text:
Round Table
Lichfield Round Table to fold in the wake of Presidents Club scandal?
The future of men-only clubs has been called into question following events at the scandal-hit Presidents Club charity evening in London last week.
Revelations that 130 well-paid adult women voluntarily subjected themselves to the drunken, sexually repressed antics of sildenafil-stoked obese rich men at the charity event has called into question the future of men-only clubs like Lichfield Round Table.
Round Table is a Club exclusively for men under the age of 45 who don't know enough senior police officers to be invited to join the Masons. The Lichfield club meets twice a month to discuss clay pigeon shooting, according to its recruitment literature.
But not everyone is convinced by this facade. Former wife of a Tabler, 28-year-old Myfanwy Hertz is a self-employed business consultant, she explained:
'I'm self-employed because I'm a successful independent woman who no-one else is prepared to employ.
'I recommend self-employment to all those young women who will be losing their well paid jobs to satisfy my feminist fundamentalism.'
She believes that the days of men-only clubs are numbered, she said:
'These enclaves of misogyny and sexism have had their day, it's no longer acceptable in our free, liberal society for groups of like-minded guys to get together over a pint, claiming to discuss clay pigeon shooting and the most effective way to commit suicide.
'Does anyone genuinely believe that? No, all they do is get drunk and moan about their wives and girlfriends and snigger about what they would like to do with the barmaid, given half an erection. I find it offensive and Round Table should be closed down.
'And that bitch behind the bar at the Bowling Green can do one as well.'
Talking to BBC Radio 5Live's Saturday Breakfast, diminutive local travel agent Richard "Dick" Holland,14, defended the traditions of the men-only Round Table movement, he said:
'Round Table is a Club for young men under the age of 45, we meet up a couple of times a month to talk about clay pigeon shooting and practice techniques for talking fellow club members down from the roof.
'It's all about having a chat and a laugh and relaxing in male company away from the pressures of making the evening meal and putting the kids to bed
'But it's not all about us, we have a sister organisation for the girls, called 'The Ladies Ring', which is focussed on monthly get togethers to dress in pink and discuss knitting and baking. Nothing sexist about that I think you'll agree.'
Mx Hertz listened in to the broadcast in the hair salon where she was preparing for a Ladies Night out at Lichfield's new Cougar Club, she said:
'Well I'm delighted, Dick makes the Round Table sound so dull I think it'll die of natural causes without my help.
'I like mine black with a big one', she laughed, shouting her coffee order across the salon.
Anyone who would like to hear Richard Holland fall from his high chair during the interview can catch it here for a limited time
From 43 minutes
Distraught Lichfield children and parents join "Free Santa" campaign
Distraught children and parents from the Lichfield area have joined a mounting campaign to "Free Santa". Campaigners claim that Santa Claus has been kidnapped and is being held hostage by a dissident band of ultra-conservative egos, the self-styled District 250.
Formerly a branch of Round Table of Great Britain and Ireland, a social organisation for middle-aged men with an interest in go-karting and archery, District 250 has, according to concerned local mum Maureen Roberts, gone rogue.
Mother of two, Maureen said:
'I became suspicious that something was amiss last week at the Lichfield Christmas Lights switch-on. Santa wasn't driven around the Market Square like he usually is, instead he seemed to be tethered-up outside the George IV pub. When he did appear his beard covered his whole face, it could've been anyone!'
Rumours have been spreading throughout the City for some time that Santa had been captured. Publican Paul Pardoe of The Whippet Inn Micropub in Tamworth Street said:
'The fully-liveried Mitsubishi Pajero had been abandoned outside my pub for months. Fortunately the pub windows become so misted up with fat boozers' heavy-breathing and farting that you couldn't see the car unless you popped out to piss up its tyres. But a few weeks ago Old Bob Brown nipped out to sick-up his pork pie and ale and swore that he could hear a knocking coming from the car's boot. I ignored the old drunk at the time but now I'm beginning to wonder.'
The "Free Santa" campaign was boosted today when FSL was contacted by a man claiming to be a member of District 250. Nick, not his real name, doesn't wish to be identified but said:
'I joined Lichfield Round Table a couple of years ago because I didn't have a girlfriend but do have a passion for go-karting and archery. But things have now got out of hand. Last Christmas Santa said he wouldn't be doing the driving-around-the-streets thing again this year, the parents were going to extreme lengths to avoid his visits and, in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, young kids were more likely to phone Childline than sit on his lap.'
Nick added;
'Santa also said that it was a little incongruous that he, being Santa, the giver-of-gifts, was being driven around the streets begging for cash from the unemployed self-employed.'
Nick says that it was at this point that District 250 realised the serious threat to it's income stream. Santa was kidnapped, thrown into the boot of the fully-liveried Mitsubishi Pajero and parked up at various locations around the City for the rest of the year.
The nightly Christmas Santa tour is now well underway, with the discretely shackled Santa visiting different areas of the City every evening. Nick continued:
'After 12 months Santa was beginning to exhibit signs of Stockholm Syndrome, he seemed to be actively assisting with the money making plans, he created a website http://www.lichfieldsanta.co.uk even suggesting routes for the tour to take each evening. Now the website has a tracker which show's Santa's progress. Ostensibly this is a useful tool, parents can now time precisely when to switch off all the house lights or drive to Tesco. But if you look a little more closely at the tracker map it tells a different story.'
Earlier today District 250 issued a statement:
'We can confirm that Santa is helping us with our fundraising efforts again this Christmas. We're expecting to have a very expensive year, what with the credit card bill for the New York trip to pay and plans to visit Belgium, Italy and India next year. Please do all give very generously when we visit your house. If we do not exceed last years target by 24 December then Christmas will be cancelled.'
Maureen has asked children and parents throughout the City to join the protest. She told us:
'To ensure Santa's safety we are asking everyone to give generously but please also to take part in a silent protest, holding up "Free Santa" placards as they parade Santa through your streets.'
For more information visit www.lichfieldsanta.co.uk
We know what you did last summer
HOLIDAY in Portugal and Cornwall this summer a long lost memory?
Wondering what's been happening in the Cathedral City whilst you've been away?
Hanging onto the tail-end of summer before the glorious finale of 'Jerusalem' and the fireworks of Saturday's Proms in the Park?
Dreading the inevitable mirthless descent towards Christless?
Well don't worry, we've been keeping an eye on things from a suitably tropical distance whilst you've had better things to do.
And here's some of the best bits:
Lichfield District Council in cash-grab from council taxpayers' bank accounts
LICHFIELD District Council raided local council taxpayers bank accounts on 13 August.
The unscheduled Council Tax direct debit payment at the height of the summer holiday season came as an unexpected knockout blow for many cash-strapped locals. A council spokesman said at the time:
'Never mind, payment by direct debit remains the most simple, convenient and safe way for us to steal your money.
'We would like to thank you for continuing to pay by this method and thereby avoiding that knock on the door by our over-enthusiastic bailiffs. Please enjoy what's left of your miserable holiday, sorry the kids can't eat this week.'
If you would like to discuss any of the points raised, please contact the Council Tax Billing Team on 01543 308882/3/4 who will be unable to help you with your account.
Unemployed Londoners occupy the roof of a Shenstone factory in random show of support of Palestinians
MEMBERS of the London Palestine Action Group occupied a camp on top of the UAV Engines factory in Shenstone.
The group claimed that the Israeli owned company makes engines for Israeli drones.
The company spokesman said:
'We have owned this land since we stole it from the Lammas Land Trust in 1948 as compensation for the atrocities committed against weapons manufacturers throughout our history. The unlawful occupation of the factory roof by these lowlife gentiles threaten the security of the region, their porridge eating and first floor defecating is a cause of great concern to the local commuters who congregate in The Plough each evening to pass judgement on the 'lowers' of the village.'
The siege was eventually ended as a police drone helicopter approached menacingly out of the early evening sun from within the Wall. Powered by a UAV engine the drone videoed the removal of the protesters from the roof by officers on the ground.
Tempted down by a promise of hot pork baguettes and bottles of merlot, 'Palestinian' leader Pete 'Swampy' Smith commented:
'By allowing this factory to export drone components to Israel, the UK Government is providing direct support and approval to Israel's massacres.
'We demand the permanent closure of the factory and an end to all forms of military trade and co-operation with Israel.
'But alternatively,if you could just pay for our train fares back to Brighton we'll be off.'
Outside the factory supporters of the protest massed in their 10's.
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant commented:
'By a quirk of boundaries Shenstone is not within my constituency, just like Burntwood. But had it have been I would have commented:
'It is an outrage that the factory roof has been occupied and is a threat to the rest of the premises. I wholeheartedly support the Company should it choose to annihilate those concerned. There will of course be collateral damage to the roof but his can be repaired over the next 20 years by you, the taxpayers, with aid funded by humanitarian appeals on TV for just £3 a month.'
Councillor cleans up local wildlife park
CELEBRITY granny, Councillor Sue Woodward spent her summer holiday litter picking in the former Redwood Park.
Following questions from locals asking if the Park had been designated as the new Burntwood Tip Councillor Woodward commented:
'No, Redwood Park is not the new tip. We have spent the past few weeks collecting old fag packets, crisp wrappers, chip papers, condoms and the like from the hedgerows. Dog shit has been a significant problem but with the help of JCB from the People's Republic of Uttoxeter this has also been removed.'
Looking to the future, newly appointed Burntwood Town Council enforcer Steve Lightfoot commented:
'We are confident that the park will be designated, not as a tip, but as a Wildlife Park, being home, as it is, for all sorts of local wildlife who may find living in a traditional housing a little too challenging.'
Burntwood MP Michael Fabricant gets a bloody nose
FORMER member for Burntwood, Michael Fabricant spent the summer Parliamentary recess addressing the pressing concerns of his constituents.
Whilst the lack of a Burntwood Health Centre debacle continued, Mr Fabricant lobbied against the unusual issue of discrimination against gay men in their right to donate blood.
In an article in the Guardian Mr Fabricant said:
'It's so unfair, if a promiscuous heterosexual man having unsafe sex is allowed to donate blood why shouldn't the rules be applied equally to a promiscuous gay man having unsafe sex.'
Local gay Guy D Hiscock commented:
'To be frank, if you ask me there are far more important discrimination issues that need tackling than equality in blood donation. But on the other hand, the prospect of feeling a quick prick followed by ten minutes of a rhythmic throbbing is quite appealing now you mention it.'
When not campaigning for the right to donate bodily fluids indiscriminately, the honourable member was upping his campaign for the blood of the cuckolded midget Speaker Bercow.
Alas another campaign of no interest or significance to his loyal Burntwood constituents.
'A' Level results day 'just an excuse to perv over teenage girls'
A GROUP of unattractive, unqualified and underemployed Lichfield ladies complained about the media coverage of our local schools' 'A' level results.
Vicky Pearce of Lichfield Ladies Circle said:
'We all pretend to be friends and entertain ourselves with baking and knitting whilst our 'men' are out having fantastic archery and real ale evenings and driving round in their fully-liveried Mitsubishi Priapic RotundTable car.
'But then every summer, to add insult to injury, we have to put up with pages of filth in the Lichfield Mercury and that on-line rag 'Lichfield Died' following on from 'A' Level results day.
'Page after page of young fit attractive flat-stomached girls jumping in the air, vibrant and full of life, it's an absolute disgrace.'
Lichfield Died's football correspondent, former celebrity skateboarder Ross Hawkes defended the coverage:
'Every year we get sent dozens of photographs on results day by our local schools. We just choose to publish the ones where the kids seem to be having the most fun, just so long as it's a group of flat-stomached well-endowed hotties. Frankly I'm not bothered what grades they've got, as far as I'm concerned everyone's a winner!
'The rest I leave for my mate Phil.'
Staffordshire Police become online lingerie salesmen
DESIGNER clothes bought by ball-achingly beautiful Lichfield mom Michaela Hutchings were put up for auction on e-Bay by Staffordshire Police.
Ms Hutchings had been innocently sent an unsolicited gift of £50,000 by the financially incompetent Lichfield District Council and then promptly convicted of dishonesty.
Kayla said :
'Without prejudice, my understanding of the legal position is that under the provisions of the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971 (as amended), any received monies can be retained as an unconditional gift. As the receiver, so to speak, I had no obligation to return the gift… sorted.'
Mickey spent a modest £7,000 of the LDC's generosity buying luxury goods by Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Dior, amongst other brands. She generously gave £1,000 to her mum before wisely investing £40,000 for the future in a savings account.
The designer clothes were seized and put up for sale on-line by Staffordshire Police in a bid to recoup some of the £51,006.55 confiscation order.
Kayla commented:
'There really was no need for a confiscation order, as soon as I realised the mistake I agreed to give the money back, but it was tied up in a tax-free ISA with interest penalties for early withdrawal. And that's not something I'm keen on – early withdrawal, so to speak, to be honest.'
Staffordshire PCC Matthew Ellis said :
'All of these items were genuine, purchased at full retail price in High Street stores and were seized the day after purchase and I for one am delighted to have been the successful bidder for a nearly-new pair of Paramour panties.'
Labour Parliamentary Candidate gets married
LABOUR Parliamentary Candidate Chris Whoishey got married and went on honeymoon, somewhere.
Chris said:
'Thanks for asking anyway. Maybe see you again in 2020?'
Welcome Back…
Lichfield and Burntwood residents must pay to see their local MP
Burntwood residents will get a rare opportunity to meet their local MP at a specially arranged 'An Evening with Michael Fabricant' at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 27 June at 8.00pm.
Stung into action by the remarks of Labour Group leader 'Butcher of Burntwood' Councillor Norman Stephen and celebrity granny Councillor Sue Woodwind, Mr Fabricant has organised a gala surgery for the disenfranchised from beyond the Wall.
The MP commented:
'Traditional MP's surgeries deal with the moans and the groans of the frankly rather tedious, 'Fix My Street' types who have nothing better to fill their dreary lives with than complaining about the Austerity Project and dog shit.
'This week at the Garrick my constituents get the fabulous chance to listen to me talk for over 90 minutes about my radical campaigning for self-promotion. Much more entertaining I'm sure you'll all agree.'
The throbbing member will charge £8.50 per ticket to attend this prestigious event. Mr Fabricant continued:
'I have no liking for local surgeries of any kind, as everyone with health issues in Burntwood will testify. But charging £8.50 for a ticket will ensure that only the truly deluded will attend.
'If successful I'll propose this as a template for appointments to see your local GP, if you can find one. It'll discourage the time-wasters and of course, the poor and sick.'
Originally aimed at his sycophantic twitterers, the local member will choose the records he would take on a desert island in a show based on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs
Mr Fabricant is expected to enter stage left to "Rocky's Theme" and his fans will be disappointed if the Stephen Sondheim classic, "Send in the Clowns" doesn't feature.
Somewhere in the show the select audience can expect to hear "Talk to the Animals",an old Rex Harrison number, with a special guest appearance by the 'Cougar and Dark's Circus' Push Me Pull You. The two-faced creature is credited with inspiring Mr Fabricant's political stance on most local issues and his unnatural interest in llamas.
Playing Kirsty Young (presenter of BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs') will be local Conservative Party chairman Jonathan Hall:
'I've enjoyed playing Kirsty Young for many years, my wife is very supportive provided that I don't go to church dressed like that.'
'At the end of the show, Michael will take questions. If they are on any serious topics to which he takes exception there could be hilarious consequences,' joked Mr Hall.
'Expect a brain haemorrhage or a thump in the throat at the very least,' he quipped.
Mr Fabricant promised:
'The evening should be a lot of fun and for each mug that buys a £8.50 ticket I promise to donate absolutely nothing to a local charity. It'll sell out fast," said the MP, desperately trying to fill the remaining third of the small auditorium with just days to go.
'This will be a first for the Lichfield Garrick, a disastrous political stunt, but that's nothing new for me,' added Micky.
No.10 is keeping a low profile on the event but when asked PM David Cameron said:
'The idiot is a complete embarrassment and I urge all the good citizens of Lichfield and Burntwood to vote for the local Labour lost boy Chris Whoishey if you can find him.'
Anyone who prefers not to mix with the common folk in the cheap seats can always opt for the more prestigious House of Commons Dinner earlier in the week. For a modest £100 per ticket you can join local Tory Boys from Lichfield Round Table at the exclusive event in Westminster.
Diminutive Rounder Dicky Ladman commented :
'There are still tickets available, I'll be leaving Lichfield straight after my tanning session on Wednesday afternoon and anyone who needs a lift is welcome to join me in my fully-liveried Mitsubishi Pajero.'
Rumours abound that the event may be cancelled due to lack of interest.
Anyone who would like to attend either event is advised to book early to ensure disappointment. However it may not be suitable for opinionated Muslim women unless of course they are shopkeepers or nannies.
Boley Park residents raise £156 to keep Santa away
A group of neighbours on Lichfield's Boley Park estate have raised £156 and donated it to Lichfield Round Table for charity.
John Smith of Pentire Road explained: "We are delighted with the amount raised. Luckily I saw a tweet yesterday saying that Santa would be in the area on Tuesday night, that gave me just enough time to rally the neighbours."
Sandra Jackson takes up the story :"That's right, we all agreed, it would be much better to raise the money on the understanding that the Round Table Santa wouldn't come along our road at all. We're all busy working parents, I'm out of the house for at least twelve hours a day and when I get home I have to feed and bath the kids and get them into bed. The last thing I need is for a bloody fake Santa to come 'yo-ho- hoing' along the road in the middle of Holby City."
Rounder, Pete "Up the Villa" Adams commented:"We're very grateful to the Pentire residents for this generous donation, it will certainly go some way towards this evenings fuel costs for our fully-liveried Mitsubishi Pajero."
Others however were a little more circumspect. Tabler stalwart of two years, Mike "I'm a Right Laugh" Collins told us: "A big thank you to the Pentire folks but this cut an hour out of our evening and to be honest that's the last thing that I need at Christmas. I've had more time on my hand than I know what to do with since Vicky left me for that Morris Dancer. It's no laughing matter."
Santa's tour of the City streets continues right up to Christmas Eve, so check out his itinerary on http://www.lichfield.roundtable.co.uk to avoid disappointment by being unexpectedly in.
Lichfield Round Table Car Faces the Boot
As Santa prepares to empty his sack for another Christmas, Lichfield Round Table members are anxiously reviewing their options as to where to park their fully-liveried Mitsubishi Pajero for the next twelve months.
Earlier in the year the car could be found abandoned in various locations in and around the City – traffic islands, farmers' fields, Eastern Avenue cemetery. But there are now few places left that it hasn't been towed away from.
Mike "I'm a Right Laugh" Collins, who has been involved with the group for two years, said: "I had it on my drive for a few weeks, it was a right laugh! But I had to let it go when my wife called me a knob and left me for a Morris Dancer. I still miss it."
The club – a social club for mainly, or soon to be, single men aged 18-45 – raises about £2,000 each year less than they spend on car running costs, real ale and archery evenings.
"If we can't find suitable parking," said chairman Pete "Up the Villa" Adams, "we'll have to sell it, give the proceeds to charity and join Lichfield Golf and Country Club. Now that's what I call sad."
To join Lichfield Round Table email firstname.lastname@example.com. Or call the Samaritans.


