1 TEAM
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF MONEYGRAM HAAS F1 TEAM
MGM Resorts International announced today it has entered into an agreement with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, designating the entertainment company as an official partner for the 2023 Formula One season.
The partnership, MGM Resorts’ first with a Formula One racing team, includes steering wheel branding on the VF-23 during the Monaco, Singapore, Austin and Las Vegas races, as well as digital and social presence in MoneyGram Haas F1 Team promotional content throughout the season.
“The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is a long-time, proven leader and innovator in the Formula One industry with one of racing’s most passionate fan bases,” said Lance Evans, MGM Resorts’ Senior Vice President of Sports and Sponsorship. “This partnership gives us a phenomenal opportunity to showcase the MGM Rewards experience as we welcome the popular sport to Las Vegas in November.”
MGM Resorts and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will offer exclusive fan activations at select properties including team driver meet and greets, garage tours, and more over the course of the three-day FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2023 event November 16-18.
Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, said, “I’m delighted that we’re partnering with a real Las Vegas institution in the form of MGM Resorts International. We’re naturally very excited as a team to be utilizing their properties throughout the Las Vegas event – not least as we know we’ll have outstanding amenities and luxurious surroundings at our disposal for both work and rest during race week. The team at MGM Resorts has been fantastic to work with and I think they’re pretty enthusiastic to be partnering together with America’s only Formula 1 team at such a headline event for the city. We’re looking forward to working on some fan-focused events and truly bringing all that’s special about Formula 1 to the fans in Las Vegas.”
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 33 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company’s 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker, and the Company’s subsidiary, LeoVegas AB, offers sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands in nine jurisdictions in Europe. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram.
About MoneyGram Haas F1 Team
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team debuted in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2016, becoming the first American Formula 1 team since 1986. Founded by industrialist Gene Haas, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is based in the United States on the same Kannapolis, North Carolina, campus as his championship-winning NASCAR team, Stewart-Haas Racing. Haas is the founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America, and he is chairman of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. For more information, please visit www.haasf1team.com.
Delta reaches penultimate milestone at LAX with opening of Delta One
Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Nation’s Capital with New Nonstop Routes
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF MONEYGRAM HAAS F1 TEAM
Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles World Airports have finished the second-to-last major phase of the Delta Sky Way at LAX project, with Terminal 3 now offering another entry point via the west headhouse as well as a dedicated check-in area for its Delta One customers.
“We’re building on our position as LAX’s leading premium global carrier and achieving yet another infrastructure milestone ahead of schedule – enabling an ever-elevated travel journey for our Los Angeles customers,” said Scott Santoro, Vice President of Global Sales. “Now that the summer travel season has officially kicked off, Delta couldn’t be more ready to get our customers where they want to go most.”
An exclusive Delta One check-in area, located on the lower arrivals level of Terminal 3, offers a private TSA screening lane and direct access to the Delta Sky Club. Delta One customers will be greeted by a team of Elite Service agents dedicated to providing white-glove service, and the space will offer refreshing towels as well as light food and beverage offerings. The Delta One check-in area will also feature one-of-a-kind artwork from two local artists in partnership with ArtLifting, a social enterprise that champions artists impacted by disabilities and housing insecurity.
"I am eager for guests to enjoy Delta’s new West Headhouse and Delta One Check-in and ticketing lobby at LAX’s Terminal 3, in addition to the entire Delta Sky Way project when it opens later this summer. These projects truly are establishing the new norm of first-rate guest experiences passengers will find across LAX," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. "My deep appreciation goes to Delta, Hensel Phelps, the team at LAWA, our shared community of supporters and the workers who are continuing to usher the Delta Sky Way project forward."
Additional latest terminal enhancements include the addition of 100 more seats to the Delta Sky Club, the re-opening of the original Terminal 3 passenger tunnel, complete with its signature 1960s tile mosaic and direct access to baggage claim, an enlarged T3 Help Center, and a second connection point to LAX’s automated people mover system when it opens in mid-2024.
Terminal 3 made its debut last year, with a centralized check-in lobby, expanded security checkpoint and baggage claim area, and state-of-the-art Delta Sky Club. Delta was able to accelerate project timelines and will deliver the state-of-the-art, 1.2-million-square-foot, 27-gate complex 18 months earlier than originally planned. The final milestone of the Delta Sky Way at LAX project — the airside connector to the Tom Bradley International Terminal — is expected to be complete in August 2023 and will eliminate the need to bus between terminals.
“A transformation of LAX is on the horizon,” said Rachel Freeman, Deputy Mayor of Business and Economic Development. “The newly completed investments at Terminal 3 are another step in upgrading the guest experience at LAX and building an airport that Angelenos deserve. We look forward to continuing the work with our partners in providing a more seamless, modern, and world-class experience for all of our guests.”