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Figure 2.2 summarizes the two-way, chicken-and-egg relationship between transportation and land use or urban form.3 The challenge to urban planners and decision-makers is, first, to understand this interaction, and, second, to use that understanding to guide the evolution of the urban region in ways that meet societal goals as much as possible.
In particular, population and employment growth within any region clearly must translate into increased amounts of travel. One of the most important challenges to making this growth "smarter" is to do so in a way that:
- minimizes the amount of additional travel that needs to be accommodated;
- deals with travel growth in a way that minimizes increases in congestion, environmental damage, and other harmful effects.;
- is as cost-effective as possible both to users of the transportation system and to society as a whole;
- contributes to rather than compromises other societal goals such as economic growth or quality of life.
Figure 2.2 The Transportation- Land Use Interaction
Not shown in Figure 2.2, but central to the entire urban transportation debate, are the relative roles played the various modes of transportation available within the transportation system, where a mode is defined by a specific combination of technology, infrastructure, and service characteristics. In particular, the private automobile (and the associated road system which provides the right of way for automobile use), public transit (in all its manifestations, including bus, rail and commuter rail "sub-modes"), and non-motorized (walk and bicycle) modes all play essential roles in serving the demand for personal travel in urban areas. Of these, the private automobile is the dominant mode of travel in North America. In the Central Ontario Zone, for example, for 81% of the individual trips made during a typical weekday in 2001, the individual either drove or rode as a passenger in an automobile.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Feast of Saint Dominic[See also "False and Misleading Rumors."]
August 4, 2007
August 4, 2007
Dear Neighbors,
For a while now I have been wanting to address you regarding the controversy which has surrounded Saint Benedict Center's plans to erect another building on our property. Recent events have reminded me that it is necessary to do this sooner rather than later.
With this letter I extend an olive branch to all our neighbors, whether you are in favor of our building project, against it, or are indifferent to it.
First, I would like to say that I'm very sorry that our attempt to build a 10,300-square-foot school and chapel has occasioned bad feelings in the community. This was certainly not our intention. We have lived at peace in this town for almost twenty years now and we intend to remain here in peace.
Nevertheless, there is something else at work. In an effort to oppose our project, some folks have tried to "stir the pot." They have made very ugly and defamatory accusations regarding SBC and the families who worship here. Even friendly bystanders who do not practice our religion have been caught in the crossfire.
We are very sorry that some Richmond residents have had their peace disturbed, but we had no way of knowing that a handful of opponents would resort to these tactics.
The situation has escalated to the point that a nationally-known organization, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), has run an article on it in their publication, Intelligence Report. This article has been circulated around town. I have already responded to it on our web site (www.catholicism.org), but I will make some brief comments on it here.
The SPLC is well known for profiling organizations as "hate groups." They started during the civil rights movement, by going after racist groups like the KKK and similar organizations. But then they moved on to other territory, making a lot of money in the process. As part of their multi-million-dollar annual business, they label many conservative, pro-family, and pro-American organizations as intolerant extremists. They very often create controversy where there is none, as when they portrayed the movie series, "The Lord of the Rings," as racist propaganda. Americans on both the political left and the political right have questioned the SPLC's credibility.
The story they ran on SBC included serious misquotations, non-factual statements, and untruthful rumors. A layman who comes to our chapel was accused of making the despicable statement that "Jews should be dealt with using 'blood and terror if it's required.'" This is a libelous claim. The vile quotation was fabricated.
The article also reported the unfounded rumor that people "heard the sound of automatic weapon fire at SBC on a regular basis." SBC is a monastery, not a shooting range; we have no automatic weapons. This claim is untrue, as are numerous others calculated to make us look like a dangerous cult.
What got left out of the article is what we actually do in the community, like visiting the elderly in nursing homes, helping disabled neighbors with their firewood, sponsoring a Boy Scout troop, teaching children in our school, training altar boys to serve Mass, and entertaining people with wholesome, family fun at our annual festival. As a service to the community, we also typeset and helped publish two books on Richmond's history: The Town in the Forest: Life Story of Richmond, New Hampshire, by Neith Boyce and The Only Mill in Town: The Story of the Pail-Making Industry in Richmond, New Hampshire, by Richard A Martin. We rendered these services for free.
Many of you have visited here and know us, or you know families who worship here. You know that these defamatory claims portray us in a very false light — as we were able to show in the detailed refutation on our web site. It is a terrible shame that outsiders based in Alabama, people who do not know us and who made no effort to interview us for their article, have attempted to stir up trouble in our small New Hampshire community.
That said, we bear no grudge against those who were quoted in the article. Neither do we hold it against people if they oppose our building project for one reason or another. Contrary to what the article claimed, we don't want to chase people out of town. Rather, we want to remain your good neighbors. Here in Richmond, as everywhere else, there are bound to be disagreements of one kind or another; but that does not prevent us from being kind, civil, and neighborly to each other. And if we try to interest you in our Catholic religion, it is out of Christian charity, not out of hatred.
To those we haven't met: We invite you to get to know us. Some folks may attempt to give this letter their own spin, causing doubt and confusion about who we are. This makes it even more helpful for you to get to know us personally. This year's Blueberry Fiddle Festival would be a great opportunity for us to enjoy each others' company. We hope to see you soon!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M.
Your neighbor, and the Prior of SBC