LAX serves as one of Delta’s most important coastal hubs and this summer will operate over 150 peak-day flights to 52 destinations across the globe, serving 19 of the top 20 markets for Los Angeles customers. The airline continues to add new and exciting destinations to its slate, with never-before-operated service launching to Dallas-Love Field (June 5); Auckland, New Zealand, (Oct. 28); and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Vail, Colorado (Dec. 16).
Delta and its 4,000 Los Angeles-based employees are deeply ingrained in the community, supporting more than a dozen nonprofit organizations throughout the state of California. Additionally, the airline is proud to serve as the inaugural founding partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the official airline of Team USA. The airline also serves as the as official carrier of Crypto.com Arena and the LA Kings.
The west headhouse, which features self-service kiosks to drop bags and/or print boarding passes, gives customers another entry point to easily check in and get to security. Later this summer, Delta expects to implement digital ID technology at bag drop and security checkpoints, allowing eligible customers to use their biometric data to more seamlessly move through the airport.
Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Nation’s Capital with New Nonstop Routes
Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Nation’s Capital with New Nonstop Routes
Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Nation’s Capital with New Nonstop Routes
DALLAS — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced more nonstop service to the nation's capital in an expansion of summer travel options for Customers by bringing two additional nonstop routes to Reagan National Airport (DCA).
From July 11 through Sept. 4, 2023, Southwest® will offer additional nonstop service between:
- Memphis, Tenn., and Washington, D.C. (DCA) with one-round trip per day
- Albany, N.Y., and Washington, D.C. (DCA) with one round-trip per day
"The additional slots that became available for this upcoming summer will allow Southwest to bring the benefits of competition, convenience, and our best-in-class service by linking more cities nonstop with Washington, D.C.," said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. "With our all-Boeing 737 fleet, Customers enjoy large-jet service on every flight, whether they're traveling from Washington, D.C., to Albany and Memphis or throughout our expansive network of more than 120 destinations."
Southwest® also continues leading the industry with its pro-consumer policies. The airline allows every Customer the ability to check up to two bags for free1, refuses to charge change and cancellation fees2 offers flight credits that never expire3, and provides the legendary Southwest Hospitality that travelers have come to know and love for nearly 52 years.
From Reagan National, Southwest currently offers up to 45 departures a day to 17 cities across the United States. These flights, and the carrier's full schedule through Nov. 4, 2023, can be purchased today at Southwest.com.
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ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline4. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its nearly 70,0005 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 126 million Customers carried in 2022. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years6 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a four-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet.
- First two checked bags, size and weight limits apply
- Southwest does not charge a fee to change flights, though a fare difference may apply. Southwest does not charge a cancellation fee as long as flight is canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
- Rapid Rewards® points do not expire. Should a Member close its account, the points in the account will be terminated. Flight credits for non-refundable fares will be issued as long as the reservation is canceled more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022, do not expire and could show an expiration date (Dec. 31, 2040) until systems are updated. A flight credit with an expiration date on or before July 27, 2022, has expired in accordance with its existing expiration date. See My Account for flight credit expiration dates, if any.
- U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded
- Fulltime-equivalent active Employees
- 1973-2019 annual profitability
Alaska Airlines 14th Fallen Hero Cart arrives at San Antonio Airport
Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Nation’s Capital with New Nonstop Routes
Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Nation’s Capital with New Nonstop Routes
Last week, our 14th Fallen Hero Cart arrived at San Antonio International Airport after a journey of more than 2,000 miles from SeaTac, Washington.
The cart will be used by San Antonio International Airport to ensure the remains of those who’ve served our country and those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice are treated with respect and honored while being transported to and from the aircraft. It will be available for any airline to use.
This program is designed to make sure every service member, active, retired or veteran, and their families are honored for their service and sacrifice in a respectful and dignified manner on their final journey,” said Brian Bowden, Alaska line aircraft technician and founder of the Fallen Soldier Program. “The goal is to have a cart at every station we serve.”
Months in the making
While the basic elements of the Fallen Soldier Carts are the same, each one also features some unique elements.
The planning to create a cart begins months in advance with most of the work being done by volunteers in Seattle.
“We chose San Antonio because we’ve had several Fallen Hero flights in and out of there over the years. There are also four military bases nearby,” said Kevin Kruse, Alaska line aircraft technician and founder of the Fallen Soldier Program. “When we consider destinations, we prioritize cities with a strong military presence.”
Alaska also has two inspectors based in San Antonio, Todd Gibson and Tom Wertman, who have been instrumental in the design and building of each cart since 2011.
The basic elements of the carts are identical. They have American flag curtains and red carpet on the inside. They are painted Navy blue with the emblems of each branch of the United States Armed Forces on the front and back, and a large decal mounted on the top representing the program. Each cart also features some unique elements. “The build team puts a lot of effort into customizing each cart specific to the station it’s dedicated to,” Kruse said. “Our machine shop makes a ‘license plate’ with the airport code, and there is artwork mounted inside each cart representing the city and state. The San Antonio cart has the city seal on one end, and a woodcarving dedicated to the State of Texas Peace Officers on the other.”