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Nightflyers season 2
Seasons: 1
Country: USA
TV channel: Syfy
Original release: December 2, 2018 - present
About TV show Nightflyers season 2
Nightflyers season 2 release date - 2019, to be announced.
Nightflyers Plot
In the future, the world is about to be destroyed. In time, eight scientists, a powerful telepath, a close-knit crew, and their retired captain set out on a journey to the edge of our solar system hoping to get in touch with aliens. But as they fly through space, more and more terrifying things happen, which is why the crew begins to question each other. Soon all passengers have to worry about their lives.
Nightflyers season 2 release date
2019, to be announced
Nightflyers is an upcoming American science fiction television series on Syfy based on the novella of the same name and the series of short stories by George R. R. Martin that is set to premiere on December 2, 2018.
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2020-02-16 20:16:33


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Having a local Auto Repair shop apply it on your vehicle is probably going to save you money over time. If a person has a shop they know anf the like, they can feel at ease when taking their vehicle in for emergency repairs. By using someone they've got worked with in the past tthere shouldn't be surprises when receiving one more bill.
To find single, start out by asking everyone you tell who they recommend you get your vehicle serviced into. Friends, family, and neighbors will be able to tell you who each goes to or who they have not been happy with. Make certain the service was satisfactory or maybe okay. Also ask them once the bill was the amount said or was it in a?
After choosing who you want to take your automobile to, check with the better business bureau first. You can some kind of there has been a disorder against the shop therefore, what the complaint involved. Information is also there to inform you if it was satisfaction or when this still unresolved.
The locally owned shops provides great personal service that will create repairs quickly and most appropriate. They are your neighbors in your neighborhood and they understand the significance of customer referrals. In reach for, their mechanics are knowledgeable and skilled with all the different makes of models of an automobiles. They do not specialize in one single brand, they can fix all of them.
Most will have an ASE Certificate, (Automotive Wining and dining Excellence). If it is limited displayed, ask if they've got it. It is the test given concerning Auto Repair conditions. Also ask how many years of experience they have and how long they have in business.
Do not count on something major to fix before seeing a shop. Find one before you're in a crisis. Go and get fundamental maintenance work done and see how you like local store. Do you like the individuals and were they respectful? Did they do what she said they had to do and did it will cost what they said it may possibly cost?
Using a local Auto Repair shop are going to also save you benefit other ways. If they've been local, you will don't have a commute to get readily available. They are close by in case it a major patch, you can always sign on on the status of repair. In addition, because they're local, you know they have got to your repeat business along with its referrals so they certainly their best to satisfy your concern..


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The Three Secret Swords are the techniques honed and used by Shishio.
- Ichi no Hiken: Homura Dama (壱の秘剣 焔霊 lit. "First Secret Sword: Burning Soul"): This is the technique Shishio has used the most. Using friction, or using sparks created from the blade and scabbard touching, to ignite the human fats that have soaked into his sword over time, this serves to distract the opponent from his swings. The result is being simultaneously burned and slashed; even if the opponent is to likely dodge the blade, the flame is big enough to likely scorch the opponent as well.
- Ni no Hiken: Guren Kaina (弐の秘剣 紅蓮腕 lit. "Second Secret Sword: Crimson Lotus Upper Arm"): Shishio fills his gauntlets with gunpowder, and ignites them with the sparks caused by the Mugenjin. Thus it results in an explosion. Guren Kaina yields a lot of force and is usually performed while his opponent (such as Kenshin or Saitō Hajime) is at close range, preferably in his grip. Realistically, this technique would most likely result in Shishio's hand being blown apart.
- Tsui no Hiken: Kaguzuchi (終の秘剣 火産霊神 lit. "Last Secret Sword: Fire Bearing Spirit God"): The Kaguzuchi is the ultimate technique in Shishio's arsenal. He activates it by scraping his blade from the base to the tip on the end of the scabbard, creating a miniature fire cyclone around the blade. The technique is not fully revealed, but it's believed that Shishio starts the fire and then slashes at the enemy, thus he can incinerate them entirely while still cutting them. Before Shishio could utilize the Kaguzuchi, he was countered by Kenshin's ultimate attack. The Kaguzuchi (actually Kagutsuchi) is the name of the Shinto god of fire.
- Note: In the Rurouni Kenshin: Enjou! Kyoto Rinne video game for the PlayStation 2, when Shishio makes contact with his Kaguzuchi, the flames rise upward and form a giant pillar or wall of flames, sending the opponent upward while severely burning him at the same time. Shishio then emerges from the flames as it dissipates. The opponent is seen falling behind him. This was apparently used in Rurouni Kenshin Uramaku - Honoo o Suberu although, instead of sending the opponent upward, the victim is engulfed by the strong flames and is incinerated into ashes. In the game Jump Ultimate Stars, Shishio can perform the Kaguzuchi and it is listed as one of his support attacks.
For all of his power and skill, Shishio had a fatal weakness: Because he was set on fire, most of his sweat glands were burned. Therefore, once he engaged in battle, his body heat rose far above normal levels. Though Hōji believed Shishio's body heat contributed to his power in battle, it became his downfall, as he spontaneously combusted after 25 minutes in battle.
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This is a more current version of the traditional brand in which the typography has been modified, adapting the brand "Universidad de Jaén" which will be used as the corporative image of the University of Jaén on all of its institutional, academic and administrative communications in which the University takes part individually or in collaboration with other centres and/or institutions. Thus, it aims to maintain the same graphic line and visual coherence, both in the application of the brand itself and in its coexistence with other external elements that could be generated in the university environment.
This brand consist of the symbol and the brand's name of the University of Jaén, along with the corresponding typography for this version,regardless of the positive or negative values represented below. The two elements are inseparable and form an indivisible whole.
The proportional relationships between the different elements that shape the brand must remain as they are specified in this manual, being the Cabinet of Communicaiton and Institutional Projection the one in charge of the assessment as well as the conflict resolution in its traditional use and placemente for all of the situations that may require it.


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Investing can be daunting, especially if you think you need heaps of money get started.
But the fact is you don't need to be super wealthy to get the ball rolling; in fact, there are many different options available if you're interested in starting with a small amount of money.
In no particular order, here are some super simple, and smart, ways to start investing that probably won't break the bank.
Is investing right for you?
There's no point getting starting investing unless your finances are in order. Otherwise, your plan to commence investing could lead to financial pain, instead of gain, down the track.
That's why it's a good idea before leaping into investing to set up an emergency fund, assess your account after-tax income and expenses, and assess your household budget.
Get rid of debt
Similarly, it's not advisable to jump into investing when you're still carrying high-interest credit card debt, especially if you're only considering investing a small amount of money.
That's because if you're not careful you could end up paying more in interest on the dollars you've borrowed, for instance on a credit card, than you're earning by investing.
Get back to basics
These days, thanks to technology, you've got a myriad of cheaper investment options easily accessible and open to you, including online and smartphone-based choices, even if you've only got $20 to play with.
Still, if you want to save on fees and stay low-risk, there's always the piggy bank or coin jar. You'll likely be amazed at how your money accumulates if you put aside regular savings.
Open a savings account
If you're ready to take the next step, an easy way to help your money grow is to open a high interest savings account. While strictly-speaking this is not an investment, it'll help your money grow.
The great thing is that you don't generally need a stack of cash to open a savings account. Make sure to look around for the best option for you and then let compound interest do the rest!
What about round-ups?
Recent smartphone tech has ushered in a wave of micro-investing apps that enable you to invest small amounts in the share market by "rounding up" daily card transactions.
There are many options out there that allow users to invest this "digital spare change" by linking card transactions to investment portfolios.
Spaceship Voyager, for instance, is an investment portfolio app that lets account holders invest small amounts into one of two managed funds, meaning users can start investing from their smartphones with less hassle – and money -- than conventional brokerage. As always, think about whether this product is appropriate to your circumstances.
Don't forget about super
It's smart to think long term. So, it also doesn't hurt turning your mind to retirement and considering your super options as it's open to you to make voluntary contributions.
It's important to choose a good fund and look at the fees and long-term returns remembering that past performance does not guarantee future performance.
Remember, time makes an enormous difference to how your balance pans out.
For example, if your total annual fees and costs were 2 percent of your account balance, rather than 1 per cent, your final return could be considerably reduced over a 30-year period.
With a long working life in front of you, it can pay to consider a higher growth option which may be more volatile in the short term but may pay off in the long term. There are also particular funds, such as Spaceship Super, that are specifically geared to millennials.
Invest in knowledge
Like anything, investing comes with risks so the quicker you get your head around the subject, the more chances you'll have to make savvy market moves and hopefully not lose your $20.
So, make sure to jump online and get educated on investment basics as well as broader economic concepts such as interest rates, the economy, foreign exchange and government policy. This will give you a better chance at making smart decisions with your money.


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A Dream About Animals
Last night, I saw a rat riding a cat riding a dog while being walked by a human. Well, not surprisingly, I had a dream about it. >8D But it was just a repeat of what I saw in real life, unfortunately (actually, I don't know how it could get weirder than that…). And I … Continued


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Ted Cruz, is suffering from massive jet lag, or else he has gone clinically insane. Because he is making some crazy, desperate, illogical, nonsensical moves.
First, his Super PAC mysteriously gives his opponent, Carly Fiorina, a check for $500,00.00. Super PACs that explicitly support a candidate almost never give in support of other rival candidates. On top of that, at the time, Fiorina was one of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's main Republican opponents in the 2016 presidential race.
That's why the donation was such a mystery — even The Washington Post piece didn't offer an explanation. It was so uncanny that the Federal Election Commission flagged the activity.
Ted Cruz Announces Carly Fiorina as VP Pick:
Hey, 'Crazy Carly' and 'LyinTed', in case you haven't noticed, you LOST last night. You were eliminaTED. Now get off the stage, thanks.
Then, he comes in dead last in last night's Primaries, losing even to John Kasich. How did he handle it? The mathematically eliminated politician asks Carly Fiorina to be his imaginary vice president. Hmm, OK. Then we find out that his new imaginary VP s a huge supporter of Islam.
Carly Fiorina: Islamic Civilization Was The "Greatest in the World"
In a speech that was given a mere two weeks after Islamic jihadists attacked America on 9/11, the former HP chief executive officer gave a speech on technology, business and our way of life. She concluded her speech with the following:
There was once a civilization that was the greatest in the world.
It was able to create a continental super-state that stretched from ocean to ocean, and from northern climes to tropics and deserts. Within its dominion lived hundreds of millions of people, of different creeds and ethnic origins.
One of its languages became the universal language of much of the world, the bridge between the peoples of a hundred lands. Its armies were made up of people of many nationalities, and its military protection allowed a degree of peace and prosperity that had never been known. The reach of this civilization's commerce extended from Latin America to China, and everywhere in between.
And this civilization was driven more than anything, by invention. Its architects designed buildings that defied gravity. Its mathematicians created the algebra and algorithms that would enable the building of computers, and the creation of encryption. Its doctors examined the human body, and found new cures for disease. Its astronomers looked into the heavens, named the stars, and paved the way for space travel and exploration.
Its writers created thousands of stories. Stories of courage, romance and magic. Its poets wrote of love, when others before them were too steeped in fear to think of such things.
When other nations were afraid of ideas, this civilization thrived on them, and kept them alive. When censors threatened to wipe out knowledge from past civilizations, this civilization kept the knowledge alive, and passed it on to others.
While modern Western civilization shares many of these traits, the civilization I'm talking about was the Islamic world from the year 800 to 1600, which included the Ottoman Empire and the courts of Baghdad, Damascus and Cairo, and enlightened rulers like Suleiman the Magnificent.
Although we are often unaware of our indebtedness to this other civilization, its gifts are very much a part of our heritage. The technology industry would not exist without the contributions of Arab mathematicians. Sufi poet-philosophers like Rumi challenged our notions of self and truth. Leaders like Suleiman contributed to our notions of tolerance and civic leadership.
Though Fiorina did acknowledge Christianity and Judaism in culture, she did not call them "a civilization that was the greatest in the world."
She failed to recognize the long track record of Islam and its culture in the Middle East. In fact, understanding that the U.S. is essentially a Christian nation, one would think that she would reference the rich heritage of Europe or even our early founding, but instead, two weeks after Islamists attacked America, she decided to praise the culture that spawned them.
Not only that, but she apparently has bought into the lie that it was Islam was very important with regards to mathematics. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Enza Ferreri points out:
The word "algebra" stems from the Arabic word "al-jabr", from the name of the treatise Book on Addition and Subtraction after the Method of the Indians written by the 9th-century Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, who translated, formalized and commented on ancient Indian and Greek works.
And Abu Ja'far lived between 780 and 850 AD; algebra initiated in ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Athens, 2,500 years before Abu Ja'far was born. And he was not even a Muslim:
[H]e was a Zoroastrian who was forced to convert (or die) by Muslim rulers because Persia had been conquered by the Islamic armies, and that was what Muslims did (and still do wherever they can). That could easily explain the "pious preface to al-Khwarizmi's Algebra."
In fact, most of the Muslim World's supposed "inventions" and "innovations" were merely done by infidels who lived in lands conquered by brutal Islamic armies.
Fiorina is no dummy. She is very well-educated, with a history degree from Stanford. So why deliberately promote what she must have known is a lie about the origins of algebra. And why such lavish praise for Islamic "civilization" — perhaps the most barbaric in human history — a mere 2 weeks after 19 Muslim slaughtered nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11?
Fiorina's supporters will no doubt minimize this speech for how long ago it was given.
However if her views have changed, then why did she criticize free speech activists in Texas who were protesting the Paris Charlie Hebdo attacks by drawing Muhammed — and who came under Muslim terror attack for their views — comparing the protesters of radical Islam to "White supremacists?"


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Like most drug terminology, the word 'dank' started out as just another simple adjective used to describe a place that is uncomfortably moist, damp, and dark. Think of a dingy, mold-infested basement, a bat-infested cave, or some other unwelcoming spot. That's why if you drop this word around folks who aren't familiar with slang, they likely won't have a clue what you're talking about. What, after all, is the point of using slang words, right?
Ever since the 1970's, it has been used by stoners, hippies, and marijuana users to describe high-quality pot that's high in THC. It is the psychoactive component in cannabis. According to the Urban Dictionary, it is "sticky, hairy, stinky, and highly potent marijuana". It's also an adjective used to describe something as exceptionally good.
In fact, some cannabis breeders and dealers are now adding the word of their high-THC strains, with names like "Dank Schrader" hitting the shelves at some marijuana dispensaries. There's a cannabis store in Colorado that's called the DANK Dispensary. It's likely that the word will become a common fixture in pot marketing materials throughout the United States.
The Difference
Cannabis users claim that in order to be called it, marijuana needs to be notably sticky, have a strong odor, and be exceptionally potent. It's important to know that since it is actually a slang term, there's absolutely no regulations to define what it is, or isn't.
- Whether or not marijuana is truly 'Dank' tends to come down to personal opinion.
Like all drugs, it has the potential to be dangerous, whether it's purchased through a licensed marijuana dispensary, from a street dealer, or homegrown.
All types of marijuana are considered to be relatively safe when compared to drugs like heroin, oxycontin, or morphine. Cannabis users can experience both short and long-term side effects that can be dangerous.
Marijuana can slow your reaction time right after using it. making everyday activities hazardous. Over time cannabis use can decrease your IQ, irritate your lungs, and even cause temporary hallucinations and paranoia. The negative side effects of Dank increase relative to the THC content. The 'stronger' the Dank is, the higher the chances are that you'll suffer from unwanted physical and mental problems related to your drug use.
Drug users and health experts are sounding the alarm about the emergence of a new danger – Fentanyl-laced marijuana. The growing availability of the highly addictive, and deadly opioid Fentanyl fueling this concern.
According to Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, coroner of Hamilton County, Ohio, "We have seen fentanyl mixed with marijuana" – if this is true, the pot that you think is Dank might actually contain more than just marijuana, and using Dank could in fact have serious and even deadly consequences.
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text: The Customer Journey/OI Progress Report is used to update our customer on their campaign progress. The report is created by the Customer Journey Manager before any checkpoint call with client, which can occur weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. The completed document is sent a maximum of 2 hours or minimum of 15 minutes before the checkpoint call, unless the customer specifies other preferences. The data included in the report is exported from VanillaSoft.


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Home, Sweet Sonos!
March 24, 2008, 5:20 pm
Filed under: audio-visual, coupons, exclusive coupons, sponsors, technology, video production
Filed under: audio-visual, coupons, exclusive coupons, sponsors, technology, video production
Please welcome our newest Day Tripper Dispatches sponsor, InHome Design A/V. Nick Le and his staff have taken care of all the Day Tripper Divas' audio-visual needs for the past three years, including our latest installation, Sonos whole-house music which has us rediscovering the pleasures of music after being too busy with the family and business to keep up! Nick, his brother Quan Le, and their installers stay on top of the cutting edge of home a/v and smart-home products, while finding the best deals for their clients. They won't commit you to the latest hot gadget to make a buck – they fully test, shop around, and guarantee all products and installations, with the overriding goal of long-term client satisfaction. And if you have a question or problem, they are just a personal phone call or house call away. We've never had to wait more than a day or two for a service call – and it's on our time! Please mention the DayTripper Dispatches or The Compleat Day Tripper when you call (617-825-7285) or email Nick for special rates on your first installation. Highly recommended!


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"The best thing you will ever work on is yourself."
Combat Fitness combines elements of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) into functional movement and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) resulting in a fun, diverse and dynamic workout. Our unique exercises and exciting class format target every major muscle group while avoiding burnout and overuse that often lead to injury.
While our classes include a lot conditioning, cardio, endurance, and muscle-development – the focus here isn't bulking up. It's really about self-empowerment and becoming part of a community of positive and encouraging people who are going to help you reach your goals. Our dedicated team of passionate and experienced coaches will equip you with the tools and provide the support to help you build the body and lifestyle you want.
There are major differences to this program that differentiate Combat Fitness from other exercise programs like CrossFit or Cardio Kickboxing. Working out is only a small part of it. You can't outwork a bad diet. Combat Fitness has a major emphasis on nutrition and how to build healthier habits. You'll learn how to make better food choices and you'll sweat and burn calories while performing authentic techniques, exercises and striking combinations based on proven Self-Defense and Mixed Martial Arts concepts.
Combat Fitness has helped hundreds of people from all walks of life lose thousands of pounds in Camden, Dover, Felton, Milford and surrounding communities in Delaware. If you are in looking for a change in your diet and workout routine contact us now to schedule a free class!


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bbPress Notify (No spam) was originally built to let admins know when there is a new message in the forums. Over time, it was modified to notify other roles chosen by the Admin. This add-on allows users to opt-out of notifications.
Version 1.0 has arrived!
Version 1.0 is now available at a special price – only $14.99. This is what you get for that price:
- 2 available email template tags for unsubscribe URLs:
- [opt-out-url-wp] – gets converted into the wp-admin/profile.php URL
- [opt-out-url-bbpress] – gets converted into the bbPress profile URL for that user
- Your subscribers can opt-out in either profile screen (WP or bbPress). You choose the one that fits you best (for those who have plugins that disable /wp-admin/profile.php for certain users)
- bbPress Subscriptions screen will tell your subscriber whether he has opted out.
- From your subscriber's point of view, nothing happens if he is not part of one of the roles selected to receive notifications.
- This price is for version 1.0 only. Once I add more functionality, the price goes up for new buyers.
Please sign up below to receive updates regarding the development process.


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Sold by the roll. Please do not use the screen image as a representation of the wallpaper colour as this varies from monitor to monitor. We always recommend that you order a sample for more accurate representation.
This beautifully patterned wallpaper features a trio of elephants dancing horizontally across the African Plains. Intricately rendered, they are taken from a series of large decorated urns painted by Zinhle Nene which take pride of place in the Ardmore museum. Order your Cole & Son wallpaper from The Best Wallpaper Place. Price Match Guarantee. Samples from 75p.
We offer a number of options for orders within the UK and for International orders. Orders dispatched from our warehouse are handled and delivered by FedEx. Orders dispatched directly from our wallpaper brands are subject to their delivery schedules as specified on each product page. Where a Next Day delivery option is selected this is based on the next working day based on the shipping schedule of the brand of wallpaper chosen.
Your relevant delivery options will show at checkout once you have inputted your delivery address. You can select the most convenient delivery for you.
Delivery options and guide pricing is below; costs will be confirmed at checkout. For full details on delivery costs & international shipping visit our dedicated Delivery & Returns page.
|Standard FedEx Delivery (Anytime between 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday)
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Shop online at The Best Wallpaper Place with 100% security and confidence.
For commercial orders BACS payment is also accepted. For any payment or order questions contact our Sales Team on 0121 289 4290.


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By Mick "Spin" Dumdell
Damn it! I slept late this morning and a conservative, Joel B.Pollak, at Breitbart beat me to the punch! A CONSERVATIVE!!!
An American dentist from Minnesota has allegedly killed an iconic Zimbabwean lion named Cecil with a bow and arrow in a trophy hunt. The Internet is outraged, perhaps rightly so. It is telling, however, that the deaths of thousands of ordinary Zimbabweans, and the starvation and displacement of millions, have failed to rouse anything like the same level of anger.
President Barack Obama had the decency to exclude Zimbabwean dictator, Robert Mugabe, from the African Union summit in Ethiopia. But he, too, has largely been silent on Zimbabwe.
Could there be any better illustration that black lives do not matter to our liberal media and political elites?
Earlier this week, Obama was in Ethiopia, where he referred to its "democratically elected government." In reality, Ethiopia's elections have been a total fraud. "The prime minister of Ethiopia was just elected with 100 percent of the vote," said noted Obama critic…Susan Rice, at a briefing last week. Obama piled on, joking about running for a third term, even as Mugabe called the two-term limit a "rope around the neck" of African leaders.
Zimbabwe has been on the slide for decades. The rot set in during the 1980s, when Mugabe's forces killed tens of thousands from the Ndebele minority as he consolidated his control over the government.
In the late 1990s, as the country's socialist economy slid into a deep fiscal crisis, Mugabe targeted gays and trade unions, and called a constitutional referendum to expand his powers. When he lost, he launched a racist terror campaign against white farmers–destroying the country's economy–and accelerated his persecution of the opposition.
The world yawned, mostly–even though animals as precious as Cecil were poached from Zimbabwe's national parks, not for trophy hunting but for food. George W. Bush declared Zimbabwe an "outpost of tyranny," but the left took little interest–because, well, Bush.
Obama came to office determined to ignore Bush's democracy agenda. Amidst the hysteria over policing in the U.S. which Obama has joined the left in stoking, no one bothered with the police state in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, or elsewhere.
So spare the angst over Cecil, liberals. Black lives don't matter to you.
I thought about just plagiarizing this, because really, how many readers here ever check out Breitbart anyway? But honesty, and fear of being busted out, won out. What I would like to add is that I have seen more sorrow, anger, and outrage over the death of Cecil, the lion, than I saw over Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown and Freddie Gray COMBINED! True, Cecil was an African, so there is that aspect, but still Cecil wasn't an African-American.
I wish I had written the above article, but that is what I get for "lion in bed.'
Your very truly,
Mick "Spin" Dumdell
FootNote: The Image is:
Actress Celeste Holm pouring milk for Beany and Cecil, the Seasick Sea Serpent. Best remembered today as a
1960's animated series (one of the first color shows on ABC), the program originated with puppets handled and voiced by Dawes Butler and Stan Freberg. Called Time for Beany, the Emmy award-winning show aired from 1949-1954, originally on Paramount's first attempt at a "fourth network," then syndicated.


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Tribals, Maoists hoist black flags in Lalgarh
Posted by Admin on August 16, 2009
MIDNAPORE: Tribals led by Maoists held protests with black flags at various places in Lalgarh in West Midnapore district on Independence Day on
Saturday inspite of presence of central forces and the police.
Villagers of Lalgarh, Salbani, Goaltore, Belpahari, Binpur stayed away from Independence Day celebrations and took out processions led by Maoists in various areas with black flags.
Over 5,000 tribals including women, armed with traditional weapons also gathered at Madhupur, a Peoples Committee Against Police Atrocities stronghold, near Salbani and hoisted a black flag, the police said.
Superintendent of Police, West Midnapore, Manoj Verma said the police were inquiring about the hoisiting of black flags.
The West Bengal government has already admitted that the anti-Maoist operations by the central and police forces, launched with much fanfare on June 19 were a failure.
Another phase of the operations, however, would begin shortly, it has been announced. TOI


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My Favourite Building: art dealer Olivia McLeavey
"The 1960s is my favourite period of architecture and Freyberg Pool is a classic form of the period. The building is strong, decidedly modernist, elegant and confident.
Designed by Jason Smith from King & Dawson, it was built in 1963 with a butterfly roof and glass floor-to-ceiling walls. It's a lovely building to be inside, flooded with light and beautiful views of the city and sea. In 2008 artist Victor Berezovsky was commissioned to paint 'Portal' to adorn the facade.
It draws attention to the building's simplicity and modernist design and adds another layer to its aesthetic. Well-conceived changes have been made to the structure, opening up the street side and introducing a cafe and juice bar to reflect contemporary city life.
I love swimming so I spend a lot of time here, especially in winter when it's too cold for the sea. If I don't go to the pools, I still drive home past Freyberg – it marks the point where I say goodbye to the city and hello to the sea."
Photography by: Russell Kleyn.


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Dispelling the Trump Invincibility Myth
An urban myth of legendary proportions has built up around Donald Trump. The fable is that Trump defies all rules of politics and polling, so that no matter what deficiencies or giant screw ups he shows on the campaign trail, he will somehow turnout out masses of previously unidentified voters to defeat mere mortal politicians and install him in the Oval Office with ease.
I don't buy it, and neither should you.
Sure, Trump surprised us all by vanquishing his 16 more experienced primary opponents. (Well, 15 more experience. I still don't know what the heck Ben Carson was doing there.)
But he didn't do it with black magic or voodoo. While all the pundits may have dismissed his chances, Trump was leading in almost every GOP primary poll since July 2015. So it wasn't a Houdini trick that Trump won the primaries; it was our refusal to believe what was right in front of our own eyes. Read More


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Fairness pays off
What happens to one's own productivity when a colleague experiences unfairness? As of yet, this indirect influence in the workplace has been the subject of very little study. Unfair behaviour by an employer makes employees less productive – even if those employees are not directly affected. This was demonstrated by IWH economist Sabrina Jeworrek and co-authors Matthias Heinz, Vanessa Mertins, Heiner Schumacher and Matthias Sutter in a behavioural economic experiment. The experiment simulated an unfair employer-employee situation: 195 subjects were hired for two work shifts in a call centre to carry out a nation-wide survey in Germany. The employees received 40 Euros per shift, paid at the beginning of both 3.5-hour shifts. Employees were randomly assigned to one of three groups during their assignment at the call centre to measure the indirect effect of unfair behaviour. In the first group, staff numbers remained unchanged in the second shift. In a second group, the staff were reduced by 20%, but the remaining employees were not informed that these were terminations. Rather, they were told that there would simply be fewer staff for the second shift. In the third group, the staff were also reduced by 20%, but the remaining employees were informed that the reductions were the result of terminations. "We also told the people in the third group that we fired their colleagues so we can cut costs, and that the selection of people was completely arbitrary. We wanted the situation to be as unfair as possible," says economist Jeworrek.
Three possible scenarios were conceivable at the time: "Either the subjects are happy that they are not affected and just continue as normal. Or they even do a particularly good job as a way of expressing their gratitude. However, it is also conceivable that they perceive the behaviours of the employer as unjust, even though they themselves are not affected, and reduce their work performance as a result," Jeworrek noted. The latter was the case: in the third group, the workforce became significantly less productive and the average number of calls dropped by 12% as the subjects took longer breaks and left work earlier. However, the fact that the second peer group also employed 20% fewer workers did not appear to affect productivity.
A few weeks later, the economists explained the experiment to the workers and questioned those who were not fired about their job satisfaction: in all groups, the participants were satisfied with the pay, atmosphere and management's behaviour towards them. The third group, however, graded behaviour towards colleagues as much worse than the comparison groups. When asked what they considered to be particularly antisocial, they mentioned above all the arbitrary selection of the dismissed individuals and the dismissals per se.
Most recently, the research group interviewed experienced HR managers. They were asked to assess how they thought the productivity of the subjects had developed during the course of the experiment. Although the experts gauged the result very well on average, individually they were often wrong. About 60% overestimated the negative effect on work performance, but the remaining respondents underestimated the effect or even suggested an increase in productivity.
"We suspect that the cost of unfair behaviour for employers is significantly higher than originally thought," says Jeworrek. "Austerity measures can completely miss their target if employees become unproductive due to the dismissals of their colleagues." That means: not only do employees appreciate fair treatment, it also pays off from an economic point of view.
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IWH list of experts
The IWH list of experts provides an overview of IWH research topics and the researchers and scientists in these areas. The relevant experts for the topics listed there can be reached for questions as usual through the IWH Press Office.
Related Publications
Indirekte Effekte von als unfair wahrgenommenem Arbeitgeberverhalten auf die Produktivität von Beschäftigten
in: Wirtschaft im Wandel, 3, 2018
Jede Organisation, die darüber nachdenkt zu restrukturieren, Löhne zu kürzen oder Angestellte zu entlassen, sollte auch über mögliche Reaktionen der persönlich nicht betroffenen Arbeitnehmer nachdenken. Dieser Beitrag präsentiert Ergebnisse eines Feldexperiments. Es offenbart, dass die als unfair wahrgenommene Handlung des Arbeitgebers – in diesem Fall die Entlassung von Arbeitskollegen – die anschließende Produktivität der nicht direkt betroffenen Arbeitskräfte mindert. Als Teil des Experiments antizipierten erfahrene Personalmanager zwar im Durchschnitt erfolgreich die Konsequenzen unfairen Arbeitgeberverhaltens auf nicht betroffene Arbeitnehmer, einzeln lagen sie jedoch oft daneben.
Indirect Effects of Unfair Employer Behaviour on Workplace Performance
in: VOX CEPR's Policy Portal, 2017
Any organisation that needs to restructure, cut wages, or make layoffs needs to know how the employees who are not affected will respond. This column presents a field experiment which revealed that the perception that employers are unfair – in this case, as a result of layoffs – reduces the performance of employees who have not been not directly affected. As part of the experiment, experienced HR managers were able to successfully anticipate the consequences of unfair employer behaviour on unaffected workers.
Measuring Indirect Effects of Unfair Employer Behavior on Worker Productivity – A Field Experiment
in: IWH Discussion Papers,
published in: The Economic Journal
We present a field experiment in which we set up a call-center to study how the productivity of workers is affected if managers treat their co-workers in an unfair way. This question cannot be studied in long-lived organizations since workers may change their career expectations (and hence effort) when managers behave unfairly towards co-workers. In order to rule out such confounds and to measure productivity changes of unaffected workers in a clean way, we create an environment where employees work for two shifts. In one treatment, we lay off parts of the workforce before the second shift. Compared to two different control treatments, we find that, in the layoff treatment, the productivity of the remaining, unaffected workers drops by 12 percent. We show that this result is not driven by peer effects or altered beliefs about the job or the managers' competence, but rather related to the workers' perception of unfair behavior of employers towards co-workers. The latter interpretation is confirmed in a survey among professional HR managers. We also show that the effect of unfair behavior on the productivity of unaffected workers is close to the upper bound of the direct effects of wage cuts on the productivity of affected workers. This suggests that the price of an employer's unfair behavior goes well beyond the potential tit-for-tat of directly affected workers.


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Cuts are coming: The Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta's Finance
In May 2019, the government of Alberta struck a Blue Ribbon Panel to review Alberta's finances and recommend a plan to balance the budget -- only looking at the expenditure side of the equation. The panel released their report on September 3 and it is disastrous for the public services that all Albertans need and rely on.
Like Ralph Klein before them, government officials are repeating the talking point "Alberta has a spending problem" to justify making extreme cuts to public services and infrastructure.
The truth is, Alberta has a revenue problem. Due to decades of insufficient taxation and overreliance on resource revenues, there is a shortfall of up to $14.1 billion dollars annually in the province, which could be easily solved with the tax system of any other province.
The panel is recommending cuts of over 14% in all areas of government spending over the next four years when we consider population growth and inflation.
Public services need to be strengthened, not cut, especially in times of economic uncertainty and precarity. Albertans deserve to know if they get sick, they'll get high-quality medical care and that their children will have the opportunity to develop their full potential in classrooms that are a reasonable size and have appropriate resources and supports. Alberta parents need access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care. We won't give up the fight for our public services.
Media Releases
MacKinnon panel delivers on mandate to recommend gutting Alberta's public services (September 3, 2019)
Government fiscal update continues to ignore the real problem: revenue (August 27, 2019)
Already severe government revenue shortage will worsen with handouts to corporations (May 13, 2019)
Blue ribbon panel to balance budget looks to be justification for cuts to public services (May 7, 2019)
Opinion: Blue ribbon panel gives political cover to public service cuts, by Joel French
As printed in the Edmonton Journal and the Calgary Herald
Other Resources
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Minimum Wage Petition
The Government of Alberta has introduced a discriminatory minimum wage for youth.
On October 1, 2018, the minimum wage in Alberta went up to $15 per hour. Over 300,000 people in our province got a raise - that's 1 in 6 working Albertans.
The effects of the $15 minimum wage were immediately apparent. It was a positive step forward for building a strong economy for all Albertans, and contributed to the child poverty rate decreasing by half over the last two years.
But now, the provincial government is discriminating against youth--a demographic of workers who can't express their opinion at the ballot box--by cutting their minimum wage from $15 to $13 per hour.
This policy divides working people by providing an incentive for businesses to avoid hiring adult low wage workers, who tend to be already-struggling young adults, women, and people of colour.
A discriminatory differential minimum wage is wrong.
Join us to demand equal pay for equal work. Sign the petition today.
I call on the Government of Alberta to eliminate the differential minimum wage for youth, ensuring Alberta's workers are treated equally regardless of age.
Strengthening Public Services
In the lead up to the 2019 provincial election, issues related to the province's economy have been the highest priority for both of the major political parties and have therefore dominated media coverage and the overall public conversation. However, as our Executive Director Joel French wrote in a blog post, "If the goal is to move Alberta forward, not backward, then public services need to be at the heart of the campaign."
Albertans value their public services, and they need to be strengthened. Services like health care, early learning and child care, care for Alberta's seniors, the public education system, and our post secondary system are vital to a thriving and healthy society.
We interviewed activists and advocates from across the province to learn more about the issues, and to hear the concerns of citizens of our province.
On January 16th, 2019, Public Interest Alberta held a press conference at Jasper Place Child Care & Family Resource Centre to release the summary of our 2018 Child Care Survey, which focused on studying the outcomes of the government's $25-a-day child care pilot program. The results are clear: the program is a success. We need universal child care so families are fully supported in the care and development of their children.
What are key issues in health care affecting seniors this upcoming election? Public Interest Alberta and Friends of Medicare held a citizens' forum in Red Deer to talk about critical issues facing Albertan seniors and their families like the need for universal pharmaceutical coverage, expanded capacity and staffing in our hospitals, and major improvements in our seniors' care system. Our government must invest in improvements to care for our province's system because Alberta Seniors Deserve Better.
Classroom conditions are the central issue for K-12 education in Alberta's election. Voters need to hold political parties to a high standard, demanding that they take action to reduce class sizes and increase classroom supports. Public Interest Alberta recently held a citizens' forum in Edmonton at the Alberta Teachers' Association to address these important issues.
Post-secondary education is the answer to many of Alberta's challenges, including our transition to a more stable and diversified economy. To meet those challenges, we need a stronger system that is higher quality, more affordable, and more accessible. Public Interest Alberta recently interviewed students, faculty, and staff at the University of Alberta to get their thoughts on how to address those issues.
2018 Child Care Survey
On January 16th, 2019, Public Interest Alberta held a press conference at Jasper Place Child Care & Family Resource Centre to release the summary of their 2018 Child Care Survey.
In addition to overall conditions in the child care sector, the survey sought to gain insights into the impact of of the Government of Alberta's Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Centres pilot program, also known as the $25-a-day program. The results are clear: the pilot program is a success. While the child care sector continues to face challenges such as long wait lists, the ELCC program significantly reduces those barriers to high-quality child care. Through public funding, the ELCC centres are better equipped to support children with complex needs, and are able to hire and retain better-trained staff.
The continuation and expansion of the ELCC program should be a cornerstone of government priorities for strong public services.
Read the 2018 Child Care Survey Summary
Public Interest Alberta in the News
Benefits of $25-a-day daycare highlighted in new report
by Carly Robinson, CityNews
Alberta child-care survey points to success of $25-a-day programs
Calls to expand Early Learning Child Care Program
by Regan Hasegawa, CTV News Edmonton
Parents benefiting from provincially funded child care centres: survey
by Dylan Short, Calgary Sun
Low Wage Report 2018
2018 Alberta Low Wage Report
Public Interest Alberta obtained the following information from Statistics Canada's monthly Labour Force Survey. It indicates the average number of employed Albertans in each category for the year ending June 30, 2018. The total number of employed Albertans in this period was 1,913,200. The minimum wage will increase from $13.60 per hour to $15.00 per hour on October 1, 2018.
More than 300,000 Alberta workers will receive a raise on October 1st because of the minimum wage increase.
- 302,300 employed Albertans earn less than the incoming minimum wage of $15 per hour (15.8%).
- 359,100 earn less than $16 per hour (18.8%).
- 159,500 earn the current minimum wage of $13.60 per hour (8.3%).
More than 60 percent of workers receiving a minimum wage raise are women.
- 189,400 workers earning less than the incoming minimum wage of $15 per hour are women (62.7%).
- 100,100 workers earning the current minimum wage of $13.60 per hour are women (62.8%).
- 223,200 workers earning less than $16.00 per hour are women (62.2%).
More than three-quarters of workers receiving a minimum wage raise are 20 years of age or older.
- 233,300 are 20 years of age or older (77.2%).
o 163,300 are between 20 and 44 years old (54.0%).
o 59,300 are between 45 and 64 years old (19.6%).
o 10,700 are 65 years of age or older (3.5%).
Download our printable fact sheet
Read our media release showing what the data means for Albertans working in the province.
Regional Fact Sheets
- Athabasca - Grande Prairie - Peace River
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Lethbridge
- Medicine Hat
- Red Deer
- Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake
Public Interest Alberta in the news
Minimum wage debate Segment on Alberta Primetime (CTV Two)
300,000 Albertans to benefit from minimum wage boost Interview on The Ryan Jespersen Show (630 CHED)
Minimum wage increase to benefit Red Deer workers by Susan Zielinski, Red Deer Advocate
300,000 Albertans will be getting a raise next month by Daily Hive Calgary
One in six working Albertans can expect a raise when minimum wage goes up Oct. 1, advocacy group estimates by Hamdi Issawi, Star Metro Edmonton
Thousands of Red Deerians to receive minimum wage increase by Troy Gillard, rdnewsNOW
Pending minimum wage hike will boost local economy: PIA by Tim Kalinowski, Lethbridge Herald
Chamber joins poverty-reduction group in opposition to minimum wage increase by Collin Gallant, Medicine Hat News (Low Wage Report mentioned)
Group takes issue with minimum wage approach by Collin Gallant, Medicine Hat News
Better wages won't fix poverty: Thrive by Collin Gallant, Medicine Hat News (Low Wage Report mentioned)
Minimum Wage Increases in Alberta by Ania Werbeniuk, Lexology
Who's driving the Thrive bus? Letter to the Editor, Medicine Hat News
Minimum wage increase will have major pain by Dayla Lahring, St. Albert Gazette (Low Wage Report mentioned)
25% of workforce gets raise by Collin Gallant, Medicine Hat News
A guide to Alberta's new $15 minimum wage and what it will mean for the economy by Kieran Leavitt & Brennan Doherty, Star Metro Edmonton
Alberta's minimum-wage workers tell us what $15 an hour really means for their bottom line by Hamdi Issawi & Brennan Doherty, StarMetro Edmonton
What does the increase in minimum wage mean for you? Alberta at Noon (CBC Radio)
Goes too far or about darn time, Alberta minimum wage hike continues to divide by David Bell, CBC News
$15 minimum wage increase met with mixed reception from public by Evan J. Pretzer, The Stony Plain Reporter
Minimum wage increase draws mixed reviews by Eric Bowling, Westlock News
Previous Low Wage Reports
Revenue Reno
Public Interest Alberta has launched this new campaign calling for the provincial government to fix Alberta's revenue shortage to protect and revitalize our public services.
Albertans need public services. They must be strengthened, not cut.
Resource revenues should be saved for future generations, not relied upon to fund government's basic operations.
Alberta's revenue shortage is best solved by renovating our tax system with changes to personal income taxes and a sales tax.
To learn more about our campaign and to take action, please visit www.RevenueReno.ca
Read our campaign launch media release
Read our Red Deer event media release
Watch our public discussion event in Edmonton
Watch the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs event in Lethbridge
Public Interest Alberta in the news
Lobby group pitches sales tax in Alberta to save public services by Crystal Laderas, 660 News
An Alberta sales tax: The unpopular idea that just won't die by Robson Fletcher, CBC News (makes mention of the Revenue Reno campaign)
The Return of the Leg, Pipelines, and prep for the 2019 election by Dave Cournoyer and Ryan Hastman, Daveberta.ca podcast (mention of campaign begins at the 1 hour 8 minute mark)
The revenue reno campaign. Taxes could be good thing Interview with Joel French on the Rob Breakenridge show (News Talk 770)
Public Interest Alberta's revenue reno campaign Interview with Joel French on the Ryan Jespersen show (630 CHED)
Sustainable public services unattainable without 'revenue renovation' by United Nurses of Alberta news
Public Interest Alberta to host Revenue Reno in Red Deer Red Deer Advocate
Alberta's revenue shortage concerns Central Albertans by Sean McIntosh, Red Deer Advocate
Alberta's tax system fair but failing, experts warn by Brodie Thomas, Star Metro Calgary
Advocacy group says tax reform, sales tax needed to get province off revenue roller coaster by rdnewsNOW
Globe editorial: It's time for Alberta to bite the bullet and impose a sales tax by The Globe and Mail
Opinion: Albertans face choice between service cuts or a sales tax by Joel French, Edmonton Journal
Alberta needs to renovate its tax system to generate more revenue by Joel French, Calgary Herald
Public Interest Alberta hosts meeting in Lethbridge for new 'Revenue Reno' campaign by Malika Karim, Global News Lethbridge
When Does "Advantage" Bring Structural Deficits? Ask Alberta Interview with Joel French on The View Up Here podcast
Alberta's tax regime today's SACPA topic Lethbridge Herald
Taxes only way to reduce deficit by Dave Mabell, Lethbridge Herald
Provincial Sales Tax Recommended by Public Interest Alberta 94.1 CJOC FM
Public Funds for Public Schools
Public Interest Alberta joined 18 other organizations in calling on the Government of Alberta to:
1. In Budget 2018, reduce public funding to private schools from 70% to 50% (with the exception of special needs schools).
2. Re-allocate the $30 million in savings to fund a classroom conditions improvement project in select Public, Catholic, and Francophone schools.
This call to reduce public funding to private schools would be the first step towards completely phasing out this funding over a three year period. Please see our previous media release from 2017 for more details.
Participating organizations:
- Public Interest Alberta
- Progress Alberta
- Alberta Teachers' Association
- Public School Boards Association of Alberta
- Edmonton Public School Board
- Support Our Students (SOS) Alberta
- Calgary and District Labour Council
- Edmonton and District Labour Council
- Edmonton Catholic Teachers
- Edmonton Public Teachers
- Calgary Board of Education Staff Association
- Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Alberta
- CUPE Alberta Education Employees Committee
- CUPE Local 40 (Calgary Board of Education staff)
- CUPE Local 474 (custodial staff for Edmonton Public Schools)
- CUPE Local 1099 (St. Albert Public Schools support staff)
- CUPE Local 3550 (support staff for Edmonton Public Schools)
- CUPE Local 4625 (Sturgeon Public Schools support staff)
- Unifor Local 52A (support staff for Edmonton Catholic Schools)
Public Interest Alberta and partners in the news
Public school proponents push for cut in funding to Alberta private schools by Janet French, Edmonton Journal
Joel French interview on CBC Radio CBC Radio Active with Portia Clark
Une coalition demande à l'Alberta de réduire ses subventions aux écoles privées Radio-Canada/ICI Alberta
ATA joins call to scale back private school funding by Jen Janzen, ATA News
Should Private Schools Get Public Funding? by Joel French and David Staples, Alberta Views magazine
Think-tank calls for increased private school enrolment in Alberta by Janet French, Edmonton Journal
Other resources
Members of Public School Boards' Association of Alberta oppose public funds supporting private school
Progress Report on LGBTQ Policies of Four Alberta School Boards
Public Interest Alberta and the University of Alberta's Dr. Kristopher Wells have released Progress Report on LGBTQ Policies of Four Alberta School Boards (download the full report).
This work builds on our previous work with Dr. Wells, Making the Grade: An analysis of sexual orientation and gender identity policies in Alberta.
Our organization has been supportive of efforts to ensure that the policies and guidelines of all of Alberta's 61 school boards fully reflect the requirements of recent provincial legislation with regard to sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ), and in particular the changes mandated by Bills 10 and 24. The provincial government originally required school boards to submit their policies in this area by March 31, 2018. These policies must be made publicly available by June 30, 2018.
As an interim measure, Dr. Kristopher Wells was asked by Public Interest Alberta to evaluate the current policies of four school boards, two each from public and Catholic school systems:
- Westwind School Division #74
- Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools
- Edmonton Catholic Separate School District No. 7
- Buffalo Trail Public Schools
The purpose of the project is not to generalize about the policies of the remaining boards on the basis of these four, but rather to analyze in detail the specific policies of these four boards in order to determine the nature and extent to which they currently meet the expectations of the legislation, and the kinds of changes that will be necessary in the near future as a result.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a process that will ensure all 61 boards have exemplary policies and guidelines which meet the legal requirements of government and, in turn, actively welcome, support, and affirm LGBTQ students, staff, and families as a full and valued part of the school community.
Public Interest Alberta in the news
School LGBTQ policies out of step with School Act changes, advocacy group says by Janet French, Edmonton Journal
Alberta school boards face steep climb to support LGBTQ students: Report by Kevin Maiman, Metro News
Deadline for LGBTQ school policy approaches by Susan Zielinski, Red Deer Advocate
Public Interest Alberta released a report on how school board policies need to change to support LGBTQ students, staff and families Danielle Smith radio show (News Talk 770)
Some school boards falling behind on protecting sexual minority students by Dave Cournoyer, Daveberta.ca
From Poverty to Progress
Nearly 150,000 children in Alberta – that's one out of every six kids – currently live in poverty. Poverty is prevalent across the province, but vulnerable groups such as single parents, minimum wage earners, and racialized communities are more susceptible. The result is generation after generation of people who lack access to early education, health care supports, adequate housing, and proper nutrition.
Poverty can impede children's ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems, which continues into teens and adulthood.
- Children born into poverty are at a greater risk of low birth weight, poor nutrition and subsequent health issues, developmental delays, abuse and neglect, and behavioral and socioemotional problems.
- Many children in poverty arrive at school with developmental and behavioral disadvantages, which adversely effect academic outcomes
- Children in poverty are less likely to graduate high school
- Lack of education, supports, and chronic health conditions can lead to unemployment and adult poverty
Many children living in poverty have parents who work, but low wages and unstable employment leave their families struggling to make ends meet. Low-income earners face obstacles finding affordable housing, arranging transportation to and from work, buying basic necessities, arranging childcare, having unpredictable work schedules, and juggling two or more jobs.
Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty.
Read more on child poverty here: Keep Investing in Alberta's Children: The Government's Role in Ending Child and Family Poverty
- Provide greater access to affordable, quality child care spaces to ensure that those wanting to participate in the work force or to increase their earning power through training or education can do so, particularly for women and single parents
- Develop a strategy to support child care centres implementing the province's new curriculum framework.
- Continuing investments should be made to help support increased access to child care spaces for families with infants, children with special needs, and those living with lower incomes
- Improve hours of accessibility to child care spaces
- Establish child care centres in underutilized schools and require all new schools and other publicly-owned facilities to incorporate additional space for early childhood and after school programs
- All orders of government should adopt living wage policies for contracted services
- Provide additional support for language and employment training for Albertans who need to upgrade their skills and literacy or be re-skilled
- Increase social assistance rates, which are currently the lowest in Canada, and index income support programs like Alberta Works and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped to inflation
- Increase earnings exemptions and asset limits to make income support programs more fair and effective at lifting Albertans out of poverty
- Increase direct to tenant rent subsidies to enhance affordability for low-income families and individuals in the rental market
- Remove the budget cap on rent supplements, which currently leaves eligible Albertans without that support after the budgeted amount has been spent each year
- Ensure affordable housing units are available in all neighbourhoods and municipalities
- Significantly increase asset limits for eligibility to social housing and lengthen the transition time for Albertans moving out of social housing
- Extend the Alberta Adult Health Benefit to low-income working Albertans
- Extend the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit to all low-income Albertans, including those without children
From Poverty to Progress is a campaign coordinated by Public Interest Alberta to educate the public on the problem of child poverty in Alberta and to mobilize the public to speak out for greater investments in poverty reduction. The number of children living in poverty in Alberta has remained virtually unchanged for 25 years. Helping children and their parents who continue to live in poverty must remain a priority.
From Poverty to Progress is a step towards ending the cycle of child poverty.
The campaign was launched on August 16, 2017 and includes:
- alarming child poverty statistics and their effect on children
- steps to be taken to reduce child poverty
- take action, sign our petition - From Poverty to Progress
The NDP government has made some significant positive steps to alleviate poverty:
- increased funding to Family and Community Support Services
- increased funding for women's shelters
- increasing minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2018
- created a Status of Women Ministry
- funded 22 Early Learning and Care Centres
- implementing an ambitious Alberta Child Benefit focused on supporting our lowest-income families
- unveiled a new affordable and social housing strategy with significant funding attached
Despite these actions, Alberta's women and children are still affected the most by income disparity. Children are overrepresented among Alberta's poor; they represent 22 percent of the population but comprise 30 percent of all people living in poverty. Many families continue to struggle to afford quality, and accessible child care. Women are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to child care because it hinders their ability to fully participate in the economy, while children in poverty do not have access to quality care and early interventions.
Alberta needs a poverty-reduction strategy to prevent, reduce, and ultimately eliminate poverty in Alberta. This strategy should align with the local poverty reduction initiatives that are happening in municipalities across the province in order to effectively meet community needs.
The strategy needs to include good jobs at living wages that ensure full-time work is a way out of poverty; an effective child benefit that is indexed; a system of affordable accessible early learning and child care services available to all families; a program to create more affordable housing and to help maintain existing properties; an affordable and accessible post-secondary education system, and training programs that prepare youth and adults for employment leading to economic independence.
Low-wage Report 2017
2017 Low Wage Report
Public Interest Alberta obtained the following low-wage earner statistics from Statistics Canada's monthly Labour Force Survey. They indicate the average number of employed Albertans in each category for the year ending June 30, 2017. The minimum wage will increase from $12.20 per hour to $13.60 per hour on October 1, 2017.
Nearly one in five employed Albertans are low-wage workers.
- 343,500 of 1,895,000 employed Albertans earn $15 per hour or less (18.1%).
- 395,900 earn $16 per hour or less (20.9%).
- 221,600 earn the new minimum wage of $13.60 per hour or less (11.7%).
- 125,900 earn the minimum wage of $12.20 per hour (6.6%).
The majority of low-wage workers in Alberta are women.
- 206,300 low-wage workers are women (60.1%).
- 73,200 workers earning the minimum wage of $12.20 per hour are women (58.1%).
- 133,700 workers earning the new minimum wage of $13.60 per hour or less are women (60.3%).
More than three-quarters of low-wage workers are 20 years of age or older.
- 263,100 (76.6%) are 20 years of age or older.
- 191,200 (55.7%) are between 20 and 44 years old.
- 71,900 (20.9%) are 45 years of age or older.
Download our printable fact sheet
Read our media release showing what the data means for Albertans working in the province.
Regional fact sheets
- Athabasca - Grande Prairie - Peace River
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Lethbridge
- Medicine Hat
- Red Deer
- Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake